The Nikon F3 P is an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer’s range. The camera was aimed at press photographers (P = Press) and was introduced in the 80s. The model was first only distributed by Nikon Professional Service. Later, the camera was also available for normal people.
The design is based on the Nikon F3, but some functions have been omitted. It has a TTL hot shot with titanium cover, no connection for a cable release, no eyepiece diaphragm and no self-timer. Instead it comes with a special seal against external influences. It was delivered with the MF-6 back that did not include the end of the films.
The lenses of the Nikon F3 P can be exchanged. The camera can be used with Nikon F lens mount lenses. The lens mount was developed by Nikon in the 1950s. Over the years, the lens mount has been refined and improved by Nikon. Other manufacturers, besides Nikon, of compatible lenses include Tokina, Tamron, Sigma and Samyang. But be careful, not all modern camera lenses can be used with the old film cameras. The Nikon F3 P has no autofocus. It is manually focused.
The Nikon F3 P has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films in a range between ISO 12 and ISO 6400. As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured trough the lens. The correct exposure is automatically set by the camera. The aperture and shutter speed are freely adjustable.
The Nikon F3 P has a bulb setting. The shutter is open for a variable time. An external flash unit can be connected to the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera comes with a thread for a tripod.
The camera has a weight of 760 grams. The dimensions are 14,8 x 10,1 x 6,9 cm. The camera needs two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikon F3 P
Without 35mm films, the Nikon F3 P does not work. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. Possible films for the Nikon F3 P are the Kodak Portra 400* for color pictures and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white photos.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab.
The exposure area of the Nikon F3 P has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. When the exposure area is this size, 36 photos usually fit on a normal film (135-36). For the next frame, the photographer has manually wind the camera.
Nowadays you can buy the Nikon F3 P only in used condition. Prices for the camera vary depending on the state of the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 8 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/80 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 14,8 x 10,1 x 6,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.98 x 2.72 inches |
| Weight | 760 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 740,30 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 34 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 605,66 Euro (654.85 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 773,79 Euro (836.70 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 937,38 Euro (1014.21 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon F3 P
What kind of film does this Nikon camera use?
The Nikon F3P uses 35mm film, also known as a small-image film. These are still readily available and easily developed by most photo labs. You can shoot color or black and white film.
Is it difficult to use this old camera?
The Nikon F3P is a manual-focus camera, so you'll need to adjust the focus yourself. However, the camera does have an automatic light meter to help determine proper exposure settings, making it somewhat easy to use.
How do I adjust the exposure on the camera?
The Nikon F3P has an automatic exposure meter that will measure the light through the lens. You can then select the aperture and shutter speed you prefer, while the camera automatically adjusts to maintain correct exposure.
Does the camera have any modern features?
The Nikon F3P is quite basic. It lacks some features like autofocus and a self-timer. However, it does have a durable construction and a bulb setting for long exposures.
Can I use any lens with this camera?
The Nikon F3P uses the Nikon F mount, which is a common and widely available mount with many lenses to choose from. However, remember that not all lenses are compatible with older cameras.