Nikon F3P Overview (differences to F3)

A look at the changes made to the F3P that was introduced in 1983.

Thanks to John Laughlin for some of the information.

[davidsameshima]

Just came across your video. Great video. I still have a F3P and F3T. I can fill in, on a couple of questions you had. The DE-5 viewfinder did not offer TTL flash metering since it used the contacts designed to accommodate the DX-1 viewfinder. The DX-1 was for the autofocus F3AF camera system. Most don’t realize that this DX-1 finder could also be fitted to any F3 body, and offered focus confirmation LED readout. On the F3P, Nikon redid the circuitry, so these pins did flash sync instead. These circuits could not accommodate the TTL flash function. As a result, the DE-5 viewfinder hot shoe will not operate with any other F3 body. Also the DX-1 viewfinder will not offer focus confirmation assist on the F3P body.

Regarding the deletion of the standard shutter lock, pros would sometimes accidentally move the lever to the lock position, and miss the shot. This is also why the self timer and double exposure features were deleted, as pros would sometimes accidentally set the function, and miss the photo.

The double exposure lever and viewfinder lever were deleted, since both levers were also regularly broken off by pros, so they wanted both levers removed.

The F3P was missing certain features and still cost more, since Nikon had to pull these bodies off the regular production line, to have workers intentionally remove these features.

[thewildgoose]

Interesting. Glad I came across this as I wasn't sure what the differences were. For me the 'improvements are outweighed by the losses for the type of shooting I do (no cable release, no viewfinder blind etc.). There's also the fact that the F3P seems to go for around twice the F3HP price. Was about to buy an F3Hp then came across an F3P for sale and was wondering if it justified the more expensive outlay so your video was very helpful. Thanks for the information.

[dangerpowers]

Great video as always, very detailed and easy to follow.
The "P" is something special for sure

[shedcookiesgarage]

thanks, you've just reminded me how to turn on my F3P when my MD4 isn't connected.

[louisphilippelamarre]

Thank you! Well detailed info. Received today. P9022100🤩

[Bill]

Wow, I owned a photo studio for 10 years in the 80's and early 90's and i used Nikon F-3 camera bodies
and i never saw an F-3 P before now. How interesting to see a hot shoe on top of F-3 Prism.

I would not have used it myself because I used my Metz 45 CT-4 with the Nikon TTL attachment.

[kodachrome]

I have had a F3HP for a few years. Just bought a like new F3P in the box and went to use it and thought it was broken as it would not turn on! My camera not only came with box but all the papers, one of which was a small sheet of paper explaining the differences of the F3P (Used same F3HP user manual). Among the differences was the opposite switch direction! I find the little switch on the P to be easier to use than the somewhat hard to finger standard switch, but why they changed on/off direction in beyond me. Should have seen your video before using it the first time.

[LarryParamedic]

I still have my F3s and use them too. Now as back then I use a Vivitar 283 Flash. Fun cameras from another era..

[swansong]

Hi. Great video that convinced me that I would be more suited to the Press Version, Which came from Japan this week Brand new in Box. I love it. It's so simple, no menu buttons or displays. One thing I will miss though is the View finder Blind that is not on the Press version. Have you found a Nikon Cover that goes over the rubber eyepiece to blank it off from stray light?. I purchased a DK-8 but its too small to fit over the Rubber Ring. If could could help, Much appreciated.

[swansong]

I hope you can help. I have the F3P and want to buy the DW3 waist level finder, before I do, can you tell me if this is the correct waist level finder for the Press version ? It’s such a rare camera in the west I can’t find out myself and hoping your knowledge could shed some light for me please.

[MacProCoreMan]

between 1984 and 2002 I owned 5 F3 camera bodies. My favorite is the F3HP. This was a pure Professional Photographer's camera. I bought an F3P in 1986 thinking I was going to be out in the elements more than normal that year. The "Press" version is a huge letdown coming from an F3HP. I honestly never understood half of the changes. Keep in mind that the Nikon F3 system was the best absolute best Professional camera on the planet. There was nothing even close. The F3P was a stripped down F3 with some rubber seals, built for speed and made for recording history. It's kind of like Race versions of road cars. They strip out the back seat, the radio and AC and charge you 15% more than the road car. This was designed ONLY for Photo Journalists. Don't buy one for any other reason. The standard F3HP is the best of all of the configurations.

[Biriadan]

The reason that the hot shoe isn't TTL is that the F3 TTL flash system is very different from the later hot shoe TTL flash system.
For the F3, the contacts are - ground, flash ready, flash fire, and meter. The film ISO is read off of a lug on the ISO dial. The flash then has all the electronics in it to determine a correct exposure.
For the later Nikon TTL flash system the contacts are - ground, flash ready, flash fire, and quench flash. This was done so all the electronics for flash metering calculations could be placed in the camera body, not inside of flashes. But it also meant that getting an F3 to be able to work with TTL hot shoe flashes is very, very difficult.

[woodrowclose]

I noticed the connector which hangs down on the back of the camera. When not using the battery grip, is there anyway of removing this or does it hang down all the time?

[Guairenito]

Is it possible to use on a regular F3 the viewfinder that you are showing in this video (with the hot shoe)?

[angelinamariemedia]

which Nikon film camera do you personally think is the best to purchase?

[camerarover]

Very good. Is the promised DS review also on its way?

[kalutheblack]

i also have an f3p and it has mf-6b back. Where will i get mf-6 ??

[simongentry]

check out the Canon F-1 if you like this camera - they're both amazing cameras !!!

[Sikhislove]

Where can i get one ...been looking for one in the UK

[angelinamariemedia]

or is the canon AE-1 better then Nikon