Recommend me a basic film Camera

[tkbslc]

I just want a very basic film camera. I have several m42 and Nikon mount MF lenses. So would Canon be the best one to go with considering I use Canon digital now? Just want something really cheap and with metering but that is all. I will probably shoot 5 rolls a year at most so I don't want to put much into it. I just want to see how my MF lenses look on "full frame"!

Thanks.

[zewrak]

For M42, get a Spotmatic. It's like an orgasm every time you wind the film up.

[PaulC]

The Praktica PLC2 or PLC3 is a more recent option. Cupog's got on up on ebay now.

[Excalibur]

[peterqd]

If you want to use your Nikon lenses, none of the suggestions so far will work. And you need an optical adapter to mount M42 lenses on a Nikon cam. So I think a Canon EOS camera is the best choice. I believe it's possible to mount Nikon lenses on a Pentax K mount cam but not locked in place, and you can certainly mount M42 lenses easily, so maybe that's an alternative.

[piticu]

[marty]

I agree with Peter, the matter can't be explained well. On the Canon side you will have a camera that at some degree you already know and that is a great advantage by itself, on the Pentax one you'll have as well a robust and reliable instrument to work with even if working with a non properly locked lens (Nikon) could be of some concern. I'm not able to give further advice in choosing one model over another since I do not know in detail nor the Eos neither the Pentax body line-up.
Talking about the monetary aspect I think nowadays you can find a good deal even on a mid-range film Eos body.
Regards, Marty.

[cooltouch]

Since you already own a Canon digital now, I think your best bet will be to get an EOS film camera. You can buy adapters for both M42 and Nikon F that will allow you to use these lenses on an EOS SLR, and the lenses retain infinity focus.

One thing to be aware of, which I just found out about recently -- thanks to this forum -- is that some EOS cameras have issues with non-EOS lenses. Jmiro explains the situation in this thread:

http://forum.mflenses.com/help-eos-film-cams-and-non-canon-manual-lenses-t19743.html

So, if you go the EOS route, you should keep in mind the caveats that jmiro spells out.

Michael

[F16SUNSHINE]

For 5 rolls a year.
Take a PentaxK1000.
You can use all your current lenses and Pentax K as well.
It's manual metering that works regardless of the adapter chip (it has a real focus screen you know).
Your Nikkor will mount but of course not be secure. Should not be a prob;em with infrequent use.
Under $50 for a nice one. Under $25 for a beat user.

[Attila]

[tkbslc]

Following the link, it appears that forum member had good luck with an old Rebel XS film camera. Since those are going for under $30 on ebay, perhaps that would be a good starting point.

The K1000 is an interesting suggestion, because I brings recollection that my mother likely has a K1000 with a SMC 50 f2 and a sears 135/3.5 sitting in the back of her closet. I might ask if she would let her favorite son borrow it as she now uses a terrible polaroid digital compact exclusively.

[peterqd]

[spiralcity]

If you want to use your Nikons I would suggest a Nikon camera.

60.00 USD, a GREAT little camera!

[glockman99]

I second spiralcity's suggestion. Since you have "several" Nikon mount MF lenses, and are looking for an inexpensive body, the Nikon FG would be a very good choice...Or if you want to step-up alittle, a Nikon FM (FM2) or FE (FE2) would also be good choices, and can be had pretty cheaply.

[spiralcity]

A M42 body can be found dirt cheap on ebay, the Nikon FG for about 60.00 USD. So both types can be found for about 80.00 to 90.00 USD or so.

That is'nt that much for two cameras that will handle all your lens needs.