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.
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 | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,6 x 6,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.78 x 2.56 inches |
| Weight | 715 Grams |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Production duration | 20 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 482,42 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 336,74 Euro (363.69 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 323,40 Euro (349.62 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 455,79 Euro (492.49 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon F3
Is the Nikon F3 a manual focus camera or does it have autofocus?
The Nikon F3 is a manual focus camera. It doesn't have autofocus capabilities. Focusing is done manually using the lens, which is a common feature of older film cameras.
How long is the shutter speed range on this film camera?
The Nikon F3's shutter speeds range from 1/2000th of a second to 8 seconds, plus a bulb mode for very long exposures. This wide range makes it suitable for various photography situations.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use?
The Nikon F3 uses standard 35mm film. You can find both color and black and white films readily available for it. The film is advanced manually.
What's the light meter like on the Nikon F3?
It has a built-in light meter that's designed to work with ISO 12 to ISO 6400 film. The light meter measures the light through the lens. You can choose aperture and shutter speed manually or use the aperture-priority mode.
Can I use different lenses on the Nikon F3?
Yes, the Nikon F3 uses the Nikon F bayonet mount. Many lenses from Nikon and other manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron are compatible, though not all lenses made for the F mount will work with this particular model.