I really enjoyed your video…so much! My first camera was a Nikon F2 and the F3 was my second. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for Nikon’s level of technical expertise and innovation in creating the F3 user experience. I’ve had mine since the 90’s. It’s an absolute jewel. I have been shooting Nikon mirrorless for a few years. Recently though (now 2024), the current resurgence of 35mm film photography brought me to take my F3 out of retirement. It is in perfect shape - still works flawlessly and looks like new. For me handling and using the F3 is a sensuous tactile and fully engaging experience. Just looking at my F3 makes me smile! It is always so nice to listen to others, like yourself, who recognize and appreciate the beauty and joy of using things made with great care - and made to last. Thank you.
This is one of the most expert and thoughtful reviews I've ever watched... on any subject. Thank you. I'm going to offer one point of view different to you however - I am left eye dominant. So it is better for me that the shutter advance lever is positioned in, rather than out, when shooting. Yes, that means I have to take the camera away from my eye to advance, but it means I shoot comfortably. (In fact, this cocked lever position requirement is the only reason I didn't buy an FM3A). So, for me, that would be #8 for the F3. And #9 - as an eyeglasses wearer - is the optional HP finder. The F3 is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing this video. I'm now going to like and subscribe.
I have both and basically using the F3 is a delight, it's a magical feeling. It's a piece of historical technology, built to last for years and years and to be durable, despite being electronic. If you want a piece of history with a unique design but that may one day stop working, the F3 is for you. If you want a machine that will outlive you, the FM2 is for you.
Excellent video. Another big advantage of the F3HP (well, for me anyway) is that you can see 100% of the viewfinder image while wearing spectacles. AFAIK the F3 is the only manual focus Nikon that does this (the others being the F4, F5, F6, F90(x) and F100).
Excellent video. Exactly what I was looking for in a video as I consider a film camera. Details on the gear and gorgeous photos! Love your soundtrack too by the way.
It is because of your video i finally get myself a Nikon F3 and it is really a very great camera. The way you speak is very calm and relax. I enjoy watching your video and please make more content. 谢谢你
Yes, it's unbelievable how under priced Nikon F3's are in comparison to other makes like the Canon AE-1. I have owned both, still have the F3 and will never part with it.
A most excellent video! Concise and spot on. Icarried both bodies in my days shooting for newspapers. I preferred the FM2 because I like a smaller lighter body. But there is no argument that the F3 is the supreme body. You could use it to pound in tent stakes and then use it to photograph the tent. I still have both of those same bodies working after some 40 years.
I have a few Leicas film and digital. I also have F3-HP, F3-P, F4s, F5, F100, FM2, FE2, etc. Besides the Leicas, the F3 is the most satisfying manual focus camera to use. There is something very much like a DNA that runs in all the Nikon Pro cameras, film or digital. It is an undescribable feel and reassurance when I operate the camera. Those HP viewfinders are a gem to behold.
I had a chance to try out both Cameras when choosing equipment for a multi year editorial project in the early 80s. The FM2 with the MD12 was my clear choice. Perfect ergonomics and elegant fully mechanical simplicity won me over. I bought two with 5 new ais lenses. Flawless performance for 20 years. The styling of the FM2 is classic and looks much less dated than the obvious 80s look of the F3. Keep your F3. If I want automatic features I can reach for the much better F5.
Nah, f3 looks and handles far better than the fm series. Plus the inflated prices on the fm2 because of its "useful" extra stop of shutter speed is pretty silly. The f5 is a monstrosity and I'd go for the f3 when I want shutter priority, who the heck shoots high fps film these days? Maybe millionaires can.. Anyway it's all subjective right!
Enjoy your channel. I'm a very old pro, about a third of my shooting is 35mm (I prefer bigger negatives when possible). However, after countless rolls of film, I never had a F3 or F2 fail on a shoot. The quality of those cameras is unbelievable and having a 100 Percent finder is a must in my work. It is probably just me, but I personally prefer my F2's over my F3's.
Very instructive video! I like your bgm and the style of it. One point I wanna mention is that the reason why Nikon F3 have to waste its first two frames (to active its metering system) seems to because of its A mode: suppose that it is in its A mode, and the light condition is bad (or the aperture is very small or even you forgot to take off your cap), if the meter works when you shoot the first two frames, it will take a really long time to get the right exposure. This will waste your time a lot to pass the first two frames which are not usable in most cases.
The HP viewfinder with 100% coverage is what drew me to the F3 and away from the FM/FE series. Only thing I miss is the great match needle meter and shutter speed indicator from the FE/FM3a.
I had a Nikon f3 in my hands for a couple of days didn't get on with it something fell off it very heavy didn't think the wind on was that much better than Fe/FM don't need changeable finder or other exotic accessories like you I fell in love with the fm2 but never got around to getting one . Now I own an FM a FE a FE2 a FM3 and have just purchased a late built as new FM2n yes I just love those small light Nikon bodies they feel perfect in my hand and I love the way they look thanks for your memories about Nikon cameras Steven keep shooting
Had both, I prefer the fm2. It's a workhorse. Love the meter in the viewfinder more than the FM3hp.. fm2 works without batteries, no frills but has all you need
Another wonderful video Steven, I bought a second hand F3 and agree with all your sentiments. It is beautifully built, looks amazing and is a joy to use. If Nikon make a digital full frame F3 they would sell truck loads.
