View Full Version : I have F3 lust
Was photographing a festival at the weekend and I noticed that I was almost cast as some form of child-molester for daring to take photos with my RFs (too sneaky?).
When I brought out my borrowed D70 and its Sigma 18-50/2.8 zoom people seemed to relax, I never got the looks reserved for a sneaky, vile, voyeur.
Anyway, two paragraphs later and I come to the crux of the post - I want a Nikon F3 to look "like a photographer".
Do you reckon the F3 is OK for this? Would you recommend anything else in the price range (not Canon please!).
cheers,
kully
Harry Lime
07-10-2007, 14:44
Probably because the RF looks like an oversized P&S.
As an SLR the F3 is hard to beat (I have two), but these days the only thing that's going to make you look like a press photographer is a big, black DSLR with a zoom the size of a coffee can. ;-)
What do you mean, look "like a photographer"? The F3 is just a joy to use. The HP version has a really nice VF. The camera feels extremly good ( at least in my hands), especially when a MD4 is attached. There is some nice Nikon AIS glass out there. A used F3 is "cheap" for what you get. If I would go to the jungle I would take the F3HP. Have not used mine for a while, but love this camera a lot. Otherwise I would recommend the Olympus OM system, but never tested it.
I think a SpeedGraphic is what you're after. There should be enough room inside to fit an M3/Bessa/etc comfortably, although lens practicalities may be a problem. Think of it as a large, complex lens-hood . . . ?
Nikon Bob
07-10-2007, 14:54
F3 is nice and I like mine but do yourself a favour and check out an FM2n/FE2/FM3a. They just might do it too.
Bob
F3HP plus some Chrome = happiness !!
Dude, just go out and get one!! :D
Cheers
MArk
Quito, EC
Theres always an F2 or even the old Fe and Fm to get your feet wet you ca pick up an Fe for peanuts I got my second this wk and it cost me something about £25 ic postage from the U.S., look around and you can pick up lenses dirt cheep too, If you need I may have a lens or two you could borrow. Non Nikon theres the Pentax LX that a damn good cam and there was a Minolta but I cant remember the model. If you want the best glass but it costs go Contax or a Yashica body with Ziess glass.
willie_901
07-10-2007, 20:22
Interesting as I am resiisting the urge to sell my pristine , high serial number F3 and MD4 motordrive to someone who would use it more...
MelanieC
07-10-2007, 20:31
Why F3HP?
My understanding is that the regular viewfinder has a greater magnification (which I like better) but I figure there must be a reason why every used F3 I see for sale has the HP viewfinder on it. What's the big advantage? I don't wear glasses to shoot so that isn't an issue for me.
I love my OM-1 but I admit that I have a minor hankering for an F3.
The F3 is awesome - the only flaw I can find is the lack of a normal hotshoe - otherwise it is way more advanced than the FMs and FEs. Mirror lock up and interchangeable viewfinders are great features for certain kinds of shooting. I love the various focussing screens and most of all the DW-4 6x finder.
I agree with Melanie that the regular finder is better than the HP.
-Anupam
jonmanjiro
07-10-2007, 21:58
At 1/80 sec the F3 flash synch speed is SLOW!
Unless mirror lockup functionality is a requirement, I'd get an FE2 or FM3A! Synch speed is 1/250 sec and they have a normal flash shoe and TTL flash.
suckerpunch
07-10-2007, 22:14
nevermind the F3....get a black paint F2!
but there are also 4 or more other prisms besides the HP, and the regular DE. Try or get them both, they snap on and off easily, and can easily allow changing of the 21 or so focusing screens out in the field.
The DE regular prism is lighter and looks better to me. AIS lenses are more convenient, but AI work fine with stop down metering.
Why F3HP?
My understanding is that the regular viewfinder has a greater magnification (which I like better) but I figure there must be a reason why every used F3 I see for sale has the HP viewfinder on it. What's the big advantage? I don't wear glasses to shoot so that isn't an issue for me.
I love my OM-1 but I admit that I have a minor hankering for an F3.
