🟡 MrLeica .. buys Nikon 🫣 (15 reasons why) ......... (Nikon F3 + DW-3 viewfinder)
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2024
- Why I just bought Nikon camera despite shooting Leica for 10+ yr (Nikon F3 + DW-3)
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15 reasons why I just bought a 35mm Nikon F3 film camera as a Leica photographer. Video includes Nikon F3 waist level viewfinder (Nikon DW-3 viewfinder), Nikon F3 street photography and showing the following cameras side by side - Leica M3 vs Nikon F3, Nikon F3 vs Nikon FM2, Nikon F3 vs F4, Nikon F3 vs F5. I talk about Voigtlander lenses for Nikon F cameras and convert Leica R lens to Nikon F.
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#nikon #leica #nikonf3 #mrleicacom
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Another thing, during the 1980s a huge percentage of all National Geographic photos from all over the world were shot with an F3. It's a legend.
Interesting, yes that makes good sense. That's for sharing!
That is not just a Nikon my friend, it is a true legend. I get a good feeling every time I pick up my Nikon F3-P . The same as when I pick up my M240, or M6. It has that solid precision feel.
Thanks! I'm glad I bought wisely! Loving it so far
Fantastic. In my opinion, the F3 is one of the best cameras ever made. The look, the feel, the handling. It truly is a superior camera. Love it.
Galen Rowell used Nikons and he could afford any camera.
Thanks! Yes it seems very popular for good reason!
Thanks John, that says something about the F3!
No cloth shutters either. Nice fast 4000th of a second metal shutters and flash sync to a 250th. Tired of replacing cloth shutters in my other vintage cameras because of pinholes.
I've 2 F3's in my collection now, lol. One of them was made at the very start of production in March 1980, with a little brassing, so it has a bit of character. The other one was made in November 1985 and is mint. Enjoy your F3.
Thanks Gary, mine is 1985 too!
Congratulations 🎉. I also bought an F3 as a Leica user. Great camera with a special shooting experience
Thanks Peter! Congrats too! Yes I think they work well next to Leica cameras.
The Nikon F3 just feels so solid and well built in the hands, definitely my most used of the 4 Nikon Film cameras I own. It has been very reliable also, whilst some people aren't comfortable with it being battery operated, I've never had one problem with it over the years.
Thanks Phil, great!
You've bought the right one. It's pretty much the only camera I won't let go and I picked up the Zf to pair alongside. 🏆
Thanks Adam! Loving it so far.
Another Leica user here that loves the F3, so much so that I have 3 of them! Looking forward to your next video 🙂
Thanks Alain! Great stuff.
Mat,though it is not a F3, I Shota F2A for black and white photography. I don’t care how good mirrorless body or lens,become, it will never beat a F3 or F2 with Tr-x 400.
Nice Bob, yes for my taste too, give me a film camera any day!
Matt. I just love your urban landscape photography. Please do more!
Thank you! I'll try
My F3 and FE2 are still extant and I exercise their shutters now and then. They never let me down.
There is something about the heft of the F3 which always inspires confidence.
A great purchase, Matt.
Thank you! Yes I think those 2 cameras pair nicely. Each with different strengths.
I just bought a Nikon F3 and I like it very much. So I have a Leica M 11P ,M6 and a Nikon F 3.
A good time for photography. When I consider how old the F3 is and how perfectly it works. Just great
Congrats! Great setup! Yes agreed re. F3
I have been shooting Nikon film cameras since the late 1960s when I replaced my broken Miranda Sensorex with a more reliable Nikon F. Since then, I have owned and used the F2, F3, F4, and Nikonos III. I also used the EM, N70, and N2000 as expendable backups.
I have about two dozen prime Nikkor lenses that range in focal length from 14mm to 1000mm.The Nikon F2 is my personal favorite 35mm SLR camera. The Leica M6 is my personal favorite 35mm rangefinder camera.
Nice! thanks for sharing. The Nikon F has a nice film advance. I will try to cover in a future video.
Thats awesome. Didn't know you could have a Nikon SLR with waist level finder. That's a film street photographers dream!!! Nice shots!
