Nikon F3 "Limited". Is it as good as they say? PLUS! a brand new film from Ferrania!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- 00:00 Intro
00:58 Japans Storage
01:45 Limited
08:58 Taking Pictures
10:01 Functions
12:45 Ferrania P33
14:19 Final Thought
In this video I feature the Nikon F3 Limited along with the new Ferrania P33 Film. Of course I had to research the F3 for which there is much online and here are a couple of good sources I found.
imaging.nikon.com/imaging/inf...
UA-cam Video about the F2
• Why I Believe the Niko...
Ferrania P33 Film from
www.thelittlebritishcameracom...
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Thanks for all the helpful and kind interaction guys! A bit more on the mirror lock up! A few have mentioned in the comments and also a couple of private messages. There are certain lenses that need the mirror upmin order to fit. Here is a link to something I found online if you're interested. Cheers. www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/ultrawides/21mm.htm
I have Nikon F3, the Canon New F-1 are the best ever 35mm analog SLR Camera !
I have the EF. It's heavy! Failed electrics though :(
You mentioned is from Japan, how much was the import tax? I have looked around the HMRC website without luck to learn what is the import tax for photography equipment. Guessing you pay VAT + IMPORT TAX + FEE for import duties management? Thanks!
I am a retired professional photographer. I still have an F3 and F4 in my camera bag. As a Nikon user, those were the two greatest joys to use I ever came across. The F3 has to be one of the best 35mm cameras ever built. My F3 with the MD4 will go with me to my grave.
Thanks for the confidence kicker Mike. 👍
Why bury it? Find someone who could use it
Nikon F2 are the best Nikon analog SLR, but the Canon New F-1 are the best ever 35mm analog SLR Camera
@@cameraprepper7938 I have both the Nikon F3 and the Canon New F1 and I find the view finder information better in the Canon but the more centered lens mount leads to fingers rubbing against the lens and the larger the lens, and your hands, the more of an issue it becomes. The Nikon, being less centered makes it far more comfortable in use and it also somehow feels softer, almost cuddlier while the Canon always feels hard and awkward.
Been using my F3 hp since the 80's, I was its second owner. Been everywhere round the world with me (deserts, Jungles, high arctic circle stuff, weddings, stag nights, raves, concerts you name it.). Still works exactly as it did when I first got it, its like an actual extended part of me. Use it still, when I can actually afford film lol
That's encouraging! Raves 😂, cheers
I treated myself to a F3 (no hp,just the regular version) and it feel so good and is such a joy to shoot. The viewfinger is great and bright, the advance lever feels incredible and don't let me get started on the sound of the shutter... It's pure ASMR everytime I load a roll of film and shoot it!
Glad to hear it 😌
The F3 HP like the Leica M6 just feels right in your hand. Thanks to covid I discovered eBay and have managed to collect the F, F2, F3 & F4. The F4 is a huge beast but still lots of fun to use. The F3 is indeed my favorite of the 4 I have. It just feels right. The F and F2 are just solid old bricks that just keep going on and on. Love them all.
Very nice! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy 😊
Back in the mid eighties, shooting for a major wire-service and newspaper. I had four F3s two with the High-eye Point finder and two with the titanium HP finder. Each was motor-driven with Ni-cad rechargeable battery packs. Each of the bodies had the accessory back that would auto-stop with the film leader out for quicker loading of the film onto the processing reels. I had season working credentials for every professional and collegiate team sport. I can recall shooting entire football games in the driving rain and not have any of the bodies quit or go dead. I don’t miss packing around suitcases with wet/dry darkrooms and drum image transmitters.
Thanks for sharing. Encouraging! The good ole days!
Hobby photographer here, and I also have a small collection of Nikon cameras, slightly older than yours. My father (realizing how much I like film photography) gave me his old Nikkormat. Then I got an FM which is great. And recently I finally got an F2 in very good condition. The F2 is an impressive mechanical beast (not as heavy as I thought it would be, I guess I had just heard so much about it being a heavy tank), and it's quickly becoming my favorite 35 mm camera (I also have some electronic Minoltas). When I got my F2 I shot a roll of slide film with a lot of bracketing, assuming that the metering would probably be a bit off, but it was dead on.
