We were able to get a really good deal on a second-hand Nikon because of a tip from a newspaper photographer. He let me know about a place that buys and sells used cameras (repairing them if needed) at reasonable prices. Because professional photographers are always upgrading to a better camera, they sometimes unload perfectly good cameras because they are not state-of-the-art. Thus, a market is created for buyers like us who just want a decent camera that's dependable.
You might call the photo department at your local newspaper -- or a local studio, anywhere where professional photographers are lurking -- and ask them if such a second-hand camera shop exists in your area.
Leo

Advice from a Pro

Your best choice is a used 35 mm variable lens camera. That means that you can remove the lens and replace it with other lenses. You can use this camera as a novice photographer, and when you begin to learn more about photography, the camera will be all you need. It will also maintain resale value.

Nice features for a new or used camera include:

A manual functioning ability and automatic override.That way you get to make a choice of aperture and shutter speed when you take a photograph. Some situations require manual operation, such as when the light is behind the subject as in a seashore shot.
Be sure that you can see the aperture and shutter speed and light meter through your viewfinder. Then, you don't need to move your camera away from your eye when you make adjustments.
Most cameras come with a 50 or 55 mm lens attached. If possible, invest in a zoom lens that goes from 24 or 28 mm to 70 or 80 mm. These lenses tend to be more expensive, but you will find yourself never needing another lens. It will make wide angle shots, mid-range shots and close-ups. The aperture opening for these lenses might begin at 2.8, 3.5, or 4.5. The lower the aperture opening, the better.
Be sure the camera has a hot shoe for attaching your flash. An automatic flash is a handy item to add to your investment.
If the camera you find is very old, it won't be able to handle the newer high speed films. This may not be a problem, depending on your intentions.

Before you buy your camera, take the lens off and check the mirror inside to see that it is not scratched. [Never touch it or clean it with anything but forced air.] Check the lens to see that it has no spots or scratches. If the owner has protected their camera with a clear lens filter, that would be a bonus to you. Also open the back where you put the film. Check the soft backing to see that it is not ripped. Don't ever touch it though! You might click the camera a few times to see it move. Look all over the camera and lenses for dents. If it has been dropped, don't buy it, it may have internal problems. Also if it has been used commercially, it may not be such a good deal.
Linda B. photographer.

Try Pawn Shops

The best cameras come from personal sales or pawn shops. If you are anywhere near a college, that is the place to start. Many people are required to take one photography class and must buy a camera for the course. The camera is then used for a few weeks and sold. Signs come up at the end of the semester. I started out with a 35 mm Ricoh with one zoom lens. It took me through college and now I still use it to take pictures for the newspaper I work for. Cost: $100 with three extra lenses and flash. It had gone through two students before me but was still brand new.
Dana G.

Let's Make a Deal

After a few months of extensive research on prices, quality of photo, and value, I finally purchased a new camera. It is true with cameras that "you get what you pay for", but shop that price! I purchased the Pentax IQ Zoom 160 for $269.00 + tax. I did a lot of Comparison shopping, the first store I found it at had the camera for around $450.00. I went from Camera Shop to Camera Shop showing each place the price that the other place would give me. I even talked the salesman into 2 free batteries, a camera bag and four 4 rolls of film - do not hesitate to ask for these things and be sure that they know that "the other place" offered to throw in those things with your camera purchase. You can also call manufacturers to see if they're offering any rebates. I love this Camera and I'll have it for a very long time.
Christy A.

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"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

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