Just bought a Nikon F3 HP and im super happy with it! My father used to have it when I was a kid. He worked as a Photographer and when he saw that I got a F3 HP in mint condition for less then 1/3 of the selling price back in the days, he almost fainted. Just kidding but back in the days he had to work rly hard to afford one.
I bought my F3 in 1981. As I recall, The red 60 was also used as the only manual shutter speed available if the battery died or failed. So, even in that event, one could still continue to shoot something. Also, I have the DW3 look-down viewfinder, which I found useful for some kinds of portraits and architectural photography. Nice review, and it makes me want to use mine again, though I do love my D800 digital.
I was a graphic artist and wet lab photographer doing copy work on a Leica Reprovit and Leica M3. The lab's kit. I was still using a Nikkormat, then got the F90. The Space Programme, next lab, had F3's and I'd heard a couple of negative comments from a researcher there about the F3. Which were probably rectified. Last three years I picked up a mint F3 BB (not HP) with the dedicated, yet very clumsy flash kit. Thanks for going through all the specs. Just not shooting much film any more, but I can feel my appetite wetting for it. Thanks for sharing the enthusiasm.
I’ve been a Nikon shooter for many decades. I have a very comple set of both manual and autofocus lenses. I like the F4 because it works equally well with both types of lenses. I’ve had many different Nikon film cameras. My current arsenal are an F4s, F3/T HP and an FG . This plus about a dozen manual and a dozen autofocus lenses.
This morning, I had the pleasure of discovering this RUclips channel. I’ve been a social and portrait photographer in my country for 10 years, and 3 years ago, I gave myself the chance to explore analog photography-a decision that couldn’t have made me happier. This experience rekindled my passion and love for photography. After a lot of research, I knew my ideal camera would be the Nikon F3. Incredibly, I ended up getting the Titanium version, just like the one in the video. I can’t explain it, but working with this camera has been a unique experience. Although I also use Sony gear with GM lenses, if I had to choose just one camera, I would undoubtedly stick with my Nikon F3/T. I live in Panama, so inviting you for a coffee might be difficult, but it would be wonderful if, throughout your remarkable career, you could share some of your photographic anecdotes and stories through this channel. Thank you so much, and sending a warm hug from here.
I bought my Olympus OM-2N in 1980. I still use it. A phantastic camera with very good lenses too. Much lighter than the F3 and less problems with your cervical spine.
Yes, they are nice. I tried to switch to Olympus and bought the OM4-Ti but it had electrical problems and I sent it back. After a couple tries, I gave up on Olympus and moved over to Nikon. Nice lenses for sure.
Nikons in the 70s and 80s were the thing, the camera to have. It wasn't until I got stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, when I picked up my dream camera, the Nikon F2. It's still alive and well with me. I did a lot of shooting for the base newspaper I work on. If I was ever to shoot film again, it would be strictly B&W, like I did most of the time. I would also develop and scan the film myself. The local lab ruined the B&W film to the point of not being useable. I did all that processing myself while overseas at the local photo lab. What a wonderful time.
I like the F3, but I prefer the needle meter on the Canon New F1. I also love the Speed Finder, which gives the F1 the best SLR viewfinder ever made for glasses wearing shooters. That prism also rotates for vertical shots. Pop in the laser matte PJ or SJ screen to complete the experience😊 It also will work fully mechanical for ALL speeds 1/125 or greater. That has saved my butt twice now. Of course the Nikon lenses have better lens build quality vs the nFD glass, but I've got an older regular FD 50mm that lives on that camera. Now, when it comes to autofocus, the F5/F6 wins hands-down vs the EOS 1/3. That button layout on the EOS pro bodies- wow painful, lol. Great stuff sir! Thanks!
Glad you're enjoying them. I never used the Canon F1 professionally. I did use the EOS 1 IV for a few years and really enjoyed it. I never had any of the really cool lenses though.
I have two of them, an F3 HP and an F3-P, as well as an FE2, FM2, 2XF4s, F100, etc etc. There is something reassuringly solid and workmanlike about them. Only exactly what you needed and not a single frivolous feature, unlike 99% of the cameras today. The MD4 motordrive is on the heavyside, but it does stablise the camera with most AIS lenses and come on 6 frames per second in 1980.
