DI Seller Loc: Knoxville, TN

I am employed by Best Buy at the Turkey Creek location in Knoxville, TN. I work primarily in Digital Imaging (cameras/camcorders) department. Some weeks ago, a person came in the store looking for batterys for a 35mm SLR. After talking with him at great length, I learned he was the Art teacher at a local middle. He told me the school had come into a substantial amount of 35mm equipment that was donated to them by a federal agency who no longer had a need for them. I made a visit to the school & discoverd they had, among other things, perhaps 10-15 Nikon N90 bodies, but NO lenses.

Oddly enough, they also have some darkroom equipment.

We want to instill in the students a love for photography. The instructor & I both feel that starting with film photography is an excellent way to start.

We could really use some help...its for the kids! Does anyone know where we can get some lenses?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

DI, I don't know anything about Nikons except that Nikon people seem to hoard old glass, so your not likely to get any Nikon lenses.
So my suggestion is, since I assume those old bodies are all manual, and if not, the students will be shooting manual regardless, that you look to see what the cheapest lenses one can get, of any brand, then get cheap adapters to mount them.
Just a thought.
SS

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would suggest first contacting the local camera shops, especially used camera stores in the area, Knoxville had a couple of good used camera stores when I was there last. Then I would check with the local pawn shops as they quite often have a large inventory of older lenses laying around that sell cheap.
When looking for lenses for the N90 do not get "AF-S" or "G" type autofocus lenses as the N90 predates these by a decade and will not be able to use them. They will work just great with any of the standard AF or AF-D type Nikon lenses you may be able to find. You could also use older AI or Ais manual focus lenses as has been suggested, both will allow metering, but I would stay away from adapters and non-Nikon lenses as the lack of metering on the N90 body will make learning the art form extremely difficult and that can actually drive new students away from the learning process. There are LOTS of aftermarket, off-brand AF lenses out there for Nikon bodies also, don't be afraid to gather some of them up if you find them.
Last opportunity may come from the UHH users that have boxes of old stuff laying around that they may donate to your cause. If I had any I would be glad to, but last May I donated 43 bodies and lenses to NW Community College for their photography 101 course there that still starts students with full manual bodies and B&W film.
Good luck in getting this worthy endeavor completed!

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

I attend a weekly auction during the summer when I am in Indianapolis, almost weekly they have 35mm film cameras and lenses for auction. They usually sell at a fraction of what they cost new.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Would corporate be willing to donate some lenses as part of their public service policy?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Try announcing in classes that the school is looking for old Nikon lenses. If I still had any, I'd donate them. I have enough digital lenses.

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

The trouble you are seeing first hand is, old Nikon lenses work on brand new bodies, Nikon has made great glass now for many, many years (1940's)... thus they retain (some) value where the film bodies do not.

However, these bodies will work with the the least in demand and thus the least expensive level of Nikon lenses you'll find.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Suggest contacting Nikon and asking for help. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Los-Angeles-Shooter Loc: Los Angeles

I question your notion that the best way to learn/teach photography is with film cameras. Among other issues there is the expense of film, the hassle of digitizing and sharing images, and most significantly the lack of immediate feedback. For example, when teaching lighting setups, students can immediately see the effect of reflectors, etc.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

:thumbup:

Why not start with glass plates and five-minute exposures? Digital is what they will be using, so starting on digital makes sense.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Yes, but you learn hyper focal distance, exposure, discipline and patience.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Contact KEH Camera Brokers or Used Camera Buyer.com and negotiate on used Nikor optics for the N90.

DOplinger

I second pawn shops, the ones I have been in are littered with old film cameras and lenses, not many DSLR lenses though. But I did find a Canon 50 mm 1.8 at on once for $35.00.

You could also try garage sales or auctions, but that would likely be more time consuming.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Our local H.Schools teach film photography with 35mm SLR's- Camera stores are a great source for used lenses for older cameras.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I'd help if I had a clue but cannot.

For what it is worth I don't agree that starting with film cameras makes sense. The feedback cycle for learning is long and learning film processing is like learning how to make candles. Fun for some (I tired it as a kid over 50 years ago), but not likely to get you where you need to be today. Then there are hazardous chemicals and high cost. I fear you'll discourage more than you encourage.

I'm sure there are a few that will be enthusiastic for that approach but I doubt it will be many. Most have cameras in their cell phones.