Nikon F3 with standard DE-2 Prism and Series E 50/1.8 AIs Lens

SITE UPDATE APRIL 2012
I am sorry about the list, I just did not have time to get it started, and do not have spare time at the moment. My sincere apologies.

SITE UPDATE JANUARY 2010
I am starting an e-mail list for those interested in the latest Nikon Developments as well as information about all the film cameras up to and including the F6. Subscribe if you wish below

SITE UPDATE AUGUST 2009

I have managed to obtain scanned pdf versions of most of the F3 series manuals, including service, parts and user, these can be directly downloaded from the server using the links on the right hand side of the page. I hope you find these of use!

If you have any copies of related manuals not on this site please send me a message and I will add the manual/link as appropriate - many thanks! It would also be great to get scans of adverts from the 80’s!

RECEIVE MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS ON NIKON FILM CAMERAS FROM US

You will receive information on a regular basis on Nikon Cameras - both old and present. This is a free service and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Reigned Supremely for 20 years - 1980- 2000 - The Worlds longest Production SLR - built like a Tank - and often used to take Pictures of Tanks - not friendly ones either The Journalists Film SLR of choice replacing the tried and tested Nikon F2.

The third Professional (F Series) Nikon SLR Camera the Nikon F3 was introduced in early 1980 was preceded by the Nikon F and F2 (the F2AS being the last model), and succeeded by the Nikon F4  ( 1988 - 1996 ) , Nikon F5 ( 1996 - 2005 ) and Nikon F6 ( 2004 - present ) - although it still holds the record for most variations of a professional Nikon model. It was also the last Manual Focus Nikon Camera - the F4 being AF but retaining MF lens capability (as have most later Nikons with some exceptions).

I am an enthusiastic amateur photographer currently using a Nikon D2x, although I have experience of most of the DSLR range and the F series Cameras. Without a shadow of a doubt my camera of choice is the F3, more specifically the Titanium Variant of the F3, the F3/T. I have owned and used the Standard F3, the F3HP, F3/T, but not however the F3/AF nor the F3/P, which although infrequently available does sometimes show up on ebay.

When you pick up the F3 you instantly appreciate its sold brick like feel and weight which reassures you immediately that this camera was designed to be used (and abused) - and to keep on going.

Back in the late 1980’s there was a UK Nikon Advert showing a wide range of British Press Photographers with their cameras, all of them had the F3 - and it is no exaggeration to say that the F3 ruled the 1980’s in professional 35mm photography - it simply had no equal. The Canon F1 was simply not an option.

The finest film SLR bar none. Its place in history is assured. The King is Dead… Long live the King!

I hope to develop this page into a full resource for F3 owners. Bookmark and Stay Tuned. Regards.