I have the F2, F3, F5 all in near mint condition and even had the F4 but sold it. I like the F5 for auto focus, but the issue with the F3, you get aperture priority, can read out in LCD and the shutters are electronic and accurate with a better shutter system than the previous models (better ball bearing set-up). Mechanical cameras can have inconsistencies in upper shutter speeds, which could throw off the exposure. I concur the F3 is the best of the manual focus cameras.
I can use an Sb600/800 and AE lock. Most are well preserved and I don't need batteries in manual mode. It's also compact and is the backup to my D series. An F3 is in the future. I like how they feel in the hands but don't think the FM3A isn't great. They'll both torture tested to sub freezing temps and proven bodies.
@@moustachio334 Nice, I think it is because I never use flash, I didn't understand that. I am sure it is a nice camera. I have my eyes on an FM2n that is a bit more friendly in price 🙂
@@KimHojbergJensenit also has a hidden fill flash button that's easy to reach. I do not like the internal viewfinder. It's not LED like the F3 and earlier FM's. The F3 viewfinder is almost as good a it gets.
This is a quality camera, very similar to the Canon F1 New that was out at the same time and which I bought in 1983. The only negative part of both camera’s is the slow flash synch speed, which meant that with studio photography, ambient or pilot light would bleed in with low apertures. For studio photography (or flash photography in general), the FE2 was better with 250 synch speed (and TTL), even though it is a flimsier camera. In reality we all used a Hasselblad in the studio, but some fashion photographers used 35mm
an awesome camera! just got mine serviced by ICT Camera Repair in California. Jim Holman is an amazing technician and his youtube videos on F3 repair are great!
Another great video. Thanks Rob- I always look forward to your videos! I would love to see a video on how to properly hold both the slr and rangefinder cameras. I've been an amateur photographer for a long time, but never knew why pros tend to hold the camera in a certain way.
Thank you for the in depth Information. I‘m just getting started with analog photography and looking for my first camera. I had the Canon F1 in mind but i want the most versatile lens options and since Nikon kept the mount for so long i guess it would be smart to go for the f3? Really appreciate sharing your thoughts since you have the years under the belt
This was a very informative video, thank you so much for it. I watched it with great pleasure. I still continue to shoot black and white with my old Nikon FA and MD15 Motor Drive. I just came across your channel and immediately became a subscriber.
Loved my F3, but decided to sell it for a FM2. Wish I would have kept it as a part of my collection, but we all do mistake. Now looking at the F100 for sports !
I sent my F3/T off to Jim Holman for a CLA a few weeks ago. I hope to have it back soon. It's an amazing camera, and the black finish on the F3/T is unlike anything else. I pair mine with a 35mm 1.4 AI-S.
All through the 1980s I wanted an F3 but could never afford it so I had a Minolta X370. Then when digital came about I went that way. Well about 4 years ago A distant family member saw my work and showed up one day and had an F3 they gave me, all the years later, I was thrilled to get one finally
Back in the day I did a barter deal with the owner of my local camera store, 1 Nikon F3 for a bathroom renovation, I still have the F3 but don’t use it any longer, did love to shoot it but just do digital now, before the F3 I used to have the Minolta SRT 101 with the 58mm f1.2 I sold that when I got the F3, couple of years ago I bought another Rokkor 58mm f1.2 for my Sony A99ii, difficult lens but rewarding when you get it right.
@@stillshootinginblackandwhite The 99 was only meant for a select few 🙂 I've got to much glass invested (over 50) a mix of the usual stuff plus nikor, even a pentax 6x7 55x100mm (weighs a ton)
I like the f100, f5 and my fav, the f6. All 3 have accurate matrix metering and auto focus for run and gun. I'm selling the f5 because I don't like the placement of the focus confirmation in the upper R of the viewfinder that makes it hard to find and easy to lose while focusing but for auto focus that doesn't matter. Focus confirmation on the f6 is near the bottom center and is huge. Makes using manual focus lenses a breeze. It also can be set to leave the leader out on rewind so not only is it available to start the roll on a development tank reel before going into the changing bag, I can stop mid roll, note the last frame, rewind, mark it with last frame/iso and change to a different film stock then later re load that roll losing one frame. If they are anywhere near as well built/long lasting as my 2008 d700 or 2006 d200 both work fine they will all probably out live me. For me the F6 is the perfect 35 mm film camera. Like the RB67, it's FUN to use. With a fine grained film and topaz gigapixel, I can easily make 16" prints with it. After that, I go to 645 or 67.
