What should I expect to pay for a used 35mm, manually adjustable, SLR camera?

Question

I'm taking an entry level photography class right now and I'm trying to figure out what I should expect to budget while looking for a camera. Any good camera recommendations or websites would be great too, but I'm not expecting a problem finding a camera locally. Obviously, I'm hoping this won't be too expensive--I'm a broke college student!

Answer 1

You can usually find a camera like the Minolta X-700 fully manual with aperture priority auto-program mode (circa 1985), for around $100 with a 50mm f/1.4 brand new on amazon. Your best bet would either be ebay (and I caution you on shopping ebay), or craigslist where you can often find great deals on older SLR's being sold by photographers who have taken good care of their gear and just want to get rid of it for dirt cheap. Here's an ad on the atlanta craigslist for a whole camera bag with lenses, camera body, flash, etc. for $150: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pho/408019600.html It's an excellent way to gear up if you're a student. Simply go to the main site and select the city closest to you and there you go.

Good luck with that.

Answer 2

You can consider Canon EOS Rebel 2000 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 28-80mm Lens Autofocus 35mm SLR with full manual options 28 to 80mm zoom lens included Retractable built-in flash 7-point autofocus system 35-zone exposure sensor

Answer 3

A brand new Nikon FM-10 will cost you about $300. However, I would strongly suggest you drop the class to give yourself more time to research the camera that you want.. Ask friends, family and neighbors if they have one collecting dust that they might want to sell you or even give you ! Try local camera repair shops and classifieds. I have a Canon AE-1 and a Pentax K-1000 and an Nikon FM.. They didn't cost me a penny ! A 50mm lens is the perfect starter lens. So, it pays to be smart even if you are "broke"- if you knew you wanted to take photography and waited till the absolute last minute to find a camera than that's your own fault.. What did you expect to happen ? Good luck

Answer 4

I would look on eBay. Good quality film cameras should be a dime a dozen these days. Be sure to get a lens along with the camera though.

I think you should already know this, but just in case you aren't sure, get a single lens reflex camera.

If you find some cameras that and would want me to look at the descriptions to see if they would be suitable, send the eBay item numbers to me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

get a nikon fm2 - depending on its condition, you can get it starting from 30 bucks and may be 150 bucks or more if it's in a good condition. The FM2 is THE ultimate manual camera - it can stand punishment like no other camera (except perhaps those rangefinders), allows you a load of flexibility and you won't regret it.

Answer 6

You should be able to get a Minolta SRT-202 with a lens (usually an MC ROKKOR-X 50mm f1.7 for about $150 on ebay. After 32 years of use I finally had to have my SRT-202, bought new in 1975, serviced in Feb. of this year.

Answer 7

Take a look at KEH Camera Brokers.

http://www.keh.com/onlinestore/home.aspx

They have a lot of used equipment at very good prices. I have used them and have had a great experience. Everything I have ordered has been exactly what was advertised.

Answer 8

Look for a Nikon N90s.

There is one on ebay right now for $65.00 w/50mmf1/.8 lens. The lens is worth more than that!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-N90S-35mm-Film-Camera-W-AF-Nikkor-50mm-1-8-Lens_W0QQitemZ230167762331QQihZ013QQcategoryZ107925QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also, check other places that sell used camera equipment.
www.bhphoto.com
www.beachcamera.com
www.calumet.com

If going to another online retailer, make sure to check them out here: www.resellerratings.com

Answer 9

You could do worse than get a Pentax (I've used several for many years.)

A K1000 can be got for less than £35!