At the outset let me inform that this is the first time I have
tried bbs. It is informative and interesting.

        I have been looking around for a camera which can be suitable
for a novice in this field. I would prefer it to be a 35mm SLR which
is completely manual., i.e., no automatic controls. It must be able to
shoot stunning close-ups and even extreme closeups. If anybody has any
information about such a camera please e-mail it to leov@cyberspace.org

10 responses total.

well, for starters, there are a lot of manual cameras available for entry
level prices.  I would recommend that you go to one of the better camera shops
and tell them that you want a manual camera and also tell them what you want.
Now, to get "stunning close-ups" I would think is not possible for a low
price.  A pretty good compromise, however is the "close-up" filter-type lenses
which are screw-on additions to the normal camera lens.  These usually come
in sets of 3 at varying magnifications.  These can be bought used for $15 to
$20 and are not a bad compromise.  They usually have a very shallow depth of
field and have a problem with center to edge focus.  The next step would be
extension tubes or a macro lens which gets into big $$ fast.  

The only other thing I would recommend is to watch for the camera shows held
at local hotels usually 2x/year.  These shows have tons of used equipment for
sale at pretty good prices and you could talk to some of the dealers and get
a pretty good used set-up to do exactly what you want.

Any other advice out there?

What mcpoz said.  You can probably find a really good camera used at a decent
price, especially since you want a manual model instead of something
automatic.  With luck, you might get an old Leica or something similar. 
You'll need to use a light meter for those, though.

from time to time, you get some good items in the "freebies" ads in the
Saturday Ann Arbor News.

Did you say _Ann Arbor News_ "Freebies" mcpoz.  Funny you should mention that,
for that has been what I've been doing for the past year.  There is also a
section called "Freebie Wanteds" where an individual can list a needed item.
"Freebie Wanted" ads are $1.00 per ad, and you may place the ad for up to four
consecutive weeks.  All other terms apply.  Need to know more.  Email me at
"bruin@cyberspace.org".

Whoops! Just fingered this guy and found out that he lives in Indiana.  So
much for that idea.

Oh well, the freebies wanted was an excellent idea if he were local.  

The close up feature will likely be an add-on.  Most 35mm cameras come
with a basic 50mm lense.  For working quickly a macro focusing lense that
slides between focal lengths is a nice, and fairly common choice:  but can
be expensive.  A set of (inexpensive) close-up rings, which sit behind
your standard lense (in different combinations) is a more awkward but
perfectly workable method, depending on the type of work.  I like using
rings because it is simple to return to the exact configuration I want. 
In either case it's a matter of matching the camera lense mounting system
to your close up device of choice. 

I believe the device you are describing is called "extension tubes."  These
tubes go between the camera body and the lens.  They give great magnification
capability, but have very short depth of field.  

There are magnifying "close-up lenses" which attach to the front of the lens
like a filter, these also are a good compromise, but tend to have difficulty
with keeping the center and edge of the the picture both in focus.

leov
I would say instead of looking for what others say, start
studying photography - lots of books available in any basic library. also
lots of material available on the net. if u get to know what can make a good
"stunning closeup" then u will be able to decide
what equipment to buy. Mind u i dont say "dont take advice" - all I say is
it makes sense for you to start studying photgraphy look at what whats
involved.

send me email at ajayd. I might be able to give u more details
ajay

Not quite the right place for this, but I didn't want to start a whole new
item just for this question.

I recently aquired a very nice Canon F1.  I don't, however, have any of the
manuals.  I found a website with the manual for the camera body, and the
Power Winder F wasn't too hard to figure out.  I need some information on
the Data Back F attachment, though.  Specifically, what is the small knob
marked "1, 2, 3" for?  My guess is it sets the exposure, but what ASA ranges
go with each setting?

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