Cameras

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I'm planing to buy my girlfriend an analogue camera for Christmas, but not sure where to start. Typically, I couldn't keep my gob shut, so the gift won't be a surprise, and after chatting with her, what's wanted is a camera for life - best quality photos (budget is not too much of an issue), reliable, possibly semi-pro, although it has to be reasonably simple to operate and not involve too many extra attachments and functions etc. Can anyone suggest a model I might go with, or indeed any outlets, online or elsewhere, where I can begin my search? Any help would be really appreciated.

― jamie doe, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Nikon or Leica, would be my choices. Leicas are definitely for ever but not cheap. Nikons are excellent.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:46 (twenty-one years ago)

I leica M7 is about the ultimate in compact high quality cameras.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:48 (twenty-one years ago)

In the realm of point-and-shoots: http://www.kyoceraimaging.com/product.asp?itemnum=800848

Excellent lens, small size, nicely splits the difference between choice and automation. Used by photographers like Terry Richardson and Ryan McGinley - but don't hold that against the camera.

If she wants something more, uh, semi-pro - interchangeable lenses, flashes, etc. - all of the major brands offer a couple of choices for a good price, with a range of automatic functions and full manual control if you want it. I like Canon's Elan 7E - comfortable fit in my hand, quiet, sub-$500 with lens, I think.

Retailer-wise - UK? (assuming by the 'gob' reference)

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Unless she's looking to move into photography as a serious hobby or career, I'd steer clear of Leicas. Lovely cameras and all that, but for a new M7 body and a single lens you're looking at $2500-3000USD, minimum.

And they're kind of a pain in the ass to use (but worth it).

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:53 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm living in a dream world here.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I'll second the T-4, unless she really wants an SLR.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 19:56 (twenty-one years ago)

A camera is only as good as the person holding it.
I use a SLR made by Cannon thats 25+ years old and its still a better camera then I am operator. I need to replace the original carrying case now days but otherwise the only thing its required is the UV filter changed and a new battery every once in a blue moon.

― Mr Noodles (Mr Noodles), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 20:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Why not get an SLR? There are plenty of decently priced beginner models by reputable companies like Canon, Nikon, Minolta, etc. Just start her out with a simple body from a well-known and supported company and maybe a lens or two (prime and telephoto, I'd recommend). Between online, photo stores in your area, and Ebay, there should be plenty of steals.

Btw, what's your price range?

― Girolamo Savonarola, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks for all the really good advice. I've looked at the T4 and it looks nicely compact, which is good.
But, on balance, I think that an SLR camera is what she'd like, because, in terms of framing etc., I understand that with those types "what you see is what you get"(?)
Are there any specific ones you could recommend, Girolamo? Basically, I have probably up to £300 (approx. $350) to spend, but I suppose I'm looking for value for money, and if there is a really good quality camera out there for say £150, that would be great.

― jamie doe, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Second hand is a much better bet you can pick up a good Nikon F801 (a former photo journalists favourite due to indestructibility and AA batteries) for about £200 with a good utility lens.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:15 (twenty-one years ago)

like this?

― raphael diligent (Cozen), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:20 (twenty-one years ago)

just like that. They are excellent cameras, good optics, simple to use, tough.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Cheers guys, I think I'll pursue that.

― jamie doe, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Are there any specific ones you could recommend, Girolamo?

Just remember that your body determines which lens will be compatible, so if you notice that one type of lenses is noticably more affordable than another, do get a body that can adapt those lenses. Um...I don't really know too much about actual models and whatnot - I have a Minolta, but I couldn't even tell you the number. With the lower end stuff, I'm assuming she just wants something she can learn the basics of SLR photography with, so it doesn't need to be complicated, but it should have a built-in light meter.

I'd also highly recommend Ansel Adams's set of three books (The Camera, The Negative, and The Print) - they're very good for beginners learning basic photographic equipment principles, regardless of how you view Adams.

― Girolamo Savonarola, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:27 (twenty-one years ago)

One of these books (The Camera, The Negative, and The Print) might be a nice supplementary gift, thanks.
One more question - if I went with Nikon F801, or even with what seems to be the newer model, the Nikon F80, as my main camera body, then what lens is a good all rounder, but not too expensive?

― jamie doe, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Nikkor (Nikon's own) and Sigma are the way to go. Either a straight 50mm and 28-80 are good choices for a utility lens. Fixed optics will be better but the zoom will be more versatile. any Nikon AF mount lens will work.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:50 (twenty-one years ago)

this is ideal

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2964656534&category=30035

cheaper lenses are availible from Tamron and contax. Check your local jessops, or second hand places, blue audio at the angel in london is good. You should be able to get camera and lens for £180-200.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:53 (twenty-one years ago)

also this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2966143429&category=3343

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Brilliant stuff. Thanks Ed. You've been really helpful - I know a lot more than I did only a few hours ago.
Hope you all get what you want for Christmas!

― jamie doe, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 21:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Hope you all get what you want for Christmas!

Unfortunately, I didn't secure the $143 million dollar grant I was working on. Now that would've been more than enough to get me whatever the hell I wanted for the holidays. Just imagine the commission I could've raked in!

(Note: I don't get commissions.)

― Girolamo Savonarola, Wednesday, 19 November 2003 22:07 (twenty-one years ago)

three weeks pass...

Much like the d00d who started this thread, I'm looking to buy a 35mm camera for Mrs Nordic as a xmas present. The Academy where I work uses Nikon SLRs, and people seem to be happy with these. I notice there are several different models. Which should I go for? Mrs Nordic is what you would call an experienced amateur, having taken a few photography classes in college. I guess she needs something with a built-in light meter that's reasonably portable. Is there any chance of picking one of these up for not more than $150? Or am I looking at a bit more than that? I don't trust Ebay to deliver in time, so I guess I'm looking at online specialists or Amazon. I'd appreciate any help.

Ta!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Friday, 12 December 2003 21:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Maybe you can buy a used or refurbished one from a local photo store?

― , Friday, 12 December 2003 22:26 (twenty-one years ago)

I have probably up to £300 (approx. $350)

that's actually more like $550, btw

― anthony kyle monday (akmonday), Friday, 12 December 2003 23:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Used Nikons are rather expensive - the entire lens line is backward and forward compatible. A workable SLR/lens combo is probably $300+ - you can get an early '70s model for $150ish, but I'd be wary of it breaking. Canons come in for slightly less because their lenses aren't compatible, but still sell for a bit.

Check out the Pentax K1000 - a body and lens in good condition would hover around $150 - it's a well-regarded SLR.

KEH is where I do my drooling (v. little shopping) - this is their Pentax list:
http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?bid=PK&cid=01&sid=newused&crid=6417642

I see a couple of K1000/50mm combos at that, in the 'bargain' category - but bargain for KEH is very good - they underrate their gear.

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Friday, 12 December 2003 23:51 (twenty-one years ago)

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