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https://www.ffordes.com/p/SH-18-026812/minolta-af/dynax-5-28-80mm
I have this, its a great camera, it occasionally overexposed in bright sun if left fully auto. The lens mount system was purchased by Sony and became the Alpha series, so any manual focus lens that fits the full frame sonys works on this as well. I guess it would work vice versa as well.
Its not collectable but was part of a successful system so second hand glass is easy (ish) to come by. The kit zoom is good enough for most people, but I found it really shines with a 35/50 prime and some Kodak Ultra 200 film. I also used to have a big 100-200 zoom, but passed it on to my brother in law as it works on his Alpha 7ii.
AWu-Tang-
This is a great shout. Especially if you’re more concerned with getting pictures taken than learning on heavier, fully manual cameras.
There are loads of these around in great condition and you get your pick for £25. I’ve seen some in charity shops and bought a good one for £8 (my niece wanted and auto 35mm camera with a flash).
With a £40 prime lens they basically do what a Contax T or G does.
miro_o
Short answer - it doesn't really matter too much. All of the major Japanese companies made great SLRs and glass.
Long answer- do you want mechanical, electronic manual focus or electronic auto focus ?
Mechanical cameras don't have auto exposure modes, and some will need an external meter (iPhone app is fine). They're often old and even the shop bought ones may need a service. Slow shutter speeds are a common problem. Having sad that they're often the most beautiful cameras, from an age were everything was made from metal, and there's something quite satisfying about using a mechanical camera. Examples:
https://www.ffordes.com/p/COM-IV47BQ60948/pentax-m42/spotmatic-50mm-f14
https://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/pd/used-minolta-srt101-35mm-film-camera-with-55mm-f17-lens_used-2641906-2740847
Electronic manual focus cameras are battery powered, normally with centre weighted metering and some form of auto exposure. Some of the cheaper cameras are auto exposure only and don't allow you to shoot in manual. These are the classic film SLRs. Examples:
https://wycameras.com/collections/nikon-mf-cameras/products/nikon-fg-w-50mm-f-1-8-exc-1
https://wycameras.com/collections/minolta-md-cameras/products/minolta-xg-1-w-50mm-f-2-exc
Electronic auto-focus cameras are what DSLRs are based on. These are the most modern cameras and have the classic PASM modes, matrix metering, TTL flash (often built in), built in motor drives and modern glass. They are for the most part a lot cheaper than the other types as they're not as collectable/fashionable. They also mostly come with a zoom lens rather than a prime.
Examples:
https://www.ffordes.com/p/SH-18-026812/minolta-af/dynax-5-28-80mm
https://www.ffordes.com/p/SH-18-029953/canon-eos/eos-300v-28-90mm
Personally I'd plump for the Nikon FG with 50 1.8 series E at WYC for £75.