I used the F3 for about 6 years as an intel photographer in the US Navy, 1984 - 1990. The F3 is awesome because it got the crap beat out of it, was used at sea with constant threat of salt spray, was used in extremely cold and hot temps, never failed me once. Of all the 35mm film cameras I have used in my life, the F3 was always my favorite.
Very nice. My F3/T is my main Nikon film shooter! Check out the Nikon AS-4 flash coupler, allows me to use my SB-24 flashes on my F3. Such a great camera for all of the reasons you stated.
I was contemplating between the F3 and F2.. but went with the F2 full black with a DP-2 Photomic finder. Just feels right, hefty and insanely beautiful to shoot with.
I inherited an F3T from my father with a couple different lenses. Thought it didn't work at first but after tinkering with it a bit I found that it's mostly functional. The reason I say mostly functional is I haven't had a chance to get film and run it through then have it developed but it seems to function
a stunning camera. I love my F3/T. I just learned that the manual shutter release on the front can also function as a secondary release after you've tripped the top release. fuck!
When digital took a foothold I held on to my fleet of seven F2 and six F3 bodies all with motors and about twenty nikkor lenses from 17mm to 500mm f4. Glad I kept them. When going digital I went with 4 Pentax K10d bodies and DA* lenses when they first came out. Why? I wanted to shoot when I wanted to, not when the weather dictated. Weatherproof, my sister dropped one in 12 feet of water, took me an hour to find it the silt. Rinsed it off, still works today.
I feel the meter is the only negative point against it. Dim, digital and I think the placement is awkward in the HP prism. Nikon F's are my personal fav.
wanted to comment on the film advance.... its not ailly at all , you are absolutely right. and if the mechanical experience is good, your mind is also more relaxed and free to concentrate on the photos
Lots of applications the waist level finder put shooter into a different perspective. It allows you to lower your point of view, camera even to ground level
My first investment intro into serious photography was a Nikon F2S. Used it all through college and afterwards, One day the Concord SST was scheduled to land at Little Rock's airport of all places and I made sure to be there with that Nikon and zoom lens; the general public wasn't allowed near the plane and this was back in the 80's. I came back home with a roll of film with those pictures. Then, my home was broken into and the ONLY thing stolen was my Nikon camera! I was LIVID !!! I replaced it with this camera, the Nikon F3 HP, and purchased new with a case. Like my original Nikon, it is very rugged. I love this camera and still use it for 35mm; I now shoot mostly 120 format. I also have a Canon A2E 35mm, but still come back to my Nikon,
Thanks for the video. I Have quite a few 35 mm cameras in my collection including an FE & FM but would really like the F3...what to part with to fund it though :-(
I do have a UV filter on my lens. I usually use a Hoya filter when I do, but occasionally I will spring for a nicer one. On my Zeiss ZM 50 f/2 I use a Zeiss filter. There are many thoughts about using a filter to protect your lens. I either have a filter or a lens hood. Filter is better protection, but a lens hood helps protect your lens in most situations.
I’ve had my f3 since 1982, still shoot with it and it’s stock lens. Why fix it when it an’t broken! I have been thinking about picking up a top view mirror for it, do you still have yours and do you like it. My eyes aren’t the same anymore and was thinking this could be an easier way to make sure image is in focus.
If you like the F3 because of the film advance, you might want to check out the F2A / F2AS. The late model F2 series makes the F3 feel like a downgrade. The overall F3 features do have the F2 beat though.
I made it. I got tired of buying straps so I bought some paracord and put it together. I have sold a few on eBay, but don’t have any available at the moment. Thanks!
I just bought a Leica R6 and then my friend just gave me a Nikon F3! (Just gathering dust apparently). Now I have 2 great cameras, just not sure which to use when. Nice problem to have.
Wonderful problem to have. You could just use both like an old school film shooter, one for black and while and one for color. Or different film speeds? This one camera one lens thing didn’t really seem to happen until after the digital thing.
It is great and I want to add it to my collection. I'm a bit concerned about complaints with the dim viewfinder display. The 100% viewfinder coverage and 80/20 metering is a plus though and unique to the manual focus F series. Flash is a bit goofy but I don't really use flash on my film cameras. I've heard that using the focusing screen from the F4 is an improvement. Cool strap. They have gone up in price significantly unless you stumble across a barn find. Batteries can be carried in your wallet..tiny.
I don’t find the HP viewfinder to be dim. I do find my pentacon 6 viewfinder to be dim, any TLR I own is dim, my exa is a little dim, my D200 and D300 are dim.
This was and is an amazing camera. Best of the best in its day. My only complaint was the slow flash sync........depending on the type of photography you do that may or may not be a problem.
In general I like 35mm as a focal length better than 50mm, however I don’t own a 35mm lens for my Nikon system. They seem to be more pricy than I want to spend. Thank If I had a choice between the Nikon 50mm D f1.4 vs 1.8 I would go the f1.4. I also think it depends on what you plan to photograph? Do you need the extra shallow depth of field? Low light? You can’t go wrong with 35 or 50. 35 gets you just a little more wide angle. Do you want your shots tight or a little wider?
Thank you, I made it. If you are interested in purchasing one it can be found here: www.ebay.com/itm/292256462711?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649 or here www.ebay.com/sch/eagle112800/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= or you could make one yourself. They are fun to make, but take some time. I like 50" as a length, it falls about hip level on me which is how I like to carry my camera. To make a 50" strap you will need just under 50" of paracord.
I have a mint F3 and a mint FE. The FE is by far the best film advance of all my film cameras. The F3 is only average and lacks the ball bearing ratchet smoothness of the FE. Maybe the F3 had a hard life despite it's appearance?
If you were in the situation to choose between fm2 and f3 which one will you prefer?I know fm2 is mechanical and very durable but i've heard that the viewfinder is not that great.At the other hand the f3 has an electronically controlled shutter but that doesnt mean unrealiability,cause everybody says that this thing never breaks down.And of course the f3 has 100% viewfinder coverage and very smooth handling.Which one has a better meter?Are the handling and the viewfinder of fm2 that bad as alot of people say?Thanks!
I would go with the F3hp. You make some great points. The F3 is also durable as well... Both meters work well. The F3's 100% coverage is nicer. Spend the extra money for the hp viewfinder if you do go with the F3. You are already focusing the camera manually, go with the aperture priority. The ergonomics are better on the F3 as well. The F3 is a little heavier, but it feels better because of that. Make sure that you get one with a cover for the motor winder though, sometimes they are missing and you need that thing. ruclips.net/video/L6Aa1W63y3Q/видео.html
Good point I have been trying to do so with my newer reviews. I wasn’t worried about photos from the camera review since the quality of the photos is not as dependent on the camera in this case as much as it is dependent on the system. The system in this case is the Nikon 35mm system, so you are getting the quality that the lenses and format (35mm in this case) delivers. So the quality of the photos from this camera are the same as my FM2 or my N90s, which is why I focused on the user experience. My point was to talk about how it felt to shoot this camera and the pros and cons of this camera. The Nikon 35 mm SLR lenses are great. I have some videos reviewing a few Nikon D lenses and my thought on how they perform.
@Joe Schmo I totally disagree with your point. Rangefinder zone focusing is faster than any autofocus camera and lens out there. The wider the lens the more DOF. With my rangefinder, I don’t even put the viewfinder up to my eye. I simply hold up the camera and point it in the direction of what i want to capture.
Depends on how you define results? I think you missed my point. Shooting film when you could be shooting a full frame 35mm DSLR is more than just the resulting images. For me it is using the camera that is a large part of film photography.
I used the F3 for about 6 years as an intel photographer in the US Navy, 1984 - 1990. The F3 is awesome because it got the crap beat out of it, was used at sea with constant threat of salt spray, was used in extremely cold and hot temps, never failed me once. Of all the 35mm film cameras I have used in my life, the F3 was always my favorite.
Did you try any other cameras Keima?
@@sputumtube Yes, I am currently using an FM2 and FE. I like them as well.
So I wasn’t the only one that was addicted to that ball-bearing smooth film advance lever.
+Vincent Cheng you are not alone!
Very nice. My F3/T is my main Nikon film shooter! Check out the Nikon AS-4 flash coupler, allows me to use my SB-24 flashes on my F3. Such a great camera for all of the reasons you stated.
I was contemplating between the F3 and F2.. but went with the F2 full black with a DP-2 Photomic finder. Just feels right, hefty and insanely beautiful to shoot with.
Also debating - what do you think? Thoughts?
I inherited an F3T from my father with a couple different lenses. Thought it didn't work at first but after tinkering with it a bit I found that it's mostly functional. The reason I say mostly functional is I haven't had a chance to get film and run it through then have it developed but it seems to function
This is a very good video. Thank you. Also I have several Nikon F3 HPs with the appropriate lenses. Wonderful video. RS. Canada
a stunning camera. I love my F3/T. I just learned that the manual shutter release on the front can also function as a secondary release after you've tripped the top release. fuck!
i just picked one up from japan last week!!! i love mine! expecting a 35mm lens also from Japan next week.
When digital took a foothold I held on to my fleet of seven F2 and six F3 bodies all with motors and about twenty nikkor lenses from 17mm to 500mm f4. Glad I kept them. When going digital I went with 4 Pentax K10d bodies and DA* lenses when they first came out. Why? I wanted to shoot when I wanted to, not when the weather dictated. Weatherproof, my sister dropped one in 12 feet of water, took me an hour to find it the silt. Rinsed it off, still works today.
Thoughts on the F2 vs F3? Thanks!
I used an F3 when it came out for years and eventually also started using the F5. It is on the shelf a few feet away,
I feel the meter is the only negative point against it. Dim, digital and I think the placement is awkward in the HP prism. Nikon F's are my personal fav.
Nice
Try the Olympus OM 1 or 2 film advance. I'm a Nikon guy also, but these are worth collecting too.
wanted to comment on the film advance.... its not ailly at all , you are absolutely right. and if the mechanical experience is good, your mind is also more relaxed and free to concentrate on the photos
Lots of applications the waist level finder put shooter into a different perspective. It allows you to lower your point of view, camera even to ground level
My first investment intro into serious photography was a Nikon F2S. Used it all through college and afterwards, One day the Concord SST was scheduled to land at Little Rock's airport of all places and I made sure to be there with that Nikon and zoom lens; the general public wasn't allowed near the plane and this was back in the 80's. I came back home with a roll of film with those pictures. Then, my home was broken into and the ONLY thing stolen was my Nikon camera! I was LIVID !!!
I replaced it with this camera, the Nikon F3 HP, and purchased new with a case. Like my original Nikon, it is very rugged. I love this camera and still use it for 35mm; I now shoot mostly 120 format. I also have a Canon A2E 35mm, but still come back to my Nikon,
I am lucky enough now to have an F2AS and F3HP. Both are great but I seem to favor the F2 theses days. I’m sorry they took your camera.
NIKON F3 😍
seriously one of the only slr's i really want to buy!
I have one for sale in excellent condition, with motor and 3 nikkor lenses.
Thanks for the video. I Have quite a few 35 mm cameras in my collection including an FE & FM but would really like the F3...what to part with to fund it though :-(
Great camera flash sync is a little slow. I used to scuba dive with a F3
I have two of them and its the best!
me too !!!!
did you put a UV on your 50 1,4d lens in this video??? Pls reply to me!!! btw great video!
