Bucking the trend for digital cameras are two new manual film-based SLRs which have just landed in the UK from the Far East.

Made in China, the Phenix DC303K and DC303N each feature a Pentax PK lens mount and cost £89.99 and £109.99 respectively. Each kit comes with a 50mm f/1.7 lens.

?Despite views to the contrary, digital is not the quintessential element of picture-taking today. In particular, when learning the mechanics of photography, a film-based option is infinitely superior,? claims Rodney Bates, sales director of the cameras? Somerset-based distributor Firstcall Photographic.

Mainly aimed at people learning the principles of photography, the cameras require the user to set shutter speed and aperture and manually control focusing.

The DC303N features depth of field preview and a multiple exposure function.

Bates said he expects the cameras to be popular with schools and colleges.

The Phenix-branded models boast a top shutter speed of 1/2000sec and centreweighted metering.

Keep an eye out for upcoming issues of AP for more details.

Firstcall Photographic Limited can be contacted on 01823 413007.

Visit www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk