Photographers - Can you help?

barbnbrian

I'm a Redhead, too!
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Apr 29, 2001
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DD has expressed an interest in taking a class in Art Photography in her Sophmore yr. of h.s. The course requires students to have their own camera - a standard 35mm SLR or larger format, with an adjustable light meter and an adjustable shutter and diaphragm. What exactly do I buy? Would Ebay be an option to look for this type of camera? Where can I get a used camera like this? I don't want to squash her creativity or tell her she can't take the class because she doesn't have what she needs, but I can't afford to buy an expensive camera. Can anyone help me figure out where to look for this type of camera without spending a fortune? Thanks.
 
Film - the course description indicates students must pay for their own paper and film as needed.
 
I taught HS black and white photography for a year. We had some students who had Rebel's like I did, and some had older models like the Pentax K1000.

I took my college black and white class using both the Canon Rebel 2000, and the Pentax K1000. The Rebel (being newer) had more bells and whistles, but both worked for what was asked of us.

I would try Ebay, as I think finding a decent film camera is getting harder and harder. I'm guess for the class, a standard 50mm lens would be all she would need as well!

I've thought about selling my film Rebel, but I can't do it yet.....even though I did sell off my darkroom :(

You should be able to get the body for under $50. The 50mm 1.8 lens runs $80 new, but you can often pick it up used for as low as $50. And if she eventually went digital, that lens can be used on a dSLR ;)
 

Thanks Amy. Probably a dumb question, but would the lens come with the camera or do I look for that separately?

Maybe Amazon would have the cameras?

What about paper and film?
 
Thanks Amy. Probably a dumb question, but would the lens come with the camera or do I look for that separately?

Maybe Amazon would have the cameras?

What about paper and film?

Some cameras will come with lenses. Some will be body only. In my opinion, the "kit" lenses are CRAP! I would buy the body only and get her the 50mm lens. If she had a project that needed a zoom lens, you could rent one, or I'm sure borrow one from a classmate.

When I taught it, we sold the film in the school store, and the kids bought the paper from us. It's EXTREMELY important the paper is kept out of the light! If they have to buy their own, Adorama or B&H both still sell them. Just make sure if she's buying her film she gets the right stuff. The class will have chemicals to process certain kinds of film.

For my class, we used Tmax. My students often ran out and bought film at Target and that wasn't "true" black and white film...it was actually color film. So our chemicals wouldn't process the film.
 
For paper and supplies try freestylephoto.biz I found it to be cheaper than any local places for film and paper plus it's hard to find local places that carry it. For my first couple classses I used Arista EDU film which is around $2 a roll on the above sight and also their paper which runs about $50 for 100 sheets. They do sell paper in smaller packs as well.
 
You can but the lens seperate.... a 50mm f1.8 is the standard class lens. However the camera may come with a lense and if so it might be suficent...

both cameras mentioned are great. i have owned them both
 
Check you PMs I found a camera for 35.00

This Minolta Maxxum 5000 is in real nice overall condition. The only cosmetic issue is that the grip is fading. Other than that it looks great! The shutter and meter are both accurate and the seals look to be in nice condition as well. My last 2 rolls of film came out fine. It comes with an extra battery grip, a Sigma 35-70mm zoom lens, and a very worn looking owners manual (flash in not included). I can sell the outfit for $35.00. Let me know if you have any questions.

Just to clarify this is not my camera...

I pmd the link but shared the camera description in case folks wnat to critique the camera....
 
Doesnt the school have a certain few cameras that can be used? I now in HS my magnet had some cameras taht culd be checked out.

Otehrwise I second B&H and also look for a local shop, we have Pitman Photo down here and they sell everything, maybe there's a photo store near you you can pop into to buy film and paper.
 
I learned (way back in the day!) on a Pentax K1000, good basic camera. My dad had Canon AE1 (which I recall was "the" camera for a while). Neither of those have anything manual, so no "cheating"- which is a good thing when you're learning. I can't imagine either would be a significant amount of money.

