There is nothing better than full manual. Old metal body combined with 50mm or 29mm Pentacon lens served me well me at many actions. Unfortunately, i didn't manage to get familiarized with it enough to focus, change aperture and shutter speed and rewind the film quickly enough ;)
I've lost count of how many cinefilms I've shot with this machine, which formerly belonged to our tourist-group. Then it was damaged and it is used only time to time.
My desire to buy a digital camera led to purchasing used (but very well cared-of) SONY DSC-f717. This one is a top in its class and price category (valid even now). Poor one has a tough times with me, it has shot approx. 28400 shots (september 2006), but it makes my collections richer.
My 717 is not sufficient to me during last half-year. I can explain that: "Once you hold a SLR digital camera, you can't stand anything other…" I got acquainted with D70 and I plan to purchase D80 (or even D200, if I have enough cash...)
Having a good tripod is the most important thing for more serious photography. I used to have Hama tripod, but it broke and I bought more durable Velbon. I'am very well contented with it, for its central tube can be put into its holder upside down - it is ideal for macro shots.