Nikon F3HP - A Professional Tool
Written: Apr 11 '00
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Pros: Quality, Dependability, Durability
Cons: Very Expensive
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| stonehousellc's Full Review: Nikon F3HP Film Camera |
The Nikon F3HP is the top manual focus 35mm SLR on the market today. Rich in professional features, it has been a high performance platform for both the pro and serious amateur photographer since its introduction in 1980. Replacing the F2 series, the F3 was the first Pro level Nikon to employ automated exposure control.
HIGH EYEPOINT
The greatest innovation for me was the introduction of the High Eyepoint viewfinder. For the first time I was able to view the entire field through the viewfinder without having to move my head from side to side, even when wearing glasses. This allowed for quicker composition and greater visual control of the subject matter. The viewfinder also gave a near complete view of what would be included in the ultimate image. Previous Nikon, and most other makes to this day, offer a cropped view of what will actually be on the exposed film.
MODULAR DESIGN
All F series cameras have been designed with a modular approach, giving the individual photographer unparalleled ability to customize the camera. The F3 carries this tradition further, making changing focus screens (over 20 options dependent on application) or meter heads as easy as changing film. The accessories available for the F3 cover almost all needs and include bulk film and data backs, power winders and motor drives, various view finder head configurations as well as components designed for micro and macro photography.
Continuing the tradition started with the introduction of the first F system back in 1959, the F3 will accept all Nikon SLR lenses from the newest autofocus style back to the earliest pre-AI (auto index) lenses. This allows the Nikon photographer who has traded up to an F3 the ability to continue using that very old 21mm lens that would cost a fortune to update.
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Equipped with an exceptional center weighted meter, the F3 gives total exposure control to the photographer. Additionally, you can opt for aperture preferred mode, which gives you the ability to select the f/stop desired and the camera will then select the appropriate shutter speed for you. This option puts depth of field control in your hands. The addition of an exposure lock option lets you get proper exposure set and then arrange the composition with assurance.
MECHANICAL BACK-UP
Since batteries will die, sometimes at the most inopportune times, the F3 is equipped with a back-up mechanical shutter release. This will allow you to continue taking pictures without interruption.
CONSTRUCTION AND DURABILITY
The F3 is die-cast from an extremely durable aluminum alloy. I have personally abused an F3 well beyond what any plastic bodied camera could endure and never had one fail, break or develop light leak. It has proven its dependability as the primary camera of the vast majority of working photojournalist in every field from politics to war zones.
PRICE VS VALUE
While the F3 body will cost anywhere from $1200.00 to $1500.00 new or $400.00 to $700.00 used, the quality, durability and dependability account for that. If your purpose in buying a camera is for professional applications, the price is actually in line with or better than the cost of other comparable systems. For the serious amateur, the justification may be harder to come by. It will have to be that your needs require the highest quality and durability available from your equipment. Even then, a used body or a less expensive option like the Nikon FM2 may best serve you.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200.00 - 1500.00
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stonehousellc
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Location: Nashville, TN
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