What is the cheapest manual film camera?

How do you put film in a manual camera?

• I recently borrowed a close friend's manual camera. It is a CANON AE-1 camera. Yes, the one that cost him $250. He uses it for photography, and he's very good at it. I recently grew interest in photography too, except I've always used a digital camera. So, I've decided to learn something new by using a Manual camera with films. I faintly remembered how to put the film in, but when i pull the rewind button twice (to make it nice and taught), the number sign (which tells me how many captures i took or how many i have left) didn't move a bit. Did I just break the camera!? Or have I damaged the film in any way!!? Please help me, I really don't know what I am doing right now. Thanks in advance ~

• Answer:

  Don't force the lever. Try taking a picture. If you hear the shutter "click", you have probably captured a shot (don't worry about the settings at this point.) Now try to advance the film, but while you do, take notice if the "spool" part on the end of the camera where the film canister is moves along with the advancing motion. If it moves and if your number changed, chances are you have loaded it correctly. If nothing moves, it is probably not correct. Start loading the camera all over, but first remove the film by locating the release button on the bottom of the camera and then taking it into a totally dark room. Pop open the latch and unfold the rewind "handle" and carefully wind the film back into the canister without letting the film tail disappear into the canister-- you can usually feel and hear it when it is close. Then take it back into a lit room and start over. (Check with your friend how to load it for sure, or take it to a camera shop- they'll be glad to help.) One other thought -- is the AE-1 the camera that advances all of the film out of the canister first and then winds back into it as the film is exposed? Good luck!