A medium format present..

[jimjm]

Dinis - If you can locate one close to you from a reliable seller, I'd recommend a folder like the Zeiss Ikonta 521/16. Simple pop-up viewfinder, scale focusing, relatively small (for MF) and light with decent quality Novar, Tessar or Xenar lenses. These are built to very high quality and the Zeiss folders have a reputation for durable bellows. Some other brands have more problems with pinholes/tears in the bellows, but I have several Zeiss Ikontas and Super Ikontas from the late 30's that are in fine condition. Nice big 6x6 negative in a simple camera - just set shutter speed, aperture and guesstimate focus. I'd think you should be able to find one in good condition for less than 50 Euros.
Here's some info here: http://vieilalbum.com/Ikonta521-16 US.htm
and here: http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/ziikonta.htm

 

[Alan Gales]

Eight years old, huh?

What about a 35mm camera with a built in meter?

 

[baachitraka]

MF may be over kill for an 8 year old but his/her's mileage may vary.

A good auto everything, 35mm camera will do the job.

 

[onre]

Nettar 515, or something similar. A small and light folding camera which can take very good pictures. Or possibly present a choice between that and an auto-everything 35 mm. See which one she likes more.

 

[onre]

Pondering about auto-everything cameras, I remember being about nine years old and disappointed because our family camera was an auto-everything made in Japan, with which I could in no way affect the resulting picture.

 

[John51]

As said before, Zeiss have a good rep for the bellows. Isolettes have a bad rep as they're mostly plastic and often need replacing.

To be shown around her 8 yo peers? That's tricky because at that age, they still see with their hands. Either she knows not to take it to school or get her something that is more kid proof.

Not mf but an Olympus XA1 might fit the bill. No batteries, fixed focus and auto exposure. Can be had for less than £10.

If it has to be mf, then a 521 Ikonta A is cheap enough. 16 shots per roll and like most Zeiss folders, it has the hyperfocal red marks which let it be used as a point and shoot.

Focusing mistakes with scale cameras are part of the learning curve, as are blank frames and accidental double exposures with old folders. You can make a game of guessing a distance then pacing it out.

 

[elcabezagrande]

Maybe something like an Agfa Clack would be a better choice than a folder. Simple, minimal controls, huge 6x9 negatives, and large depth of field might be perfect for a child.

 

[Harry Stevens]

Good god buy the kid a big beautiful colourful Holga 35mm or 120 built in flash version and let her learn that photography is not all about sharpness of lens but light magic and wonderment...........

 

[jvo]

having brought up 2 kids, and currently have a 7 1/2 year old living with us, i have no doubt that not only would the 8 year old be able to use, understand and enjoy a tlr, but from a "use of complicated technology", could probably run circles around at least half the members of this forum!

your niece is lucky to have a great uncle!

 

[Dinis Figueira]

As I said before, i'm going for MF since my brother (the owner of my niece Brownie), has a lot of film and we can get it cheaper than 35mm.

The whole purpose is to step up from a brownie (something simple) to something not complicated. The holga would do fine, but in the end, it would be the same. And something like that, if it falls, which will, it would break.
I don't wan't something automatic, since she likes the whole mechanic stuff.

Comparing the Ikonta to the Isolette/Isola, how much of a step would be compared to the Brownie?

 

[baachitraka]

- Solinar from Agfa Isolette or Tessar from Zeiss Ikon Ikonta will give stunning negatives.

- Apotar from Agfa or Novar from Zeiss are no bad and in-fact very good for portraits.

...and there are Skopar and Vaskar from Voigtländer and there many other variants.

* Go for Zeiss and a tripod/monopod.

 

[Dan Daniel]

A Novar or an Apotar will be a big jump up from the Brownie. A Tessar or Solinar is a leap too far in my opinion.

A Zeiss with a Novar and scale focusing will be a great camera for your niece to move forward. The image quality will be nicer; the controls will be solid but still simple. And if it breaks you will not be out too much money.

 

[Dinis Figueira]

Right now I'm between the Zeiss and Agfa Isolette. Knowing that I can get both at a very good price, should I go for the Zeiss for upper quality even thought it's almost the double price of the Isolette?

 

[onre]

Both are good cameras if working. If not, Agfa might be more tedious to repair because many of them used a green-color lubricant that has turned into a glue-like substance over time.

 

[baachitraka]

My vote is for Zeiss. It may work out of the box.

 

[Dinis Figueira]

Well, it's decided. I'm going to get a Zeiss.
Is there any acessories that I should look for besides filters?

 

[baachitraka]

Film, Photo enlarger, Paper,...

 

[Dinis Figueira]

Film, Photo enlarger, Paper,...

What about camera accessories?

 

[baachitraka]

Okay. If you are worried then I wish you get a nice tripod and cable release.

 

[Dan Daniel]

What about camera accessories?

Other than a strap, and maybe a case (is a case the only way to get a strap on the camera?), I would avoid making things complicated for your niece. Things like lens hoods and filters are going to get lost. Keep it simple at first. If she keeps using the camera you can add things later.

 

[Dinis Figueira]

Nice thing you talked about the strap, A wide one to even the weight.

Guys, something little offtopic - did anyone here perfomed a mod to the brownie to use any instant film?

 

[klop]

A Lubitel 166 would be inexpensive...

They can be surprisingly good. If you get a good one...

I agree with klownshed, Lubitel 166 would be a low cost possibility.....

 

[Dinis Figueira]

Wouldn't the Lubitel be less sturdy and more easy to be broken?

 

[Dan Daniel]

My concern over a TLR isn't if it will break. It is if the hands of an eight year old could use it comfortably. Anyone have experience of a child using a TLR?

 

[johnnyh]

Another recommendation for the AGFA Clack.

I also like the Box Tengor, but the controls might be a bit 'harsh' for young fingers, and the Original Poster's available default is a box camera anyway.