What should be my first film camera?

Canon AE-1
Pentax Program A
Nikon FM2
Olympus OM

Theses are my top choices. Any suggestions/recommendations?

The lenses used with the Pentax Program A and Nikon FM2 can be used on the Pentax and Nikon digital SLR cameras

The Olympus OM and Canon AE-1 and others made before 1988 use obsolete lenses that can't be used on any of the Olympus and Canon dSLR cameras

It is a good practice to have 35 mm and digital SLR cameras that can use the same lenses, even if only in the manual mode

Pentax

It depends on what you can find in very good condition.

I always used Olympus when I shot film (35mm) loved their cameras and still get tempted to pick up something like the OM2 Spot Program just for old times sake… The OM1n was the camera that served me flawlessly for 10-15 years, Olympus made some pretty impressive cameras.

Since Olympus didn't support the older system when they moved into the digital market I chose the nearest product to the Olympus style and that's Pentax… I don't mind shooting with film, it's nice to run some black and white through the camera and step into a darkroom for an hour or two, it's something everyone that's interested in photography should experience and give a go… You can pick up used Pentax lenses cheaply and easily and i'd recommend Pentax if you are a student… It's the most cost-effective entry into SLR cameras and the quality is as good as the rest.

Out of the big 5 manufacturers (Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax) that made SLR cameras I preferred the image quality from Canon, the colour always seemed much better than the rest… Nowadays since their 35mm cameras are mostly electronic you are taking more of a risk because the LED (lights) might be ready to die and as with anything electronic it has a limited life… If you know your stuff though and can check a second-hand Canon out thoroughly then you could pick up a decent toy, i'd only buy Canon from a reputable source and i'd make sure it had some sort of guarantee.

Nikon… Wasn't much of a fan of Nikon, nice cameras built like tanks and flawless performance, great reputation and very reliable. Another decent choice if you are considering a digital camera because as fhotoace mentions you can swap lenses onto the Nikon digital cameras (some Nikon digital cameras… I'd advise checking compatibility the D3000 and D5000 series will let you mount older lenses although you won't be able to use the cameras on board meter, you could use an external meter or test your instincts by trying to guess the correct exposure, it's not as crazy as it sounds you have the advantage of the LCD screen on a digital camera to check instantly how much out or how accurate you are… Cameras like the D7000 and above will accept the older lenses and will meter with them just fine… Although I still recommend checking compatibility before making purchases).

If you are sensible you could pick up a real bargain and something enjoyable… There isn't a right or wrong, it's more about what you prefer… There was a lot of love in the old traditional cameras and I still enjoy handling them… They don't make cameras like they used too, don't forget you can always get a digital copy of your shots by asking for a photo CD at the time of processing.

I used to have the Pentax Program A and can say it was a marvellous camera.
Wish I still had it!

I'd go for the Olympus OM-1 or one you haven't listed, the Pentax MX.

Failing that, the FM2.