ATOT Photography buffs: Need help getting an old camera up to speed

[DingDingDao]

So we do some imaging at my work, but over the years we've upgraded cameras umpteen times. I found an old Nikon N2000 body in a box, and my boss told me I could have it. It's just the body.

1) Is this camera worth saving?
2) What lens should I get for it? I really don't want to spend a great deal of money fixing this camera up.
3) Any other things I should be aware of, considering the camera has probably been in a box for the last 15 years? Should I take it to a shop and have it "tuned" or something?

 

[nater]

Nikon makes good cameras, and I'm guessing the one you have is no exception. I would make sure you replace the battery and check the foam linings on the back panel that make the camera "light-tight," as these easily disintegrate over time.

 

[virtuamike]

This guy crashed his and it still works

N2000 is a MF body so look for old classic AIS lenses (20/2.8, 28/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 105/2.5, etc). If you're into film and don't mind MF then it's worth saving. Just make sure the shutter works, it's sealed up, and it meters - they last a lot longer than the cheap plastic stuff nowadays. I seriously doubt you'll be seeing D70s in 15 years.

 

[DingDingDao]

If I want to get a good lens for all-around shooting, what size should I get?

 

[virtuamike]

Can't go wrong with the 50 1.4 AIS. KEH has one in excellent condition for $139.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: virtuamike
I seriously doubt you'll be seeing D70s in 15 years.

Why would you want to? 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years. Film will always be used.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: virtuamike
Can't go wrong with the 50 1.4 AIS. KEH has one in excellent condition for $139.

Thanks for the heads-up :beer:

Any more advice, photo-gurus?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: pyonir

Originally posted by: virtuamike
I seriously doubt you'll be seeing D70s in 15 years.

Why would you want to? 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years. Film will always be used.

While film is still good, it's also good to go digital. I took 300 shots for a gift to someone I loved and I sure as hell would not have gone that far with a film camera. 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years, but it can print damn large.

I personally prefer the Rebel XT over the D70 though.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: pyonir

Originally posted by: virtuamike
I seriously doubt you'll be seeing D70s in 15 years.

Why would you want to? 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years. Film will always be used.

While film is still good, it's also good to go digital. I took 300 shots for a gift to someone I loved and I sure as hell would not have gone that far with a film camera. 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years, but it can print damn large.

I personally prefer the Rebel XT over the D70 though.

Wasn't thinking of it in terms of megapixels / being outdated. It's just a question of build quality - I seriously doubt any D70s will survive 15 years.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: virtuamike

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: pyonir

Originally posted by: virtuamike
I seriously doubt you'll be seeing D70s in 15 years.

Why would you want to? 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years. Film will always be used.

While film is still good, it's also good to go digital. I took 300 shots for a gift to someone I loved and I sure as hell would not have gone that far with a film camera. 6.1MP will be nothing in 15 years, but it can print damn large.

I personally prefer the Rebel XT over the D70 though.

Wasn't thinking of it in terms of megapixels / being outdated. It's just a question of build quality - I seriously doubt any D70s will survive 15 years.

I would agree with you on that. The 1 series from canon are built like tanks though. Mainly the 1D.

Edit: DLeRium, you're preaching to the choir man. I own a 20D.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao

Originally posted by: virtuamike
Can't go wrong with the 50 1.4 AIS. KEH has one in excellent condition for $139.

Thanks for the heads-up :beer:

Any more advice, photo-gurus?

I tried out an 85/2 today and for the price, it's a great lens. I actually like it better than the 85/1.8 AF. If you want a cheap portrait lens, try it out. You might also consider a 28/2 if you need something for wideangle.

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