35mm SLR Camera Advice

[WelshWitchPMD]

I am looking to purchase one in the next month. I want one that is light and that has both automatic and manual settings. I also want one that is no more then about $250.00. Digital SLRs are just too expensive and I would rather have a film SLR. I do still like film. I am shooting a wedding for a friend in the spring and I am also going to use my point and shoot digital camera.
Anybody have any experience with SLRs?

[StevieNicksEO17]

I use one for photo and I have no idea how to use it :D Give me a digital anyday

[WelshWitchPMD]

I use one for photo and I have no idea how to use it :D Give me a digital anyday


That's why I want to get one. I am trying to learn more about photography and I want to start with a 35mm SLR. I still want to get a digital SLR someday. :laugh:

[WelshWitchPMD]

Photo geek here. :D

I use a Canon EOS Rebel (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00001QEMF/102-4366380-0112105?v=glance) (link is to Amazon's page for it. Mine's pretty much the same, but it's black). I got it used at a local camera store for somewhere in the $100-$150 range. It's pretty good, but I'm sure there are better. I haven't had any problems with it... it's pretty simple to use (but then again, I was taught how to use a manual camera in school, so...). In fact, I shot a roll tonight with some friends. I would like to get a longer lens for it, but that can get expensive. :\

Other than that, you'd also need film (obviously ;) ), which you can push if you don't get good readings with the light meter while trying to shoot a picture, which you might not have a problem with since it's a wedding and most likely will be well-lit. I've used Kodak Tri-X 400 (I pushed it to 1600 tonight), Kodak TMAX 400, and Ilford 400. Pushing it will add grain, though, and can make something that looked really pretty when you shot it look less-than-awesome, which is unfortunate but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. :shrug: Instructions on how to do this may come with the camera, but it probably won't be under "pushing film." To push film, you basically change the ISO (this should definitely be in the manual) to a higher speed. For example, if you have 400-speed film, you could push it up to 800 or 1600. Pushing it to 800 is called pushing it one stop (and never works with my camera, go figure :rolleyes: ); 1600 is two stops. You never want to push it above 1600, and likewise you never want to pull film (IE lowering the ISO). Pushing just tricks the camera into thinking you have faster film.

Also, if you think you need a flash, you shouldn't use the one that comes built-in with the camera, because it'll bring out the shadows more and make it ugly. I use a desklamp that bends so I can position it wherever I want and put a pillowcase over it to make the light softer. You might not be able to do that, though, so I'd recommend getting a flash that can plug into the top of the camera and point the bulb upwards so the flash will bounce and make things look more natural. I'd read the manual about flash shutter speeds, because I think that can vary with cameras (the school-provided one I used one day had a flash shutter speed of 125, for example, and I wasn't able to use my EOS Rebel, for whatever reason). But like I said, since it's a wedding, there should be enough lighting there.


Thanks, for all of your info Greg!

Here are a few cameras that I am looking at and they are all Canons.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000CCT65/qid=1107671172/sr=1-39/ref=sr_1_39/102-9384569-6360955?v=glance&s=photo

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002XRWRY/qid=1107671493/sr=1-15/ref=sr_1_15/102-9384569-6360955?v=glance&s=photo

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008URR4/qid=1107671604/sr=1-24/ref=sr_1_24/102-9384569-6360955?v=glance&s=photo


I am trying to decide which one is the best for me. I am also looking for a place to take photography lessons. Not too many around here. :(

[WelshWitchPMD]

It looks like the wedding is going to be on Feb 19 so I have to get a move on and get this camera ordered this week. :eek: I better learn fast!

[DrummerDeanna]

Good luck Pattie...Greg gave you some good advice for sure...I took two photojournalism classes my last year in college....we took the picture, developed the film and made our own prints...so it was easier to work with pushed film because we made our own prints...don't know what they do at photo shops....

GREG - do you have to tell them you pushed the film or does it just come out the way it comes out? I've never not done my own film and prints.

That said, I can't be too much help with cameras...my SLR is totally manual...I've got an entry-level Nikon FM10 or something...

It's not too tough to learn...manuals can be a bit confusing...but good luck!!!

