🟡 Upgrade to TITANIUM camera? WORTH IT or WASTE? | Nikon F3T Titan

Is a Titanium camera better / worth the cash? Nikon F3T (Titanium) v Nikon F3 v Nikon FE2
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[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@stevebarnett5048]

I do have an F3 with HP head, and standard head, and the best is the HP head if you wear glasses like I do. But, I think the Nikon FM3a is the ultimate Nikon film camera (like many do) not just for its revolutionary spec, but the viewfinder is pretty much as good as the F3. The F3 was my first professional camera and I still have one, but the FM3a is just so nice, so small, and reliable. Nikon threw everything they’d learned into the mix at the end of the regular film line, even the kit lenses are amazing in this period, and the FM3a sums the F line up perfectly.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve. Great points and let's just say stay tuned! ;)

[@geirnordheim6986]

Great video, Matt 😊 I have a version of the Nikon F3 called F3P. «P» for Press or Pro. It has a normal hotshoe on top of the prism, and it is a little better weathersealed all around. It can also adjust shutterspeed from frame one and have a quicker on-off swith. No self timer either. It is a simplified and more robust version of the F3 / F3T to please the pro press photographers. I really love the F3. I used to be a photographer in the norwegian airforce, and the F3 (normal version) was our workhorses when hanging outside helicopters during photo missions 😊 It really did great in artic norwegian winter 👍🏻

[@husshardan3511]

Yup I use the P version too. It is the top version.

[@jasongold6751]

My F3 not like very cold weather! Soon stopped!

[@geirnordheim6986]

@@jasongold6751 Well, we used and abused the F3 in northern norway during wintertime, and we allways trusted them 100% even on expensive missions. They are very well buildt. I mean; NASA used F3 on EVA spacewalks 😘

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for watching and love the detail you share. I know of the P but thanks for the insight into the details. Sounds.. promising ha :)

[@terencemorrissey4413]

Matt, you missed the most important point, the F3 or F3/T has a 100% viewfinder coverage.

[@MateuMatheu]

Also that the F3's 80%-20% center-weight is practically a spot meter with all that weight on the center-spot, that 12 mm circle in the viewfinder on the standard screen. I believe 60%-40% was a Nikon standard for the F2, FE(2), FM(2) series and others.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Terence, yes great point. I think the FM/FE cameras are only 93% but strangely i've not noticed in real world use.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, ah yes I read this too about the meter being more spot. Thanks!

[@sportsfanivosevic9885]

Also, mirror lock-up and ability to attach optional viewerfinders. Durability and toughness, faster motordrive and wider range of focusing screens?

[@haymobachmaier]

I love my black FM2n. Pure Photography for me with a little Lightmeter-Helper;) And I love the Flashsync at 1/250 as well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! My film rewind crank fell off my FM2n.

[@andykphoto]

I just got a panda/silver FM2N, and have been enjoying it immensely

[@smartnbob3236]

I do have a Fe2, but my favorite Nikon and I consider the best camera they ever made is the Nikon FM3a

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I think you are not alone. The FE2 is a poor mans FM3a!

[@pdp11]

The only missing thing that the F3 has but the FM3a doesn't is mirror lock-up.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@pdp11 that’s ok for me as a portrait guy.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Stay tuned on your ‘best Nikon’ comment ;)

[@tick_magnetedschaper5611]

Very exciting. Can't wait to hear what you decide. I have a FE2 and love the light meeter display but if I had the F3 and F3T, I would not be able to part with them. Nope! I would keep them all. They would be a nice complement to my FM, FM2 and FM2N. I think my old FM (my first camera) would be the last I would give up. Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! The FM was my first too! It's brassed but still works. I returned the T but it was tough ha!

[@terencemorrissey4413]

In 1999, I bought a black paint F3/T, like new in box. Recently I bought a used Zeiss Otus 55mm F1./4, I would recommend using the Zeiss Otus lenses vs the obsolete Nikon AIS lenses.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

The Otus is eyewateringly expensive

[@terencemorrissey4413]

@@davidellinsworth3299 Yes, but you can find them used now, especially the 55mm Otus.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Terence, cool idea! I do the same but with my Leica and film. (That's why I use Voigtlander 90 APO lens on Nikon film cameras too).

[@terencemorrissey4413]

@@davidellinsworth3299 I bought mine used, nevertheless still expensive.

[@richardsimms251]

I have learned so much about my several Nikon F3 HP cameras from this excellent video. Thank you.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Richard! Happy I could help!

