I need a recommendation for a 35mm film camera...?

I want something that allows me to explore manual options, rather than just "point-and-shoot". I'll be taking all kinds of photographs so versatility is also a plus. I'm also not trying to spend a fortune. Any recommendations?

If this is your first time with a manual camera, and you want something that is cheap but reliable and takes good pictures, I would seriously recommend one of the Argus cameras. Look on eBay for an Argus C3, C4, or C-44. The Argus C3 was known as "The Brick" because it was literally shaped sort of like a brick, heavy and boxy but very solid. They take great pictures. I use my Argus C3 for a lot of my 35mm pictures. The C4 and C44 are awesome cameras too. I have a C4 and C44 and I used them all the time.

They sell for very cheap on eBay, especially the C3. You can find one in very good condition for $15.

These cameras are COMPLETELY manual...shutter speed, aperture, and focus is all manual. They're rangefinder cameras, which means that you look through a window and you'll see an image superimposed in your view. You turn the focus dial until both images line up to show one clear image.

The reason I'm suggesting a rangefinder camera is that SLR cameras, even old ones, still seem to be expensive.

Manual cameras are much more fun than point and shoot, and you have so much more creativity. You have more control over the exposure, and since you can adjust the aperture, you can try different things like selective focus...where you change the depth of field so that subjects in the foreground are sharply in focus, but the background is softened out. They use that trick in magazines and movies a lot, where you want to draw more attention to something in the foreground. (Like an insect on a flower).

I learned how to use manual cameras with an Argus C3. I just learned about a year ago. Manual film cameras give you much more creativity and control, even more than digital because to get the same features in a digital camera, you would have to get a digital SLR camera, and those are expensive. And forget digital point and shoot...those are only for snapshots. You have almost no control with those at all.

What is REALLY fun is learning how to develop your own black and white film. It's easy...a lot easier than you might think. I've developed about 12 rolls now, AND made my own prints with an enlarger. I'm having a blast with it.

You can find some good used Nikon and Canon 35mm SLR's with lens for under $200. While they will have auto-focus and other automated features, they can be used manually.

Look on craigslist in a city near you.

Pentax K1000.