Nikon F3 vs. F3HP

[trythis]

You get a slower flash sync and a nifty flash mount that is compatible with 2 nikon flashes, the sb16 with the right base and another I can't remember.
You also get the ability to change the viewfinder to any number of very interesting you finders. I actually like the waist level viewfinder available with the F3


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[Les Sarile]

The F3 - as well as the F & F2, have 100% viewfinder coverage. With the AS17, you can use a standard flash mount and TTL.

 

[trythis]

I just got one for $20 but they usually cost $40 or $50 or more.

The F3 is awesome just not a strobist's first choice.


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[John_Nikon_F]

I rarely use flash with analog gear. That said, my F3 does take non-TTL ISO flashes without adapters. Granted, it is the Press version. Paid the same for it that I would've paid for a regular F3HP in similar condition. $165 shipped. If you're looking for flash capability, look into an FE2 or an F4... Both are similarly cheap and are faster than an FE, flash synch-wise (note the 1/125 on the FM/FE, and the Nikkormats is actually 1/100 on a shutter speed tester, so you really aren't getting a faster synch speed over an F2 or an F3 - at least, not enough to make a real difference), being at 1/250.

-J

 

[Chan Tran]

There is another difference. The non HP version takes the same diopter as the F2 while the HP version has larger diopter the same as F4 or F5.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

Yup. I got around that on mine. DK-18 eyepiece adapter. Since I don't use glasses when shooting (prescription is 12 years old), I instead use a -5 diopter for the eyelevel version with a DK-4 and the DK-18.

-J

 

[Lildsdad]

You folks are making want to buy an F3 or F3HP...is that your intent?

The MD-4 is also looking very nice...

Just purchased one about a month ago.

 

[fdonadio]

The selling point for me is that they are tough. I still remember one of my F2 falling off a mountain; I went down; picked it up and kept taking pictures.

I am not sure if you meant F2 or F3, but I can vouch for F3's ruggedness. I've been hit by Bob Burnquist's skateboard once and both my F3 and my Nikkor 16mm f/3.5 (AI'd) survived!

I had to unbend the sunshade with needle-nose pliers, so they wouldn't show on the frame, and kept shooting the skateboarding contest like nothing ever happened! B)

Oh! I used to wear glasses at the time (now I use contacts) and my finder was a non-HP. Never had any problems with that.

And the MD-4 was there also! Around 5 frames a second to shoot tricks in sequence.

Golden years, I think. One the best times in my life.


Cheers,
Flavio