I made the most money of my career with the F5. I liked everything about it. Later I bought the F6, also nice but pro film shooting was already over by then as we switched to digital.
It’s a great camera. I think the mechanical vs electronic argument these days is more relevant to aging electronics and their potential to fail. Once failed they can’t be fixed easily if at all. Mechanical cameras are more repairable in the sense of mechanical parts can be replaced or rebuilt!
I noticed you skipped the F4 and suggested the F5 or F6. I have a few af lenses I use with my D7000. I also have quite a few manual focus lenses i use with the D7000 and my Nikon FE. I thought it would be fun to get one of the af film cameras that I could never afford before. Is the F4 an option, or should I look for an F5 or F6? I have seen some F4s for 200 or so. The 5 and 6 are more spendy. Are they worth it? Thanks for all the info im getting from your videos.
I shot with an F4 for a couple years, then switched to the F5 when they came out. The F5 was way more camera. No issues against the F4, but they're getting older now. Make sure you get one that takes AA batteries as the Nikon battery recharge might be hard to find.
If you are sure that F4 is used by an amateur the whole time, and even for a bit more money, grab it. If not, it's most likely used by a pro of sort... don't even bother...
No, I had two Nikon F3 Cameras, I was not fund of it, but my two Canon New F-1 Cameras are the best ever analogue 35mm SLR Camera ever made ! I will not even start to mention other film format Cameras, because there are better ones in other film formats !
It's a great camera. It would be my second choice and would be a wonderful backup camera if you already have a F3. The FM3a is great, just came out too late as people were already moving to AF and digital.
Yes the F3 is fantastic, easy to use, great to look through, fully featured and tough. I have a hard time choosing between it and the F2, which I also own. Im a sucker for all that mechanical whirring when the shutter fires and its the camera of my youth!
I can see that. I never used the F2 professionally. Back then I was shooting with the FM and FE. The pro models were out of my price range for a lot of years.
Awesome video with a lot of background information, thanks a lot. My dad gave me his F3 some years ago, but it had a defect and the local Nikon Service Point just had closed. Recently I bough a mint F3 HP with three Nikkor lenses for less than 350 Euros - I still cannot believe it.
Lovely shots Sir! I managed to get two good F3's and over 20 F lenses. I got all the four version of the viewfinders except the Press version. I heard there is also a periscope type one which was made for the army and sells for over 1000$ and i dont have that. Ill make a video quickly showing the same. But Lovely Video !
Great run through of the Nikon F3 range Rob. I have the Nikon F3 HP and it’s now my 35mm goto camera. It can do anything. Built like a tank and a great system. Yes it takes batteries but they are such a basic battery to buy. You do have the back up shutter level but these days it’s so easy to buy a couple of batteries in the local shop and just carry them in your pocket. Especially if you out in the desert or jungle and distant miles from the supermarket. Mind you I am sure even stuck out in the wilderness I could order them online and some young chap in his scooter will deliver them (and a pizza) in minutes ! Three lenses 28mm and 50mm and 105mm cover everything I need. You are so right. Depth of field button is just plain useless.
Interesting that you do not use the depth-of-field button. I never had/have an F3 yet. But multiple FE2 and F4. There and even with today's D800/810 or with my Bronica GS-1 or Fuji GX680 I use that feature all the time. Indeed this was and is a killer feature for me when missing for any SLR / DSLR since ever. Even on large format I do same with closing the aperture .. Sure with e.g. f45 and beyond, depending on light situation, there is not much to be seen left on ground glass. I do not use the depth-of-field button for exact depth of field check, there I use the lens indicators for the aperture (when available - a big plus for the old Nikkor, etc. manual lenses). But I use depth-of-field button for a) preview how the back-foreground renders when shutting down. b) get a black and white preview of the picture especially by using color filters (typ. orange & yellow or light red in analog). Stopping the lever (partial) down the picture becomes much clearer for the contrasts and brightness levels for me. In digital, I do not use color filters, but stopping down helps also a bit. c) when viewing towards bright light - but stay still cautious for the eyes. c) is a rare thing but a) and b) I do all the time in sum I would guess, I press more often the depth-of-field button than the shutter release button. My usage and view --- BTW: On the F4 I changed from the standard focusing screen (being the first - as an AF Nikon without such) to the standard K Type screen with split image and micro prism. And I miss the lack of such option so much on the DSLRs
Thanks for reminding me of all that. Your style is amiable and obviously you’re knowledgeable, adding more personal stories is welcome. ((( I also look forward to your review of that lump of rubber, the F-4, which I dropped down a flight of stone steps in a Jpnese temple without damage. It made me blasé about Nikon bodies up to Z-mount.)))
