Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
It happens every now and then ... I spot an F3 in the classifieds and have a hankering to switch my SLR afilliation to Nikon from Olympus. My D700 is largely responsible for this ... it's such a brilliant camera but I don't really have a lot in the way of good lenses for it aside from the 35mm and 50mm Zeiss primes I bought to use with it. In Olympus however I have every focal length covered with excellent Zuiko glass ... that is absolutely no use at all on the D700 of course!
If I moved to Nikon the Oly gear would have to go because I don't want two SLR systems that basicaly do the same thing. There seems to be risks involved in a move like this but as attached as I am to the OM system it's not benefiting my occasional forays into digital in the way that a couple of F3 bodies and a good selection of Nikkors would!
This lack of compatibility between my D700 and my other SLR gear becomes more of a problem as I get more in tune with the D700 ... shooting with it really has become second nature and I expect to have the camera for several more years yet. For a DSLR it's a very intuative beast IMO!
Who out there has done this ... gone from total committment to one particular system, then jumped ship to another?
I meant add that I sort of tried to do this with my FM3A when I bought it but for some reason that camera always felt like a toy to me and I never really liked it ... so sold it!
If I moved to Nikon the Oly gear would have to go because I don't want two SLR systems that basicaly do the same thing. There seems to be risks involved in a move like this but as attached as I am to the OM system it's not benefiting my occasional forays into digital in the way that a couple of F3 bodies and a good selection of Nikkors would!
This lack of compatibility between my D700 and my other SLR gear becomes more of a problem as I get more in tune with the D700 ... shooting with it really has become second nature and I expect to have the camera for several more years yet. For a DSLR it's a very intuative beast IMO!
Who out there has done this ... gone from total committment to one particular system, then jumped ship to another?
I meant add that I sort of tried to do this with my FM3A when I bought it but for some reason that camera always felt like a toy to me and I never really liked it ... so sold it!
Paulbe
Well-known
Keith--you'd really like the F3.
Have used them since they came out.
I use the non-HP finder, and even with glasses, it is fine.
Great metering and the feel is really solid. Hard to believe that such a fine camera can be had for so little--especially if it has a slight scratch--then they get REALLY inexpensive.
The MD4 motor is also excellent and adds a good feel, but think HEAVY!
Goods luck--you can't go wrong.
BTW--why sell the Oly?
Paul
Have used them since they came out.
I use the non-HP finder, and even with glasses, it is fine.
Great metering and the feel is really solid. Hard to believe that such a fine camera can be had for so little--especially if it has a slight scratch--then they get REALLY inexpensive.
The MD4 motor is also excellent and adds a good feel, but think HEAVY!
Goods luck--you can't go wrong.
BTW--why sell the Oly?
Paul
jarski
Veteran
no risks going to classic Nikkor glass all the way, plenty to choose from and prices are reasonable.
maybe try F3 with your current Zeiss lenses, then decide can it replace your OM's ?
maybe try F3 with your current Zeiss lenses, then decide can it replace your OM's ?
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I really don't want to keep accumulating gear that just sits around waiting for the occasional fondle ... I've nothing against hoarding or collecting (or fondling
), in fact I find it far too easy to get drawn into it. Beating one's self with a birch branch first thing every morning helps with this attitude!
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sepiareverb
genius and moron
I went from Nikon to Leica M and have not looked back. The F3 is an excellent body, and going into one mount seems wise to me. An F100 would bring many of the D features for shooting to a film body too.
via Tapatalk.
via Tapatalk.
gavinlg
Veteran
I've never used an fm3a but if it's anything like the fm2n in build and feel (which I suspect it is) the f3 clobbers it. The f3hp has got to be one of my fave nikons ever, maybe one of my fave SLRs, I never liked the fm2n.
Keep in mind it's pretty much the opposite of the OM's in nearly every way - the OMs are slick and sleek when the f3 is chunky and square. The om's VF is fair bit bigger.
As for lenses, I like the OM glass way more than nikkor glass, both in optical performance and especially size. That being said there are some nice nikkors for sure, but it's going to be a much bigger package.
Definitely buy one and try it out with your current ZF lenses before you sell your OMs.
Keep in mind it's pretty much the opposite of the OM's in nearly every way - the OMs are slick and sleek when the f3 is chunky and square. The om's VF is fair bit bigger.
As for lenses, I like the OM glass way more than nikkor glass, both in optical performance and especially size. That being said there are some nice nikkors for sure, but it's going to be a much bigger package.
Definitely buy one and try it out with your current ZF lenses before you sell your OMs.
Frank Petronio
Well-known
A Nikon F3 without the motor-drive and the smaller AIS primes is a sweet manual-auto camera.
A Nikon F100 would make more sense for swapping with the D700, they are very similar.
Isn't Auto-Focus worthwhile?
A Nikon F100 would make more sense for swapping with the D700, they are very similar.
Isn't Auto-Focus worthwhile?
bgb
Well-known
Sounds like a film vs digital battle if you got a film Nikon you could concentrate on getting Nikkors and nothing else, just a case of trying out film Nikons and seeing which one suits you.
