Nikon F3

The Nikon F3 is a single lens reflex camera. It was manufactured from 1980 to 2000. It is the predecessor of the Nikon F4 and was the successor of the Nikon F2. This model was the choice for all professional Nikon photographers at that time. The cameras were used by photojournalists, wedding photographers, war reporters and even NASA.

Special versions were developed for the military and NASA. Later, a camera with an autofocus module and a version with titanium finish in champagne and black followed.

The lens of the 35 mm camera is changeable. It comes with a Nikon F bayonet. Nikon introduced the first camera with the F bayonet more than 60s ago. Over the years, the connection has been revised again and again.

Other producers of compatible lenses are Sigma, Tokina, Tamron and Samyang. But not all lenses are compatible with the old film cameras. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm photo camera does not have an autofocus function.

The Nikon F3 has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 12 to ISO 6400. The correct exposure is measured through the lens. The exposure is set automatically by the 35mm camera. The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected. But there is also an automatic aperture control.

The quartz-controlled titanium shutter of the F3 is legendary for its durability. The F3’s shutter has been tested for a working cycle of 150,000 exposures and ranges from a high shutter speed of 1/2000 second to 8 seconds.

With the MD-4 motor drive, 4 images per second are possible. So you fill a roll of 35mm film in only 9 seconds. Beside the motor drive there were some more accessories.

For long time exposures there is a bulb mode. Here the shutter is opened for a variable time.

A flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera has a built-in self-timer. Additionally there is a connection for a cable release and a thread for a tripod.

The dimensions of the Nikon F3 are 14,8 x 9,6 x 6,5 cm. It brings 715 grams on the scales. The power supply is provided by two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Nikon F3

The Nikon F3 takes pictures on 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most photo labs. A 35mm film for color pictures is the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible black and white film is the AgfaPhoto APX 400*.

The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most development laboratories.

The exposure area of the Nikon F3 has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The photographer has to rewind the film manually.

The Nikon F3 is no longer in production. The prices for the camera vary depending on the condition. Only for the body, you have to reckon with between 200 and 400 euros today.