Getting an SLR: what do I need to know??

[lupin]

I'm looking to get an SLR, but not the newer automatic ones, since they tend to be more expensive.

What I mean by automatic is auto-focus, and preprogrammed presets, auto film advance, things like that.

I'm looking more to get the mostly manual stuff.. primarily b/c they're more affordable. I can get a used one in a good condition incl. lens for under $100 in local shops..

The problem is, they have so many varieties.. what should I look for?? I don't even know what brand I want.. I'm thinking to get a nikon.. just b/c I like the brand.. and nothing else.. Anyone can enlighten me??

 

[SuperTool]

I have a Russian Zenit SLR, all manual and there is nothing better then taking pictures where you control everything. Not digital even.
I wouldn't recommend it since it's pretty heavy, but it takes a beating and keeps on ticking. I've had it as long as I can remember.
Oh, try overstock.com they have deals on Cameras I believe.

 

[snakesnfrogs]

check my sig---lots of useful info on the site. Any of the big 3(Canon, Nikon, Minolta) are generally good---it mostly boils down to lens preference. Though Nikon has a slight edge with their lensmount---it hasn't been changed in ages, so if you get a few manual focus lenses now, you can still use them with some of the newer autofocus cameras and the meter will still work.

 

[Retro2001]

There are many things you need to know about SLRs If buying them used. First as far as brands go, Nikon, Minolta and Canon are all good choices because it is easy to find lenses and assories for them on the used market. When you pick up the camera, fire the shutter a few times and make sure the sound is smooth and that the timing changes when you change the shutter speed. Also, take off the lens and make sure that the foam above the mirror is intact, it tends to become brittle and sticky over time. As far as a lens goes, I would look for something like a 50mm f/1.7 (or 1.8) to start with. They are cheap and generaly very sharp, and they also let in a lot of light for taking pictures with out a flash under darker conditions. When looking at lenses, make sure that both the focusing ring and the aperature ring turn smoothly and do not catch anywhere they shouldn't, also look inside the lens to make sure there are no spots or films on the inside glass. Also, KEH.com is a great place to buy used camera equipment, their prices are fair and they stand behind their products very well. Good Luck.

Will

 

[Retro2001]

I would disagree slightly with snakesnfrogs on Nikon having an edge because of their lensmount. Because both Minolta and Canon changed their lens mounts when they moved to autofocus, their older lenses and cameras are much less expencive than their nikon counterparts. Also, when using older Nikon lenses on newer autofocus bodies you loose autofocus and many other features. Just my 2 cents.

Will

 

[Soybomb]

Go nikon, you've got a HUGE array of lenses to choose from then, and thats way more important than a high zoot body if you're wanting to learn.

 

[damocles]

Don't rule out Pentax either, they make superb SLRs and tend to be cheaper second hand. If you are really brave, get a K1000- a fully manual camera that was the choice for many photo journalists in the 1970s (it was still made until the 1990s i believe)

 

[yakko]

I thought this was going to be a Mercedes thread.

 

[Mday]

get a popular body if you go used. easier to find lenses for them, and other parts.

 

[Doggiedog]

Get a Contax or Yashica. You can't beat Carl Zeiss lenses.

 

[lupin]

cool..

thanks for the input.

snakesnfrogs: that does look like a good site. I'll check it out.