Nikon F3 Review - Possibly the best film camera of all time?

[@RANDassociatesinc]

I owned and used the F3 HP for 30+ years. I can confirm everything you have said. The ease, the durability, the efficiency is unmatched. It’s mix of electronics and mechanics was seamless and remarkably practical. It was also highly modular and had a wide universe of accessories. I shot for print news “back in the day” and it never let me down. And it effortlessly made the leap when I moved to portraits and editorial. Today, its a great bargain on a durable, dependable, professional film body. 5 stars!!!

[@sionmichel]

Thank you for sharing your passion and experience with the F3. Amazing Camera. You inspired me to put down my digital SLR and pick back up my F3, load with portra and hit the street again. Have a blessed day and keep shooting film!

[@TXLorenzo]

I am fortunate to have a near mint F3 that is just wonderful to hold, handle and shoot. This camera is a wonder of design and precision.

[@constantinestewart7416]

Thank you for this video. You’ve reiterated why I value this camera so much. I bought a used one around 25 years ago, liked it so much that I bought another one not long afterwards. They’ve been all over the world with me and have never failed.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it! It's such a remarkable camera and it's great to hear that yours has joined you for your adventures!

[@SamCarleton]

Back in the early 90’s I was a photo journalist, we all used the F3, NOBODY used auto exposure, we ALL used light meter and shot in manual, which is why I think the exposure was such an afterthought, nobody at the time used it! We didn’t start to trust the light meter until the F5, but still we used slide when shooting chrome.

[@mamunoz23]

That’s pretty cool, what light meter did you use?

[@SamCarleton]

@@mamunoz23 It is more like, do use :) I still have the Minolta Auto Meter V. It was a GREAT light meter back in the 90's and still an outstanding flash meter in 2023.

[@dennislynn2955]

My favorite camera is also the f3, I've had mine for over 30 years, and would never give it up. It's a great camera, it's a little beat up but still works perfeçtly.

[@TXGRunner]

Good video; very nice sample pics. I have a Nikon F3T, and it a very nice film camera, but I prefer the Olympus OM-3 or OM-4. They are very similar, with the OM-3 being a mechanical shutter and the OM-4 electronic, but two mechanical release speeds. The OM cameras are noticeably smaller and lighter, but the biggest advantage is the spot meter. The Olympus Spot Meter lets the photographer use a single average, a spot, average up to 8 spots, or base the meter on a highlight or shadow meter reading. It is perfect for those using the zone system. Whereas the meter is used by everyone all the time, most of the advantages of the F3 are of questionable benefit to most users. Yes, Nikon has much more glass, but most shooters have a goto lens and a zoom, or a set of 3 or 4 lenses covering wide, normal, portrait, and telephoto. The OM cameras are not perfect -- early models had a battery drain issue and taking full advantage requires learning the metering system -- but a very good condition OM-4T (no battery issue) are still under $500 on eBay, usually with a lens. The Nikon F3 (and super heavy Leica R6.2) are great manual focus SLRs -- I am not selling mine -- but my every day carry is an OM-3 sporting a 50mm lens with an additional wide angle lens.

[@esfahan1961]

Sold my 2 F3s, purchased in 1990, back in 1994 to move to Leica M6s and Summicron lenses: no regret but indeed one of the best Nikons on the market.

[@rockartistet]

I have watched many F3 reviews and have used the F3 for more than 34 years . I agree with you regards to how it feels to use the F3. Fantastic review maybe one of the best . I love the finders especially the action finder DA-2 . The many screens etc . I agree with the exposure lock button it’s a must on any film camera. Yes the 28/F2.8 AIS is an amazing lens

[@jasonisip9619]

Thank you for putting to words why the f3 is fantastic. Mine is a hand me down from my father bought 2nd hand in 1982 i think! Still flawless today. Tough!

[@marshalltravis3217]

Good job! I just acquired this setup: the F3 and a 28 mm lens. I have to say that this is a very nice piece of kit. I have a couple of F bodies that I love and carry around daily. The F3 is outstanding and I would have to agree with you on the weight, I was expecting it to be heavier. It feels good in my hands,unlike the F4 I had. I look forward to putting a roll through it soon.

[@dishboy14]

I highly recomend the H2 focus screen for the F3. It's micro prism across the entire viewfinder makes focusing in low light even easier!

[@larrymccready5636]

Second your love of the Nikkor 28 mm 2.8 AIS lens. My favorites lens ever. Super sharp and versatile.

[@thewildgoose7467]

I've been into photography for over 40 years and collect and use Nikon film cameras, but at some stage have owned/used almost every make of camera out there. For me the Nikon F3hp is simply the best photographers camera there is. It has everything a photographer needs, and nothing that they don't. It's not perfect (what is?) but it's as close as makes no difference. Excellent video BTW, a bit like the F3 where all the important stuff is covered

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Nikon film cameras have always had a special place in my heart as well, especially as my first film SLR in my high school photography class was a Nikon N55 around 20 years ago. Nothing quite like the F3, but a pivotal moment nonetheless.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Exposure-Compensation-Dial: Adjust it with left index finger and left thumb. You put the side of your thumb on the release-button and push down, while you clamp the dial between thumb and index-finger sliding the thumb over the release-button. Easy as cake.

[@filipsefcik4634]

I love my F3 with Nikkor 35/2 ais. This combo is soooo well balanced and exactly right weight to be solid but not too heavy 😁

[@markorchard2272]

Great video of a simply amazing camera! (by the way, there's a tiny red button front right on the pentaprism that illuminates the LCD in the viewfinder)

[@P--O]

Great and really inspirational video! I own the F3 but I started with the FE2 which I bought back in -83. Lovely camera too! Thank you for sharing! Greetings from Sweden

[@richardsimms251]

I have one of these cameras in excellent shape with the appropriate lenses. It is wonderful. Great video. Thanks RS. Canada

[@alexscott7226]

It's easy to forget that these videos are made by and for people who have grown up with AF cameras... nearly all the tings you explain so well are things that were common in 35mm SLRs way back before AF... common in all brands of SLR... the F3 was my dream camera... build quality, accuracy... it's just the best 35mm SLR ever...

[@JDPhotography7]

Great review of the F3. I recently purchased one that is being fully serviced, so looking forward to shooting with it soon.

[@marketingmixture]

I’m lucky to own one - I really appreciated this review. We often own things that we don’t appreciate exactly how good they are. Many thanks

[@achillesmtzb.9006]

Could you make review about the camera nokon n55 ,,, kind of tutorial to show how it works !!!

[@casamino]

Great video! I think I'm sold. Have you since played with the newer Nikon Zf? It's a dream!

[@rjcason98]

I have that camera , and too many lenses. Very reliable and easy to get great shots. Maybe too easy. For a challenge I use a Canon FT QL with FL lenses and stop down metering. But after watching your video I am going to load film in the F3 and shoot a few rolls. Thank you for reminding me how great this camera is !

[@buf67]

great review. i think i'm going to get one. and thanks for the insight on the lens

[@michaelhawkins6382]

I recently picked up a Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 and I'd love to get an F3 to shoot it with a period-specific camera body. Thanks for a great review on a world-class classic camera.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you so much! I’m sure the Noct pairs beautifully with the F3! I’d be interested to see that combo shot on Fuji Acros or T-max 100 to catch all the detail it can produce 👍

[@outbackbozos3837]

I bought my F3hp back in 1988 and it's still working perfectly. And..it is definitely weather sealed despite your statement that it isn't 😊 World's best SLR 📸

[@oliverlison]

I love the F3. I still use it for professional assignments.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

So glad to hear that, Oliver!

[@TheDoctorPhotographer]

I have 3 F3’s and on the way to collect more. I shoot with two and keep one as a collectible. Beautiful cameras!

[@SpinStar1956]

I bought The Minolta XD-5 which is the poor man’s version with added shutter preferred mode. It has the same kind of focusing system with the split prism and the shimmering circle. I purchased this back in 1979 and to this day still have the camera system. I mainly shot with Panatomic-X film (ASA-32); and when they quit producing that film I went away from film into digital photography. But I still have fun loving memories of my XD-5 and all of the wonderful hours spent in the dark room with both color slide film as well as the ubiquitous black-and-white…

[@inverlane1939]

Great review Matthew and you have yourself another subscriber.

[@randallstewart175]

I appreciate his point about having a solid camera which will do what you want/need without loading it down with menus and gimmicks which have more to do with marketing than utility. I confess that overall, I prefer my F100 for its wider compatibility with newer lenses, but I have my F3 with a full kit of basic accessories and top quality Nikon lenses when I want to go retro with my prime lenses. My one complaint of the F3 is the idiotic prism switch for the LED backlight on the HP prism - so small and stiff that it is practically useless most of the time.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for the feedback! I like the F100 a lot and it seems like the apex of what Nikon did with film SLRs before the digital era. Absolutely agreed about the light in the viewfinder, I really can't tell it's on and thought that maybe the light was going out on mine. I just usually forget that it has that feature.

[@ElReySupr3me]

Literally the only issues with the F3! That damn wonky tiny ass red illuminator button. Apparently there is a guy in Japan who knows how to make the light stay on for like 15 seconds. Japan Camera Hunter stated that before. Thats really what it needs and it'll pretty much be perfect.

[@BrunoChalifour]

@@ElReySupr3me Agreed I have always had a problem using it... when it worked.

[@robdavis1492]

Great video - thanks very much for taking the effort to put it together. I've just bought my first F3, a very late (about 2000/2001) model. I've owned and used a lot of cameras (film and digital) and the F3 is the best! I agree with what you say about the experience of using one - it makes me want to take more photographs! My particular favourite feature is the shutter sound - awesome :-)

[@elliotresnick5433]

If you don’t mind me asking where did you buy it and how much did it cost?

[@parrotheadstx]

Just purchased my first F3 at 60 years of age. Thank you very much for this awesome review. The F3 was a recommendation from a friend who's been in the photography business for 40+ years.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Congrats on picking up an F3! I'm glad this video was able to help in some way and I hope you love the camera! Spoiler alert, I have no doubt you will.

[@BrunoChalifour]

How could you buy a Nikon F3 "60 years ago" when the camera was released in 1980??

[@SurrealExposure12]

@@BrunoChalifour reading is hard😢

[@zongliu5062]

@@BrunoChalifour He purchased his first F3 at his 60 years of age, not camera at its 60 years age. That is my understanding.

[@whatsonmytable]

Happy to give the 1000th like on this video.excellent video with great detail.

[@artisans8521]

Yes. When the flexprint isn't cracked during production. Mine (bought in 1981) had such a problem, which on and off plagued it till 1987 when said in the Hague, replace it, charge me if you must, but check it. After being serviced by both the Dutch and the German (Dusseldorf) service branch of Nikon. They did, and low and behold, there was a crack in one of the power lines to the shutter, causing it to short out. The whole board was replaced with very nice letter full of very Japanese excuses in English, straight from Japan and a refund of all my bills. Since this was clearly a fault a production, and could not have been caused by wear and teer. As bring four eyed, I traded in the normal shutter for an HP shutter. And it's still in use till today.

[@colynbarrett8127]

Good evening Matthew. Just watched your Very interesting video on The Nikon F3HP. It's a beautiful Camera which along with the FM2N are My Personal Favourite of The Nikon Olde Worldy Cameras. Also, along with the Nikon Nikkor 28mm AIS Lens a50 mm f1.8 and a 135mm f/ 2.8 are My Personal Favourites. I agree with you reference The exposure compensation button but, i guess it's nit picking. Anyway great video on possibly One of the best Nikon Film Cameras. Alongside the FM2N. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn. Subscribed.

[@carlitodcreative]

Cool channel. My Favorite for 35mm film is the Nikon F5, DSLR Nikon D850 its a great combo.

[@MultiSciGeek]

Great review! I'm considering this... I love analogue technology so much... But I'm stuck on the potential costs of film & development...

[@rjcason98]

I bough an F3 HP earlier this year. Perfect follow up from the Nikkormat (still have it). I had non-ai lenses only, now I have a few ai. Strangely enough I shoot digital with a Canon 5D mk3 and a 7D mk2

[@jackleung6964]

Looking at the Nikon F3 to see what it has to offer vs my Canon F-1. They seem very comparable . Nikon F3 does give more flexibility on the lens system, and i didnt know that until this video. Where the canon are stuck with FD mounts. Great video.!

[@sportsfanivosevic9885]

I have both and find the Canon feels hard and ergonomically unfreindly. Not that it's bad, just that it could be better in the hands. What I'm trying to express is that the Nikon feels freindly by comparison, however you need to really like the camera to put up with it's light meter arrangement.

[@MrMartinRose]

A very nice statement for the F3! It was my dream camera in the early ‘80s but I could not afford it. So back in the days I bought an FM. Today I have an F3 and I love it, but my working horse and fastest camera is the FM. It never needed any service within 40 years of continuously being used.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for the comment! I haven’t tried the FM but have heard great things about it. I just love all of the Nikon film bodies from this era, simple and elegant design and a joy to use.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Funny to call the FM a "workhorse" by comparison to an F3 once noted the difference in built and weight! ;o)

[@MrMartinRose]

@@BrunoChalifour Yes, Bruno, you are right, the F3 is the advanced and more sturdy camera compared to the FM. As I prefer manual light metering the system of the FM fits to me much better. No need for exposure compensation or memory button. To use the F3 in manual mode you have to look at tiny numbers in a small LCD display. The FM light meter system is very clear and easy. Although the F3 is a masterpice I pick the FM more often. By the way, I am an amateur and do not shoot pictures day by day.

[@rockartistet]

The spit image is there depending on which focusing screen your using. Correction it’s not Center waited it a more long meter patern 60/20

[@canadiantraveller604]

This is a fantastic video, very informative. Thinking about taking the plunge, but I have a question. I've heard that the LED can fail on the camera, making it unusable. Is this true, and is it a common weakness of this camera at this age?

[@REDANDBLEU]

Great review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 . I just got the Xt4 with 18mm f1.4 and I was looking for a film camera. Maybe the Nikon F3 😃👋

[@luzr6613]

I was living in London when the F3 came out. Like many others, i'd stand in the camera store and stare at it, knowing i had no hope of affording it. It stood out as a most magnificent beast. So, i emptied my bank on a Minolta XD7 - good camera, btw. Nowadays, i've far to much vintage glass in M42 and OM to consider the F3, but it still stops me when i see one. But, on the other hand, i do have an Auto-Q 20cm sitting at the back of the cabinet....

[@johnjoenugent6359]

Great video, I learned a thing or 2. I just bought one the other day, I was quite happy with the FM for AFD lenses and F80 for modern lenses, but I wanted a proper F camera, I got a good deal one in great condition, just minor scratches on the baseplate, the seller even threw in 2 lenses (afd 24mm f2.8 and the 28mm f2.8 featured here) and a lightmeter (Sekonic L398, selenium meter but probably still accurate if kept in a dark place) for an extra €30. It was a bargain. I just wish I could use some modern ultra wide angles, like the Irix 11mm, with it then I would be delighted, I will look for an m39 adapter and try the Voigtlander 15mm f4.5

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful to you. That's quite a deal on an amazing kit! Yeah, G lenses are out of the question unfortunately. I've used the Irix 15 2.4 on my Nikon D750 and quite liked it. Samyang/Rokinon makes some lovely manual focus f-mount lenses with an aperture ring that work great with the F3. I used their 35mm f1.4, though I'm not sure if they have anything wider than 20mm for f-mount manual focus. Let me know if you find anything, though!

[@eltinjones4542]

I've the FM which I bought at a discount 4o yrs ago, the FM2 had been released at the time It has some of the features of the F3 including an m90 shutter speed if the battery dies, I've often used this thankfully It also has a depth of field preview and a mechanical slow shutter release It still works with the original 50mm kit lens 📷👍 Ps if I come across an F3 in a decent condition I'd consider buying it 👍

[@mrsusan893]

I'm thinking about getting this as my first slr. I shoot landscapes with my Z7 but have always wanted to try film.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

This would be a great transition from using a Z7, particularly if you have an F to Z adapter and can share F-mount lenses with the Z7!

[@poniatowski3547]

great video. Yes the F3 is the camera. That build and film advance is sublime. I have the same lenses except the Japan only 50mm f1.8 AIS pancake is the bomb. Having said that mated to the 50mm f1.2 AIS for portraits is pure silk. I'd recommend the 180mm f2.8 as well.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for the comment! I’ll have to try the 180 f2.8 as well. A little longer than I typically shoot, but thanks for the recommendation!

[@ldbass62]

Great video! Love mine! I also love the 100% viewfinder coverage as well.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, it’s so much easier to compose with that viewfinder versus other 35mm cameras I’ve used.

[@SolaresLarrave1]

Thanks for your very useful video! I just ordered one of these cameras because I discovered the joys of manual focusing. Like you, I've come from Nikon film and digital SLRs, but I quickly adopted rangefinders (Leica and Nikon) and after them, re-discovered older cameras and bodies. Your video showed the uses and features of this body from the user's perspective, which is the most helpful one. Thanks for uploading it. BTW, my favorite camera? Perhaps (still) my Leica rangefinders, even though right now I've fallen into using the Nikon ones (S3 and SP). Reason? Just because! :)

[@BrunoChalifour]

A few additions: better grip with the Motor-Drive (MD); the battery does not last for years if you use the camera on a regular (at the time professional) basis; then, and those were not the days of the dinosaur, there were a few high-resolution types of film (Technical-Pan around 10 ASA/ISO or less) that necessitated a low ASA / ISO scale.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have my F3hp and about to buy a new Voightlander 40mm F2 for it. Love this camera and have been shooting it for years. I shoot it in aperture priority mostly. It is hard to see the metering in the view finder sometimes for manual shooting. I have the 28mm but really don't like that focal length. I absolulty love my 55mm Micro and 135mmm F2 lenses though.

[@arricammarques1955]

David Bailey & I agree Pentax LX has less issues.

[@OttoJg14]

Right on brother

[@BartdenOuden]

The F3 is by no means the best camera. I bought an unused F3 in 2022 because I wanted to own the camera's I dreamt of in the eighties as a teenager. It was interesting to finaly being able to actually use it. The exposure information in the viewfinder is quirky. I don't like the release point of the the shutter button very much and isn't ergonomicaly placed well. It has a tiny button for lighting the viewfinder information that is practically unusable. Mirrorlockup is chique but I don't think anyone has ever used it. The exposure lock button is not placed well. After a few days I bought an unused FE2 which which has much nicer information in the viewfinder for manual exposure and I prefer it to actually take pictures with. I don't regret buying the F3 though, because it's beautiful and an icon, and it's lovely to see it standing next to it's archrival, a Canon New F1.

[@lensman5762]

F3 is heavily center weighted and highly accurate. I have a few other Nikon F series cameras like F4s, and the F3s center weighted expsoure compares favourably with that of the F4s either in Spot mode or in Matrix Metering mode. One thing that is worth mentioning about the F3 is that if you use the mirror lock up then you have to set the exposure manually for the F3. The metering system just does not work in the mirror lock up mode. My F4s is the same.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Fair point! Thanks for calling out the fact that you need to manually set the exposure when using this mode.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Having used both F3 and F4s extensively, I found that in practical/technical terms the F4s is far more efficient (AF option, centre-weighed, spot or matrix light metering, included motor-drive, 1/250s sync speed, better exposure compensation ergonomics, integrated diopter-correction for the viewfinder) but it is true that on a purely tactile experience the F3 can be very pleasant. I would say that the F4s is a professional's work-horse and that the F3 might be his/her Sunday camera ;o)

[@lensman5762]

@@BrunoChalifour What people should know, is that Nikon with F4s set the mould not only for all future Nikon SLRS and DSLRs but also for all other manufcaturers. Pentax decided to stick with the old formula with their LX, which never really got anywhere, despite being a decent pro camera for the time. The F4 is a decade ahead of the F3 in terms of development and technology. It is not really fair to compare the two. The F3 was a giant of its time.

[@BrunoChalifour]

@@lensman5762 Absolutely.

[@doofwop]

My dad gave me one of these, with the motor drive when he bought the F3T. Unfortunately he did not hand me down any Nikkor glass. His Nikkors were sacrosanct. Me being a broke college student, had to use Sigmas. Regardless of this and never having really read the owner's manual I managed to use it fruitfully for years and years. Never took a bad photo with it actually. It's my favorite film camera of all time too. Haven't shot a frame of film in 30 years though.

[@TheWordySeagull]

I grew up learning to shoot on this camera from about age 12. I agree with you when you say it's an extension of your body. I would even dream about this camera and the completely tactile experience it provides. Then it was stolen from me at about age 24. Now i'm going to replace it with a nice copy off the Japanese market. Thank you for your review!

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I’m so sorry that happened to you! I would’ve been crushed. Glad you’ll be bringing another F3 into your life and can’t wait to see what you do with it!