It didn't happen for a long time that i stumbled across a new youtube channel that fascinated me that much. I love how passionate you are. It reminds of how magically photography really is. Have a great day :)
Excellent video, your voice tone, speed, and so valuable knowledge deserve more attention. I've never used any film camera. But I hope I can experience its pleasure. Thanks.
I have both the Nikon F3 and the Canon New F-1, the Canon New F-1 are the best ever made analog SLR Camera !!! (I also have the Nikon FE and the Nikon FM), but since 2007 I only use digital Camera and I do not look back to the chemical pollution time.
I have an F3 and again I learned something from your video. I was thinking there was a problem with the meter but your video cleared up my problem by advancing the film to 1. Thank you again for showing me something I didn’t know and solving a problem that wasn’t really there.
If the FM2N had a viewfinder as big as that of the F3, and a removable prism for waist-level shooting, and the build quality of the F2 it would have been the BEST manual-focus SLR ever.
wonderful video on a great camera. I have a F3 with motor drive and love it. I think it is a tank, but I also have an F4E that I love and it is a solid camera as well. I think the the one advantage the F4 has over the F3, is that it has a very soft mirror slap compared to a lot of other SLPR's from that time, that lets you shoot very slow shutter speeds with no, or very little blurriness compared to nearly every other film camera from that era.🙂
I have one F3 and two FM2 bodies paired with some carl zeiss lenses. Both cameras are fantastic and when used in combination, they are the best thing ever to be shooting with. There's no moment or glimpse one or another camera can't fastly portrait
I think the Nikon FE2 beats Nikon F3 for many who are not interested in every possible automated bell and whistle. Regarding the problems with "FM2's shutter vibration" that you mention in the video, the Nikon FE2 also introduced a unique rotating flywheel plus inertial mass damping system to minimize mirror shock vibration effects and render a mirror lock-up feature unnecessary. So it would have been cool if you would have compared Nikon F3 vs FE2 (instead of FM2).
I’ve used mechanical SLRs in my 20s/30s then moved onto digital but now in my retirement life I have a yearning to go back to basics alongside my digital camera and especially to go back to shooting film. This video gives me invaluable information to recap on. Thanks Steven.
Thank you. I greatly appreciate this video. I first bought the F3 about a year ago. I did not use it much as I didn’t immediately feel comfortable with it. 6 months later I bought a new Leica M-A and I have it used another camera since. After seeing this video you made, I will give the Nikon F3 another try. I also put in a order for a Nikon FM2N. I hope to use the faster shutter speeds to make portraits at F2 in daylight. Thank you again for this wonderful video and your explanation.
Liked and subscribed. Great video. I have both cameras with their motor drives and they are absolutely awesome. At current prices today, you can easily own and enjoy both of them. No need to struggle choosing! 😄👍
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I used FM2 many years, i bought new and very happy with it. Now i keep for a collection other F’s including F, F2, and F3.
Thanks Steve, I’m reading your review in May 2021. I’m thinking of trying film photography so you Nikon F3 review is very helpful to decide which camera to use. Cheers Peter.
SUGGESTION-----Would love to hear your thoughts (and that of your viewers) on the Nikon F3 vs. the Nikon FM3a. I own both and would choose the F3 hands down. I don't use flash and I do not think you can knock the F3 for not having features that either were not available at the time (1/4000th shutter speed, DX coding, etc.) or that no other 35mm bodies of the era had. I much prefer the size, weight, and form factor of the F3, the 100% viewfinder, the implementation of the power button, and the meter, while by no means perfect, is much easier to see in low light than the needle of the FM3a (damn shame that Nikon could not be bothered to put an LED light inside the viewfinder). Batteries (to me) are a non-issue, as they're small enough (and last over a year), that there is no excuse for not just having extra in your pocket. The only two advantages (and they are big ones) of the FM3a, are that (depending on your serial number), an FM3a could be about 20 years newer and I much prefer the implementation of AE lock on the FM3a.
The FM3a is a lovely camera, but when I was about to buy either an FM3a or an F3 two things swung it for me. You can have full viewfinder coverage while wearing spectacles on the F3HP. The F3 accepts pre-Ai lenses and I already have some nice pre-Ai glass. So instead I opted for another F3, the F3/T. If I didn't wear glasses or have pre-Ai lenses I could have gone for the FM3a. However I do own the FM2n and FE2 and I imagine the FM3a is a sort of hybrid of those two. I like both those cameras but the F3 is just in a different class IMO.
Never shot an FM2, however, after using the F2AS, I have a very strong preference for having the option of Aperture Priority and 100% viewfinder coverage.
