What is a nice used SLR 35mm camera?

[indesertum]

wow great deal

 

[michaeljkrell]

Just got the N90 today and I am really happy with it. A very solid camera. I sort of regret not paying a little extra and getting an AI version of my 80-200mm zoom though, but oh well...

 

[feynmix]

Taking a beginner's B&W photography class starting next week. The instructor initially recommended the Pentax K1000, but I can't find it on keh, and amazon has some but for ridiculous prices. He then recommended the Nikon FM2, and the 50mm Nikon lens.

Any opinion on one versus the other for a good beginner's camera? Also...anyone want to unload one of these for a good price? Thanks for any help.

 

[matadorpoeta]

Originally Posted by feynmix

Taking a beginner's B&W photography class starting next week. The instructor initially recommended the Pentax K1000, but I can't find it on keh, and amazon has some but for ridiculous prices. He then recommended the Nikon FM2, and the 50mm Nikon lens.

Any opinion on one versus the other for a good beginner's camera? Also...anyone want to unload one of these for a good price? Thanks for any help.

i think your instructor is a bit of a purist. there is no reason you can't start with an autofocus camera, and they are generally cheaper. start with any cheap camera and a 50mm lens with an aperture of 1.7 or 1.8. that's your basic starter kit and it can serve you for years to come without any need for more equipment depending on the type of photography you do.

one tip, a nikon f50 (n50 in the u.s.) will have a larger brighter viewfinder than any other inexpensive camera out there and you can buy one in good condition for around $60.

if you have to get manual focus i'd rather have a nikon fe2 for the electronic shutter which is faster and more accurate.