What is a good SLR Non digital camera to purchase for a beginner?

There are several 'generational' issues to consider:

Generation 1 - completely manual - focus, exposure control, flash, the works. Major sub-generations are before and after through the lens metering (TTL) introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Leave the earlier cameras to the collectors, and consider only the later versions.

Examples:

Canon F-1, FT-b

Nikon FM2, FM2n, FM10

Pentax K1000

Ricoh KR5, KR10

etc.

Generation 2 - Centre-weighted or spot auto-exposure. Essentially these have a single cell exposure meter. It adjusts either the shutter speed (called aperture priority AE) or the lens aperture (shutter speed priority AE),

Examples

Canon AE-1, A-1 (has both aperture and shutter priority)

Nikon FE, FE2

as well as other similar cameras from other makers.

Generation 3 - Program mode auto-exposure, often with the introduction of more complex matrix metering. This requires more than one metering sensor, and will generally give better results.

Most program mode cameras also offered manual and a non-program AE mode.

Examples:

Canon AE-1 Program, T90

Nikon FA, F3

Generation 4 - Auto-focus lenses. Canon bit the bullet and introduced a completely new lens mount for their autofocus range, as did Yashica and Contax. Nikon and Pentax modified their existing lens mount, allowing owners to continue to use older manual focus lenses. Also a major water-shed for some makers, who left this market to the major players.

Canon - EOS range, aka Rebel

Nikon - F4 is the first 'professional' autofocus body. Consumer bodies worth considering are the F70, F80 (N80 in the US), F90x (aka N90S) and N100. I would pass on the Fx5 series, the F50 and F60. Note that the F70 is seen as a bit of an odd-ball, with a quite different LCD display. I have one, and as Nikons go you could still do far worse.

While I have examples of bodies and associated lenses across all four generations, if you are a beginner, I would recommend a Generation 4 camera. I don't know the Canon range well enough, but the F80 or F100 would be good choices from Nikon in that generation.

If you are considering a Generation 2 or 3 camera, my picks would be the Canon T90, Nikon F3, FA or FM2n.

Good hunting.

1

The Nikon FM is very nice, if you want a film camera, but check out the Pentax MX and K1000 as well, or even the Olympus OM-1, they've been used in similar courses for years, and some of these might be cheaper, but no less effective than the Nikon. One good thing about these older models is that both cameras and lenses are dirt cheap, particularly if you want to do things properly and go for prime lenses. I'd also suggest that you get a 50mm f1.7 or thereabouts as your first lens. If it was good enough for generations of pros, it won't do you any harm. I have to admit, learning to use autofocus, digital, multimode operation and getting the best out of zoom lenses gave me a few hairy moments, but the lessons I learned on my old Praktica in the early 80's made me a photographer.

The Nikon FM2 would be a very good choice.

If you stick with a fully mechanical camera, you won't have to worry about 20 year electronics going bad (like my Pentax SF-1 did) or out of date batteries (some of the older cameras used mercury batteries, which are now illegal). Additionally, the FM2 was constructed very well.

The older Canon's used FD lens mount which isn't compatible with the EF lens mount introduced around 1988, meaning that the older FD mount lenses are quite cheap, but forward compatibility is limited.

i only shoot film myself.

you didn't state whether you are shooting in 35mm or medium format.

a "good model" all depends on how much your willing to spend.

as a beginner i would start with a medium priced camera. £50-£150.

i guessing you will be wanting something that takes 35mm.

Canon AE-1

Olympus OM-1

and and any of the Nikon F series cameras, though these can be a little more pricey.

Have a good look on ebay, they have an amazing selection of good quality cameras, (but if u are to purchase of there, check that the camera if functional, and not "sold as" as it might not work or be unreparable.

Emulsion's on the right track. I have the AE-1, and it's a fantastic camera. I've used (and really want) the Elan 7e's ancestor, the Elan IIE, and again, it's also a rather good camera. The AE-1's going to be cheaper battery-side - I picked up my AE-1 a good year ago, and it's going well with the battery I have in it now, while the Elan 7e's battery is rather touchy, especially when it comes to cold - it'll drain far faster below 32 degrees F.

I'd also suggest the Pentax K-1000. It's rather bare bones - no auto features at all, and honestly, I sort of like that about it. A few months before my friend moved to Taiwan to teach English, he told me he wanted to learn photography, so I lent him my K-1000. Right now it's over there because he got accustomed to it.

Canon Elan 7e

Canon AE-1

I had a Pentax when i was first starting out that I absolutely loved.

it may be a bit harder to find these days though cause nikon and canon are so popular

2

I would look for a slightly used Nikon F with a Photomic T thru-the-lense light meter with a 50 mm, F2.8 normal lense. They are currently priced at $275.00 [samys.com].

Good luck!