Nikon F3 viewfinders HP vs regular size/weight

[Sierra Club]

Hi All,

Long time lurker on this forum but since I've just bought another film camera, a minty F3/T, on ebay I've decided to finally register. I wanted to ask those of you who already have this model (and possibly both of the viewfinders mentioned in the title) - can any of you please post some images which would allow for easy estimation of relative sizes of standard Nikon DE-2 and High Point DE-3/4 eye-level finders? I'm especially interested in their height mounted on camera.

There are some photos of these finders on the web (particularly mir.com), but I wasn't able to find any *side by side* comparison. I'd appreciate your help.

TIA,
Przemek

 

[presspass]

The standard finder is not as tall as the HP one, probably by an eighth of an inch or so. If you wear glasses, the HP finder is certainly worth the additional height. If you do not wear glasses, the standard finder has a slightly higher magnification and makes focusing a bit easier. I have both, but unfortunately cannot post photos.

 

[Shac]

I have both of these F3 finders. The height with the HP on the body is 3 3/4" and with the regualr finder it's 3 1/2".
I wear glasses while it is easier to see using the HP version, I can see the whole frame with the non-HP finder. I find that the regular is more comfortable "jammed" into my face.

 

[Sierra Club]

Thank you both for your replies. Especially for the exact height dimensions of both finders!

Although my F3 comes with HP DE-4 I intend to buy DE-2 just to keep the overall size of the camera and it's weight down.
DE-2 seems sensible, considering that I don't wear glasses. Higher magnification is always welcome.

Makes me wonder though, why would Nikon sell only F3 HPs towards the very end of the production run.

Thanks again.