I'd check with a local camera store (not Best Buy/etc, a real camera store). Ours has used equipment or could at least point you to where you could buy something locally.
 
SplashMo - I sent you a message.

The school has 9 cameras the students can sign out, but you are not guaranteed you will get one to use.

I would like to get my DD her own used camera so that she has it to work with when she wants to. I emailed the teacher and got this response -

"The make and model is not important
as long as it is a SLR with an adjustable light meter, an adjustable
shutter and F/Stop. No fully automatic cameras can be use for the
course. The student must be able to control the camera. "

So, Ebay has a few of the Canon Rebel 2000's relatively cheap. Opinions please?
 
Is your daughter working? If she wants to take this expensive class where she needs a camera plus film and paper and who know what expense will crop up with a course like this, I would suggest that she get a job or even offer to match her 50-50 on the price of the camera. Or you could buy the camera now and take what she gives you and keep that back when an unexpected class expense crops up because you know they always do.

Photography is a luxury and not a requirement in high school, so if she wants to do this badly enough-she needs to put something toward it and will if she does want it that badly. I wish you all the best at finding an affordable camera out there.
 
I highly suggest the Pentax K1000, too.

It's pretty much as bare bones as you can get. I've gotten rid of all of my other film camera's but can't part with that one.

I checked ebay and they had several for pretty cheep - in my photo courses I only ever used a 50mm lens.

I'd think the instructor would have details on where to purchase the film and paper.

I hope your daughter loves it! I was about that age when I got my first "grown-up" camera and since my Mom was a photographer I was lucky enough to have a darkroom in the basement. Fun times!!
 
I have bought used equipment off B and H Photo and have been very pleased.
 
DD is 14 and a h.s. freshman, so no job yet. I've looked at ebay and the Canon Rebels can be picked up pretty inexpensively. Not going to spend a lot since she is just starting out and may not take this very far, but who knows, I could have a budding Disney photographer in the house!
 
DD is 14 and a h.s. freshman, so no job yet. I've looked at ebay and the Canon Rebels can be picked up pretty inexpensively. Not going to spend a lot since she is just starting out and may not take this very far, but who knows, I could have a budding Disney photographer in the house!

My DH is a professional photographer and we would not buy a camera off of craiglist or ebay. There is no guarantee that it will actually work. It may take pictures but it could be off and your pictures could wind up messed up. Most towns have camera shops that sell used camera equipment. They usually test the equipment before they purchase it on a trade in so you are safer buying used. If you don't have a local camera store I second B&H. They are very reputable. We have bought used equipment from them and have been completely satisfied. :)
 
B and H is very good.

The Canon Rebel will be fine as will the pentax. I like the few extra features on the rebel but that does not matter so much...

You may just find one that is already paired with a 50mm lens. However if you do not the lens will still work and/or you can add the 50mm...
 
Going into it thinking that you'll be able to use the outdated equipment you buy later on may not be realistic. Not all lenses work on today's digital SLRs, and if they do, they often won't auto focus and they require an adaptor, etc. You'd need to be clear on that ahead of time so you're not disappointed later. However if you go into it with the idea that this would simply be "supply costs" for this particular class, that would probably be better. Because chances of her using whatever you buy after the class are pretty slim, as film and developing are expensive - and unnecessary, really, when digital, once you invest in equipment, is free.

Personally, I'd rather invest in an entry level dSLR (even if I had to save for a while) and get her out shooting if she shows an interest. You could also enroll her in a community based digital photography class if you want - it doesn't have to be in high school. If she decides down the road she doesn't like either the hobby or the camera, at least the newer camera will still retain much of it's value and you could sell it.

My DS 13 has his own dSLR (my old one) and uses it pretty well. He's never had a formal class (yet) but I've taught him basic principles of exposure and he makes technical use look easy (darn kids, lol). My point being that there is more than one way for a teen to learn photography. You should consider all your options. Investing in a dSLR now may make more sense, but it's up to you to decide what works best for you. I just wanted to give you another perspective.

BTW I've bought most of my lenses on Craigslist with no problems whatsoever, and today's kit lenses are actually good to excellent.
 















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