I am a longtime professional Nikon photographer. I own and use the F2, the F3 and the F3p. The F3p is , mainly because of the looks and weather seals my favorite camera. Having said that I think the F5 is, from a technical standpoint, the best film camera Nikon has ever produced. I have taken the F5 with me all over the world from the deserts in the Gulf region to the jungle in Borneo. It has never let me down. These professional Nikons were really built like a tank! It 's a complete mystery to me why the F5 is underrated and on the current market far less expensive than the F3.....
My father's first F was in 1969, having used Contax III's for years and a family friend who was an API/UPI stringer and "Life" photographer said, try this, I think you'll like the "seeing eye dog" and the camera overall. My father was a Nikon man from then on. He kept using his 5x7, and 8x10 Deardorff field cameras for most of his work, nudes and landscapes, but for 35mm, Nikon was his go to. The F was and will always be the best camera ever made. It survived the rice paddies and tropical weather of Vietnam and all other theaters of journalistic endeavors again and again. The F was heavy, built with shutter rods/bars which were slower than Canon and Olympus using lightweight wires, but the F never failed, never jammed, never didn't come through in tight spots. The bronze skeleton and components made it heavy and durable, and its weight absorbed vibration (early VR?) It was the "Standard" and why I am still a Nikon man myself. I won't get into optics, but Nikon still leads there as well. I'm still using lenses I bought in the 70's. I've owned F3 HP's, my favorite, several FM2's, Nikkormat's and now Zed 7's and D800E's and D850's as ever reliable. Except for the F3's I've never gone for what is considered the flagship of Nikons. So, no D6's or F4's. I miss film but not the chemicals! I've gone digital and I'm NOT going back. Consider me someone who has left the daguerreotype, ambrotype and tintype behind and gone all in for the newest thing the glass/silver emulsion plate process. I'm a MODERN DUDE after all!
I can't blame any "back in the day" film shooter sticking with digital today. It is so much easier and instant. Nice story and facts. Thanks for sharing Paul!
I've an FE and FM - had them both since the 80s. With an Nikon MD12 drive attached you don't need to have the wind-on lever extended into your face/eye to operate the camera - which makes for a better experience. Classy vid!
Thanks!
Hello from Dallas Texas. Thanks for the clearly presented detailed info. Another good video... Thanks again.
Thanks for watching all the way from Texas!
I love the metering on the F3 …better than many other more sophisticated systems in more modern film cameras for me. Great vlog Thankyou.
Totally agree
Love seeing George 😊
I have the F3T and F3P…love them both…never failed me in Alaska cold or Florida heat.
Fantastic. It's impressive to see this F3 that looks like it was bought in the store yesterday!
I have several Nikon, my favourites F100, F3 and mainly FM2n. However after your video I just bought an F3 limited (waiting for her...). My F3 is not in 100% so I think I will enjoy the Limited. It's seems more simple, the weather seal It's a big add for me, because I shoot mainly outdoors. Great videos. A fan from Portugal
Another GREAT video!!!! Thanks so much!!!
I used to be a photographer in the norwegian airforce, and the F3 (and pentax 6x7) was our main work horses. The F3 never failed, even in winter time in northern Norway, hanging out of a helicopter door doing photo from the air. That was the regular F3, bu now I have a F3 P. I needed a F3 in my life :-) I also have a F2 and a FM2n, but I think the F3 is the better one. The F2 is a beauty, but are much more «vintage». The FM2 was not buildt to professional standards since it was a enthusiast camera (that many professionals used as camera nr 2). I think Steve Tanno in one of his videos on the F3 said that the F3 when new was like 3 or 4 times more expensive than the FM2. The F3P was bought on ebay from Japan last year. Mint condition, and it cost me about 500 USD. I love it, but mostly I shoot digital now with a sony A7RV and fujifilm xpro3. But film is for those mindful moments 🥰
Brilliant Review .