Good evening Steven. I have just watched your Extremely Well detailed video on The Nikon F3.It's probably The Best I have seen! Clear. Concise. Facts. It's a beautiful Camera in all respects. I must admit that I actually own The FM2N, so I suppose I am fortunate. It's taken me a long time to be able too afford some Lovely Lenses to accompany these Lovely Cameras. You seem so clear, calm and untroubled. A pleasure Indeed too Listen and Watch your delightful video's. You have a New Subscriber! Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.
With respect to the brightness of the screens I owned and used the FM2 and the Minolta X700 side by side when I switched to Nikon in 1990 and remember the X700 was clearly brighter. I also had an F3 as a loaner from a friend before I decided to get the FM2. It was an early one and had the first generation K-screen. The older F3 clearly was the dimmest of the three. There simply was no contest, the X700 was the best in this respect. F4 was the first Nikon with screens comparably bright to the X700. But all three were easily usable under all circumstances.
I have only two complaints about the f3: one is the missing needle reading from the FE series, and the other the very very convenient self-timer of the FM/FE series, because when I do landscapes I always use self-timer but with the F3 I need to wait 10 seconds instead of two or three.
Thanks for the comparison, you helped me make a decision between the two. The Nikon F3, for the price is amazing piece of engineering and design compared to the FM2. Both beautiful cameras though.
What an excellent video, very sensual and respectful to that wonderful camera. The background music match the visuality you have made in combination to your voice… I’m touched! Normally I want to make a video about my F3, but now it will be very hard for me 😉 Thanks again, and…well, did you know? Sometimes you look like Robert De Niro…👍
@@StevenTanno Thanks a lot, but it will take some weeks because at first I have to make a second video about the Korg MS20, than about my Mamiya C220, and after that the F3. I hope so…😉
Very nice review of both of the cameras. I enjoyed it and agree with the seven advantages you pointed of F3 over FM2. But I sometimes prefer the FM2 because: 1. High X-sync speed which is useful to use the speed light in daylight, and 2. Exposure compensation. As an automatic exposure camera, the F3's exposure compensation dial is difficult to use because I have to push the lock button and turn the dial. I need both hands. As an manual exposure camera, the FM2 has three (+, o, -) indicators, which give brightness info in five patterns, where the F3 has two (+, -) so in three patterns. I own both and use them as manual exposure cameras. When I go out with my F3, I always have an exposure meter with me. Anyway thank you for the video.
I have the FM2N and I know someone selling a F3T. very tempting to buy and maybe i will. I just really like the 1/4000 shutter speed on the FM2N and right now its been so good its hard to justify buying the other camera. I do like the idea of aperture priority tho
I my opinion the all mechanical FM2n is the camera of choice in arctic and high mountaineering expeditions. No issue with batteries or electronics. For weddings and street shooting the F3 seems to hold the advantage.
Steve, just a quick note: The Praktica BX20 has a similar film advance action in that the first few degrees of rotation moves the film, and then a much lighter action cocks the shutter. Now, the BX20 cannot be compared otherwise to the F3 as it is a very cheaply made camera and the last of the line from Germany.
Thanks for a really informative video Steven. You seem like a very knowledgable and experienced photographer with many things to share! I currently have a Canon A1 but have always liked the F3 especially for its waist level finder and I think your video just helped me decide!
Love the video! That part when you mention the Hasselblad's view finder though😅 My F3 is arriving in 3 days from Japan, can't wait to start shooting with it after using the OM2 for an extended period. Thanks for the vid!
I sold my f3 and bought an FA and almost immediately noticed a difference. The FA feels harder to focus. I don’t know what it is about the viewfinder or focusing screen but I think the viewfinder isn’t as bright. Didn’t know how much of a difference that would make
I absolutely love my F3hp and my F4s great cameras I took my time and got a great deal on a mint one with lens well worth it it is so nice to use I will never sell it
Excellent review and comparison Steven. I have an F3 HP and love it, I have taken some of my favorite photos with it. Although my F3 is in Fantastic condition, it has a problem with the film rewind. The rewind works except it does not rewind as smooth as yours and is difficult and stiff to rewind.
I have had the same problem with an NIKON F3 stiff rewind mechanism. It is a real nuisance. Be sure that the open “slit” of the film metal canister is not being squeezed “too tight” by any cause, so that the film is having trouble passing through this “narrow slit tight area” of the canister. Also is the film lined up correctly in the left side of the spool system and not slightly crooked ? Is the film on the take-up sprockets correctly ? Also is the camera back compressing the film canister too tight ? Finally, you might need to send it to a very qualified repair person who is very familiar with older NIKON cameras. It is very much worth fixing. It should not cost much, but ask the repair man if it takes a long time to be repaired as 6-12 months return is not very practical. Recommendations from the internet on who to repair it in your country, or the USA, have always been very reliable in my experience. It may cost less that $80 USA to correct but worth it. Usually that includes a general check that the camera is clean and lubricated. Good luck. Thank you. RS Canada
Great video Steven! I love the Nikon F3HP. My only complaint about the F3 is the vague light meter readout -, -+ and +. I find if you half turn the aperture ring, you get a general idea how over or under exposed you are. The decision making process just feels a bit clunky but that could just be me. If only they just used the same LED signs as the DP-3 and DP-12 prisms from the Nikon F2 - the Nikon F3 would be the perfect camera. Or even a match needle option considering you could swap prism heads!
