Whats the best film SLR camera and what kind of lens should i start with for a beginner?

i was wondering which is better nikon or canon. i was also troubled by the types of lenses that i should buy.

You'll find you have a lot more choice in terms of price range and capabilities in the Canon product line. The best advice you'll get is to go to a reputable camera store and handle the cameras. See how easy they are to use. See how they feel in your hand. Try a couple of different lens on the body you like.

My priorities would be:

1. A camera body that fits well in your hands with easy to use controls

2. A zoom lens in the 35-100mm range. This will cover a lot of situations.

3. A good external flash. The on board flash tends to be weak, prone to red eye.

4. A good bag to put it all in with room for more lenses.

5. A good tripod.

And be prepared for the biased sales person. Some will try to sell you their favourite brand. Instead go for what feels good in your hand. Some cameras will be lighter or heavier than others. Some bodies are more compact, some are larger. Find what works for your hands.

Also keep in mind the ability to grow into a Digital SLR later. Will all the accessories you buy now work on the digital bodies too. A good web site to see the Canon history is:

http://www.canon.com/canon-museum/index/...

A great camera for beginners is the Canon Rebel G (or any of the Canon Rebel series). They can be found at Walmart and include the lens. This camera has basic features that allow the user to let the camera decide the apeture/shutter speed or lets the user decide them. Learn to use the camera first...it has macro and micro functions and a zoom....then buy extra lenses. I would start off by a micro lens to take very up close pictures and a wide angle lens for landscapes. Also you should buy a circular polarizing filter and lens hood. The hood to block sunlight from the sides that creates flares and the filter to block uv rays that causes glares. The filter also protects your lens from scratches...I personally keep mine on all the time.

I recommend the Cannon EOS series. If you think you will end up getting a digital camera then I would recommend the digital version of the Cannon Rebel. The EOS series lenses work on either camera so you don't end up having to buy the lenses twice. The lens that I used when I started is a 35-135 mm. Most professors will tell you that it needs to be at least around a 50-100 mm lens.

I'm all about Canon but honestly, the whole Canon vs. Nikon is like Pepsi and Coke. Canon is more popular and better in my opinion, but that's not to say you'll get Nikon and not do what you want. Both Canon and Nikon are phasing out their film SLRs so act fast or get on eBay.

You said best ... that means at any price = Leicaflex.

A Canon all the way... If you are a total beginner, try a Canon AE1 or A1, they are very useful as learning tools and exceptional pieces of photographic equipment! You can also get additional accessories lenses, etc. relatively easily. But how hardcore are you, manual focus... scary huh!

Looks like I'm the only guy for Nikon here. :)

I use Nikon and absolutely love it. Canon do have a wider range of longer telephoto lens, but Nikon matches it every bit with the wide angle lens. A lot of professionals use Nikon because Nikon makes the best lenses in terms of sharpness of the image produced. If you chose Nikon, go for the D200 with the 18-200 mm VR lens - it's an awesome combination.