Get out more often....I enjoyed your photos! I also wish you well. David C.

You are very lucky to have dealt with an honorable seller. I purchased a high dollar lens years ago that was
modified but not noted in the description and photos. I was stuck with the lens. David C.

The soft side cooler bag is a good idea. I would use a functional, Igloo 6 pack cooler. It is rigid
and will protect the contents while in the truck. It will also maintain the temperature of the contents better than a soft sided bag. I keep an Exakta VX in the glove box of my truck and a Topcon 35L in the car consol.
They both get used enough to keep the film fresh, and no batteries needed in the old school cameras. Years ago I got a Fuji FinePix A201 with the purchase of a laptop. I still use it from time to time because of it's size for travel but never keep batteries in it during non-use, that is a good way to ruin any camera.
David C.

KEEP it! ...and continue to use it. Make it your glove box camera or just put it you jacket pocket for that one time you need or want a camera at hand. I look at it this way, you own it and unless there is someone you want to pass it on to...use it till it wears out....! Photography is fun and the enjoyment you get from the different cameras you use. It all adds to that moment in time that you capture. (Keep a log if possible.)
I still resort to my old Leica IIIc and enjoy the feel and photographic results. David C.

Wow. someone else in the exact same situation. The love of film photography and the great cameras and glass that goes with it...and now, new equipment, language, and technical approach to the hobby.
I wish you well. I find every photo excursion is a learning curve for me. The one advantage to the digital format is that now I can review my photos on the computer, at will. Still not comfortable with printing and cropping but as I said, it is a learning curve. I am a computer user but not a pro by any means. Thank you for your comments about Corel PhotoPro, This program has come up a few times in the past as being user friendly. David C.
PS: I went for a drive into Vermont this past Sunday. Took my Leica R3 and after taking some photos my wife asked to see them... I had to reminder her of film vs: digital which has become so common with
just about everyone now.

You are not always the only bidder. As far as Craig's List goes, I have had this happen with camera and lens listings but also with some antique car parts. I have found that if the item looks good enough to purchase ...do it then and there. Don't wait. I have not been burnt by any deals on Craig's list so far, however some items found on eBay had to be returned because they were not as listed, condition and or packing/shipping issues. Be sure you know the return policy up front and always ask for more photos if possible. David C.

I always wonder where the gold plating is on some sellers offerings. Adorama, Milford Camera, and others
tend to be higher priced for like items and condition. Craig's list and eBay will provide a price range to compare with when searching, then go with your gut for what you want to spend. Always check out the return policy and use it if needed. Also report you seller experience. David C.

I have had good luck with both the KEH and B&H sites. I have gone to tag and yard sales and found rare gems and bargins beyond belief. Best find so far: Canon 7z w/ 50mm f: 1:0.95 lens / CdS meter coupler accessory and leather case / f/r lens covers and a Canon 135mm f3.5 f/r covers and case, all in working condition, ($10.00). No haggling was required. Seller said it was some old junk.
Best I can suggest is go on eBay and search, don't be afraid to ask the seller questions or request photos of the item for sale. David C.

Good Question...?
I know of a service and repair shops for Topcon / Exakta and Leica but have never had my Nikon's serviced.
Another question is: When sending in a Nikon camera for CLA and service does the technician want it sent with the lens or without? The name of a quality service provider is most welcomed.
When I last had a Topcon serviced, I was told no lens was required, the evaluation / report provided on return was based on the 5.8cm f1:1.4 standard lens of thier own testing rig. Leica service is handled with the owner's attached lens. That lens was also inspected and evaluated as part of the CLA service.
I still use my Nikon's. Both the Nikon F (w/Photomic meter) and Nikkormat FT have been flawless
in their functions. However as you noted, they are getting old. ...like me...ha ha!!! David C.

What is the camera's intended use? To teach photography basics or just the enjoyment of snapshots...?
Once a person learn the basics of exposure and composition using film photography, it can be carried on to the digital format. Film provides examples that can be reviewed and built on so the student and teacher's
project will be, "well worth the effort". For the price a Pentax K1000 would be fantastic. If the interest is developed then go into the Digital world. For that, any of the Lumix offerings are excellent in quality and price range. Start out with good used equipment. If the interest fades, then there is the resale market. Good luck. David C.

Wow ...after following this conversation I gather not many carry a film camera any more. I do have a Canon 40D which is now considered an antique by most of you but it is good enough for me to play with. I use it as my back up of film photography.
One other note: the many brands of adaptors make it possible to use vintage and the most excellent glass lens otpions ever made, on the digital format. When you already own them, use them! You can also find vintage glass at low cost on the used market. David C.

My glove box camera is an Exakta VX or VX500 depending which has film. Both easy to use and inexpensive
to own, the Zeiss optics are fantastic. David C.

Two cameras work for me. I will usually go to the Topcon's first. The DM (72 series) set up with a 5.8cm f1:1.4 RE auto and my old faithful RE Super (46 series) set up with a Topcon Zoom, 87-205mm f4.7 or Telephoto from 135mm to 500mm. I have an RE-2 (56 series) which I will sometimes set up with a long lens
just for the fun of having it on the ready. I will often use several cameras set up on a multi camera mounting bar atop a tripod. This way I am ready for that chance shot of some wildlife. This set up is also used for my Nikon F and Nikkormat when they are the cameras of the day. i can not forget that when the mood changes and I pull out the range finders I go to the Leica IIIc w/ Summitar 5cm f1.2 and Leotax w/ Simlar 5cm f1.5. Telephoto shots require the Visoflex series 1 w/Telyt 20cm f4.5 or 40cm f4.5. It is fun to change things up at random. David C
Note: I am also including the Canon 40D on some photo outings so I can get used to it. All these are considered classic cameras by most but they have been in my care/use for many years. Now I have get the film from Fall/Winter 2018 developed, and see how I did. The bears are waking up should be a fun Spring.

Well I was not going to mention the company name but seeing all the comments I will confirm the Battery Testing Lab and Company was Duracell, Danbury CT. Yes, they door did make coin and button batteries with the Duracell logo. I do not have a loyalty to one brand but have my best results with Panasonic. Longest lasting and no leakage to report...to date. Duracell batteries have leaked and I have concerns about their longevity but that may be my own fault. I tend to purchase the standard AA, AAA, B, C, D, 9V sizes in 24 packs around the Holidays when they go on sale. Then have them on hand for use as needed. By the following October, November there is an obvious 1/2 life but they still work until they are replenished with new. Note: check the date codes on your package it will let you know the manufacture and use by dates. Most brands now claim 10 year shelf life I do not believe it even in the best of storage conditions. My button and coin batteries, common in cameras, are purchased as needed. With Radio Shack gone it is getting hard to find some sizes like the PX 625 and U15. Does anyone remember the Burgess Brand? Their can, button and coin as well as standard sizes were great. I used them in all the cameras and equipment I worked with in Alaska.
They were the Military/spec. Standard back in the 60's. Something we did was coat the batteries and their holders/housings in silicone grease, harsh conditions with sea air and wet work exposure was very hard on helmet lamps and flash lights, cameras and flash units, just about everything that used a battery had corrosion failures at some point. David C

I will not name the brand but I did a lot of work for a major battery company at their test facility. I inquired why there were so many different brands of batteries on the test trays. I expected to see only their name brand. I was told the testing had to include other brands of the like design and application. This was a process that incorporated both integraty and honesty in their product testing. I was also told that some/many of the OEM brands were actually produced by that company but re-branded and packaged for the OEM's product market...they still had to be tested so the sellers (OEM's) had proof of quality. David C.