I have the HP, the DE, and the DW. Put the DW on the F3 and you're almost in TLR-land. Its a big image and I use the grid screen with slanted split. Nice. The mf AI glass also fits my RF m mounts and my EOS mounts. I have 2 old nikkors famed for minimal flare (for gigs) and sharpness -the 20mm f3.5, the 28mm f2. I have a Kiron 105mm macro and want to try the 45mm pancake soon. I have never used a flash on the F3 even though my strobes are all SBs - they are for the EOS as well.
nikon_sam
07-10-2007, 23:20
Why F3HP?
My understanding is that the regular viewfinder has a greater magnification (which I like better) but I figure there must be a reason why every used F3 I see for sale has the HP viewfinder on it. What's the big advantage? I don't wear glasses to shoot so that isn't an issue for me.
I love my OM-1 but I admit that I have a minor hankering for an F3.
Why the HP ???...it's a status symbol...:cool:
amateriat
07-10-2007, 23:21
Why F3HP?
My understanding is that the regular viewfinder has a greater magnification (which I like better) but I figure there must be a reason why every used F3 I see for sale has the HP viewfinder on it. What's the big advantage? I don't wear glasses to shoot so that isn't an issue for me. Bingo. You're (apparently) not bespectacled; I am, and I found the non-HP F3 VF a pain. The HP VF (back when I was working with a pair of F3s) was heavenly by comparison, and not an issue in terms of focus acuity. If you're lucky to not require corrective lenses (or if you're cool with contacts), the standard-issue VF is ideal. But for us Harry Potter types, not fun.
I love my OM-1 but I admit that I have a minor hankering for an F3. All I can say is: the OM is Neat, the F3 is Keen. If you can see yourself needing 100% VF accuracy and waist-level viewing as useful once in a while, the F3 is awfully good (I've been thinking over this myself, so don't shoot me if this post gets your GAS meter swaying). OTOH, an Olymous VariMagni Finder can help with the waist-level/right-angle level stuff almost (but, of course), but not quite as well, for less cash. Then, too, with the F3, you'll have a body with the same lens mount as your D70...
- Barrett
nikon_sam
07-10-2007, 23:24
The F3 with a MD-4 attached is just a thing of beauty...but alas the slow sync speed...
I almost got one but went with the F2A...black body w/MD-2...
People will ask if it's a digital camera...so I stuck a photo in the Film Reminder...
That'll teach 'em...
nikon_sam
07-10-2007, 23:26
I have a second F4s with the DW-20 (Waist-Level) View Finder and I LOVE IT!!!
People hardly notice you're shooting...
burninfilm
07-10-2007, 23:28
Well, first of all, let's clarify that the F3 CAN meter with an open aperture with AI-S lenses AND the regular AI lenses. The whole Nikon lens compatibility thing is kinda confusing, so you often read F'd up info on these. Anyway, they do have a moveable tab to allow the older non-AI lenses to mount up, and THESE are the lenses which require stop-down metering. Just to let ya know, this is a pain with the F3 since it wasn't ever really designed with the intention of working this way. You have to hold down the DOF preview button, and then somehow operate the aperture and shutter dial with your fingers in some crazy awkward way to adjust the exposure. Your fingers might feel a bit like an Olympic gymnist, but at least you won't have to wear one of those tightly, brightly colored little outfits! =-) Then again, this kinda goes along with all of the camera bodies Nikon made for AI type lenses.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to specifics. The F3 is a great little machine, but not perfect. The meter display isn't as intuitive for manual metering as the match needle setup of the F, F2, FE, FE2, FM, FM2, etc. Personally, I find it easiest just to stick the thing on Aperture priority and use the exposure lock for when I want to adjust the exposure. Then again, I probably smell to many paint fumes at work, so I wouldn't doubt if my opinion is rather skewed. The backlight for the LCD is a joke... seriously, it's ridiculous enough to make you laugh! The slow flash-sync speed has been mentioned before, so if you DO use flash, keep that in mind. Otherwise, the camera can't be faulted in any other way. Extremely solid alloy body, the smoothest film advance you will EVER find (yes, even better than a freshly serviced Leica M), large shutter dial, accurate meter, gorgeous finder, and the ability to use just about any Nikon F-mount lens ever made. If anyone wants to argue about the fluidity of the film advance on the F3 versus the M3, that's great. It's good to have some irrational passion every now and then. Unfortunately, I don't really care one way or the other, just so long as I don't feel like I'm wrenching on a 3/4 ton GMC pickup with a 1/2" drive Craftsman ratchet. Oh, and the MD-4 motor is a fantastic attachment, giving a fairly high frame rate and good ergonomics to the camera.