[@coasttocoastphoto]

I bought an H3HP new around 1983 and kept it for a few years. The 100% viewfinder coverage and blackout curtain was nice for time exposures. I put in the better screen as well. Overall, It was not my favorite camera. The flash connector add on was somewhat of a slippery slope. I recently picked up a Nikonos IV-a which is said to share some internal parts. If I could go go back in time, I would opt for a Pentax 645.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank, mine is 1985. Never too late to get a P645! :)

[@FranklinDXV]

I mainly went the F3 because it has a larger viewfinder(and brighter), so its better for use with specs since i can see the whole scene. Before buying another camera i checked out the Fm2, fe2 and fm3a, but went for a mint F3t, since it looked very nice plus the film advance lever sits flush with the body when you want to take a picture which i appreciate a lot

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. That's a great point about the lever on some other cameras. I'll likely mention that in a future video. I returned the T as it wasn't super clean and instead picked up a different Nikon SLR which i'll cover in a future video!

[@dlyon9673]

As a camera fanatic, I totally enjoyed this. Sounds to me like you've really made your decision -- that you don't really need the F3/T and should probably return it, and use the funds to buy something else. (I'd recommend buying either an F or an F2 with eye level finder simply because they are such beautiful and well made cameras.). I love to hear a review of the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 lens one of these days!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes now I realised the 1.2 will fit my SL I plan to do a video at some point. (On film too ofc!).

[@alberte58]

Best F3 is my F3/T champagne version. Earlier, classic color scheme, all the F3 goodies, such as multiple viewers. Together with a 50mm f/1.8 Japanese pancake lens, a small package to photograph with film. And if I want another focal length then the 50mm, I get one of my Zeiss lenses: 15mm, 28mm, 35mm, 85mm or 135mm, works excellent with the F3/T

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Albert! Nice. I have that lens. I want to retest it vs. some of my other Nikkor 50s. The 28 Zeiss lens results really blew me away from a video I saw online once.

[@Narsuitus]

Years ago, I owned two titanium Nikon F2 bodies. When collectors caused the prices to skyrocket, I sold them, bought two less expensive Nikon F4 bodies, and kept the profit.

[@classic.cameras]

Sold my F2 as well. Originaly paid like $7 for it at a thrift store, it was was a cool camera but I liked the $400 much better as I used it to buy a Nikkor 85mm f1.4 AIS.

[@Ron-j5m]

And now you don’t have the money or the far more desirable cameras, congratulations!

[@Narsuitus]

@@Ron-j5m It is true that I no longer have the two very desirable titanium Nikons; but when the prices of the two cameras rose so high, I was too afraid to use them for fear of damaging them and devaluating them. On the other hand, I was able to use the replacement F4 cameras to generate more income.

[@classic.cameras]

I still have a Canon F-1 plus a dozen or so others personally. FM2 is great but meh its just a camera. @@Ron-j5m

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! The F4 will take the same photos but the F2 do look nice.

[@rockartistet]

FE2 is versatile. F3T is s a more robust and will allow screen changes. Best finder for your type of work is the DA-2 it’s a game changer . I own FE2 and F3T and all the finders. Def get a DA-2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I just checked the DA-2 online. Looks cool! I'll do some reading!

[@Ron-j5m]

Hey Matt The standard F3 is very robust, the additional strength and weight reduction of the titanium is irrelevant. Interestingly the F3T’s paint chips off much easier as paint on titanium much like aluminium doesn’t hold onto paint as well as brass. All the very best, Ron

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ron! Ah yes I read this. A bit like Xpan cameras where the paint falls off when you look at them! :)

[@aldazio642]

Have you looked into the Nikon FM 3A?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Funny that you ask.. I have in the past (see me big FM, FE, FM2n, FE2 video) but I looked at them again in 2024 with a new view and let's say, stay tuned ;)

[@chrisreich40]

Another enlightening video, Matt. Thank you for it. I'm going to watch it a few times to soak in all the details. While heavy, I like my F4 for waist-level shooting. It offers auto-focus which makes it a quick-shoot for street photography. With the waist-level finder I'm limited to a spot meter, but I can live with that. Also the vertical-oriented shutter release on the bottom of the camera is within reach of my right little finger, so that makes it even more stealthy. I admire the F3 and from time-to-time think about acquiring one, but with a couple of F4s and also an FM3a with its MD-12 motor drive, it's hard to justify other than as a collector piece. I'm not a collector, I'm a *user* you see. But I've always admired the appearance of the champagne F3/T, even when it was first announced. Yeah - I'm old! 🙂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris! I often overlook the F4 can take a WLF. You mentioned a few items in your post that you'll see on my channel in the future so let's just say stay tuned! ;)

[@Nick_r]

I’d keep the F3 in the best condition such as signs of rust, fungus etc. particularly for the F3 is LCD which is pretty much unobtainable as a spare part. They can fade badly, mine has but thankfully the numbers are still just about readable. If you can, have them opened up by a good camera tech to see if the internals are still clean and corrosion free. Keep whichever one is best.