It's not that semi electronic film cameras are bad, it's that those don't last as long as fully mechanical cameras, or are repairable in the future. F3 might better than others, but it will be outlived by F2, FM, FM2, or Olympus OM1, OM3, Leica M6, MP and some others, if used equally. Every. Single. Time. None of semi electronic cameras from 70's & 80's (which I actually like, believe it or not) that I have is in working order. Those from the 90's might still be, for now ... If you think I'm full of BS, go search for a video of a filipino guy who attempted to fix broken capacitor of Minolta X700, with dozen different modern capacitors. He failed, enough said...
You might be right but I only need the camera to outlive me, not my grand children. If this one fails, I'll pick up a used FM3a and not worry about it.
@@stillshootinginblackandwhite Agreed, but as I already said, I'm already at the point where my semi-electronic film cameras are failing on me. Maybe I'm just not lucky enough like some other folks, who knows...
It is not because of the dependency to a battery an electronic camera is not the best the reason it is that if the electronic brakes the camera is dead because the electronics is not serviceable due to lack of spare parts.
I used to take that approach, parts are limited on almost all old cameras, even the mechanical cameras, most parts are sourced from donor cameras and the only thing that they can do on most cameras is clean, lubricate and adjust anyways. Get a good one and use it, it will last a long time and if it don’t, just get another one.
Honestly I dont buy this. If a mechanical part breaks you need to be really lucky to find an replacement of that exact dimension or own an machining shop. However if electronics fail its seldom the few custom ICs , but more often a leaked capacitor, resistor or any other readily available part. The worst that can happen are broken traces an even those can be repaired with a bit of patience and finesse.
@@Yuru_Baku absolutely, I used to think that purely mechanical is better, the only camera’s that are mechanical and more likely repairable with new old stock parts is a Leica M body, but there is a reason, they cost a fortune, so depleting parts is slower. I concur, the electronics can be fixed if one can have patience and desolder in new caps and resistors etc. I think the F3 is the best of the mechanical cameras. Mine is minty from 1985 and keeps running and running. Most of us will honestly never run enough film through them to wear them out like they did back in the day.
Just bought a Nikon F3 HP and im super happy with it! My father used to have it when I was a kid. He worked as a Photographer and when he saw that I got a F3 HP in mint condition for less then 1/3 of the selling price back in the days, he almost fainted. Just kidding but back in the days he had to work rly hard to afford one.
Yeah, wagers weren't that high compared to today and the cameras were all expensive.
I bought my F3 in 1981. As I recall, The red 60 was also used as the only manual shutter speed available if the battery died or failed. So, even in that event, one could still continue to shoot something. Also, I have the DW3 look-down viewfinder, which I found useful for some kinds of portraits and architectural photography. Nice review, and it makes me want to use mine again, though I do love my D800 digital.
You could always buy one roll of film and give it a go. Start back into film on a small way... and keep the fun factor.
I was a graphic artist and wet lab photographer doing copy work on a Leica Reprovit and Leica M3. The lab's kit. I was still using a Nikkormat, then got the F90. The Space Programme, next lab, had F3's and I'd heard a couple of negative comments from a researcher there about the F3. Which were probably rectified. Last three years I picked up a mint F3 BB (not HP) with the dedicated, yet very clumsy flash kit. Thanks for going through all the specs. Just not shooting much film any more, but I can feel my appetite wetting for it. Thanks for sharing the enthusiasm.
Well you can always get out and shoot tomorrow!!
I’ve been a Nikon shooter for many decades. I have a very comple set of both manual and autofocus lenses. I like the F4 because it works equally well with both types of lenses. I’ve had many different Nikon film cameras. My current arsenal are an F4s, F3/T HP and an FG . This plus about a dozen manual and a dozen autofocus lenses.
Sounds like you're ready to go and have some fun shooting!!
