Nikon F3 Tribute

jsrockit said:
For Cal... here are some Nikon F3 / Nikon DF pics. Also, a Canon F-1 as well...

Forgive the high ISO mixed light photos, but they were taken in a relatively dim bar.

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Where did you get that F3 grip? Looks like a perfect match for me who wants more than the standard grip but without the weight of the motor.

Also a another question. Is the F3P worth it over the F3HP? I am concidering to switch out my canon ae1 + lenses. The downside is that Im going to have to lose a bit of money in order to get a nikon kit. Another question I am struggeling with if it really is nessecary. I am planning on going on a world trip around summer time so might want something thats better built than the canon?

I have heard rumors that nikon is still servicing the f3p. Does anybody know wether this is true or not? How much does a CLA from them cost?
 
SSvindal said:
Where did you get that F3 grip? Looks like a perfect match for me who wants more than the standard grip but without the weight of the motor.

Also a another question. Is the F3P worth it over the F3HP? I am concidering to switch out my canon ae1 + lenses. The downside is that Im going to have to lose a bit of money in order to get a nikon kit. Another question I am struggeling with if it really is nessecary. I am planning on going on a world trip around summer time so might want something thats better built than the canon?

I have heard rumors that nikon is still servicing the f3p. Does anybody know wether this is true or not? How much does a CLA from them cost?
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S,

I found the grip right here in the RFF classified for $75.00. Never saw another one offered anywhere so I say it is rare.

To me I prefer the F3P for the larger controls, the faster loading (no secondary lock on the door), and it seems the camera does not require the two shots before the meter is activated when you first load a roll and it is easy to squeeze extra frames out of a roll. The camera has weather sealing. I like the distinction of the hot shoe on the prism.

If you have a working F3 you will unlikely need a CLA. The shutter is electronic, and F3's are not high maintenance like a Leica M or Rollieflex. My F3P was overhauled by Nikon just before I bought it, but realize that it had just come back from Kuwat because it was a real Press camera that participated in Operation Desert Storm (also known as the first "Gulf War").

Only real maintenance item is replacing the foam seals if they haven't been changed yet. It is a pretty easy job to do yourself.

Cal
 
+1 Cal right on. If it works keep using it. My F3P hot shoe acts up but thats about it. I've serviced mine twice since 93-94. First time frame spacing was not right; after the 2nd service it was Perfect. I don't really see any need to send it in as it continues to function as it should. Roll after Roll after Roll...
I highly recommend them to anyone who'll listen but most people don't. shrug
 
Noserider said:
+1 Cal right on. If it works keep using it. My F3P hot shoe acts up but thats about it. I've serviced mine twice since 93-94. First time frame spacing was not right; after the 2nd service it was Perfect. I don't really see any need to send it in as it continues to function as it should. Roll after Roll after Roll...
I highly recommend them to anyone who'll listen but most people don't. shrug
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Shunned because of the legendary reputation of Nikon F's and F2's that preceeded it, the F3 got a cold reception initially, but at 14 years of manufacture the F3 became the SLR with the longest production run.

The cheap pricing a few years ago was due to a glut because of the about million F3's ever built perhaps 800,000 were still working. The F3 is likely Nikon's most reliable camera because of the electronic shutter.

My F3P likely got overhauled just before I got it because of sand infiltration due to being in a war zone (Operation Desert Storm), and other than the foam seals there has been no need of further maintenance.

Cal
 
My 2nd F3

My 2nd F3

I wound up with my 2nd F3,
(duh! I sold the 1st one...)

After missing my 1st F3 and reading this thread...

And yes I'm happy with an F3 again

Thanks Cal and you other F3 owners.

Oh and Merry Christmas!
 
So I have been doing a lot of thinking. I am concidering pretty strongly to change systems (from canon fd to nikon). The only downside is that the lens I want is extremley cost prohibitive (the 35 1.4...). I was thinking of going for a plain F3, non hp since I dont wear glasses, a 50 1.4 and a 35 2.0. Maybe even a 24. Or look out for a cheap F3T. Choices...

Just for fun. Would it be possible to get a F3P and a F3T and make a frankeinstein? Keeping the F3P top plate for taller shutter release and nicer frame window while changing the rest of the body to titanium? Just a fun idea I had...
 
SSvindal said:
So I have been doing a lot of thinking. I am concidering pretty strongly to change systems (from canon fd to nikon). The only downside is that the lens I want is extremley cost prohibitive (the 35 1.4...). I was thinking of going for a plain F3, non hp since I dont wear glasses, a 50 1.4 and a 35 2.0. Maybe even a 24. Or look out for a cheap F3T. Choices...