Is longevity worth considering in favour of mechanical FM2 since F3 needs battery to shoot at most shutter speeds? Eg. Circuit issues, battery shortage one day.
I bought one new in 1981 and kept it for around a decade. It replaced an F2AS in black that I wish I'd kept. This was rather a backup to my SLR Leica cameras, and my favorite lens was the Nikkor tilt/shift lens and the second was a tie between a classic 105/2.5 that I'd owned since a Nikon FTn in the seventies, and the Micro-Nikkor. The F3 was a fine camera, but I never used the automation and I missed my all-mechanical F and F2. This felt cheaper in the hand, but that may have been because it was lighter. The HP finder was nice but I wore contacts anyway...and the motor drive was a lot lighter than the one on my F...
![Nikon FM2 in Memories // Nikon film camera Part 1 [EN SUB & 中文字幕]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sHEgDPfgLrg/mqdefault.jpg)
Aside from my Leica MA and M3 .. the F3 Nikon .. I have had for years , is my favorite in 35mm cameras. I am blessed to have F3
wow, what an in-depth and deep talk about your camera. definitely looking forward to it. subscribed!
I really enjoyed your video…so much!
My first camera was a Nikon F2 and the F3 was my second. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for Nikon’s level of technical expertise and innovation in creating the F3 user experience. I’ve had mine since the 90’s. It’s an absolute jewel.
I have been shooting Nikon mirrorless for a few years. Recently though (now 2024), the current resurgence of 35mm film photography brought me to take my F3 out of retirement. It is in perfect shape - still works flawlessly and looks like new. For me handling and using the F3 is a sensuous tactile and fully engaging experience. Just looking at my F3 makes me smile!
It is always so nice to listen to others, like yourself, who recognize and appreciate the beauty and joy of using things made with great care - and made to last. Thank you.
Thank you so much. 🤝🤝！
Gracious lady, best wishes!
This is one of the most expert and thoughtful reviews I've ever watched... on any subject. Thank you. I'm going to offer one point of view different to you however - I am left eye dominant. So it is better for me that the shutter advance lever is positioned in, rather than out, when shooting. Yes, that means I have to take the camera away from my eye to advance, but it means I shoot comfortably. (In fact, this cocked lever position requirement is the only reason I didn't buy an FM3A). So, for me, that would be #8 for the F3. And #9 - as an eyeglasses wearer - is the optional HP finder. The F3 is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing this video. I'm now going to like and subscribe.
I have both and basically using the F3 is a delight, it's a magical feeling. It's a piece of historical technology, built to last for years and years and to be durable, despite being electronic. If you want a piece of history with a unique design but that may one day stop working, the F3 is for you. If you want a machine that will outlive you, the FM2 is for you.
Here it is 2024 and I just won an auction for a F3 and a FM2. And I can't wait to get my hands on them.
Very refined presentation. thx. You emphasis on the F3's tactile excellence is valid. People often ignore this.
Excellent video. Another big advantage of the F3HP (well, for me anyway) is that you can see 100% of the viewfinder image while wearing spectacles.
AFAIK the F3 is the only manual focus Nikon that does this (the others being the F4, F5, F6, F90(x) and F100).
Thanks a lot :)
Excellent video. Exactly what I was looking for in a video as I consider a film camera. Details on the gear and gorgeous photos! Love your soundtrack too by the way.
It is because of your video i finally get myself a Nikon F3 and it is really a very great camera. The way you speak is very calm and relax. I enjoy watching your video and please make more content. 谢谢你
谢谢你 ：）
Yes, it's unbelievable how under priced Nikon F3's are in comparison to other makes like the Canon AE-1. I have owned both, still have the F3 and will never part with it.
Thanks, we happy with F3 :))
Because canon is popular nowadays over Nikon so people go with the brand they think is better not what was better in those days. My thoughts
@@Pepp_ered Yes, exactly.
You are truly a wonderful UA-camr, and everything about your videos is good...the information, music, intro, and photography. : )
Best Regards
Anas
Thank you so much 😀
A most excellent video! Concise and spot on. Icarried both bodies in my days shooting for newspapers. I preferred the FM2 because I like a smaller lighter body. But there is no argument that the F3 is the supreme body. You could use it to pound in tent stakes and then use it to photograph the tent. I still have both of those same bodies working after some 40 years.