This morning, I had the pleasure of discovering this RUclips channel. I’ve been a social and portrait photographer in my country for 10 years, and 3 years ago, I gave myself the chance to explore analog photography-a decision that couldn’t have made me happier. This experience rekindled my passion and love for photography. After a lot of research, I knew my ideal camera would be the Nikon F3. Incredibly, I ended up getting the Titanium version, just like the one in the video. I can’t explain it, but working with this camera has been a unique experience. Although I also use Sony gear with GM lenses, if I had to choose just one camera, I would undoubtedly stick with my Nikon F3/T. I live in Panama, so inviting you for a coffee might be difficult, but it would be wonderful if, throughout your remarkable career, you could share some of your photographic anecdotes and stories through this channel. Thank you so much, and sending a warm hug from here.
If I was in Panama, I would join you for a coffee.
I bought my Olympus OM-2N in 1980. I still use it. A phantastic camera with very good lenses too. Much lighter than the F3 and less problems with your cervical spine.
Yes, they are nice. I tried to switch to Olympus and bought the OM4-Ti but it had electrical problems and I sent it back. After a couple tries, I gave up on Olympus and moved over to Nikon. Nice lenses for sure.
Nikons in the 70s and 80s were the thing, the camera to have. It wasn't until I got stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, when I picked up my dream camera, the Nikon F2. It's still alive and well with me. I did a lot of shooting for the base newspaper I work on. If I was ever to shoot film again, it would be strictly B&W, like I did most of the time. I would also develop and scan the film myself. The local lab ruined the B&W film to the point of not being useable. I did all that processing myself while overseas at the local photo lab. What a wonderful time.
If only we had known at the time how special it really was.
I like the F3, but I prefer the needle meter on the Canon New F1. I also love the Speed Finder, which gives the F1 the best SLR viewfinder ever made for glasses wearing shooters. That prism also rotates for vertical shots. Pop in the laser matte PJ or SJ screen to complete the experience😊 It also will work fully mechanical for ALL speeds 1/125 or greater. That has saved my butt twice now.
Of course the Nikon lenses have better lens build quality vs the nFD glass, but I've got an older regular FD 50mm that lives on that camera.
Now, when it comes to autofocus, the F5/F6 wins hands-down vs the EOS 1/3. That button layout on the EOS pro bodies- wow painful, lol.
Great stuff sir! Thanks!
Glad you're enjoying them. I never used the Canon F1 professionally. I did use the EOS 1 IV for a few years and really enjoyed it. I never had any of the really cool lenses though.
I have two of them, an F3 HP and an F3-P, as well as an FE2, FM2, 2XF4s, F100, etc etc. There is something reassuringly solid and workmanlike about them. Only exactly what you needed and not a single frivolous feature, unlike 99% of the cameras today. The MD4 motordrive is on the heavyside, but it does stablise the camera with most AIS lenses and come on 6 frames per second in 1980.
That's a great kit. Such nice equipment to shoot with.
I think if I'm going manual, I'd prefer to go all the way and get a Nikon F or F2. For auto, I'm looking at getting a Minolta Maxxum 7 or 9.
Great options. I think the F3 has a better focus screen then the other two nikons.
I have the F2, F3, F5 all in near mint condition and even had the F4 but sold it. I like the F5 for auto focus, but the issue with the F3, you get aperture priority, can read out in LCD and the shutters are electronic and accurate with a better shutter system than the previous models (better ball bearing set-up). Mechanical cameras can have inconsistencies in upper shutter speeds, which could throw off the exposure. I concur the F3 is the best of the manual focus cameras.
Totally agree
I never understood all the hype about the FM3a when you can get an F3 for less.
I think it's just the flash sync but who uses flash anymore.
I can use an Sb600/800 and AE lock. Most are well preserved and I don't need batteries in manual mode. It's also compact and is the backup to my D series. An F3 is in the future. I like how they feel in the hands but don't think the FM3A isn't great. They'll both torture tested to sub freezing temps and proven bodies.
@@moustachio334 Nice, I think it is because I never use flash, I didn't understand that. I am sure it is a nice camera. I have my eyes on an FM2n that is a bit more friendly in price 🙂
@@KimHojbergJensenit also has a hidden fill flash button that's easy to reach. I do not like the internal viewfinder. It's not LED like the F3 and earlier FM's. The F3 viewfinder is almost as good a it gets.
Glad you guys are enjoying the gear and shooting film.
