Black and White Photography class, any advice?

Question

I am taking a black and white photography class. I have never taken photography. I need a 35mm film camera, but I can't afford to buy one new, and I don't want to have to wait for my turn to use a class camera. Some stores sell them used or refurbished, I don't know if it's worth it. I'm also confused about what kind of camera I need, and do I need to buy a lense or do they come with the camera? I am so clueless.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I think what you ultimately need is a camera that allows you to control apeture and shutter speed.

With a film camera I would recommend getting a SLR camera (The kind with the interchangeable lenses). They sometimes come with lenses sometimes they don't. If you buy new get one with the kit lens. It's not the best lens but to learn on it will do you good.

If you buy used, you might have to buy a lens separately. This is ok as long as the lens you buy fits your camera's lens mount. Different brands lens won't work on other brands lens mounts. I.E. A Nikon lens won't fit a Minolta camera.

I recommend getting a prime lens, because it's easier for a beginner to learn about apeture and forces you to get close to your subject. This won't work for wildlife photography, but for learning it's good.

Look on ebay or in used camera stores for used cameras. I wouldn't pay over 100 for most used 35mm film cameras.

If you are developing the film at school, definatly buy a film camera. If you're developing the film at a film developing shop and have to pay by the roll consider a lower end DSLR camera as it will save you more money in the long run with the number of images you'll be taking for this class. Memory is reusable where as film is not.(If you're instructor will allow digital that is)

As for brands, I like Minolta, Nikon, maybe Pentax for beginners (Pentax is a higher level brand you'll pay more for one of those).

Hope this helps! Have fun shooting.

Answer 2

Totally agree with the above comment on Cannon and Nikon if you can spare about $150-$200. I know that some stores you can rent cameras from... that might be an option, too. I don't know if you're in High School or College, but a lot of University and Community College libraries/book stores also rent cameras and expensive equipment/software, etc... for semesters at a time. You might want to check that out as well.

As for "cream of the crop" photo-takin', especially for a beginner, I would suggest an SLR by Nikon or Cannon... these are about a grand a peice to purchase new (digital), but you can also find the 35mm versions for cheaper. But again, renting one may be an option. Good luck!

Answer 3

There is something wrong with a class that says it is a digital photography class, but you need a 35 mm camera. Before you spend a dime, find out exactly what you need. It would be sad for you to spend $700 for a nice Nikon D3200 or Canon T3i/600D just to find out that all you needed was a $150 35 mm SLR If you buy on line, buy from Amazon. eBay just does not have the tight control over the sellers that Amazon has

Answer 4

I'd go to a camera stpore near a university and check their used equipment. You need a SLR (single lens reflex) type camers with manual settings. No bells, no whistles, ust the basis. The camera body might come with a basic 35mm lens about 50mm in length. If not, you'll need and probably a 28mm wide angle lens. Most places will let you try them out before buying to make sure everything works well. If they won't, go somewhere else. You can buy a new Pentax 35mm S1000 (model #) for about $100 so price things accordingly.

Answer 5

find out if you need a manual or an automatic. or you can just buy something with both. but if you need a lens you have to focuse yourself for the project...go manual because most cheep automatics wont have a free focus option.

if you buy used ask about the return policy. if you can return it, and want it...take it home, go into a dark space with a flash light and make sure there are not light leaks in it. you do this buy holding the flashlight right on the camera body and or lens and see if light comes through the cracks. if there are return it and if not start shooting.

Answer 6

For used equipment I highly recommend KEH Camera Brokers out of Atlanta. I have had good service and excellent results from the used equipment I have purchased from them. Their website is: http://www.keh.com/onlinestore/home.aspx

You can get some good manual focus equipment for a reasonable price. Look at Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, or Canon. If you have any questions, you can call them

Answer 7

Check KEH, B&H and Adorama for a Minolta SRT-202 with a 50mm f1.7 lens or a Pentax K1000 with a 50mm f1.7 lens. Either one will serve your needs and be less expensive than a Canon or Nikon.

Answer 8

For camera help you can check out www.samys.com They have so much info on all types of cameras.

For this class, just get a basic camera and lens set. Check out the Sunday newspaper for ad sales.

Nikon N90S, F100 are good choices.
I suppose Canon and Minolta are also good IDK.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

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