35mm Still Camera.

[dcjustin]

What's up everyone? I am still saving for a dvx100A but probably won't have the funds from anywhere from 3-6 months. In the meantime, I want to get a 35mm still camera to start learning how to compose shots. Could anyone recommend a 35mm still camera that is in the $100-$300 range. Thank you for your time.

[David Jimerson]

Why 35mm? Why not digital?

[dcjustin]

I guess I thought it might benefit me to learn about film as well, and if it is only a still camera, I guess I could afford film. However, since I am eventually going to use a dv camera, do you think I would benefit more from using a digital still camera?

[Shrunk_Monk]

Here's an exercise in creative frustration: Pick up an old Praktica - made in the former Republic of East Germany.

Not a fantastic normal lens (50mm), it's screw-on (big deal), takes fair pictures, but most importantly: it comes with a handheld selenium meter, because it's totally manual. Short of using view cameras and trying to reinvent the zone system of exposure (thank you Ansel Adams :) ), this camera's the ticket.

This ancient combination will teach you more about exposure and exposure compensation than any method I know of. I've never been a big fan of auto-anything - with a few exceptions.

I don't know the price offhand, or availability. It's been out of production for ages.

Another option would be an older Pentax with screw-mounted lenses and match-needle exposure readings. No blinking LED's, too.

In a semi-automatic vein, the Canon AE-1 was an excellent camera in its day. Excellent optics (especially the 50mm f1.4, highly recommended) and the first electronic, semi-automatic shutter-preferred camera.

Shooting film will teach you more about the basics of colour and exposure than shooting digital, in my opinion. If anything, you'll have a good basis for understanding and comparison.

[dcjustin]

Thankyou very much for your reply. I will be looking into these cameras, and just in time for Christmas too.