What's the best manual b/w camera?

Question

the kind where you develop the film in a dark room

Answer 1

Normally, I would say it is the Pentax K1000, but... with today's prices dropping on film cameras due to the popularity of digital photography... I say, go with the Nikon N80.

My reasons for suggesting the N80 for film photography is that it can be used as a totally manual camera, with auto-focus or manual focus AND because it has 3 kinds of light metering: Average (also called Center-Weighted) Metering, 3-D Matrix and Spot Metering, which comes in handy if the subject is standing in the way of the light (helps you prevent getting a silhouette of your subject). After you learn to use it manually, you can also use it semi-automatically in Aperture Priority (you select the desired aperture and the camera selects the corresponding shutter speed; or, alternatively, you select the Shutter Speed and the camera will automatically select the correct corresponding aperture) with either manual focus or auto-focus. The camera will set the film's ISO for you automatically to prevent errors (if you use another film with a different ISO) but if you buy bulk film, then you can manually set the film's ISO on the camera; it also advances the film for you and rewinds it as you take the last photo on the roll. It also has a built-in strobe (good to about 5/6 feet) and an optional gridline for helping you keep the horizon level when shooting landscapes and seascapes. It has many of the features of the pro-level F100 camera. It is ergonomically built and has a no-nonsense feel in your hands. It is, by the way, the preferred camera for advanced amateurs and was often used as a backup camera for many on the field. If you're not sure, go to any camera shop and ask to see it; hold it and see how it feels in your hands; then, go home and get on the Internet and visit www.keh.com and compare prices! Make sure that you get the Instructions Manual AND Hogan's Book on the Nikon N80 Camera.

Because it's a Nikon, you have a huge selection of great lenses that will fit the lens mount (has not changed lens mount since 1959); Nikkor lenses are known for their sturdy build and for their superior glass formula for great image quality details. A great and versatile lens would be the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D which you can use as a wide angle lens, a regular lens, a portrait lens, a moderate zoom telephoto lens and as a macro-photography lens. An alternative to this lens is the older version, also with great optics, that goes from 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro (make sure it says, "Micro" or "Macro" because there are two types where one is a macro-photography lens and one is not).

When you buy a camera, you're buying into a lens system; and Nikon has one of the biggest variety of lenses and among the best lenses around (insofar as their build and glass formula for best optical details). Besides, you will NOT outgrow this camera soon; you will want to keep it long after you go to digital photography.

If you buy at a pawn shop or at an auction, you REALLY don't know what you're getting and you stand a good chance of getting ripped off; careful where you buy. Make sure you buy from a well-known and well-established place that has a good reputation.

Here's an independent write-up:
http://www.photosig.com/articles/1227/article

A good place to find this camera and the recommended lenses at the best possible prices is: www.keh.com and if you don't see what you want there, go back in a day or two and be ready to buy as soon as you see what you want because their products don't stay on the shelves very long. Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

The best camera is the one that you enjoy holding.If you're talking 35mm, Leica lenses have the greatest snob appeal. Each has a different feel. If you're in a larger city, go to the nearest used camera dealer and try out a few. I've always loved my Olympus OM-1, OM-2N and the OM-4T. But I also have a Canon AE-1, AV-1, Nikon FE, Konica TC. It's the glass that creates the best image but the camera is a personal tool that needs to be carefully chosen.
Hasselblad mostly gets the nod in medium format. I love my Koni Rapid 100 though for its 6x7 images. The camera was very cheap used and the lenses are great. I also like playing with the Kiev 60, but it's not for the faint of heart or those afraid of occasionally tearing it apart to fix loose gears...
Haven't yet made the plunge to large format so I have no comment.

Answer 3

Black and White film photography can be a lot of fun!

I personally like Canon cameras. The A-1 was one of the best 35mm cameras IMHO. Other folk like Nikon, Minolta, the list goes on.

You can pick up a fairly good Minolta SRT-101 rather inexpensively on eBay. It is totally manual and comes with a built in light meter.

Almost any older Single Lens Reflex (SLR) will do nicely. Visit a camera store for some newer cameras.

Hope this helps,

The Ol' Sasquatch Ü

Answer 4

Try either the Pentax K1000 or the Nikon FE. My photography prof preferred the former, I prefer the latter. Both are solid. Although any 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) with adjustments for the shutter speed and aperture will do what you're asking.

For a little more information see this website: http://www.squidoo.com/camerasiveowned/

Answer 5

Its called a SLR. I have a Nikon N55. It was about $200, and is a nice starter camera. but you can find a decent one for 50-100 dollars used at a pawn shop. To begin you don't need anything fancy. In fact, I recommend getting something cheaper, because you'll later figure out what it is that you really like, and then will end up buying different cameras anyways.
but you can't go wrong with something really expensive.

Answer 6

Horseman 4X5 view camera.
I love Mamiya 645 format personally and of course Hassleblad but that's very expensive
I have Nikon and Minolta and like both but Leica is the best 35mm if you can afford it

Answer 7

Go with a Pentax. eBay is full of auctions for the camera and for good lenses and accessories for super cheap.

Answer 8

large format HORSEMAN LX