Still, from my experience, I believe the FE, FE2, FM, and FM2 are nice, easy to use Nikon SLRs with motor capability. These cameras seem a bit more intuitive to me, are easier to use when you are metering manually without any sort of aperture or shutter automation, smaller and lighter, and seem to hold up pretty well. Of course, after stating that I remember went the other way and got a Nikon F and a F3, using the F for most of the work, and keeping the F3 for when I need a motor and some automation. Like I said, my brain is intoxicated with paint fumes, and the little remaining nerve and brain cell function seems to be hampered by sleep withdrawal.
If you have any more questions, write 'em down so somebody can answer them. Otherwise, I'm gone so I can get braindead for a few a hours. Take care, and try not to get sent to jail for your photographic ventures!
Nikon Bob
07-11-2007, 02:38
If mirror lock up is important to you, you can set the self timer on the FM/FE series cameras and when the self timer cycle starts the mirror moves up and the camera fires after the delay.
Bob
You have to hold down the DOF preview button, and then somehow operate the aperture and shutter dial with your fingers in some crazy awkward way to adjust the exposure. .......Then again, this kinda goes along with all of the camera bodies Nikon made for AI type lenses.
Well, the AI bodies which allow this compatibility are actually in the minority; most have a fixed metering tab which won't allow the non-AI lenses to be attached at all. The F3 is one of only a handful of models which feature the moveable metering tab.
He described the metering issues for non-AI lenses which work great, and only need stopping down for checking in metered manual mode. Non-AI lenses can possibly still be AI'd, but might affect their value.
Ummm, THIS is confusing :confused: Ai and AiS lenses are functionally identical on the F3, and FE, FM series cameras.
The F2AS, F2SB, FM, FM2, and FM2n use a diode display, not a match needle display.
martin-f5
07-11-2007, 07:12
I use beside my Leica MP, a F3 and a F5.
I have to use glases on my eyes but I don't need a F3HP.
If I wouldn't have so much Nikon lenses I would buy a Leica R4 or R5,
they can spotmetering wich the F3 doesn't do.
But of course some photos, or better sayed many photos don't need to be spotmetered :-)
Harry Lime
07-11-2007, 07:42
Why F3HP?
My understanding is that the regular viewfinder has a greater magnification (which I like better) but I figure there must be a reason why every used F3 I see for sale has the HP viewfinder on it. What's the big advantage? I don't wear glasses to shoot so that isn't an issue for me.
I love my OM-1 but I admit that I have a minor hankering for an F3.
The viewfinder on the HP is as big as a porthole on a ship. It's just very comfortable to look through. You never have to squint or press your eye against the finder to see the edges, because you can see the entire frame from at least 1 inch away.
HL
If I would go to the jungle I would take the F3HP.
Ironically, it was in a jungle (in Malaysia) that my R3 with Nikkor 35-135 came to a damp end. There was just me, my F3, and a sudden torrential downpour. I sheltered as best I could under a tree, but the water was coming from all directions and I didn't realise the camera was getting half full of water.
It was several days before I got back to anywhere where I could get it serviced (Bangkok), and unfortunately the lens was completely seized up by then. The body was mechanically ok, but the meter was ruined - I sold it for what I could get for it.
And ever since, I've hankered after another, and have even come close to bidding on a few auctions. But I have my OM kit and RF kit and really can't justify an F3. Oh well.
NIKON KIU
07-11-2007, 10:38
Anyway, two paragraphs later and I come to the crux of the post - I want a Nikon F3 to look "like a photographer".
