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Posted by Duncan on April 30, 2002 at 09:54:42:
In Reply to: Re: young newbie camera sellection posted by John Ayres on April 05, 2002 at 20:07:48:
: While a couple of those listed were "ok" cameras 30-some years ago, the only one in that list I'd even consider would be the Pentax.
: You'd be better off sticking with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, or Minolta. Cameras like the old Nikkormats or Minolta SRT series were tanks. If you find one in excellent condition, you'd be much happier if you want a "good" manual camera.
I have a Praktica BMS which I bought second hand from cash converters (now called cash eXchange). My first camera (SLR) was a Praktica LTL 3 made during the 70's. I got it in 1994 from a relative and it is still working perfectly today (2002). The BMS you found is the same deal I got (28mm wide angle and 50-200mm zoom). The camera itself is very light compared to the LTL 3 and I'm still checking it out.
If you want to buy a second hand camera:
1: Find a shop like jessops, they will have checked over/re-furbished the camera. You will get a garentee.
2: If you go to a dealer like jessops, you will be able to do the most crucial thing of all... hold the camera and look at it.
3: Don't get it off the net. It's better to see and hold the camera than it is to recieve one in the post with a cracked lens.
4: Go to the library and look up books on second hand cameras. These will tell you what problems/damage you must look out for.
5: If there are scratches on the body, not realy a problem, but look closeley to see if the scratches look like they were the result of being dropped or of normal use.
6: Look at any lenses supplied. If there is a scratch on the glass element of the lens then choose annother camera. Look throgh it. Play with it. Twist knobs to make shure they move proplerly.
I would not buy the camera off the net myself. I believe that the camera fits the photographer, not that the photographer must fit the camera.
I reccomend going for a popular well known make of camera e.g Olympus, Pentax, Zenit (v.well made I must admit!), Praktica, and there are others. Hint: look in a camera mag. The adverts in the back advertise the well known makes. Although they mostly advertise todays cameras, they give you an idea on what makes to look out for e.g Olympus.
Take this advice and the advice from others and you will buy a camera that will serve you for years! Believe me. I still love my LTL 3.
P.S
Go to www.jessops.co.uk
they have a second hand/used section and you can search through this by store location! If there is a shop near you, you can find out just what they have!
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