I'm going to apologise in advance for this question because I'm sure you get way too many of them. I want to buy a versatile camera body I can use my Nikon lenses with. I currently own a N2000 Nikon and I'd like to be able to get a little more creative with my photos. (for instance, I can't even use a cable release on mine) I was wondering what you might suggest for a good working camera. My budget is limited to about $500. It would be a great help to know an approximate worth also. I like macro work, but also do some portrait and scenic. Please reply, I've just discovered E-bay and am ready to SPEND!!! Thanks Janet

-- Janet Morley (photojanet2256@cs.com), December 01, 2001

Answers

If you have a reputable camera dealer that trades in used equipment, with $500 you can buy an used F3, it is a wonderful camera, rugged, and will allow you to use all the lenses you have already since if my memorie serves the N2000 is all manual.... othen than that, of the new breed I think the FM10 is under that price new. Check new prices at B&H ( www.bhphotovideo.com) and you can see if it is under your price. another good source would be photonet.com, I beleive they have reviews for cameras, you might find somehting there you like.

-- Jorge Gasteazoro (jorgegm58@prodigy.net.mx), December 01, 2001.

Janet, like Jorge mentioned, you should be able to get your hands on an F3HP. Used ones are right in that price range. You didn't mention if you had/used a flash. The F3HP takes a special mount for the flash. It is more of a claw type vs. a normal hot shoe. You would need an SB-16 or someone out there makes an adapter that will allow you to mount regular hot shoe flashes. The FM10 can be had new but just be aware that it is an all plastic body, including the lens mount (yikes). You should also be able to find a used FE/FE2 or FM2N (or maybe a new FM2N). For a little bit more, you could go and buy a new FM3A (think FM2N meets FE2 and has a kid). You didn't mention if you wanted to stick with a full manual shooter or if you wanted some automation. If you do want some automation (more than your N2000 but not automation only), check out a new N80/F80. You also might find a used N90s/F90s or a used F4 in that price range.

-- Johnny Motown (johnny.motown+bwworld@att.net), December 01, 2001.

A new Nikon FM2n body is under $500. You dont mention what lenses you have, but all the lenses that work on the N2000 will also work on the FM2n. As an added bonus the FM2n is a little jewel and a pleasure to use.I have been using my FM2n for a year as my "notebook".IE. The camera I carry around when I dont want to bring my F2 and all those lenses. The FM2n with a 50mmF1.4 & small Sunpack flash fit in a holster case and can be taken anywhere. I recommend the FM2n without reservation. As mentioned above you may want to look at the FM3. It seems to have the features of the FM2n with the addition of auto exposure capabilities. I don't know if you can get one under your budget.God luck. RO

-- Robert Orofino (Minotaur1949@iopener.net), December 02, 2001.

Thanks for your quick responses! I currently have a bid on a F3HP on Ebay. I thought I remembered an article I read in one of the mags that said it was a very reliable camera. I would love to be able to buy an AF camera, especially since I'm pushing the half century mark and the eyesight changes, but I have to stick with the manual focus so I will have lenses! I just bought a bellows for macro work to play around with fairly cheap, and I have a 50mm, an 80-200mm and a 2x converter, lots of filters and yes, I have a flash, but its an off brand cheap one. I also have a cheap spot meter I bought in highschool when I used the old Yashika TLR. I use the zoom the most for macro work and nature walks, as I like the cropping ability. I bid on the F3HP for the depth of field preview capabilities. I really need to start over and relearn properly, instead of hit and miss with the settings! I'm disappointed too often in the darkroom with my negs. Janet

-- Janet Morley (photojanet2256@cs.com), December 02, 2001.

Janet, you have been given some very good advice so far and here's my 2cents - you mentioned autofocus, bening near the same age I understand the eyes aren't what they use to be. While not a Nikon shooter (Canon instead) I seem to remember that many of your lens will work with some of the newer Nikon AF bodies. From the reviews I have read the N80 may fit the bill - I would go to Nikons web site and maybe search google.com for Nikon web sites. Look for one with the depth of field and I think some use electronic cable release. And as you have found out eBay is a great place to look. Don't count out that Yashica either - there's nothing like a big negative....