I do have a UV filter on my lens. I usually use a Hoya filter when I do, but occasionally I will spring for a nicer one. On my Zeiss ZM 50 f/2 I use a Zeiss filter. There are many thoughts about using a filter to protect your lens. I either have a filter or a lens hood. Filter is better protection, but a lens hood helps protect your lens in most situations.
I’ve had my f3 since 1982, still shoot with it and it’s stock lens. Why fix it when it an’t broken!
I have been thinking about picking up a top view mirror for it, do you still have yours and do you like it. My eyes aren’t the same anymore and was thinking this could be an easier way to make sure image is in focus.
Awesome because I have one
If you like the F3 because of the film advance, you might want to check out the F2A / F2AS. The late model F2 series makes the F3 feel like a downgrade. The overall F3 features do have the F2 beat though.
F2sb is where it’s at
@@nickfanzo a
@@ottobrueland a? What does that mean?
Where did you get that camera strap? P.S I already have an F3 LOL!
I made it. I got tired of buying straps so I bought some paracord and put it together. I have sold a few on eBay, but don’t have any available at the moment. Thanks!
I just bought a Leica R6 and then my friend just gave me a Nikon F3! (Just gathering dust apparently). Now I have 2 great cameras, just not sure which to use when. Nice problem to have.
Wonderful problem to have. You could just use both like an old school film shooter, one for black and while and one for color. Or different film speeds? This one camera one lens thing didn’t really seem to happen until after the digital thing.
Film Purist .... Film speeds?! I hadn't thought of that. Thanks
I just got one today :D
Where did you get your strap?
I made it, and I also sell them on ebay here: www.ebay.com/itm/292337851799?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649
It is great and I want to add it to my collection. I'm a bit concerned about complaints with the dim viewfinder display. The 100% viewfinder coverage and 80/20 metering is a plus though and unique to the manual focus F series. Flash is a bit goofy but I don't really use flash on my film cameras. I've heard that using the focusing screen from the F4 is an improvement. Cool strap. They have gone up in price significantly unless you stumble across a barn find. Batteries can be carried in your wallet..tiny.
I don’t find the HP viewfinder to be dim. I do find my pentacon 6 viewfinder to be dim, any TLR I own is dim, my exa is a little dim, my D200 and D300 are dim.
If you like this try the F2 its a whole new level of cool!
No aperture priority.
Thoughts on F2 vs F3?
This was and is an amazing camera. Best of the best in its day. My only complaint was the slow flash sync........depending on the type of photography you do that may or may not be a problem.
+Todd Kuhns very true
which lenses would you recommend? I have a 50mm, but I'd rather go with a 35mm. f2 or f1.4?
In general I like 35mm as a focal length better than 50mm, however I don’t own a 35mm lens for my Nikon system. They seem to be more pricy than I want to spend. Thank If I had a choice between the Nikon 50mm D f1.4 vs 1.8 I would go the f1.4. I also think it depends on what you plan to photograph? Do you need the extra shallow depth of field? Low light? You can’t go wrong with 35 or 50. 35 gets you just a little more wide angle. Do you want your shots tight or a little wider?
I really like the view of the 35mm. speed is not as important as sharpness.
where did you get the starp on your F3. I always want one like that?
Thank you, I made it. If you are interested in purchasing one it can be found here: www.ebay.com/itm/292256462711?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649 or here www.ebay.com/sch/eagle112800/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= or you could make one yourself. They are fun to make, but take some time. I like 50" as a length, it falls about hip level on me which is how I like to carry my camera. To make a 50" strap you will need just under 50" of paracord.
hey, couldn't see, which flash you have?
I think that it is the SB-16a. This flash is made to work with the F3 with TTL.
I have a mint F3 and a mint FE. The FE is by far the best film advance of all my film cameras. The F3 is only average and lacks the ball bearing ratchet smoothness of the FE. Maybe the F3 had a hard life despite it's appearance?