I have been using F3 for decades .
I have used the F3 with the standard finder ... which gives a larger image in the viewfinder and makes focusing easier.
Currently I have a couple of F3/T and still use them.
Like most other Nikon models, I have several F3s, which I really like, but if I were to be pressed to chose only one model, I’d have to stick with an F2 variant because of the fully mechanical nature of it. Battery operated functions are great until your battery gives up or you run out of them. Metering can always be done with sunny 16 rule and educated guessing. Another great video sir.
Totally get that. Hence why I love the FM3A. Love to shoot an F2 though
Hi,
It is quite fun. The fear of lacking battery was very strong at this times. Now we can see how fast a digital camera can drain its battery it seems bizarre that we could had those fears with those old batteries lasting months if not years. Times are changing 😃
Japanese second hand camera shops are like little museums - or even shrines to camera brands. Walk around any shopping district and it's only a matter of time before you see the camera shop. Sometimes it's up a few flights of stairs, but it's always there. Inside, you will find the most pristine examples of substantially the entire history of the major camera brands.
Sometimes new camera stores have a second hand section as well. You can be walking through an ordinary mall, entire the camera shop and suddenly find yourself face to face with an array of pre-war Leicas.
I'd love to walk into a store like that. Even just to look.
George!! The best mascotte ever!! ❤
Ha ha, he is. When he's not snoring in the early hours!
Hello, I really enjoid this, top job! I still have an F2 I occasionally use and an F4 that I traded my F3 hp and FE2 for pretty much the day it came out! I loved my F3 with its motor drive, it was an excellent camera for wirdlife in remote places where rugged reliability was key. The matrix metering and built-in drive on the F4 were the winners for me, lighter and I could get away with less bracketing saving precious film. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!
the mirror lock up was useful when using super-telephoto lenses as it stopped the vibration, but also Nikon used to have an insane fisheye lens where the rear element was mm away from the shutter curtain so you had to lock the mirror up.
Oh wow, I will most definitely be looking for one of those beauties. I already have a couple of F3s, but that one is 🔥 🔥🔥
Excellent video and very nice shots, thank you very much.
I had to sell my father's F3 because it was defect (I'm not a repair guy), but I want to buy a proper F3 soon, because the design and simplicity is a joy to use.
Since some time I own a F2 AS, which I bought in GB before the Brexit for little money (300 GBP) - amazing build quality. It's one of the cameras I have actually in use for analog shooting.
Many say the F2 was the best. I've never used one.
Love your vlogs I've just been watching some of your old vlogs i would love to see you do more indide of old buildings and churches thanks alan
Nice vid man! Beautiful camera. I’ve got the F3/T and love it, did look into the limited at the time I bought my camera but found a very nice deal including a 50mm f1.4
I’m pretty sure that the mirror lockup was left in there because of some specialty lenses that protrudes deep into the camera and requires the mirror to be locked up before mounting the lens.
After using the camera for a bit I have to say that I would probably love the raised shutter speed dial to have quicker and easier access to it.
Peace!
That would make perfect sense Tobbe. I'll have to have a Google on that. Cheers
Gets a possibly unused F3 and exposes it to a gallon of falling pigeon poop and blowing sand on the first roll. 😂 I guess it was built to withstand all that, but blowing sand freaks me out.
Nice video! I drooled over my F3 brochure as a teen as I was getting ready to buy my first slr (FE). The F3 remained a dream due to the cost. Several decades later I got an F3, then an F3HP. Love them. So did my niece, so I got her a very mint F3HP. Three in the family. Not bad.
Mirror lock up allow for a faster frames per second rate with the motor drive.
Yet another fantastic video! I also follow you on IG (loved your BW shell photography!) but these videos are so well put together. I have a Nikon F3/T that has various little issues which might cost as much to fix as buying a new one like yours online from Japan. Did you go through eBay in Japan or another outlet? Cheers!