Thanks Peter, me neither until now. That's what made me buy it.
I did a battery experiment with one of my Nikon F-3hp. With the MD-4 removed, I started with a fresh 3-Volt Lithium Battery and shot 2 rolls of 36 exp. film a week for a total of two years. The exposures varried from 30 seconds to 1/2000. Even after my 2 year test the camera still worked fine. As you stated, the batteries will last over a year.
Hi Larry, thanks for doing your experiment. Really great to hear this! (I picked up the FM3a after this so hopefully that will be similar too. I love both cameras).
Brilliant! Tons of Nikon info.
Thanks Sandy, I try to make the videos useful, as always!
Ah, Nikon F3 - my favourite camera of the many I've owned. Truly beautiful. Even though I no longer shoot film I still occasionally look for them because they were such a big part of my photography career.
Never too late to get one again! :)
Oh cool now I see why you like the WLF so much, gives quite a unique perspective to the photos as well :) Love that little throwback clip on the F5 btw 😀
Thanks and yes that F5 clip made me smile again and yes love the WLF!
Welcome to the club !
Thank you!!
I love my F3 and I have the motor drive. I used one years ago (new) when in the US Navy, and it never failed me. It's a great companion to my medium format and Voigtlander Bessa T.
Very cool! Yes I appreciate the Bessa T too (see that video)
Wonderful, Matt. This is precisely why I own an F3 HP (spectacles wearer), & an FA - drop 'em in the mud, thrash them (if you must), they still keep on going. I do (also) own two Nikon DSLR's - a D300s & a D850, as well as an F4; adaptation in using both analogue & digital keeps my perspective fresh yet retro - best of both worlds. Of course, Leica are reknowned for their optics, but I've never owned one - perhaps one day. Excellent overview - thank you !
Thanks Andrew! More Nikon content to come :)
I look forward to that, Matt !
Didnt need to watch, as soon as he said f3, i knew he made the right choice. Best film camera ever. Well done
Ha thank you! I’m just back from a trip with the F3 + another Nikon so part 2 video to come once I develop the film!
Great video. I made a living for years and years as a newspaper staff photographer with two F3’s and a Leica M4. Best rig I ever used and I still use a Nikon/Leica combo.
Great! Thanks for sharing. Yes I enjoy both the brands too (as you probably know already!)
great choice - I've had one for years - now you need to do a portrait session with the 105 - great lens - I have one in F and in S mount
Thanks! Yes now might be the time to buy the 105mm. I've looked at them in the past.
good to be gear agnostic. Use and buy what makes you happy and suits you the best.
Thanks! Yes agreed, especially for shooting film where there are so many fun cameras out there to try.
Congratulation on your new acquisition. I thought you bought Zf and pleasantly surprised that it’s F3. I recently took possession of my late father’s F3. I cleaned the exterior, cleaned some of the lenses that have fungus on the elements, replaced the batteries and checked the general shutter mechanism. All seems in order except few missing button covers and sticky film ASA wheel that doesn’t seem to click correctly (either keeps rolling or stops off the markers). But boy, the heft of the camera, the shutter sound and the jitter when you released the shutter puts me in awe of the engineering / mechanics back in the days and the skills ‘older’ generation photographers would have invested to master the art of photography. Nowadays modern digital cameras and technologies have made it much easier for one to become ‘photographer’. Haven’t got the nerve to put on film on mine but watching your video compels me to do it this weekend! Thank you.
Thanks Frank! Give me a film camera over digital any day! I hope you loaded up your F3 after the video! :) Follow up F3 video to come!
I have always wanting to pick up a Canon F1 for awhile, but since I had gotten into medium format and picked up a M3DS, my AE-1 has been sitting on the shelf; not because of size or weight of the AE-1, but I simply found Canon FD glass to be too good, especially the s.s.c. which I own a set of primes along with some FC. They really were ahead of its time, and offers really clean and accurate rendering. I prefer to shoot mostly vintage and "classic" glass on my Leica for my fun photos outside of work. I do think Nikkor glass were much more interesting, especially the chrome nose, but converting Leica R glass sure opens up a lot of possibilities!
Nice Rex, thanks!
