Best camera to get for photography class?

Question

I am interested in learning more about photography so I am taking a class on it and I need a new camera for it...it requires a 35 mm camera, but I also want to be able to do my own personal things on it as well. Any input?

Answer 1

Well, if you're just learning, try something that will do the job and not cost an arm and a leg. The Canon Rebel is a good camera that will help you learn about f stops and shutter speeds. It has an automatic mode so that you can just point and click. You can then switch to manual mode and see what kind of effects you can get using the same frame, but just switching the settings. If you find that you enjoy doing photography, you can then get yourself a better camera or consider getting a good digital.

Answer 2

Film camera, eh?  Your best bet may to be to shop around on your local craigslist.org to see what you can find.  A lot of people get rid of older film equipment on there.

I agree with the K1000 statement.  Canon Rebel, too.  I've still got a probably 30-year-old K1000 that still works, still is a delight, still rugged enough to use to pound in nails.  A lot of good, used lenses around for it, too.

Answer 3

Not in any particular order:

Pentax K1000

Any Nikon (I like the older Nikkormat FTN)

Olympus OM 2 (I do have an OM 10 I like)

Minolta had a couple of good ones but most were so so

Canon AE-1

If you can find one the Fujica ST605 - I had one when I went to college 30 years ago and the optics were fantastic.

These are just a few off the top of my head. I have used each one. My preference is the Pentax K1000, the Nikkormat FTN, and the Fujica. Feel free to send me a message if you would like additional info.