snicker_doodle

I'm sure the A6000 will be more than adequate for my needs. If I change my mind I can sell it and get something else. BTW, I'm no newb to analog and digital photography. Calculating effective focal length isn't an issue. I started with digital in about 1992 using Kodak's first 2MP commercial offerings. You can imagine the challenges we had with those dogs. The latest Photoshop was version 2.0. We had PowerMac computers with a whopping 24MB of RAM. However, it's been about fifteen years since I've used DSLR cameras and those were 6MP. So just about any relatively recent offerings will be far better than what I'm accustomed to. I started analog photography when I was thirteen and moved up to 4x5 at fifteen. I did my own processing and printing. I used Ansel's methodologies. Regarding lens adapters: I don't need auto focus but do want aperture priority auto exposure. I also want auto contrast and color balance (defeatable). I'll get a straight adapter tube and one with swivel to shift plane-of-focus for macro images. I think those will cost about US$25 and $50 respectively.

I found a nice A6000 body with less than 2000 exposure count, installed Tough E-mount, battery and charger for US$322 delivered. The least pricey D600 I can find is $574 and most are around $650 or more. From what I understand, a good lens adapter is less than $50. I hope that's right. I think of it this way. If I discover I erred then I can sell it with little loss and buy the D600. :)

Okay, I priced a used Sony a6000 with 2000 exposure count and couldn't resist it at half the price of a used Nikon D600/610. What's the best 'affordable' Nikon AI lens adapter?

Do I need to be the original purchaser to get the service? How long will the camera be out of my hands? Does this affect only the D600 or the D610 also?

Okay but I assumed the safest option would be to find one with a factory replaced shutter and low shutter count. No?

I'm keeping my eyes open for a gently used D600 or D610. Do I need to find one with a factory replaced shutter (recall fix) or are later models (serial number?) okay?

Regarding the 55mm AIS Micro Nikkor; I can sell it and buy something else. It would be nice to be able to use legacy manual focus lenses but it's not imperative. I do prefer a full-frame sensor.

Thank you, Yes, $500 is a tight budget but it's a heck of a lot of money for me.:) The only lens I have is a 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor. I could sell it and buy other lenses but high quality normal and macro are my priorities. Do the adapters not work well? Yes, the D750 are selling in the $1000+ range so I suspect it'll be several months before I can afford one.

Thank you. I haven't shot 135 format film in forty years.:) I do prefer a FF sensor so the extra $100 is worth it to me. Thank you. I'll research the D750.

I'm not new to digital but it's been over a decade since I've used a digital body so I know nothing about recent offerings. I'm shopping for an inexpensive mirrorless or DSLR with at least 24MP and will accept Nikon AIS lenses (adapter okay if not pricey). The meter must work in Manual and Aperture Priority Automatic. I need to keep the total cost under US$500 (not counting lenses) but might consider a little bit more if the gain is worth it. I prefer mirrorless but I haven't found an affordable one which meets my criteria. I don't care what brand. I've be researching and searching. I think a Nikon D7100 might be a good option. Used ones are selling for $400-500. Are there better and/or cheaper options? Any caveats? Advice? Thanks in advance!!

<p>It appears that those will cost $170-300 or more for the still camera. That's okay but any particular model?</p>

<p>Thanks, Peter. I guess you're referring to "micro 3/4 sensor" cameras? What make/model? Sorry if I've misunderstood. I'm not savvy with modern digital cameras.</p>

<p>Even something like a Pentax Optio M30 might be okay (even for video too), though I would prefer better than a 3x zoom.</p>

<p>I should reiterate, I don't want to (can't) spend too much money on this camera (these cameras). I'd really like to keep the total spent below $200. Again, (other than video capability) this beat up old Nikon Coolpix 4500 would still be good enough (for stills) but it's too outdated and is malfunctioning, so I can't see the benefit of buying more batteries for it. For my needs, any old POS should be good enough. I just need decent stills/videos with good color correction and the still needs good close focus capability. This is only for basic web images.</p>

<p>Thanks, Peter. I know you're probably right and I'm open to buying separate still and video cameras.</p> <p>I should mention that I bought a cheap Philips Qvida about a year ago and although it would do the job (while it worked) I wasn't happy with the lens quality. Also, I need very close macro capability... 1:1 would be great but a little less will work.</p> <p>It's too bad the old Nikon Coolpix is on its last legs because it would have been fine for the still images.</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses, folks. I should have mentioned that I don't have a mobile phone because I no longer work and don't drive that much anymore. So, I don't need one for communication and must be frugal with my meager income these days. I could buy a used phone just for video and stills. For my video quality needs, 720p is plenty good.<br> All suggestions are welcome and appreciated.</p>

<p>I need an inexpensive digital video/still camera just for posting on the internet. I'm far out of practice with digital technology so know nothing of what's available. This is only for selling on eBay and other basic documentation. I don't need interchangeable lenses but I do need accurate color auto-correct and good/close macro capability. My old Nikon Coolpix 4500 would be fine except the color correction failed and batteries are increasingly difficult to find. Also, I need better/longer video capability. My weak eyes would appreciate a bigger/brighter LCD screen too. Any help is greatly appreciated. Perhaps I should be looking for a DV camera with good still capability?</p>