Nikon F3 or Nikon F4?

John_Nikon_F · Sep 20, 2010

flatulent1 said:
I have an F4, really nice camera, probably my favorite Nikon. There is a small part of me that would like to get an F3THP, but that part doesn't know where the credit card is kept.

Unfortunately, the part of me that wants an F6 knows precisely where the credit card lives...

If the part that wants the F3/T decides it can live with an F3P, the part of me that keeps making me buy back my old gear would be very appreciative, since it wouldn't have to be tempted all the time whenever I step into Kenmore Camera. Next time you're there, check out stock #677946.

-J

fotch · Sep 20, 2010

What I like about the F3HP is I always know what the camera is doing, no surprises. My impression of later models, based on my current Nikon DSLR, is like any computer program, sometimes it has a mind of its own. The F3 operates like older manual cameras with enough automation to get the job done.

If I could buy a decent F4, F5, F6 for an affordable price, I probably would, however, I would still expect the F3 to be, in most cases, my favorite.

Uncle Bill · Sep 21, 2010

F3, it's more intuitive if you have been using a FM2n

EdColorado · Sep 23, 2010

nambun said:
The F4 is the world's first professional camera with a built-in motor drive.
The F4 is the world's first professional camera with modern Matrix (intelligent) light metering.

by Ken.

-------------------------

In my opinion, you can choise F4 (without F4s, F4e because its heavy) is the best for AI/AIS.

Not to be argumentative or anything Ken but both the above features were out in the Canon T90 before the F4 was released..

My vote though was for the F4. I have both the F3HP and F4. Both are nice cameras but the F4 is an amazing beast. I do though think I prefer my T90s over the F3 or F4 but a lot of that could be due to all the years I spent using those T90s.

vedmak · Sep 23, 2010

I would vote for F3, unless you into sports it will do as good of a job on most pictures, built like a tank, smoothest film advance in the world, aperture priority, what else can you wish for for a film camera?

Pumal · Sep 23, 2010

I have to admit that I have both and use both for different reasons and different lenses. After I bought 2 Nikon F2 I had to think hard before I bought the F3. I didn't want a camera with batteries, but after Nikon RAISED the price of an F2 and LOWERED the price of an F3, I just bought an F3HP. I have loved it ever since. It's a great camera. Absolutely reliable

Soeren · Sep 24, 2010

"You did not select an option to vote for"...

If I could Id vote for the F3. Its more compact, lighter got the options needed and is just a great camera. If I want to shoot an AF camera I'd go for one of the "to modern" cameras, F5, F90X or F100.
Best regards
Søren

2F/2F · Sep 24, 2010

If you like the older mechanical Nikons, then why are you looking at F3's and F4's? Why not one of these: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f2as.htm?

If it must be a choice between F3 and F4, I'd go with the F3. See Nambun's post on the second page of the thread. The F3 was the last of the Nikon pro SLRs that simply felt like an updated version of the F. It is to the '69/'70 Mustang what the F2 is to the '67/'68 Mustang, and what the F is to the '65/'66 Mustang. Despite their differences, these cars all looked and felt like they owed a lot to the original concept and design of the Mustang. After that, it goes to shit for both Nikons and Mustangs.

So, since you say you like the older mechanical SLRs, I would say to cross the F4 off of your list and compare Fs, F2s, and F3s.

flatulent1 · Sep 24, 2010

EdColorado said:
Not to be argumentative or anything Ken but both the above features were out in the Canon T90 before the F4 was released..

My vote though was for the F4. I have both the F3HP and F4. Both are nice cameras but the F4 is an amazing beast. I do though think I prefer my T90s over the F3 or F4 but a lot of that could be due to all the years I spent using those T90s.

These are my thoughts exactly. I reach for the T90 automatically; I reach for the F4 for a change of pace periodically.

Marco Gilardetti · Sep 24, 2010

There's something wrong on the code of this poll.

When I tried to vote for F3, my vote was rejected with a statement saying that "I haven't selected any option".

Then I tried to vote for F4 just to see if I was having problems with my computer or with the internet connection, and the vote was immeditely registered.

fotch · Sep 24, 2010

Its a conspiracy propagated by the F4 crowd. :w00t:

John_Nikon_F · Sep 24, 2010

Another option, if you want an F3, just get an FA. Same meter readout, but faster flash synch and normal ISO TTL flash shoe without the expensive AS-17 adapter.

Personally, I'd probably just pick up a second FM2n. Whatever accessories that the OP has for their FM2n will work on it, controls are in the same spot, since, after all, it's the same camera. If the need for a pro body is truly there, then, find a decent F2AS, since it has a very similar meter readout with the same 1/5 stop accuracy...

-J

Nikon F3 or Nikon F4?

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