Nikon F3P

ArbInv · Oct 20, 2015

Hi All

I have a nice Nikon F3P which after 30+ years is in need of some TLC. Any suggestions on Nikon Repairs in the Washington DC Region. Also can anyone recommend a good source of parts as some rubber / perishable parts are pretty broken down and it would be good to add some new replacements.

Thanks everyone

Arb

trythis · Oct 21, 2015

If its just light seals and mirror box foam look up John Goodman
jon_goodman@yahoo.com

He has good seals and good instructions!

John_Nikon_F · Oct 21, 2015

Jon Goodman is a member here. So, just send him a PM.

With respect to the camera, you're not too far from NY. Could always box it up and send it to Nikon to be serviced. That's what happened to my F3P, prior to my owning it. Previous owner was a white house press photog, so she'd send it to Nikon yearly for a checkup.

-J

kivis · Oct 21, 2015

John_Nikon_F said:
Jon Goodman is a member here. So, just send him a PM.

With respect to the camera, you're not too far from NY. Could always box it up and send it to Nikon to be serviced. That's what happened to my F3P, prior to my owning it. Previous owner was a white house press photog, so she'd send it to Nikon yearly for a checkup.

-J

What? Nikon will still service an F3HP? I did not know that they will still service our oldie but goodies.

Richard S. (rich815) · Oct 21, 2015

ArbInv said:
Hi All

I have a nice Nikon F3P which after 30+ years is in need of some TLC. Any suggestions on Nikon Repairs in the Washington DC Region. Also can anyone recommend a good source of parts as some rubber / perishable parts are pretty broken down and it would be good to add some new replacements.

Thanks everyone

Arb

What exactly does it need done? Don't limit yourself geographically, mailing it off might be best.

Which rubber parts? Check eBay...

Steve Bellayr · Oct 21, 2015

I sent my Nikons to Stevecamera.com in LA. I am in DC and I don't think there is anyone nearby. Would be nice to find out.

Christiaan Phleger · Oct 22, 2015

I would send it to Nikon. More than likely they still have exact parts for this camera; the P has specific parts but shares much with the T. These are serious cameras; I've long recounted the thousands of rolls i put thru mine.

John_Nikon_F · Oct 22, 2015

^That, and they apparently still have parts in inventory for the F3, since it was produced for the military through 2004.

-J

ArbInv · Oct 22, 2015

Sorry for slow reply to the helpful responses. I will check out the folks you suggest. I too am amazed that Nikon may still have parts in boxes on a shelf. I will contact them and see what they say. The camera is in great shape but the rubber on the shutter release button is flapping loose and after years without a service I figure checking all the seals and a little oil here and there will not go amiss.

Christiaan Phleger · Oct 23, 2015

My recommendation is if it is functioning correctly to leave it alone. Just keep using it! Besides I was never able to get nikon to replace that rubber piece no matter how much I pleaded with NPS. They seem to be out of stock probably because thats the weakest part and everyone tore them. I've long thought to CNC a mold from an original and do a run of replacement silicone covers...hmmm weekend project!!
If I can find the factory manual and parts list of the P and T bodies its very good reading to see what changes were made over the standard (already tank tough) Nikon F3.

ArbInv · Oct 23, 2015

Well if you ever find a way to custom make those rubber covers let me know. To be honest I am amazed that I even have a little rubber still in place after so many years but it would be good to update some time in the future. For now I will keep snapping.

Christiaan Phleger · Oct 24, 2015

Yeah mine is still going just a tiny tear. I think they'd be good for regular F3's as well

ArbInv · Dec 31, 2015

I would love some new rubber deals for around the viewfinder and the shutter release. We should seek to round up as many F3P owners as I am sure we would all pay to get these replaced. Let me know if this gets progressed.

Andy

Chris Livsey · Dec 31, 2015

RidingWaves said:
If I can find the factory manual and parts list of the P and T bodies its very good reading to see what changes were made over the standard (already tank tough) Nikon F3.

http://manualmachine.com/nikon/f3t-f3p----parts-list/196665-repair-manual----parts-list/

Christiaan Phleger · Jan 1, 2016

Yes thats the one; Part #6555 is what tears.

ArbInv · Jan 19, 2016

Well if anyone wants to start making these parts I will be your first customer...!

ColColt · Jan 21, 2016

This has been a revelation. I had no idea the F3 was that old. Time seems to stand still these days.

Sirius Glass · Jan 21, 2016

Welcome to APUG

John_Nikon_F · Jan 21, 2016

ColColt said:
This has been a revelation. I had no idea the F3 was that old. Time seems to stand still these days.

Production started two months after the last F2 was made. First, the F3 eyelevel was introduced. Then, in 1982 came the F3HP and the champagne F3/T. In 1983, the F3P and F3AF were introduced. Sometime over the next two years came the black F3/T. In the early-mid '90s, the F3 Limited was introduced. Essentially an F3P with a regular back, plus a different serial number block with an "L" in front of the number. Finally, in 1996, the F3H was introduced. F3P with a pelicle mirror, no meter coupling, and a diaphragm opening button, instead of the DOF preview button. Had its own MD-4H motor drive that will do 13 fps, instead of the normal 6 fps with the mirror locked up. There were also quite a few special editions introduced.

-J

ColColt · Jan 21, 2016

Thanks for the history...how time slips away.

Nikon F3P

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