SLR Camera advice

Naffa · 1 Oct 2006 at 02:27

Hello,

I've just started AS-Level photography and am loving it. At the moment there is no doubt in my mind that I'll be carrying it onto A2 so I thought it maybe worth investing in some gear.

I wanted to buy an SLR camera, which I recently learned stands for single lense reflex ( :cool:

). I've no idea how much to spend but have just got a job so I'm open to suggestions. It needs to take 35mm film, and am I right in assuming film ISO won't need to be considered when choosing the camera?

Lenses I have no idea about but, depending on how much they are, would like more than one.

I know theres some top class photographers on here and I'd really appriciate some advice.

Cheers.

EDIT: I've been told by one of my tutors to definately consider second hand stuff, so I'm also open to that as well.

rpstewart · 1 Oct 2006 at 07:12

Don't, whatever you do, look at buying a 35mm film SLR brand new these days, there are plenty of cracking second hand options out there - what used to be £300+ bodies are going for £50 or so if you look carefully. Lenses tend to keep their value better so there aren't as many bargains to be had - look at simple lenses like the appropriate 50mm f/1.8, these tend to be very cheap and usually offer very good quality in comparision to some of the lower end zoom lenses.

You're partially right with the ISO, you can't alter it for each shot with wet film because it's the film which sets the sensitivity part of the exposure triangle. The ASA rating of the film is equivalent to the ISO setting on digital cameras.

Lostkat · 1 Oct 2006 at 09:33

Personally, I think if you're learning how to use a 35mm SLR, you should get a camera with as many manual features as possible. Also, being a student I assume your finances will be severely limited, and you won't be able to afford loads of new lenses.

For this reason, I suggest that you go for one of the old Canon FD SLR's, such as an AT-1. The bodies are still widely available and pretty cheap. You will also find a huge amount of second-hand FD lenses at bargain prices. For example, I got my Canon 70-210mm for £30, and it's fantastic!

This specific camera is a 1970's model, and had no auto-focus. However, it does have a self-timer and is a cracking camera. Mine still takes superb shots

P.S. ISO is set manually on old SLR's, and automatically on the newer ones which can detect the ISO from the film.

Naffa · 1 Oct 2006 at 11:08

Ah right I get it. So with older cameras you need to tell it what ISO film you're using? Whereas with newer ones it detects it automatically?

As for funds, I've just got a job and was considering spending ~£200 on something that comes with a lense and maybe buy another at a later date? Obviously that means no Minoltas then (?). But if I can get a decent camera for £30 then I'm liking the sound of that.

Cheers for your help guys.

rpstewart · 1 Oct 2006 at 11:40

naffa said:
So with older cameras you need to tell it what ISO film you're using? Whereas with newer ones it detects it automatically?

Yeah, pretty much but the ASA rating can only be determined if the film supports it - the rating is encoded onto the outside of the canister as a series of metal strips which connect with contacts inside the camera body, the pattern on the canister is different for each speed. Really quite a cunning solution.