I love your MD4 "stealth" motor drive... After picking up a Nikon Zf, I got a Nikon FM with the MD4 drive. It came with the sale. I'm not sure I will ever use it. The FM matches the approximate time frame of my MGB....while the Zf 'looks' the part of a camera from that era.
Thanks! The FM was my first Nikon too. They just keep on going!
As always, great video! For a second I thought you bought a Zf! 😂
Ha thanks! Yes I thought it would be a bit of fun :)
I don't want to depend on batteries while mountaineering. My Nikon of choice is the all manual Nikon FM2n. It allows for mirror lockup (with timer) as well as double exposure. It is also light enough to put on a small 80mm refractor telescope.
Thanks John, yes SLR cameras offer a lot more useful features vs. Leica M. I like the low weight of the FM2n
I love the F2 too!
Nice! I hear it’s great
I feel this way about my FM2, its an absolute beast.
Yes! I love the FM2 except no WLF so that was the excuse for the F3
I got an F3AF with the 85mm lens, amazing camera, great video👏🤙👍🇦🇷
Nice! I've just done 3 days of film shooting in Lisbon so full F3 film video to come!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 👏👏👏🇦🇷
nice review,
I own a F2 and I love it. The F2 is „the“ camera of my youth, so I bought one 12 years ago. I don’t use it very much, but if I do I enjoy it very well.
Great! Someone else also just commented that they have the F2.
Good nod to grainy days…….will certainly be looking for a Leica lens to convert for my f3
Thanks, Yes as soon as I saw him with that lens I was like .. great choice!
Nice ! I still have my Nikon F3HP bodies from the ´80s along with Nikkor glass, once I got my F3HP after upgrading from FE, never had to upgrade from the F3HP. Shot with them for over 15 years. Still have my Hasselblad as well, another fantastic camera/lens. No longer shoot film however, all digital now with Leica M10R and SL2, I occasionally use my vintage Nikkor glass on my Leica with adapters. Happy shooting!
Great stuff, digital Leica is the next best after film I think. I still have my Hassys too!
Congratulations Matt looks like a great camera 👍
Thanks Kev! Yes a lot of fun to use.
Love my F3 as well!
Great! This camera has a big following it seems!
I'm also a Leica enthusiast who loves to use the Nikon F3😄 I have the F3P, the press model with some weather sealing. It's perhaps ny favourite SLR to use. The build quality is just fabulous. Feels as tactile and satisfying as my Leica M6. And that 100% coverage viewfinder is so good! Pairs very well with the Voigtländer 40mm and 58mm lenses, and my personal favourite; the Nikkor 85mm F1.4.
Thanks! Sadly I sold my Nikkor 85/1.4D some years ago but I still have my Samyang 85/1.4 first edition which used to best my Nikkor at 1.4. I must dig it out.
As an f2as and a m6 owner it really is nice to have both.
Thanks! Yes I love that we can use both to their strengths.
Great buy Matt. I had it too and every day that passes I regret selling it 😅
Thanks! Sorry to hear that you sold and never too late to find another on eBay. :)
Nice pick up. My favourite non Leica camera - I still have mine from the late eighties, been all round the world with me, still works exactly as it did when it was new, has many hundreds of rolls put thru it. Cant imagine not having it. That and my M6 of course....
Great combo! Thanks!
That's a cool camera! Congratulations!
Thank you!!
great video, a couple of tips, this model uses the winding crank for flash mounting, hence to use it you need a special adaptor post, if you don't intend on buying the sb-28 ? this is a small flash; also not being a rangefinder you see EXACTLY what the film will see, both in composition and exposure (aperture preview), so no guessing, also many more accessories can be attached, like winder drives, extension tubes, bellows and they are AUTOMATICALLY coupled to the iris in the lens, so the meter knows what light is coming in!, no fluffing about trying to use a rangefinder (coupling the cam drive).
Thanks Andy! I’ll likely just use the FE2 /FM2n if doing any flash (like normal if using Nikon)
Bought an F3 from Gray's years ago when I went in to buy a lens hood....so smooth to use and well built but not heavy like my D800.
