The Nikon F3: A Classic Camera Revisited from the Grays Archive

We've got a treat from the Grays 'vintage vault' here for you today - the Nikon F3!

Continuing our series of dedicating a video to each of Nikon's film SLR bodies, here we have the illustrious F3 film camera.

We've included:
History of the F3
The various versions of the F3
How to load the camera
Our first impressions using it
What to look out for when purchasing one

And if you're tempted, you can purchase one from Grays here:

#nikon #nikonf3 #filmphotography #vintagephotography

[wizzard]

The most comprehensive and complete camera system. It’s the camera system that was the envy of all other manufacturers. The F3 was a true example of Nikons market dominance and the choice of all seasoned professionals.

[chrispickett]

My Dad shot with an F3 for most of my youth and I had to get one when I started collecting, fabulous camera, I love the confidence the shutter gives you, the winder is rugged but smooth, I know own an F3, F3HP and F3THP in champagne, which is my favourite

[ghw]

I have three F3s: two with the HP finder and one with an eye kevel finder that I replaced with an action finder. All have MD-4 motor drives. Excellent video on a fantasr0tic camera.

[Larry-qzes]

A month ago, I purchased a Nikon F3HP from Facebook Market Page. Once I have the camera, it will be a keeper for all my film usage. I now have the MD-4 Motordrive, 50mm 1.4, and an 85mm F2 lens. This camera is one of their best, a workhorse.

[allanhugh]

If you add the MD4 motor drive, the camera is powered by the motor drive; no need for batteries in the camera body. Another really great feature, is the multiple exposure lever. One can simply expose one frame of film forever... Had my first F3 for the last 39 years, very sorry looking, but still works a treat.

[colynbarrett]

I have The F3HP. It's A Wonderful Piece of Nikon equipment. Alongside the FM2N which I also own I regard them as 2 of Nikon' s Finest. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.

[johnfromconnecticut]

When the F3 was introduced, I was in the market for my first pro Nikon body and purchased a new F2AS instead as there was no way I was going to buy a battery operated auto-exposure "toy" like the F3. The biggest irony is now I shoot with a Z9!

Please please do a comprehensive review of the F2, especially my beloved F2AS - which I still use regularly!

[jonnyem.]

Love my F3, but my son has had it for years. Glad at least he's getting good use out of it (and my FM2!)

[tedk]

Yes, I would like to see more videos like this one in order to learn more about early Nikon film cameras. Thanks to you

[kalenderquantentunnel]

Your impressions when using the F3HP exactly after being a FM2/FE2 user for many years exactly resemble my own. Great finder, fits like a glove, excellent control-layout, simple and elegant. It is just a pleasure to use. And the argument that the LCD might fade after 10 years as stated by Nikon when it was released was possibly rectified with advancement in parts as early ones I held in my hands were faded already in about 2000 wheras later examples are still fine today, being much older now as my own camera. This may be due to storage and treatment but I see a trend in favor of higher serial-numbers here.

[garymorrison]

One of the F3's that I own is one of the first of the production line. According to the serial numbers, 1204### which is early to mid March 1980. Other than a bit of worn paint its in great order, and there's no bleed in the lcd. The other one is September 1986 and in almost mint condition.

[ThiruNash]

I really wish that Nikon releases a mirrorless retro camera body in this design.

[randallbrander]

Yes I want More VIDEOS like this! Cheers!

[steveverhoef]

I have one new the box, it’s a backup for my two primary F3’s. I have taken to exercise the shutter once a year because the others won’t break! These things just don’t quit, seriously.

[terryfrancis]

Very lucky to own F3HP & F3Press back from 1982 has been by my side since then, it just keeps going I can’t assess how many rolls of film I have shot.
Thanks for the video.
Blessings to all.
Terry

[oshcan]

It was my go to camera for years. Had the motor drive and loved I could change the focusing screens. Great camera!

[TorToroPorco]

My favorite F series camera despite some minor flaws that are a symptom of the time period it was designed in. It’s the only Nikon camera that I own multiple copies of, I couldn’t resist getting the champagne and black titanium versions in addition to the regular version. I managed to buy several of the viewfinders and a MD-4 back when used Nikon film cameras were relatively cheap.

[borisgalos]

Note the F3AF system also included an autofocus teleconverter that could be used with manual focus lenses for limited levels of autofocus.

[jaimeduncan]

Nice. I am partial of more modern bodies, the F100 for example, one can set it in manual mode if one wants. But for people that love mechanical cameras is an interesting machine.

[rhodriwilliams]

Still happily shooting my F301 - the “poor man’s” F3 😊. There’s something satisfying about using the split image for manual focus as opposed to the lights of the electronic rangefinder on later autofocus film/dslr cameras…