[DrummerDeanna]

Right now, I'm in Photojournalism, so I'm developing film & prints myself, but when you go to a 1-hour photo place or likewise, you're going to have to tell them. When you develop film that's been pushed, you have to increase the time in order to get everything developed correctly and for the exposures to come out right. :)

Right - I remember the extra time...so it makes sense that you'd have to tell them at a developing place :p

I'm jealous...I miss photojournalism - it was one of the best classes I had in college...it was totally more artsy than photo-j like though - but I loved being in the dark room and I totally miss it :nod:

[WelshWitchPMD]

Good luck Pattie...Greg gave you some good advice for sure...I took two photojournalism classes my last year in college....we took the picture, developed the film and made our own prints...so it was easier to work with pushed film because we made our own prints...don't know what they do at photo shops....

GREG - do you have to tell them you pushed the film or does it just come out the way it comes out? I've never not done my own film and prints.

That said, I can't be too much help with cameras...my SLR is totally manual...I've got an entry-level Nikon FM10 or something...

It's not too tough to learn...manuals can be a bit confusing...but good luck!!!

Well, whatever I do take with film is going to the photo lab. :laugh: I am not going to have much time if I do decide to get a SLR to learn how to develop my own prints. I can't see myself working with chemicals :shocked: but maybe at some point I will try it.
I might join a camera club in RI. It is close by and it is only $30.00 a year. I think that they focus (no pun) on competitions but they also have back to basic lectures before the meetings. They meet 2 times a month and they have a special group for digital, too.

[WelshWitchPMD]

I think that this looks like the camera that I am going to get. I am just going to wait until Tuesday to order it.

http://www.adorama.com/CAK2K.html

[SuzeQuze]

It looks like the wedding is going to be on Feb 19 so I have to get a move on and get this camera ordered this week. :eek: I better learn fast!

The Canon Rebel is great. I got mine used for $125!

[SuzeQuze]

I think that this looks like the camera that I am going to get. I am just going to wait until Tuesday to order it.

http://www.adorama.com/CAK2K.html

Oh good choice, you're going to LOVE it! :D

[WelshWitchPMD]

Well, I ordered it tonight. This is what I finally decided on.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=365592&is=USA

[WelshWitchPMD]

Very good choice, Pattie :D Like I said, I've had no problems with my Canon Rebel and it's pretty easy to use. :)


I got it today! I have not even looked at it yet. I just need some advice now on a filter. I don't want to spend a lot on it either.

I found out about a camera club here in RI and I went to a meeting last night. It seems pretty cool and like a lot of fun. I can't wait to go to the digital meeting next week. :blob2:

[SuzeQuze]

I got it today! I have not even looked at it yet. I just need some advice now on a filter. I don't want to spend a lot on it either.

I found out about a camera club here in RI and I went to a meeting last night. It seems pretty cool and like a lot of fun. I can't wait to go to the digital meeting next week. :blob2:

What kind of filter are you interested in? There are many. I think the most valuable would the the polarizing filter which makes the edges of things pop, especially clouds and such.

[WelshWitchPMD]

What kind of filter are you interested in? There are many. I think the most valuable would the the polarizing filter which makes the edges of things pop, especially clouds and such.

I guess that for right now I need something that would be good for portraits. I am thinking about getting one for the wedding that I am shooting on Feb 19th. I don't have much time and I don't have much $ either. :(

[SuzeQuze]

I guess that for right now I need something that would be good for portraits. I am thinking about getting one for the wedding that I am shooting on Feb 19th. I don't have much time and I don't have much $ either. :(

You don't really need a filter, just take pictures. This is what my teacher told me. Later on, when you are comfortable with the camera, get some if you're interested. Remember, if needed you can scan in the prints and filter them in Photoshop!

[SuzeQuze]

My friend is a wedding photographer. I will ask her for any tips she might have!

[WelshWitchPMD]

My friend is a wedding photographer. I will ask her for any tips she might have!


Thank you. I am getting all the film put on a CD when I get it developed. I can upload it all to my PC and if needed just like you said use PHOTOSHOP!! I love it! :blob2:

[SuzeQuze]

Thank you. I am getting all the film put on a CD when I get it developed. I can upload it all to my PC and if needed just like you said use PHOTOSHOP!! I love it! :blob2:

Me too, me too! I just restored a couple of photos for a friend, I need to find the time to play with it more! :blob1: :blob1: