Nikon F3 - Shoot analog like a boss!

[@PPISAFETY]

I've owned every one of the single digit F's from Nikon. I started out with the original F in 1973 as a teenager. This was a camera I could never have afforded at the time. But I went to work part-time for a professional photographer as an apprentice. His main business was weddings and school portraits, but for the latter contracts he also had to shoot school sporting events. He hated doing this so it became my job. He handed me two beat up F's, one with a 35mm Nikkor on it, and the other with a 135mm attached, and a huge Metz flash gun. He also kept big stocks of bulk Tri-X film at his studio (film was very cheap back then), and I was free to take as much as I wanted to shoot for myself, and to use his darkroom. I received no pay, but when I graduated from high school, he gave me the gear to keep. Since then, I have been a huge fan of the single digit F's, and in general prefer very rugged camera bodies. My favorite of all of them has been the F3. It seems for me to be just the right size, and has just enough automation for me since I am mostly an aperture priority shooter. As you said, some of the controls can be a bit fiddly, but they are all (except for that damned AE Lock) designed so that a pro didn't screw up an expensive assignment by having a setting changed unintentionally, or having the back come open with a precious roll of already exposed film inside. I got an Olympus in the late 70's, and enjoyed its small size, but it seemed a bit fragile by comparison. Today, my OM-2n sits on a display shelf with a broken meter, while my single digit F's all still work. My current film bag holds the F3, along with its little brother, the EM.

[@tomscameras]

Hey Tom, thanks for your story and insights! Actually my first camera purchases as a teenager in the early 1990s were a used Nikkormat and a Nikon F, I was working in a supermarket after school. Best money ever spent, I used these cameras all the time until I switched to digital around 2005 (ugh ...) so I got Canon EOS bodies which had the best digital sensors at the time. One of my best friends had a Nikon F3 back then, but I loved my old Nikon F and stuck to it. Today I'm not sure: The F and F2 bodies are utterly reliable, but their Photomic viewfinders can be troublesome after all those years. The F3 is more comfortable to shoot, of course. So after I had the chance to shoot this loaner F3 for the video, I'm really torn myself: Should I get an F2 and maybe the plain eyelevel viewfinder? Or look for a nice F3. Ahh a lot of great options :) I own three OM-1's by now and they are currently my main analog 35mm system. They are really delicate compared to the Nikon. The light meters also can be a bit temperamental, but at least that won't stop the cameras from working as the OM-1 is fully manual. If I'd opt for a camera with aperture-priority, I think I would only buy a Nikon. I just have more trust in Nikon's electronics than all the other brands. And by the way, EM and F3 are a great couple! :) Cheers, Thomas

[@marcp.1752]

I think equally. I mostly shooted Tri-X, but also XP2 Super, Delta, and Acros, HP5+. The single digit F's are extraordinary. Would love to own a F6 since it's release, but i couldn't afford, never justify it's price. F3 is fine. I'd say, every brand does have it's iconic camera models, SLRs or -Rangefinders from back into the heyday.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Thanks for sharing your story - very cool.

[@joerg_koeln]

I have all bodies from F2 to F6 and F3 is the most portable one with enough features. The F4/F5/F6 are too clumsy, the F2 is built like a tank, but heavy and has no aperture prio. As a high school kid I could not afford buying a F3, so I bought the FE2. Later I received a F3 from my father, but it had problems, and I sold it. Recently I bought a working F3 HP in mint condition which came with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 pancake, the 80-200 f/4 and the AF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 for around 350 bucks.

[@esfahan1961]

Bought 2 F3 in 1990 while in Bahrain. Then in 1994 I came back from a honeymoon and hardly a shot sharp (I’m slightly short sighted). Sold my Nikon equipment to move to a Leica M6 Classic in 1994, a M6 TTL in 2002 with Summicron 35, 50 & 90mm. Never faced any issue with rangefinders and keep shooting Leica happily ever since. Thanks for bringing back memories from time gone by.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for sharing your story! I think it is a very individual experience if SLR viewfinders or rangefinders work better for someone! By the way many old SLR finders are adjusted for slightly short-sighted eyes. The reason being that many people are slightly short-sighted, and a healthy eye can also always adopt easily to a shorter distance if the viewfinder is adjusted like that. But this can become an issue for older folks that suffer from presbyopia. By the way, Nikon and I also think Leica offer (or offered) various diopter lenses that screw in the viewfinder to cater for the individual eyes of the photographers.