[@MateuMatheu]

I have noticed, my way of shooting I supose, that in medium or low light situations the faded LCD looks a little better with the F3 in portrait mode.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, good tip. Yes I returned the F3T and kept my cleaner F3.

[@timothyplatt6053]

I shoot a bunch of cameras. Some are fun, all have character, one ( Olympus 35RC) I just always have with me. But If I'm shooting for a client (usually using flash of some sort as well) The FE2 comes out, everytime. I rarely use it, but i always trust it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Timothy, well said! If I shoot flash with film I use Nikon FE2/FM2n or say Leica R6/R7. ..but normally I use Leica M3/M4P + Barnacks.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

As much as liked the features and meter-readout of the FE2 since buying a used one in 1996 I nowadays like the F3 better. The feel in operation and the viewfinder (I prefer the higher maginification of the DE-2, I also have a DE-3 and DW-4 magnifier btw) is just GREAT in my book and I no longer need much TTL-flash (never really did) so the humble PC-connector is good enough for me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice, I prefer my FE2 / FM3a for size and 1/250 flash sync but I love the F3 with WLF for non-portraits

[@SoSaMin0524]

I would return the F3T…Liked your justification for keeping FE2 and F3…I own both as well and felt I would not get the full benefit of an F3T and would rather spend the money from that body on Vintage Nikon AI glass…When I was in that situation I ended up buying a 180 f2.8 Ed and 105 f1.8 😁 These decisions have not been a disappointment 😁 Good luck with making your decision 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and great advice! I have the 180 ED, look out for the mentioned video to come. Great lens! I look at the 105 a lot but I have the 100mm E (which is similar performance) and 90 APO. I returned the T*

[@SoSaMin0524]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Definitely looking forward to viewing the 180 f2.8 ed video 😁 I love that lens 😁 Funny you mentioned the 100 E and the 90…I’m always looking at those two lenses but when I use the 105 F1.8 the argument to buy those lenses always goes away 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@SoSaMin0524 there is a video comparing 100E vs 105 and they are similar sharpness for general use 👍🏻 ..but E is smaller lighter cheaper as I remember

[@Ham-yj1od]

If you're told to choose one between FE2 and F3T, which one would you pick out?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Uff. If the same price F3T if it came with both finders (HP+WLF). ..but my heart and brain both love the FE2 for my style of photos.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

Interesting video Matt. I'm not a Nikon shooter but it's always struck me that titanium bodies added no functionality and saved only minimal weight. Buy a titanium body "just because it's titanium" but for taking photos buy the more capable camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes my main interest initially was the idea of less weight (and owning a more collectable camera I guess) but the condition wasn't great and the weight was similar so I returned it. I'm a Leica guy as you probably know but I do enjoy playing with Nikons from time to time. I ended up getting a different well regarded SLR that you'll see in a future video!

[@albacase]

Nice spiral :) Would be really cool to see a comparison of the Mamiya 6/7 and your Fuji GF670 Keep up the fantastic work 👏

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I did mention the GF670 vs 7 and other cameras in the blog posts - MrLeica.com

[@utube321piotr]

FE and FE2 are known to be unreliable due to electronic glitches, case in point many are offered as "parts" or untested. I own the F3/T and find it to be quite lovely camera and rare to boot. All F3's are robust and work like a tank if you don't need faster shutter speeds than 1/2000s.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, good point on the electronics. I did love the T but I'll hold out for a cleaner cheaper one if I ever see a bargain!

[@Stealther]

Swap the grid focusing screen into the F3/T. Doesn’t the F3 series have 100% viewfinder coverage vs 93 on the FE? I’d keep the F3/T!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice idea! Yes 100% on the F3 cameras and 93% on FE/FMs ..T went back but I got a different cameras instead.. one for a future video.

[@trotomas]

The f3t is a newer camera and produced in an era where most professionals moved to af(less prone to falling), so this might be an advantage

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I love the matte finish if nothing else!

[@jameslu9435]

I have a F3 well brassed and an old new stock Fm2. Like F3 a lot especial with 28mm f2.8 AIS. I bought Fm2 brand new with a fun idea. I would pick it up as my retirement gift. Also a F80 if I want to shoot auto. Might try to get a F6 to complete my Nikon film lineup. But in my opinion, F3 and Fm2 is hardshell Nikon experience. Can spare the others bodies if budget is tight.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, nice! I had the F80 (see the video). Decided to keep the F4/F5 if I ever need AF but like you I prefer the older manual bodies.

[@frankhermans7511]

Nice the FE2 with180mm f2.8 non D-version, great lens! i have this combo too and use it together with a 35mm ais f2. Nice set!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Frank! Yes great combo! Video to come and I already shared a few photos on Flickr with this setup.

[@RadovanFaltus]

Hello Matt, in my opinion, the F3T does not make much sense to keep it for 2.5x price of regular F3. I do have F3T Champagne, which was only 20% more expensive than F3. The reason is that Champagne version is older than black one thus not prefered. I would not worry about F3 regarding reliability. F3 is purely profesional tool, it will overpass FE2 in servise duration speaking about long term forecast, even it will overpass our lifes I guess.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes agree for pricing, otherwise it's a nice camera. I do like the black matte finish. Good point about F3 long term. Definitely worth owning a F3 or the T.

[@joerg_koeln]

The F3 models allow mounting of pre-AI lenses, which isn't possible with the FE2. I sold the (defect) F3 of my dad as well as the waistlevel and the action finder, focusing is so much better with a FE2.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Joerg, I like the FE2 and it works well for me. See the follow up video from Lisbon!

[@tick_magnetedschaper5611]

PS. I know this isn't the subject of your video but I noticed you use Ektar 100. Just wondering how you like it and how you use it? Thanks for doing another Nikon video. I always enjoy your Nikon videos. Will have to watch this one again.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, you'll see Ektar vs Portra when I do the big Lisbon film video. I can comment in the video but in brief it's nice film. Very good fine details and saturation. I think I did a blog post on MrLeica.com with sample photos some years ago.

[@drthompson65]

Back in my photojournalism days I shot one of these. Put it through hell and it looked like it too but it kept on taking pictures.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and great to hear it. I guess that's why people call these tanks!

[@Kosm64]

The allure of the F3/T is that it's a collector's user camera. It offers almost no functional advantage over the F3, so from a practical POV, the standard F3 is superior. However, if you're a diehard Nikon shooter and/or collector such as myself, the F3/T is a great user camera that has some extra collect-ability, while not being ungodly expensive (like the F2 Titanium). If the decision is between the F3 and another body like the FE2, then the F3/T is not worth it. You might look into the FM2n and FM2/T which share the hot shoe and 1/4000 of the FE2.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I have the FE2 and FM2n so I got a FM3a instead of the T. Long term FE2 replacement..love the needle dial! I’ll do a full video at some point.

[@rockycassiano4756]

After I got an F3, I gave my FE to my sister. I miss my FE and still have not bonded with the F3, 3 years now. .................

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear. I do like the smaller FM/FE series cameras.. I will make a new video on this in the future. The F3 is nice for me but it's not perfect for everything. Hopefully you can get another FE!

[@jasongold6751]

The Titanium model ought to be lighter! Is it? The F3 is really small, but heavy. Place a M3/M2/M4 next to F3! The FE very much lighter and smaller. my Nikon gear was my pro outfit! great video. I don't think it's worth the difference in cost! Oh! It's actual titanium, not a paint job, like Leica.. Good points!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jason, yes some rumours online suggest it was a paint job so I wanted to clear that up. As per the weight photo it's only slightly lighter. Yes I'll likely do a F3 vs M3 video later this year.

[@rockartistet]

The F3/T you don’t find dings as the Titanium does not bend easily

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, that's what they say but if you look at the close up of the prism footage it looks to have a dent on the right side.

[@rockartistet]

Yes it on the edge . It’s the first time I have seen a creased Titanium finder I have been using The F3 since The early 90s. What did you choose F3 F3T or FE2 . The MD4 for the F3 is awesome and so is DA-2

[@rockartistet]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom appreciate your reviews and opinions

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@rockartistet I returned the T. The P actually looks nice so I’ll keep an eye open! 😆

[@flowermaze___]

I’m surprised you don’t use the F or F2 as the pro waist level option. All mechanical, tactile and beautiful cameras to behold. Much more fitting to a lover of the Kiev etc etc. I find the F3 a bit boring. Just a point and shoot really 😢

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I hear you. That's how I feel about the new Zf and Leica Q cameras.. too easy! I've used a Nikon F once (I might try to use again before doing my video) and I've not used the F2 yet. I have the S2 (see the video) so yes the F would make sense.

[@xjr1618x]

The main difference is that the F3T is a newer model. So instead of being 40 years old they can be 25. I got an F3T in unused condition box and everything, pristine from Japan for around 1k USD. Love it

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and good point. Mine were both around 1985 but my F3 was in better condition. If I see a mint T at a good price in the future I might pick one up.

[@oz1dwf]

My first film Nikon was the F3/T, which I found far superior to my old Pentax K-1000. I then bought a Nikon FG as a secondary camera, but it felt out of balance and unbalanced compared to my F3/T. I have since bought a standard F3, which will now be my future secondary camera. The FG is put up for sale. The choice boils down to between F3 or F3/T, the answer ultimately comes down to economics. If you can afford it, I'd go with an F3/T. However, the difference is negligible. If the secondary camera could be a Nikon Fe or Fe2, then the FG is the successor. My impression is that there is so much between FG and F3, I will not be in any doubt. Better two F3s than one F3 and one FE2 or FG.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes the FGs are not the same, they are my travel camera but you miss the feel (and some functions) of the more pro bodies. Can’t compare.

[@markskinner5659]

You don’t buy an F3T to have to justify why you bought it, you buy it because it’s a rare thing of beauty that you just want to have in the collection. It’s the top of the heap camera, which will bring joy every time you hold it! There is no comparison to it, an FE2 is and will never be an F3 tank.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Mark, I think I will hold out for a cleaner copy. I do love the matte finish of the T!

[@marcp.1752]

Long before, i've had the F3 (non-T). But because of the size & weight, there was no comparsion - going with my trusty, beloved XD7. YMMV. 🙂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks! Yes we all have our favourites!

[@marcp.1752]

Exactly, Matt! 🙂@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@geradebowden3293]

I agree with most of your assessment of the F3. As an eyeglass wearer i enjoy the HP. viewfinder. My secondary camera with fixed prism and easy flash connection is my OM 2 .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! They are great cameras for sure

[@weizhang6979]

I ended up with three Nikon F3HP cameras lol. If you want to do waist level, the Nikon DW-4 finder is awesome. My FE2 seems to have battery draining issue. Do you have this problem? One of the issues I have with Nikon F3 is the rubber grip. When using the camera for a long time and especially when the camera always is held in hands, the rubber would expand out of where it suppose to be. I don’t know any places can still replace the grip rubber.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice Wei! FE2, not yet. F3 rubber - that happened to my D800. Not sure how to fix.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Of course you need a camera with Matt finish.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

They do look cool!

[@jesperericson3909]

Nice video.I had FA and FE2 and tried the F3 but always kept the FM2N. Before the digital age preferd to have two FM2Ns. I only used manual settings anyway and the FM2 seemed. (and proved to be) super reliable and fully working without ba tteries. That in combination with the fast shutter and flash-sync sealed the deal. And the meetering is clearly visible in low light. Still my favourite together with the Zfc and Zf. I could live without my Leicas but nevermy FM2 :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jesper! Nice. I like the low weight of my FM2n but the film rewind crank has fell off.

[@jlwilliams]

Radical proposal: Let's see, you jumped down the F3 rabbit hole because you wanted a waist-level finder, right? I'm guessing that by now you've discovered that you can't really use it at waist level because the screen is so much smaller than the one on your RZ67 or Kalloflex, right?… you can view it from the top, which is convenient for low-angle photos, but you have to flip up the magnifier and put your eye right up against it…right? So, what if you just ditched BOTH F3s and instead got a right-angle finder for your FE2? These need to be used up against the eye, but you're probably already doing that with your F3 “waist-level” finder. Going on specs, it looks like the perfect Nikon right-angle finder for you would be the DR5 - ostensibly this is made for the models with larger 22mm round eyepiece, but I found a chart on the Nikon website saying it can be used on your FE2's 19mm eyepiece simply by removing the originally-supplied 22>19 adapter ring. The DR5 offers a non-reversed view (there's a correcting prism built in, which makes shooting verticals a lot more practical); built-in diopter adjustment; and switchable 1x/2x magnification for precise focusing. Of course an F3 is more studly, though…

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, you're smart. Yes, yes, yes to all points. I do like the compact WLF but the finder you mention would work with the FM/FE bodies which would be cool. (I checked already and I see what you say). The '5 seems the hardest to find. Stay tuned!

[@jlwilliams]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I realize this doesn't help you in the UK, but here in the Untied Snakes, DR5s are listed as available brand-new on the B&H website for US$200, and used at KEH for $110-125 depending on condition... so, something to add to your shopping list next time one of your Patreons flies you to NYC? I realize $200 isn't exactly an impulse purchase, but you'll be flush with cash after your F3 divestiture...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jlwilliams ha thanks James and thanks for the looking. I returned the T for a different Nikon to complicate things further! Coming soon

[@chrisloomis1489]

Matt : Sort it all out , KISS method , you need a 120mm square format camera , I suggest a ROLLEI TLR in 75 , or 80 mm , and the prism viewfinder there was also a 45 degree and 90 degree finder. Keep it simple !! 😁 L one the Wide rollei 💪🏻♥

[@Hektormydog]

When Matt mentioned the waist level finder, a nice TLR was my first thought, and of course a Rollei. That 35mm finder looking down is just too small!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Chris. I do have my Hassys and TLRs and others but I'm a sucker for the 35mm format! :)

[@williamstroud5449]

Spend extra cost on fm3a

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks William, I did actually. Now a happy owner! I'll make a video with photos at some point.

[@matthiasaronjonsson3066]

If the streets are narrow and you're using a waist level viewfinder, why not just use a wider lens instead of portrait orientation? Sell the F3/T, I can already hear that you're not a fan of it ;)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks.. yes that would make sense but I was shooting for compression with 180mm (you'll see in the next Lisbon video) so I always match the orientation to what I shoot. If I shoot verticals I go portrait. I liked the T but it was too similar to the F3.

[@christopherkemp7286]

FE2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Look out for the next Nikon video! The FE2 did great!

[@LeDibeau]

It's not about whether you "need" a Nikon Titan, it's about whether you "have" one ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha nicely said! Sadly I returned it but I did get something else instead :)

[@LeDibeau]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Better take a F2 Titanium, the lcd-display cannot fail ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@LeDibeau good point! I ended up returning the T for a Nikon with no LCD.. to come :)

[@LeDibeau]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Mechanical cameras work forever - no battery can fail or leak. Makes life easier. Ya can alwaxs expose using the sunny 16 rule.

[@lighturpl3]

I agree with you about the meter but the F3T is so cool 😊

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I do love the finish of the T :)

[@heinzknorzel2966]

I guess I've taken pictures with the Nikon EL FM2 FE2 F1 F2 F3 F3T and I did like the F3T most. I think it made a better sound working with it than the F3. 😉 Depending the quality of camera. Some cameras are having trouble with the plastic parts in the camera and you will have to repair it if even possible. So I'd having a look on the quality and F3 is just a good choice. Depending the FE2 .. an excellent choice too but without the special viewfinder you should better take a Leica R8 or R9. Btw did you ever test a Contax maybe the S2 (similar to FM2 ... I guess. I've never used the RTS3 ...)? These are well made too. Canon, Minolta, they never where the same. Once I've used a Zeiss and a japanese lens for a project (on my Rolleiflex 3003. It has batteryproblems when it's getting cold. Don't take that one.). While enlarging I had to change the paper from normal to soft using the german lens. They were just superior! I'd go for that. But F3 and specially that lens is a joy too. So folks: that's all for the moment.🙃

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I have a Contax.. hmm maybe now is the right time to finally review it. I’ll add it to the list!

[@heinzknorzel2966]

Perfect. After my experience with Zeiss-lenses I would test that. Nikon still is a good camera. The R4-R7 was made by Minolta I guess. The R8/R9 was made in Germany again.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@jean-guyvermeulen1509]

Hello Matt. Just as an aside, the titanium shutter of the f2 can be used in an m Leica as a replacement to solve the curtain holes problems caused by the sun. I bought one used Nikon cheap just for that to be fitted in my next m3 CLA. Also, I have a collection of various Barnacks and m cameras. Alas, my vision has deteriorated, rendering their use a challenge. I am now using a Leica t. The screen is fantastic, the camera is compact, I can use the voigtlander 28/35 mini viewfinder in sunny conditions with the 18mm elmar. It has become like a digital Barnack.... I am sure you would come to the same conclusion if you ever do a video on using leica gear suitable for ageing leicaphiles affected with poor eyesight. As ever, great video. A bientôt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and wow i've never heard of a Nikon shutter in a Leica! It's great you have the small 28/35 finder too. Yes I use the CL for my small setup and agree the mirrorless cameras are great for ages eyes. (My eyes are not perfect*).

[@jean-guyvermeulen1509]

Hello again. The Nikon f2 titanium curtain can replace the one in the m film camera. Hamish Gill has videos about in. Also camerawork in bury list a £110 fee for fitting it if you supply the curtain or the Nikon body. There is information available by googling Leica m and titanium curtain. A damaged Nikon f2 with a good shutter is very cheap. I got mine and will get it fitted to my m3 at the next CLA. Happy surfing...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jean-guyvermeulen1509 thanks very cool! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@haymobachmaier]

And: Great Video again Matt, nice Infos about these Ladies👏📸🍀

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you!

[@giannagiavelli5098]

You need to try the action finder with the F3 that's what makes it worthwhile if you want to waist level if you find her move up to six by seven with a contax

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I'll have to look out for them.

[@alejsed]

I would sell all those Nikon cameras with electronic shutter and keep only the mechanical ones, FM2, FM and so on.

[@Mamo878]

Such utter nonsense. Nikon aperture-priority cameras kick ass and are much faster for street shooting. Why fck around with two settings and two hands if you don't have to? Please. I'm so sick and tired of that 'mechanical camera' OR DIE mentality. It's so fcking stupid. As if two 357 batteries that last over a year are hard to carry. Please. Get a clue. Besides, essentially EVERY modern camera has batteries and they all do very well, thank you very much. As if a mechanical only camera doesn't break down. Give me a break, people get their mechanical Leica's CLA'd for $400 every freaking few years. Batteries cost just a few bucks for a '70s and '80 SLR. Sheesh.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Good suggestion. I am going that way.. I just purchased a non-yet-mentioned camera with that mindset. You'll see in a future video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your thought. Fair point but I think the point is with mechanical cameras, they can be repaired/ CLA'd pretty easily (like my Leicas), but if an electronic dependent camera has a fault they are often then paper weights. It's less about carrying small batteries. (That's why I sold my Xpan, Contax T2 and Mamiya 7 in the past..in case I woke up to them dead).

[@MakersTeleMark]

FM2T obviously.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, I guess that's the happy middle ground! Thanks

[@MakersTeleMark]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Honestly, just sell all your Nikons and get a FM3a and your focusing screen of choice. Ticks all your boxes and you will have plenty of money for some lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MakersTeleMark good advice thanks. I’ll keep an eye open for a good deal!

[@claretbadger]

FM3a . . .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I think it's only a matter of time!

[@claretbadger]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have the fm2t and f3t - I shoot my fm3 more as it’s somehow my beater

[@euroyank860]

The F3T is tha machine Matt !!! The working man's piece after a long time of working hard to make the money to buy it, just "because he can" 🙂 And of course I have have, imagine, being F3Tless, a nightmare !!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric!

[@cameraprepper7938]

Waste, get the Canon New F-1 😉 (or if you only want Nikon get the normal F3 or the F3 P).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I looked at the P (nice) after this video but ended up returning the T for a different camera all together. It's a nice one! (To come in a future video)

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Some 30 yrs ago when I had Nikons, I had the opportunity to buy the F3, however that idea was ditched course I couldn't get along with the tiny LSD screen in upper left corner (what an stupid implementation, if you ask me). So naturally, the next best thing was the FE2. But that idea was also ditched course you can't read s*** in the dark (shutter speeds and light meter I mean), course I'm a night crawler, so I eventually settled down onto FM2...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, yes the FM2 for night shooters, FE2/FM3a for daytime! (or F3) :)

[@quite1enough]

You can always send F3T to me 😭😭

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha sadly it's already gone back to the shop!

