>>4006760Okay, here's what you should do:
1. Get a list of all of the thrift stores and antique stores in your area
2. Block off your Saturday for a fun day of thrifting
3. Take that $100 budget
4. Buy several cameras
5. Have $80 left over for film and developing.
The Minolta X-700 (I assume you meant that, not X7000, which doesn't exist; there's a Minolta Maxxum 7000, though) is fine. I don't know what the Nikon A1 is supposed to be, but I'm guessing whatever camera your brother actually suggested is fine. But here's the thing: decent 35mm film cameras are still pretty plentiful and cheap if you visit brick-and-mortar stores instead of eBay/Craigslist/etc. Don't look for a specific camera, just get something decent.
Things to look for:
1. Pretty much any SLR is gonna be good, if it works.
2. Point & shoot cameras, look for autofocus (not "focus free"). An autofocus p&s with a zoom lens is usually gonna be decent. An autofocus p&s with a prime lens (i.e., non-zoom) is often going to be really good, especially if it's a faster lens (f/3.5 or f/2.8). If it doesn't list the aperture, it's not going to be as good as one that does.
3. Get into the habit of whipping out your smartphone and googling "[name of camera model] battery" to find out what battery it takes. If it takes an old mercury battery, keep looking. If it takes something you can buy at Wal Mart, you should be golden.
4. Check the battery component for leaking, corroded batteries, especially with P&S cameras. If there's corrosion in the battery component, leave it on the shelf.
5. Check the lens for fogginess/fungus/scratches, etc.
Pic related; from the X700 that I picked up for $40 at an antique store a few months back.
