My Grandpa used to be a photographer back in the DDr when Germany was divided. Like that he got some additional money and added photos to the local newspaper. Today I am using a Sony Alpha 6000 and everytime he sees how technology changed he can't believe it. Guess I should start repairing some of his cameras and go out...
Some really good gear came out of the old DDR, I still have some of the old Zeiss and Jenar lenses with the m42 mount - there is a cheap m42 to k-mount adapter and they work perfectly on the new digital Pentax DSLR. You can find a f1.8 prime lens for way under $100 on ebay
Shooting film is really enjoyable. If you can get yourself an old manual camera and learn how to use it you'll have a great time slowing down and especially waiting to see your results, I say go for it!
My Grandpa still has many cameras (one from Zeiss, too, I think). Does anyone know where you can repair them?