Good Luck

-- Mike Castles (photomc@flash.net), December 02, 2001.

Well, it looks like I'm the proud owner of a Nikon F3 HP with a SB-16 speedlight and a 28mm f2.8 lens E series! Don't know if the lens is a good one or not or if the price I paid was good ($575.) but now I'll have to stock up on film!! Can't wait to get shooting!! and it's not even on it's way yet! Thanks everyone! I'll let you know how it goes. Merry Christmas to me...Janet

-- Janet (photojanet2256@cs.com), December 02, 2001.

For those of you "pushing the half century": Get yourselves to your favorite eye doc and get some advice on eyepiece correction! There's likely no reason to resort to autofocus for this reason alone, or suffer with blur.

-- Henry Friedman (friedlew@worldnet.att.net), December 02, 2001.

Congrats Janet!! I think you will be happy with your choice. The E series lenses are not the best, but it will do...in addition to the F3 you can add diopter oculars, so that you dont need glasses to focus, or maybe improve on your glassses....:-)) ok, have fun and enjoy...

-- Jorge Gasteazoro (jorgegm58@prodigy.net.mx), December 02, 2001.

here's a radical idea: sell all the 35mm stuff and buy a larger format!

-- r (ricardospanks1@yahoo.com), December 03, 2001.

Janet, I think that was a great price for the F2HP, lens and flash. Good purchase! If your eyesight is giving you problems, do look into diopters for the eyepiece. Also the high eyepoint pentaprism will work well with glasses.

-- Johnny Motown (johnny.motown+bwworld@att.net), December 03, 2001.

Ricardo, I'd love to get a nice mamya medium format, or even try a 4x5 but to get lenses and accessories for it I would have to sell my house! Plus I would have to get a new enlarger for a 4x5, I don't think the old beast I have now would cut it. It's an old Bessler (It could be the one I used it in high school!) What are my options for corrections or at least magnification on the viewfinder. I know there are a couple of choices but am unclear on what they are. I wear glasses for everything ie distance and reading and was wondering if I was trying to focus through the wrong part of my glasses, but it all looks the same through the viewfinder.? Maybe I should ask an opthamologist instead. (grin) Thanks so much for your help. Janet

-- Janet Morley (Photojanet2256@cs.com), December 03, 2001.

I wear bifocals & I find the distance part of my glasses to work best focusing on the ground glass. The viewfinder is optically corrected for distance. As a matter of fact, I find my non bifocal glasses more useful for focusing. Of course I need the bi focals to see the camera settings outside the viewfinder. Fortunately my F2 Photomic & FM2n have f stop & shutter speeds visible in the viewfinder. In addition I have found constantly removing my glasses to use a diopter equipped viewfinder a distraction, so I haven't had to do this yet. Good luck! RO

-- Robert Orofino (Minotaur1949@iopener.net), December 03, 2001.

Janet;

The 28mm series E lens you have may be a great performer. Of the 3-28 mm lenses I have for my F-3 and FM, it is the best. Based on objectve resolution chart tests, it performs as well as my other nikkor lenses. I've produced excellent 16x20 B&W prints with it.

-- Gene Crumpler (hassieguy@att.net), December 04, 2001.

Janet,

I just happened to see your post. If you wish to get the most possible out of your $500 and get into medium format too, you may wish to consider a new Kiev 19M, (Nikon AI Mount manual), and a Kiev 60 6x6. Together they will cost you less than $500 brand new. You will have enough left over to buy a second lens for the K60. I got fed up with Hasselblad pricing about 6 months ago and bought both a Kiev 60 and a Kiev 88cm to augment my 'blad setup. I have been so happy with them the swede is now relagated to the back of the closet.

-- Fred De Van (fdv@mindspring.com), December 07, 2001.

Janet; if what you want is a reliable camera for years to come; try the FM, FM2, or newer FM3, last one is around $800 and others from 150 to 400 USD.I personaly donīt recomend a battery dependent Nikon camera, mecanicals are best.

Good Luck.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), December 07, 2001.