Hashem gives his thoughts on the legendary Nikon F3, and compares it to his regular shooter the Nikon FE. Follow @pushingfilm on Instagram / pushingfilm
I’ve had my F3 for 20 years now. It’s the only film camera I kept in the transition to digital. I recently purchased an FE as a second body and have just started shooting film again. I love them both for different reasons. The F3 is a beautiful and a very rugged camera. The FE is sleeker and low profile and easier to carry as a very light weight package and like stated in the video has a nicer analog meter. The FE is a better value right now but if you can afford the price difference the F3 is definitely worth it
The F3 also features a heavily center-weighted meter pattern in comparison to other contemporary cameras. In the F3's viewfinder, a circle surrounds the split-prism and the microprism field. The meter places 80% of it's focus on the area within the circle, and 20% outside of it. In other Nikons, like the FE, only 60% is placed within the reference circle and 40% for outside of it. Also, the F3 features an exposure lock button when it is being used in aperture priority auto exposure, which can be activated by pressing the smaller button by the secondary shutter release. This only locks the shutter speed, which means adjusting the aperture after locking the shutter speed affects the exposure, which essentially allows for faster, less cumbersome exposure compensation. The viewfinder curtain is also helpful because light coming through the viewfinder can affect the meter, so when using the self timer and autoexposure, using the curtain is advised. also, using mirror lock-up effects the meter reading, so exposure needs to be done manually if mirror lock up is in use. lastly, the F3 flash system, though proprietary, featured several technologies which drastically simplify flash photography. The first is auto-ISO indexing. When a flash is mounted, the speedlight automatically reads the ISO from the camera. It doesn't need to be set seperately on the flash. The other advance is TTL flash metering. Now all one has to do is set the camera to a desired shutter speed(speeds higher than 1/80 result in the camera shifting the speed down to 1/80) and an aperture, and the flash will fire at the correct strength to give a proper exposure. If the flash fires at full strength(indicating possible underexposure), the flash ready light will blink in the viewfinder.
Tony White Thanks for pointing that out! this is a good correction for people to know. *edit: on checking again, the second button does still also fire at whatever shutter speed the dial is set to, as long as batteries are good and it's switched on.
Hi, yes the 2nd shutter release is manual backup that only shoots at 1/60th sec. It does so with or without batteries. In order to sell this cameras to pros of the day who were used to completely mechanical cameras and feared a camera that could let them down at a crucial time, Nikon added this feature to the F3.
Good day Hashem, I enjoyed this video on the Nikon F3 and your thoughts on this camera. I never purchased this camera, not because I didn't like it , I got hung up on the Nikon FM,FE series of cameras of which I still have 6, all with MD-12's. Started with the FM then the FE next the FM2 to the FE2, FM2n and so on. You might say that I was a bit obsessed. I jumped over the F3 in favor of the F4S. I fell in love with that camera because of it's innovations and styling. It was a beast ! Unfortunately, it appeared to grow legs at a wedding I and a girlfriend attended. I left it at the table to dance with my girl friend, it was a very expensive loss. Had a 28-85 lens and SB 24 attached. I never replaced it. By the way , I'm using a Canon 5Dlll and 7D these days but getting back to film a little as well, which brought me here to your channel. You do a very good job at presenting your information in a manner that's easy to watch and listen to and I may just look into getting an F3. Thank you !
Hello Hashem, I wanted to add that for some time I displayed these cameras on book shelves with a 5x7 or 8x10 or two of favorite photos taken with these cameras. Things that happen when one gets obsessed ! Much success to you and your channel !!
Just got my F3 this morning, the shutter sound is addictive! I have the FE and I also SO FAR like the meter on FE more, just easier to see. I couldn’t image using the F3 on the street.
Another fine review. I shot my FE2 for almost two years and kept hearing about the F3.i bought a black F3/T in April and LOVE it. So nice. Nice work on those images.
the 'second' shutter release is actually the mechanical shutter overide. It fires the shutter at 1/80, rather than at your chosen shutter speed on the dial. great video. And a great camera, too.
Calum Stewart I have actually tested this after another viewer mentioned it , and as long the camera is switched on with a live battery, the second release will fire the shutter at whatever speed the dial is set to. Glad you like the video!
First, great video- I shoot my f3 everyday for years. It's such a tank. One of the best camera's ever built. About the back up release... You guys are both kinda right. The back up lever: when powered off or if dead batteries, it fires the shutter around a 60th. This is where it gets kinda tricky... If powered on and you engage the shutter button to get the F3 to meter, it will fire at the preset shutter speed (1/125 or what ever it's set at). If powered on, and you don't engage the meter and trip the back up shutter button... it will fire at a 60th. This is consistent with all of my f3s.
