Hi Guy's
I just uploaded my photo's into my "workbench album " on Armorama at msn photo's.
My local CVS pharmacy developes the photo's for the customer, and you retrieve them online. My problem is that I only have a Canon 35mm Sureshot, and it is very inadequate
for taking close-up's ( as I found out ). Though I still uploaded the photo's .......I am not satisfied with the pic's. I just can't capture any of the fine detail ( as you can see in the album ) with this camera...........and I know I need a new camera with a good "zoom lense ".
I can't spend more than $200, and wonder if any of you can recommend some
quality brands and their model #'s. I am not looking for a digital .......just a good
camera for getting in close and capturing some good detail. Even though I labeled my photo's with the work I did .....you really can't notice it in the pic's. I'd appreciate any recommendation's & advise.
THANK YOU.

- ralph

Ralph, this is just my opinion but, have a look here: Epinions
There are lots of reviews here. The one I would pick is the first you'll see. You do not need a "zoom" lense but, rather a "macro" lense is what you're after.
Hope this helps some...

Thanks Ken ......your links are priceless as always.
This seem's to be what I'm looking for. I figure i will add this to a list of
3 camera's total, and then make a decision.
THANKS AGAIN !

- ralph

Ralph,

Being a photographer I just had to respond!

As mentioned already, waht is most important is a good macro lens. Preferably one that will give 1:1 reproduction.

So, that means you need an SLR to stick the lens on. Well, I don't know what you want to spend but there are LOTS of choices.

Do you know how to use shutter speed and aperture to properly expose your film? Doing close-up work, you will probably want some control over this. You may want to get as much in focus as possible so you'd want a small aperture, etc...

I have mostly owned and used Nikon SLR's but Canon, Pentax and Olympus are fine too.

I would suggest looking at used cameras. I still own 4 old Nikon F3's and think they are great cameras. They are pro models and well built. They have an aperture priority setting but other than that, they are all manual with few bells and whistles. Probably get a good used one for under $400 or $500. Probably cheaper. Mine have been beaten, abused, drenched (in salt water) and look like hell. Still working and seeing action though.

One thing to think about for close-up work is the viewfinder on the camera. The F3, for example, has a viewfinder that lets you see 100% of what will appear on film. This is very important for any kind of macro photgraphy. Also, the viewfinder is removable on the F3 so you can look down into it instead of sticking your eye behing the camera. This is very convenient when doing something where you have to hunch over the set-up.

But, the lens is probably the most important thing. Nikon makes some great glass as do the other manufactures.

Good luck!

Steve

If you don't want to spend the extra money on a macro lens, you can do what I do and get a macro filter. Works very well and usually costs around $20.
HTH

I've used a couple Canons for over 30 years for still film photography. If the camera will be used primarily for model photography, you pretty much need a single lens reflex (one with interchangeable lenses). At least one lens needs to have a macro setting, as mentioned, which will allow the lens to get up close to your subjects. You'll also want one that has a lot of control over the aperture and sutter speed. A small aperture makes a photo with more of the stuff in front of the lens in focus but it takes a longer time to properly expose the film this way, so you'll want a good deal of control over the camera. Essentially, you shold discard autofocus altogether for waht you're doing. Check at a good photo supply store for used equipment, especially if you're near a college.
If you find an SLR without a macro lens, you can get a magnifyer for the front of the lens in a couple different powers or you might be able to find an extension tube set that will allow you to really get up close and personal.
The other question is why not a digital for this kind of photography? I found so many shots I took on regular film to be over or under exposed when they came back from processing. With a digital, you immediately see the quality of the picture and decent software can do wonders for over/under exposure.

Thanks guy's .....I really appreciate your time.
I will take all your advise and bring it to the camera shop
with me, and bring it up with the owner.
I'm glad you guy's know what your doing, because this really
help's me alot. When it come to photography, I really am lost
with what kind of equipment to get. But thanks to you all, I now
know what to look for.

- ralph

Luckily I live near a few casinos, and therefore a bunch of pawn shops. Looking for a good SLR Camera cheap?, visit a pawn shop. Or if your extremely lucky a goodwill store My brother bought a canon SLR for 15 bucks CANADIAN becuase "it doesn't autofocus".