I have the F2. Don’t see a reason to switch to an F3. Both must be great camera’s that don’t go over the other, I guess. Just different ways of how the camera works internally. Nice to see you using the F3 and to hear some of the background story, Roger. Always a treat to see a new vid. Thanks for the work!
Thanks for sharing. That's what I was wondering back in the 80s when the F3 came out. Why would one stick or twist. Maybe back then a switch would be to keep up with the times like mirrorless today 🤔
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss it might be that the meter is more accurate on the electronical F3 and has more specific data to show about it? A different built quality with different ergonomics, perhaps. But most def a newer design (Giorgetto Giugiaro who also worked for Ferrari) and look/fashion to it for a different user experience? What did other companies do by which Nikon was motivated to the getting the F3 as it became?
The F to the F2 was a much bigger difference than the F2 to the F3.
Thanks for another great video.
The mirror lock up was needed for some of the older super wide lenses.
Yes, I have since learned that. Thanks :)
I had an F2, replaced with an FM3a, which is such a stunner, felt guilty about having an old film camera that expensive, & got the FM2, but then on a lark tried an FA, the odd duck in Nikon history. Then got two of them, bc they're so nice, and have given a couple more as birthday presents. The FA's Matrix metering is the bees knees, the grip from the F3, unlimited long assposure, 4000, Ape mode, and all the bells & whistles of the FM2 and the FE2. But what really made me fall in love with it was the feel of its shutter. That is the nicest shutter feel of any camera I've ever used. It's so buttery smooth it's mesmerizing, like this long thhhhhshssssick, and there's 0 vibration in the body, like the shutter was just rolling past & took no notice of anything. I'm looking to add an F3 because I feel I must, but I admit I'm most likely just going to end up shooting with the FA's anyway bc they are pure pleasure.
I have an F2A, F3HP and F3P. I wear glasses and I prefer the HP view finder of the F3's. Like you I've got my F3P in mint/new condition. It's my all time favorite camera. And the battery dependency is a non-issue for me.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks !
The shutter sound test should be done with a lens or cap on it, as that does affect the sound signature.
Secondary note about sound, the mirror slapping is a bit more distinct than just the shutter. But in all likely hood it was kept as it's a simple mechanism to leave in and handy for impromptu low-light slow shutter speed scenarios.
Another reason for the removal of the other features is fairly simple, less to break and less places to weather seal.
Less to break with constant aggressive daily use as press photographers. Makes sense actually. Cheers.
Thanks for the video, well put together. I prefer my F3/T to my Leica film M's and to the Nikon FM and FM3A - it has a solid feel to it and the shutter and rewind are just lovely. When travelling, I sometimes plump for my FM3A due to being lighter.
Good vid again. Just got an F3 Limited mint box from Japan, after 3 attempts to get a used F3HP (all sent back faulty), great specs on this one. Note all - Japan ebay is really hit & miss, everything is "near mint" but I've sent 4 cameras back in 4 months (also 1 back to US and 1 in UK)! This along with the original F and the FM3A are my 3 favourites.
Sorry to hear that. Must be so frustrating. Glad you got one in the end. Even if it wasn't the HP 👍
Excellent video! I got an F3T never used as well with a brand new 45 mmAI-s f2.8P pancake. Amazing find. Also from Japan eBay
Very nice!
I have an F3 bought in the 80's, it's the camera I dag out from retirement to get me shooting film again. It's ace, never let me down & batteries are easy to get. I did get a Nikkormat quite recently, its really nice and like an Olympus OM1 with the shutter speeds on a ring at the lens mount, built like a tank and all manual like the FM2 & 3
Hope it gives you many more years of happy shootin' 😊
Awesome vid Roger cheers. I have the F4s love it to bits I tried a mate F2 photomic which was really nice but I’ve always fancied the F3 and being a press photographer the f3p is the one I’ll be chasing. Awesome shots enjoyed that thanks
Cheers Paul.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBossall good mate
Hi, I do enjoy your Chanel. I’ve been a Nikon user since 1981 when I bought my first F. I had to sell it when I went back to college in 1985 - broke student cliche. However, I have now got an F, F2, F3, F4, FM, FE, Nikkormat EL, D1x, D2x, D200. You may have noticed that I like Nikon a bit? Just as well as I can hardly move for them. My partner know well not to complain. Of all these, there IS something extra special about the F2, cant put my finger on it precisely, maybe it’s the weight and balance. I do try and take them out for Walkies as much as possible. My favourite EDC is my Fujifilm X Pro2. It just seems to tick all the boxes, as well as looking so damn cool. But that’s another story.
