I think I'll give this a try!

[j4m3z]

Probably the best buy in film cameras for a SLR capable of fully manual operation is the Canon AE-1. When fleabay dies down after the holidays you should be able to grab one with a normal, 50mm lens for less than $60 + shipping. If you were closer, I'd offer to shoot you "Trade For Camera", I have several Canon A series bodies and lenses collecting dust I'd like to see put to good use. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[n5wd]

Amy,

Go ask the folks at the photo lab at your school to recommend a local independent camera store that will rent or lease cameras to students... that way, you don't have to buy a film camera - use it for the class and then dump it if you decide that the film process isn't for you. The chain stores probably won't do such a deal, but the independents probably rely more on the school's traffic and would thus be more likely to have what you need - a basic camera like a Nikon FM2 or Pentax K1000 or... well, there are a lot of 'em out there that would be suitable. I know one of our local stores rents the FM2 and a normal lens for about $100 for a semester (they collect $250 from you at the time of pick/up and refund $150 at the end of the semester when you turn the camera in). It's not a huge profit for them, but you'd be surprised at how much other stuff you're going to buy for this course! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Have fun - with the right instructor, you should have a blast!

[sydastarkyle]

Rebel XT!!!!! i love it and its way easy to get to know...as long as you know the photo basics...I HATE FILM...in any camera ive never been good with it and i always FUDGE it up somehow...digital is much more forgiving....
good luck and happy hunting....
kyle thomas

[lobofw]

I started in this almost a couple years back now. I bought a Nikon FM2 from a photog friend of mine. His advice to me was when you learn how to shoot manually, you'll then be able to shoot anything.
i just recently bought the Nikon D70s because I wanted to save the cost of film. My lenes interchange and I still use film for certain things. But I feel I'm better because I learned to be more exacting about my light and focus with the FM2.
I don't mean better than someone else, I mean better than if I just started with the digital. Manual taught me a lot and I'm still learning.


Done with Fuji film,ISO 200, F5.6, 1/60 no tripod.

Good Luck, [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[dustylenscap]

Amy, good luck! My recommendation......the Pentax K1000, this camera by and in of itself will teach you more, it is a very simple camera to use, match needle metering and strictly manual in all aspects. Check out http://www.KEH.com for some pricing etc.

Dusty

[wgiles]

I didn't think that there was any way that I would start shooting film again, but, just for grins, I signed up for a photography class at the local community college last September and now I'm shooting, developing and printing B&W photos. I would agree with everyone else that said not to spend much money on a camera. If I were in your position, I would talk to the instructor and ask for suggestions. I had a Canon Rebel X lying around and I have used it for most of the work in the class. It is nice to have a camera with automatic functions, but which will also allow you manual control as well. Most point and shoot cameras won't let you make the decisions on exposure. You don't need an expensive camera to do the type of work that they will be expecting.

Bill

[isaiahbrink]

I recommend the Nikon FM2n. I owned one for many years (until it got stolen) and it is an excellent camera. It's all manual, no auto features to be found. It's also extremely durable, in fact it is one of the few cameras that can go all the way up to the top of Mount Everest and still work. It gets too cold for all digital cameras and many with a lot of auto features.

Isaiah Brink

[asbery645]

Skip the class, it's full of crap you'll never use!! (that's why on top end clients you use the pro lab, they'll color balance and correct clients images for you as long as you're exposure is with in range).Get a digital high end am-pro camera, start shooting and take one of rolandos seminars. If you have an eye for it you'll know straight out of the gate! Go to the library there are tons of books on the subject. Shortly camera controls will be second nature, the rest is posing and comp.( and fresh ideas)
Good luck!! But your doing great on that side of the controls!!! I'
m not kinding don't waste your money on old tech. chances are that you'll never develop your own film, if you ever even use film!!Buy a decent camera and a decent meter and you'll be fine!!! the reat is art!!!!!!!
John

[lobofw]

[ QUOTE ]
Skip the class, it's full of crap you'll never use!! (that's why on top end clients you use the pro lab, they'll color balance and correct clients images for you as long as you're exposure is with in range).

[/ QUOTE ]

I tend to disagree a little. Granted I'm new in this field, but I found a class very beneficial. It made me look at what I shooting differently because I was using film and Chromes. Although by now I feel I have forgotten a little of what I've learned, it's only because I'm not getting the real world experience I need.
Granted one doesn't learn everything in a class, but it does give a good foundation on fundamentals. I at least gained a certificate in Digital Photography and currently going for for a degree in Digital Imaging Technology.
Don't let digital take over what can and should be done right befor the trigger is pulled. Not all labs know what their doing, so it's nice have it done right before you get there.

Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[bonj]

I would recommend an all manual camera aswell. Be careful of older bodies, and check the light seals in the camera back. The Ricoh KR-5 series has a good reputation for price and reliability... The lenses will interchange with the Pentax K1000, so there are plenty around. They tend to hold their value pretty well, so if you want to dump it later in favour of a newer model, you haven't lost a great deal.

Also, digital doesn't necessarily mean cheaper. The higher purchase price, and rapid upgrade cycle may mean it costs you more. And not just on camera bodies. Software and computer upgrades have to be factored aswell. For myself, these upgrades are happening anyway, but for others they may not. I shoot bulk rolled black and white film, which after one 100' roll, pays for itself in the equipment setup. (In Australia anyway... Your mileage may vary)