我坚持看完了您的这段视频，因为我是拿着NikonF3一边把玩儿一边看的。同时我还有一台Nikon FM2。这两台设备是在10多年前在日本时购买的，我的FM2机身当时是全新未使用的，F3是在我提议共同培养一个兴趣爱好的建议下让我爱人（那时是我的女友）在新宿中古Camera店（那家店在地下）购买的，那时我最喜欢的一件事就是去新宿逛相机店，乐此不疲。那段时光现在每每想起都觉得特别的舒心。
東京其他地方相機店也很多的，可以盡情享受😄
As an owner of the FM2 and previous owner of the F4 this was a great presentation of the F3. Loved it.
Great to hear!
I have a few Leicas film and digital. I also have F3-HP, F3-P, F4s, F5, F100, FM2, FE2, etc. Besides the Leicas, the F3 is the most satisfying manual focus camera to use. There is something very much like a DNA that runs in all the Nikon Pro cameras, film or digital. It is an undescribable feel and reassurance when I operate the camera. Those HP viewfinders are a gem to behold.
I had a chance to try out both Cameras when choosing equipment for a multi year editorial project in the early 80s. The FM2 with the MD12 was my clear choice. Perfect ergonomics and elegant fully mechanical simplicity won me over. I bought two with 5 new ais lenses. Flawless performance for 20 years. The styling of the FM2 is classic and looks much less dated than the obvious 80s look of the F3. Keep your F3. If I want automatic features I can reach for the much better F5.
I also love fm2, Thank you:)
I agree, the body design of the F3 isn’t as good as the FM2n, the FM2n body design is the BEST of any manual focus film camera
Nah, f3 looks and handles far better than the fm series. Plus the inflated prices on the fm2 because of its "useful" extra stop of shutter speed is pretty silly.
The f5 is a monstrosity and I'd go for the f3 when I want shutter priority, who the heck shoots high fps film these days? Maybe millionaires can.. Anyway it's all subjective right!
Ive got a Nikon f3hp, nikon Fm2 and a Nikon fm3a. If i had to choose my favorite, i would say the f3hp, and the ,fm3a a very close second. Great vid.👍
Excellent video
Enjoy your channel. I'm a very old pro, about a third of my shooting is 35mm (I prefer bigger negatives when possible). However, after countless rolls of film, I never had a F3 or F2 fail on a shoot. The quality of those cameras is unbelievable and having a 100 Percent finder is a must in my work. It is probably just me, but I personally prefer my F2's over my F3's.
Thanks for the very informative video. I was looking to buy an FM3a, but the F3 will definitely deserve a look. Cheers from South Korea.
thanks：））
Did you decide? I’m deciding aswell
@@Raffnunez Yes I got a silver FM3a mainly because it was in mint condition. The F3 I considered had dust issues and a small dent on the top.
Very instructive video! I like your bgm and the style of it. One point I wanna mention is that the reason why Nikon F3 have to waste its first two frames (to active its metering system) seems to because of its A mode: suppose that it is in its A mode, and the light condition is bad (or the aperture is very small or even you forgot to take off your cap), if the meter works when you shoot the first two frames, it will take a really long time to get the right exposure. This will waste your time a lot to pass the first two frames which are not usable in most cases.
Very nice to know it，Thank you ：）
The HP viewfinder with 100% coverage is what drew me to the F3 and away from the FM/FE series. Only thing I miss is the great match needle meter and shutter speed indicator from the FE/FM3a.
Yes, the indicator of the FE is so beautiful and convenient to use. Thank you Simon :)
I had a Nikon f3 in my hands for a couple of days didn't get on with it something fell off it very heavy didn't think the wind on was that much better than Fe/FM don't need changeable finder or other exotic accessories like you I fell in love with the fm2 but never got around to getting one . Now I own an FM a FE a FE2 a FM3 and have just purchased a late built as new FM2n yes I just love those small light Nikon bodies they feel perfect in my hand and I love the way they look thanks for your memories about Nikon cameras Steven keep shooting
Thank you for this excellant video, Steven. Makes me happy that I have the F3 (and F4). By the way, your English is excellent! Well done!
Thank you so much :) sweet!
Wonderful video. RS. Canada
I have Nikon FM2, SE 2 and F100 film bodies. I just purchased a Nikon F3. I am anticipating that smooth shutter release already! Nice video.
Had both, I prefer the fm2. It's a workhorse. Love the meter in the viewfinder more than the FM3hp.. fm2 works without batteries, no frills but has all you need
What excellent insights into the beautiful era of film photography with the Nikon F series...
thank you 😄
Another wonderful video Steven, I bought a second hand F3 and agree with all your sentiments. It is beautifully built, looks amazing and is a joy to use. If Nikon make a digital full frame F3 they would sell truck loads.
thanks Andrew
Many thanks for your experience, you were the 1st person to tell me the secret of how to use older lenses on my F3 and i REALLY appreciate this tip!!
Thank you very much :)
Mr Tanno, I just found your channel--- instantly like you and your depth of experience - my type of photographer!!!
Thank you so much, i am so glad
It didn't happen for a long time that i stumbled across a new youtube channel that fascinated me that much. I love how passionate you are. It reminds of how magically photography really is. Have a great day :)
Love my FM3A for the past 20 years..
