I need a 35mm SLR, preferably a nikon as I've already got some older Nikon lenses that should work on most bodies as far as I'm aware (both have aperture rings and work fine on a D5100, can find the exact lenses if it's necessary but it might be a bit of a dig).
Could do with being acquirable for a price under 120 GBP. I don't want to buy a relic and then completely disrespect it with my terrible photography like Justin Bieber covering Wish you were here.
At the moment I'm looking at the FA and FE2 but I'm honestly lost, can't find enough information on anything to make an informed decision. Halp?
Depending on your timeline, I say save some additional cash and get the Nikon F5. They can be picked up for about 200 GBP. (original retail cost was over 3k GBP)
Top of the line... also huge, but an amazing camera.
Otherwise the FM10 or the F100 are also great Nikons.
Nikon F5 dimensions... 158 x 149 x 79 mm Hmmm might be a touch on the large size... haha, kinda need it to be relatively portable!
FM10 seems to have a bad rep for build Q?
People seem to be recommending the FE2 over the FM100 for MF lenses (as is one of mine, and I never really use AF anyway) but I'm yet to figure out why.
I have two Nikon film cameras. FM-20 & F65. I prefer the FM-20 due to it's solid construction, manual focus and settings. The F65 is more modern with auto focus and exposure modes and will work really well with AF-D lenses, it's the more "practical" film camera, but I still prefer the the fully manual set up of the FM-2. When using film I don't want to be snap happy(film and D&P costs) and if the camera slows me down I like that.
I got an FM2 and I absolutely love it. I really like it`s limitations. The light-meter is quite good on mine and works perfectly for street photography. I use it with the 50mm f1.8 (although a 35mm will be purchased soon) and usually just leave it on f1.8 and adjust the shutter. An apeture priority mode would make life easier but I am totally fine with turning the dial manually. I only paid 120$ for the FM2 and will probably get an F3 in the future for the A-Mode.
The FE2 is great aswell but it wastes the first two frames of the roll (0 and 00) which I can usually manage to still use on my FM2, although 00 is a bit exposed most of the time. I`d get the FE2 over the FA since that one can have a couple of problems you can only identifiy after buying it on ebay and testing it for yourself.
What do you want to do that you can't accomplish with your current cameras? You haven't really given a reason for why you're in the market right now.
Also, all Nikon lenses are F mount, and they have always been. Any Nikon lens you have (with a few very particular exceptions) will work on any Nikon body, film or digital.
That all being said, I had a Nikon F3 that I loved. As far as analog 35mm slrs go, that's about as good as it gets in my opinion. I've heard great things about the F100 but I've never used one.
Can't fault you there, it's a great format. Well, then like I said, I'd recommend the F3 if you're okay without autofocus, or the F100 if you want autofocus.
keep in mind that manual focus on a film camera is not like manual on a DSLR. You have a nice split-prism focus system and focusing ist quite easy. Even for street portraits I find it quick enough so people don`t get annoyed with your setting up the cmaera and waiting for the photo. I*d get an FE2 or F3. They both are awesome. Although I like having the FM2 for now and getting a feel for apeture, shutter and ASA. After a couple dozen rolls I have quite a good feeling for which settings to usw and I think that this experience is helpful whatever you shoot and shoot with
