Nikon F3 vs Canon F1 vs Minolta X1/XK

[Steve M.]

When talking about the cameras you mentioned, smallest and lightest is a relative term. They're all really big and heavy.

Why don't you get a Nikon FG camera? Those are tiny and light. I used mine with a Leica R 90 2.0 Summicron on a $20 adapter, and it was a blast to shoot, The image quality was Leica like because, well, it was a Leica, and shooting in stop down metering mode was very fast and simple because you could use the camera's AE mode. Mine also worked beautifully with an old Nikon H 50 2.0 lens (Japanese Summicron) that I AI'd.

 

[CameraQuest]

Those 3 choices are really about the the camera system you want.

All are excellent of course, but different.

The Canon FD system will allow you to mount more adapted lens mounts.

The Nikon lens system is more adaptable to other lens mounts, including the Canon FD.

Stephen

 

[Uncle Bill]

I own both the Nikon F3P and a pair of Canon F-1N's, both are great cameras but with different design philosophies. The F3's meter readout is LCD, the whole camera was powered by a pair of Energizer 357 batteries. The F-1N has a hybrid shutter with match needle and powered by a 6V silver oxide battery just like the A-Series. I have an issue with my F-1N with the AE prism head where a minuscule diaphragm that covers the manual meter readout when you engage AE, won't retreat when you switch back to manual, little things like that make the Nikon and Minolta meter readouts are far superior.

Speaking with the Minolta XK, I've handled one, the camera was far ahead of its time, sadly not cheap to acquire and difficult to fix compared to say the Minolta XE-7 (a great camera in its own right). If you find one in great condition and it works, get it. Minolta MC Rokkor glass just plain dusts both Nikon and Canon lenses.

 

[PhotoGog]

Personally, I would steer clear of the F3 if you you shoot manually. The LCD meter readout is just awful. I bought one and loved the ergonomics, could even look past my rule of 100 per cent mechanical only ... but ... yet ... those tiny plus and minus LCD signs are unusable for me. Bought a mint F2AS instead and could not be happier. As for the F-1, I have owned a 1971 original. Wonderful tank of a camera - with match needle meter!

 

[steveyork]

I used an F3 and an F3HP for one summer, but really didn't like the reduced viewfinder magnification (about .75). When it comes to manual focus lenses, the greater the viewfinder magnification, the better. Anyway, even with glasses I can easily see the entire viewfinder of an F or Leicaflex, so the extra eye relief of the F3 was of no moment (for me).

 

[dxq.canada]

I had the Canon F-1N and loved it ... but for some reason I had always craved having an Olympus OM-4Ti with some nice Zuiko glass.

 

[presspass]

Just to muddy the waters more, two other factors to consider. First, Canon lenses focus in the same direction as Leicas; Nikons do not. Canon lenses are not as contrasty and can produce black and white film images that are easier to print. That is still the case comparing EOS lenses with AF Nikons.

 

[bayernfan]

The F3 is awesome, until you need to read the meter in dim light. If you regularly shoot in low-light situations, the tiny LCD read out is going to a major let-down in terms of usability. If you're an aperture-priority shooter, you'll be less affected, but monitoring shutter speeds will be an issue.

 

[colker]

The F3 is awesome, until you need to read the meter in dim light. If you regularly shoot in low-light situations, the tiny LCD read out is going to a major let-down in terms of usability. If you're an aperture-priority shooter, you'll be less affected, but monitoring shutter speeds will be an issue.

I never got along well w/ the F3 meter. The matrix metering on the FA otoh is awesome. My favourite nikon body is the FA.

The FM does not have the build level of the F1, F2, F3, F4... cameras. I believe the FM was made by Cosina.

 

[JamesEsq]

Another thought if you're a Leica fan, the Leica R bodies are nearly as cheap as the nicer Nikon F2/F3 and Canon F1N bodies, and R-glass is soooo much cheaper than M-glass. I have an F2AS, F3HP, Canon F1N, Oly OM3, but my favorite is my Leica R6--it's bullet proof, has great matrix metering, and a fully mechanical shutter.

 

[giganova]

Personally, I would steer clear of the F3 if you you shoot manually. The LCD meter readout is just awful.

Agreed! I'm the OP and ended up buying an F3 -- which I regret. As you said, the LCD meter display is horrible, and the focus and iris go in opposite directions compared to my Leica Ms.

I think I'll sell the F3 and get an R6 instead.

 

[bayernfan]

Agreed! I'm the OP and ended up buying an F3 -- which I regret. As you said, the LCD meter display is horrible, and the focus and iris go in opposite directions compared to my Leica Ms.

I think I'll sell the F3 and get an R6 instead.

I've got a friend with an R6.2 for sale. It's in fantastic condition, and I personally film tested it. Shoot me a PM if interested.