Excellent video, your voice tone, speed, and so valuable knowledge deserve more attention. I've never used any film camera. But I hope I can experience its pleasure. Thanks.
Thanks for the great vid, I was having a hard time choosing which one to buy. Getting the F3 now, cheers from Australia. Liked and subscribed
Thanks:))
I have both the Nikon F3 and the Canon New F-1, the Canon New F-1 are the best ever made analog SLR Camera !!! (I also have the Nikon FE and the Nikon FM), but since 2007 I only use digital Camera and I do not look back to the chemical pollution time.
I just got one. I absolutely love it.
Even more after watching your review.
I have an F3 and again I learned something from your video. I was thinking there was a problem with the meter but your video cleared up my problem by advancing the film to 1. Thank you again for showing me something I didn’t know and solving a problem that wasn’t really there.
I owned and used both cameras. They were both great image makers. Love the video.
Thank you:)
If the FM2N had a viewfinder as big as that of the F3, and a removable prism for waist-level shooting, and the build quality of the F2 it would have been the BEST manual-focus SLR ever.
wonderful video on a great camera. I have a F3 with motor drive and love it. I think it is a tank, but I also have an F4E that I love and it is a solid camera as well. I think the the one advantage the F4 has over the F3, is that it has a very soft mirror slap compared to a lot of other SLPR's from that time, that lets you shoot very slow shutter speeds with no, or very little blurriness compared to nearly every other film camera from that era.🙂
I have one F3 and two FM2 bodies paired with some carl zeiss lenses. Both cameras are fantastic and when used in combination, they are the best thing ever to be shooting with. There's no moment or glimpse one or another camera can't fastly portrait
It’s true. FM2 more expensive now. Want to get one to see the hype but not worth it. I have 3 F3s. Thanks for doing the comparison. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you：）
I think the Nikon FE2 beats Nikon F3 for many who are not interested in every possible automated bell and whistle. Regarding the problems with "FM2's shutter vibration" that you mention in the video, the Nikon FE2 also introduced a unique rotating flywheel plus inertial mass damping system to minimize mirror shock vibration effects and render a mirror lock-up feature unnecessary. So it would have been cool if you would have compared Nikon F3 vs FE2 (instead of FM2).
I’ve used mechanical SLRs in my 20s/30s then moved onto digital but now in my retirement life I have a yearning to go back to basics alongside my digital camera and especially to go back to shooting film. This video gives me invaluable information to recap on. Thanks Steven.
Thanks, I am glad:))
Love your videos Steven, plenty of good info and great narration!
I'd love to see a video with the original Nikon F with eye level viewfinder.
Thank you. I greatly appreciate this video. I first bought the F3 about a year ago. I did not use it much as I didn’t immediately feel comfortable with it. 6 months later I bought a new Leica M-A and I have it used another camera since. After seeing this video you made, I will give the Nikon F3 another try. I also put in a order for a Nikon FM2N. I hope to use the faster shutter speeds to make portraits at F2 in daylight. Thank you again for this wonderful video and your explanation.
Thanks for sharing!
Hell, yes! I have 3 of them and use them regularly. I also have several FM2N Nikons, and they are rock solid cameras
Indeed!
Liked and subscribed. Great video. I have both cameras with their motor drives and they are absolutely awesome. At current prices today, you can easily own and enjoy both of them. No need to struggle choosing! 😄👍
Yes！Tnanks😄
很有说服力，特别是Non-Ai镜头，F3可玩性强
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I used FM2 many years, i bought new and very happy with it. Now i keep for a collection other F’s including F, F2, and F3.
Very nice, love F2 a lot :))
I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for educating the community.
Terrific video. Great explanation. It's one of the most beautiful Nikon cameras.
Thanks Steve, I’m reading your review in May 2021. I’m thinking of trying film photography so you Nikon F3 review is very helpful to decide which camera to use.
Cheers Peter.
thank you Peter ：）
@@StevenTanno 我也是，感谢先生的分享视频，太珍贵了 ，而且描述了很多你内心想法
Nice video!
Kudos from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
Thanks :)
SUGGESTION-----Would love to hear your thoughts (and that of your viewers) on the Nikon F3 vs. the Nikon FM3a. I own both and would choose the F3 hands down. I don't use flash and I do not think you can knock the F3 for not having features that either were not available at the time (1/4000th shutter speed, DX coding, etc.) or that no other 35mm bodies of the era had.
I much prefer the size, weight, and form factor of the F3, the 100% viewfinder, the implementation of the power button, and the meter, while by no means perfect, is much easier to see in low light than the needle of the FM3a (damn shame that Nikon could not be bothered to put an LED light inside the viewfinder). Batteries (to me) are a non-issue, as they're small enough (and last over a year), that there is no excuse for not just having extra in your pocket. The only two advantages (and they are big ones) of the FM3a, are that (depending on your serial number), an FM3a could be about 20 years newer and I much prefer the implementation of AE lock on the FM3a.