It would be hard for me to give up the beautiful viewfinder on the OM-2
You need the D700 for work and an OM for play maybe?
if you got a film Nikon you could concentrate on getting Nikkors and nothing else, just a case of trying out film Nikons and seeing which one suits you.It would be hard for me to give up the beautiful viewfinder on the OM-2
You need the D700 for work and an OM for play maybe?
sykotec
Well-known
thought I haven't switch SLR systems (added a Monster Pentax a bit ago, as I believe you did), I've owned a few Nikons over the years. First an early F, then later an FM2n for many years. Then an F3P came into my world, and I sold the FM2n to an old friend.
Fast forward a decade, and the F3P has been sold, and I've got that very same FM2n back. But now, the wife is taking up roller derby..... and I can't focus that fast! The BGN condition F5 arrived about 2 weeks ago from KEH, and damn, is it nice! Sure it's all modernish compared to the old F3, but set it on center-weighted, aperature priority, manual focus, and drop the old 105/1.8 on it, and it's actually BETTER to me.
That said, you can't take the motor off for a smaller (and quieter) package as Frank points out, and people do think it's a DSLR half the time - esp with the big MF-28 back display.
But it's just sooo nice. I'm trying to cut down my camera count (3 is the goal), and agonizing over the thought of selling thr FM2n. Other than size and battery-independence, it's got nothing over the F5. Even with all those motors, it's sooo much better for low-shutter-speed, low-vibration handheld shots.
oh - and it focuses itself, which much as I hate to admin, I *need* for some things. sorry for the long-winded reply - I'll leave my Nikon glass comments for some other time if you're interested.
Fast forward a decade, and the F3P has been sold, and I've got that very same FM2n back. But now, the wife is taking up roller derby..... and I can't focus that fast! The BGN condition F5 arrived about 2 weeks ago from KEH, and damn, is it nice! Sure it's all modernish compared to the old F3, but set it on center-weighted, aperature priority, manual focus, and drop the old 105/1.8 on it, and it's actually BETTER to me.
That said, you can't take the motor off for a smaller (and quieter) package as Frank points out, and people do think it's a DSLR half the time - esp with the big MF-28 back display.
But it's just sooo nice. I'm trying to cut down my camera count (3 is the goal), and agonizing over the thought of selling thr FM2n. Other than size and battery-independence, it's got nothing over the F5. Even with all those motors, it's sooo much better for low-shutter-speed, low-vibration handheld shots.
oh - and it focuses itself, which much as I hate to admin, I *need* for some things. sorry for the long-winded reply - I'll leave my Nikon glass comments for some other time if you're interested.
ChrisN
Striving
Total insanity Keith!
You should be swapping to Pentax!
You should be swapping to Pentax!
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
I have both F3's (which I used professionally when they were current) and the F100, and I would go with the F100 hands down. Since you have the digital Nikon, there is simply no reason to choose the F3 over the F100. The F100 is a great camera all around. And, as much as I shot the F3, I always hated that tiny little LCD sliver (you can't call it a panel) in the upper corner of the display.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I'm happy to use a digital like the D700 with all the whistles and bells but I don't necessarily want that on a film body which is where the Om's have fitted the bill. I quite like manually focussing the D700 with the Zeiss primes and very rarely use the 35mm AFD I bought for it.
One lens mount would be nice though and although the viewfinder of the OM's has no peer I think the F3 would have to be better than the FM3A I had briefly.
sykotec
Well-known
funny thing - I thought about an MX or LX to go with the 67II. my first SLR was an ME Super even. the glass is nice, even if the range isn't as good as Nikon, but being able to share with my wife and her N80 won out many years ago. I'm glad it did too - Pentax never made anything like the F5 that I'm aware of!
ChrisP
Grain Lover
PM sent on Keith's Oly gear lol
Oh and if you want to switch to pentax I have a recently serviced all black MX that I will trade to you.
I have an om-4ti with beattie screen on the way so that one will hit the market eventually (and I think it might actually be smaller and lighter than my OM-1, better in the dark because of LED readout, possibly quieter, ChrisN you shouldn't have mentioned Pentax the MX is a damn good camera).
Oh and if you want to switch to pentax I have a recently serviced all black MX that I will trade to you.
I have an om-4ti with beattie screen on the way so that one will hit the market eventually (and I think it might actually be smaller and lighter than my OM-1, better in the dark because of LED readout, possibly quieter, ChrisN you shouldn't have mentioned Pentax the MX is a damn good camera).
oftheherd
Veteran
I don't use either system, nor any system for paid work. You make a good point for going to Nikon and abandoning the OM system. But are you sure you want to? Your OM is a complete system, and has a history.
As everyone knows, I have and love Fujica cameras and six of their good Fujinons. Not as many as you have of the Zuiko. I also have a Contax 167mt, a 50mm Contax T* and some other Contax/Yashica mount lenses. I don't know how I could give up either. Glad I don't even have to consider it. I think in the end, you would regret giving up the OM and Zuiko lenses.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Regarding the option of an F100 to better match the capabilities of the D700 I don't see that as a priority. When I'm using the D700 I'm generally under pressure not to miss shots and the camera's absolute sophistication is a bonus.