Only gripe is I prefer the meter switch on my Nikkormat Ftn which is on the winder.
But having said that the meter turns off automatically if the switch is left on.
Lost the rubber eye piece so put a glass one on instead and was easier to use.
Thanks Jeremy! Yes great cameras I think, See last night's video to see me using the F3 and a FE2 side by side in Lisbon.
I love the F and the F2 also have a FM2 which was given to me and a Nikkormat FTN2 all manual and no old electronics which put me off buying an F3. Gone even further back now waiting for a 1936 contax ii complete with lens. Probably be a strip down as sold untested but I can do that. Good luck with the F3.
Thanks! Yes I have quite a few too now including a Nikkormat I’ve still never tried. The Contax cameras are beautiful. You’ll love it! I have the iia but use Kiev 4a instead for the better finder.
The F3 looks great! But when you're checking out a new camera to see if it works its much better to open the back door and look through the camera at the sky as you fire the shutter at different speeds. That way you can really see that everything is working and with a lens attached you can see the aperture stopping down. You can also see if the shutter is capping... at full aperture you should see a perfect circle at every shutter speed but if you see one side of the circle darkening at higher shutter speeds you have got a problem!
Thanks Paul, excellent tip, thanks for sharing!
Own a FE2 (which I enjoy) and still considering an F3 just for it’s legendary status.
Great! Yes you should. See the latest video, I used F3 vs FE2 in Lisbon. You might like this too - mrleica.com/nikon-f3t-vs-nikon-f3-vs-nikon-fe2/
Rolleicord III, Leica M 240, Nikon D810 & Nikon F4. With those I can shoot just about anything.
Strong setup! I still have my Rolleicord too and i've got some lovely shots with my F4 in the past. See the MrLeica.com Nikon F4 review or the YT video.
I once bought a bulk loader at a car boot. Seller assured me there was no film inside. I could hear something rattling - but, hey the seller said it was empty. Well, it wasn't a roll of Portra, but there was 50' of Plus-X. I opened in daylight...FFS.
Noooo! That stuff is like gold too. I shot some rolls in the past.
Great video as always Matt, The F3 is a pretty cool camera it’s built like a tank. I had one before getting a FM3a. The FM3a works without batteries to 1/4000, most of the lenses focus up to just a few inches. It has a DX reader and a really nice auto mode. I have a Leica M2 that I’ve had for years and I’ve gotten a lot of really nice pictures with it but other than the cool factor, the FM3A beats it in every way except maybe the lenses although the Nikon 1.2 and 1.4 AIS lenses are are equivalent to the Leica lenses of the 80’s in my opinion.
Thanks Sam! Yes I have the similar FE2 which I love and FM2n. I do think Leica M glass is much better if we need fast glass. I’ll likely do a video on this. I have the 1.2 AIs. Great at f2. I’ll try to use it again soon.
I use Leica but also Nikons, Mamiya RB and C330, Fuji 6x9, etc. They do different things. Use a Nikon FM2 and F5. Had an F3 HP for a bit but had to send it back.
Nice setup! Yes agree each camera has it's strengths. All can be fun to use.
love my F3hp but the only thing that I don't like is the manual exposure experience. I prefer a needle in the viewfinder instead of the + - next to the shutter speed. So I almost always use it in aperture priority and heavily utilize the AE lock with my ring finger. Oh and the MD-4 is awesome, not for the 6fps but just for the speed of taking a follow up shot when necessary. also nice to not always have to use the advance level
Thanks Scott, great tips. Yes I love the needle meter in my FE2. I have the motor drive on my FG-20. They are a lot of fun!
I have a Leica R5 that I bought a few years ago, I have shot quite a few frames with it, but was reluctant to take it out much, not because I didn't like it - no I just didn't have the right lenses for it, so when I get an f2 50mm or 35-70mm, I will carry it more often as an 80-200 f4.5 zoom is great but it's a touch dark unless the sun is shining - but my Nikon F4 is nice with a 50mm or 35-70 zoom, and with auto focus too a it's good help if my glasses are in the way...
