Nikon F3 Tribute

[ampguy]

Hi Robert

Hi Robert

They did, I don't know if the were very early, or very late models.

My first one was great. I could fondle, compare metering in A mode, and play all I wanted without film in it. I miss that.

I didn't know that they ever changed the 1/80 behavior on Auto until frame 1. The original purpose was so that you don't have to wait for many, many minutes if you are trying to get to frame 1 with the lens cap on, and the camera in AUTO mode. The F3 is a great night stalker. I've had it time out to 45 minutes on a tripod on AUTO. That could be very frustrating if it didn't have the default 1/80 feature.

 

[Calzone]

Now, it is paired with a 105mm f1.8 AIS lens that never leaves the body. Stuff it all in a Domke F-6 and you've got quite the nice setup.

I use Leicas for all the shorter focal lengths, as I prefer rangefinders, have never been impressed with Nikon wide angle faster primes and the Zeiss lenses are just plain huge. But the F3 handles longer lenses much better than the Leicas and the 85/1.4, 105/1.8 and 180/2.8 prime lenses (among many others) produce great images.

+1 on having a 105/1.8 AIS permanently mounted. This lens besides having more speed also has more aperture blades (9 where the 105/2.5 only has 7). The bokeh is extra pretty and the OOF areas extra smooth. Mine is rigged on a F3P with MD-4 and E screen.

BTW also has the 85/1.4 AIS but I sold it because I own a 75 Lux. Also has the 180/2.8. You have good taste. LOL.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

As nice as the F3's are, I prefer my F and F2's. Must be an old school thing. IMHO these are the classic Nikons. My favorite is my black F with Ftn head, weighs a ton, clunky and brick like but feels like it will last forever. As far as meters go, the F2AS is great. I always find the paddle and needle meters in my others difficult in low light much like any other needle type. It was the main reason I sold my OM's and lenses.

Can't disagree. The F and F2AS are two savagely overbuilt cameras that are legends.

Retro is good (great) even by today's standards. Interestingly the durability has stood the test of time.

Cal

 

[gilpen123]

I still have mine and a 45P AIS 2.8, 50 1.4 AIS and 105 2.5 AIS not getting used for a long time

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[conradyiu]

I used F3T for quite a while but left it in the dry-box in recent years when my R-D1 came. It's a very reliable camera !

 

[migtex]

You got to Luv the F3.

My fav is the beaten chrome with the Nikkor-P 45/2.8, I think they match even better then the FM3A.

But the F3 with MD-4 imposes some drooling... me think!

 

[nobbylon]

I still have mine and a 45P AIS 2.8, 50 1.4 AIS and 105 2.5 AIS not getting used for a long time

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That is a fantastic kit! Add a 28 AIS and you have it all! I use the 105 Ai on my D700 and its simply one of the best there is.

 

[nobbylon]

I wish you guys wouldn't put pics up of all this nice kit. That's how it starts! A little light bulb switches on and before you know it YOU NEED in this case an F3!!!!!!!
I have a few F2's, only one F now and my D700. I still have one M2 and still, I end up bidding on an F3 at the weekend!!! I didn't win it thank goodness, missed out by a tenner. And still I'm thinking I NEED another camera. I'm using my F2as this week for a change of scene.

 

[Spyro]

That's how it starts!

I just caught myself checking KEH for an F3+ 28Ais grrrrr 🙄

 

[nobbylon]

Part of the reason i'm using my F2as and 28 Ais this week is to try and dim the F3 light bulb!!!!

 

[migtex]

Resistance is futile!

the F2's.. hmm the F2's....

