Best (cheapest) FILM camera for learning the basics

[Andy Stringer]

I don't know enough about the second-hand market for film cameras, but I respectfully disagree that it's better to use a film camera to teach photography unless your student has specifically requested this. I think digital is a much better format for learning photography for several reasons:

• You can review each shot with your student immediately and offer advice on exposure and composition
• The EXIF data is recorded for each shot, so you don't have to write down the details
• You can change ISO settings between shots instead of having to change the film - this would be a good way to teach exposure
• Digital doesn't cost £4 per roll, plus developing costs. You need to give your student the freedom to take bad shots without worrying about the cost, because each bad shot is a learning opportunity. Also, high speed bursts during action or wildlife photography will become very expensive on film.
• It's time consuming to back up your negatives (i.e. scanning)
• Cheap film cameras might not offer the same range of focus points, focus tracking, exposure modes and other features that a cheap dSLR would provide.

[w349]

I don't know enough about the second-hand market for film cameras, but I respectfully disagree that it's better to use a film camera to teach photography unless your student has specifically requested this. I think digital is a much better format for learning photography for several reasons:

• You can review each shot with your student immediately and offer advice on exposure and composition
• The EXIF data is recorded for each shot, so you don't have to write down the details
• You can change ISO settings between shots instead of having to change the film - this would be a good way to teach exposure
• Digital doesn't cost £4 per roll, plus developing costs. You need to give your student the freedom to take bad shots without worrying about the cost, because each bad shot is a learning opportunity. Also, high speed bursts during action or wildlife photography will become very expensive on film.
• It's time consuming to back up your negatives (i.e. scanning)
• Cheap film cameras might not offer the same range of focus points, focus tracking, exposure modes and other features that a cheap dSLR would provide.

Thanks for the input Andy, I agree that all of those are definite plus points of digital photography and a few of the many reasons I would never dream of going back to shooting film. Of course if budget were no issue, digital would be the way to go - but like I said, I have a pool of FD glass to use and this would be a relatively inexpensive way to get started. If the student in question (a family member) wants to provide their own digital camera, that would be fine by me - this is just an initial stepping stone that doesn't require much financial investment by me or her.

[clemmb]

• Cheap film cameras might not offer the same range of focus points, focus tracking, exposure modes and other features that a cheap dSLR would provide.

These are not the basics. Composition, exposure, depth of field are basics. When I moved to digital I found exposure to be the most difficult. I found that film, with its better exposure latitude, looked good with a little over exposure. Also discovered I was not as good as I thought at nailing the exposure. To teach someone the basics with DSLR, make them operate it in manual with a hand held exposure meter. Maybe even make them focus manually. Most of the inexpensive DSLRs I have seen are not ergonomically set up to operate manually which can be frustrating. The Canon XXD models are pretty easy to use manually. You can pick up a canon 10D at KEH for $225. Get an FD to EOS adapter and your set.
The EXIF data really is very helpful. When I was learning on a Minolta SRT201, fully manual film camera, I had to carry a pad with me to write down my settings so when I looked at my shots I could better see what I did right and wrong.

[HDNitehawk]

I won't repeat Andy's points as they were my thoughts when I read this as well.

If you want a cheap option go for this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...dapter_FD.html

On the local craigslist a few weeks back someone was selling one of canon's first DSLR's and the price was under $100 us.
No matter how cheap you pick up a film camera, in the long run it most likely will not be the cheaper option.