This is a quality camera, very similar to the Canon F1 New that was out at the same time and which I bought in 1983. The only negative part of both camera’s is the slow flash synch speed, which meant that with studio photography, ambient or pilot light would bleed in with low apertures. For studio photography (or flash photography in general), the FE2 was better with 250 synch speed (and TTL), even though it is a flimsier camera. In reality we all used a Hasselblad in the studio, but some fashion photographers used 35mm
Those are great points.
an awesome camera! just got mine serviced by ICT Camera Repair in California. Jim Holman is an amazing technician and his youtube videos on F3 repair are great!
Thanks for the info!
Great video. Love my F3. What lens are you using on it in this video.
I don't have a lot of lenses. 24mm f2, 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, 135mm f2.8. Maybe one day I'll get a 300 and a 18mm.
Another great video. Thanks Rob- I always look forward to your videos! I would love to see a video on how to properly hold both the slr and rangefinder cameras. I've been an amateur photographer for a long time, but never knew why pros tend to hold the camera in a certain way.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
I have the waist level finder, and I find it useful for composing long exposures or IR photography.
Yes, that's a good idea.
Great video. You made me get an F3T a couple of months ago. Love it! thanks for the input
I'm glad that worked out!!!
Takes me back to my magazine days. And I could "borrow" it to shoot a weekend wedding! Great summary on a great camera.
Glad you found it interesting.
Thank you for the in depth Information. I‘m just getting started with analog photography and looking for my first camera. I had the Canon F1 in mind but i want the most versatile lens options and since Nikon kept the mount for so long i guess it would be smart to go for the f3?
Really appreciate sharing your thoughts since you have the years under the belt
Either the Canon or the Nikon. Lots of lenses for either mount.
@@stillshootinginblackandwhite thank you
!!
This was a very informative video, thank you so much for it. I watched it with great pleasure. I still continue to shoot black and white with my old Nikon FA and MD15 Motor Drive.
I just came across your channel and immediately became a subscriber.
Glad you're enjoying the camera and the videos.
Thank you for this video. I don’t shoot film anymore but I’d really like to get some variant of the F3.
It's a great camera!!!
Loved my F3, but decided to sell it for a FM2. Wish I would have kept it as a part of my collection, but we all do mistake. Now looking at the F100 for sports !
They are excellent cameras. I used an F100 for a while. It was nice.
@stillshootinginblackandwhite my Canon EOS 1n broke and I had a lot of fun with it. Looking forward to using a F100
For sure, it will be fun!!!
I sent my F3/T off to Jim Holman for a CLA a few weeks ago. I hope to have it back soon. It's an amazing camera, and the black finish on the F3/T is unlike anything else. I pair mine with a 35mm 1.4 AI-S.
That's a nice combo. I have the same lens.
Please let us know how the CLA turns out. I was thinking about sending Jim a Rollei 35 and FM2N for a CLA.
!!
@@nwmi23 I got my camera back about a month ago. My F3 came back smoother than ever. He did an excellent job.
Thanks for the update.
The Nikon F3. Forever gorgeous
They sure are nice.
All through the 1980s I wanted an F3 but could never afford it so I had a Minolta X370. Then when digital came about I went that way. Well about 4 years ago A distant family member saw my work and showed up one day and had an F3 they gave me, all the years later, I was thrilled to get one finally
Hey that's great. Such a nice camera. They were sure expensive back in the day.
Back in the day I did a barter deal with the owner of my local camera store, 1 Nikon F3 for a bathroom renovation, I still have the F3 but don’t use it any longer, did love to shoot it but just do digital now, before the F3 I used to have the Minolta SRT 101 with the 58mm f1.2 I sold that when I got the F3, couple of years ago I bought another Rokkor 58mm f1.2 for my Sony A99ii, difficult lens but rewarding when you get it right.
The A99 was such a nice camera. Not too popular in the market but very nice to shoot with. Have fun.
@@stillshootinginblackandwhite The 99 was only meant for a select few 🙂
I've got to much glass invested (over 50) a mix of the usual stuff plus nikor, even a pentax 6x7 55x100mm (weighs a ton)
All that gear makes it hard to switch around for sure.
