When I first started doing photography back in the 80's, my first camera was a Canon AE-1 that cost me $350. I added a Vivatar 70-200 zoom after that.
When I decided to develop my own images, I had a Vivitar 356 Enlarger. I still have it, it sits in my driveshed. Been there for 25 years now. Can't remember what it cost, but a lot back in those days. I would sit on the floor in the bathroom rolling my drums to develop the film and had my darkroom set up in a non-ventilated room in the basement. Not very wise really. But I loved developing my own stuff.
Favourite film was Kodachrome 25.
I did though prefer black and white over colour as it gave more drama and was cheaper to process. Those chemicals could get expensive.
What was all your guys starter equipment, and did you all develop your own stuff?
Jill