I too would go for Nikon. Unless he "needs" auto-focus, auto-exposure, motor drive, etc., I would go for a Nikon FM2. I have three of them \
/ It's all mechanical except for a small battery to operate the meter. Very well built, little to go wrong and he will learn a lot more with a manual camera than one with all that auto-focus hocus-pocus stuff. If he gets one I would advise him to change the focusing screen from the standard split-image type to the plain type B.
Even better would be a Nikon F or Nikon F2. However, I would caution against them but only because they would be a bit old now and might have been subject to heavy professional use. If he could pick up one that had only had light amateur use they would be excellent.
Be careful if buying on ebay - would be better to examine any old camera before buying :wink:
If he subsequently gets into processing his own films and prints and wants to build and equip a darkroom, there are some real bargains to be had in processing equipment. For black and white work, there are some fabulous Leitz Valoy enlargers about and loads of stainless steel developing tanks. People are almost giving the stuff away. Buy it now before the revival puts up the prices
Cheers :wink:
Paul
Edit: If he wants a bit of inspiration, and to see some proper photography, browse the Magnum site here
http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.a ... 7O3R1VX08V
Edit: For just about everything on Nikon see here
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/co ... in8090.htm