Spend some time on the KEH.com website. There are many 35 mm SLR cameras which can be used manually. If you buy one of the Nikon, Pentax (K-mount) or Canon EOS 35 mm cameras, the lenses you buy can later be used on those companies digital SLR cameras You can also find such cameras on craigslist in a city near you and avoid paying shipping and have the ability to check the camera and lens before you buy.
Here is a link to a sample 35 mm SLR being sold near me. I am sure you can find similar cameras near where you live.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.