I'd suggest an F100.
Data backs that will do basic imprinting are cheap but IMO not that useful since they can't do between-the-frame and are pretty much limited to date or time. I have my F100 set to print the date on a "blank" frame, but then turn the data back off after that's done.
The F5 data back is much more comprehensive, but you will pay as much for the back as you will for a camera.
F4 data backs offer a LOT of imprinting options, either date or exposure information, and can do between frame or in-frame printing. A good F4 can be had for ~$100. I once picked up a data back for $2 at a table sale at the local camera store, but they can usually be had from KEH for $30-40. The only problem is that getting them set up is a nightmare, and I've inadvertently turned on in-frame printing before without meaning to.
The F6 is something of the "Cadillac" option, and the standard back can do both in-frame and between frame. It's well outside the stated budget, though.
Data backs aside, I LOVE the Meta35 system, which can pull exposure data from the N90, F100, F5, and F6. The only caveat is that you need to use it or PhotoSecretary to turn on data recording in both the N90 and F100-this is a "hidden" custom function that can only be accessed through one of these methods. The F5 should have it on by default. My F6 had it turned off when I first got it, but fortunately it's a setting that can be changed from the custom settings menu rather than tethering the camera to a computer.
With Meta35, you hook the camera up to your computer and download the exposure data for the last several rolls. It can easily be browsed from the program, or can be exported as an Excel file. There are a couple of options in the camera for how much data you want it to record-the extended option not only gives shutter speed and aperture, but also has information on the lens and the focal length used(the latter of course is more important for a zoom lens) and a few other parameters. If you scan your film, you can use the Meta35 software to append Exif data to the file just as if it were a digital original.
Data backs that will do basic imprinting are cheap but IMO not that useful since they can't do between-the-frame and are pretty much limited to date or time. I have my F100 set to print the date on a "blank" frame, but then turn the data back off after that's done.
The F5 data back is much more comprehensive, but you will pay as much for the back as you will for a camera.
F4 data backs offer a LOT of imprinting options, either date or exposure information, and can do between frame or in-frame printing. A good F4 can be had for ~$100. I once picked up a data back for $2 at a table sale at the local camera store, but they can usually be had from KEH for $30-40. The only problem is that getting them set up is a nightmare, and I've inadvertently turned on in-frame printing before without meaning to.
The F6 is something of the "Cadillac" option, and the standard back can do both in-frame and between frame. It's well outside the stated budget, though.
Data backs aside, I LOVE the Meta35 system, which can pull exposure data from the N90, F100, F5, and F6. The only caveat is that you need to use it or PhotoSecretary to turn on data recording in both the N90 and F100-this is a "hidden" custom function that can only be accessed through one of these methods. The F5 should have it on by default. My F6 had it turned off when I first got it, but fortunately it's a setting that can be changed from the custom settings menu rather than tethering the camera to a computer.
With Meta35, you hook the camera up to your computer and download the exposure data for the last several rolls. It can easily be browsed from the program, or can be exported as an Excel file. There are a couple of options in the camera for how much data you want it to record-the extended option not only gives shutter speed and aperture, but also has information on the lens and the focal length used(the latter of course is more important for a zoom lens) and a few other parameters. If you scan your film, you can use the Meta35 software to append Exif data to the file just as if it were a digital original.
