F3 - Pitfalls

[Robert_Lai]

Raf,<p>I'm glad that you picked up on this issue. It seems to occur with any motor driven camera. When I first got my MD-4, I made a comment about it here on photo.net, and was pooh-poohed. Anyhow, I prevent the film chamber wear with two strips of the semi-sticky plastic that is used to protect Palm pilots screens from wear. Just put one strip at the top, and one at the bottom, where the cartridge edges will rub against the film chamber.

[steve_levine]

Sell it and buy an 8008S! The 8008S, in my opinion is the greatest camera Nikon ever built.It has the same HP type vf as the F3HP, and a dozen features that blow away the 3.( 1/250th flash sync,TTL flash,AF,multi meter/flash modes,built in MD,etc).

[scott_carlsson]

I never understood the desire for this camera in any of its forms. Maybe 15-20 years ago,

just because it was the top "F" camera. FAR better off now with an F100, FM3A, FE2, FM2,

in that order. The low flash sync never made a damn bit of sense then, it certainly doesn't

now.

[bill a.]

The 8008s is a great camera, but doesn't have mirror-lockup, and it's "loud" -- what is the quietest Nikon SLR, btw? (including shutter, mirror slap, and autowinder?)

 

Unless you need the high-eyepoint or 100% viewfinder, I would also recommend the FE2 over the F3 -- higher sync, smaller, lighter.

 

The mirror on the FE2 pre-fires using the self-timer, if you need mirror lock-up, btw.

 

Bill

[oswegophoto]

Also late to party, but . . . while it's a great camera and I'll second the comments on the

80/20 meter (great), the flash mount (weird but very solid), the Vivitar flash adapter (I

tested mine by comparing shots with an SB16A to shots with the same SB16 with the "B"

(ISO) foot on the adapter & they looked the same to me), I'll also second the gripes about

the VF illuminator button (makes it hard to use in the dark) - I use mine as a battery test

lamp, mostly. And the 1/80 flash sync speed is low (horizontal travel shutter). Still, it's a

camera to inspire loyalty, and it'll even use pre-AI lenses just fine. Just think: all those

bargain primes out there that the later cameras can't use! Enjoy it!

[coloursalive]

Once again, thanks to all who have offered opinions. I've got the camera and its great. I've got an AS-4 adaptor and am using it with an SB-20 flash. It works great! the meter is just about unbelievable!

Yes! I guess every camera will have its pitfalls but this one is just right for me. Do expect to see some pictures from this fine camera on the gallery soon!

 

Susheel

[david_h._hartman]

<em>1. Viewfinder not particularly bright without HP

finder. --Eric Friedemann<br>

</em><br>

Ill disagree with this: there is only about a 2/10ths stop

difference between the F3 (DE-2) and F3HP (DE-3). The finder

image is smaller in the F3HP so the light is condensed a bit, no

big deal. The big difference is between the Red-Dot and non-Red-Dot

focus screens. The earliest F3(s) can be fitted with Red-Dot

screens just as one can replace the F3HPs DE-3 prism with a

DE-2 and vise versa.<br>

<br>

My primary grip with the F3 is the + - meter readout. The + 0

readout used in the F2As and FM, FM2 and FM2n is more

accurate and easier to read.<br>

<br>

<em>2. 1/80th minimum flash sync speed at a time when the

FE-2 had a 1/250th flash sync speed. --Eric Friedemann<br>

</em><br>

There is a reason for this. Im not disagreeing but the F3s

shutter is more durable than the FE2s. Also the FE2 was

released about three years later than the F3. There were also

marketing considerations.<br>

<br>

<em>Compared to my FE2 & FM3a it has way more mirror

induced vibration (the F3 has a secondary mirror to reflect light

on to the light sensor in the floor of the body). --Bruce

Rubenstein<br>

</em><br>

This does not fit my experience. I find the FE2 and FM2n have

more mirror induced vibrations than the F3.<br>

<br>

<em>Even with the low eye point finder the image

magnification (.80x) is lower (smaller) than the FE's (.86x). In

fact, I don't find the viewfinder to be significantly better than

the F100. --Bruce Rubenstein<br>

</em><br>

The F100 has a 0.70x finder and it lacks a condenser above the

focus screen. The F3 is clearly better. My guess is that you need

a diopter correction lens for the F3. Fortunately at this time I

do not need a diopter correction lens when shooting through my

glasses. I hope this continues as I have an F3 and several FE2(s)

and FM2n(s). The built in diopter correction in the F100 and F5

is a considerable advantage. I find the FE2 and FM2n a bit easier

to focus than the F3 (DE-2) and the F3 bit easier to focu than

the F5 and F3HP (DE-3). I did control comparison of this some

months ago.<br>

<br>

Keep in mind that the F3 was released 24 years ago. The camera

certainly has its flaws as do all cameras. Its still

a viable tool and it has some advantages for macro which is why I

bought one about 15 months ago.<br>

<br>

For general photography I prefer the F5 with MF or AF lenses and

the F100 with AF lenses. Im sure I could like the F6 where

a 6x finder is not indicated.

[oswegophoto]

Colours Alive, I hope you're aware that the AS-4 does NOT support the F3's built-in TTL

flash metering. You can use your flash in Automatic (A) and Manual (M) modes OK, but the

AS-4 doesn't have the electrical contacts for TTL metering. For that, you need the AS-17

(which even allows a bit of flash compensation) or the much cheaper and less capable

Vivitar adapter referred to above. Otherwise, you're stuck using the aperture(s) allowed for

"A" mode, or the calculations required for "M" mode. I hope this was clear. Cheers!

[coloursalive]

Thank you David and Don.

 

I am quite enthusiastic about shooting macro. In fact, some recent macro shots with the F3 have yielded magnificent results even tho' i used the camera in auto.

 

Don, thank you for pointing out that the AS-4 is not compatible with TTL flash. I'll try to get the AS-17 or the vivitar adaptor.

 

Im having a great time with the camera so far. Beautiful, thats all I have to say. Especially for a camera that is 20 or more years old!

 

Many thanks for your replies.

 

Susheel