To those who have digital and want to go full-frame - pay as you go for $25

[AlabamaLibrul]

Canon 20D on left, Canon EOS A2 (American EOS 5 / A2E) on right. Cell phone photo, because cameras can't take photos of themselves.

This isn't a brag, so much as a revelation. Modern 35mm SLRs are selling for next to nothing these days. I got the A2 for $25, 1/10th my cost for the 20D used. Costco, Sams Club, Walgreens etc will develop and scan your film for just a few bucks a roll. Of course, you can always DIY for even less (please let me know if there is any interest as I'd be happy to make a guide).

The pro cameras, EOS 1 series, Nikon F5/F6 etc are still $100+. But the mid-range cameras offer features as good as most DSLRs at a fraction of the cost. Take the difference and you can shoot all the full-frame you want for years at less than the cost of a 5D or D700, much less the D3(!) Get one of your brand and you can swap lenses between them.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

1. keep in mind that your dx lenses

might not work so well on film cameras

[AlabamaLibrul]

3. That is indeed a problem

that I overlooked, as I don't have any crop lenses. Film ---> Digital ---> back to film. Of course, it is the same issue when moving to full-frame digital.

[tabatha]

2. I have a full frame digital camera.

(And harmful film chemicals are not used.)

[postatomic]

4. Excellent advice. Many people can't afford a full frame digital

Besides Canon and Nikon there are other good full frame SLRs that use fairly inexpensive lenses. As mentioned above you need to be aware of what lenses will and will not work.
I like your line "pay as you go".

[alfredo]

5. The lenses alone are worth it.