The FM3a is a lovely camera, but when I was about to buy either an FM3a or an F3 two things swung it for me.
You can have full viewfinder coverage while wearing spectacles on the F3HP.
The F3 accepts pre-Ai lenses and I already have some nice pre-Ai glass.
So instead I opted for another F3, the F3/T.
If I didn't wear glasses or have pre-Ai lenses I could have gone for the FM3a.
However I do own the FM2n and FE2 and I imagine the FM3a is a sort of hybrid of those two. I like both those cameras but the F3 is just in a different class IMO.
Never shot an FM2, however, after using the F2AS, I have a very strong preference for having the option of Aperture Priority and 100% viewfinder coverage.
That will be F3! :)
My favorite F series is the Nikon F5. The F3 & F5 are odd numbers which is good. Nikon great company.
Thank you, that was a great review
Good evening Steven. I have just watched your Extremely Well detailed video on The Nikon F3.It's probably The Best I have seen! Clear. Concise. Facts. It's a beautiful Camera in all respects. I must admit that I actually own The FM2N, so I suppose I am fortunate. It's taken me a long time to be able too afford some Lovely Lenses to accompany these Lovely Cameras. You seem so clear, calm and untroubled. A pleasure Indeed too Listen and Watch your delightful video's. You have a New Subscriber! Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.
Thank you so much Colyn ：）
This is a lovely video, and gives a great overview of the Nikon F3. I have one arriving from Japan next week, I can't wait! :-)
Thank you for this video Sir! Excellent explanation
I just found your great channel. I have both F3 and FM2. Love ❤️ both but marry F3. 😂❤😂
Nice, thank you Sir. Wish I hadn't sold my F4 back in the days 😭
您在影片中提到的第二個關於F3的問題，可以靠後續修改相機解決，或是購買F3P版本。裝上底片的就能正常拍攝和測光，用起來和FM2一樣。
謝謝您，請問怎樣改呢？方便嗎？
@@StevenTanno 我是請維修相機的師傅修改的，具體方法我不太清楚
看照片就知道！F3當然好！👍👍
With respect to the brightness of the screens I owned and used the FM2 and the Minolta X700 side by side when I switched to Nikon in 1990 and remember the X700 was clearly brighter. I also had an F3 as a loaner from a friend before I decided to get the FM2. It was an early one and had the first generation K-screen. The older F3 clearly was the dimmest of the three. There simply was no contest, the X700 was the best in this respect. F4 was the first Nikon with screens comparably bright to the X700. But all three were easily usable under all circumstances.
I have only two complaints about the f3: one is the missing needle reading from the FE series, and the other the very very convenient self-timer of the FM/FE series, because when I do landscapes I always use self-timer but with the F3 I need to wait 10 seconds instead of two or three.
有幸看到先生的回忆视频 实在难得 感谢分享
Thanks for the comparison, you helped me make a decision between the two. The Nikon F3, for the price is amazing piece of engineering and design compared to the FM2. Both beautiful cameras though.
What an excellent video, very sensual and respectful to that wonderful camera. The background music match the visuality you have made in combination to your voice… I’m touched!
Normally I want to make a video about my F3, but now it will be very hard for me 😉
Thanks again, and…well, did you know? Sometimes you look like Robert De Niro…👍
Thank you so much, F3 also is my favorite camera. Looking forward your review. Also I don't know German at all but I love that language's voice. :)
@@StevenTanno Thanks a lot, but it will take some weeks because at first I have to make a second video about the Korg MS20, than about my Mamiya C220, and after that the F3. I hope so…😉
Very nice review of both of the cameras. I enjoyed it and agree with the seven advantages you pointed of F3 over FM2. But I sometimes prefer the FM2 because: 1. High X-sync speed which is useful to use the speed light in daylight, and 2. Exposure compensation. As an automatic exposure camera, the F3's exposure compensation dial is difficult to use because I have to push the lock button and turn the dial. I need both hands. As an manual exposure camera, the FM2 has three (+, o, -) indicators, which give brightness info in five patterns, where the F3 has two (+, -) so in three patterns. I own both and use them as manual exposure cameras. When I go out with my F3, I always have an exposure meter with me. Anyway thank you for the video.
that' true
I have the FM2N and I know someone selling a F3T. very tempting to buy and maybe i will. I just really like the 1/4000 shutter speed on the FM2N and right now its been so good its hard to justify buying the other camera. I do like the idea of aperture priority tho
Excellent content. I also want to know your lighting set up and camera used. Very pleasing setup for eyes & gives a sense of calmness. Thank you
Just light from window, and use Sony A7m3 camera. Thank you :))
@@StevenTannoThank you
I my opinion the all mechanical FM2n is the camera of choice in arctic and high mountaineering expeditions. No issue with batteries or electronics. For weddings and street shooting the F3 seems to hold the advantage.
