I'm clueless. 35mm manual camera

Ok, so I'm in high school and I have taken an interest in photography, like a lot of people. I'm kind of trying to figure out who I'm right now, so I'm trying out lots of different things. This can get expensive, obviously. I don't know if this interest will last, and there's no way to find out other than try it.

I plan on taking a beginner's photography class in school, but that's just it: I'm a beginner. I know absolutely nothing about photography. It says I need a 35mm manual camera, but I don't know what that means.

If anyone can explain to me what it is or give me a link to somewhere that explains it, that'd be great. Also, if you know of a good camera to use would be, please recommend it. Keep in mind that I'm just exploring this interest and don't need a bunch of fancy equipment.

Thanks for all your help and sorry for the helplessness, but I really am clueless.

So glad to hear that you're interested in photography!

What your class requires is a 35mm (a popular film format) all manual (you, as the photographer, control all the settings, the camera does not do anything automatically for you) SLR (Single Lens Reflex, you can learn what that means later) camera.

Here is a website that will give you the background you need as well as provide help in using the camera that you buy.

http://www.guidetofilmphotography.com/

Based on my decade+ of shooting 35mm film cameras, I recommend the following cameras to students because they are durable and meet the above criteria as well as fun to use but don't cost an arm and a leg ($100-$250 with lens from a reputable camera shop). I only recommend these two cameras because the choices can be overwhelming and I honestly believe that these two are the best two. The Pentax is a little cheaper and has fewer features and the Nikon is a little more expensive and more capable.

--Pentax K1000 and a 50mm Pentax SMC-M 1.7 or f2 lens
--Nikon FM and a 50mm Nikkor 1.8 or f2 lens

I recommend you buy ONLY from a reputable camera dealer who offers a good warranty. Most people buy used film cameras off eBay etc and then wind up with neglected, uncared-for cameras that don't work and require big repair bills and wasted time and money. It's best to pay a little more up front and get a good camera that can allow you to get right into shooting. KEH.com offers a 6 month warranty on all their cameras and I recommend buying any of these cameras there. Maybe you have a local shop too?

http://www.keh.com/

Any of these cameras with a simple 50mm lens can easily be "your camera for life" as my main camera repair tech used to say to me.

Please email me at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com if you need any more help.

METAL AND MANUAL
FILM FOREVER

Robert M is close, but not exactly.

35mm does indeed mean that the camera takes 35mm film, but, 'Manual,' here refers to manual exposure (you have to work out the settings) So the Canon AE-1 (not a bad piece of kit) is out, as it has auto exposure as well.

You do want a 35mm SLR (look up the term) - a classic for these courses is the Pentax K1000, but other suitable models are the Pentax KX and MX, the Olympus OM-1 and the Nikon FM and FM-2.

All of these cameras are available cheaply with a 50mm (focal length, also something to look up) standard lens (lenses are interchangeable, but tutors like the 50mm, and it's a good place to start), and need batteries only to power their exposure meters (the camera works without a battery, but it's difficult to get the pictures you want).

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Almost-Any-35mm-Film-Camera

For future compatibility look for a Pentax or Nikon because both have used the same lens mount for decades.

Pictures are made by using lenses, f/stops (lens opening that let in different amounts of light) and shutter speed that are used to stop action). You best bet would be to call or use your computer to ask either or both B&H Photo or Adorama, what they have in manually operated cameras.

www.bhphotovideo.com 1-800-854-5575

www.adorama.com 1-800-223-2500

It would help if your class description indiated what type of manual camera, a simple point & shoot type or one that acepts interchangeable lenses. Commonly referred to as a SLR as opposed to a digital of the same configureation referred to as a DSLR. I would try to get in touch with the instructor for more complete information

A 35mm camera uses film. Manual means there's no autofocus. Learning to use one of these cameras helps with the basics of composition forcing the photographer to do more than simply point and click.
Do a search on ebay or the like for a Canon AE-1 or AT-1. These are from the 70's and 80's. Can usually find one for $50 with a 50mm manual lense.

There are plenty of cheap film cameras now available on eBay and such sites.
The Pentax K1000 was reckoned to be a good "starter" camera. It has manual functions and will suit you just fine.