What kind of camera?

Question

I am wanting to learn photography. What kind of 35mm film camera should I get as a beginner that is affordable and still has good quality?

Answer 1

Nothing beats a Nikon N80 with the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D lens for beginners and advanced beginners; an alternative lens is the Nikkor AF 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D(macro) lens, a bit older, more affordable but equally as good. The N80 can be used manually (you set the aperture and the shutter speed in either auto-focus or manual focus), semi-automatic (either in aperture priority or shutter speed priority; with manual focus OR auto-focus), or in total automatic mode where it sets the aperture and shutter speed, either auto-focus or manual focus. It is the preferred camera for beginners. The options and features are similar to the pro-level camera, Nikon F100. This camera is ergonomically made, sturdy with a no-nonsense feel and also has three metering modes (center-weighted, spot metering as well as matrix metering). I recommend the most versatile lenses put out by Nikon, which can be used as a wide angle, a regular lens, a portrait lens, a short telephoto lens and as a macro-lens, too. Nikkor lenses are known for their superior build and superior glass formula. If, you can also afford to get the Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D lens (about $70-$75 used), you will also have an excellent lens for low-light situations that is easy to carry and will save the day when you most need a fast lens.

You will not outgrow this camera nor the lens anytime soon. The features are there to help you, not to confuse you; it also has on-demand grid lines to help you keep the horizon level when you're shooting landscapes and/or seascapes! The camera will set the film's ISO for you automatically, and advance the film as you take an image and rewind the roll as you take the last image.

Be sure to also get the instructions manual or Hogan's book on the N80, which is also very, very handy and most helpful.

When you buy a camera, you're really buying into a lens system for future purchases, and some camera brands change their lens mount every few years, which limits the camera owner; Nikon has NOT changed its lens mount since 1959 and has no plans on changing it, either. So, you can, basically, mount any lens made since 1959 and those to be made in the future, with the only restrictions that you cannot get auto-focus from manual lenses or metering from those without the contacts to send info back and forth to the camera. Lenses normally outlast cameras unless deliberately abused/mis-used or submerged in water or dropped on a hard surface; so, don't hesitate to buy used if the lens is good quality (no dents or obvious signs of abuse/mis-use) from a reputable place. If you're not sure on what camera to get, go to any camera shop and ask to see the N80 and compare it with any other camera brand/model you may be considering; hold them both in your hands and look through the viewfinder and see which feels more comfortable in your hands.

Check with www.keh.com and see what you can find; they have excellent and competitive prices (and they're very courteous and helpful, too). If you don't see what you want, go back in a couple of days; they get new merchandise in almost everyday, but be ready to buy when you see what you want because their merchandise doesn't stay on the shelves very long.

Good luck and best wishes!

Answer 2

If you are wanting to go 35mm, I recommend getting an SLR(Single Lens Reflex) camera. This will give you the most flexibility with being able to use various lenses. I would also stick with Nikon or Canon, they are the big two and they also have the best selection of lenses. Some good sites to look at for photography are www.photo.net, www.sportsshooter.com. www.kenrockwell.com You should also think about starting with a fully manual camera like the Nikon FM2N. It will teach you all about light and metering properly. You can always progress to a camera with more advanced features once you have learned the basics. If you need more help feel free to contact me.

Answer 3

Photography is a skill that combines creative and technical skills. Most modern cameras have automatic focus and exposure controls that help you to take pictures faster and with less effort. But to be more creative, and to truly understand the mechanics of taking a properly exposed photo, you should probably look at a completely manually controlled camera as a start. Most of these are older and are very inexpensive on eBay. Try looking for a Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000, Konica TC, or Yashica FX-2 as a start. Most of these older cameras have similar features and controls. And a variety of lenses can be collected at very low cost. If you're not taking photo classes, then you can teach yourself by investing some time reading photo books and magazines. Don't skip over the technical stuff. Understanding those points will fuel your creativity. Good luck.

Answer 4

Get a used Canon A1 or AE1, or an Olympus OM1 or OM2 for about $125-150, a 50mm lens, a 135mmlens, and a wide angle, probably 35mm or 28mm and you are set to start. The OM1 is totally manual, and therefore you learn all about lens and shutter settings, the A1 and AE1 have a program mode in them where all you have to do is focus and shoot, but they can be used manually also. All have light meters built in and all of them are mechanically strong.

Call or check the website on www.keh.com

Answer 5

Are you looking for a manual camera?

I have a Canon AE-1 which I love. I have had it for almost 10yrs without a problem. It was my first camera and I learned everything I needed to know using it.

Answer 6

Go or call a Ritz camera store in your area. Otherwise lookup in your yellow pages for a large camera store nearby and ask all the questions prior to making any decisions.

Answer 7

I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC H3,it takes great photo's & didn't cost too much.About $300.00. Example of cameras photo's can be seen on my profile page where there is a link to my flickr photo pages.

Answer 8

try canon. I thinks it's really good. go to amazon.com to find it. Get the ones thats bigger than the originals.

Answer 9

I agree with kehkohjones wholeheartedly. Here's a link to one seller who I have always had good success with.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=199516&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=165829&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation