Brand New Nikon F3!

revdocjim

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Messages
357
Location
Tokyo
Format
Multi Format
I know an old guy who has what is probably the messiest, most cluttered camera shop in the entire world. (I really don't think I'm exaggerating at all!) A couple years ago he effectively retired but still hangs out in his store all the time and the shelves are loaded with unsold merchandise. Previously he gave me a brand new Bronica ETRs. Today he gave me an unused Nikon F3. It has been on display in a show window but looks fabulous. He was worried it wouldn't work but I popped some batteries in it and found that it works just fine. It came with the 35/2.8 lens. Can't wait to run some film through it.

 

i.candide

Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
10
Format
Medium Format
I hope you will end up loving your F3 as I do mine.

Its heavy, cumbersome (with the MD4 motor drive), and battery dependent. But I love it.

Tried to replace it with simpler and lighter cameras - both SLR and range-finder. They do not feel as powerful and confidence boosting as th F3.

The closest I got to loving a replacement is augmenting with an RB67 - I also truely love.

I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. Both are heavy, cumbersome, and quirky. But confidence inspiring tools.

Happy shooting,

I.candide
Dangerous to oneself
 

removed-user-1

Nice find!

I would love to know where this store is. Or even just see some pictures of the interior. Camera stores like that are a vanishing breed...
 

Travlpix

Member
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
1
Location
Stamford, CT
Format
35mm
Best camera ever made (and I'm sure nobody will contest that!!!!).

I bought an almost-new, I'd say mint, F3P last summer, paid $275 since the seller, an experienced dealer, didn't realize it was a P. In the interest of honesty, I pointed it out to him, but he stuck by his price nevertheless. Obviously it wasn't owned by a pro, since it doesn't have the original back that interacted w/the motor drive to leave the end of the film out, and no evidence a MD had ever been attached. That's fine w/me since I'm too old and tired to lug an MD-4.

So now I have 3 F3s, ranging from brassed and beat to mint. I hope you like your F3 as much.
 

Newt_on_Swings

Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Messages
2,147
Location
NYC
Format
Multi Format
Great story! F3's are quite robust performers. I use my f3hp often and like to go without the md4, it has a smooth wind on that is a pleasure to use. Now that I have a pair, this summer should be fun with them. Though I have to admit the weight does get a bit bothersome.
 

Richard S. (rich815)

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2003
Messages
4,924
Location
San Francisco
Format
Multi Format
Jealous!!! I have a gorgeous brassy one that works perfectly that I got for a decent price (told he had a recent CLA) and another that I should sell but to have a NEW one!! This was my dream camera back in the early 80's when I was in college. But $2000 new back then was nothing but a pipe dream.
 

Someonenameddavid

Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
299
Format
Med. Format RF
I take it you are in Japan since your location is Tokyo: the Japanese are still nuts over film cameras and I was thinking about selling a relatively rare camera in a Japanese store. My daughter is travelling there in September and I might have her take it. can you suggest a good store


David
 

Magic2007

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
32
Format
Medium Format
May i ask, why is the F3 so popular? I have the Fm3a and i think its great and latest, but the f3 is what photographers talk most about.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,399
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Enjoy!
 

Chan Tran

Subscriber
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
6,835
Location
Sachse, TX
Format
35mm
Magic2007 said:
May i ask, why is the F3 so popular? I have the Fm3a and i think its great and latest, but the f3 is what photographers talk most about.
Click to expand...

Some like the F3 some like the other F series cameras like F, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 etc... and I do agree each has its own pro and con. To me the F3 has a nice balance between features and quality among all the F's. But the FM3a is not comparable to the F3 as it's in another class of camera. It's may be the latest and greatest among the FM/FE series of cameras but it's not in the same league as the F's.
 

Ricardo Miranda

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
2,408
Location
London, UK
Format
35mm
Congratulations Sir! Hope you enjoy using the F3 for many years!
 

Les Sarile

Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2010
Messages
3,425
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Format
35mm
Magic2007 said:
May i ask, why is the F3 so popular? I have the Fm3a and i think its great and latest, but the f3 is what photographers talk most about.
Click to expand...

Likely because there were quite a few more F3's sold and it is more available today at prices less then the FM3A.

 
OP
OP

revdocjim

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Messages
357
Location
Tokyo
Format
Multi Format
rthomas said:
Nice find!

I would love to know where this store is. Or even just see some pictures of the interior. Camera stores like that are a vanishing breed...
Click to expand...

I've been asked that by many. But I would feel far too intrusive taking photos in their place. I imagine they are self conscious about it, and it really is messy to the point of being rather gross. Boxes of kitty litter on the counter etc...
The store is in Tokyo.
 
OP
OP

revdocjim

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2010
Messages
357
Location
Tokyo
Format
Multi Format

If it is an older classic camera there are lots of stores that specialize in them, especially in the Ginza area. Sales prices tend to be extremely high. But when they buy cameras from people they typically only give you 50% of their intended sales price. You can usually get more money on the internet.

A large, trustworthy place that handles all sorts of cameras and buys at reasonably good prices is Map Camera in Shinjuku. I never buy from them because they are expensive but they have the biggest inventory of any used camera store in Tokyo.
 

Bateleur

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
155
Location
Netherlands
Format
Multi Format
Lovely story, and that shop must be fascinating too, pure nostalgia.
Enjoy your new camera!
 

arthurpolaroid

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
33
Location
Worcester, M
Format
Instant Films
The only thing you will likely need is new light seals. But, what a great find! I love my F3HP/MD4 combo. Gorgeous camera.
 

Pumalite

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
1,078
Location
Here & Now
Format
Multi Format
I wish I had your luck!
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,399
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Not luck, start by being nice to old farts.
 

pollux

Member
Joined
May 19, 2009
Messages
165
Format
Medium Format
Nearly O/T what would you get if you could buy a nikon FE2 mint condition for just over half of a nikon f3hp again in mint condition? does the winder need to be out on the f3 for firing the shutter? nikon fe2 parts are quite scarce, but this one is mint.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…