Film SLR camera?

Question

Hi there!

I'm 15 year old and I'm very interested in photography. I am currently using a digital camera. I was thinking of getting Canon EOS 400D but being 15, I can't afford it. So I was thinking of getting a film one. I checked Ebay and I saw this Nikon F50 together with a 18-55mm lens at quite a reasonable price.

I'm not looking for anything fancy but I'd like to know more about this camera. Do you think it's advisable for a 15 year old like me to buy it?

Answer 1

I agree with the above answers.

I used film for several years and it is expensive. About 9 years ago I started to use digital and I find that I take more pictures than ever.

Only get a film camera if your going to take a photo class that requires archaic technology. Sure developing your own film is fun however, seeing your shot right away is much better.

During the next several years the digital technology will continue to improve greatly by the time your 20 you will be able to get an awsome digital camera. Just keep saving towards your goal.

Answer 2

Nikon or Canon SLRs are both good. So are alot of other manufacturers. But if your really interested in the Canon 400D (XTi) as a future purchase then I wouldn't bother with anything other than Canon. Why? Because the lenses you would use with a Canon film camera will work on the 400D (as long as they are EOS film cameras, the older FD lenses dont match up without a headache).

The thing I would suggest is go to a camera store that has both the XTi and a Nikon 40x. Try them both in the store. Hold them. Go through the menus. Snap a few shots of each. Try to figure out if you like Nikon or Canon (or any other brand that you might like). Which ever brand you go with try to find an older film camera that takes the same lenses. That way when you upgrade to a more expensive camera you wont have to buy new lenses all over again. Come back to Yahoo! Answers if you need help.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

I am a proud photographer, and I currently own the Canon EOS Rebel XTi. From my use of it, it is an amazing camera that captures amazing photographs. You can see some of my work at www.gavinsullivanphotography.com

I would advise you to stick away from the film world. In the long run, film cameras are much more expensive because you are really paying for every single photo that you take. Also, film photos cannot be converted into digital photos too easily with out getting a really expensive and top-notch scanner. Nikon has proved that they are starting to ignore film as they have actually stopped producing any film SLRs.

The Canon 400D is a very nice camera, but over course at 15 you can't really afford anything out of that camera's class. Right now, there are many good entry level D-SLRs that are priced very reasonably. As I have stated earlier, I am a huge fan of the Rebel XTi. It is a great digital SLR that is priced under $1,000 but still has many features that are found in the highest priced SLRs.

If you are willing to spend a little over $1,000, I would go with the Nikon D80. It is very similar to the Rebel XTi, but is geared to people who want to be very serious with photography while maintaining a budget.

For photography advice, I would highly recommend going into Wolf Camera or Ritz Camera (they are practically the same thing). They offer prices much better than other stores, and there workers there are extremely knowledgeable. They are always great to go to for any photography advice.


I hope that I could help!

Answer 4

Take advantage of the digital craze & buy a really nice film camera cheap.
Meanwhile digital cameras & printers will slowly get better.
Sellers are practically throwing away their good backup cameras.
I have a favorite Elan 2e which is great because it has eye control focus.
I origionally paid close to $400 for it body only.
I have compared my home scanned 35mm ISO 100 gloss photos to photos taken with the Elan2 e compared to a 6.0 megapixel camera set at high & theyre neck & neck. I personally think the 35mm were a little better.
Now sellers are auctioning Elan2e for approx $59 -$99 with shipping.
I know I purchased a "new" back up that had only 1 roll shot through it. I won it for $59 with shipping.
Its lenses can be used on the EOS line of DSLR's. when youre ready.

Answer 5

IMO you should buy a completely manual 35mm camera. One like the Pentax K1000 or Canon FTb or Minolta SRT-202.

By using a manual film camera you will actually learn about photography - f-stops and shutter speed and lighting and composition and ISO. Plus you'll learn to actually think about the scene before you release the shutter. Good photography requires thinking and knowledge of how to control the camera.

Anybody can take 200 or 300exposures and get 20 or 30 good images. A photographer can take 36 exposures and expect at least 30 of them to be worth having. The thinking photographer knows how to do this.

I suggest you buy a copy of "Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Edition" by George M. Craven. It is an excellent reference book.

Answer 6

Don't go for a film camera in the long term it's expensive to maintain and you have to wait a week before seeing the results if you want something pro for a cheap price look for a Nikon D100 on ebay try and get one that comes with a lens and if possible a flash and battery holder if you ever decide to upgrade you'll be able to use all the components on other Nikon bodies