 BetterPhoto Member |
Which Camera??? I am going to take an introductory photography class and it requires a "fully adjustable 35mm camera." I found these cameras and am wondering which is good (which you would recommend). If you have other suggestions, I would gladly accept them. too. Thank you! Nikon FM10 (new) Nikon FM3A (new) Nikon F2 (used) Pentax ZX-M (new) Pentax K1000 (used) Also, for the used cameras, how much is a good buy?
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Bob Cammarata |
The first two Nikons on your list would be my choice for a manual-operating SLR, if I were bying new. (The FM3 offers aperture-priority automatic exposure, as well as full manual.) You might want to consider getting a used body. A Nikon FM2 is a good choice. They can usually be found on those on-line auction sites for @ $100 or so. This model was manufactured by Nikon back in the '80s, and many are still in use today. (I have two myself.) This camera is fully mechanical (except for meter) and was built to last.
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doug Nelson |
The cameras on your list avoid the scarce battery/unsatisfactory work-around problem of many of the otherwise fine '70s cameras. Look also for a Nikon FM2n. The Olympus OM-1, OM-2 and 2n are good student choices. Canon had only the AT-1 as an affordable '90s totally manual camera. Look at Minolta's X-370 and X-570. KEH.com is a reputable dealer in used cameras. Go to their Web site for retail prices. Even their Bargain grade cameras come with the mirror bumper foam and film door foam replaced. If you buy on eBay, budget $35 more to have KEH replace the foam parts. BTW, I don't work for KEH, and have had differences with them occasionally, but they're good honest folks.
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Shauna Linde |
I don't know a THING about any of the cameras you are asking about except the K1000. I took introductory classes with one the school provided until I was given one "used" (from a pawn shop) for a Christmas present. I love that little camera, and even though I have a Nikon N80 that I use predominantly, I still take my Pentax with me as well on outings. It's a sturdy little camera, very reliable, and no bells or whistles - just the standard manual buttons/knobs.
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Shauna Linde |
About the prices for used cameras - I think the K1000 I got was around $100 dollars. It came with a standard 50mm lens and nothing else. This was about 6 years ago, though, so the prices are probably a bit lower. Just make sure if you get a used one that they let you handle it to make sure everything functions well. Open the back and snap the shutter button at different shutter speeds to make sure it doesn't have a problem there, check the lens for scratches etc. ... if you know someone who is familiar with cameras or photography, you might find it helpful to bring them with you if you go looking for used cameras. My instructor actually went with my parents and made the recommendation for which camera to purchase.
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David Frazier |
I bought a Nikon FM10 on ebay for exactly the same purpose. I specifically wanted a manually operated camera, to force myself to learn to use the settings. (I knew next to nothing before taking a beginning photography class.) I paid just over $100 for the camera & lens, plus a Vivitar flash unit, and I couldn't be happier. Learning to use it took some time, but once I got used to manually focusing, the camera performs wonderfully and has produced some great photos. I don't know anything about the other models you list, but the FM10 definitely gets a thumbs-up from me.
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Elizabeth R. McNeil |
Hi Emi, I got my Nikon FM10 a couple of moths ago, and really love it! It takes great pictures, and is very easy to use. I have never used any of the other cameras that you have listed, but I I know the FM10 is awesome and a very good learning camera. Have fun with your class! Elizabeth
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DAVID PAQUIN |
HI, Emi, Happy Holidays, I have a couple of Nikon FM2n,s one is almost worn out,but it is one of the first FM2n's so have had it for several years? a couple dozen I mean,which I still use when I have to shoot out in the rain and other bad weather and then bought another new one to replace the old one,to send it back to have refurbished.So they will last and take a beating. They will work in rain or shine and have been dropped a few times,lucky only once on the lens, but I had a UV filter on it and ONLY the filter shattered, so now I always have a spare UV filter and if the battery goes dead, the camera will still work,the battery is only for the light meter and by the time the first battery goes dead up to a year on average for me,you should learn the basic exporsures by eye and not always need the meter. I also would suggest a zoom lense medium wide to medium tele and/or a medium to long tele zoom with the fastest f-stop you can afford.I would also go for the FM3A. FUTURE USE, Emi,if you go or when you go Digital....the dSLR Nikons can use the lens you get for the FM2 OR 3. You can also buy the AutoFocus lens now and use on manual with the FM2n AND later on the digital dSLR Nikons. You can email Nikon USA and ask theM which model lens mounts will work for both FM2 and the dSLR's or email B&H and ask.I suggest B&H Photo Video for both new and used camera gear, they are fast usually have the best prices and the used gear is in good to great condition AND they DELIVER TO APO/FPO for U.S.military overseas addresses. Also for lower prices on lenses...Sigma and Tamron make the Autofocus lens that will work for both the FM2n on manual and later on AF for the dSLR Nikons.... Emi, Good Luck, Happy Holidays.. and try not to work for a living but have fun for a living and get paid for it. David.
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Will Turner |
If you're buying used, be sure to get an SLR body that has well-built internal components, so you won't be haunting the repair forums instead of taking pictures. I wouldn't recommend a Minolta body to anyone, especially a used body like the X-370/570/X-700. They are cheaply built internally (they used plastic in the film transport mechanism) and have exhibited a number of problems over the years. Dead circuit boards. Leaky capacitors. Shutter problems. Flash problems. Broken film advance and rewind levers. The newer Minolta AF cameras aren't much better when it comes to longevity, and they are a repairman's nightmare - way too many discontinued models, unavailable parts and oddball features.
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