35mm question...didnt know where else to post

[gabo234]

Hi everyone,
I'm really sorry for this extremely off-topic post, but I've been looking everywhere, on and off the forums, and I can't find anything. I just need someone to lead me in the right direction on somewhere that I can research or find info on what 35mm SLR to buy. Once again, sorry if this is not appropriate for this forum. I appreciate any help.

Gabo

[Rhys]

Hi everyone,
I'm really sorry for this extremely off-topic post, but I've been looking everywhere, on and off the forums, and I can't find anything. I just need someone to lead me in the right direction on somewhere that I can research or find info on what 35mm SLR to buy. Once again, sorry if this is not appropriate for this forum. I appreciate any help.

Gabo

I'd say buy an SLR that takes dSLR lenses so that you can upgrade to a dSLR when you're feeling a little more flush

Canon and Nikon are the main brands to look for.

[timmciglobal]

Something to keep in mind however is the cost of film. Might be worth it taking plunge and going to dSLR. Film developing + film is gonna cost you atleast 5$ a roll without prints (for developing + the film) If you took 250 pictures a month. (small by digital standards high by film) thats 420$ a year in film and thats only 250/month.

You can get an *ist DS for about 700. Something to consider.

Tim

[Warin]

Some university visual arts departments still require black and white film usage for photo classes, so in that case a digital will get you an F. :D

I reccomend the F/N80 from Nikon. Pop over tow www.nikonians.org and take a look around. It is one of the most feature rich 35mm SLR bodies in its price range, while still offering full manual control. Plus, when you do get to a digital SLR, the D70s is virtually identical in operation, so there is a very shallow learning curve.

[gabo234]

Thanks to everyones replies...and Warin is right, the reason I'm even looking is for a college photography class. Right now I have a Canon SD200 and a Pana FZ5, so I'm good with the digital cameras for now.

[Rhys]

For a photography class, a secondhand Nikon FM then add digital AF lenses. That way you can upgrade easily and you already have good lenses.

[Warin]

Only one caveat:

Most "digital" specific lenses, like the DX series from Nikon, will NOT work properly with a 35mm film body. To make the lenses lighter and more compact, many manufacturers build their digital lenses to only cover the APS sized sensor used by most dSLR's.

While I did one photo using the D70 kit lens on my F80, not many profs want a "through the manhole" look to all of your photos.

[StanleyL]

I regularly see used SLRs complete (albiet cheap ones) for the $150 - 250 range used, with lense attached. Chances are you can sell it when done to get all money back. New ones aren't much more. That's one route.

I don't think those photo classes are too demanding on a camera. Probably just want one that has decently fast lense.