[sassan]

I echo Duncan's comment.
I don't know why you are interested in film cameras as most classes are now switched to Digital for the very obvious convenience and low overall cost they offer but if you must:

- A top student camera of all time was Pentex K1000.

- If you have to stay with Nikon, I again suggest a very manual oriented body. Either FM or FM-2 that you should be able to find them at half of the price you mentioned.

- The other option you have to both stay with Nikon, yet have the pleasure of both worlds, digital and manual, is to go for one of those bodies that emerged out on the transient era of film and digital. I am talking of hybrids such as Kodak 2000e AP, Kodak 420 or 460 that are merge of Nikon N90 bodies with a replacement digital back by Kodak that can be removed and go back to film version. They were made early 90s and were miracles of their time, offered for $10000 to 25000 but now a days you should be able to find them for about $100-200. The key problem is to find one that comes complete with working battery, charger, film back etc.
If you like to invest more you can go for hybrids of Nikon F5 and Kodak's much better sensors such as Kodak DCS620/Nikon F5 professional digital camera that has 2 MP sensor or DCS660 that comes with 6Mega Pixel sensor. Beware that battery and charger on the later model, if not supplied with the camera may cost you equal of the camera itself if not more. So again key is to buy all in one package.

My advise: Pentax K1000 or Nikon FM-2