Newbie - Entry Level Camera Suggestions
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For Scuba-Photo newbies, any suggestions on a good entry level (non-digital) camera ?
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Also, Which strobe ?
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Finally, any suggestions on camera operation/s for how to take our first pictures ?
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Thanks

Glenn, I'm afraid with those parameters, you are setting yourself up for some serious disappointments. Underwater is a lot tougher to get good photographs with the lack of good light being the biggest problem.

There are also two big problems with film cameras, framing the shot and feedback. Since you do not get to see what the film is recording, framing is all but impossible. Most film cameras have a sport finder on top may or may not be what you are shooting. The next issue is feedback, with film you have to wait for development to have any idea if the exposure, focus or color is correct.

None of the above applies if you have a digital. It really is cheaper in the long run and you will be much happier with the results.

I started with film and was always disappointed with the results. Once I switched to digital there was no regrets.

Now for the cost side, you can find a cheap film camera and case for less then $100 (look for a Bonica). Tack on film and processing for a week long trip so maybe another $100. For that you will be very lucky to get 20 good pictures. If you go digital figure $250 for the camera, another $150 for the UW case. For that same week long trip you can easily get 100 good shots each of which better than the best film shot.

Here's a story from my past, we were in Belize and there swimming at me was a VW sized Loggerhead Turtle with two sucker fish on it's underside. I waited with my film camera for that perfect shot. As he passed over me I squeezed off my shot. Three weeks later when I finally got the pictures back from the developer, I had a perfectly exposed, in focus shot of one flipper. That was my last trip with film.

Glenn, I agree with Cecil. Especially while learning, digital is the way to go. I wasted so much money on film, only to get 2 or 3 good shots per roll, or to find out the film hadn't been advancing and didn't get any pics on the dive. You take lots of pics, thinking you got great shots, only to get the film developed and have squat, or next to squat. The only drawback to digital is that there is a delay in timing when you take the pic...hard to get when something moves all the time...LOL!

I'm not sure how many film photographers there are here on the board, but if there are, maybe they can help with your requests.

Welcome to the board Glen.
I agree with the others a good digital is the way to go. You can get into some pretty good ones for $400-500. Figure on another $200-600 for a strobe and arm....and you really do need one.
On the other hand if you still want film, a used Sea and Sea MX-10/YS-40 is hard to beat. It's tough, easy to use and with some practice it can take some very good photos. There are quite a few for sell.

Thanks to all for the info. I am picking up the S&SMX10/YS40A for starters, so hopefully our first photo adventures will be successful.

Glen, glad you found something that will work for you. Please make sure to share your pics and experiences with us!

Glen,

If you are getting an MX-10, consider getting a close-up lens as well. It is a big help. Also, dig around and find a copy of "The New Guide to Sea & Sea" by Joe and Cara Sherman. This book is a little old but it has a wealth of info on the MX-10 and it's strobe,lenses and how to use it. There are a bunch of MX-10s are on the market. They are pretty tough so you can get some pretty good deals on good used ones.

I just did a search on the book...$140 for a used one...anybody want to buy a book, I'll throw in a free camera.

Try E Bay; there is up now for $8 with no current bids.