Beginner needing help with camera selection!

[the_falling]

Hi everyone!

Well this is my 1st post here...I've recently been introduced to the art of photography by some friends of mine, and as a result I am now very keen to learn more and try my own hand.

I have decided that I would like to save up and eventually by myself a new digital camera, but in the meantime I would like to learn the basics on an old classic 35mm SLR camera. I have started researching into which ones are the 'best', but have found there are so many out there! However I have noticed the Pentax K1000 and KX being mentioned a lot as a great camera...any thoughts?

I was hoping you guys might be able to suggest to me which older SLR camera's you believe are good options (without price being an issue).

Thank you very much for any help, it's greatly appreciated! I look forward to reading people's opinions.

[Lionheart]

Hi everyone!

Well this is my 1st post here...I've recently been introduced to the art of photography by some friends of mine, and as a result I am now very keen to learn more and try my own hand.

I have decided that I would like to save up and eventually by myself a new digital camera, but in the meantime I would like to learn the basics on an old classic 35mm SLR camera. I have started researching into which ones are the 'best', but have found there are so many out there! However I have noticed the Pentax K1000 and KX being mentioned a lot as a great camera...any thoughts?

I was hoping you guys might be able to suggest to me which older SLR camera's you believe are good options (without price being an issue).

Thank you very much for any help, it's greatly appreciated! I look forward to reading people's opinions.

My honest opinion is that you will learn faster on a digital SLR set in Manual mode because of the immediate feedback you get from digital technology. It's significantly more expensive initially, but how much do you plan on spending on film and developing before you decide you've "learned" enough to buy a digital system? Also the choice of film SLR needs to be weighed carefully if you plan on using the lenses on future DSLR systems. Looking back over the years, I probably spent more in film and developing the first year alone than I spent on my initial camera and lenses. If you do shoot film, shoot slide film. You won't learn much from print unless you're developing and printing them yourself due to it's wider exposure latitude. If I were you, I wouldn't even consider a film system if you eventually plan on going digital. I'd look for a reasonably priced used DSLR (there should be lots on the market by now the way the newer models keep popping up) and go with it.
Just my two centavos, I'm sure many others here will say otherwise.

[Mig]

I think the K1000 is a good choice - you can generally find one on ebay w/ lens for around $150. The feedback from digital is a great learning tool, but I think it's too much money to drop if you're not sure if photography is really for you. Also, if it's going to take you a while to save the money, you might as well have something to use in the meantime.

Good luck!

Danielle

[the_falling]

I think the K1000 is a good choice - you can generally find one on ebay w/ lens for around $150. The feedback from digital is a great learning tool, but I think it's too much money to drop if you're not sure if photography is really for you. Also, if it's going to take you a while to save the money, you might as well have something to use in the meantime.

Good luck!

Danielle

Hi Danielle,

Thanks for understanding where I'm coming from as far as not wanting to over-committ to expensive equipment just yet, but still wanting to learn and practice on something cheaper in the meantime. Should I decide to pursue this further, I will definitely save for a digital as quickly as I can!

[Outdoorsman]

I personally started with a K1000. Great camera! I'd still be using it if it hadn't been killed in a car wreck.
Film is the way to start, since, as others said, it's a cheap way to get into photography, and you will find out if you like it soon enough to decide on investing in a DSLR. I still shoot film, for quality reasons. I'm not in the press business, so instant pictures are not a priority. And for a beginner, don't use slide film. You will hate it unless you get lucky and make a good exposure (then you'll love it!). Use print film, because the odds of getting a good exposure a better. Focus on composition and learning the camera controls, because "correct exposure" changes from person to person. The K1000 with a 50mm lens will get you going just fine. Pawn shops, EBay, used departments in stores, etc. All places to look.
Good luck!

[another view]

Digital is great for learning new techniques because you know if it's working. But - I wouldn't drop that much money until you're sure you want to stay with it. One media isn't necessarily better than the other...

Most of the classic 35mm systems are basically "dead end". You're not going to add a DSLR or an autofocus camera to your bag without having to start over. Nikon does have some compatibility from old to new, but you pretty much have to get into pro cameras to see enough functionality that it makes any sense. The good side of this is that a K1000 or similar, and additional lenses, can be had for pretty good prices. Other good ones are a Nikon FE or FM, any Olympus OM series - the list goes on.

K1000 is a classic, I started on one too. I don't remember a KX though - maybe an MX?

[Clemmie]

a-v is quite right about 'classic' (meaning 'manual focus') systems being a 'dead end', as far as being able to advance into Digital with the same lenses.

A bit newer Autofocus system, though - such as Canon EOS, or Minolta Maxxum - will allow progressing to a DSLR later on with the same lenses. Most of the Film models in these lines will also allow you to do 'Full Manual' when you need to - and basic models are often priced right in line with the 'classic' systems.

[Stanley]

I would agree with An-v and Clemmie. Why not a EOS film camera with manual controls, (there are many and they are cheap) Then when you want to step up, a D30.60 10 or 20 can be added without changing lens systems and used with the film version if desired.
Fred.

[carney2]

So far, all good - if not, at times - conflicting advice. A few additional points:

1. Speaking of "dead end," Nikon and Canon are THE big kids in the world of 35mm photography. If you want to increase the chances that your film equipment purchase is a dead end, then don't purchase either of these brands. Translation: Consider these brands very seriously before plunking down your hard earned cash.

2. As has been stated in this forum many times, the camera body is merely a "light box." Spend more time and money on your lens decision and you will probably be more satisfied in the end.

3. There are a lot of reasonably priced, lower megapixel digital cameras out there that might very well suit your current needs. At this point I wouldn't concern myself too much with expensive DSLR's and their interchangeable lenses. A fixed zoom may be just the ticket for you.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.