Just for fun. Would it be possible to get a F3P and a F3T and make a frankeinstein? Keeping the F3P top plate for taller shutter release and nicer frame window while changing the rest of the body to titanium? Just a fun idea I had...
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That doesn't make much sense really.
These two models are by far the most expensive F3 options to buy nowadays.
Why would you spend 2x really big money (by Nikon F3 terms) to frankenstein into one body?

F3s are truly dependable indestructible cameras (any of them) - just get the body (or bodies) you want and shoot it.

Now I am still drooling over a F3P myself still but the right deal never reached my doorstep so far - I just keep using my regular joe F3 for the little I use it and be happy - it surely will survive me.
 
I got the grip on eBay. As it turns out it fits an FM2N perfectly, but to fit the F3 I had to put in a shim. I made the shim from folded heavy-duty aluminum foil.

This was the auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161465776797?

The seller was also selling some of these in blue, but pulled the auction. You might contact them to see if they still have them.


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I've combed thru the parts lists of both the P and the T and they are much more alike than different, other than the titanium body panels. Almost all the additional sealing and weatherproofing is done to both. Which is tougher? You'll never use either one hard enough to know...
My advice is get the T if you think you'll ever need the self timer and the multiple exposure. If you can deal with not having those features then get a P. I like the fact that your camera can crush anything out there.
 
SSvindal said:
So I have been doing a lot of thinking. I am concidering pretty strongly to change systems (from canon fd to nikon). The only downside is that the lens I want is extremley cost prohibitive (the 35 1.4...). I was thinking of going for a plain F3, non hp since I dont wear glasses, a 50 1.4 and a 35 2.0. Maybe even a 24. Or look out for a cheap F3T. Choices...
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SS,

If you don't wear glasses consider a DE-3 (HP), or DE-5 (P with the hot shoe) even though it has slightly less magnification because you can bump up the magnification further and higher by using a DK-17 magnifier.

If you decide to spend extra for a P or T version one way to economize without compromise is buy a 28/2.8 AIS which happens to be Nikon's most corrected wide angle that also features CRC close focusing capabilities. This is also a small lens that you can but for around $300.00. Make sure you buy the AIS version.

Buy a 50 later and basically you are good to go for decades. Really don't need more than that (28/50/F3) to do lots of photography.

BTW I own a F3P and a F3HP because I don't like changing lenses.

If you like to miniturize your F3 consider a 45/2.8P AIS which is a pancake lens of a Tessar design. Because it has so few lens elements and has the Nikon Intergrated Coating (NIC) it is Nikon's most contrasty lens. For some the ergonomics is awkward because the lens is so flat, but I like it. Know that it has a very short focus throw which makes it great for street.

Anyways on a budget this is what I would consider.

Cal
 
Interesting link, thanks. But this is a dangerous thread...
Now the Cal's suggestion for that 28/2,8 AIS ...hmm found one at around 300 EUR which I could use on my FM2N...or maybe on day on that DF I have not yet found at a reasonable price...is so tempting...:)
robert:)
 
robert blu said:
Interesting link, thanks. But this is a dangerous thread...
Now the Cal's suggestion for that 28/2,8 AIS ...hmm found one at around 300 EUR which I could use on my FM2N...or maybe on day on that DF I have not yet found at a reasonable price...is so tempting...:)
robert:)
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Robert,

Wait for one favorably priced. Here in the U.S. $300.00 for a clean one is a good price. As I remember close focus is down to one foot, low distortion (highly corrected CRC), and the most updated redesign of the 28/2.8 manual focus lens.

Also know a very compact lens. On a FM2N it would be mucho small camera.

A DF is a good idea also. Hope we are still friends. LOL.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
Robert,

Wait for one favorably priced. Here in the U.S. $300.00 for a clean one is a good price. As I remember close focus is down to one foot, low distortion (highly corrected CRC), and the most updated redesign of the 28/2.8 manual focus lens.

Also know a very compact lens. On a FM2N it would be mucho small camera.

A DF is a good idea also. Hope we are still friends. LOL.

Cal
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Great friends, yes!
robert
 
after owning a F3P, I'm ready to go back to a regular F3 (maybe a T)
Playing press photographer is fun, but an F4s scratches that itch for me
The first three frames don't bother me, I like the interlock, the raised controls don't matter to me, its on Aperture priority most of the time, and is always on (I don't know why the switch was such a big deal on the P, by having it on an MD4, you never have to use the cameras switch anyways), too valuable to actually abuse, and I don't need a motordrive...(the mf4b means its awkward without an md4)
 
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