camera help

[Captain Da]

i took my film slr in to the shop because the light meter had stopped working, and apparently it would require parts that are no longer available to fix, and even if those parts were available, it would be something like $200 worth of labour.

so i'm trying to figure out what i want to do. i guess i could get an external light meter, but apparently that's pretty sketchy.

but realistically, i think i'm looking at getting a new camera.

my options right now are to get something like this - a cheap film slr with full manual controls for under $400:

Nikon FM-10 (http://www.kerrisdalecameras.com/store/product.asp?shopper_id=UCJSDRAGJA8T8N98WLCMNT2P8FV QFW9A&dept_id=4280&pf_id=025.12050&more=true)

or to spend more (say, up to $600) for a digital camera without all the manual controls that i'm used to using on an slr, something like this:

Fujifilm s5100 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fuji/finepix_s5100-review/index.shtml)

i already have a 35mm wide angle and 50mm standard lens (both mamiya-sekor) with a 42mm universal threaded mount from my old camera, and a generic flash.

what would you suggest?

there's no way i can swing enough money for a digital slr.

[Wayne P]

Get the SLR and a fast 50mm lens.

[Captain Da]

if i go that way, would it be worth trying to get an adapter from threaded to the nikon F bayonet mount so i can use the 50mm lens i already have as well as the zoom that comes with the nikon?

or should i try to find a newer nikon-compatible lens, considering the two i have were first introduced in 1968?

[eeyun]

If you want a manual focus slr, I think pentax makes one that you'll be able to get new, with warranty...

Otherwise, used Nikon gear would be a good bet. You can definately get an old manual body and a 50mm lens for less than 400 bucks. Check www.kerrisdalecameras.com and www.henrys.com they have used sections so you can get an idea of price.

For digital, 600 bucks will get you a camera with full manual control. It won't feel nice like your old mamiya (manual focus sucks rocks on most digicams), but it'll give you the full gamut of aperture/shutter adjustability etc etc... a digital would be a whole new ball of wax...

[Captain Da]

the link i posted under "a cheap film slr with full manual controls for under $400" was for a current model nikon manual focus camera at kerrisdale cameras ;)

would you say that it'd be better to go for something like that because it'll have a warranty, and as it's a current model, parts won't be a problem?

or should i look more seriously at the nikon fe w/ 1.8e 50mm lens for $329?

or an olympus om1 with comparable lens, for $299? (my dad has this camera, with a whole ton of lenses - i've used it and really liked it)

i'd just be worried about availability of parts for those two considering they aren't that much newer than my mamiya.

[Captain Da]

Originally posted by Seb
Go into kerrisdales main store, they have tons of used bodies that arent posted on the site.

i live in victoria.

i know there's a kerrisdale's here somewhere, but i don't think it's as big?

i'll check it out though.

[burn it to keep warm]

external light meters sketchy? I use an antique my high school photo teacher gave me, my exposures are usually spot on.

[Captain Da]

Originally posted by burn it to keep warm
external light meters sketchy? I use an antique my high school photo teacher gave me, my exposures are usually spot on.

worthwhile trying to find one, you think?

edit: i'm not a really experienced photographer - i think i'd prefer to have something that measures the light as it's going through the lens, and that reflects the changes in light level as i change shutter speed and f-stop.

[Captain Da]

but until i find out more about light meters, what's the general consensus on buying new vs. 1970s-80s vintage?

[Mr. Charles]

seems expensive for an SLR.... but that's just me...

[bighitbikerNS]

go for the SLR. your going to get way better pictures with it than you would with the fuji digi. mostly cause the fuji has very limited manual futures.

[eeyun]

Originally posted by Captain Da
but until i find out more about light meters, what's the general consensus on buying new vs. 1970s-80s vintage?

I suspect that if you bought a used nikon, if it ever broke, that you'd have a lot better luck getting it repaired than with your mamiya, as they're much more common.

[burn it to keep warm]

You should pick up the nikon kit if you've got the money, its a nice setup. But if you wanna save a bit, just go to some camera shops and ask for the cheapest handheld analog meter. You can get them off ebay for 10 bucks.