OK Photographers! What 35mm Camera Should I Get For School ?

Question

I descided to go ahead and enroll in Nossi college of art. I need a new 35mm film camera. As i'm sure alot of you are going say Nikon or Canon. I need specifics. I also need specifics on what lenses and equipment I should have to be prepared for my classes. Any help with this guys ?

Answer 1

I own a Canon AE-1, and though I love it, it might not be the best for photography class, as manual aperture is a bit annoying, though it has Automatic Exposure (the AE). This camera can be had for cheap, since it was one of the best selling SLRs ever. The main advantage with the Canon AE-1, and its better brethren the A-1, is that the lens mount - FD - is no longer used, so very good lenses (and the cameras) themselves can be had for cheap. Old Canon branded FD lenses are of great quality (look for the silver mounting ring). I've also had a good experience with my Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm telephoto zoom.

My friend has a Pentax K1000, and he loves it. It has a different metering system that can be used without taking your eye off the viewfinder, as opposed to the Canon, but does not have Automatic Exposure. The Pentax lenses from that era can be had for cheap as well.

Both cameras date from the 70's, but they are both built very well, and accessories for them in addition to the bodies can be had for cheap. I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

Answer 2

You shouldn't Get A Canon Eos 1V For $1,000

You Can Get A Nikon D90 With That Money.

Anyway, you should buy a used camera, you don't have to spend a pile of money on a 35mm camera. They don't make them in the abundance they used to in the 80's-90's. You can get a camera like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-N65-35mm-Film-...

That's a Nikon N65 camera, it's a really nice 35mm camera. This is a nice starter one. You might not want to spend that much money on a camera ( a 35mm camera ) You can save up and get a digital SLR later because they are much more convenient, and easier to you. Basically, they are fool-proof.

Answer 3

You can buy any used Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR that was made after 1990.  You can find them on craigslist for under $200 (usually much less) with a standard zoom lens (24-85 mm, 28-80 mm lenses are most common)

If the seller has a UV filter on the lens, it shows that they have taken at least some care with the camera over the years.

You will be using the cameras meter to determine the f/stop and shutter speed in the beginning and all the 35 mm SLR's, while have various automatic modes (Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority) they also shot manually.

If none of us give you the help you want, ask your instructor for some good ideas.  If nothing else, print some pages of the cameras you have found on craigslist and have your instructor help you choose.

Answer 4

Personally, my favorite teaching tool is an all manual SLR (manual focus and manual exposure) with a fast 50mm prime lens.  On of my first cameras was a Pentax K1000, and it was a tank.  I beat the living daylights out of if and it always came through for me.

Learning on a camera like this forces you to be part of the process, with no temptation to rely on any of the automation that modern cameras can provide.  The lens forces you to be an active part of your composition.  No ability to zoom will cause you to be more aware of your framing.

The last film camera I bought was a Canon EOS Elan II, which I still have and use.  If you're looking for something more current than an all manual tank, the later Elan models would serve you well as too.

Answer 5

Right, Canon and Nikon are going to be the brands recommended.  Truth is, you can't go wrong with either.  The question is what do you plan to do with it after you finish.  With Nikon, almost any lens you buy for your film Nikon camera will work on their digital bodies... to varying degrees.  (Check Ken Rockwell's Nikon Lens Compatibility http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compati... if in doubt.)

With Canon, if you get an EOS body, any EF lens you buy for it will also work on a Canon Digital body.  I've used Canon cameras since high school, so I'm more familiar with them than I am Nikon cameras and others (though I've gotten to use a few Nikons on occasion).  

Personally, I say if your going to get a film camera, get the best... a Canon EOS-1v or the Nikon F6.  I still use a EOS-1v HS from time to time.  Another great Canon camera that cost considerably less is the EOS 3, which I also still shoot with on occasion.  If money is a little tighter, I would suggest either the Canon EOS Elan 7N, or Elan 7.  The Elan II is even cheaper and will serve you well.  (I would shy away from the Rebel line of cameras mainly because its a little more cumbersome to change exposure in manual mode.) Film cameras can be found pretty cheap.  Craigslist is a good place to check as well as eBay.  Just make sure the seller on eBay has a good reputation.  KEH, B&H, Adorama, and Calumet also have a pretty decent stock of used film cameras.

Lenses aren't quite as cheap as bodies because they often have more use and retain their value better.  Starting out, I'd get just a basic wide zoom and telephoto zoom.  Something along the lines of a 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and a 75-300mm f/4-5.6.  Of course, if you spend a little more money for a nicer lens, later on you'll be glad you did.  The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS is a great walk-around general purpose lens.

You'll also probably need a tripod.  Expect to spend about $100-150 for a decent one.  Then you'll need a head for it.  There's another $125 or so.  I would suggest a Bogen/Manfrotto setup.  A good starter set that will run you about $200 is the Bogen 055XB legs with 486RC2 Compact Ballhead.  Don't fool with the cheap tripods you can find at discount stores.

You'll need some kind of bag to carry stuff in.  Personally I like Lowepro and Tamrac, but a bag is a bag and its personal preference and style I guess.  Just make sure it protects your equipment.

Starting out, you probably won't need a flash unit, but eventually you will.  You might want to save up for that and get it when the time comes.  Also, you might eventually need a set of "light modifiers".  Diffusers and bounce umbrellas for flash would be one type of light modifer.  Another would be collapsible reflectors and diffusers.  Again, these probably won't be needed right away, but good to keep in mind.  Filters for your lenses such as a circular polarizer and neutral density filters might also be needed down the line.

It really depends on what your budget is or how much money you have to spend... as well as what do you plan to do afterwards.  Your instructors will also be a good source of information and advice.  A basic camera with a basic lens is often enough to get you through the first few weeks.  As you learn more, you'll have a better understanding of what you'll need in the future.

Answer 6

Well, do you plan on using this camera forever or do you plan on moving into digital later on? If you plan on sticking with film, then get a nice SLR like the Canon EOS-1v or ELAN 7NE. If not, check your local classifieds or Craigslist for a nice used one.

One thing to consider is brand... try to stick with one brand, that way you can use your SLR lenses on your DSLR.