Film SLR - Is this a good deal? - DPChallenge Forums

11/23/2005 06:26:14 PM · #1

I'm going to be in a film-based photography class in a few months so I've got to get an SLR with manual functions. I was looking on ebay and came across this camera...I realize that everything will probably me manual, and I'm fine with that, I just want to find a pretty cheap camera as I probably won't use it much after my class is over.

What do you guys think of this? Seems like a pretty good price for a body and couple of lenses, but again I have no idea. Anyone care to chime in their 2 cents?

Link

Message edited by author 2005-11-23 18:27:05.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

11/23/2005 06:48:56 PM · #2

Bump...auction ends soon...anyone?

LedZeppelin588

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

11/23/2005 06:54:15 PM · #3

For a beginner, there really isn't a better brand than Pentax. I use an ME Super, my teacher loves K-1000s - you really can't lose as long as you have a body and a good 50mm lens.

11/23/2005 07:00:09 PM · #4

Originally posted by LedZeppelin588:

For a beginner, there really isn't a better brand than Pentax. I use an ME Super, my teacher loves K-1000s - you really can't lose as long as you have a body and a good 50mm lens.

What about this, it's a fully manual Pentax ZX-M with 50mm lens...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/23/2005 07:38:26 PM · #5

Bump

kdkaboom

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

11/23/2005 07:39:17 PM · #6

Holgas cost only 20bucks and they can be lots of fun. Otherwise, Pentax fo sho. No frills.

ralph

Nikon Z9

11/23/2005 07:42:00 PM · #7

you should think about a system (Nikon) that you could use the lens(es) on a DSLR as well as the film body -

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

11/23/2005 07:42:58 PM · #8

I have the Nikon FM2n which I love. But they're still in the $250 price range on ebay.

Or have you considered the Olympus OM-10 ? - These are the only two manual SLRs I have experience of.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

11/23/2005 07:43:16 PM · #9

Originally posted by justin_hewlett:

Originally posted by LedZeppelin588:
For a beginner, there really isn't a better brand than Pentax. I use an ME Super, my teacher loves K-1000s - you really can't lose as long as you have a body and a good 50mm lens.

What about this, it's a fully manual Pentax ZX-M with 50mm lens...

Price is right. Bodies usually go for ~$75-$100 alone if you check used camera shops. If you find a Nikon then when you go digital SLR, the lens will work with the digital as well.

LedZeppelin588

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

11/23/2005 07:43:43 PM · #10

Originally posted by justin_hewlett:

What about this, it's a fully manual Pentax ZX-M with 50mm lens...

I've played around with ZX-Ms. If I was to buy a new film camera, it would be that. It has all manual functions, but can also have shutter speed priority by putting on a Pentax-A Manual focus lens. It has auto-film advance. Simply, it strikes a good balance between auto and manual.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

11/23/2005 08:57:12 PM · #11

Thanks for all of the great info guys. I was really sceptical about bidding on the first link I posted because the seller mentioned that he/she knew nothing about cameras and also that it was going to be sold "as is" with no returns/refunds (it appeared to be some sort of pawn shop). Whether the camera worked or not was not mentioned in the description.

As for buying lenses that will carry over into a DSLR, that's great advice that I didn't even think about. I'll definitely upgrade to a DSLR after I'm through with college, or during if I can afford it.

I'll look at ebay some more and consider either a pentax (as suggested by many of you) or a nikon or canon that will carry over. Thanks again.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

11/23/2005 09:02:05 PM · #12

Originally posted by justin_hewlett:

As for buying lenses that will carry over into a DSLR, that's great advice that I didn't even think about. I'll definitely upgrade to a DSLR after I'm through with college, or during if I can afford it.

I'll look at ebay some more and consider either a pentax.....

No problems accept some may only work in manual, but it's not really a problem.

hokie

Nikon D2X

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

11/23/2005 09:07:39 PM · #13

Find a great site like B&H photo, KEH or Samy's. These big camera shops have used film gear and I am sure you can find a body and 50mm lens to fit your need.

I would definitely consider a system that you can use the equipment later on. I have a nice 15 year old Nikon FA film body I still carry with me in case of absolute meltdown disaster and the manual lenses (a 50mm 1.4 and a 135mm manual focus) both work on my D2x incredibly well.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/23/2005 09:29:04 PM · #14

Found another seemingly good deal on ebay...

Olympia EL 1124

Thoughts? I've never heard of Olympia...

jrtodd

Nikon D850

11/23/2005 09:45:53 PM · #15

Justin,
What do you consider a great deal? I have a old (I said old) OM-10 you could come by and pick up if you want. I am going to Moab tomorrow after a turkey lunch but if you are interested PM me.

John

Edit, By pick up I mean I will give you

Message edited by author 2005-11-23 21:56:00.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

11/23/2005 09:49:11 PM · #16

Look for some of the following:

Pentax K-1000
Canon A-1
Nikon FM

You can get those for good prices and they are good cameras. Get a 50mm lens to go with it and you should be able to have what you need for $150 or less.

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

11/23/2005 09:56:04 PM · #17

Originally posted by justin_hewlett:

Found another seemingly good deal on ebay...

Olympia EL 1124

Thoughts? I've never heard of Olympia...

Steer well clear!

I've heard some very bad reports about this 'camera'

Edit: I'd jump at jrtodd's offer if I were you! :)

Message edited by author 2005-11-23 21:57:19.

Artyste

Sony Ericsson W810i

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Pentax

11/23/2005 10:03:10 PM · #18

Originally posted by ralphnev:

you should think about a system (Nikon) that you could use the lens(es) on a DSLR as well as the film body -

Um.. even Nikon doesn't have the compatibility that Pentax has for old lenses with the k-mount system. If you're looking for that sort of thing, Pentax is *still* the way to go.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/23/2005 10:07:50 PM · #19

Originally posted by jrtodd:

PM'ed you.

jrtodd

Nikon D850

11/23/2005 10:14:58 PM · #20

I sent you my phone number, give me a call. Seems you must live close.

John

I hope this does count toward my thread kills

Sunniee

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/23/2005 11:00:10 PM · #21

How bout a canon eos elan.... I have one that I am going to be posting on ebay.... body only