What do you guys think? Should I buy a used Elan IIe from B&H, along with a used 35-80mm lens from there? By B&H's condition scale, the elan is a 8, and the used lens is a 10. It will cost about $240, but my grandpa is loaning me $100, so I can buy that. I know you guys say stay away from used cameras, but it's from B&H and the Elan IIe is a much better body then any Rebel....

Thanks.

The Elan IIe is an excellent camera. I would have no hesitation buying used equipment from B&H. The body will probably have a few marks on it, being an 8. But it should function fine. The eye-control is a neat feature. I had it on my A2e and EOS 3, I really miss it on my 10D. You should get a lot out of that camera.

Alex the Elan is a great camera. My mum has one, actually the EOS50 version, and she loves it. She's had it for about 6 years and never had a problem. As it's a mid-range camera it will serve you as you learn and well into advanced shooting. Start off in the picture modes until you get the hang of shooing then move on the the creative modes.

I've bought a lot of gear second hand and as long as you buy from a reputable store, like B&H, you should be sweet.