Do you reckon the F3 is OK for this? Would you recommend anything else in the price range (not Canon please!).
cheers,
kully
Kully,
Get one while they are cheap, these days they are selling for under $200...add the MD-4 for another $50 ;)
http://images.intl.shopping.msn.com/cae/img/9/4/389/10678714.jpg
Viola...you are a "Pro" :D :D
Kiu
burninfilm
07-11-2007, 10:57
So the FM and FM2 use a diode display, huh? My mistake... it's been a while since I used one of them. The well thought out diode displays of many Nikon cameras work great too. Even the meter display in the lowly FG (another great camera btw) is fantastic.
I don't know what was so confusing about my earlier statement concerning open aperture metering with AI and AI-S lenses. Like I alluded to earlier, maybe the human mind isn't capable of understanding Nikon SLR lens compatibility. There are three main types of manual focus lenses for Nikon SLRs. These are non-AI, AI, and AI-S. The F3 meters with an open aperture when using AI and AI-S lenses. When using non-AI lenses, you must use stop-down metering.
And yes, I was aware that the F3, FE, etc. are in the minority when it comes to being compatible with non-AI lenses. However, there's enough affordable AI and AI-S glass out there, so why bother screwing with stop-down metering for non-AI lenses? Remember, these cameras really weren't designed to meter this way like a Pentax Spotmatic, so it's a bit of a pain.
shadowfox
07-11-2007, 11:08
Do you reckon the F3 is OK for this? Would you recommend anything else in the price range (not Canon please!).
cheers,
kully
When I feel like being perceived as a "real" photographer, I borrow my friend's Nikon FM2. That and the winder really put an aura of authority.
Whichever Nikon F* you get, get the black one, I've yet seen an SLR that is nicer in chrome.
OM-1 would probably be cool also because it's small but it has the big lens, unlike an RF. These people wouldn't know what to make of you :D.
PS: I can relate to the "not Canon please!" :cool:
Hey, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't expected all of that from one miffed off blokes slightly tipsy post.
It's a little peculiar to want to look like a "proper photographer", something that I hate to do. But I got so much hassle from the stage managers, stewards and security when they saw we wandering about on and around the stages with my battered M2, IIIa and M4-2 - they wanted to know what I was doing there. When I went back with the D70 and its zoom lens - "ah, no problem" he has a "proper" camera so we don't need to bother him.
I also got something similar when asking people for photos - with the RFs I was rejected much more often than with the D70.
Ah well :-)
I'm still sitting on the fence though, it's a lot of money for something I would rarely use. I might just make one from paper mache and sling it over my shoulder ;-) (lighter too).
Kully
Please make sure you try one before you buy e.g. the time out on the LCD display is really annoying...
Noel
BillBingham2
07-11-2007, 12:24
Kully,
I'm an F2 sort of person. I'm not into auto anything but flash. Kiu is right, F3s are a bargin right now. Get an HP, the finder is much better. A bit bigger, but well worth it. Also, change the screen to a P screen, IMHO Nikons best design.
I carry an F2A (or AS at nigth) when I need to reach out to things I can not get with my 105 on my M6. I have a 180/2.8 ED and would highly recomend this as a great lens. When all I want to carry is my SLR, I carry a 28/2.8 AIS, 105/2.5, 180/2.8 ED and a 2X teleconverter, all Nikkor.
F3 is a fine camera, I just like the F2 a bit better.
B2 (;->
Kully, below for your reference on the F3hp.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/f3manual/basic/f3logo.gif :D
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/f3manual/index.htm :D
"I am a evil SLR user !!" :D
Cheers
MArk
Quito, EC
I just bought a F3 with MD-4 winder and 3 lenses (Series E 36-72, Series E 28, and a Vivitar zoom) for $185. GAS attack that won. Hopefully get the camera back from the shop this week. The linkage between the aperture ring and the metering system was broken. The guy that sold it to me said he just used it that way, no need to fix it, besides, it was a known design flaw. I seriously think Nikon would continue to manufacture a camera, especially their top of the line one, with a design flaw.
