Nikon F3 Reliability in 2026

[skahde]

(I've actually never seen an F3 with a failed LCD: I think that the rumours of LCD problems were caused by Nikon stating it only had a 10year lifetime, and the evident problems with the F4's display).

As much as I agree that the problem may sometimes get exaggerated beyond reason, this forum contains enough evidence of its existance.

Nikon F3/T: LCD replaced

Hi all, I have been specialising in Nikon F3 repairs for the past 3 or so years and I have worked on over 200 F3 bodies. The problem is almost NEVER with the LCD display itself - I have seen only a couple failed due to being hit / cracked / leaked. The issue with the fading has to do with the...

www.photrio.com

 

[grant.goodes]

As much as I agree that the problem may sometimes get exaggerated beyond reason, this forum contains enough evidence of its existance.

Nikon F3/T: LCD replaced

Hi all, I have been specialising in Nikon F3 repairs for the past 3 or so years and I have worked on over 200 F3 bodies. The problem is almost NEVER with the LCD display itself - I have seen only a couple failed due to being hit / cracked / leaked. The issue with the fading has to do with the...

www.photrio.com

Oh, very good information! So, not "LCD Bleed" but rather deterioration of the polarizing filter(s). Makes sense, as the filters are just little strips of plastic. Probably gets worse with extensive UV exposure (e.g. using the camera in bright, sunny locales).

 

[qqphot]

I had a lot of trouble finding a fully working F3. It took three purchases to get one that was operable. The ones I tried were described very optimistically and even then "MINT" seemed to usually mean the worst damage had been covered up with paint. The first one's shutter didn't work, and the second one's meter didn't work. The third one, which I kept, was stupidly overpriced but at least looks and works ok. It's certainly not even vaguely "Mint" as it was advertised, but at least the touch up paint wasn't applied too sloppily. The only real functional issue is that the shutter speed dial lock is broken, but whatever. Fortunately (for buyers!) eBay will force the seller to pay for return shipping if the item is actually not as described, and these were all described as fully operational, which they were not.

 

[grant.goodes]

Yeah "mint" on eBay is almost always misleading. Japanese sellers in particular are prone to using "mint++" etc. in the title of a lens auction, and then in the description explicitly stating that it exhibits fungus. Such ads are not violating eBay's terms & conditions: If the description reveals the fungus they are covered. Other auctions will say "item as pictured -- please examine closely", but tricks like amateur repaints aren't always visible in the crappy photos.

Things are made worse with pro-gear like F3's which were expensive enough that few amateurs bought them, and the pros who did used them very hard, so finding a gently used one can be difficult. I think the collectors in Japan who hoarded mint-in-box copies are either dying off or selling off, but in any case I _do_ see more really nice F3P's and other desirable models appearing on eBay, and not always at chance-your-arse prices: Patience is required.

I still use eBay for some harder to find items, but my experience the last few years is that enthusiast forums such as this site are MUCH better places to find gently used gear at reasonable prices, and with all issues fully disclosed.

 

[skahde]

Japanese sellers use a different rating-scheme, which is not compatible with the shutterbug-scheme it seems to be derived from and which was designed to safe space in printed adds. On ebay you have to read the description and you will find your answers, if you ask the right questions. And I have always been treated with courtesy if there was a problem even if it was my fault not to realize it was described. Nevertheless, during the last years I switched back to the good old habit of looking into adds for locally available items and take them from the sellers hands. Met a lot of nice guys and never got screwed since then. But that is just about walking in my shoes as I'm in a crowded area and distances are laughable for someone living in the US or Canada.

 

[qqphot]

I can appreciate there are different styles of description, but if a listing says "shutter is fully working" or "no damage to the body" and the shutter doesn't open, or there is a big dent in the body, it's not just a mismatch in communication style. Fortunately eBay will facilitate no-cost returns if you can honestly demonstrate that a concrete claim in the listing wasn't true. This is especially helpful when buying from overseas where shipping charges are a substantial part of the cost. Even a courteous seller offering a voluntary return usually won't cover return shipping unless eBay compels them to.

I also agree that it's safer and more pleasant looking for gear on forums like this one where you're dealing with regular members of the community who know what they're selling and usually describe things honestly - and may even be local.