Thats awesome Paul. You just need to add the 5 and 6 to your collection! Enjoy shooting those beauties!
I have used two FE2's one for back and white and one for colour slide when I pick them up it's like putting on an old pair of slippers it just feels great.
I still have my F3 HP since the 1980’s. Didn’t use it for the last 20 years and today it still works as normal. Just had to clean the mirror and the viewfinder from dust and put a fresh battery in.
I bought my F3 used back in the early 90s. Still my go to camera especially with the 24f2.8
My fav camera F3HP, can’t beat it. I use it and my F4 most out of any of my cameras. I have most all the 70s and 80s Nikons
Best film camera !
Great video, thanks! I have an F3, FM2N and an FA. The handling of the F3 is second to none but I feel like the FA is a bit underrated. It has a very effective metering system, it’s light compared to the F3 and its feature rich. I use it for general photography and the FM2 is great for hiking due to the fast shutter speed and light weight. I use the F3 when I want to savor the experience and capture special images.
The FA was a good camera! Matrix too! I've never used one Mike.
I had a bunch of Nikon's in the past and the F3hp and F3limited were one of them. The limited is indeed in a league of it's own. It's like the summum of the F3's. But after years of not using it (because i did not wanted to scratch it haha), i sold both my F3's and only kept my F5 and F2as. To this day, i still think the F3 was an in-between. It was not a full manual (F2) or a full auto (F5). I don't regret my choices. :) But yeah, the F3LIMITED was a joy to use and to look at. No doubt.
I have my friends F3 P at home and I bought an F3 HP. Love the cameras, specially winding the film on the any of the F3s is awesome!!!
I did notice it advances like a hot knife through butter!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss yeap!!!
That's a heck of a way to test the weather sealing on what is basically a brand new camera, Roger.
Sand Blast the bloody thing! 🤣
I have a couple of rolls of P33 to try out and I like the look of it from what you have done here.
Gave a good clean when I got back! Yeah it seems to be a nice film yet that was only one roll. I have two more to use. Good luck with yours
I enjoyed your video. I didn't know that much about the F3. I have been an F and F2 shooter since the 70's. Say hi to mom for me!
I'd only spoken to her half hour before that! Bless your Mums! Thanks. I knew little before I made the video.
I have recently brought from Japan brand new in box. A Nikon F2. + Two F3P’s both have the MD motor drivers and the Autofocus F4s. I love them all very much and have a camera perfect for all occasions, whether it’s fully manual. Motor driven auto exposure or autofocus auto exposure. They are design classics that still work perfectly and built to last.
Very nice! I can imagine that F2 is a beauty! Enjoy!!
I loved my old F3hp and it was the first camera I ever had that didn't scratch my glasses. Would love to have it back.
I do have an F2. What I like about it is the ability to shoot vertical without the need to raise my right arm and elbow, thanks to the AR-1 soft shutter button which sits right at the base of my first finger. Much more stable and comfortable. No other camera offers this without adding a vertical grip today.
I've been practicing portrait with my left arm close to my chest instead of it hanging out. Just can't do it! Love to shoot the F2 when the opportunity comes
Loads of information I had no knowledge of regarding those changes to the F3 lineup. I just picked up another F3HP but it came with the film load lock lever broken so it opens quite easy but now that I see Nikon did that to the P model I won't bother fixing it! F3HP was my go to for sports in the 90s, no surprise it's still going strong to this day since it's built like a metal brick!
