What would be a best film SLR camera for a student of photography?

Question

studying photography and I want to buy a film camera SLR, do you know wich kind of camera can I buy. I'm getting started in all of this and in the course it dosen't really specify wich camera or what type it only wants a film SLR.

Answer 1

get a used canon, nikon or minolta that has autofocus... for a Canon look for any autofocus... for a nikon a N90s... for a Minolta one of the Maxxums... the reason for that suggestion is that in the future if you stick with photography there is no point in having an old film camera that uses lenses that wont work with the digital SLR you will likely buy in the future. Canon and Nikon will be around in the future and more than likely Sony (which uses Minolta lenses) will as well. I don't see any point in getting a strictly manual camera without autofocus just so you can out grow it and turn it and the lenses that camer with it into paperweights. When looking for those cameras just look for an autofocus that is in decent shape and works... likely any will do even lower end ones.... I'm familiar with Nikon so I can only speak of them from experience and if you get a N90s or even an older N90 either will do anything you might need for a film class and will even give you the option of DOF preview.... I'm sure some Canon and Minolta do but am not familiar enough with the models that would.... I would also say don't get anything better than a N90x because if you did you would be investing more money in a camera that you wont likely use that much (eventually you'll go digital).

Don't listen to those trashing autofocus cameras... the fact is most older used autofocus camera allow complete manual operation including manual focusing...

Answer 2

If you already know the basic stuff like aperture and shutter speed, etc. (I have no idea if you do know this from studying a specified course, because I just picked the basics up from a few books) then I would buy a "consumer" film SLR, one that's relatively new, fairly inexpensive and easy to use. I bought a Rebel K2 a while back, before I realized that I was poor and that digital, in the long run, was cheaper than buying film and developing it.
Anyway, although it's not as common or popular as some other film cameras, the K2 works like a charm. It is very light and good for starting out as a beginner. In fact, pretty much any film rebel from Canon.

If you want to see photos, here are some examples...they may not be the best, because I was just starting out with photography, but they're very good quality and some good examples of what the K2 Camera can do.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12389378@N07/page3/

The film ones on the K2 are from the photo titled "Landscape" (pg. 3) to the photo titled "liquor" (pg. 5)

Of course, I would agree with the other guys-get an "old", more complex camera that requires more manual work. If you know how to use it, then it should reveal a vast creative potential.

Answer 3

Pentax K1000 would be a great student film camera. It is full manual, solid as a tank, and has a massive amount of lenses to choose from. And, if you decide to ever buy a digital SLR camera, all the lenses will work...

Canon is a good, but unlike the Pentax, there older non EF lenses will not auto focus, or even fit on the newer camera bodies. This is huge downside. Along with this, I've never really cared for Canon film cameras.

Nikon is the next heavy hitter. Basically every film SLR camera they made is worth using, or at least holding. I don't care much for their newer entry level film cameras, since there was a trend to make cameras lighter and plasticy. I would suggest the N2020, N6006, N8008/S, N90, N90x, or anything from the F series. There are other older Nikons that are just as good, but they'll be hard to find. Along with being a supurb company, Nikon's lenses are top notch. They will also work fine on the newer Digital SLR bodies.

There are other companies, such as Minolta or Olympus, but I've never used them. Minolta made excellent cameras, and a lot of people love them.

Like I said, I would suggest the Pentax K1000 or something from Nikon, especially the the N8008s or N90. You can't go wrong with any of these cameras.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

With digital cameras coming into the mainstream of photography I would purchase a DSLR like the one I just got which is meant to be a camera one might start with in digital photography. It's the Nikon D40. It's a SLR and now it runs for about 5 and a half, but it will get you into the photography that's going on now. I use Picasa 2 for editing the photos and it all works well. My point being that while it is a good thing to know the "how and why" a camera works and how to get effects from messing with the f-stop and shutter speed (and buying a analog SLR would be a good thing to do at a Pawn shop if you have the money) you can learn the same thing from reading the manual to a DSLR or reading up on it yourself in a photography book at the local book shop.
I would make sure your getting a good camera to start with by asking around just as you are, good luck and I hope you enjoy your days behind the lense of whatever you end up getting for yourself.

Answer 5

Get an older complete manual camera. This is the best way to learn about shutter speed and aperture. I started out with a Pentax k1000. It is still my best camera in my opinion (and I now have two others, including a digital).

You can try getting one from a local pawnshop, but they are not always good. Try talking to camera stores in your area and see where they would suggest getting one. You might also try ebay, but make sure the camera is in proper working condition before you buy it.

Here are some pictures of mine:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2125489710_a908645af7.jpg?v=0
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c215/myleshowling/pentaxtop.jpg?t=1198178179

I also like the light meter. It is very easy to read and adjust. The lenses are pretty easy to find since most Pentax manuals use the same ones. The only problem I have with it is the macro setting, but it is probably just a problem with mine. Whenever I used that setting, the picture would appear "foggy." I have another lens, but I have not tried it out yet.

Answer 6

Canon Ftb's are great for learning if you can find one in good shape, plus they are pretty cheap. The only electronics is the needle light meter and the only settings are film speed, shutter speed, focus, and f-stop.

One thing to think about, if you think you may soon want a digital SLR you should look at lense systems that work for both digital and film. Probably a newer canon or nikon that you can pick up all sorts of used lenses for.

Answer 7

I would would highly recommend a Minolta XD11. It has complete manual mode, as well as the first 35mm SLR to introduce Apeture and Shutter priority. Some good ones can be found on eBay.

Stay away from any auto-focus cameras. They are limiting in what you can do, and often focus on the wrong spot.

Any old camera you get, should be taken to a high quality camera shop to be cleaned and evaluated.

Answer 8

Most any of the SLR's will do fine. But if you really want to learn about light, photography, composition, etc. go with a good used 4x5 view camera.

Answer 9

Why not look at a twin lens reflex (TLR) camera? It forces you to think about taking the picture before you randomly snap off a shot. You learn about exposure and composition much more than with an SLR.

Answer 10

I'll add a vote for a used Pentax K1000. You can find many in good working order and it might just last you the rest of your life. Maybe the meter won't work, but just buy a hand-held meter if it does - if you are still wanting to use the K1000 by that point.