[@esfahan1961]

@@tomscameras they do indeed +0.75 & +1.25x but in a Leica rangefinder those magnifier come at the expense of losing the wider angle frames in the viewfinder.

[@tomscameras]

@@esfahan1961 Yes they offer these magnifying lenses but then also some that just act like miniature screw-on glasses to cater for short-sightedness or presbyopia!

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

@@tomscameras Those older folks is me. I just yesterday had to use a "0" correction lens on my FE2. Nikon is using a confusing naming-scheme on their correction-lenses. The "0" lens is not just a plain glass but has 1 dioptrien and, therefore, changes the finder-view from an optical power of -1 to 0. Now I have again a crisp and clear view of all information in the finder including the dust it has accumulated over the last 30 years.

[@GurkanEmecan]

It has been almost 35 years since I used this camera. I used Nikon FM3A after Nikon F3. As I said, many years have passed. Technology, digital has surrounded us all. After watching this video, I picked up the F3 again. I got old. He's aged too, but he's still working. It still shoots at a shutter speed of 2000. I now use digital and I am still an amateur. Thanks for reminding me of old friend.. (Google translate.)

[@tomscameras]

Yes, these cameras are like trusty old friends! Many thanks for sharing your story!

[@richardcorry2955]

Really good to watch thanks. I was given 3 nikon cameras as a gift from a customer of mine 7 years ago. Nikon fe, fmn2n all mechanical and the F3. All beautiful cameras but the F 3 is my favourite. Before I moved out London I learned its ways walking the streets of London. I discovered the double exposure ability and really loved playing around with this. The feel of this camera, its sounds, the quality of the photos. Beautiful 📸❤️

[@tomscameras]

Hey Richard! That's a great gift. I totally understand why you fell in love with the F3, the quality feel of these single-digit F bodies is really something special! Wish you a lot of fun with it!

[@lensman5762]

I have an F3 which is a rare one. It is an F3-N. It was designed for news photographers. it has a different HP prism, no self timer, no threaded shutter release ( it is a rubber sealed button ), in any case. I have had Nikons for years, all F line and even an EM. What was impressive about Nikon lenses was that most of them were 52mm filter thread, from 20mm to 80~200 F4 zoom. One set of filters, adapters and accessories. Compare that with others or even Nikon of today. Expensive 77/82 mm filters all over the place. Lenses that weight over 1.3kg, etc etc etc. At times I wish that we could turn the clock back. Life was much more simple 40 or so years ago.

[@tomscameras]

Hey, it sounds to me you've got the Nikon F3-P, P for "press". It was a special edition that had all those changes that you mention. The difference in the HP prism was that it had a standard hot shoe for flashes on the prism, whereas all the other F3's had that special attachment that slips over the rewind crank (like F and F2). I totally agree that having standardized 52mm filter threads is one of the best things of the Nikon AI lens program! Today, no one pays attention to this, as you say. But even back then, many other manufacturers had at least two standard filter sizes ... for example Olympus had 49mm and 55mm, which was already a bit annoying! And yes, the size of the AI lenses is perfect, whereas today they tend to be very bulky and oversized ... that's the price we have to pay for being overly obsessed with "optical perfection" I guess!

[@lensman5762]

@@tomscameras Yes, You are correct. As for the size of the todays lenses, well the less I go on about it the better. The 35mm F1.4 Sigma is as large as the old 24~70 zoom, and some new 50mm lenses are the size of an old 105 F2. Nuts. As for optical ' perfection ', I just use my large format. Nothing, nothing that I have in digital including the 36MP D800 come close in tonality and impact. That is just me, I guess. Others might go on about their 100MP Fuji or Hasselblad or Phase One.

[@thomaschipman]

i saw the shallow depth of field at the start of the video and immediately thought to myself, "Takahiro's got a new lens" lol. nice work gentlemen. nicely filmed and entertaining as always. cheers.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot for your feedback! Yes, Takahiro actually switched from EOS R with Tamron 15-30/2.8 to a Sony A7 IV and Sigma 35/1.4 ... which is what we used for filming this episode! One of the drawbacks of the old EOS R was that it can shoot 4k only with APS-C crop ... well Canon fixed that with the R6 and R5 models but the Sony A7 IV was just a more appealing offer overall for him ... Coming to think of it, maybe we should make a review video about that A7 IV once. I have to find a way how to make it fit into my channel 😀

[@flowermaze___]

@6:30 the stop down level locks! Mind blown. Thank you! I got this to shoot mostly pre ai in auto mode. Game changer!

[@flowermaze___]

Just tried it. It’s actually mirror lock up 😕

[@flowermaze___]

As an aside, early canon FD cameras can lock the DOF button open for shooting FL or any other lenses. Heaps better than Nikons implementation

[@tomscameras]

Yes, even though the lock mode on the FD lenses is also a bit fiddly to engage. A friend showed it to me one day! It is a very cool feature though.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Love the F3 it’s a beast with the MD-4 attached but worth it for the sound nice review greetings from the UK 🇬🇧 subbed

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks for your feedback, and have fun with your beast :)

[@danem2215]

Nice SFLaB channel references with the music and "shoot like a boss" note!

[@giedriusdaugmaudis68]

6:29 You’re a bit mistaken- this button locks the mirror, so the meter cant work at this moment, because meter is in the prism :) For metering you should only stop down the lens and metering is correct then the lens is stopped down.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, it seems I had something like a blackout there. You just press the button to stop down, but you can't lock it just there ... what I call a "lock" (turning the lever) actually flips up the mirror as well!

[@karolygalfi7401]

The meter (sensor) is in the buttom of the frame. You can just see LCD in the prism.

[@Mojave511]

I have used the F3HP for years and presently have two. Very good video and impressive photographs. I will try some Delta 100.

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks! And I do love Delta 100 for its blend of classic black&white film look with very fine grain. The only downside is the big reciprocity failure but that only matters at night. Then I do prefer T-Max 100 or Acros 100.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Very nice presentation and your own asessment matches my own when I was on the fence of buying either an F3 or FM2 in 1990. I got an F3 from a friend who was generous enougth to borrow it for several weeks and ended buying an FM2 as the F3 not only was more expensive but also more fiddly in use. Talk about flash-photography! But today as I'm using digital for serious documentary stuff, flash is no longer an issue. So I just got myself the F3 I once sneezed on and just enjoy its feel and mechanical excellence.

[@tomscameras]

Yes! The F3 is a beauty in its own right but for everyday photography, I also still prefer the smaller bodies like the FM. Sometimes, I even grab the tiny Nikon EM that I really didn’t like back in the day!

[@tvnshack]

I have a Nikkormat FT3, a FM and a F3. I love the analog "needle" of the FT3 and it's repeated on the top of the camera. So, I can get prepared for a street shot by adjusting my exposure settings and presetting my subject distance on the lens ... Read to shoot at the best moment.

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes! I shot a Nikkormat FTn throughtout the whole of the 1990s. It's a gorgeous camera! Recently I bought an FT2. I hope I'll get around to shoot it a bit and make a video about it. The only downside I see so far is that Nikkormat's are really getting old, so even though they are tough Nikons, they do more often need a service than the more new models ...

[@tvnshack]

@@tomscameras Thanks for your answer AND this very interesting video. My FT3 has a bad contact on the resistive track that determines exposure (AI ring seems Ok. Problem is with the Speed ring). I need to open it and clean it myself. Its depth of field preview button is totally stuck, but I only have AI lenses. I much prefer the two galvanometers of the Nikkormat. The depth of field preview broke, on my FM. I glued it back with epoxy resin. That F3 is new in my set. Otherwise, I love my Contax II and my Leica III o the 30's, not to mention my two Graflex Speed Graphics. I love them. I've timed their shutter and they are right on. I didn't mention my Rolleiflex (all models from the 30's and 40's). They Compur shutters are wasted: about 1 EV slower. I need to remember that when metering the light. Keep on the good work. I'll check your channel.

[@tomscameras]

@@tvnshack I love all cameras of your collection! Yes the resistive tracks of the Nikkormat’s are a common problem but as you indicate, normally the problem is at the aperture ring. Also Nikon F’s and F2’s have a similar problem in their Photomic viewfinders often. Many of these Photomic’s also have the second readout on the top plate. As for 6x6 I do love my Rolleicord Va! Brilliant shooter! Maybe I should look for a pre-war Rolleiflex one day as well!

[@jeremyrichards8327]

Good demonstration of the F3 camera and that 35 mm f2 Nikkor is one of their outstanding optics along with the 105 mm f2.5 Nikkor allegedly based on a Zeiss design. I always use a lens hood on the 35 mm lens ( and on all lenses ) as that front glass can pick up stray light and reduce contrast. My F3 is the non hp and I have no issues with vision of the screen.

[@tomscameras]

I do like the F3's non-HP viewfinder because it's a bit smaller and more compact. Remember that a friend had (or maybe still has) the 105/2.5 and yes, that lens is an outstanding gem in the Nikkor lineup!

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Many lenses from the time are based on nullified or expired german prewar-patents. But in the case of the 2.5/105 contemporary to the F3 the first one two implement its double-gauss design was the american astronomer Alvan Graham Clark in 1888. Zeiss used its principle in 1896 in the famous planar-design. But that Nikkor double-gauss 2.5/105 in fact has a predecessor which was based on the Sonnar-formula from Dr. Ludwig Bertele and patented by Zeiss Ikon in 1929.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

(6:17) Not too many newer Nikons (since mid 70's) can use old, non Ai (or pre-Ai) lenses, like the one in the picture - if you force the lens onto the camera, you can brake the ring that couples with the camera's light meter, and as far as I remember F3 is included in that category. The only exception I know of is the original FM (and maybe FE) that can lift the prong on the ring to allow mounting the old pre-Ai lens. However, the good news is that you can adapt those old pre-Ai lenses in the way that a small portion of a plastic or metal from an aperture ring will be cut, what allows old lenses to be mounted on newer cameras.

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks for your comment! Yes the Nikon F3 also has the flipping AI tab just like the original FM (but not the FM2)! You are right, the old aperture rings can be modified to fit properly to AI cameras. However if you have a nice lens in great condition, today I wouldn’t do that anymore as it hurts the value for collectors. There is another nice way how old Nikkors fit to modern bodies: My 35/2 lens has been converted back in the day when Nikon offered a service to do that. They replaced the aperture rings with new AI rings. You can see that there’s a second set of aperture numbers engraved on the ring for the aperture display inside the viewfinder. I did a full review video on this 35mm lens on my channel … maybe you‘d like to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTZmIZ5baerrc0

[@MultiSciGeek]

Very important point!

[@joerg_koeln]

Nikon offered to update the F6 to be used with pre-AI lenses. The Nikon Df also accepts very old lenses.

[@kimc5750]

Thank you again for another very professional, enjoyable and fun video! I use an F2 and never updated, but the F3 is a fantastic camera. Wonderful photos to go along with the report.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot Kim! The F2 is so gorgeous! While I was shooting this F3 I wondered how an F2 would be in comparison. I had a Nikon F for many years myself, but never shot the F2. The only small downside of the F2 is that it's even a bit more heavy than the F3. (Unless you're using the F2's with its beautiful plain eyelevel prism without meter ...)

[@kimc5750]

@@tomscameras Since i had a very nice Canon A1 I did not go for an F3. A design departure from the original F and F2. Incidentally since you are working on the Kiev 4 video there is the old story concerning the Contax II and the eventual Nikon rangefinders and early F cams. 🕵️‍♀️

[@tomscameras]

@@kimc5750 Yes absolutely: For their utterly beautiful rangefinder cameras, Nikon basically combined the focusing mechanism of the Contax II and the shutter mechanism of the screw-mount Leica, which is also why the shutter button on those Nikons is located so far back on the top plate. Then they took out the rangefinder mechanisms and put in a mirror box to create the gorgeous Nikon F ... which still was using the Leica-inspired shutter button (and also the Leica-inspired cable release with external threads). Zenit in Russia did the same, but on a much more basic level, when they created their first SLR. They took a more or less 1:1 screwmount Leica copy and put in a mirror box. That's why the shutter time dial, winding mechanism and shutter button are exactly in the same positions as with the Nikon F. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Nikon F and F2. Now that I got the chance to shoot an F3, I really am considering to get an F, F2 or F3 for myself again :)

[@kimc5750]

@@tomscameras As a girl my opinion is to get one of each! 🙃😉🙆🏼‍♀️😂 Cheers!

[@FART-REPELLENT]

@@tomscameras Over the last few years 2 clip-on independent light-meters have been manufactured for old cameras without a in-built light-meter, ie the F2 these light-meters are very small and fit onto a camera's hot-shoe.

[@Sebastian-ht3el]

Dear Tom, really enjoyed your review. As always the right balance between information, personal impressions and nice pics to illustrate the message. Keep on your good work. Greetings to my hometown.

[@tomscameras]

Thank you a lot Sebastian for your feedback! I am happy you enjoy my videos!

[@MultiSciGeek]

1:00 That's not 1/8th of a second, that literally is 8 seconds. All the orange numbers are like actual seconds.

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes. A classic "slip of the tongue" that I didn't notice when editing the video! Of course the F3 offers the full range from 1/2000 to 8 seconds, you are right!

[@simonlong3154]

Great video and channel Tom, I've subscribed and look forward to watching some more of your videos over the coming days. The F3 is the only single digit F I've not had but I would like to get one at some point. Nice to see your photos, which look really great on Delta 100 and nice to see some shots of Germany. Keep up the great work.

[@tomscameras]

Hello Simon! Many thanks for your feedback and welcome to my channel! Yes I really love the super fine grained b&w films like T-Max and Delta 100. And if you are okay with the utilitarian viewfinder displays, there’s nothing wrong with the F3 😀

[@donaldcongdon9095]

Love the picture at 8:40! Great review! As I get older, I lean towards lightweight cameras and less gadgety controls. Probably the F3 wouldn’t do it for me. But I never had the photojournalism itch either. Thanks Thomas!

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot! That pic was taken in one of the new underground stations here in Cologne. And yes, the F3 is on the large and heavy side of things. For just a casual photo walk, I'll maybe always grab my OM-1 or Nikon EM instead. Yet I'm still so very attached by the F3's feeling of quality. The fit and finish is careless and shoddy compared to, say, a Leica. But it oozes longevity, precision and ruggedness like very few other cameras.

[@donaldcongdon9095]

@@tomscameras Yes, know what you mean about the feeling of quality. My Leica IIIc always makes me feel that way.

[@GeorgiosKalaydjian]

Very good Tom, you covered all features of this wonderful Camera. If I may ask, did you have any manipulation for the photos with Lightroom or any other app, is the photo sharpness due to the lens quality?

[@tomscameras]

Hey and thanks for your comment. I scan my photos with a Fuji digital camera and macro lens. Then in Lightroom I use just the default sharpness settings! And yes, the old Nikkor lenses are very good, especially when you close down the aperture 1-2 stops!

[@marshalltravis3217]

I enjoyed this video. I spent time in West Germany back in the 1980’s with the US Army and loved it!! Where in Germany are you?. I’m currently shooting a Nikon F and I enjoy it.

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks for your feedback! I live in Cologne!

[@eyewandersfoto]

Fantastic vid, Thomas. I've wanted an F3/T high-eyepoint for many many years. Used to shoot Nikon up until about 1999-2000. Started on a Nikkormat in photography. I've coveted them. :D Never picked one up though and they've become ridiculously expensive all over once again. Ah well. Fantastic, historic true shooters camera.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks very much! The F3/T looks fantastic yes. But they're expensive these days, depending on how good the condition of the paint is! My first Nikon also was a Nikkormat. Gorgeous camera!

[@eyewandersfoto]

@@tomscameras I just bought my first Nikon in over 2 decades (except for Nikkormat I bought for my dad several years ago so I could give "his" camera back to him. Haha. It was his Nikkormat that became mine so long ago).... Just picked up a used Z7. Now I've a way to shoot my Konica glass (Konica & Pentax are my favorites of the SLR world).

[@tomscameras]

@@eyewandersfoto The Z7 is awesome as well. So much IQ for a quite affordable price! I wish you a lot of fun trying the adapted glass with it!

[@Chris-NZ]

Hi Tom, I still have a couple of mint Nikon F-301’s from the mid 80’s with their 2.5 frames per second built in motor drives . Used them a lot back in the day right up to 2004 when I went digital . Great little 35mm cameras. Couldn’t really go back to film after 37 years in that format , currently using the R5. Interesting channel you have :)

[@tomscameras]

Thanks a lot for your feedback! You're using the EOS R5 today? That's also an awesome camera I am sure! :)

[@Chris-NZ]

@@tomscameras Hi , yes the R5, certainly the best camera I’ve owned in my 50+ years with my finger on a shutter button . It’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife. :)

[@interferenta]

thanks @tomscameras very practical review here. Any chance I could get some details from where I could still get one model like the one you presented? Thanks!

[@tomscameras]

You mean, where to get a Nikon F3? The one I shot in this video belongs to a friend of mine, and he bought it new back in the 1980s. Today, I'd have a look online on eBay, small ads like Craigslist or whatever there is in the region where you live. Also check out camera dealers that offer second hand cameras. Today, it takes more and more time to find any analog camera in a really good condition, unfortunately! So my advice is that you take your time to hunt down the best you can find!

[@andreasd3346]

Thank you very much for this comprehensive presentation. I prefer and have bought a F2, because it operates completely mechanically and without battery, if you use the Eyelevel viewfinder. It's a beauty too in my opinion.

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes. The F2 is such a beauty - until you clap on a Photomic viewfinder 😀 but you're right: Even though the F3 is extremely reliable for an electronically controlled body, an all-mechanical F2 with the plain prism finder is maybe the definition of a durable camera!

[@FART-REPELLENT]

The F2 with their various light meter prisms looked ugly, the F2 without them looks much better

[@Snegojui]

If you ever get a chance you should try canon slr’s of that era. I would suggest F-1, EF and A-1. A-1 especially as it has maybe the most user friendly digital display of aperture and shutter speed in a viewfinder.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, actually I will have the opportunity to shoot one or even two great Canon SLR bodies this spring! Currently I'm not shooting analog a lot. The weather over here is truly abysmal for photography ... and the days are short, I admit it's not the nicest season to try out classic analog cameras!

[@canturgan]

The orange numbers are seconds. The hot shoe is integrated with the film rewind handle.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, some dedicated Nikon flash units fit directly on that special hot shoe around the film rewind handle. Nikon also sold a special adapter that slides over the film rewind handle with a standard hot shoe on top of it.

[@richardhale9664]

I love the F3, but only when it has its beast of a motordrive attached, which provides super smooth wind on and a very nice grip. Unfortunately it makes a large camera somewhat larger and heavier, so I tend not to use it too often these days. Interestingly to use the exposure lock on the F3 with the drive, one would have to be something of a contortionist. I leave mine in manual exposure mode as a result.

[@tomscameras]

It's funny how apparently many of us value different aspects today compared to what we loved 20 years ago. Me as well: I didn't mind if my camera was a 2 kg rig when I was young, but today I am totally addicted to compact bodies and yes I also find the F3 a bit on the large side already ... even without a motor drive! The exposure lock maybe really annoyed me the most when shooting the F3. The OM-2n didn't offer exposure lock at all ... but on that body, it just would not work together with their unique live-off-the-film metering. The OM-2n, however, had a very easy-to-use exposure compensation dial. That's fiddly on the F3 as well. But I'm (again) so very addicted to the high quality feel of the F3. Even the FM would not create that feeling for me.

[@marksphotoperry356]

Hi Tom ! F3 is a solid camera that like all manual F and F2 would work for ever.However if would operate it in the 80' as photojournalist then you change it to FM2 with 1/250 flash sinc (your fill light)1/4000 For you to shoot wide open with its great set of lenses.

[@tomscameras]

Hi Mark, many thanks for your comment! And yes, the FM2 (and FE2) are great for flash use. And also yes: I also remember that many professional photographers used an FM2 back in the days!

[@marksphotoperry356]

@@tomscameras Hi Tom, I did have both FM2 and FM2N .Interesting fact that FM2 actually has 1/250 Flash sinc (not marked in red) as well as 1/200

[@tomscameras]

@@marksphotoperry356 yes the first version of the FM2 officially does not flash sync at 1/250! But since I was young back in the 1990s every photographer knew that in reality they also did that. Just set the shutter speed dial to 1/250s and flash sync was always perfect !!

[@walterleadbetter6649]

Tom, I noticed in the section where you talk about the use of none-ai lenses that you suggest turning the collar which surrounds the diaphragm button. However, doing this means that you lose the view of any image in the viewfinder as Nikon's manual confirms that this is the mirror lock up lever! If this is what you meant then how would you propose to remain focused on the subject (or are you implying that the camera is used on a tripod for this). Whatever your original intention, can I suggest that this section needs updating and clarifying, I believe it would confuse a new user to this camera who did not have access to a Nikon manual to confirm the use of this collar ring. Regards.

[@tomscameras]

Walter, many thanks for your message. The thing is you can really use that collar for a depth of field preview (aka stop down the aperture) as well. But yes it also activates the mirror lockup. Do you have an F3 yourself? Now I am wondering if my camera maybe is somewhat faulty or operating irregularly compared to others …?

[@kevincooper8666]

Good vid saw your fm2 vid as well I ve owned an FM which was nice but jumped over the fm2 to buy the fm3a in my opinion the better camera match needle metering all speeds manual and all speeds automatic lighter than the f3 , it's my candidate for the best film SLR ever made keep up the good vids thanks

[@tomscameras]

It's a pity that the FM3a was only made a few years in rather small numbers and thus, it is so expensive today. In use, it feels actually a lot like the FE2, for example it has the same nice viewfinder display. (Much nicer than the FM2 viewfinder)

[@webersteve1547]

Schöner Bericht, und wieder was gelernt!

[@tomscameras]

Dankesehr! :)

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Verstellung der Belichtungskorrektur: Wenn man die Kamer in der rechten Hand und das Rad zwischen Daumen und Zeigefinger der linken Hand nimmt, landet die Kante des Daumens automatisch auf dem Entriegelungsknopf.

[@northof-62]

Nice to see Köln again. Cheers from Norwegen. I never had an F3 but went for the FA instead back then, after the F & F2. The FA has a 1/4000s vertically travelling shutter and Matrix metering. This year I purchased an F4 out of curiosity. I'm probably never going to own an F3, F5 nor the F6. For G-lenses I use the cheap plasticky F75 Thx for a good review.

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes, the FA! I remember back in the day it was a high-tech masterpiece, offering auto exposure and matrix metering. The basic shutter mechanism is like in the FM2 and FE2. I personally like the latter ones more, I'm really a low tech guy when it comes to cameras. Which is also why the F3 appeals to me. Yes it is automatic, but still sort of low-tech when regarding the features compared to many other cameras of the day.

[@TXLorenzo]

I am a big Nikon fan, own all the F cameras from the F to the F5. Still waiting for those F6s to come down in price to round out the collection. However, the FM3a seems to be a camera I would like as well and is almost the same price as the current F6s. What would you recommend, go with the F6 or the FM3a?

[@tomscameras]

If you’ve got the F through F5, then the F6 is the one to complete that special collection :)

[@TXLorenzo]

@@tomscameras I agree, but I bought a NIB FM3a instead for now. The F6 is in the future, but still a bit pricey.

[@1973sonvis]

Great video, Thomas! 😊👍🏻

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Bernt!

[@Brian.Melnyk]

When you loaded the film, your changed the shutter speed? does that matter?

[@tomscameras]

I changed it maybe so when I do the first 2 “blank exposures” (after you close the film door you have to do that so that when you start taking actual ohotos, you make sure it’s unexposed film) it won’t be on a super-long speed. That doesn’t matter but it can be annoying when you just want to wind on quickly.

[@marcp.1752]

The F3 is still on my list, but since i have less Nikon lenses, and invested into other SLRs, it's being put on hold, since it was being released ever here ;)

[@tomscameras]

My plan was to make Olympus OM my main 35mm system. But then I found certain Nikkor lenses are cheaper, easier to get in good condition, or better than their OM counterparts (think 35/2 or 28/2) - so I ended up with two systems. I currently only have the Nikon EM for myself, the F3 for this video was a loaner from a visitor of my channel. Oh and I have a lot of M42 stuff, I also really love using that at times! Three different 35mm systems don't make sense really, but it's a lot of fun😃

[@marcp.1752]

@@tomscameras Hi Tom, i have also a lot of M42 stuff from various brands, and i use 3 other systems as my main setup, usually. Nikon is here mostly AF. ;) But i prefer for non-avialable light Photography manual focus, always. A good sunday.

[@juliaroberts7933]

@@tomscameras is

[@steveandthedogs]

To use the "T" setting, press the shutter button to open, press once again to close the shutter.

[@tomscameras]

I love the T setting! So great when you didn’t bring a cable release!

[@richardsimms251]

Nice review. Thank you very much.

[@tomscameras]

Many thanks for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙏

[@flowermaze___]

OM2n, Nikon F3 or Pentax LX?

[@tomscameras]

All three! But more seriously, it depends on what you are looking for. Workhorse, sophistication or compactness?

[@hectorazar9632]

Nikon F 3 the best analog camera that the Japanese brand manufactured, robust, precise professional

[@tomscameras]

It was a legend for a reason :)

[@dijalmanogueira9815]

Como eu comsigo uma dessa câmera Nikon F3

[@tomscameras]

How to find a Nikon F3? I don’t know where you are located but maybe you can find some good classic camera dealer where you can get one? Or you find one on eBay or on some local sales ads. There are great classic camera dealers in several countries that also will ship world wide so that’s maybe also an option !

[@daveexplore3856]

Excellent review 👍👍🇨🇦

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Dave!

[@kool_thing]

Just picked up an F3. Initial impressions are great. Love everything about this camera, except for the godawful LCD for the light meter. Much prefer the simple lights on my Nikon FM2 and Contax 139Q.

[@martingallardo3794]

Esa máquina es eterna como los viejos tiempos 😂😂

[@tomscameras]

Si! 😜

[@conradzoo]

Never got into the F3 but still have my F4, built like a tank.

[@tomscameras]

Yes. The F4 is a gorgeous camera as well !!

[@rockartistet]

The camera has shutter curtains not blades. Also the mechanical shutter release is approx 1/60 second not 1/80 second. The first 2 frames are 1/80seconds

[@tomscameras]

Yes, you are right in both cases: It's shutter curtains on this one! Sorry for me mixing it up. Sometimes when I record a video, I'll just use the wrong word and then not realize it. I actually assumed that the mechanical time is always at X sync (like on most other cameras such as the Nikon EM ...) but yes, looking it up after your comment, I realize it's not the case with the Nikon F3! So, many thanks for your comment, I'm always happy to learn a bit more :)

[@markgoostree6334]

I don't have an F-3. Wish I did and one may come to me if I am in the right place and time... one day. I have a Nikkormat FT N and I am glad to have it in the lineup. I may actively start a search for an F-3. I'm sure there is one out there waiting for me.

[@tomscameras]

I have used a Nikkormat FTN for many many years as my first "serious" camera. They are swelte! But yes, the F3 is a very nice addition. More refined and modern. The only problem with Nikkormat's is that the meter needle starts jumping because there's an issue with the variable resistors within the mount. Apart from that, I'd say they are amongst the most sturdy cameras ever built!

[@ElReySupr3me]

I love my F3

[@tomscameras]

And I totally get why you love it!

[@sportsfanivosevic9885]

Forgot to show the mirror lock function.

[@tomscameras]

True, you're absolutely right!

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

Actually at 6:35 there was a misrepresentation in your explanation. It will do what you explained, but this is a secondary use. Pushing the brushed metal button, then pulling down the lever that is on that button; IS Mirror Lockup. I've used my F3HP since 1982 and I have used the mirror lockup when on a tripod thousands of times. Doing it this way creates a truly vibration free exposure.

[@tomscameras]

@@MacPro8CoreMan Thanks for clarification! I've used the MLU myself on the F3 and somehow completely forgot / got confused when doing the video. But yes, as every professional Nikon SLR, the F3 has MLU! (The implementation in the original Nikon F is a bit rudimentary, though.)

[@maxhammick948]

The information display in the viewfinder is really not great, even for the time. The array of LEDs to show shutter speed in my voigtlander VSL-3E of a similar vintage is much better IMO

[@richardhale9664]

No its not great, that's very true. Many old SLRs had much nicer displays, especially some of Nikon's own models of the time, eg the FE. However the LED display does work and one gets used to it. One wonders why Nikon went with this design decision.

[@tomscameras]

Personally, I love basic match-needle displays cause it makes it very easy to "slightly" under- or over-expose. It's just a very analog, smooth experience.On the other hand, I also love the huge "sci-fi cockpit" of the Olympus OM-4. The Nikon F3 display is very utilitarian ... it's almost like they thought: Photography is not about fun, it's just a serious business. I'm not sure how the dashboard of a 1980s Toyota Landcruiser looks. Maybe as inspiring as the F3's viewfinder. :p

[@richardhale9664]

Thinking about it, when the F3 was designed folk thought that digital watches with LED or LCD were still a pretty neat idea. I suspect that is where the inspiration for the F3 display came from. Sadly they carried the display over to my favourite of the F cameras - the FA. Personally though, although I prefer more traditional displays or LED ones like Pentax had on the ME Super, its not a big deal and I soon got used to it. Most press photographers at the time were used to manual exposure and probably did not even need the display or exposure lock, so weren't that bothered about either

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have Nikon F3, but I do not like it as much as I like my Canon F1 New which I think are the best ever made analog 24x36mm Camera.

[@tomscameras]

I really have to try out any Canon and Minolta manual focus cameras. I owned several EOS digital bodies but I never ever shot any manual focus Canon so far! The Canon F1 and the F1 new, as well as the Minolta XM, those are definitely cameras that I'd love to shoot once!

[@kaczynski2333]

8s not 1/8 second.

[@tomscameras]

Yes! Sorry, I made a mistake there!

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

You do not seem to know that camera too well?

[@tomscameras]

Hehe, what makes you think about that? Because I didn't explain the mirror pre release / stop-down aperture feature properly? :)

[@sputumtube]

The Canon F1n is the better product. It has a full range of colour coded, purpose built FD lenses, ALL of which are compatible, unlike Nikon lenses of the same period.

[@tomscameras]

I'm gonna try out a Canon F-1 (but the old mechanical one) soon. Very curious. Compatibility ... well everything was nice with Canon until they changed to EOS ... so, in the end, there's surely no other manufacturer that can top Nikon regarding long-time compatibility. (Apart from Leica M, of course ... but that's a rangefinder system.)

[@sportsfanivosevic9885]

I have both camera's and find I reach for the Nikon every time because it just feels right in the hands.