: Open the battery door and check for green or white corrosion. If it's heavy, the camera’s light meter may no longer work.
: The gold standard for black and white. It is very "forgiving," meaning it still looks good even if your exposure isn't perfect.
: Perhaps the most iconic beginner SLR. It features a "Program" mode that handles both shutter speed and aperture, making it very approachable while offering full manual control as you grow.
: Ensure it is relatively clear. While some dust is fine, heavy black spots might indicate "prism desilverment," which is difficult and expensive to fix. 3. Choosing Your Film Stock Your choice of film defines the "look" of your photos.
: Shine a flashlight through the lens. Look for fungus (spiderweb-like patterns), haze (a cloudy film), or heavy scratches . Tiny dust specks are normal and won't affect photos.
: A compact, lightweight SLR with a massive, bright viewfinder. It’s perfect if you want a professional-grade feel without the bulk of traditional 1970s SLRs.
: Open the battery door and check for green or white corrosion. If it's heavy, the camera’s light meter may no longer work.
: The gold standard for black and white. It is very "forgiving," meaning it still looks good even if your exposure isn't perfect.
: Perhaps the most iconic beginner SLR. It features a "Program" mode that handles both shutter speed and aperture, making it very approachable while offering full manual control as you grow.
: Ensure it is relatively clear. While some dust is fine, heavy black spots might indicate "prism desilverment," which is difficult and expensive to fix. 3. Choosing Your Film Stock Your choice of film defines the "look" of your photos.
: Shine a flashlight through the lens. Look for fungus (spiderweb-like patterns), haze (a cloudy film), or heavy scratches . Tiny dust specks are normal and won't affect photos.
: A compact, lightweight SLR with a massive, bright viewfinder. It’s perfect if you want a professional-grade feel without the bulk of traditional 1970s SLRs.