Just wondering, but isn't an F3 an F3? I mean, isn't the F3HP that everyone keeps referring to just an F3 with the HP finder? C'mon, all of you keep stating that the F3HP is better than the F3??? What a load of crap... they are the same camera with a different finder (that is, an F3 with the standard DE-2 or with the high eyepoint DE-3 finder). So don't pass up an F3 just because it doesn't have HP on it!
Plus, the standard (and earlier) DE-2 finder has a couple of nice aspects which get overlooked because everyone keeps shoutin' the HP finder's greatness. For one, the DE-2 is slightly more compact. Also, it provides a .8X magnification (the DE-3 gives you .75X). So, you get a larger view to look at in the finder. If you don't wear glasses or goggles while shooting, the DE-2 isn't something to avoid.
The F3 is a great camera. I've got one that was purchased in May of 1981 for a bit under $700, and it still works great today (I highly doubt it's ever been serviced). So, the 7 year life expectancy for the LCD meter screen has been surpassed by 20 years. Not too bad! The feeling of solidarity is great, and the film advance is smoother than any camera I've ever used (including several Leica M and LTM models).
In other words... go ahead, try out an F3!
EDIT: Just want to add to the post immediately above. You don't have to turn the camera "on" with a switch. In fact, the camera won't even be using electricity until the shutter button is partly depressed. The switch is more of a guard for the shutter release, so you don't inadvertantly fire the camera in a camera bag. So, just leave the switch to "on" all the time, and don't worry about it.
