Canon EOS Rebel G Review: A Lightweight, All Plastic SLR Film Camera! By Jennifer Stamps

Written by Jennifer Stamps

Leave it to me to find an all-plastic SLR! Yes. You read that correctly… the Canon EOS Rebel G an all-plastic SLR 35mm film camera. And it is so much fun to shoot with.

Find the Canon EOS Rebel G at KEH Camera or on eBay.

About the Canon EOS Rebel G

This lightweight SLR should not be taken lightly. It might be small, but it definitely packs a punch.

The Rebel G was a trendy film camera in its day because of its affordability and high-end features. The Canon G can shoot full-manual mode, full-auto mode, and everything in-between including aperture or shutter priority.

It features a (plastic) EF lens mount, meaning that if you have a newer Canon SLR or DSLR, your Canon lenses will fit this camera! 

Stats and Details

Years Made: 1996-1999
Original Cost: 59,000 Yen in 1996 (with inflation and conversation, that’s about $500 USD)
Shutter Speeds: 1/2000 second – 30 seconds plus Bulb mode
ISO Speeds: 25-5,000 (DX); 6-6,400 (manually)
Power: Two CR123A batteries
Tripod mount: yes
Cost Nowadays: You can find them on eBay with and without lenses for $25-$75 USD
Weight” 14 oz (without a lens)
Lens mount: Canon EF

Features & Shooting Double Exposures with the Canon Rebel G

The Canon EOS Rebel G features what you’d expect in an SLR: auto-exposure (unless in manual mode), DX Code reader, auto-focus (with capable lenses), and a built-in flash (although I haven’t used the built-in flash).

And possibly my favorite feature… the Canon Rebel G can shoot multiple exposures!

With this camera, you can shoot up to 9 exposures on one frame. To do that, just press the “Function” button on the top of the camera until you get to the “Multiple Exposure” symbol on the screen.

Scroll the main dial until you reach the number of exposures you want on the frame. Once you take all exposures, the camera will wind the frame and set it back to a single exposure. 

Film Loading

When you put a roll of 35mm film in the Canon Rebel G and shut the back, the camera will wind the entire roll onto the spool and start with 36 or 24 frames.

So you are shooting the end of the roll of film first, and then, after each photo, it will rewind the film back into the canister, one frame at a time.

Once you have taken your last frame, the camera automatically rewinds the leader into the canister. 

A Note About Lenses

I mentioned that this camera has an EF lens mount. And it does. But I do want to share my experience with a non-Canon brand EF lens.

I bought a brand new, cheap 50mm lens to use on this camera (can you believe I sold ALL of my Canon lenses when I sold my DSLR???? Don’t do what I did!).

Anyway – I wanted something cheap. It turns out, that even though it is an EF lens mount, and it does fit on the camera, the camera malfunctions when I try to use the lens.

I have a standard 28-80mm Canon lens that works great. My Lensbaby and Holga Canon EF mount lenses also work great. But the Yongnuo YN lens does not work. So, be mindful of that. 

Final Thoughts

The Canon Rebel G is a really fun camera to shoot with. Sometimes, it’s nice to pick up a camera and know that you’re going to get an in-focus shot (Did I mention all of my other cameras are toy cameras or manual focus?).

I also enjoy being able to shoot in aperture or shutter priority for a few frames and then back to manual mode if I feel like it.

I haven’t traveled with this little guy yet, but I am planning to take it on my next trip. I’m hoping it will help me be in the moment, pick the camera up, take a photo, and put it back down.

I also feel like this will be a great camera to travel with because of how lightweight it is – it’s under a pound!

If you happen to pick one of these up, I’d love to know what you think and see your images.

Thank you so much, Jen! Jennifer is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and be sure to check out her other articles, like 5 Film Cameras Under $50 and The Joy of Using Vintage Cameras, Plus 3 of My Favorites!

You can also check out more of Jennifer’s work on her website.

Leave your questions about the Canon Rebel G below in the comments, and you can pick up some for yourself at KEH Camera or on eBay.

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Jennifer Stamps

Jennifer Stamps is a toy camera and travel film photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here, such as Olympus OM-1 35mm Film Camera Review and 5 Film Cameras Under $50.

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