Opinions on SLR Camera?

[SpecM]

I'm looking for a nice NON-digital SLR camera. New or used, but most likey used. Going to be used just as a hobby, non-pro. Price is an object, but I want to feel out the market before I lay out a budget. But I am looking for best-bang-for-buck.

I've been messing with my dad's Nikon F5, a very nice piece. I want something durable and well-made, I've used other F series that fit that.

I seen some older Ziess-Ikon Contraflex, Cannon F-1, Lieca SL2, but never used them. I'm hoping someone else here has some input on old- school cameras.

[Fifteen]

Pentax K1000, or a Canon AE-1. I own both and they're awesome and easy to use.

I have a Ziess-Ikon as well, but if you're just starting to get your feet wet I'd totally start with something simple.

Or be a man and go right to Medium format ;]

[SpecM]

I've heard that the AE-1 was very popular, but I've never seen one, or known anyone who has. Good to hear some feedback, thanks.

Umm any tips on where to buy an old camera?

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk

[Fifteen]

I've been handed down most of my 35mm, but you can usually stumble upon some good ones on craigslist!

[Massimo]

I have a pentax my dad gave me I used once and never again ill see if I can find it tonight and see what model it is.

Similar to something like this

[trackjunkie21]

1986 Minolta maxxum 5000, just bought it and haven't used it yet.

[smooth]

If your dad has Nikon glass then you will get the most bang for buck by staying with Nikon and sharing lenses with each other. Money is in the glass and talent is in the photographer so while a lot of people pay attention to the body of the camera it's really the least significant of the tools.

Here is a comparison of some nikon film bodies (using retail prices)

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/nikon_articles/body/chart/nikon_body_comparison_chart.html

I have an FM2 but I wanted that specific era camera for a reason. Last time I was checking out manual film I was looking at an N80 so you might see if that fits your needs. I scanned craigslist quickly before posting and saw them hovering around $80-200 depending on gear included.

[Cong405]

Get yourself a Nikon since their lens fitment are all the same. That way if you ever decide to upgrade to a DSLR, your lens will fit on the newer body. If anything, check your local pawn shops, they usually have decent stuff.

[SpecM]

OK thanks for the tips

Correction: my dad's Nikon is an old F4, and he dug up an even older FG that he told me I can have. So I'm going to play with that for a while, if I can get the shutter to unstick. It will not drop, even in the manual m90 mode. We'll see.

If I can't fix it, I found a Canon AE-1 with three lenses and bag for $85 on Craigslist, I'll prob jump on that

[Ryan Stewart]

If you could rock that F4 its a pretty nice place to start. And, like said, Nikon's F mount has been basically universal for the past 40 years so only the cheapest of consumer dSLRs wont work with them (or will but you have to do a hack or two).

[Ninz30]

Nikon, minolta, or cannon are the way to go. I have a Nikon Digital SLR, and my first SLR 35mm was a Minolta.

[mrsleeve]

Contax with contax (aka zeiss )glass end of discussion

unless you want to go rangefinder then you need a Leica M series

[BlackbirdM3]

The Nikon F4 is the way to go. Especially if you have access to lenses for it. The camera is bomb proof, and even though its old, it still functions as one of the best film cameras ever. Its a true professional camera body and is built to last. When I changed over to digital last year I went with a D7000, but there are features on the F4 that I still wish the D7000 had. Seriously, look for a F4s and run any lens made since the '60s till now. Just because its old doesn't mean its not any good.

Will

[SpecM]

I really am liking the F4, but my dad will not let it go

He gave me his FG tho, I guess I'll have to live with that

[mrsleeve]

Really 50-60 bucks for a Contax RTS or similar and then Zeiss glass for dirt cheep as well (for zeiss that is) is the way too go