Recommendation for very good inexpensive 35mm SLR.

Albert probably shot more film in the last week than all of us put together shot in the last 10 years! What's worse is he made money doing it and got a bunch of great audiophile toys out of it--met some really cool musicians... oh well you get the point. At any rate--Albert might have some good advice here (but it might be kind of liking asking Gayle Sanders what's a good $150 bookshelf speaker).

I have a whole Olympus system, 2 bodies and many lenses, etc.
The whole thing for $450. Great for student.
Good Luck,
Curt

Go to the AudiogoN companion site PhotogoN and ask again.

Canon AE-1 is a good camera. Easy to find used. Alot of parts around. Good optics on lenses. Some have noisy shutters ("shutter squeak"), so you should inquire about that before buying.

Peter, what is the deal with "Shutter Squeak"?? My old AE-1 Program has squeaked for well over 10 years. Has no affect on performance. I guess there could be a wear issue, but mine still works fine?? However, all used camera dealers just quickly lubricate them, and then sell them for a premium because they don't squeek, but in reality they are no better.