Yes！！！
Steve, just a quick note: The Praktica BX20 has a similar film advance action in that the first few degrees of rotation moves the film, and then a much lighter action cocks the shutter. Now, the BX20 cannot be compared otherwise to the F3 as it is a very cheaply made camera and the last of the line from Germany.
love your vibe. Great work!
Appreciate it!
Although I'm little bit bias towards my Pentax LX, Nikon F3HP is one of my favorite 35mm film slr that's not made by Pentax same with the FM3A.
Nice video.. what about F3 vs F80?? Which is better?? Thank you in advance
very good video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for a really informative video Steven. You seem like a very knowledgable and experienced photographer with many things to share! I currently have a Canon A1 but have always liked the F3 especially for its waist level finder and I think your video just helped me decide!
thanks a lot
Love the video! That part when you mention the Hasselblad's view finder though😅
My F3 is arriving in 3 days from Japan, can't wait to start shooting with it after using the OM2 for an extended period.
Thanks for the vid!
thank u so much！om2 is a very nice camera；）
Wonderful and so pleasant to watch you
Glad ：）
Excellent video. Thank you!
Thank you ：）
I sold my f3 and bought an FA and almost immediately noticed a difference. The FA feels harder to focus. I don’t know what it is about the viewfinder or focusing screen but I think the viewfinder isn’t as bright. Didn’t know how much of a difference that would make
Very enjoyable video Steven but with me you are preaching to the converted.
😄
Interesting comparison. Thank
You
Very insightful video. Thank you very much.
Thank you :))
I absolutely love my F3hp and my F4s great cameras I took my time and got a great deal on a mint one with lens well worth it it is so nice to use I will never sell it
✌️✌️😄
Muy buena comparación muy objetiva...que opina de la FM3A
F3 is electronic camera but doesn't use any micro processor in it. No software. Wired logic of analog and digital ICs.
很棒的解說 感謝你，最近想收一台NIKON F3HP LIMITED 鈦合金版本好像是限量版
Excellent review and comparison Steven. I have an F3 HP and love it, I have taken some of my favorite photos with it. Although my F3 is in Fantastic condition, it has a problem with the film rewind. The rewind works except it does not rewind as smooth as yours and is difficult and stiff to rewind.
I have had the same problem with an NIKON F3 stiff rewind mechanism. It is a real nuisance. Be sure that the open “slit” of the film metal canister is not being squeezed “too tight” by any cause, so that the film is having trouble passing through this “narrow slit tight area” of the canister. Also is the film lined up correctly in the left side of the spool system and not slightly crooked ? Is the film on the take-up sprockets correctly ? Also is the camera back compressing the film canister too tight ? Finally, you might need to send it to a very qualified repair person who is very familiar with older NIKON cameras. It is very much worth fixing. It should not cost much, but ask the repair man if it takes a long time to be repaired as 6-12 months return is not very practical. Recommendations from the internet on who to repair it in your country, or the USA, have always been very reliable in my experience. It may cost less that $80 USA to correct but worth it. Usually that includes a general check that the camera is clean and lubricated. Good luck. Thank you. RS Canada
The FM2 is a great spare camera. It's viewfinder is shockingly bad though, particularly for spectacle wearers.
Great video Steven! I love the Nikon F3HP. My only complaint about the F3 is the vague light meter readout -, -+ and +. I find if you half turn the aperture ring, you get a general idea how over or under exposed you are. The decision making process just feels a bit clunky but that could just be me. If only they just used the same LED signs as the DP-3 and DP-12 prisms from the Nikon F2 - the Nikon F3 would be the perfect camera. Or even a match needle option considering you could swap prism heads!
Great video. 👏👏👏👏👏
Is longevity worth considering in favour of mechanical FM2 since F3 needs battery to shoot at most shutter speeds? Eg. Circuit issues, battery shortage one day.
Very good point … was also my immediate thought - electronics getting shot over time is a common gripe with “vintage” cameras.
Thank you, I learned a lot from this video!!
I bought one new in 1981 and kept it for around a decade. It replaced an F2AS in black that I wish I'd kept. This was rather a backup to my SLR Leica cameras, and my favorite lens was the Nikkor tilt/shift lens and the second was a tie between a classic 105/2.5 that I'd owned since a Nikon FTn in the seventies, and the Micro-Nikkor. The F3 was a fine camera, but I never used the automation and I missed my all-mechanical F and F2. This felt cheaper in the hand, but that may have been because it was lighter. The HP finder was nice but I wore contacts anyway...and the motor drive was a lot lighter than the one on my F...
Hi! Great video. I wonder if the Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC lens will be fully compatible with the Nikon F3? Thanks for the answer!
Yes, F mount will be perfectly using on F3
@@StevenTanno Thank you for your response. Some say it won't be compatible. Is there a 100% chance that it will? :) greetings
@@StevenTanno? :)
@@el_camino_real Yes it will be perfectly:)
@@StevenTanno Thank u! All Best for you
I had 3-F3’s, 2-F2’s, F100, FM2n and 2-F5’s. I finally settled for the F6 and original F.