Best Film Camera

[Soul Rebel]

If I had a $200-$300 budget and I wanted to get a good film SLR.....what are a few choices that you all would recommend?

 

[markc]

With that budget, I'd get something like a Pentax K1000 or one of the many M42 mount cameras and a few lenses.

 

[markc]

BTW, I'd do a search of the forum here. This question comes up a lot.

 

[Big Mike]

The way I see it...there are two (or three) ways to go here.

One way, as Mark pointed out, is to get a good quality manual focus SLR. It will have to be used, but a lot of those old cameras were made really well and will still work well. A benefit is that they they are cheap and they are simple. They won't have all the bells & whistles that new cameras have. Example, Canon AE-1.

Another way would be to get a new Auto focus camera. You can get one with all sorts of modern features and stuff like that. A new camera will be sure to work properly or at least be covered by a warranty. Also, the lenses will be compatible with current Digital SLR cameras if you head down that road. Example, Canon EOS Rebel series.

Another option would be to buy a used autofocus camera. Maybe something a little older but not more than 10 or 15 years old. You could get a better class of body than if you bought new. Example, Canon EOS Elan series or EOS 3.

 

[PlasticSpanner]

Search ebay.

You'll need to be prepared to ask the right questions and send it back if it isn't right but if you persevere you will get a really good deal.

I just bought an EOS 630 with 35-80mm lens for $60. Not top of the range but still a tough camera with a few useful features.

 

[Soul Rebel]

My dad gave me his Canon T50. I havent had a chance to do any research yet so I dont know where it stands in terms of quality. The first few photos I took were horrible and I immediately went back to the autofocus that my mother got me for christmas a few years back. They looked good on the surface but after further inspection the quality just wasnt there.

I just got back from taking some photos and this will be the test. If they turn out and I am happy with the quality I think I am going to stick with this and save up for a decent digital SLR in the future. Lets just hope they turned out

 

[Unimaxium]

If you want something modern and gadgety, I would say go for a Canon Elan 7N.