The 35-70R will beat any Nikkor zoom (it beat most Leica primes! .. fact not fiction if read up on it). I have the 80-200 too, nice lens. 60 macro nice as do everything lens.
A wonderful pro camera body! Mine was a press photographer's, well used! I've added my own dents! It's made for motor drive! I won't use one! After short throw film advance on Canon AE-1, the way too smooth, advance on F3, and l o n g throw was like Magellan's circumnavigate the Earth! It's very small, but freaking heavy! Enjoy!
Thanks Jason!
Servus Mad✌
Top Video wie immer 👌 Bei mir sind eingezogen ne M6 und die M240 endlich✌
Lg Anderl
Thanks!
Hi Matt
Agreed the Nikon F3 is probably the best Nikon film camera.
I purchased one as soon as it came out to replace my Canon EF & F1.
I then remained with Nikon F3 until replacing it with a Leica R5 (which I've still got) - probably not my best move, although the "glass" is brilliant, reliability less so.
Returned to Nikon during the early D100, D1-D4 DSLR years, and now enjoy using Nikon & Leica R glass on my Fujifilm X-Pro2 & X-H2, which I may well be changing back to Leica SL2. JohnG
Thanks John! I still have a soft spot for the FE2 but I love the F3 WLF. Great to hear you have Leica too. I still have my R5 and others.
Matt: Great review. Both, the LEICA M6 AND R6.2 HAVE mechanical shutters and are NOT dependent of batteries except the lightmeter and selftimer. As of the NIKON F3, I am not sure about that.
Thanks! Yes I had the R6.2 and still have the R6 and M6. The F3 DOES need batteries to use all functions. The FM3a or FM2 don't need batteries.
Always check first to see if your firearm - or film SLR - is loaded. ha
With any film SLR it's easy to do a film check without opening the back. Just try slowly rewinding the rewind knob. If you get resistance, you're loaded. Use caution!
Yes great tip, the same with Leica cameras too. I just assumed wrongly it would be empty when I bought it!
MrLeica finally seen the (nikon) light !!!! This SLR made for 21 years, longer than his successor the Nikon F4. I think the F3 is the second best SLR after the Nikon F6.
Thanks haha, i've gone full circle. I had Nikon before Leica and now another Nikon. I never tried the F6 but I had the F100 that I did a video on.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Nikon F6 is the ultimo Film camera, with a digital goodies like a focus system as the Nikon D2X. Usable menu system, it can use automatic exposure metering with manual lenses. When modified by Nikon it can be able to use Non-AI lenses from the Nikon F era (1959). So it can almost use all 100.000.000 legacy Nikon F-Mount lenses. And the F6 was not designed for professional use, but for advanced amateurs, who like to keep photographing with film. So a film connoisseur camera. Try one , make a RUclips film about it. There is a cult user base, so an audience is there …
@@alberte58 thanks! I will if I get my hands on one
Thank you for an interesting video and your excellent photos. Not only does the waist level finder give a different experience, looking through the lens compared to a rangefinder gives a different experience. Photos taken by the same photographer with rangefinder cameras and SLR cameras are quite different (good reason to justify having both types). Also, SLR cameras have a much more accurate viewfinder than any rangefinder but are slightly slower to use.
Thanks Tim, yes the WLF definitely excites me. As you say it gives a new experience for the same locations.
Consider the 105 f2.5. Just a gorgeous portrait lens..
Thanks! I have looked at that lens a lot in the past. Perhaps now it's time!
I just bought an FM. Happy with the purchase. Until I saw this video. Now I want an F3. Oh dear, when does all this GAS'ing stop?
Haha, Nothing wrong with the FM! That was my first Nikon. Only upgrade if you want the WLF in the future.
The Nikon F3 is a great camera. I have the F3 HP made in 1985 and in mint condition. The F3 is solid and consistent and its electronic shutter is pure precision.
Nice! Mine is 1985 too. I checked the SN online.
I got 40 ( +1/2 ) images out of my last roll of Ilford Delta 400 and my Minolta srT100b.
That's impressive! I don't think I've ever got more than 39 with any camera. The F3 were 38.5 frames FYI but I can probably get 39 easy enough next time.
