Best film camera for around $300

Cherrygal_2007 · Mar 1, 2006

Hey I'm new to this site, but I have been browsing around for a while, and I am amazed by some of the pictures you guys have taken! Anyway, I am just getting into photography and I am looking for a film camera for around $300 that I can get good results with. Any suggestions? I would like to do mostly outdoor and landscape photography, but would also like do to portraits too, if that helps.
Thanks.

Uselessdreamer1 · Mar 1, 2006

with film you can do anything. Hell with any camera you can shoot anything. I would reccomend a Canon EOS Rebel series camera. There about 200 dollars so that leaves you 100 to spend on a lens(Canon 50mm "Plastic Wonder!") Or to get film! This is what I did and i was very glad i did this.

Torus34 · Mar 2, 2006

Almost any good 35mm or 6x6cm with a 'normal' lens [about 50mm for 35, 75-80mm for 6x6] will do nicely for landscapes and portraits.

I do my own processing/printing [B&W] and use both film sizes. The 6x6cm lends itself to pictures which will be enlarged above 8" x 10" and in which I want no grain and loads of detail. For the rest, 35mm serves me well.

Don't forget that you'll want to add a tripod, a cable release, a lens shade, possibly an exposure meter, etc. These additions can be a significant expense.

There's also the age-old question: new or used? Some of the older rigs are great as starting points. Also, in general, you can expect a better and more trouble-free rig [dollar for dollar] if it has fewer whistles and bells.

binglemybongle · Mar 2, 2006

I got a Canon EOS Elan 7e from ebay with a 28-90mm zoom for £130 ($250???).

If ever using ebay for anything more than cheap things, make sure they are a reputable buyer.

I got mine from a camera specialist and its in perfect condition. Ran quite a few roles through it and all seems fine.

If yo are just starting out, a 28-90mm lens is perfect for landscape or portrait (in reasonable lighting) but di try and get a 50mmm as well.

Alpha · Mar 2, 2006

If you'd like to do landscape or portrait work, you're going to want to go medium format instead of 35mm to get the larger negative size. I just happened to walk into my local camera shop and saw a Pentax 645 outfit for $350. It isn't exactly a "beginner's" camera, but it's not difficult to figure out and is a great camera. I'd be more than happy to hook you up if you're interested.

MyCameraEye · Mar 2, 2006

If your into canon, go with a ELAN 7/E if your into Nikon go with a N80. Nikon lenses generally run more $ then most other lenses so it's up to you which investment route you want to take. I shoot Nikon Digital and Canon film though I've been thinking of chaning my film to a Nikon being all my lenses are nikon with the exception of 2 canon lenses. That's another thing, if you happen to have a lens or two or access to some, that should make up your mind for you as far as what manufacturer.

Cherrygal_2007 · Mar 2, 2006

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I will take a look at all the camera's you guys mentioned. One more thing, I would also like to take close up pictures, for example, like those pictures you will see of a close up flower with a bee on it. Is there a certain lense or camera I will need for those pictures as well as landscapes etc?
Thanks.

Torus34 · Mar 2, 2006

You can get into close-ups cheaply by using a "Proxar" or close-up lens in conjunction with whatever camera you get. These come in a set of +1, +2 and +3 strength. They attach to the front of your camera's lens. They are used on through-the-lens 35mm and 6x6cm reflex cameras and can also be used on 6x6cm twin lens reflex cameras. They do not work well with rangefinder cameras because you cannot focus correctly.

There are other ways of getting close up images [extension tubes and macro lenses], but these are more expensive.

Cherrygal_2007 · Mar 2, 2006

Thank you very much for your help.

nealjpage · Mar 3, 2006

Cherry, check out the Pentax K1000. It's what I got as my first camera and still use it as a daily shooter. Works great, and lenses are cheap for them. It's fully manual, which is nice to learn on. I think I paid about $150 used.

Alpha · Mar 3, 2006

Yeah i've got a similar one, the ME Super, and I love it. It's a complete workhorse.

OOID · Mar 3, 2006

Uselessdreamer1 said:
with film you can do anything. Hell with any camera you can shoot anything. I would reccomend a Canon EOS Rebel series camera. There about 200 dollars so that leaves you 100 to spend on a lens(Canon 50mm "Plastic Wonder!") Or to get film! This is what I did and i was very glad i did this.

dittto

Torus34 · Mar 4, 2006

Whatever camera you end up with, remember that it is a tool -- like a hammer or a typewriter. Learn it thoroughly so that it's use becomes second nature. Pick up the accessories you really need, but beware the endless [and expensive] cycle of 'up-grading.' When someone says you must rush out and buy a new 'Gee Whiz 900X', be afraid. Be very afraid. Remember that many, many awesome pictures were made years ago with equipment that would be considered primitive today.

Instead, fix your attention on just what it is that makes a good picture good. It comes down to lighting and composition. Hit the library and learn all you can about making good pictures. You would do well to start with an oldie [but goodie] -- Freeman Patterson's 'Photographing The World Around You.' For landscapes, don't overlook books on composition in painting.

And my very best wishes to you. The pursuit of good pictures can be a lifelong journey.