WHat kind of camera would I use?

Question

I would like to start taking black and whit e photos and regualar photos and older sieena photos. I want to put together aphoto portfolio. What camera would suite my needs best? Just getting into this so any help would be great.

Answer 1

You can buy very good used Canon or Nikon SLR equipment (not digital) for very little money (You can find for example a canon A1 for 100$ or a Nikon F4 for less than $400). Add a nice lens to that (1.4 50mm) and you are all set for your first shots.

If you are new to photography it might be a good idea to go for a reasonably priced digital SLR instead. Picture quality will not be as good as with analog film but you have the advantage that you see instantly if you like the shot or not.

Cheers,

Chris

Answer 2

I would go along with the film SLR that the others have suggested.  Brand, however, makes no difference.  You can get an excellent selection by going to www.keh.com and looking into their offerings.  If you don't see one that you are familiar with, call them on their 800 number and talk to one of the sales people.  I know them all personally and they have a lot of experience in the camera business.  I have bought tons of gear from KEH over the years and have never been dissatisfied - plus they come with a guarantee, something that Craigslist advertisers don't offer.  

Answer 3

A 35 mm SLR would be a good start so you can shoot black and white film ... after you have developed the negative and printed the image, you can use Sepia toner to add the look of age to your prints.

Those of us who are professionals seem to harp on buying Nikon and Canon systems ... only because if you ever do go pro, those are the systems you want.