There's just something about a Nikon F series.
kjoosten
07-11-2007, 13:21
Well, the AI bodies which allow this compatibility are actually in the minority; most have a fixed metering tab which won't allow the non-AI lenses to be attached at all. The F3 is one of only a handful of models which feature the moveable metering tab.
Specifically, the F2AS, the FM, and the Nikkormat FT3 have flippy tabs.
No Canon?? Oh no!! The "new" F-1 is just as easy to use as the F3HP and the lens are dirt cheap. If you use an F-1 CLAed by Ken Oikawa, you'll see what I mean!
F3 is a fantastic camera, but as stated previously, try and FM - you can pick them up for under 50 quid on Ebay, whereas an F3 you could be talking over 200 quid.
Brian Sweeney
07-11-2007, 14:53
If you want to get over the F3 Lust, think "F3AF". Google it.
Like taking a cold shower.
Go for the F3HP. Under $100 in user condition these days.
Recently, on a Nikon SLR user's web group, an expert said the F2 is a "Rolls" and the f3 is a "Ford".
Brian Sweeney
07-11-2007, 16:39
The viewfinder on the F3HP is easier to use with glasses than any F2 except the DA-1.
The F3 is a fine camera, as is the F2. The F2 was the last of the hand-assembled Nikons up until the S3-2000. But both handle expectionally well, and the F3 offers aperture preferred-automatic. My F2s with the DS-1 offers Shutter-preferred automation. I would not classify it as a Rolls-Royce solution if you want automatic operation. More like a Rube Goldberg.
Matthew55000
07-11-2007, 16:58
The F3 is an ok SLR.
It's not quite as good as equivalent Canon camera - and lenses - but it's not bad.
CameraQuest
07-11-2007, 17:37
I never liked the F3, they just never felt or seemed right to me. Ditto for the F4 or F5. On the other hand I have several dozen F and F2's, and will eventually find a F6. My favorite non F series film Nikon SLR is the FM3A. I do know from my Nikon repair tech however, that the F3 proved considerably more reliable overall than the F4.
Stephen
Creagerj
07-11-2007, 17:43
Bought an F3 last summer, havn't looked back
Chris101
07-12-2007, 00:13
The F3 is an ok SLR.
It's not quite as good as equivalent Canon camera - and lenses - but it's not bad.I love this Nikon vs Canon stuff! I believe the proper retort is "Oh yeah! At least my camera doesn't look like Darth Vader!"
:) No rivallry intended Chris - I'm sure Canons are as good as or even better than Nikons. I wanted to stick with Nikon because I have access to Nikon shaped glass.
Chris101
07-12-2007, 05:54
:) No rivallry intended Chris - I'm sure Canons are as good as or even better than Nikons. I wanted to stick with Nikon because I have access to Nikon shaped glass.Oh I know that! ;) (I often forget those smile symbols.)
I was just foolin' around cause brand-ism is so prevalent among camera users. I use 'em all. But the thing about the shape of the dome over the pentaprism ... :P :D
KoNickon
07-12-2007, 06:18
I wear glasses and have the HP and non-HP versions of the F3. I can see the full frame fine with either. It's the shutter speed LCD readout above the frame that requires some extra effort.
I find the 80/20 metering of the F3 rather tricky, actually -- I've underexposed a number of shots (and I don't quite see why). On the other hand, the center-weighted metering of the FM/FE series is pretty darn reliable.
I'd opt for the FM2N or FE2 over the F3, myself. Smaller and more OM-1-like.
The F2 and F3 aren't really closely comparable, IMO. The F2 is the last Nikon in the generation of mechanical bodies, which together represent the high water mark in that area. The F3 is a wonderful picture making machine, but it handles somewhat differently - not in a way that is functionally different, but definitely (IMO) with a different karma. The viewfinder on the F3 is much better/brighter, but the F3 (again, IMO) is not ideally suited for manual exposure use, for the reasons specified earlier.
I have a black F3/T that (must say again, IMO) is really *the* F3 to lust for.
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.