Going back to the mention of using AF cameras, while I really love using mechanical/mf ones, when I pick up my Nikon F80 (or F6), it pretty much just nails the shot exactly as I wanted every time.
I use the F80 much more than the F6 because it is half the weight, 2/3rd the size, and the pics look exactly the same.
I'd side-step the potential focusing accuracy problems by shooting a wide-angle stopped down and zone focus. 28mm is a great all-rounder focal lens for this.
I'd use 400 ISO film to let me use smaller apertures / higher shutter speeds more often.
With film, unlike digital, overexposure is preferable to underexposure. You can always increase contrast and bring the shadows and mid-tones down. Lost shadows and murky mids much harder to recover.
Get the film to a good reputable lab to develop and scan. Process the negative scans the way you like. Print from digital / hybrid to have better control over the final "look".
