What's a good film camera for college classes? Please help...

[.Joel]

Hi everyone,

I'm a Graphic Design major in college and starting in the fall, I'll be taking a few film-photography courses. I've been shooting digital for years but never tried film. I have a Rebel XSi so I was thinking about getting a film SLR from Canon as well.

I just don't know what to get or what to look for... I want something that's fairly simple to use, takes good pictures (considering this will be for a grade), and hopefully affordable (not too much over $100, if possible).

I was looking at the Canon AE-1. What do you guys think? I could really use your help/suggestions.

Thanks a lot!! I appreciate it!!

[NeverFollow]

from my experience.... Nikon seems to be the best for 35mm film cameras I also really like my Minolta SRT 202. The AE-1 isnt bad, I think since this is your first film class you will be spending much more time developing and enlarging than actually taking photos. So the camera isnt going to be as important as you think...... (you will understand what I mean when you start enlarging) .

KEH.com is a great store that sells used film equipment

also check out craigslist.

** The most important thing to look for when purchasing a used camera is that the light meter works. To verify that one works I would take your digital with you and meter the same object to see if the meter is in correct working order.**

[.Joel]

Thanks!! I'll definitely take a look into them. Any particular Nikon model you're fond of?

Any more recommendations/tips? =]

[matonanjin]

Originally Posted by .Joel

Hi everyone,

I'm a Graphic Design major in college and starting in the fall, I'll be taking a few film-photography courses. I've been shooting digital for years but never tried film. I have a Rebel XSi so I was thinking about getting a film SLR from Canon as well.

I just don't know what to get or what to look for... I want something that's fairly simple to use, takes good pictures (considering this will be for a grade), and hopefully affordable (not too much over $100, if possible).

I was looking at the Canon AE-1. What do you guys think? I could really use your help/suggestions.

Thanks a lot!! I appreciate it!!

I just sold my AE-1 on fleabay and have regretted it from the second I listed it. It's a great camera. If you can come across an F-1 that is sort of comparable to the 1DMk series. Pro level durability and high frame rate. I put thousands of rolls of film through both of these.

Another thought is an old medium format camera. Mamiya or Bronica or Hasselblad. But you may not be able to find one of these for <$100.

[sandpiper]

Originally Posted by .Joel

I have a Rebel XSi so I was thinking about getting a film SLR from Canon as well.

hopefully affordable (not too much over $100, if possible).

I was looking at the Canon AE-1.

The AE-1 is a great camera, I have one and also it's bigger brother the A-1. Both should be available for under $100. Do bear in mind though, that these are old cameras (over 25 years I would think) and may well need seals replacing (particularly the foam around the mirror assembly, which can start to crumble) also shutter speeds may be a bit off due to lubrication being needed. So check out any potential purchase very carefully and allow for the possible need for some servicing.

An alternative may be an EOS film body as that may take the lens(es) that you have with the Rebel, so that could save you some money, plus any lenses you may buy in the future could be compatible with both. The key is whether they are EF (any EOS body) or EF-S (certain crop digital bodies only). If you get an old (pre- EOS) body such as the AE-1, A-1, F-1 etc., then it will need FD mount lenses.

If you don't have any EF lenses though, the AE-1 will be a nice camera to use (if it has been properly maintained) and lenses won't be expensive on the used market, as most people want digital compatible gear, but again will be fairly ancient so test them carefully.

[dontcallmeash]

used nikon fm2.

[brian00321]

Check out KEH, browse the different brands and lenses, and see what you like. Either brand you pick, you can't go wrong.

http://www.keh.com/camera?s=1

[kfreels]

In case you haven't done this yet....Get a Canon Eos Elan IIe from ebay for about $50-$75. Great camera, pro-sumer with the thumb-dialon the back just like the more expensive cameras. They made them into the late 90s so they aren't "that" old and any lenses you buy for it will work on your Rebel as well (with a 1.6 crop factor)

[MARTIN2011]

CANON EOS A2E would be my choice-check it out.

[tohara]

Nikon Fm2

[MARTIN2011]

CANON AE1,CANONA2,PENTAX K1000

[airfrogusmc]

Canon F-1...Its a tank and its all manual. Maybe the best camera Canon ever made.

[bbgeekchic]

I have a Pentax and Canon EOS, both 35mm of course. Same thing...needed em since I am attending for my bachelor in digital photography.... actually only needed one but friends were willing to donate for edjumication lol

[elevenbangbang]

Oh man this thread makes me miss my AE-1 so much.

[TheBrick3]

If you can't use your Canon lenses on the Nikon, I wouldn't get one of those.