WOW. That is complicated. So, if themeter is on - it will fire whatever the shutter speed dial is set to. If the meter is off, it's a mechanical 60th of a second. I guess that makes sense. But it is tricky, as you say.
The design on the F3 is probably one of the best in the F Series Nikon has ever produced! I love my F3 and also have the simple FE2 to your FE Hashem. I would highly recommend the F3 if you get the chance to own one for yourself. The FE is as good as any higher end Nikon for sure. I love the simplicity of the FE and the metering all built in the viewfinder. Great job! OMG! just noticed in the background that you also have the Nikon SB-30 flash attached to another Nikon body! I love that little flash unit! Hahahahaha!
Great overview. I totally agree about the self timer, mine needs a pry-bar to come loose haha. My F3 is the 'go-to' daily shooter as well, and I always have it loaded up with something and within reach.
I don't own a F3 (yet) but I do own a FM2N and a FE. There's something about the FE's simplicity, convenience of aperture priority, and the solid build that I love. My FM2N was built in 1975 and my FE was built in the early 80s, so the body my FE is in incredible shape. I love both but I enjoy shooting with the FE a little more. I can't wait to get my hands on a F3 though.
How much did you get yours for? I only ask because I had just gotten one today at a thrift store for $14.99. Just wanted to see if I had struck gold on this find or not. Thanks in advance.
@@brycenjericb9372 i traded a couple of old lenses to help with the price and paid around 70 dollars for a restored body from a camera store! Couldn't be happier with it. The F3HP
You are making such nice videos, always a pleasure to watch if you are into cameras, even this older one! BTW when using the backup-release the shutters fires always at 1/60 sec regardless of the setting on the dial on top. At least this what the manual says.
I just bought an FA. I love these Nikon film cameras from the 80's, but I like the matrix metering, 1/4000th shutter, and PASM modes that the FA has. Nikon really was at the cutting edge back then.
You forgot one thing about the second shutter release. That release is a fix shutter speed, estimate around 1/90th a second. If your battery is dead, you cannot use the top shutter release button resulting you to use the front shutter release which is mechanical release.
Great review I’ve had an f3 since 1981 when I was 18 great camera lenses from nikkor too expensive for me . Totally worth it is anyone wants a film camera. Inherited a hasselblad 500 c and a leica m3 from my father still prefer the F3.
it is a bit heavy though. do you know how to fix the focus? no matter how much i rotate the lense the focus is not sharp enough. is this broken or maybe the battery needs to be changed? thanks
A small point about the flash, if you get a Nikon AS-4 flash adaptor you slip it onto the F3's hot shoe and then you can use any simple standard hot shoe mount flash on them. and yep,they are a wonderful camera to use and shoot with. mine was the first 35mm slr I bought on recommendation by and from my local camera shop here in S.A. FE's are a wonderful little cam to use as well...love mine.and as always, love your videos :-)
I do understand the love for F3s, but given that batteries are required (making it non-mechanical-only), other cameras do the same thing. The Canon T90, with its huge array of colour-coded FD lenses, has a number of more advanced features as standard.
Sadly my F3 died because of a failure in the electronic. So there werd no spare parts to get. Now I‘m using a FM2n with a battery just for the lightmeter.
Yes, that's a great feature. I use a Pentax ME Super I bought in about 1980 and I'm considering a photo trip around Australia with it next year (I'm in the UK). But my main digital stuff is Nikon so I started looking for a Nikon film camera to supplement the Pentax and I've fallen for the F3 (though I'll now have a look at the FE). The thing I was wondering is, if you do use the second release, does it operate at the metered speed? I've seen other reviews and info saying that if your battery fails you're still able to shoot with the second release but it's fixed at 1/60. So does it operate at the metered speed unless the batteries are dead and then operate at 1/60? I'll have to find out. Thanks for the review Hashem. Very interesting and makes me want an F3 even more - especially if I can find one that's in the same condition as the one you borrowed! Gorgeous!
Mark Keohane Thanks, and that's a great plan! With the copy I tried, as long as it had batteries in, and switched, the second realease would operate at the manual speed I chose. I didn't test it in auto exposure mode, but can't imagine why it wouldn't. Without power however it would be restricted to the mechanical speed only. I would advise fiddling around with the speeds with no film in the camera to be sure 😁
I've bought one! Bargain, from Japan, mint condition. As it happens I was just spending time with a mate who lives in Sydney but was over in the UK. I told him about my ambition of having an F3 and he said "I've got one, never use it, you can have it if you want." So I hope he'll send that over in due course when he's actually found it. Of course that will then mean I'd have two but hey, 400 in one and 100 in the other :o) BTW, it seems the manual release only operates at 1/60 or 1/80 (opinions differ) and not at the speed on the shutter speed dial. No matter. The batteries appear to last forever - like those in my old Pentax.
