35mm film camera advice: Looking to purchase an inexpensive 35mm film (slr) camera, really just for the fun of it again. I have one Nikon lens, AF 50mm 1.8 that I would use for now.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Looking to purchase an inexpensive 35mm film (slr) camera, really just for the fun of it again. I have one Nikon lens, AF 50mm 1.8 that I would use for now. All my other lenses are Nikon Dx.
If I shoot B&W, probably will do my own processing. Color? Maybe if the rumors are true and Kodak produces Ektachrome again.
In any event, at this point want to keep my investment low to see how often I do use it.
Thinking of a Nikon N65 I saw on KEH for $33 plus shipping.

My shooting choices will be landscape mainly.
Thanks for any positive comments and suggestions.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The only thing that would be a negative with this camera is the battery expense. You will easily run up the cost of the camera with 4-5 batteries. I'd lean toward a Nikkormat. The only battery you need there is for the meter. You may have to purchase an adapter to use the non mercury batteries, which were used by the early Nikkormats. The adapters are a bit, and make sure you get one that has a voltage regulator with it. The batteries then run 1/2 the price and will last a year or more. However, the camera will run a bit more than $33.

I'm looking forward to hearing of your choice and seeing the work you turn out with that choice.
--Bob

Bike guy wrote:

Looking to purchase an inexpensive 35mm film (slr)... (show quote)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Jim - I have a Nikon 8008s model that I gave me exceptional performance. Uses regular AA batteries. It was the last major film camera I used before going into digital. Google it and check out reviews. It is in excellent condition, tho honestly I haven't tried using it for six+ years. No lenses available any more. Would sell for $40 plus USPS shipping.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Jim, I just purchased one of these. Haven't used it yet, but I've only had it since the beginning of this week. The AA batteries were the big selling point on me wanting this camera. just holding it and looking at it, it's a great looking camera. I'm looking forward to shooting with it. Well worth the money.
--Bob

rjaywallace wrote:

Jim - I have a Nikon 8008s model that I gave me exceptional performance. Uses regular AA batteries. It was the last major film camera I used before going into digital. Google it and check out reviews. It is in excellent condition, tho honestly I haven't tried using it for six+ years. No lenses available any more. Would sell for $40 plus USPS shipping.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Thanks. Never thought about the high cost of the batteries, used to charging my Lithium ones. Food for thought. Will research the 8008s

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I like the Nikkormat suggestion. Also, if you want to stay in the Nikon World, how about an FM2 or FE2? Any of those can be had in the $100 range.

In the Canon world, you need to decide between FD mount and EF mount lenses. In the FD spectrum, how about an F1N or AE1-P (be sure to get the program version if you like to shoot manual). If you want the advantages of autofocus, then an EOS-1N or V will allow you to use any of Canon's modern EF lenses for film.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Want to stay with Nikon since I have those lenses.
I have a Canon AE1 and had an AE-Program. No lenses though anymore.
Thanks

TriX wrote:

I like the Nikkormat suggestion. Also, if you want to stay in the Nikon World, how about an FM2 or FE2? Any of those can be had in the $100 range.

In the Canon world, you need to decide between FD mount and EF mount lenses. In the FD spectrum, how about an F1N or AE1-P (be sure to get the program version if you like to shoot manual). If you want the advantages of autofocus, then an EOS-1N or V will allow you to use any of Canon's modern EF lenses for film.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

rmalarz wrote:

The only thing that would be a negative with this camera is the battery expense. You will easily run up the cost of the camera with 4-5 batteries.

The two CR2 batteries the N65 requires are actually quite cheap, and they do last a reasonably long time. Even if you use the camera everyday, the batteries should last at least several months before the need replacing. Compared to the cost of film, the batteries will be an insignificant expense. (At B&H for example, a 2-pack of CR2 batteries costs $8.49, but I've seen them at many other places sell for less than that.)

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Check out the Nikon FE, It has a flip up tab so that you can use PRE-AI lenses if you have any. If you don't, they are quite inexpensive these days.

Church Key Loc: Inwood, WV

I just dug out my Nikon 6006 and ordered some film (4 rolls Illford) and a battery from B&H. Cost me $36 shipped. Decided to go retro again with B&W film for a work reunion. CVS does the processing of film at a reasonable price. BTW - the Nikon 8008 is a very fine camera. Never could afford one as always had two bodies when I was doing weddings.
I gave my 6006 to my sister years ago as she was a film person. She finally converted to digital a few years back after she discovered it was much cheaper to email digital files than make a bunch of prints for her many kids/grandkids. Gave me back the Nikon. Have gotten bored and decided to fiddle with film.

DavidJon Loc: Ada, Oklahoma

rjaywallace wrote:

Jim - I have a Nikon 8008s model that I gave me exceptional performance. Uses regular AA batteries. It was the last major film camera I used before going into digital.

I definitely agree on the Nikon 8008s. I still have and use mine. I believe it to be Nikon's best 35mm AF camera, in ways, even better than the F4 which I also have. If your 50mm 1.8 was a manual lens, I would go for the Nikon FE.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Nikon F

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

The fantastic N90s is VERY cheap on the used market. A very well built camera. It uses standard AA batteries. I use rechargeable Eneloop AA's.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

rmalarz wrote:

Jim, I just purchased one of these. Haven't used it yet, but I've only had it since the beginning of this week. The AA batteries were the big selling point on me wanting this camera. just holding it and looking at it, it's a great looking camera. I'm looking forward to shooting with it. Well worth the money.
--Bob

I have and love my 8008, no "s". Bought a roll of Ektar 100, and intend on taking it to Glacier along with my 7200.

Duane

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Thanks for all of the replies. I made a decision, partly based on what was available on Amazon, condition of camera and cost.
Ordered a Nikon 90. Should be here next week. Will let you know with photos.