Is the Vivitar V3800N any good?

[WinterNight]

Well, after buying a used camera that turned out to have many problems that I could not fix:mad2: , I decided to buy a new one. I saw the Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Manual Focus Camera and was wondering what some of you might think about it. Is it any good? I am also open to any suggestions and I have a budget of $200.00 US. I am just looking for a beginner SLR camera to use for my photography class.

[WinterNight]

One more thing, I'm looking for a camera with a metal body.

[Photo-John]

Vivitar used to make good stuff. I'm not so sure they do anymore. They certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a manual 35mm SLR. I recommend checking the PhotographyREVIEW.com classifieds, eBay, and dealers with used equipment for a good used 35mm SLR. I have owned Canon A1s, Canon EOS 35mm bodies, and Pentax 35mm SLRs. You should be able to find really good deals on the Canon AE1 and the Pentax ME Super 35mm SLRs. Those are very good cameras.

Why do you think you need a metal body? I abuse cameras way more than most people and I haven't owned a metal body camera for years. The plastics used now are actually stronger than metal in most cases.

[WinterNight]

The camera that I already have is an AE1, but it has a bunch of problems:mad2: . I am hesitant on buying from ebay and on classifieds because I'm not sure if I would be able to return the camera if it had any problems. I will be visiting a camera shop and search for another AE1 and the other camera that you recommended me.

As for buying metal, metal just seems more durable.

[Photo-John]

The camera that I already have is an AE1, but it has a bunch of problems:mad2: . I am hesitant on buying from ebay and on classifieds because I'm not sure if I would be able to return the camera if it had any problems. I will be visiting a camera shop and search for another AE1 and the other camera that you recommended me.

As for buying metal, metal just seems more durable.

What are the problems with your AE1? The shutters on those cameras eventually need service. But it may be worth getting fixed. On the other hand, you can probably buy another one for about $100, now.

Trust the new plastic. Unless you're in the habit of bashing your cameras on rocks, it will be fine. I dropped a Canon EOS 10D on the pavement and it was fine. I was amazed that the electronics inside survived. But the plastic body was just fine aside from some scratches. And metal gets dented. The best cameras now have plastic bodies with metal skeletons or inner chassis.

[jgredline]

I just bought a like new AE-1 and I must say, It is really nice...
It have since added a 28mm F/2.0 and a 50F/2.8..a little bigger than the ME Super..You can't go wrong with either one.

[Photo-John]

I was thinking about this some more. If you look at it as an investment, fixing the AE1 is definitely the better decision. The AE1 is an acknowledged great camera. It's old and needs some maintenance. That's to be expected. My guess is it won't cost you more than $100 to get it fixed. That's a way better way to spend your money than coughing up $200 for an unknown and unlikely camera like the Vivitar.

Get the Canon fixed!

[freygr]

I have to agree with Photo-John. One you have a good camera which needs maintenance, take the time to find a good camera repair place and get an guestamate on the repair. If the repair cost is more than the cost of a new camera. I would look at the cameras that the repair shop is selling as they may have some very good deals. and you may be able to purchase a group of lenses (wide, standard, and telephoto) as part of a package deal and in most cases you may be able to get a warranty with the camera for 90 days.

[Grandpaw]

I sent my Nikon F to these folks and was happy with the service. You also get a warranty, Jeff

http://www.peachtreecamerarepair.com/

[WinterNight]

Thanks everybody for your input. Now I will definitely not be getting the vivitar. I changed my mind and will check out ebay. I found a really good seller that offers a warranty on his AE-1s and if it will cost $100 to get my AE-1 fixed, I might as well just buy one that is already in working condition and with a warranty from the seller that I found.