Yes quite agree FE is more buttery than any other camera bar none.
hehe I use the same camera and lens.
If you were in the situation to choose between fm2 and f3 which one will you prefer?I know fm2 is mechanical and very durable but i've heard that the viewfinder is not that great.At the other hand the f3 has an electronically controlled shutter but that doesnt mean unrealiability,cause everybody says that this thing never breaks down.And of course the f3 has 100% viewfinder coverage and very smooth handling.Which one has a better meter?Are the handling and the viewfinder of fm2 that bad as alot of people say?Thanks!
I would go with the F3hp. You make some great points. The F3 is also durable as well... Both meters work well. The F3's 100% coverage is nicer. Spend the extra money for the hp viewfinder if you do go with the F3. You are already focusing the camera manually, go with the aperture priority. The ergonomics are better on the F3 as well. The F3 is a little heavier, but it feels better because of that. Make sure that you get one with a cover for the motor winder though, sometimes they are missing and you need that thing.
ruclips.net/video/L6Aa1W63y3Q/видео.html
Are you from the Midwest?
Nope, Texas.
Can any one can tell me the model of the flash in this video?
SB-16a
@@eagle112800 Thank you so much.
What is the eyecup he’s using?
This is the stander one for the HP viewfinder, it often falls off. This camera and a few other nikons use the same one. It is threaded on.
@@eagle112800 ty!
No doubt the Nikon F3 is a beast. However the Canon F-1 New is the Godzilla of SLR's.
Aristo Ioannidis I’ve got one, but I have a model that’s in poor condition smh
Nice camera, but my FM2 still my main choice...
Fully mechanical, sunny 16, 0 problems
Sweet, I like your style. I love he FM2 as well, just been shooting the f3 more these days.
93% viewfinder coverage, and much lower eyepoint than the F3HP.
@@joeltunnah Correct, recently I switched to an F2, keeping the "all mechanical" advantage, plus having 100% viewfinder coverage.
why dont you post some pictures??????????? what is the use of this review if we can't see how this camera performs
Good point I have been trying to do so with my newer reviews. I wasn’t worried about photos from the camera review since the quality of the photos is not as dependent on the camera in this case as much as it is dependent on the system. The system in this case is the Nikon 35mm system, so you are getting the quality that the lenses and format (35mm in this case) delivers. So the quality of the photos from this camera are the same as my FM2 or my N90s, which is why I focused on the user experience. My point was to talk about how it felt to shoot this camera and the pros and cons of this camera. The Nikon 35 mm SLR lenses are great. I have some videos reviewing a few Nikon D lenses and my thought on how they perform.
Film Purist will definitely watch your newer videos. Thank you 🙏🙏 keep it up
Obviously you never advanced a Leica M3.
LOL, Leica M2 all the way! ruclips.net/video/9dsrCSokHSY/видео.html You can't go wrong with the F3 or the M2/M3
It is not on par with a Leica M. You can hardly hear film advance on an M. Furthermore my F5 is miles better than the F3.
@@carzyday Yeah like my Mamiya 7ii is miles better than your d850, but that's not the point is it??
@@Koji-888 You should get out more cuz I have 3 of them already.
@Joe Schmo I totally disagree with your point. Rangefinder zone focusing is faster than any autofocus camera and lens out there. The wider the lens the more DOF. With my rangefinder, I don’t even put the viewfinder up to my eye. I simply hold up the camera and point it in the direction of what i want to capture.
I’ve owned a ton of Leica cameras and they are a fad and a hipster orgasm, nothing much. Slr cameras like the f2-f6 are much more efficient machines.
@@nickfanzo "I've owned a ton of Leica cameras"....I call BULLSHIT.
Its overpriced. You get the same results with a Minolta or Olympus
Depends on how you define results? I think you missed my point. Shooting film when you could be shooting a full frame 35mm DSLR is more than just the resulting images. For me it is using the camera that is a large part of film photography.