Nice to see George again !
Thanks 🙏
The F3HP is probably my favorite 35mm. I almost always grab it first! I've only had it for a little over four years, but it does everything I want, and is one of the most comfortable cameras to shoot. As for the battery--I have only had to change it once in those four years. (but the manual backup stull works)
Once in four years! That's good going! Nice to hear 😊
Nice video and câmera top. Congratulations. I have One of this model limited . "The special One".
Cool, thanks
I have got a Nikon FM, which is my favourite film camera (and I have a lot, that I will have to sell over this year).
Also a Nikon f100 came to me this year and I am going to shoot my first roll next weekend. Really looking forward to this one. 😊
Nice! I've never used the F100 but all I hear are good things. Enjoy!
I've 2 F3's one is a bit worn brass patina used look but works great and it tastes one of the first made halfway through the first month of production in March 1980. The other one in mint fully working and made in November 1986.
I must admit I do admire a well used brassed camera if it's representative of decades of use in the same hands. None of my film cameras are brassed as I look after them and they are fundamental use. But I do have a DSLR (Canon 6D) that has it's scars from over 10 years of use and still works great!
one of my favourite camera I also have the waist level finder and few focusing screens including the best ever H type. I use it all the time!
Nice! I'd like to get a split screen for it. I find those easier to focus with.
This H screen comes to focus all at once and its so easy I wish I had it for my other film cameras. I am also sure that one of the few I have it's a split screen but for me the H was unbeatable. I am not that far from you I am in Poole if you want to give it a try!@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss
The F3 is a wonderful camera. The smoothest camera I ever owned, lays in the hand perfectly, is not too heavy, has a wonderful viewfinder, great working AE, nice manual mode. But if you'd ask me to give up my F3 or to give up my F2AS, I'd smash the F3 with a sledgehammer in heartbeat.
Quality video 👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the video and sharing some Nikon love. Giorgetto Giugiaro is responsible for the Nikon F3 design and is as well responsible for the red stripe on the body. I have used the F3P since 1989 and for good measure I also use the F2 with eyelevel finder 🙂 So yes for me F3P and F2 are both the "goat"
Thanks for sharing Adam. I did read about Giorgetto when researching. Cheers.
I've kind of followed along with the comments here since I commented, and there is pretty much a consensus that the Nikon F is, was and will always be the flagship and I couldn't agree more. I commented that a friend had gotten my father to cross over to the F from the Contax III, and another friend of my father and mine, was a photographer in the trenches and rice paddies during the unfortunate Vietnamese debacle, who swore his life on the F. The FM2, the Nikkormat, the F3 were ALL built on that same F chassis which was heavy and indestructible. The F4 still did but began a transition I'd say, and in my opinion, is definitely away from and NOT an F or 2 or 3 or... The early electronics could be problematic so give me a "seeing eye dog" and I'm good, I didn't need more back then.
I have an F2 (no meter)exactly as in your picture.Very rarely used as I prefer my F3 which has one.
Did Nikon have the odd lens where the rear element would not clear the mirror hence the lockup?
I've got the F3HP and it (meaning the F3 in general) has some features that at first glance seem odd, but when you consider the target customer (pro, semi-pro/advanced hobbyist) they make more sense.
For example, there is no hot-shoe and to use an on-camera flash, you must use an adapter that fits over the rewind/ASA knob.
But an on-camera flash doesn't perform well and it's much better to use an off-camera flash.
Not a problem for Nikon! Get the SK-4 mount and the SB-11 Speedlight and you're good to go. Need the flash farther from the camera? Quick disconnect and longer pc cable and off you go.
And IIRC, you can fire two speedlights at once.
On the down side, this setup is heavy and then it takes 8 AA batteries, so bring your hernia belt.
I love mine. The camera that is, not the hernia belt.
Cheers to George!
Cheers Mike. Interesting thought! Makes sense. Hope the hernia gets sorted though!
