Advice for new lenses

[James_EG]

Hi, I am new to the forum but I have been well into photography since got my first camera (a Canon EOS 60D), I have self taught myself and have a pretty good knowledge of digital photography (though I still have a LOT to learn). Anyway, I am going to be starting my A-levels next year, and one thing I will definitely be doing is photography, and one of the subjects within this is film photography (my school are going to getting a darkroom next year).
I have chosen a camera that I want to buy, which is a Nikon FM2n, but I am not sure on what would be the best lenses, the ones I have found are Nikon 50mm f/1.4, a Nikon 28mm f/2.8 (I really want a 24mm but I haven't found any cheap enough for me) then either a Nikon 35-105mm or 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5.
What are your opinions on these lenses? And if you have any better suggestions please let me know. I have also found an MD-12 motor drive and an SB-E external flash, what do you think of those?

Thanks, James

 

[timor]

Hi. Welcome to the forum.
Before anything tell us what kind of film photography you will be doing. Is it, that after the course you rather forget film ? Or you have already or will have a "thing" for film ? Simply camera you've chosen and the lenses will cost you a bundle so the question is if it is worth it. For school you might get much cheaper stuff with very similar performance.

 

[compur]

I have chosen a camera that I want to buy, which is a Nikon FM2n, but I am not sure on what would be the best lenses, the ones I have found are Nikon 50mm f/1.4, a Nikon 28mm f/2.8 (I really want a 24mm but I haven't found any cheap enough for me) then either a Nikon 35-105mm or 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5.
What are your opinions on these lenses? And if you have any better suggestions please let me know. I have also found an MD-12 motor drive and an SB-E external flash, what do you think of those?

Thanks, James

Excellent camera and lenses. You'll do fine with these.

The SB-E flash was made for the entry-level Nikon EM camera and is a very basic unit with little or no manual control, though I believe it is usable with the FM2n. The flash units that Nikon promoted for the FM/FM2 models at the time of manufacture were the SB-10 and SB-15 though higher end flash models could certainly be used as well.

 

[James_EG]

Thanks for the replies, my school might get some equipment though I think it will depend on how many people do photography A-Level, and I will definitely want to continue using film and digital afterwards. Also, I would like to buy the camera now so that I am more used to film when it comes to using it at school.

Excellent camera and lenses. You'll do fine with these.

The SB-E flash was made for the entry-level Nikon EM camera and is a very basic unit with little or no manual control, though I believe it is usable with the FM2n. The flash units that Nikon promoted for the FM/FM2 models at the time of manufacture were the SB-10 and SB-15 though higher end flash models could certainly be used as well.

OK thanks, will try my best to get them then. Would you recommend me getting the better flash unit then? It definitely sounds like I should.

Thanks, James

 

[Tony S]

That's all nice Nikon equipment but is there a reason you are not looking at camera models that you can also use on your 60D? This will give you something to use later (or during) when you are done with your A class. A lot of people who now use film will use a digital to see what they might be looking at on film before shooting the film, almost like years ago when we would use a polaroid to preview set ups.

 

[James_EG]

Thanks for the reply, what do you mean camera models that I can use on my 60D? Also, what do you think about Canon or Nikon cameras, Would it be better for me to go for a Canon AE-1 program or F-1n, or a Nikon FM2n? I was looking at Nikon because I read a few times that they were a better build, i.e., metal not plastic, and also have better lenses.

 

[timor]

Thanks for the reply, what do you mean camera models that I can use on my 60D? Also, what do you think about Canon or Nikon cameras, Would it be better for me to go for a Canon AE-1 program or F-1n, or a Nikon FM2n? I was looking at Nikon because I read a few times that they were a better build, i.e., metal not plastic, and also have better lenses.

Nikon didn't change the mount when switching to AF, it is still F mount however not all manual lenses fully cooperate with all AF cameras. Canon change the mount from FD, like the one used in AE-1 to EF for auto focus and there is no compatibility. But if you get canon body like EOS 3 or higher you can use its lenses on 60D taking in account the crop factor. However lenses made for sensor smaller then FF will not have enough coverage for film. As today's FF lenses are very expensive you will have to make a decision. There is another option; if you are serious about shooting film for more artistic purposes maybe will be not bad idea to go with medium format and cameras like Hassy, Mamiya or Bronica.

 

[James_EG]

Ok thanks, I don't think I would like going for something like EOS 3, I much prefer the manual settings and look of the older cameras, also, I only have one lens for my 60D at the moment, the AF-S 18-55mm which I don't think fits the early EOS cameras like the EOS 3, am I right? So there would not be much point getting one if I need to buy the lenses anyway, also, I am more than happy with old lenses if they're not in great condition, as long as they do the job then I'm happy with them, which should help with the price.