The Canon EOS Elan IIE is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the group of SLR cameras and was introduced at the end of 1995. The 35mm photo camera was also offered under the name “Canon EOS 50E” in Europe. In Canon’s home country, Japan, a similar model was available under the name “Canon EOS 55“.
The lenses of the Canon EOS Elan IIE are interchangeable. This is made possible by the EF bayonet. The focusing of the lens is done by a built-in autofocus system. With this model, the focus point can be selected by a single glance. The EOS Elan II lacks this function.
The Canon EOS Elan IIE has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 6 to ISO 6400 and the film speed is read out via the DX code. As with most SLR cameras, the exposure is measured through the lens.
The 35 mm camera comes with a program automatic and sets aperture and exposure time automatically. In addition, there is also an aperture preselection, aperture priority and a manual mode.
If you want to take long time pictures, there is the bulb setting. The SLR camera comes with a built-in flash. The use of an external flash is possible via the hot shoe. It has a built-in self-timer and a thread for a tripod on the bottom.
The dimensions of the body are 15.3 x 10.5 x 7.1 cm according to the manual. It weighs 595 grams. The power supply of the 35mm camera is done by a 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS Elan IIE
Without 35mm film nothing works with the Canon EOS Elan IIE. These films are still in production and can be quoted at almost every supplier of development work. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black and white shots are the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100*, both films are well suited for shooting with the SLR.
The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab.
The film is transported by means of an integrated motor. This can achieve up to 2.5 frames per second. At the end of the roll, it rewinds the film material back into the cartridge, which can then be passed on for development.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 15,3 x 10,5 x 7,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.02 x 4.13 x 2.80 inches |
| Weight | 595 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Canon EOS 50E, Japan: Canon EOS 55 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 74,34 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of March 30, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 85,96 Euro (92.00 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS Elan IIE
Is this camera automatic or do I need to manually adjust settings?
The Canon EOS Elan IIE offers various shooting modes. It has automatic settings like Program mode, but also allows manual control over aperture and shutter speed for more creative options. There's also aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes.
What kind of lens does the camera use, and can I change it?
It uses interchangeable lenses via an EF bayonet mount. This means you can choose from a wide variety of Canon lenses to suit different photographic needs and situations.
How does the camera focus, and can I select where it focuses?
The camera has a built-in autofocus system. You can choose the focus point yourself by looking through the viewfinder, making it easy to capture sharp images on your subject.
Does this 35mm camera have a built-in flash, and can I use an external one?
Yes, it has a built-in flash for convenient use in low light conditions. An external flash can also be attached via the hot shoe for more powerful lighting options or to add creative lighting effects.
What type of batteries does the camera need?
The Canon EOS Elan IIE runs on a single 6V 2CR5 battery. These are readily available at most camera stores or online retailers.