Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Just to clarify, I don't want everything automated. One of the old fixed-lens rangefinders is precisely what I was thinking...
As an SLR probably the best choice would be a Super A in the Pentax field, or even better a Fujica AX5 if you can find one which works properly.
These cameras are small, have a program functions so your girlfriend at the beginning can shoot in full program and later "discover" how to shoot in manual.
If she wants to start manual and she wants to learn everything with a rangefinder my recommendation is a Zorki 6.