advice on 35mm camera purchase

[ernesto]

I want to buy a 35mm SLR camera in the $150-$250 range, that's including the lenses in that price. I'm a beginner wanting to learn more about photography.

Any idea what camera + lenses would be best?

[dan]

Nikon F, FE, FG,
Canon AE1, AE1-P, A1,
Minolta X-700
or the alike and a manual focus 1.4/50mm lens (ideal). Most common 1.8/50 or... get the body only and get the lens of your choice. Check ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannon-35mm-SLR-AE-1-50mm-lens-with-pro-strap_W0QQitemZ260030401476QQihZ016QQcategoryZ1079 19QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
there are tons (over 9 pages) at good prices.

[ernesto]

So what's the difference between these cameras at like $30 and the new models like the Canon K2 on Amazon at like $200? Do these cameras get a lot worse with age? Do lenses that are widely available work with these? Basically, is it a good idea to buy an old camera like those?

[dan]

K2>>Autofocus / autoexposure camera with built-in motor drive and retractable flash<<
the other ones...just manual. The "magic" of evaluating the time/aperture focusing and composing was taken away to favor mass consumption of film.
When first introduced (autoexposure cameras) they got the name of "idioten aparat" in some European country. Most basic camera will help you learn a lot more than "all-on-a-silver-plate-4-you" ,all you need to do is buy the film, push the button and... pay4it.
With the latest you will only take pictures, with the former you'll learn photography (imo)

[ernesto]

What do you think of a Canon T70?

I've seen some beautiful pictures taken with it, and it looks like a very good camera. Although, according to Wikipedia:

"A built-in lithium battery (BR-1225 or CR-1220) was used for memory backup; these lasted about five years and had to be replaced by a technician, since replacing it required partial dismantling of the camera body."

Hmm, that seems like it could be a problem.

[Angrius]

Beautiful pictures don't come from the camera itself really but from the shooter. I like Dan's list of cameras that he's suggested. The best thing you can do is get one, get a book or two that show you the basics and go out and shoot. Every roll will get you closer to where you want to be.:thumbup:

[dan]

Beautiful pictures don't come from the camera itself really but from the shooter.
This was my motto back in the '80's when most attributed my pics to a Canon A1 I was using back then. Not (entirely) true. I started with one of this (http://blogimages.seniorennet.be/retrocameras/91-c95a240dfb0f08b87ad9911f42d2f091.jpg): back in '72-'73 and then one of this (http://www.rus-camera.com/camera/small/lubitel-166u_front.jpg). The closer you can get to "basics" the more you will have to think (and learn) to take a picture. Just as true is the opposite: get the later generations, push the button and pay for it.(you learn nothing! the magic and knowledge stays in the box). Enough. As for the T series (50, 60, 70, etc)... you can read here (http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/t50/spec.htm): Most of the latest generations (including T series) come with ZOOMS instead of primes. Yes, it is convenient. Better pictures? Most of the time not. All sharp and well exposed? YES (all the time).
My cameras: Canon AE-1 (http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/ae1/CanonAE1claudio2.jpg) with a 1.4/50 ($50 local store/non-working light meter),
Nikon FG (http://www.nikonimaging.com/global/products/filmcamera/slr/1980-1984/fg/img/pic_001.jpg) with 1.4/50 ($57 on ebay without lens and nonworking light meter I had to fix (http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/682555803/DSC00001_001.JPG.html):),

KowaSIX (http://manuals2go.com/manuals/kowa6.jpg) with 80mm, 150mm and a macro tube (gift)
and a Sigma SD10 (http://img.clubic.com/photo/00062358.jpg) with both 18-55 and 50-200 (ebay as well)
Get a full manual camera with one prime lens (1.4/50) shoot one film from sticks and take notes for each click of the iris/time pair, see the results (on paper) and you will learn a lot in a short time. Get a fountain in the frame (if possible) to notice the time settings effect on motion.

[Angrius]

I still believe that. I've seen photograhpers that are using really crappy cameras turn out beautiful pictures. I'm not sure if I'd go completly manual myself. My first camera was an F100 (okay it's a bit out of the range you're looking at) and I picked up things pretty quick. Here's a good article to read before you go out and spend your money on whatever it is you decide to get.:)

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

Personally I think Rockwell is a bit of a nutter but he makes a good point here.

[dan]

Great link!!! Thank you!!!!

[Jeremy Ordan]

Rockwell is a complete kook off his rocker... Then again he makes a decent point with that article.

Then again, if you don't want to read it all remember this:

It isn't the arrows, it's the Indian... and that doesn't apply just to photography, cinematography, writing, bowling, business, or graphic design... It applies to every aspect in life.

[HorseFilms]

I have the same old Ricoh KR5-SuperII that I bought about 11 years ago. There are no manual controls on it at all and that's the way I like it. I don't want the camera making decisions for me.

[Jeremy Ordan]

There are no manual controls on it at all and that's the way I like it. I don't want the camera making decisions for me.


Did you mean that there are no AUTO controls on it?

[HorseFilms]

Did you mean that there are no AUTO controls on it?

I'm an idiot. :) Yes, that's what I meant. Thanks, Jeremy.:beer:

[Angrius]

What amuses me about Ken Rockwell is that everytime he gets a new piece of equipment it's "the best I have ever used!". It's hillarious. How much equipment does one person need? He buys all this stuff for himself yet claims not to be an equipment whore. Too funny.

[dougspice]

The Pentax K1000 is the traditional learner's camera, I think, and well within your budget. Canon AE-1 or Nikon F2 would both also be good choices; a little more expensive.