Great camera Matt! The tactile sensations and sounds that this camera makes can bring you to ecstasy. 😅 Just today I received my Nikon F801s. This is an amazing camera! And very underrated by photographers. It's very cheap (I bought mine for $50 in perfect condition). Try it Matt! Now that you have a Nikon F3, you definitely won’t forget to test the Carl Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 ZF or ZF.2 ☺️ Thanks for your videos! 🙏
Thanks! I got the 601 model if I remember correctly. Similar price. Still have it.
I bought a mint F3 for the WLF reason amongst others. However, my copy had a very clunky wind-on action, despite being like new condition. I was hoping for the same sublime ball-bearing action as my FE but no. I use my F for the WLF experience and also avoid the possibility of any electronic failure. The F will go on and on and on.
Yes I like the smaller cameras for when not needing the WLF. My fav is the FE2. Love that needle meter like the FE!
Cool one Matt .. Im looking at the F3 Press which is paired down feature model with upgraded weather sealing and faster operational functions … Nikon Lenses are not so bad as Leica fans make out and are era related
Thanks John, that Press version sounds cool. I'll have to look into it. Agreed some Nikkor glass is good. I like my Micro lenses and the 180mm f2.8D (+200mm f2 AIS)
I've used the F3 professionally and now have one as an amateur, a beautiful camera with the smoothest film advance lever ever. Personally I'd have got an FM3a if you are getting into Nikon, probably the best film camera ever made, but I know you already have an FE Matt so maybe that was too close a match.
Thanks Steve, it was the finder that got me. If you see my old Nikon vids I have about 9 bodies now. Some are great value and others are good for AF glass.
The Zf is perfect for M-mount lenses but not so much for Nikon 's own F mount lenses due to the substantially larger FTZ adapter. I wish someone made an autofocus adapter with the screw driver motor to support Nikon AF-D lenses. These old Nikkor lenses are a great bang for the money. Have you tried the M39 mount collapsible lenses on the Zf yet?
The Fotodiox Propronto M to Z and add a static thin F to M - gets F mount AiS and AFD’s AF. The nice part of this adapter is that it’s a lot thinner than the FTZ2 it AF’s and it has a real brass lens mount, ideal for a solid mount with larger heavier lenses. I use this on my Z8 and it just works
Agreed. I don’t own the Zf so I only used it that one time.
I had an F3 HP what a beautiful camera - last of the true PRO Manuals!
Nice! Yes these are great cameras I think
They are .... and a bargain nowadays! which id had a time machine back in the 90s! @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Have had an F3 since 1985 and it’ very battered but works just fine :-)
Thanks Nick, great to hear it! Mine is 1985 model/ SN too.
You are right the F3 is the best
Nikon camera. The only problem
Is the synchro flash.... 1/60 s....
It s very slow when you are
Outside under the sun.... But may
Be you never use flah outside....
Yes I was surprised to see that. I can use my FM2/ FE2 for those days with 1/250
After four Leicas I now solely have a Nikon F2, as new from Tokyo.. As much as I loved the Leicas this camera feels just right, an exceptional machine with serious build quality, versatility and character.. And the old Nikkor glass I have is beautiful...
Very nice! I love Leica but these old Nikon are nice too
Wonderful- Matt-…pulled out my SP just today for fun with 50mm
Had F3 out last week
F5 the week before
Nikon rabbit hole a bit deeper than my Leica hole….
Nikon F Glass is crazy
Wait, where’d I put the Z family….😂
Talk soon Matt
John San Francisco
Hey John! Thanks! Great you are using your different cameras. That's how to keep things fun! I have the Nikon S2 but not the SP
I never got along with using Leica and Nikon next to each other due to the opposite directions of the focus ring.
Ah yes some people do mention this. I use a Mac + Windows laptop next to each other so I guess I like to make things difficult!
I have nikon F2, F3, F4, F5. Good view!
Nice! I did have the F4,F5, F80, F100 for AF but I sold the last 2. I normally use the older bodies FMs, FEs and even FGs
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 👍
Wish I still had my F3, F2AS and F2SB Nikons. Looking back my analogue photos leave the digital stuff standing.