My go to 35mm film camera for all my photo assignments wherever I am in the world.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I like the f100, f5 and my fav, the f6. All 3 have accurate matrix metering and auto focus for run and gun. I'm selling the f5 because I don't like the placement of the focus confirmation in the upper R of the viewfinder that makes it hard to find and easy to lose while focusing but for auto focus that doesn't matter. Focus confirmation on the f6 is near the bottom center and is huge. Makes using manual focus lenses a breeze. It also can be set to leave the leader out on rewind so not only is it available to start the roll on a development tank reel before going into the changing bag, I can stop mid roll, note the last frame, rewind, mark it with last frame/iso and change to a different film stock then later re load that roll losing one frame. If they are anywhere near as well built/long lasting as my 2008 d700 or 2006 d200 both work fine they will all probably out live me. For me the F6 is the perfect 35 mm film camera. Like the RB67, it's FUN to use. With a fine grained film and topaz gigapixel, I can easily make 16" prints with it. After that, I go to 645 or 67.
That sounds like some fun kit to be using.
The Pentax k1000 holds a special place with me, but i sure do love my nikon F5.
I made the most money of my career with the F5. I liked everything about it. Later I bought the F6, also nice but pro film shooting was already over by then as we switched to digital.
It’s a great camera.
I think the mechanical vs electronic argument these days is more relevant to aging electronics and their potential to fail. Once failed they can’t be fixed easily if at all.
Mechanical cameras are more repairable in the sense of mechanical parts can be replaced or rebuilt!
Yes you might be right, but I can enjoy the F3 till it dies and then get an FM3 when that happens.
I noticed you skipped the F4 and suggested the F5 or F6. I have a few af lenses I use with my D7000. I also have quite a few manual focus lenses i use with the D7000 and my Nikon FE. I thought it would be fun to get one of the af film cameras that I could never afford before. Is the F4 an option, or should I look for an F5 or F6? I have seen some F4s for 200 or so. The 5 and 6 are more spendy. Are they worth it? Thanks for all the info im getting from your videos.
I shot with an F4 for a couple years, then switched to the F5 when they came out. The F5 was way more camera. No issues against the F4, but they're getting older now. Make sure you get one that takes AA batteries as the Nikon battery recharge might be hard to find.
If you are sure that F4 is used by an amateur the whole time, and even for a bit more money, grab it.
If not, it's most likely used by a pro of sort... don't even bother...
; )
No, I had two Nikon F3 Cameras, I was not fund of it, but my two Canon New F-1 Cameras are the best ever analogue 35mm SLR Camera ever made ! I will not even start to mention other film format Cameras, because there are better ones in other film formats !
Yes, the new F1 is nice for sure.
I think the high eye point DE3 viewfinder is the nicest ever to look through.
Yes for sure.
Another enjoyable video. Thank you
Thanks, glad you found it interesting.
How about the FM3a?
It's a great camera. It would be my second choice and would be a wonderful backup camera if you already have a F3. The FM3a is great, just came out too late as people were already moving to AF and digital.
Yes the F3 is fantastic, easy to use, great to look through, fully featured and tough. I have a hard time choosing between it and the F2, which I also own. Im a sucker for all that mechanical whirring when the shutter fires and its the camera of my youth!
I can see that. I never used the F2 professionally. Back then I was shooting with the FM and FE. The pro models were out of my price range for a lot of years.
Awesome video with a lot of background information, thanks a lot.
My dad gave me his F3 some years ago, but it had a defect and the local Nikon Service Point just had closed. Recently I bough a mint F3 HP with three Nikkor lenses for less than 350 Euros - I still cannot believe it.
That's a great deal, enjoy using it.
Lovely shots Sir! I managed to get two good F3's and over 20 F lenses. I got all the four version of the viewfinders except the Press version. I heard there is also a periscope type one which was made for the army and sells for over 1000$ and i dont have that. Ill make a video quickly showing the same. But Lovely Video !
Glad you found it interesting.
Great run through of the Nikon F3 range Rob.
I have the Nikon F3 HP and it’s now my 35mm goto camera.
It can do anything.
Built like a tank and a great system.
Yes it takes batteries but they are such a basic battery to buy. You do have the back up shutter level but these days it’s so easy to buy a couple of batteries in the local shop and just carry them in your pocket.
Especially if you out in the desert or jungle and distant miles from the supermarket.
Mind you I am sure even stuck out in the wilderness I could order them online and some young chap in his scooter will deliver them (and a pizza) in minutes !
Three lenses 28mm and 50mm and 105mm cover everything I need.
You are so right. Depth of field button is just plain useless.
Glad you found it interesting!!
Interesting that you do not use the depth-of-field button. I never had/have an F3 yet.
