DU photographers.. I need your suggestions!

[Ava]

I'm starting film school at NYU in the fall. Freshmen take a course called frame & sequence and are required to have a 35mm still film camera with a built in light meter and a fully manual setting. Automatic cameras aren't acceptable.

I have a 35mm but it has an automatic option along with the manual option, so it cannot be used. I'm looking at cameras and of those that I've looked at I think I'm going to go with the Nikon FM10. (tech specs here - http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Film-Camera/1689/FM10.html )

Anyone have any other suggestions? Another camera I should consider?

[JeffR]

1. If you're happy with your current lens(es)

You're probably best to go with something that could use them. If not, you're wide open for choices. As some folks here have pointed out, there are a lot of deals out there on great second-hand 35mm cameras, so buying new isn't your only choice or even necessarily your best one.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. The plus sides for that choice.

First, you can get/use lenses you may buy with a digital camera body when you get one and Nikon glass, the lenses they make, is generally regarded as top end.

More importantly, in my view, the camera body has a depth-of-field preview button. If you don't already know, or even if you do, understand how selecting an f/stop determines what is/is not in sharp focus, having that ability to preview the difference between various settings is a real help in both getting the photo you want and understanding how this optics stuff works.

And, of course, congrats - you have already shown your talent on DU for years, and none here would be surprised at your acceptance by NYU.

It's a bit unclear to me if the requirement is to use a camera with no auto available or simply to use a camera with full manual as an option (honor system enforced), so if the latter is the case there are many mre alternatives. But the FM series has a long-established reputation as a camera that will work even when dropped off a cliff, struck by lightning, in extreme heat or cold. It's a camera worth keeping beyond that course.

[blueraven95]

3. you might want to find out which camera brand NYU tends to use

not that that necessarily affects your choice, but if the school leans towards, say Canons, then it might be easier to learn how to do what they are showing you on a Canon (or Nikon, or whatever, as the case may be).

[Ava]

6. they seem to lean towards nikon or canon

the FM10 is one they recommend

[NashVegas]

4. Seems a Bit Pricey

When you can get a good used manual camera off of eBay for under $50.

Good luck in school!

[Ava]

5. i can get it cheaper than that, even brand new

that's just the official specs page, so i linked to it :)

[tekisui]

7. I love Nikon's manual cameras.

I shot exclusively on a K1000 for years. I've never used the FM10, but I am sure it's a great camera.

Have fun!