Yes I prefer my film images too. Never too late to pick up another film camera!
As you know, I really enjoy your Nikon videos, but then I enjoy all your videos. Would love to get a nice F3 someday. I bought an FM in 1979 and I'm still using it. The thing just runs. Thanks so much for another fun video!
Thank you! I still have my FM ..my first 35mm film camera. Works great!
I love my Nikon FE (and a few others), but the F3 is on the top of my list. I will NOT admit to having GAS...
Haha thanks! Yes I love the FE/FE2 light meter. I have been suffering too recently and just got the FM3a!! (see latest video to see it). F3 is great!
What was that last tip about a slower shutter speed for the first two images regardless of the camera setting? And is that true for the FM2n as well?
Hi! Yes some more automated cameras shoot at 1/60 only (mechanical shutter speed) until you get to frame 1. No I think the FM/FE cameras are fine as fully mechanical. The beauty of full mechanical! I have my FE2 and F3 packed for the next trip so I’ll shared more in a new video soon!
So, do the adapted Leica R lenses require stop-down metering on an F3? I don't see a way for the meter to know the lens aperture at all.
I’m told yes Scott, I often shoot wide open for portraits.
I'm enjoying your videos very much, thank you. I inherited a mint condition F3 several years ago. Enjoying different types of photography (I'm not a Professional). I thought interesting you comment repeatedly on DW-3 view finder, almost as though it is standard issue when F3 was production. In the States the F3, by my experience was standard with DE-3 prism viewfinder. I had to purchase the DA-2, DW-3 & DW-4 separately. So I'm curious was DW-3 more common in Europe?
Thanks Scott! Great camera. No my copy just happened to come with the WLF so that was my reason for the purchase. I you see my other Nikon videos one shows me using it in Lisbon.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for responding I'll check out your other posts.
I'm jealous!!! 😭😭😭😭😂 I'd be straight on eBay for a 55/2.8 Micronikkor to pair with that. Along with the Hasselblad, the F3 gets my vote for the most beautiful looking camera ever made.
Thanks David! I have the 2.8 already actually (2x). See my 50(ish)mm Nikon lens shoot out video. It does.. very well as you would expect!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah saw that video (very good) but couldn't remember if it was a loaned lens. Reputedly the best lens Nikon ever made
@@davidellinsworth3299 it’s packed for the next trip so you’ll see it again soon!
Hi Matt usually I prefer the FE2 more compact and with better shutter but you wake my curiosity up about this f3 frequently said as the best (and last) Nikon manual professionnal camera even if VI think the canon new f1 feels better and the Leica R7 gets a better view finder. So I will undig it from my collection and make a film… just to try :). Thx anyway for this video.
Thanks Phil, I do love the FE2. I’ll likely cover this in a future vid! Carrying both currently! (R7 also great. Still have mine)
I went the other way and simplified my life; sold all analog Nikon equipment and bought M3 and M2s so I could use all the lenses bought for my M11. I understand your point but maintaining two systems got to be a little much.
Thanks Gary, yes that makes complete sense. I do like to experiment so I liked the idea of the WLF on the F3. I'll still use my Leicas the most for portraits and a smaller setup.
I love old Nikon film cameras.
Thanks John, me too! A lot of camera for the money.
Hi Matt. This is similar to Dennis Law playing for Man City I guess. I'm not a fan of either but thought it was a good analogy...! I had the FE a while back but disliked moving from the manual experience and so bought the F in black. What a camera that was. I think some of my favourite pictures were taken on it and it seemed super easy to get good shots. I sold it to fund my M3 journey. Sometimes I regret it but then I hear that shutter sound and I remember why I love Leicas so much. I guess it's a small, picky and not very good reason not to own another F. But I'd be interested in your thoughts on that point.
Ha I don’t follow football but yes I am enjoying the Nikons on my latest trip (see a video to come). The M3 is still king of course but I enjoy the different shooting experiences.
I bought an F3 some years ago but replaced it with an FM3a due to the F3"s weight.
Thanks Dave, yes the smaller FM2n and FM3a are smaller and lighter but I wanted to try the WLF experience of shooting. It's a lot of fun!
