The best film cameras?

What brands are the best for SLRcameras say under $400? I have been thinking about the Nikon N80. Anyone here used one before?

The only SLR film camera I've had was my old Pentax that I got at a pawn shop... hehe. It really depends on what you want to use it for... just to learn on, or what are you hoping to get out of it?

Yes, just to learn on. Mostly for outdoor shots, nature, scenic, etc. I know I can get a cheap camera, but I'd rather get a somewhat nice one to grow into.

my last 2 SLR's Ive owned have been minolta, and to tell you the truth I prolly wouldnt buy a minolta again. Theres not anything wrong with them, but I find the little things that dont really matter go wrong. My hood kept coming off my lens, and my lens cap broke less than 2 months after buying it. Im not saying this happens with all of them, its just whats happened with me.

Good luck :lol:

I have an N80. It is a great camera. Weather you’re just starting out in photography or have years of experience. I use it primarily as a second body to my F100. Many of the features are similar. You can’t go wrong with the N80. It will most certainly meet all of your current needs and grow with you.

Shawn

I have personally not owned a Nikon N80, but from what I hear N80 is a good camera.

The differences between competing SLR's in the same class are usually small. Whichever one you pick will probably do everything you need one to right now.

I'm a Canon guy, so I say Elan 7n. Nikon guys will say N80,etc, etc.

The best way to choose is to go to a camera shop and try them all out. See which one fits your hand best, which one has buttons in convenient places for you, etc.

Each brand has advantages over the others, and each has disadvantages. I've often heard it said that Minolta makes the best bodies (look at the Maxxum 7 - suhweet!), Nikon makes the best lenses, and Canon makes the best compromise of body/lens features.

I can tell you that unless you are want to buy 3rd party lenses, Nikon or Canon is the way to go. Minolta lenses are generally more expensive than the NIkon and Canon counterparts.

Whatever feels the most comfortable in your hands is what you should prolly go with. Just go with the "Try before you buy" adage

Good advice, Kara. :D

Good advice, Kara. :D

Why thanks me... I mean you :lol:

What brands are the best for SLRcameras say under $400? I have been thinking about the Nikon N80. Anyone here used one before?

Well this is a bit of an open question. I agree with the others that ask what you want to use it for. And with Kara who suggest that you go to a shop and have a play.

Having said that, if you really want to learn about photography rather than just take quick acceptable pics, then have a look at the second-hand market and see what manual cameras you can get.

Some good examples might be Canon A1/AE1, Nikon FM2/FE2, Olympus OM2, Minolta X700. But there are many others.

Hope that helps.

If you really want to go the film AF route, then the F80 or EOS 30 series are great, however. :)

The first camera I learnt to use was an old Minolta fully manual camera. The most fanciest option on the whole camera was the BULB setting :lol:
Remembering what it was like to learn how to use that camera gives me great satisfaction. Just learning how to focus the thing was fun.
Having said that, I feel like a lot of the cameras in the market these days often spoil us. If you have a passion for photography, I would recommend that you get a 2nd hand manual camera or an AF camera that has a fully manual operation mode. For some reason I feel like if you do, you too will feel this satisfaction, and how lucky we all are for the advances in technology these days

I agree. There's nothing like the feel of a Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, etc. The old solid metal block bodies really feel substantial compared to most of today's polycarbonate bodies.

Be careful, tho. Those old cameras are addictive! ;)