Nikon F3-P: Modify for Cable Release?

I picked up an F3 at a swap meet. Didn't pay much for it, so I neglected to look over it closely. I knew it was a 'P' when I bought it, but failed to note that means it has no cable release socket. Unfortunately, I want to make long exposures at night, so I need a cable release. I was hoping the F3 (which has MLU) would be a step up from my FM, which can only prefire the mirror when using the self-timer and therefore can't do exposures longer than 1 second with the mirror locked up.

On the standard F3, the cable release socket is part of the film advance lever assembly. Could I just swap out the 'P' film advance lever for a standard lever? Or are there essential internal components missing on the 'P'?

Obviously, you're probably not going to be able to help me unless you already know about the differences between the F3 and the F3P, but for the curious, the F3P was a ruggedized version of the normal F3, with waterproof gaskets, no self-timer, and no cable release socket (duh). It is supposed to be able to stand up to rougher conditions and more abuse than the standard consumer model, in part by reducing possible points of failure like a self timer. Mine unfortunately has a shutter problem and some frames are about 1/3rd to 2/3 EV darker on the right than on the left. If I can get a cable release installed, then it's off to the shop for a "CLA" - if not, well...

Trade you for a regular F3 with cable release functionality.

Will the MC-12 series cable releases fit the motor control socket? If so there's your answer.

I've been tempted to have a modified shutter release retaining ring created that would have threads for an AR-2 cable release. Either that, or a piece machined that would fit over the retaining ring and allow usage of an AR-2, which I already have for my F and my F2AS. At this time, I use a MR-2 firing button threaded into the MD-4's remote terminal socket. The AR-2 threads onto that.

-J

Get the MD-4 and MC-12. The P is meant to be used with the MD-4.

Is the lack of cable release meant to restrict water/condensation getting into the camera? Most camera accessory stores have cable release adaptors for point and shoot cameras, maybe what you could use - http://www.firstcall-photographic.c...ease-adaptor-bracket-for-compact-cameras/p119

ryushinkan said:

lack of cable release meant to restrict water/condensation getting into the camera

Click to expand...

Yes. The release is completely enclosed in a rubber dome inside the fitting where it sits. It's actually nice to find a P with the rubber not split or worn away from use.

The extra body seals are silicone instead of foam, which in addition to being a better seal against water also means that they rarely need to be replaced since the silicone seemingly lasts forever.
It's definitely set up as a journalist rig and not for fine art, tripod requiring work. Even the action to open the back has the safety lock-out removed to make it faster.

If it didn't cost more then you got a good find, I'm sure that you can get a swap deal for a regular F3HP if you really want the standard setup and come out ahead on the deal.

You should not try to modify it. You can trade it for the F3HP as the F3P is more valuable or you can buy the MD-4 and the MC-12 cable.

Ive had a few cameras that didnt have cable release, so I set the self timer for each shot.

For truly long exposures (e.g., in the minutes, use the T setting), I'd be surprised if you could spot the slight bit of extra camera shake from not using a cable release.

With the MD-4 motordrive, which should be a required accessory for the Nikon F3P, you can fit an accessory secondary shutter release for vertical format shooting. It's the MR-3 (Google it to see an image) and it mounts into the electrical terminal of the handgrip (it will also fit the terminal on the other side of the motordrive). It is threaded to accommodate the standard Nikon AR-3 cable release. I've used one on my Nikon F3HP to have a vertical release button and it works fine with a the cable release.

There's one available on eBay presently for $17.95, a relative bargain for a Nikon accessory!

Jim

Personally I wouldn't modify it, I believe you would reduce it $$$ value but Frank offered a trade for a standard F3
which is a better(IMO) option. You don't have to pay for a repair or a custom made part. When you
start talking custom machining you're also talking $$$ unless you have a machinist friend
I've also got an F3 HP I'd be willing to swap for it + a couple of bucks your way. No tapering exposure problem either.