Nikon F3 Tribute

Range-rover said:
That and the F3 has interchangeable viewfinders and screens, you would
do better with a FE2 that has faster flash sync, higher shutter speeds and
interchangeable screens.

Range
Click to expand...

Daniel, if you can, try both cameras side by side.
I find, that as nice and compact the smaller Nikon film bodies (FE, FM, … ) are, their viewfinders are absolutely tiny and a lot less comfortable than the viewfinders of the F3.

For this very reason I use my FM3a not at all anymore, but much prefer the F3.

Especially when you are coming from the comfort of a great Leica RF viewfinder, you might find the FE's finder abysmal.
 
When I finished architecture school at Columbia I went down to Willoughby's in Herald Square and bought a brand new F3HP to replace my FM.
I wore it to graduation the next day and my buds gave me a hard time for having such a massive camera.
Later I wore it around the globe and still have it, 17 years later.
Lately I've been thinking about downsizing my collection, but can't seen to part with the F3.
 
Calzone said:
Been looking through 15 pages here and see little mention of the durable F3. Who here shoots a Nikon F3?

I own only three. Currently my favorite every-day-carry is a Non HP with a Md-4 motordrive, AH-4 handstrap, with a 58/1.2 Noct-Nikkor mounted.

I live in NYC and perhaps carrying this rig is kinda loud, but I love the fast focus for street and the bright-bright viewfinder. Been shooting Pan F at 50 almost always wide open.

Generally I take the subway one stop to Madhattan and walk from 53rd and Third to 72d and York on my way to work. Today I emptied a new roll by the time I got to the 59th Street Bridge. Oh what fun. Very easy to shoot because its always ready.

BTW this rig is as aggressive as it is big. Kinda like carrying a lethal weapon in plain sight.

Cal
Click to expand...
I have only one F3hp (black), but I have it fairly well set up. I have the grid focusing screen, manual focus 50mm f/1.4 AIS lens, the Hasselblad 500 series style viewfinder and the MD-4 for it. If this camera were a vehicle, it would be one of these: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=kkVnUpS3LaHhygGF6IHoCw&ved=0CCsQ9QEwAA 😀

I had a F3/T years ago that I sold off - dumb, dumb, dumb!! :bang:
 
danielsterno said:
Not to take this thread on a different course but a related question for you F3 users: I have been sitting on the fence on getting a FE as a second film camera to my M6. If I understand it, The FE versus the F3 difference is: FE is smaller and the FE has a analog meter needle versus F3 digital readout…. Thanks in advance D.
Click to expand...

D,

The F3 is a "Pro" camera and the FE isn't. To me this is a big deal: built and engineered for harder use; 100% VF'er on F3 (why shoot a SLR if you don't have accurate framing?); mucho more accessories; ball bearings in the film transport on a F3...

IMHO if you want small and compact just stick with the Leica. The real reason to shoot a SLR is for accurate framing and while the FE is small the VF'er does not match what will be on the negative.

Cal
 
noisycheese said:
I have only one F3hp (black), but I have it fairly well set up. I have the grid focusing screen, manual focus 50mm f/1.4 AIS lens, the Hasselblad 500 series style viewfinder and the MD-4 for it. If this camera were a vehicle, it would be one of these: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=kkVnUpS3LaHhygGF6IHoCw&ved=0CCsQ9QEwAA 😀

I had a F3/T years ago that I sold off - dumb, dumb, dumb!! :bang:
Click to expand...

UPDATE: I now only own two F3's. I culled down to just the F3P, but then I discovered a like new F3HP for $150.00 and was compelled to buy it. It was so fresh that even the original foam seals were good.

I like using the DK-17 for the added magnification. With a Noct-Nikkor I get 100% real life size view on a HP finder.

Cal
 
I wouldn't go for anything less than an F3 viewfinder wise.

I've got a red dot grid screen and it's already a step down from my series 2 fitted OM-2sp. It's not the magnification, frankly, that gets me. Im fine with a bit less since my lenses on my specs are a bit thick, but it's like the difference between and OLED and LCD monitor.
 
I just bought another F3. This is my 4th offence! I sold my complete M/F Nikon collection a while ago apart from an F2 to fund a 24-70 Nikkor. I've installed new mirror foam and done a mod' to enable use of a DK17m on the DE-2, added a 50 f2 AI and I have to admit I'm really liking it this time around.
 
My F3 is my go to 35mm camera right along with my Leica M2.

I never use flash, seldom use it in the dark, which bypasses the camera's weak points. Weak points being the low flash sync and illumination led.

It has a good weight, very nice finder, adequate shutter speeds and can be used manual or automatic.

Then of course there is my F2...................
 
nobby--absolutely NOTHING wrong with owning several--many--F3s.
One of Nikon's best. Smoooooth handling! A little heavy with the MD4--but so what. Great camera with a very accurate meter...just really fun to use.
Paul
 
danielsterno said:
Not to take this thread on a different course but a related question for you F3 users: I have been sitting on the fence on getting a FE as a second film camera to my M6. If I understand it, The FE versus the F3 difference is: FE is smaller and the FE has a analog meter needle versus F3 digital readout…. Thanks in advance D.
Click to expand...

Dan,

If you want compact and can deal with being meterless consider a F2 with a DE-1 eye-level prism. This rig is almost as small as a Leica and the build quality of this all mechanical camera is comparable to a Leica M3.

Yesterday I bought a black DE-1 prism in "E" condition for $239.00. I intend on buying a black paint body that has a dead meter for a little more than $100.00

Add in a F3 "red-Dot" "K" screen for a brighter screen for about $20.00 and use a 45/2.8P AIS pancake lens and you have a "Pro" meterless camera that is built to last.

Right now B&H has a chrome F2 with a DE-1 in "8" condition for $250.00. It seems that 90% of the DE-1 prisms were chrome and black has a big premium.

In an earlier post perhaps I came off as being harsh, but I wanted to be clear that I was really framing camera choice with longevity in mind: that is to buy a camera that will be able to be used for decades.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Cal
 
nobbylon said:
I just bought another F3. This is my 4th offence! I sold my complete M/F Nikon collection a while ago apart from an F2 to fund a 24-70 Nikkor. I've installed new mirror foam and done a mod' to enable use of a DK17m on the DE-2, added a 50 f2 AI and I have to admit I'm really liking it this time around.
Click to expand...

John,

Thanks for your thread on adding a DK-17 to a non HP finder. This was very helpful and informative. I'm going to try and use a DK-17 on the F2/DE-1 mentioned above.

Cal
 
med_U1061I1372557523.SEQ.0.jpg


Got these two in a trade...I finally got my F3 this year...
 
My Nikkor 35mm f2.8 came today in the mail Damn! it has a scratch on the rear element and
the guy said it's Mint!, Back it goes hopefully.

Range
 
In my parents attic I found a 1983 Amateur Photographer and was looking at prices.
NIKON F3 body £396
HP body £426
FM2 chrome £176
Compaired to
LEICA R4 body £600
An M4-P was £610

The F3 does sound like a bargain compaired to Leica prices even back then!
 
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