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I am hoping to develop my hobby of photography into a business next year, and have decided that my current APS SLR camera is not up to the job, mainly as I want to be able to get a good range of reprints from the negs, which APS is pretty useless at.
Can anyone recommend a good SLR (non diital and non APS) for me to buy.
Thanks
Louise
How much are you prepared to spend on your equipment in total. That is the crucial question.
You can get an old second hand SLR with standard lens for pennies or you can spend 10,000 (or even a good deal more) on a Leica with a good set of lenses!!
A vast range!!
If you go second hand, you will be able to get a better lens selection and a mid-decent SLR. Check out various 2nd hand websites and your local Jessops - they will be in a position to advise you what they can provide.
Alternatively, if you buy new, 350 is enough to get you a Canon EOS 300v and a lens or two. Or you could just get one lens and filters and other accessories. It's not a bad camera for the money.
Personally I would look second hand - I'm still using an old Praktica BMS that I bought for 30 with a few lenses, and am still pleased with the results!
Might depend on whther you want to go autofocus or manual. Secondhand manual might be cheaper..you might get a decent Nikon or Contax for this money.
I can't recommend second hand Olympus OM series camera enough...
www.star.ucl.ac.uk/~rwesson/esif/om-sif.htm
Wow there everybody, lets ask the question that really matters here first. What are you photographing and what size are you thinking of reprinting to.
There are a fantastic range of cameras and lenes to choose from but I think we need to know what you are exspecting to get from this new bit of kit.
Sorry to be so bossy on only my second day 
Marty
Does'nt matter what camera you buy-it's the person behind the camera that's important,he/she can create a masterpiece with very little...
If you have the 'eye'for a good picture you are 90% there.The general public could'nt care nuts if you shot it with camera X,they see a wonderful photograph.
Too much is placed on does the equipment give the right impression when I've got it around my neck...and how many times a year is it coming out of the box?
Never mind the equipment,can you take a great photograph is the more serious question...
I have four nikon bodies (each one better condition than mine) F90x pro, FM2n, F60,Nikormat FTN .... the FTN gives by far the best results maybe its because you have to slow down with it and the matt screen focusing on it is great it weighs a ton and when you press the shuter it sounds like a sledge hammer hitting it . I have three lenses for it 135,50 ,28 all nikor lenses and I bought the whole lot 3years ago for 150 . autofocus camers are ok for what they are designed for but to get good results slow down and go search out a bargain theres plenty out there now everyones gone digital crazy ..good luck
Louise
Same question as others what are you looking at photographing as a business. As you have only used an APS camera and was considering on only spending 350 I would be concerned if you have enough experience to make the leap from hobby to living. There’s many people out there that have been taking photos for years and are exceptionally good who have not been able to make the leap or at least not full-time.
Even as a keen amateur I have spent a couple of thousand on camera gear and do not consider myself any where near enough equipment to go professional.
Best off luck hope it works out
I'll say this again..it's a complete myth about spending millions on gear because you are turning 'professional'..
Clients,editors and the general public DON'T ask you what equipment your using,they look for a great photo.They are NOT interested in whether you have taken out a second mortgage to buy all the latest gear.
This is all nonsense-why are so many people wrapped up in this camera or that,and what lens,and is yours better than mine.
A load of old toffee-bring me back a picture taken on a box brownie that is well composed,lit and posed,and I'll call you a photographer in all it's glory.
Show me some serious photography & I'll be happy,Im NOT interested what gear you use to shoot it...not once in my whole career was I ask what camera I used.
All I remember was,it done the job and everything was published,from inserts to covers.How I done it,they could'nt care less,and I remained with those cameras for years.
The camera does'nt do the picture-it's the person behind it that presses the shutter.
I don't care how much the camera costs,not interested one bit.
...but show me a great photograph!
Graflex
I completely agree with the comments you make but without a clearer understanding on what professional work Louise is intending to do the equipment required could be very important. The better the equipment or large the range the better opportunity you have for getting the photo the client wants. It could be difficult to take wildlife photos for one client when the only lens is more suited to portrait work.
More info Louise, so we can give more useful information.
Phil
While I agree pretty much with Graflex, great equipment will not guarantee great pictures, at the same time depending on the type of subject you will go for, Equipment does matter. You won't shoot safari or close up on a box brownie! The Nikon user's comment above should be your guiding principal- an all manual camera will slow you down and improve your quality. Any second hand manual 35mm SLR will suffice, and Zoom with your feet before buying a heap of lenses.
If Weddings, studio or portraiture are your intended field, then medium format may be the right way to go. It is true that it is the picture not the camera that will win over the picture editor, but a 6x6 slide will always beat a 35mm, partly through snob value, partly through laziness (you don't have to squint) but mainly for quality. For weddings the extra resolution is good for Wedding Dress textures, and the contact prints are large enough to give to customers as proofs...
So a 35mm SLR (Centon/Phenix/Secondhand) or a Medium Format (Mamiya 330 if you can find one) - Next most important item is a tripod. It is vital for good pictures. Get one that is steady with your chosen camera on it, yet light enough that you will carry it. After that a warm up filter and a polariser, and that is it. Go out and shoot winning stuff with this lot and then see what you else you might need.
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