 

[nobbylon]

migtex, that P is the F3 I like, nice

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

After having read this thread I went Ebay and won an F3HP with MD-4 drive; the guy described as in "good condition". Yeah, right! When it arrived the MD-4 could not be opened at all, since the batteries had been left in it for 3 or 4 years, leaking and corroding their little heads off! I had to pry it open with a screwdriver (not recommended) to remove the batteries. I then cleaned it up as best I could, applying white vinegar to the corroded areas to remove it all. After cleaning the contacts, loading new batteries, I pushe the shutter release button and - Tah Dah! - back in business! Then I had to apply sewing machine oil (quite sparingly, I assure you) to the rewind buttons on the back of the thing, since the application of my screwdriver (again, not recommended) to the things wouldn't make them budge one iota. But now, asfter some cleaning, scrubbing, cussing, and drinking a scotch or two, I seem to have a working F3 to add to my other Nikon arsenal. I'm headed out to shoot a roll or two with it - I'll keep you posted!


Mark

BTW, anyone leaving batteries in unused photo equipment for long periods of time should be flogged!

m

 

[menos]

What is the difference between the two different motor drives, I see with the F3?
There is one motor drive, the size of an aircraft carrier with drive mode selector in front and one more compact (like in medium oil tanker compact) with, what looks like caps for flash sync in front and on the side.

Confused.

The black F3P with additional non HP finder for a more compact package and better focussing of fast glass seems the camera to look after.
Is it common, the shutter release rubber is lost on these?
How sensitive is the additional rubber sealing after all these years - all gone by now?
What is the general premium over a standard F3 HP?
Is the difference of the F3T to the standard F3HP just the body and prism housing material? Whats the premium?

You guys really lured me into looking after the F3 now - a good or bad thing - I don't know.

I find myself not enjoying my FM3a much with the needle meter and tiny finder (hate the meter, taking ages, to figure out in quick situations, much prefer the Leica 2 dot meter of my M6).

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Resistance is futile!

Now THAT is bad-ass.
[What lens is that?]

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Rather than an edit I'll add here that the F3/T is a premium camera with a titanium shell rather than brass. Functionally the titanium does nothing for the camera. They actually aren't structurally any stronger as the only F3 I ever totaled was a F3/T which fell off the back of a 300/2.8 that had a worn out lens mount. It hit a concrete floor as I was carrying the lens under my arm. The camera appeared OK but in fact the internal frame, which was the only non-replaceable component in the F3, had shattered. The camera was insured and soon it was replaced.

The F3/T also was the only option for a chrome F3 if one so desired something other than black. The black F3/T also had a textured paint finish as opposed to the smooth finish on the basic F3 or F3 HP.

The Internal Frame shattered? Damn! I dropped my F4s on a concrete sidewalk from shoulder height and it bounced a few times and still worked afterward!

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Many people on this site compare the OM series to the Leica M. I, however, believe that the closest camera to the Leica M is the Nikon F3HP. There are several differences which include the mirrow slap and the lenses are larger. The F3 has motor drive which is both a positive and negative. The MD is noisy but quick. As for lenses: with careful selection the lenses, though considerably larger, are comparable, especially if one considers the availability of Zeis lenses for this camera. The F3 has a very good 24mm which is much less costly than a 24mm rangefinder lens. The 105 f2.5 Ai-s is legendary in quality and provides a full frame. In addition, the pentaprism is removable for low angles. However, comparing an F3 to a Leica M (M6) is not at all accurate. The F3 should be compared to the thread of the OM series. Personally, the F3 is better built with better lenses. Having use the OM v. the Nikon I feel that the Nikon is sturdier and optically better. IMHO I have found that the Nikon (Zeis Nikon mount 35mm f2.0) far sharper and just better all around than the Zuiko but not the Leica.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I had a heavy door slam against my F4 on the way to a shoot. It was a Nikon F4. That is the type of abuse a professional camera is supposed to take and "keep on truckin."

The only two cameras that I have used that I am confident that I can drop and will continue working are Nikons (experience) and Leica (hoping it never happens).

 

[Steve Bellayr]

When a camera hits the road it's all serendipity.

 

[Creagerj]

I miss my F3, but someday soon I will buy an F3HP. Just as soon as I by a film scanner, and some more film, and a stand for my enlarger, and...damn, I never should have let her go.