Recommendations for a beginner 35mm SLR camera.

Question

Does anyone have any Recommendations for a beginner 35mm SLR camera with manuel control. I am taking a class in the fall, and need to provide my one under these specifications. thanks for anyones help.

Answer 1

I don't think you can even get a completely manual camera anymore, unless it's a museum piece from the 70s.  (And they made some really good cameras in those days!  But I'd worry about a camera that old).

So what you want is a more modern camera but one that has manual modes, one that you can set by yourself. And that's most cameras.  You just set it to manual, and then you set F-stop, shutter speed, and focus yourself.  It's good to learn to control those things because that gives you the most control over your photographs.

I would stick with the major brands--Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax, etc.  They're all pretty good.

Like Foto-ace said, look in your local Craigslist.  

Or Ebay would be okay so long as you have a good return policy.  Often people selling stuff on EBay don't know if it's good or not, so make sure you have the option of testing it out when you get it and returning it if there's a problem.

Answer 2

A lot of photographers started off using Pentax K1000 SLRs in photography classes. Afterwards if you like you can upgrade to a Pentax DSLR, the same K-mount lens used on the K1000 will work on current Pentax DSLRs with some minor limitations.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.a...

Answer 3

Is the class Photojournalism? or Art Photography, because I took those classes, and yeah they make you have a film 35mm SLR!

I used my dad's old Canon A-1 SLR, try to ask relatives if they have an old camera, the truth is the older the better!

If you can't find an old Camera, then you could get a Canon Rebel, make sure it's film! all film SLRs are manual 35mm. try to not spend a lot of money, later on you will get a digital SLR, and won't use the film one anymore.

really the brand of camera for film doesn't matter, the brand of film you use on the camera is the important thing!

Answer 4

Look on craigslist in a city near you for a good used Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR with standard zoom lens for under $200.

Samples in my area

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/pho/76...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ele/76...