Nikon F3 Reliability in 2026

grant.goodes said:

(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).

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

skahde said:

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

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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).

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.