new film camera or light meter?

[princess.chell]

For school next year I need to have a 35mm film camera that has a light meter. I got my grandfather's old Canon EOS 3 film camera last year and I love it. I was planning on using it next year so I wouldn't have to buy a new camera. But, I found out the camera needs a light meter, or I have to go buy an external one. When I look on Calumet online, the light meters I am seeing are close to the price of the Nikon film camera (its the same model I used in high school before).
So I'm stuck on what to do: buy a film camera or a light meter?
I am a Canon girl but I could barrow lenses from my school next year...

 

[ukcatfan]

I would check out the used stuff on KEH, B&H, Adorama, Ebay, and Craig's List. I would be very surprised if you didn't find a good deal. There is not much demand for film anymore.

 

[Mosca]

ukcatfan has it right; a used film Canon/Nikon etc from a reputable source will be about $100, less than a light meter. The Canon AE-1 is usually a good choice. And remember, whatever you buy, when your class is over you can put the camera on ebay and recoup most of its cost.

 

[photo_chick]

It depends on the light meter. You can pick up a used analog lightmeter pretty cheap. Then again, you can get a used Rebel body cheap as well.

If you go with a camera, I'd stick with the EOS mount, like what you have. You can share lenses with a Canon DSLR that way. The AE-1 someone mentioned uses FD lenses. While it's an awesome camera (I've got one in my bag I still use) any lenses you buy will only be for that camera at this point.

It really comes down to how you want to approach this and what you plan to do in the future I think.

 

[MICKEY88]

For school next year I need to have a 35mm film camera that has a light meter. I got my grandfather's old Canon EOS 3 film camera last year and I love it. I was planning on using it next year so I wouldn't have to buy a new camera. ...

point of clarification, are you saying the school requires a camera with light meter, or that the light meter in the camera that you have, is broken..

 

[MarkBarbieri]

The EOS 3 (and all EOS cameras that I've ever seen) has a light meter built in. Some EOS cameras do not have a spot metering mode, but I think the EOS 3 does. The light meters built into cameras are all reflective light meters rather than incident light meters.

Metering hasn't changed all that much since film days. I suppose that some of the evaluative metering modes may have improved, but the basics are still the same.

 

[Mosca]

The AE-1 someone mentioned uses FD lenses. While it's an awesome camera (I've got one in my bag I still use) any lenses you buy will only be for that camera at this point.

Off topic: I was at the T&T Center monorail platform on Wednesday. There was an older couple there, in their 70s, him with an AE-1P and what looked like a 35-70 zoom. I watched him work that old rig like it was an extension of his hand; he pointed, focused, and shot with no wasted motion, then advanced the film as he lowered the camera. It was beautiful. He probably got about a half a dozen shots in a couple minutes.

 

[photo_chick]

Off topic: I was at the T&T Center monorail platform on Wednesday. There was an older couple there, in their 70s, him with an AE-1P and what looked like a 35-70 zoom. I watched him work that old rig like it was an extension of his hand; he pointed, focused, and shot with no wasted motion, then advanced the film as he lowered the camera. It was beautiful. He probably got about a half a dozen shots in a couple minutes.

For some people simplicity is simply more efficient. I often wonder if all the technology really makes me a better photographer? Or just a lazy one?

Back to the original post... I took it as the light meter was non-functioning. Is that not the case?

 

[MICKEY88]

The EOS 3 (and all EOS cameras that I've ever seen) has a light meter built in. Some EOS cameras do not have a spot metering mode, but I think the EOS 3 does. The light meters built into cameras are all reflective light meters rather than incident light meters.

Metering hasn't changed all that much since film days. I suppose that some of the evaluative metering modes may have improved, but the basics are still the same.

that's what I was thinking, that's why I'm confused as to why the OP needs a new camera or a light meter

 

[princess.chell]

I thought the light meter was broken in the camera, as I usually shoot film in aperture priority, but it turns out I was just using the wrong setting. I took it in to the Calumet Photo by me and the guy working there helped me out.
So I don't have to buy a new camera, or a light meter. Which frees up my money to buy two new lenses instead of one.
Thanks for the help and sorry about the confusion...

 

[photo_chick]

We've all got our D'OH! stories. Trust me. Once I couldn't figure out why my week old camera was beeping and waiting before it would take a picture. It was broken, I just knew it. My husband looked at me and said "Babe, did you leave the self timer on?"

Glad you got it all worked out.