Seriously, now nice is that film advantage lever? Buttery smooth
Love my F3's!
The mirror lock up is to avoid camerashake when using long lenses. The DA2 is the best end biggest wiewfinder you can get, even today! I had all Nikons, but the F3 was used for 20 years. And I uses it even today, and everything work perfect.
Thanks 👍. I guess that would be for tripod use waiting for action to walk into your frame where you've already zoned in waiting for wildlife or stake outs maybe. That would make sense. I've only ever lifted the mirror for long exp
What a stunning bit of kit, I don't have a Nikon but I've just bought a mint condition Canon A-1 with the motor drive.
Great camera the A-1. Enjoy!
I have a couple of F3HPs that I enjoy, but when I go out for a long day of shooting I usually take an FM2 or FE2 for their lighter weight and smaller size.
I got a F3HP not long ago to replace my FM2 while it was being repaired. Although the FM2 is my favourite camera, the F3 is the better one. It is very comfortable and well designed.
The F3 is the first film camera I put into my camera bag for all my photo assignments. Add the amazing glass and it’s an ideal pairing for me, Rog.
I had a feeling you would have had one that got put through it's paces Tad! lol.
I recently acquired a F3 and I could kick myself for not getting 1 sooner. Love it.
I loved the removable prism. You could also change focus screens for different subjects.
Yes you can. Mine is not a split prism, which I like, so I may look for one. Thanks.
gotta try the f4. Thats my go to in 35mm!
I was a photographer in the U.S. Marines in the early and mid 90’s, and we were issued Nikon F3’s, and you could beat the crap out of them and they kept on clicking. I still have one now even though I’m primarily a Canon shooter. Also have an AE-1, an EOS-1, and a Nikon F5.
We actually didn’t like the F4, wasn’t able to stand up to the same kind of abuse the F3 did.
Cheers Dan. I read about them being issue to military. I can imagine they got abused by you guys back then. Encouraging
Have anF3hp that I bought new in 1986 and an FM2 I bought in 1985. Both are still chggiing along just like new and I still love them both. I have had newer digital Nikons that...well not so much.
I find it amazing to see you guys that got a camera back in the pre digital era still have it. Most were sold on or given away when Digital became more popular. Nice! Like those old Hi-Fi's that were ditched for CD players and CD players ditched for MP3 players. They were all chucked out. Mind you, I do have a VHS recorder boxed for playing my old tapes.
I have the F2 and F4....both are great MF-Cameras :) And the F2 is my main go to camera...even sent it to Sover Wong in Nottingham for service and customisation...
Thanks for the recommend!
The F3 can take a superb chimney finder. I’ve used my F3HP since the 80’s and it’s flawless. Yea, I like it.
Thanks for sharing
I’ve lived in Japan for almost 3 years and people tend to take care of their stuff. I bought my F3 a few months ago and it was being sold as “used” even though there wasn’t a single scratch or dent, and it had never been repaired.
WOW! That explains why there are so many mint ones over there.
Yey I wait this camera on your channel 👍. Which is camera you advise Pentax LX or Nikon F3?
I've never used a Pentax LX. Maybe someone else will see your comment 😊
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss well, I recommend this camera. It will nice experience!
The camera is pretty cool , I bought a Nikon F4 recently
I believe they left the Mirror Lockup in so the Professional Photographers were still able to use all lenses. There are some (very) wide angle Lenses that are invasive into the body bc of their design. Those are only usable with a external Viewfinder and Zonefocussing as they would destroy the Mirror if its not locked up.
Great Vid as Always! Cheers
Thanks Christian. Yours is the second comment to mention that.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss ah damn. Didnt see, havent read all the Comments 😉
useful info here ... din' know F3 had so many different sub-models ... the T setting on my ancient Pentax SV is for Time exposure with the benefit of also locking up the mirror without the photog having to keep pushing the shutter button all the time ... to get back to the normal setting, the dial is set to B ... a little cumbersome it may sound at first ... but for those who know why it's there, it's actually a good extra fuzzbuzz ...