SC Sydney Thanks very much! I mainly use the Voigtlander 40mm Ultron F/2, and sometimes the Nikon 28mm AI-s 2.8. The Voigtlander especially makes for a really nice combination with the FE being small, great manual focus and optically great. Nice, the FM3A is probably the only Nikon I would replace my FE with :-D
Great video... surprisingly, as popular as the F3 is, it feels a little cheap in the hand compared to a F2A or F2AS. Btw, have you compared the FE with the FE2? The FE2 is supposed to have a more balanced mirror mechanism, for sharper slow shutter speeds than the FE. Also, have you tried the awesome Nikon compact film camera, L35AF?
VeloRydr Thank you! Yeah many would say the original F cameras were built like tanks compared to the 80's onwards, but I think it's still very decent 😁 haven't tried an FE2; prices always seem to be about double. Did have a Nikon L35AD2 (same thing, with date back) it was a great shooter, and the lens had a very unique look to it!
Pushing Film ya, the late model F2 series were made to be Leica killers. The ratchet of the advance, and total feel of the camera was specifically unique to the F2A / F2AS. I had my FE2 with me with the e series 50mm 1.8 in Australia, and it wasn't too bad. My favorite camera to bring with my was my Olympus XA4 with it's 28mm lens.... shoots great with Ektar 100. The L35AF2 / AD2 are supposed to be good, but the L35AF1 has a better lens, threaded front filter, and a metal film door. Very different than the L35AF2, and worth a try. Or worth it to "Give it a go" ;) Keep up the good work with the awesome videos!
how slow did you set the shutter speed with the mirror lock up and still get sharp images handheld? what's the rule usually..1/60 with standard lens?..
exert2020 With the mirror lock-up I shot handheld at 1/8 or 1/15th and had sharp images on a 28mm, but everyone's mileage may vary and I'm not too sure of any general rule or guide but I can definitely say that it was a nice feature
Mustafa Yahya Thanks Mustafa. The F3 body in this video was only borrowed, but I used my Nikkor 28 AIS, and Voigtlander 40mm Ultron, both my go-to lenses for my FE. - Hashem
Great review man ! I have the original fm2 with the k focusing screen and have been noticing the screen gets a tad too dark when using lenses slower then 1.4 do you notice this with your FE? thanks man
Dan vdg Thank you! I bought a K3 screen for my FE from B&H and it works a treat, very bright on lenses up to 2.8, but haven't used with anything slower. It is brighter than a K screen. However you need to put your exposure compensation to +0.5 to adjust for the extra light hitting the meter (otherwise it would cause slight underexposure)
Thanks man, will will be purchasing a k3 very soon. Would you know how to do exposure compensation with the fm2? since it does not have a exposure dial like the fe? cheers dude
Dan vdg oh that's a good point, I'm not too sure to be honest, I'm not even sure that the FM2 needs adjustment with the screen change. Another way would be to adjust your iso half a stop but that might get annoying.
Can anyone tell me how you transfer pics from film cameras I know it may be a stupid question but I want to get into film cameras and I don't know how you see the picture you take ?
when you get your film developed you can ask for a digital c.d / usb instead of getting prints or just scan your prints or shoot digital images of your prints
Nice video, great camera. I have the FE,FE2,FM, FM2, FA,F3,F4, F5 and lots, lots more but my first was the FE and I still love that camera. Get a hold of the F4 and tell us what you think of that camera, manual and af lenses work ( not G lenses )
The F3 looks beautiful and I can absolutely imagine the heft of it in my hand. I have so many cameras and I know an F3 will make absolutely no difference to my abilities but...God I hate the internet sometimes!
I've just purchased an FA which is in almost every aspect, except for maybe a tiny bit negligible build quality, a better camera than the F3. Love the FA!
Great Review. My Nikon f3 reads two stops over as compared with the external light metre.I don't know how to fix it . Do u think all the Nikon f3 is like that? Any suggestions would be very helpful.
Hey, I dont think all Nikon F3's overexpose, and two stops is quite a bit! Double check the exposure compensation is on 0, check against yet another camera or light meter, and if its still off it might need to be checked professionally.
@@pushingfilm I compared my Nikon F3 to another SLR , Pentax K1000's inbuilt light metre and it's reading show's - (For exmaple, in some situations , the Nikon F3 shows Aperture F8, Shutter speed 1/125'th at ASA 200 at the same time Pentax K1000 shows Aperture F4 , Shutter speed 1/125'th at ASA 200 &I compared with external light metre which shows same reading as Pentax K1000.
