My first own camera was a Nikon F301. I still have it and shoot with it sometimes, but have accumulated a too long list of lenses, flashes, and other bodies too. I have great respect for Nikon and find it wonderful that I can use 30 year old lenses on brand new bodies and vice versa.
I switched to digital in the age of the D1 and love the immediate feedback and control, this provides. Shooting digitally has provided many lessons benefits my film shooting as well.
I guess there is much to be said about equipment, but really, by something of solid quality and it will stay with you for a long time.