Reddit mentions of Photography (7th Edition)

The good news is analog cameras all operate using the same principles. I suggest going to the library or a used book store and browsing older basic guides. This sort of thing will get you started without wasting time looking all over the damn internet for every question that comes up. Film photography was a popular hobby for, like, a century. An older book like this will walk you through how to get a decent image without you wanting to jump in a lake.

Videos on youtube etc may be useful as far as how to load the camera if the manual (posted by other commenter) is confusing.

As far as metering, if you don't like the in-camera meter there's light meter apps for smart phones that are very reliable.

Was it this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Photography-7th-Barbara-London/dp/0130282715/ref=asc_df_0130282715/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312038987516&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2601261348208426453&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031351&hvtargid=pla-572380100052&psc=1

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My library friend covered mine for free. It's a softcover but a rigid clear plastic was used to cover and make it more sturdy.