But multiple FE2 and F4. There and even with today's D800/810 or with my Bronica GS-1 or Fuji GX680 I use that feature all the time. Indeed this was and is a killer feature for me when missing for any SLR / DSLR since ever. Even on large format I do same with closing the aperture .. Sure with e.g. f45 and beyond, depending on light situation, there is not much to be seen left on ground glass.
I do not use the depth-of-field button for exact depth of field check, there I use the lens indicators for the aperture (when available - a big plus for the old Nikkor, etc. manual lenses).
But I use depth-of-field button for
a) preview how the back-foreground renders when shutting down.
b) get a black and white preview of the picture especially by using color filters (typ. orange & yellow or light red in analog).
Stopping the lever (partial) down the picture becomes much clearer for the contrasts and brightness levels for me.
In digital, I do not use color filters, but stopping down helps also a bit.
c) when viewing towards bright light - but stay still cautious for the eyes.
c) is a rare thing but a) and b) I do all the time
in sum I would guess, I press more often the depth-of-field button than the shutter release button.
My usage and view
---
BTW: On the F4 I changed from the standard focusing screen (being the first - as an AF Nikon without such) to the standard K Type screen with split image and micro prism. And I miss the lack of such option so much on the DSLRs
Those are good points. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reminding me of all that. Your style is amiable and obviously you’re knowledgeable, adding more personal stories is welcome.
((( I also look forward to your review of that lump of rubber, the F-4, which I dropped down a flight of stone steps in a Jpnese temple without damage. It made me blasé about Nikon bodies up to Z-mount.)))
Glad you're enjoying them.
It's not that semi electronic film cameras are bad, it's that those don't last as long as fully mechanical cameras, or are repairable in the future. F3 might better than others, but it will be outlived by F2, FM, FM2, or Olympus OM1, OM3, Leica M6, MP and some others, if used equally. Every. Single. Time. None of semi electronic cameras from 70's & 80's (which I actually like, believe it or not) that I have is in working order. Those from the 90's might still be, for now ...
If you think I'm full of BS, go search for a video of a filipino guy who attempted to fix broken capacitor of Minolta X700, with dozen different modern capacitors. He failed, enough said...
You might be right but I only need the camera to outlive me, not my grand children. If this one fails, I'll pick up a used FM3a and not worry about it.
@@stillshootinginblackandwhite Agreed, but as I already said, I'm already at the point where my semi-electronic film cameras are failing on me. Maybe I'm just not lucky enough like some other folks, who knows...
: )
:-)
Hope you enjoyed it.
It is not because of the dependency to a battery an electronic camera is not the best the reason it is that if the electronic brakes the camera is dead because the electronics is not serviceable due to lack of spare parts.
They seem to be holding up ok. There's no parts for any of these old cameras anyway. Use it till it dies I say.
I used to take that approach, parts are limited on almost all old cameras, even the mechanical cameras, most parts are sourced from donor cameras and the only thing that they can do on most cameras is clean, lubricate and adjust anyways. Get a good one and use it, it will last a long time and if it don’t, just get another one.
Honestly I dont buy this. If a mechanical part breaks you need to be really lucky to find an replacement of that exact dimension or own an machining shop.
However if electronics fail its seldom the few custom ICs , but more often a leaked capacitor, resistor or any other readily available part. The worst that can happen are broken traces an even those can be repaired with a bit of patience and finesse.
It will take a long time to wear these cameras out.
@@Yuru_Baku absolutely, I used to think that purely mechanical is better, the only camera’s that are mechanical and more likely repairable with new old stock parts is a Leica M body, but there is a reason, they cost a fortune, so depleting parts is slower. I concur, the electronics can be fixed if one can have patience and desolder in new caps and resistors etc. I think the F3 is the best of the mechanical cameras. Mine is minty from 1985 and keeps running and running. Most of us will honestly never run enough film through them to wear them out like they did back in the day.
F3 - superlative camera - no frills or furbelows, just wonderful mechanics.
Yes, that's for sure. They offer a great user experience!!
Indeed ! I wouldn't be without mine.
Such a great unit.
Precisely !
!
A camera with just 2 or 3 features cant be on of the greatest, it´s just a well constructed camera wit a LOT of marketing.........
You might be right but the user experience is outstanding.
I stull have a bunch of F3 bodies including the Autofocus F3AF one and my favourite F3P - and best part is the F3 has the most toys.. 🦘
That's a great assortment of kit. I've only seen the F3AF a couple times.