[@lst141]

Does it have TTL in the flash? The AF model is worth it ? Equiped with a HP viewfinder (even without the special viewfinder) I like the Canon new F1…

[@fgue9976]

Thank you so much for this video. I just purchased my first F3 and can't wait to use it! Can you confirm exactly which lens you use - the 28mm F2.8 AIS? There are so many models and types out there, and I can't seem to nail down which one it is, as there are some for E/MF/automatic, etc.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Sorry for the late reply! Yes, it's the 28mm 2.8 AIS. I hope you're enjoying the F3 and it inspires you to take amazing photos!

[@bondgabebond4907]

How would you compare the F3 vs FE2? I own the FE2, wonderful camera, electronic shutter, smaller, lighter?

[@thetypewriterist7949]

I love my Nikon F3 with my Nikkor 50mm 1.2 lens. The optional DW-3 waist-level view finder makes this the perfect film camera for me.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I've always wanted to try the waist level finder. Do you find it to be too small to accurately judge focus, in comparison to a larger WL finder on a medium format camera? I bet that combo would be great for unobtrusive street photography!

[@thetypewriterist7949]

@@MatthewArringtonphoto Street photography is the only thing for which I use the DW-3. I find that you can photograph inanimate objects until the cows come home and nobody gives a rat's ass. But aim a camera in the general direction of humans, and everything changes. Few people understand that they are being photographed when someone is looking down. at their camera.

[@Spuzzmacher]

I'm in love with my FA. I can't wait to add an F3hp to my quiver. These videos are going to cost me some $.

[@kevinhuang8587]

Thanks for the review as I’m considering getting myself , may I ask if for the lens option is it possible To fit on those modern lens just an idea haha thanks !

[@cwmoss69]

When they made the little speed bump of grip on it - the fans went wild, it was revolutionary.

[@ivaa7777JAWA]

Thank you for great information

[@ElReySupr3me]

I love my F3. It's a beautiful camera, and a solid everyday camera. I use a 50mm 1.4 zeiss zf, 105mm 2.5 "rarely", and looking for either a 35mm or 28mm ais.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I would love to try Zeiss glass on the F3! I bet the sharpness would really sing on a fine-grained film like Fuji Acros! Yeah, I don't typically shoot longer lenses too often, like 100mm or longer, I see them as more specialty lenses. Thanks for the comment!

[@alberte58]

Check out the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 Distagon (ZF.2 version will communicate lens data to other Nikon Camera’s) as good as the Zeiss 35m f/1.4 Distagon but with less weight. Both Zeiss lenses are much better then the Nikon 35mm lenses (f/1.4 …)

[@alberte58]

Zeiss 28mm f/2.0 Distagon is much better then the Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AIS, if you live with the field curvature of the Zeiss lens.

[@el_camino_real]

Hi! Great video. I wonder if the Samyang 135mm F2.0 ED UMC lens will be fully compatible with the Nikon F3? Thanks for the answer!

[@sputumtube]

I've always thought that the diagonally split prism of the cheap & cheerful Ricoh range was more useful.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Oooh, good point! I do tend to rotate the camera when focusing to get the point of focus on a diagonal to make it a little easier. As the focusing screen is changeable on the Nikon F3, I believe the L type screen has a 45 degree split prism. I’d love to try that out!

[@evhvariac2]

A very well articulated and professional video

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@tangyichen6088]

You should totally do a comparison between the Canon New F-1 and Nikon F3! Would love to see that :)

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Oooh, I've have to get my hands on one to try it out! I've used the Canon AE1, though, and think it's a capable camera if you're invested in Canon glass.

[@cameraprepper7938]

No, I had two Nikon F3 Cameras, I was not fund of it, but my two Canon New F-1 Cameras are the best ever analogue 35mm SLR Camera ever made ! I will not even start to mention other film format Cameras, because there are better ones in other film formats !

[@khanscombe619]

Battery! I've never had 1 die on me out about or have I gone that far out w/o having spare set if not tested. They can sit 5-7 yrs easy. These cheep outdated 1s can die in 2-3 metering heavily. I use Renata Swiss made. Our DSLR or even worse, mirrorless will die way faster even in same session. The F3HP is timeless. But it was built for the fast hard working photographer. The FA was more the little brother to it. That said, I love the classic feel of F3HP for its TTL flash w/ a SC-17 TTL adapter (only took 10 yrs to get it), SB-800 works brilliantly and way lighter then old SB-16A/B. But if I'm being honest, my go to for function & ergonomics is hands down my F4E in short mode w/ MB-20 grip, fast enough on 4x AA full AF-D, Matrix balanced TTL fill flash & still mounts NAi S auto or G (S & P mode). I still use an F2AS for nostalgia.

