Elna 730 Users
 

What do you think of this machine? Drawbacks vs pluses. Thank you.

When I worked in a sewing machine dealership 15 or so years ago, Elna were among the worst machines we had in all price categories. They had some great vintage machines, but honestly these days I would go with a brand that has a better current reputation - Juki, Janome or Brother.

Most of the new Elnas are twins with Janome models.

The Elna 730 appears to be the twin of the Janome 8200.

It also looks like there are 2 versions - the older 730 and the newer 730Pro. I suspect the Pro designation is like the "special edition" for Janome - some tweaks to the hook/bobbin and stitch plate area.

Michelle

agree that Elna's are now made by Janome and many of the parts are interchangeable. I have one that is close to 15 years old and is still a workhorse, but it is in the 6000 series.

Sorry to say that it seems some of these machine brands have coupled with others such as Viking, Pfaff and Singer are together........Janome and Elna are together and I'm sure there are a couple more like that. The older Elnas are workhorses such as their SU62 built in the 70's and I think their Grasshopper was built just before that. Loved that old machine and it was all metal excluding the cams. Never saw the inside of a repair shop and i abused it dreadfully. Today's machines seem to be made of metal and plastic so its hard to say how they will fair in longevity. I'm still using my Viking Designer1, just had her cleaned and a few parts replaced....mainly lightbulbs and cutting blades. The original blades were in there for 15 years so I feel I'm getting my money's worth on this machine though it is a modern machine made of plastic parts and electronics.

I have an Elna (I think it's the 740) and I love it! Best (modern) machine I've ever had. My 401 Singer wins the Vintage award in my house!

My Elna 730 Excellence Pro is one of my 8 machines. I absolutely love it. The throat space is awesome and haven't found anything I really don't like about it. None of my machines have bright enough light for me and that would be my only complaint. Fixed with an Ott desk light from Costco

I do not have the 730. My machine is the Excellence 720, and it is a very very good machine. It has gone through several layers of fabric, heavy interfacting, and double seams when making tote bags or purses. I leave the dual feed foot on all the time, ready to sew through quilting layers.

I am very happy with this machine. I have the old metal machines but tend to use the Excellence 720 as my daily go to machine.

I have had it for about three years now, and is used daily. She has not needed any service calls so far.
Serita