The photographs have that old school photo journalist quality.
Thanks! The beauty of film I think. I will shoot more film for the full F3 video to come.
How about making a deep comparison between the Nikon F3 vs FM2?
Yes maybe I will in the future. Both have benefits
Arguably the finest manual SLR ever produced
Depends upon how you define "manual." The F3 has Aperture Priority automatic exposure and an electronically controlled shutter. I would actually argue that the F2 was the finest manual SLR ever produced (although the original Canon F-1 certainly challenged it for the crown).
I should’ve said Manual Focus I guess
@@RobertCant-mo2nk Ahhh. Yes, I would probably agree with you.
It is nice!
Someone else mentioned the F-1!
Well...good luck...as for Nikon reliability I got rid of all my Nikon system in 1978 after having two Nikons fail while shooting a wedding. EPOI was distributing Nikon in the US and their service repair was miserable. Nikon made a great cable release however and I did keep that (have it till this day).haha...
Sorry to hear! That was the year I was born so you’re ahead of me!
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes...I graduated high school 2yrs before you were born...uugghh...when dinosaurs like me ruled the land...I remember when..haha...
The F3 with Nikkor lenses are very good - having owned a couple of them for decades. The F3 motor drive battery holder, if purchased as an accessory, is nevertheless very flimsy and must be treated with kid gloves.
Thanks! I wont buy the motor drive but good to know so thanks for sharing.
The F3 is the sweetspot in the range of Nikon film cameras. +++ I'd never dream of using anything but Nikon glas on a Nikon! There are such wonderful Nikkor lenses to choose from that it would be a shame to forsake the opportunity of using them (says someone who, like you, mostly uses the Leica M system). I especially recommend looking at the old and sturdy pre-AI lenses -- what a lovely character most of them have! (They can easily be AI'd.) +++ BTW, Leica-R on Nikon: You'll have to meter at your working f-stop. Unless you work near wide open, this is quite a pain -- not recommended. I tried this with a Summicron-R 90 for some time and then just sold it: a Nikkor 85 or 105 is much more practical on a Nikon body and both render fantastic images.
Thanks about the lenses. I agree some are good. I want to get the famous 105mm to try. I love my 90mm APO I’ve not even used my 100mm E once. I like the 135 Pre, 50 1.2, 55/2.8, 180afd, 200/2 to name a few.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Here are my favorites: 28/2.8, 35/2, Shift 35/2.8, 50/1.4, 55/3.5, 85/2, 105/2.5. Most of them are (ai'd) Pre-AI. At some time I had both AI(s)- and pre-versions of each of these. After comparing them, I sold most of the AI-versions. I just like the signature of the older ones better and -- in my limited experience -- they also seem to age better. I mostly shoot bw. For very little money it is still possible to build up a collection of top Nikon glas. (Don't tell anyone 😉)
I really really wanted F3 but was only able to find F4 in my region... Also, still can't find Nikon 28mm AIS version, there's Voigtlander option but it's way too expensive for me 😭
The F4 is great too and it gives you AF. See my video/ blog on MrLeica.com . Yes both mentioned 28s are excellent. Keep looking, you'll find one.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I actually found later that F4 is much more suitable for my type of shooting ^^
Steady on young man ! You will soon be known as Mr Leikon if you keep that wanton GAS up. Seriously though, nice camera, as are all the single digit Nikons. Had fun today photographing my daughter who is 7 playing with Kinetic sand. The 28mm f2.8 Ais on my F5 was perfect for shooting very close in low light. Much closer than using my M6. Enjoy your F3..
He's already known in certain circles as "Mr. Kalloflex"... 😹
@@jlwilliams That is amazing. So basically he is a camera tart and not loyal to Leica at all ! ? 😉
Thanks John! When I comes to film it’s nice to enjoy a range of cameras I think :) nice setup too!
and another question, which black and white film do you use with this F3 video
It was a mix of expired Fomapan 100@400 and in date Ilford Pan 400@400
Thanks@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Thanks@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
You have to try the Nikon F!!
Actually yes! You maybe saw a video clip of it in this video. I will make the full video when I find time with sample photos.