A few months ago, I asked if anyone knew anything about 35mm SLR film cameras because I was interested in starting ‘real’ photography but didn’t really know where to begin (that entry, like everything, has been lost in the ether). While still in basically that same position, I’ve had some time to do some research and ask some people that might know.
Yesterday, while wandering the mall aimlessly trying to decide if I wanted to see X-Men 2 or not (I didn’t), I went into the Ritz Camera store that is right next to Electronic’s Boutique. Inside there was a quirky but tremendously friendly salesman. He also appeared rather lonely, as he was the only one there and the store was getting absolutely no traffic. Thus was a perfect opportunity to hit him up for some information, and in return break the mind-numbing monotony that a long day working in the mall can bring.
After listening to what I was looking for, he recommended the Minolta Maxxum 4, which retails at $250 for the body and a zoom lens (whose specifications I cannot remember). The salesman seemed to be a fan of the camera and its features, and while normally I would dismiss what the salesman said about the product, this time I’m not for two reasons: 1. I didn’t ask to see that camera, I just asked for his opinion of what I should be looking for, and, 2. I mentioned having looked at Nikon and Canon 35mm SLRs, and the Minolta is significantly less expensive than both, so if he was going for commission he wouldn’t have steered me that way.
It seems to me that $250 is a modest investment for what could turn out to be a great camera, and it will give me a chance to see if I like film photography without having a the weight of a $700 Canon Rebel hanging around my neck (and checkbook) if I don’t. I’m still in love with my S230, there are times when a compact just doesn’t cut it. Hopefully I’ll be in many such situations in China, and I want to be prepared.
I was desperately wishing I had a camera with decent zoom yesterday at Colin’s graduation. The s230 really ~is~ a great easy, small, convienant digital camera with a ton more options than most in its class, but it just can’t complete with a real 35mm camera from the same price range. There are digital cameras that can, of course, but they’re nearly an order of magnitude more expensive. I’ve considered the same myself. Let us know how the shots turn out (of course the hassle of scanning the film or the shot is definitely annoying, but the pictures that come out might be worth it)
Left by Jordan on May 20th, 2003
10 months later…Pentax is also a good, reliable brand for 35mm SLR cameras. Even the older models…they may not all have auto function, but using it manually is a good way to start. Manipulating your shots can be fun. Look for privately owned camera shops, and usually they’ll have used products that are cheaper…it might be fun to experiment with.
Left by Moria on February 9th, 2004
My name is Jesse and I’m 12 years old and I live in St.Paul Minnesota. Ive
been taking pictures with my 35mm camera for the 2 years outdoors. I
thought it would be a good idea to do my science fair project on the uses
of lenses and filters. I was looking through the google on a guide for
photography and I went on your website I found some helpful imformation.
For my science fair project I need some recources and one was a interview.
I have to zoom lenses which are 35-75,100-300,telephoto 75-200 and a 50 mm
lense which was given to me by mom. I had some questions on lenses and
filters. How do you know if you are using the right aperature and shutter
speed so the pictures turn out right? In the lenses I have how can I show
demostrations of f-stops and shutter speeds as photos? Also what filters
should I have for outdoors to take photos of landscapes and close ups? I
also need a biography from the person I interviewed (following imformation)
job title, place of employement and state and city of employement. I would
also appreciate any advice on the use of lenses and filters.
Thank You So much Jesse Acosta
Left by Jesse Acosta on October 10th, 2004