[@Mamo878]

Okay, here we go. Basically, the main reason to shoot an F3 over any other Nikon SLR is simply because of the DE-3 High Eyepoint viewfinder. The eyepoint with the F3HP is very high, 25mm, which means you don't have to smash your face against the camera body and wiggle your eye around to see all four corners (plus things like shutter speed and aperture.) It's nice to have even if you do not were eyeglasses and many eyeglass wearer insist on something with a high eyepoint. Something like the FE2 - which is indeed a fantastic camera and perhaps the very best and cheapest bang-for-buck 'do everything well and with auto-exposure' Nikon SLR - has a very poor eye relief of only around 14mm. That means you really have to smash it against your face to see all the corners in the viewfinder. If you start with a FM, FE, FM2 and FE2 and get used to it you don't really notice, however, the poor eye relief. It's only when you really start using an F3HP that you notice the extra eye relief in comparison, then it's tough to go back. The DE-2 waist level viewfinder is not so much for street shooting but rather for indoor use with a copy stand and that sort of thing. If you really want to shoot waist level with a film camera go with a medium format camera since the waist level view is much larger than any 35mm waist level finder so framing and focusing is that much easier. Or just use a digital camera with a tilt screen and silent mode! ha

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Great points. Yes someone else mentioned MF if I want to look down. I have those too. This was just fun to shoot differently to normal. I probably won't get the most from the HP but nice to have it.

[@FourIntoOne]

Oh which camera to cull? Always a near impossible decision. Do what I do - decide to defer the decision "till it becomes clearer" put them all away in a cupboard and then go do other stuff. Finally about 3 years later realise that you never did do the cull, and then decide as its been so long you might as well keep them all anyway*. 👍 * keeping them all is the right decision btw. It always is if you have GAS.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, the best answer! You see why I have so many cameras now. It this instance I was strong and returned it as I knew I'd never need 2. :)

[@CalumetVideo]

In it’s day the professionals would bang these cameras around and so a Titanium may have been necessary. The F3 is well built and will be more than enough in build quality for regular use. I think the F3 Titanium version is more of a collector Item.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes the T model should be more dinky proof but it already had a dent on the prism if you look at the video footage.

[@jaunman71]

I bet after the honeymoon phase you flog the T. At the end of the day they pretty much do the same thing and nobody needs 2 F3 unless you are a collector. Let’s be real Mate I’ve followed your channel long enough to know that this beast is too heavy for your travels and it does no more or less then your smaller lighter FE2 for your needs, plus we all know it’s all about the glass. You will find yourself less and less grabbing the F3.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! You know me well :) Yes I returned the T.

[@CzejenAndCodaj]

F3 and F3T as heairloom XD

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice!!

[@JanivarNorbeck]

The electronics in FE2 are becoming old so not so reliaiable any more.FM2n mekanikal only lightmeter for battery better choise.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes fair comment. I have the FM2n too as a backup.

[@sunny16portraits]

Well you could send back the F3/T, or you could stay friends with Arno 🤣🙈

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Thomas. I know right, I will have to think of some apologies! (The T is lovely but I'd want a newer cleaner one at a silly cheap price!)

[@smitbar11]

I would describe the finish as satin, not matt or gloss. The titanium has a crinkle finish to it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes satin is more accurate. Reminds me of my F5 if I remember well.

[@classic.cameras]

Your voice in this video sounds normal.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Interesting.. I moved the desk into the centre of the room as the Elcan vs Cron video had the cupboard sound. Thanks for confirming. I'll try to do this in future.

[@khanscombe619]

Oh ja, & every Nikon F single digit 1~5 has a removable viewfinder for waste level and more.

[@Narsuitus]

I needed removable viewfinders so I could use eye-level, waist-level, sports, and magnifying finders on my Nikon F, F2, F3, and F4 bodies.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Cool! F4? I thought it was a fixed finder. I have it but never check!

[@khanscombe619]

@Narsuitus F/F2 finders are closely interchangeable whereas ybe F3,F4,F5 are body and electrical specific. But all function as basic manual waist level by simply removing standard finder

[@khanscombe619]

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom F4 & F5 perform alike but F4 is most compact for waist level street photography. For walking candid you can use mechanical electrical 2 stage shutter release to utilize both AF/AE (spot meter only) but you can use electronic rangefinder w/ MF lens if you got good eyes ( I don't) buy cool it works . F4 was so Flippin amazing in its day

[@mamiyapress]

Just get a Disposable camera and have finished with all that.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, that would be too easy! No I like changing lenses so I like the F mount and M mount cameras.

[@metingokbulut837]

💯🇹🇷⭐️👍Bu f3 cihazdan elimde 1 adet var çok temiz satlıktır ilgilenen olursa youtube kanalımda video su mevcut

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks

[@doofwop]

Keep the T, but check out the terribly underrated Nikon FA.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I've still not tried the FA, noted.