*Any* SLR film camera with *shutter speed* and *aperture* control would work. Some schools have equipment checkout. She may be able to use a school camera for first several assignments or even the entire course.

* **Shutter speed** dial is on the camera.

* **Aperture** ring is *usually* on the lens. Exceptions include Canon EF and Minolta AF.

* **ISO** is set *once* per cassette when loading film. It's *not* like digital cameras where we change ISO from shot to shot. Newer cameras may read the [DX encoding][1] from the film cassette.

* Consider a **Canon T70** or **T90** (but *not* T50, which does *not* have shutter speed controls). They are powered by *standard AA batteries*, which are cheaper and more readily available than other options. In a pinch, she could pull batteries from a flash unit. They use the same **FD mount** as the AE-1.

* Also consider a **Canon EOS** SLR, which uses the **EF mount** that's still used in Canon DSLRs. The camera would have fairly modern features (autofocus) with a good selection of lenses should she decide to stick with film. If she instead decides to transition to digital (via an EOS DSLR), the new system would be familiar and easy to learn. If she collects high-quality EF lenses, they would still be useful on digital.

* An auto-*incapable* camera is likely unnecessary, and would be less likely to see continued use after the class, unless she "falls in love" with film.

    * The requirements you quote imply manual-capable, *not* manual-only.

        > 35mm single lens reflex camera (capable of operating in manual mode).

    * After clicking on the first dozen or so PDFs in a Google search for [film photography syllabus][2], I encountered only one syllabus that could be interpreted as requiring an auto-incapable camera. It also states that cameras would be inspected and approved prior to the first assignment.

        Majority of others seem more concerned that students not use point-and-shoot, box cameras, or auto-only cameras. Even though I explicitly included *Film* in the search, some courses allow the option to use digital cameras. One high school course allowed camera phones for the first half of the course.

**Lens selection:**

* For Canon FD, the standard **Nifty Fifty** (FD 50/1.8) is very good. Some assignments are best done with fast prime lenses. (Depth of Field) The **FD 35-105/3.5** is also good, but susceptible to veiling glare.

* For Pentax PK, the **SMC-A 35-105/3.5** is *very* good. Not as sharp as its FD counterpart, but resistant to veiling glare.

* Good lenses can survive the transition to digital via adapters on mirrorless bodies. I regularly use several FD and PK mount lenses.

Other comments:

* Keep in mind that when looking through the viewfinder, she would effectively be looking directly at whatever is on the other side of the lens. **Be careful when the sun is in the frame.**

* Don't worry about the owner manual. Operating instructions should be available online for most cameras ([Butkus Camera Manual Library][3]). The rationale behind the requirement is likely that the instructor does not want to answer a lot of questions about how to operate specific camera models.

* Many assignments will likely need a tripod. (Long exposure, multiple exposure, variable exposure, variable aperture, etc.)

* Do get a neoprene strap. It will make carrying the camera much more comfortable.

* Wait on getting a camera bag. Film cassettes will fit in her purse, and she's unlikely to be carrying around multiple lenses at this stage. Cameras are easier to *use* when they aren't hiding in a bag.


  [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DX_encoding
  [2]: https://www.google.com/search?q=film%20photography%20syllabus
  [3]: https://www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html