Film really is 'play' (and art) as accurately described above and there's a lot of enjoyment in going all manual and taking one's time which is where the OM's have been a joy ... particularly the OM-1. If I could get that satisfaction from a camera that shares lenses with the D700 I'd be a happy camper!
Film really is 'play' (and art) as accurately described above and there's a lot of enjoyment in going all manual and taking one's time which is where the OM's have been a joy ... particularly the OM-1. If I could get that satisfaction from a camera that shares lenses with the D700 I'd be a happy camper!
Gerry M
Gerry
Keith,
Having had an F3 (great camera) and an F100 and a D200 (still have), I think the F100 would be a shoo-in. The F3 VF leaves a lot to be desired. I think it would be difficult to find fault with the F100. Handles very much like the D200, which is super!
Gerry
PS, I also have OM1 & 2's. It would be very difficult to part with these. So compact and quick to use. Much more RF'ie.
Having had an F3 (great camera) and an F100 and a D200 (still have), I think the F100 would be a shoo-in. The F3 VF leaves a lot to be desired. I think it would be difficult to find fault with the F100. Handles very much like the D200, which is super!
Gerry
PS, I also have OM1 & 2's. It would be very difficult to part with these. So compact and quick to use. Much more RF'ie.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
In order for me to buy an F3 I would have to sell an FE, FM and an F2 just so I wouldn't feel guilty and consider myself a Horder...but not to worry too much I would still have a copy of each one of those cameras...The F3 is my Holy Grail...so thanks for bringing up this subject yet again...
willie_901
Veteran
Keith,
I too use D700s and plan to keep them for quite some time. At one time I owned two F3HPs. One was a beater and the other was in perfect condition (not a mark on it). Both had MD-4 motor drives. I sold the beater to get the really nice one. Then I sold that because once I started to use my Zeiss Ikon ZM, the F3 seemed too heavy and too bulky to take with me wherever I went. The F3/MD-4 just sat in the cabinet, so it had to go.
As others have mentioned, avoid the HP finder if possible. The primitive LCD meter on the F3 is probably inferior to the Olympus meter. It's nice (and trivial) to switch out finder focusing screens on the F3.
The F3 is a tough camera that will take just about anything you can throw at it. However it is heavy. When it has an HP finder it is bulky as well. The MD-4 motor drive is wonderful (it makes very cool sounds), but it's rather heavy too.
If you enjoy your Zukio lenses, I don't think you should switch.
Still, you should be able to pick up a beater F3 (probably a with the HP finder) pretty cheaply. If the meter works, then an ugly F3 should get the job done. If you find you don't use it much you could sell it and not loose much money (if any). If it turns out you prefer the F3, then you can wait for a really nice example to pops up; buy it; and sell the beater (or use it to hammer in tent pegs... it will still take pictures).
Last year I bought a nice Nikon FG body to use with my AI/AIS lenses until I burn my film stock up. It's not a pro body, but it's inexpensive, light and the finder is easy to focus. It meters really well too.
I too use D700s and plan to keep them for quite some time. At one time I owned two F3HPs. One was a beater and the other was in perfect condition (not a mark on it). Both had MD-4 motor drives. I sold the beater to get the really nice one. Then I sold that because once I started to use my Zeiss Ikon ZM, the F3 seemed too heavy and too bulky to take with me wherever I went. The F3/MD-4 just sat in the cabinet, so it had to go.
As others have mentioned, avoid the HP finder if possible. The primitive LCD meter on the F3 is probably inferior to the Olympus meter. It's nice (and trivial) to switch out finder focusing screens on the F3.
The F3 is a tough camera that will take just about anything you can throw at it. However it is heavy. When it has an HP finder it is bulky as well. The MD-4 motor drive is wonderful (it makes very cool sounds), but it's rather heavy too.
If you enjoy your Zukio lenses, I don't think you should switch.
Still, you should be able to pick up a beater F3 (probably a with the HP finder) pretty cheaply. If the meter works, then an ugly F3 should get the job done. If you find you don't use it much you could sell it and not loose much money (if any). If it turns out you prefer the F3, then you can wait for a really nice example to pops up; buy it; and sell the beater (or use it to hammer in tent pegs... it will still take pictures).
Last year I bought a nice Nikon FG body to use with my AI/AIS lenses until I burn my film stock up. It's not a pro body, but it's inexpensive, light and the finder is easy to focus. It meters really well too.
bgb
Well-known
According to Ken Rockwell the D700 can handle almost any Nikkor made
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
so the only issue you have is finding a Nikon that feels like an OM, if such a beast actually exists.
Of course as the D700 is such a capable camera you could keep that and sell everything else
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
so the only issue you have is finding a Nikon that feels like an OM, if such a beast actually exists.
Of course as the D700 is such a capable camera you could keep that and sell everything else