[@hlash99]

Great review! For me the F3 is a close second to the FM3a. The F3 is built like a tank but the FM3a has a crazy mechanical hybrid shutter that lets you shoot up to 1/4000 without batteries (whether that actually matters is up for debate😉)

[@BrunoChalifour]

Not quite the same generation. The FM3A came some 20 years after the first F3; in more recent terms, imagine the same thing in terms of digital cameras.

[@willibaldvesely2103]

Mine is a FE2 and F4s, F100, but also currently using fujifilm S3. All are taking lots of effort. Keeps me alert. Willibald from Austria, age 78.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@BrunoChalifourbut the F3 was made till 2001. Film cameras didn’t have giant leaps in technology. Most advances were made by the films available. Nikons first AF pro camera the F4 was discontinued before the F3. It took Nikon 8 years to go from the F4 to the F5. It’s amazing that the F3 remained in production side by side with the F4 & F5.

[@BrunoChalifour]

@@bngr_bngr Yes true but the F4 (and F4s) was a huge leap forward compared to the F3: AF system and synch speed up to 1/250s, motorised rewind. Multi exposure modes. I used both professionally. Once I got my hands on an F4 I never went back to the F3 (although the manual film advance was the smoothest ever produced). And I was so happy with the F4 that I never upgraded to the F5 when it came out.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@BrunoChalifour I never could live with the single AF point of the F4. I switched to the superior AF system in the Canon.

[@frankbozenhardt5246]

Does the F3 has exchangeable viewfinders like a waist level finder for example?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

It does! The viewfinder can be easily removed and the ground glass serves as a waist level finder. I’m not too sure about other viewfinders, as I haven’t had much experience with them. The feature is there, however.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Yes there are at least 4 versions available. (Not mentioning the AF module of 1983).

[@litespud]

Absolute camera porn. I sold my F3HP outfit when I switched to digital, a decision I regret to this day. By far my favorite ever camera. Not without fault - the design team must have been drinking when they came up with the exposure compensation and the ludicrous viewfinder illumination, but the sheer competence and durability of the F3 more than made up for these quirks. And as a glasses wearer, the high eyepoint DE-3 head was without equal ❤

[@Earclops]

For the Tokina 100mm macro lens, does that lens screw on like the standard lens? I am new to this and I don’t want to damage it? This is specifically what I bought. Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 AF Macro NA Nikon F mount From JAPAN

[@TopshelfJunior]

F3 vs F100 vs. F5 ?! Wanna buy my first Nikon, which should I get...?!

[@DirtyDeadRabbit]

I’d love to dress up my F3 with that cool little red shutter button. Where could I buy one for my F3?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I got mine on Amazon, it’s actually much more ergonomic. If you search for “VKO Red Soft Metal Shutter Release Button”, that’s the one :)

[@Carfree-Cities]

When I bought my first Nikon F, I swore I would never buy another camera (I had half-a-dozen of them, in fact, several stolen). Then somebody put an F3 HP in my hands, and I bought two of them. I only stopped using them when I got my D70 and never shot film again. I hated the D70, but I shot an awful lot with it. I won't shoot film again, but an F3 would be the only camera I would ever consider using with film And, yeah, pretty close to perfect.

[@calvinwu3861]

Really great camera, I had it once.

[@SkyDivingBeaver]

Would this be a good beginner camera ?

[@the_last_rangefinder_society]

Really good video, thanks

[@justnoted2995]

Aww you are such a romantic with a camera. I share your joy! Thank you for invigorating film photography.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@ericjhaber]

I just took a look in my f3/t and it doesn't look like the shutter curtain is titanium, rather it looks cloth. Am I missing something?

[@BrunoChalifour]

Yes the T is Titanium for the body (it started with the F2 where top and bottom plate and prism were in titanium). All F3s, and this from the very beginning, were equipped with titanium shutters.

[@parissideridis8907]

I love my F3HP so much

[@davidroberts6766]

I love(d) my Nikon F3. I have created some of my favourite images with it. Recently the shutter jammed and broke. I almost cried. Maybe I did. I was in shock. In our hyper inflation current reality, it is difficult to justify $ to either fix or replace it, given I have over a dozen film cameras, including the magnificent Nikon FM3A, FA, FM2n and F100 on my shelves. Still, I am tempted, because this camera is a beauty to use! That film advance….so amazing.

