Camera for a beginner!

forwhom · Nov 3, 2009

I took a closer look on my Altissa Altix cam. So I am affraid that the shutter speed from 1 - 8 is not works properly. But I hope that from 30 - 300 is works.

BTW. Please correct me if I am wrong. But what are the numbers mean on the shutter? So 1 - 2 - 4 - .... - 8 - 30 - 60 ...- 300. When I want to count the shutter speed I do like this: 1/300 sec. 1/125 sec etc? And the last one is 1/1 so it must be 1 min? Cause when I select 1 on my shutter it is open for approximately: 1 min and 40 sec.

Thanks!

forwhom · Nov 3, 2009

Hello everybody!

I have a question: What do you think about his configuration:

Asahi Pentax K1000 with Exakta 35-70mm MC Macro lense with Hanimex TZ 2 flash. I can buy it without the flash as well. Now I can buy this configuration with a very good price.

This can be used with my Chinon flash as well? Or it would be better to by the Hanimey flash as well? It seems that flash is very good...

Thanks!

Erik Petersson · Nov 3, 2009

forwhom said:
Hello everybody!

I have a question: What do you think about his configuration:

Asahi Pentax K1000 with Exakta 35-70mm MC Macro lense with Hanimex TZ 2 flash. I can buy it without the flash as well. Now I can buy this configuration with a very good price.

This can be used with my Chinon flash as well? Or it would be better to by the Hanimey flash as well? It seems that flash is very good...

Thanks!

Hi Forwhom,

I wanted to comment on flash. Myself, I never use any, photography in natural light is much more pleasant to me. My advice is to try to find a fast lens instead and fast film if necessary. And you don't need a 35-70mm zoom, try to find a 50mm lens f1.8 or similar. Shouldn't be too hard.

Fireguy2002 · Nov 3, 2009

forwhom said:
So 1 - 2 - 4 - .... - 8 - 30 - 60 ...- 300. When I want to count the shutter speed I do like this: 1/300 sec. 1/125 sec etc? And the last one is 1/1 so it must be 1 min? Cause when I select 1 on my shutter it is open for approximately: 1 min and 40 seconds

You are correct about the first part. All of the numbers are 1/.... The last 1 should be 1 second. My last couple shutter speeds go 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 seconds.

1 min 40 secs is either something wrong with the timer or a sticky shutter release with camera set on "B". I'm sure there are other explanations but I'm new.

I was recommended a K1000 to learn on so I'd imagine it would suit you as well.
Good luck

Fireguy2002 · Nov 3, 2009

Erik Petersson said:
And you don't need a 35-70mm zoom, try to find a 50mm lens f1.8 or similar. Shouldn't be too hard.

The 50mm 1.8 is a good flash, but don't let it stop you from buying a camera outfit you like. You will be limited to daylight shots. Like Erik says, get a fast film.

Cliffy13 · Nov 3, 2009

This is a question that has been asked for years and there is no easy answer because it depends upon your current useage,if you are a complete beginner then I would go for a manual focus camera such as the Olymus OM series or a Canon A1,Nikon FE etc.However if you are used to autofocus from a digital camera then those that you have suggested make more sense,although I am currently a Canon user I would go for the Nikon F601 it is a really solid camera unlike the Canon,s you have mentioned that feel a bit flimsy although the Canon EOS 600 and 10 are much more substatiaal if they are in your price range

Fireguy2002 · Nov 3, 2009

I'd like to see one of those Nikons. My AE-1 is like a tank. For some reason I'm up at 2am and it's Alaska. I have to wait another 7 hours for there to be any light to shoot today. Sorry about the hijacking.

tim elder · Nov 3, 2009

forwhom said:
Hello everybody!

Asahi Pentax K1000 with Exakta 35-70mm MC Macro lense with Hanimex TZ 2 flash. I can buy it without the flash as well. Now I can buy this configuration with a very good price.

This can be used with my Chinon flash as well? Or it would be better to by the Hanimey flash as well? It seems that flash is very good...

If it works, buy this camera! Pentax K1000's are great.

