Nikon for ca. 100$

I want to start experimenting with a used analog SLR camera. I want to get it at ebay and spend ca. 100$
(not more than 148,745$ (=100 ?). What camera should I be looking for/avoid?
I know it sound very naive (it is!). I have a "good eye", so picture quality counts most.

 

The N90s would be a good choice at your price point.

 

nikon fe would be a good choice as well imo.

 

N80, D90s. Both great choices.

 

Thanks a lot, that helped!

 

If you need a lens or lenses too, I think $100 is optimistic, if you don't want to start with a repair project. However, you may be able to get a F70 (also called an N70) with AF-D 28-80mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens for that. The F70 works fine with older manual focus lenses (AI or AIS or Series E, but not non-AI) as well, some of which can be found for little money. However, the F70 is not fully compatibile with "G" lenses (including the "G" version of the 28-80), so avoid those, and of course "DX" lenses don't work properly with any film camera.

 

I bought a Nikon FM with a 50mm f2 AI lens for less than $100. I bought a Nikon FG with a 50mm f2 AI lens for less than $50. It is possible. I wouldn't buy an n90s or n80 as when you add the lens you're looking at more than $100. Start simple with a manual focus Nikon SLR. Move up from there if you need more than that.

 

A good source for used, trailing edge Nikon bodies is henrys.com--an establised Canadian retailer with good warrantees, accurate descriptions and an aversion to crap merchandise.Manual bodies like the FE usually go for <US$100, as do older but useable AF bodies like the 8008s/801s; F90x/N90s bodies would be a bit more, like US$120-ish. Worth a look.

 

AF bodies for $100 might work but I don't think a lens comes into the bargain.

A working FM or FE with a prime on it is your best bet. The FM is nearly indestructible, the FE almost, but check if changing the ISO leads to correct meter readings.

My own finds:

FM, body only: 60 euros

FE + 50mm f1.8 + 80-200 f4-f4.5 + Metz CT-41 flash + original bills & folders from 1981: 100 euros (!) Camera in mint condition.

FE + 28mm: 100 euros

They all worked flawlessly when I bought them. The first FE died only after when I dropped it onto the pavement (strap became undone) ... ouch. It was a gem.