[@RANDassociatesinc]

The manual/mechanical shutter speed is 1/80th sec.

[@pauleichenberger4966]

Kodak, not Kokak. The FA in some ways is a superior camera--250th sec flash synch, 4000th sec shutter speed, and amazing AMP metering. I've shot both, and I'll take the FA every time.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for catching that typo! I’m surprised no one else mentioned it yet!

[@kylewood8327]

I did find one w/1.4 lens though they’re not budget film cameras anymore, but F’it it’s as close to a Leica I’ll ever get!

[@chriscaarnold]

Fm3a? I have both. Usually i grab my fe unless i really need a very fast shutter.

[@chriscaarnold]

Ive taken thousands of digital photos and a few of them are good. Ive taken hundreds of 35mm photos. Hundreds are good. You think before you commit. Sometimes you miss the shot though. If you need lots of shots fast knowing the subject needs to be captured in a chance moment digital will do it better/cheaper/quicker. Failing that the old Nikon 35mm cameras with some experience are nicer to own. Nicer to use. Nicer to hold. Nicer to look at. And i just fucking luv then more than just a tool. I wonder if “vintage” digital cameras in the future will hold suck hi regard. I doubt it. A good 35mm camera is solid, beautiful, satisfying, valuable and almost timeless and as long as you can buy film to put in them they will remain relevant. Its the simplicity of shooting with them, the satisfaction of using them, the quality of the workmanship and pride of ownership. Buy and fe,f2,f3,fm3a. Or any of the good nikons and it will probably retain its value, and if you use it you will love it.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I agree with absolutely every point you've made here. I get far more keepers with my film cameras, partially because I'm more considered and thoughtful before I use one of my few exposures, and partially because of the tactile feel of using the camera. I've had the F3 for almost 6 years now and know that I'll never sell it and that it'll always be an incredible image-making tool many years hence. There aren't a lot of digital cameras that give me that same confidence. They're sort of expendable until the next variant arrives. At least the glass can make the transition from camera to camera if you stick to a system. I really appreciate your comment and the sentiment you've shared!

[@hectorazar9632]

I still have the Nikon F 3 I have digital F 5 and the F 3 feels more professional even though it is analog

[@juliusvermeer5857]

Amazing video! Went online and bought one😅

[@jimpix8019]

F3hp. Excellent camera. A proper workhorse. I had one through the 80/90’s. Great using it with the waist level finder, good for shooting boxing bouts just resting it on the canvas looking down on the screen like using a 120 TLR. Also, upside down shooting overhead of crowds. Also, on a rostrum for copy work. Great motor wind too. I only have my FM2n now. And a D850 for digital work. I’ve had many Nikon models but had to keep the FM2n. Of course I kept all my lenses. Great video. Keep em coming. May the Force be with you.🌀 Jim🌀 (-: :-)

[@SamCarleton]

Back in the day I shoot with a F3HP, your 100% right it is a GREAT camera, one of my all time favorites. There is in,y one that beats it, Leica M6. Lots of reason, but he only reason I bring it up is focus. While the F3 does a great job 8n low light, there is NOTHING like the Leica M series. Where ALL SLR’s are dimmer in the view finder due to the through the lens aspect, subject to the speed of the Len, the Leica M series actually makes it brighter by projecting a ghosts image over the real image via the viewfinder which doesn’t block any light! Go rent a M6/M7 and give it a try in low light, you will be amazed!

[@SamCarleton]

@@leolion4898 you did NOT put any criteria on your title of possible best camera ever, thus is it complete fair to compare it against the M6. Truth be told, while the M6 is an amazing camera and in many ways it the best camera ever, there are other ways it is the worse camera ever. Try to shoot sports or wildlife with an M6, impossible. But try to use the F3HP in and sound studio during filing, equally impossible. Both haves pros and cons.

[@corb352]

Would an Hp still be worth it if we don't wear glasses?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

I think so, it's still nice to get a whole view of the frame without pressing my eye against the viewfinder. Also, it's great if your wear sunglasses as well!

[@BrunoChalifour]

Yes it does make looking through the viewfinder easier and more comfortable.

[@FrankoFM2]

Great video 👏👏👏👏

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!