Friend needs a 35mm SLR (not digital) camera for college, any ideas?

Question

It needs to be cheap(ish) and I've heard Pentax are good. Any photographers out there?

Answer 1

Go to eBay and search for "Olympus Accura View Zoom 80 QD 35mm Film Camera". The result you find there might be a good choice; it's certainly cheap, and it's only been used a few times.

Answer 2

The recommended teaching SLR is the Pentax K-1000, but because these are still popular for just this purpose and because they're very well built, you could go for a cheaper alternative in the Ricoh KR-10, it has Auto-exposure and a Self-timer which the K-1000 doesn't, so it can be used for every day shooting too, it takes all the same lenses as the K-1000, and the Auto-exposure can be turned off if need be.

You should look out for a camera that is clean and free from fungus or mold (it can form inside the lense among other places), usually a good ebay listing will state the exact condition - any nicks or surface damage to the camera etc.

Expect to pay over £100 for a K-1000 in good condition with original Pentax lens, or as little as £15 for a Ricoh KR-10 in reasonable working condition (with original Ricoh lens).

Answer 3

If it's for photography classes, they generally recommend fully manual, no frills, built like a tank cameras. The kind of camera that can double as a hammer. Examples would be a Pentax K1000, or a Nikon FM. After the courses, when he/ she switches to digital, they make nice paperweights.
If it's for personal use, I'd recommend a new entry level Canon or Nikon. The new models are cheap and second hand, they're practically free. The entry level cameras won't be any better than the Pentax offerings, but Canon and Nikon do have big advantages for upgrades. In the digital market, Pentax is focusing on the low end of the market and it's future looks a bit uncertain.

Answer 4

It's too bad that alot of companies are phasing out the 35mm film cameras,but there's some left for sale.

I would recommend ... if you friend can find it with a good deal ... is the Nikon N80 or the F100. I would suggest getting the F100 if you can because it's almost like F6 or F5, but much lighter and have more easier commands and functions. The N80 is a consumer model I would recommend.

With Canon, I would recommended getting the Rebel KII with a kit lens, it's very affordable and with a great traveling camera to take with you. If your friend need to splurge, get the Elan 7NE, that will not disppoint you. It's a beautiful slick black body, make it look professional and have alot great feature. Plus it's a little faster camera than the Rebel series. You got to get the 28-135mm IS USM lens to go along with that Elan 7NE if you can.

Hope it helps a little.

Answer 5

I started with a Pentax K-1000
its a great camera simple to use and some good len's avalible
all quite cheap now that digital has taken over.

Answer 6

I've got a MZ50 one for sale. I can send you a pic if you send an email with your email address. Excellent condition, rarely used post 2000. One Tamron zoom lens 28-200 and a big flash gun. Purchased in Malaysia in early 2000.

I use digital these days mostly. Make an offer, you can get an idea of the price from ebay or go to your local second hand camera shop.

I assure you it would be cheap(ish).

Answer 7

Pentax ME super, good for starters easy to use but with all the features of a classic analog SLR, i used one when i studyed photography and i got really good grades, also it has lot's of stuff that fit's onto it because it's almost universal, lens, flashes e.t.c and thier quite cheap £50 maybe less if you look on e-bay, just get it and you'll never have any problems... build well so it can take alot of abuse.

Answer 8

Amongst the best older camera makers are Nikon,Canon,Pentax,Minolta,Olympus..The manual cameras were more durable. A semi automatic is good too. To test it place the exposure on one second and aperture on the smallest usually f16. Turn the camera towards you and press the shutter button. Notice if it takes longer than the chosen speed and simultaneously look to see if the diaphragm closes fully. Pentax Spotmatics were good . Nikormats(Nikon) were excellent. Olympuses were unique and Canons and Minoltas were very popular.

Answer 9

I have two places that go to for used 35MM cameras and gear and eBay is not on that list.

Local Camera Shop

Try your local camera shop. They will have a reasonable selection of used stuff at reasonable prices. I suspect your friend will need a fully manual or semi auto 35mm for school. This should be confirmed and then do your shopping.

Local Pawn Shop

If you know your cameras you can often get lucky and get a real bargain at the pawn shops. Nobody on eBay will be able to touch it. Where do you think they get their stock from?

Happy hunting!

Answer 10

A Fujica ST801, they are the best for pro Photo's, they have an ASA range from 25-3200 and shutter speeds of locked to 1/2000th of a second and the standard lense is a 55 milimetre fujinon lense that has F stops from 1.8f-16f, the focus range of this lense is from 0.45-infinity and has a praktica screw not bayonet mount, but sorry they are not cheap, they are about $6000 to buy now.

I Know I didnt help BuT have A nIcE Life,
Jobe,