I own nearly all Nikon analog SLRs. Only the F1 and FM3A are missing. I don't have a favorite Nikon, because I love the mechanical F3, the electronic FA, the reliable FEs, the FE2, the trendy FM2A, the small EM, the AF F301,501,601, the professional F4s, the consumer F60,65,70, the allrounder F80, the exiting F100, the heavy F5, the underestimated F801, the robust F90x....... and finally the last Nikon analog SLR the modern F6. All cameras are in good shape and work great. There is one specific accessory for the F3 that I really love. It's a robust AS-4 flash adapter.
Nice collection! Thanks for sharing.
You know it's good when it's a Nice NIKON.
where did you get the plastic cover on the bottom of the camera??
It came with the camera as the packaging.
I bought my first F2 in 1975 to upgrade my Nikkormat FTn and then a couple years later another F2. I've got about six pre-AI lenses and still use all. Of course the lenses got a renewed life with my Z7. 😊
Z7, now your showing off LOL. Those Nikon Z's are very good.
Did you get the LIGHT LEAK sorted on your FM3A ?
F3 is a great camera. The F3 is how I got my start in underwater photography had a housing for the F3
Very nice! I doubt underwater photography is easy to master! Never tried it.
Love my F3. That film advance....smooth....
It is very smooth!
After the F and F2 I went for the FA. Used that into the digital era, and still use it.
So many camera veriaties out there.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss same lenses.
The famous Nikon Red Stripe and Red 'Swoosh', go back to the F3 which was partly designed in collaboration with Giorgetti Giugiaro, who was a famous designer who worked with a number of famous Italian supercar manufacturers.
As much as modern DSLRs are complicated, and we have learned to use them, the F3 was very complicated for its time IMO. 👍📸
I used to use Ferrania CR 50 Daylight slide film I think it was called, in my Exacta.
Yes dates me a bit
Nikon made the F3 for nearly 20 years.Simple to use and has a good meter.What not to like?
Here is a nice history read of Ferrania how it started and how it was revived. It's a PDF you can download Jeremy. files.ecommercedns.uk/254681/fdd65c8e94062a0c3af205f0cf4339a5.pdf
I have the same camera Rog, but it doesn't say Limited on it ( It might be Japanese thing ). There is a leter P before the serial number on mine meaning Press. This camera was the special rugged version of the F3 primarily for photo journalism. I also have a special back with a tab for it to be used with the MD4 motordrive , when used the film does not get fully pulled back in the cansiter and leaves the film end out.This version of the F3 was produced in very limited numbers. The HP viewfinder is better than my F4s. F3-P a jewel in the crown of the Nikon F cameras. Just a word of caution, do not loose that black plug that covers the bottom of where the film canister sits. To use an MD4 drive this plug has to be removed ( unscrewed ) and guess what, it gets lost so easily and then the light leaks into the film chamber. PS: one of the ebst accessories for it is the WLF DW3. A few years ago, people couldn't give these away, but now they are asking nearly £180.00 for an average one. I have a DW4 which is a superior finder for critical focusing and low level phootgraphy. You can get a beat up one for about £50.00.
Cheers lensman! I doubt I will get the motor drive for it. Or take the drive cover off!! It's like those hotshoe covers! I lose all mine! Lost one today and can't find it anywhere. Always enjoy your words. Cheers.
One of Nikon's finest! Only downside with the F3 is that tiny lcd.
You're right. Thats the first thing I struggled with in low light. And trying to finger find the red button for the light.
thanks
Welcome
I live in the in the US and you have Nikon bodies which where never sold in the US I have 3 and what a difference it was from the monster the F4 and F5 and F6 didn’t have interchangeable fingers the waist lever finder was a necessity in garden photography
Ater aspiring to own an F3 for so long, when I could afford to buy a used one in the 2000s I remember being a bit disappointed by the small dull viewfinder field. My old OM1n viefinder was so much bigger and clearer.