I would look at a 301a Singer. They are gear driven machines, whereas the Featherweight is belt driven. If you are going to by an old Elna, before you spend the money, find out if the old Elna dealers in your area still have the old parts. Elna was sold to Tacony, but Tacony did not buy the dumpster(really, a dumpster)filled with Elna parts. Then Tacony sold to Janome, who now makes the Elna machines and also the Kenmore machines. Another nice machine to consider would be a Singer 403. It comes with cams, so if you like to do applique, you'd be covered there. Good luck with your decision. Blessings, Nancy