Second point: no offence, Flash, but why should a beginner get a rubbish camera? In any case, digital can teach a beginner much more than film can. I actually love film and don't see why shingi70 shouldn't use it. But believe it or not, digital is a superior teaching & learning tool.
I wouldn't call the K-1000 a "rubbish" camera, it is almost bullet proof. I actually think fully automatic cameras, and to a point digital, make new photographers lazy and too dependent on technology. Take this thread for example:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/883698/
I think the most important aspect here is the automatic modes. They allow someone to go out and take photos without really understanding how any of it works. While this is great for my parents I think it can be a detriment to someone who wants to be a professional photographer someday. A fully manual camera will force you to learn to basics of photography. If you want to take a good photo you have to understand how it all comes together. No sports mode, no landscape mode, no flower mode, etc. You either learn it or you don't get photos.
While digital allows someone to just go out and shoot, shoot, shoot without regard to costs, I think it can actually have a negative effect. Yes it does provide the opportunity for someone to just bang out 1,000 frames in a weekend if they want. The problem with this is that there isn't much thought going into those 1,000 frames. What are the chances someone will actually remember anything about how they went about getting that 1 great shot out of the mass if they've taken that many. By being "restricted" to a roll or two per outing a photographer is required to put much more thought into every image. If you know you only have 24/36 chances to get the perfect shot you're going to put much more thought into the whole process. You'll pay more attention to your composure, lighting, etc. You're going to plan. You're going to remember.
This same theory applies to the ability to "chimp" with digital. The ability to review your photos immediately and decide you've gotten a "good enough" shot makes photogs lazy. With film, not knowing what you have until you develop will make you put in 100% the whole way. No slacking off in the 4th quarter because you think you already have a good enough photo from the first half.
Now I'm not saying I never hammer the motor drive or chimp to check my exposure, etc. but I know I don't have to. I know I'm smarter then my cameras and as such they stay on M almost 99% of the time.
Long story short, in my opinion a beginning photographer will gain a better understanding of the principles of photography by learning on a manual camera and be better for it in the long run.
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