Investigating long series of spectral and photometric observations, we found that the orbital elements of epsilon Aur are subject to much larger uncertainties than usually believed. The H alpha emission is found to move basically with the F primary b
ut its exact location should still be investigated. We also find strong additional absorption and large reddening of the object near the third contact during the eclipse. Episodic atmospheric mass transfer from the F primary towards its companion is tentatively suggested.
