Help with SLR cameras please!

[Fuzzanova]

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone can offer me some advice on an SLR camera, not a digi. I am of the old school film people I guess, if there is such a thing. I'd really appreciate info whats a good camera to get, and whats a good/decent price to pay for what I'd get. And whether or not its worth it to try out a second hand place for lenses or whatever.

I would like something with autofocus but still be able to fiddle with the nobs myself when I become a bit more proficient and learn how to do things. :)

Thanks in advance
Fuzzanova

[crazie]

Hi ..

Nikon is always a good start; the very first SLR I bought was a Nikon F-70, then a F-90x ...... and I've been using a D-100 for 3 years now. The good thing is; I can use all the lenses that I've bought over the years with my D-100...

Have a look at the Nikon F-60 ... I think it's got full auto anf manual as well. As far as Autofocus lenses is concern ... Nikon, Sigma, Tamron provide plenty of models for your likings....

Good shooting !!

[Fuzzanova]

Hey,

Funny you should say the F-60. I walked past a camera shop in town and saw one, second hand I think for $300. Is that a good price? Just the body no lenses. I have been told from someone about sigma lenses and might even try to pick up one second hand anyways :)

Thanks for your reply!

Fuzzanova. :dD

[crazie]

Hi..

you must be a physic ...ha..ha..
Sigma makes pretty good lenses... I would probaly get a new lense if I were you ... have a look at new ones first B4 making any decision .. as old lense can have plenty problems ..... dirty / dusty lens & focusing problems etc..Take your time. .

Key thing is to select the right lense for your applications .... As differnet focal lengths and apertures cater for different occassions.

[Fuzzanova]

Any advice on a F55? :PI

Thanks!

[custos]

I found this review of the F60 on the web:

This camera is called the N60 in the USA and the F60 everywhere else. It was introduced in 1998 and discontinued in May 2001.

Don't buy this primitive and discontinued poor copy of the excellent Canon Rebel 2000.

The new Nikon N55 (F55) and existing Canon Rebel 2000 are far superior cameras, at the same or lower price.

For instance, the obsolete Nikon N60 has only one focus sensor, has no compatibility with AF-S lenses, no depth-of-field preview and a slow motor drive. The new N65 has five useful AF sensors, works with AF-S lenses, has a 2.5 FPS motor drive and has a useful DOF preview button.

The old N60 has a heavy metal chassis and the new N65 is just plastic, however they both feel like throw-away cameras. The old N60 also has a 1/125 flash sync and the new N65 only 1/90, neither is very good.

Beware of dealers who are stuck with these obsolete but still new cameras in stock. Run out the door screaming if a dealer tries to unload one of his problems (unsold obsolete N60 cameras) on you.I agree with crazie though, Nikon is great because of backwards compatibility in their lenses. I have a F-601 SLR, a great camera. You should be able to pick up some pretty good deals through ebay for people unloading film cameras and changing over to digital. I'm thinking of doing the same myself.

[crazie]

Hi..

As long as the camera can be set to full manual as well as full auto; it should be alright.. I bought a few things from this shop in Melbourne .. guys there are pretty cluey with the Nikon stuffs ... have a look
http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/index.php?id=220.253.16.681106179231&brand=&user=&Item1=CAMERAS&Item2=SLR-BODY

P.S. Don't get sucked-in into buying a second hand camera without testing ..

Good Hunting. :)

[Fuzzanova]

Hey guys, thanks for your replies.

I'm actually travelling very soon and have the option of buying a camera duty free. So need advice as to which one to buy.

There's a Nikon F65, for $400, but I think it comes with a wide angle Tamaron? lens. I'm going to go back to the shop and find out model numbers so I can research. Obviously wide angle isn't great for everything is it?

There's also a Nikon F55, with a twin lens kit, for $499. Now, I've read on the net that this camera is not actually compatible with the AF-S lenses. What impact does this have on someone like me, who isn't going to be a pro photographer and probably wont meddle with all of the buttons n stuff too much.

Also, does anyone know the difference between the focusing or metering of these cameras?

I've still got a bit of time till I'm going to buy it so can do more research. I understand some things but not others so its kinda confusing for me :cool:

[crazie]

Hi,
AF-S lenses are execellent lenses; very quiet and faster than the normal AF lenses during auto-focusing. Most AF-S type lenses are over $1000's ... so it might not be your cup of tea..:) ..... But just in-case the camera-bug might give you a bigger bite in the near future; it will be advisable to get a SLR body that will do AF-S as well ...it's all up to U ;)

If you are travelling quite a long distance .... or for a prolong periode of time .... Get a lense that is most versatile for your need; focal length of 28mm-120mm willl give you landscape, portriat and Telephoto....Since 1 lense for all, less to carry!

Be sure not to skim on a good camera bag ... good padding and moisture proof and be sure to get a UV lens to protect the camera lense. A big "UN" (blower with brush) is always handy in getting rid of dust and dirt.

I'm sure you will have fun .....:)

[patch17]

may want to consider the Nikon F-601, or F-801. these guys are built like tanks and have reasonable AF speeds and auto/manual features. if you're willing to spend a bit more, the F90x is an excellent choice.

look to spend around $150-200+ for a 601, $250+ for the 801 and maybe $400-500 for the F90x.

[nsu]

Although you are only thinking film camera. Don't discount the possibility that you might consider a digital SLR down the track. There is no need to buy a expensive body. For a SLR, good lenses produce good photos, not good bodies (well most of the time). So the extra money should be spent on good lens(es). Once you invest in the lenses, it will be extreme hard to change platform. Meaning if you start out with Nikon stuff, you will pretty much stuck with Nikon stuff. You will have no choice but to defend how good Nikon is, even if Nikon is a tad behind in new technologies.

I have been lucky starting out with a Canon film body. Now I have plenty good choices of Canon Digital bodies. (no, actually not plenty, only one choice, the 1Ds II :D ) If you consider the usual buying pattern of film->digi, and if you based on the current market trend, you should consider Canon rather than Nikon. Don't worry, I have been a fan for the old Nikon F3 for a long time. Canon has the leading edge over electronic designs, and I believe this is not going to change anytime soon. The main reason I suggest so is Canon not only makes Cameras, but also other electronic devices. One example is the photocopier market. Comparing with other main players such as
Xerox, Canon has clearly marked the big lead since the mechanical system becomes insignificant comparing with electronic system/computer interfaces.

[-lulu-]

I am from that old school as well - i have to use digital for work but i still love my film cameras, its just so much more tactile - i really miss spending my work time in a darkroom, it was what pulled me into photography in the first place. I agree with the F-60. I always tell people to start with a good Nikon. They are great cameras. a 28-120mm lens is ideal - its is the one that i use the most and if you can afford to get a good lens do cause you will be able to use it with other Nikon SLR bodies down the track including digitals if you decide to go that way.

[billsstills]

You seem to be in favour of it. It is adequate but Lulu's advice is good along with everyone but nsu'... that advice is irresponsible.

Bill.