-Tim

John Koehrer · Nov 3, 2009

The K1000 is a very durable and simple body. Here in the states it was recommended by most if not all, photo instructors as a great first camera.
The 35-70 will work as a general purpose lens. The limitation will be be the lens speed or maximum aperture of f3.5 in lower light it may become difficult to hold the camera steady because you will need to use slow shutter speeds.
Your flash will also work with the K1000.

moouers · Nov 21, 2009

I don't see why someone shouldn't get an AF body as a first film camera. If anything, just turn off the autofocus and set the camera to manual! But at least you'll still have AF capability if you want it for sports or whatever you feel you may need it for in the future. That being said, I have the Nikon N80 and just love it. It's main selling points for me were on-demand grid lines (they even light up red in low light when shutter release is slightly depressed) and cable shutter release (saves on batteries for those long exposures). You can buy grid lines for other cameras, but it's built in with the N80.

Just something to think about.

paul ron · Nov 22, 2009

Just pick one you can afford n start shooting your lenses off. What you should or want in the next camera will be very obvious once you get started. At the price of cameras theses dayys you'll have a dozen of em and maybe a couple MF as well.

Chan Tran · Nov 22, 2009

They don't make film cameras any more (not quite true) and if you buy a film camera now why not buy the last one. There isn't any improvement made on film camera in the future. Just pick the best one for you now and it will still be the best one later on.
Buying a starter camera now and thinking of getting a better one in the future is not a good idea for film camera as the availability of good cameras will likely be less in the future.

paul ron · Nov 24, 2009

No, there won't be less, they'll just be cheaper. BTW stay mechanical, they'll be around alot longer than electronic throw aways. Just have to learn photogrpahy to use it.

forwhom · Jan 9, 2010

Hi my Friends!

I did not respond a while ago but I amstill looking for a camera.

What do you think about Praktica MTL 5? What I found has a Pentacon 1.8/50 lense!

Thanks!

Rick A · Jan 9, 2010

forwhom said:
Hi my Friends!

I did not respond a while ago but I amstill looking for a camera.

What do you think about Praktica MTL 5? What I found has a Pentacon 1.8/50 lense!

Thanks!

As long as it works, go for it. I used to use Praktica gear in the early 70's, and liked them. Make sure the seals around the back are intact(open it and look) and not crumbling or gooey. While you have the back open, look through it an fire the shutter at all speeds. Check the lens to make sure the aperture is smooth and opens or closes when the shutter is tripped. A 1.8 lens is fast enough for most situations. make sure it looks clean, nothing growing inside it, and no scratch marks. Also, if there is a built in meter in the camera, make sure it works. If it doesn't, try to find a hand held meter. If you want, you can PM me here, and I can try to help you some more.

Rick

forwhom · Jan 10, 2010

Thanks for the reply!

And what you all think which one is the better: Pentax K1000 or Praktica MTL5b (without lenses, just the camera itself)?

Thanks!

fschifano · Jan 10, 2010

Get the Pentax. No question there.

Rick A · Jan 10, 2010

forwhom said:
Thanks for the reply!

And what you all think which one is the better: Pentax K1000 or Praktica MTL5b (without lenses, just the camera itself)?

Thanks!

Without any hesitation, the Pentax.

Rick

forwhom · Jan 11, 2010

Another update from me

I found a Cosina CT1 camera with a Cosinon 50mm f2 lense(if I am correct). What do you think about this camera? This is in a very good price and probably works superfine.

Thanks!

fschifano · Jan 11, 2010

Get the Pentax. It's a quality item. You won't be sorry. They are common. If it needs service, finding someone to do it won't be difficult. You will have access to an excellent line of lenses that won't cost an arm and a leg. Need more reasons?

forwhom · Jan 29, 2010

Hi to All!

So finally I bought a camera. Unfortunatelly I did not find Pentax... But I found a Praktica MTL5 with a 1,8/50 Pentacon lense. It has a National PE200 flash as well.

I have a question: I found two lense and I am not sure that those are good for the Praktica MTL5. These are the lenses:

Prakticar MC Auto Zoom f=35-70mm
Prakticar 1:2.8 f=28mm MC Pentacon

The Praktica MTL5 has a M42 mount. But I am not sure that these lenses good for it. Could you please help me?

Thanks!

Camera for a beginner!

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