I will be using it for an beginner level photo class. Something that can take sharp, crips photos and I will be able to grow with. Any makes or models would be most helpful. I've considered digital, but I'd like to wet my feet the old-fashioned way.
2007-09-22 15:10:12 · 4 answers · asked by mlilly84 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
Its good to see someone who realizes that learning photography with a 35mm SLR film camera is the best way to do it.
I'm biased towards Minolta since I've used them for 36 years. Although Minolta is no longer in the camera business, the older manual bodies were well made and readily available on ebay or keh.com or bhphotovideo.com or adorama.com. Lenses are also plentiful and reasonably priced from the sources listed. I have an SRT-202 that I bought new in 1973 and it had its first service (light meter) in Feb. of this year.
Minolta also built cameras for Leica. The Leica R-3 was really a Minolta XE-7; the Leica R-4 & R-5 were variations of the Minolta XD-11. The Leica 35-70mm f3.5 and 70-210mm f4 constant aperture Vario-Elmar zoom lenses were designed and manufactured by Minolta. Leica even used the Minolta 16mm f2.8 fisheye lens.
Minolta also invented TTL, aka Off-Film Flash Metering, and introduced it with the X-700. All of today's digital cameras with TTL flash capability are using that technology.
Of course there are many who swear by Nikon or Canon. Both are excellent cameras.
2007-09-23 01:00:03 · answer #1 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
New or used?
Either way, I recommend an autofocus 35mm camera so that you can maintain lens compatibility as your skills improve and progress and you upgrade your camera.
New 35mm film SLRs are very hard to find in stock. Try the Canon EOS Rebel K2 body; you'll have to add a lens separately. Sample link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300537-USA/Canon_9114A001_EOS_Rebel_K2_Camera.html
Used, I recommend the Nikon N80. Fantastic camera and usually under $100 with lens used. Get a 50mm f/1.8 lens and you're in good shape!
Handle the cameras personally if you can to see which one feels "right" to you.
2007-09-22 23:50:06 · answer #2 · answered by anthony h 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Canon EOS 30D seems to have the best image capabilities ...
....but recenlty eos 40d has been launched which might be better ....
you can find more such cameras at
http://www.reviewgist.com/digital-camera-reviews?cameraType=SLR%2FProfessional&sortBy=ratingDesc
2007-09-23 07:22:02 · answer #3 · answered by gadgetGuru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
um get a canon rebel and its about $100 and it takes great action shots
2007-09-22 22:15:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