While I was a committed Canon man totin' around a couple of F1AEs back in the 80s, the F3HP ruled the newsrooms back then, and my fellow shooters did let me forget my place on the food chain. Most newsrooms were stocked with strictly Nikon lenses and other equipment and those of us who choose to shoot with any other gear, well, you were on your own. That said, the F3 was a great rig, still the F1 was better. The 90s and beyond would belong to Canon.
Shin Chan Not any more trouble than preparing and cooking your own food :) We do a mixture of developing and scanning and/or printing, and also shoot digital too depending on the situation.
the pictures inside the video is is shot through the film camera? I wanted to try out film but in todays convenience its all about shooting and uploading them right away. So by developing and constantly buying films its expensive in the long run right? unless u scan or some sort. So i'd like to know do u lose the quality by scanning? Scanning the film or otherwise scanning a developed picture.
The F3 lock on opening the back, is a hindrance, film advance so far to advance!, the utter smooth advance is terrible, one needs to check film is advancing! It's bloody heavy! Serious weight. The good any 44 cells work it! Focusing a joy. Pretty quite! Don't use heavy flashguns with the adapter. It can wreck a circuit underneath! I was a pro, flash not reqd.! Mine bought used, rebuilt in 80's. My go-to box when bad weather approaches! A few lenses and off to see the world. Highly recommended. Oh! the black paint is made to last! No or limited brassing unlike Leica-M's. Oh It is very small!
Damn man, really want an f3 but can't find one for the right price haha. Love this video though! Just subscribed. I shoot film photography on my channel, would love for you to check it out! keep it up!
KingJvpes Thanks man! Yeah keep searching and you'll find one. Sweet videos, especially the vlog stuff. That XA is a damn steal! We're putting up a vlog soon we did in Sydney, hoping it comes out alright. How do you find the Sony Alpha?
Just keep looking, you'll find them on ebay though some people are asking stupid prices for them. if you get a good one it will be worth it...love it and look after it when you do..
Check Robertscamera or KEH on eBay daily and within a few weeks you'll see one for a great price. I bought mine for $49 plus shipping with a motor drive. Good luck.
I’ve had my F3 for 20 years now. It’s the only film camera I kept in the transition to digital. I recently purchased an FE as a second body and have just started shooting film again. I love them both for different reasons. The F3 is a beautiful and a very rugged camera. The FE is sleeker and low profile and easier to carry as a very light weight package and like stated in the video has a nicer analog meter. The FE is a better value right now but if you can afford the price difference the F3 is definitely worth it
The F3 also features a heavily center-weighted meter pattern in comparison to other contemporary cameras. In the F3's viewfinder, a circle surrounds the split-prism and the microprism field. The meter places 80% of it's focus on the area within the circle, and 20% outside of it. In other Nikons, like the FE, only 60% is placed within the reference circle and 40% for outside of it.
Also, the F3 features an exposure lock button when it is being used in aperture priority auto exposure, which can be activated by pressing the smaller button by the secondary shutter release. This only locks the shutter speed, which means adjusting the aperture after locking the shutter speed affects the exposure, which essentially allows for faster, less cumbersome exposure compensation.
The viewfinder curtain is also helpful because light coming through the viewfinder can affect the meter, so when using the self timer and autoexposure, using the curtain is advised. also, using mirror lock-up effects the meter reading, so exposure needs to be done manually if mirror lock up is in use.
lastly, the F3 flash system, though proprietary, featured several technologies which drastically simplify flash photography. The first is auto-ISO indexing. When a flash is mounted, the speedlight automatically reads the ISO from the camera. It doesn't need to be set seperately on the flash. The other advance is TTL flash metering. Now all one has to do is set the camera to a desired shutter speed(speeds higher than 1/80 result in the camera shifting the speed down to 1/80) and an aperture, and the flash will fire at the correct strength to give a proper exposure. If the flash fires at full strength(indicating possible underexposure), the flash ready light will blink in the viewfinder.
Brilliant video, you're getting more and more polished all the time and you certainly know your stuff.
Mark Harris Thanks! much appreciated :-)
HASHEM I FINALLY GOT MY HANDS ON AN F3!!!!
KingJvpes Duude nice! ...Did you end up finding one in a thrift store?
Pushing Film garage sale!
KingJvpes Excellent... Haha the hunter finally strikes! And the finds in your last video were dope too
Planning on doing a review? I love both you guys channels and I'm actually debating with myself right now whether to get an FE, FE2 or F3. :D
At 5:50 that manual release is a back up for when the batteries run out. It only fires at 1/80s I think (Or maybe 1/60s)
Tony White Thanks for pointing that out! this is a good correction for people to know. *edit: on checking again, the second button does still also fire at whatever shutter speed the dial is set to, as long as batteries are good and it's switched on.
*1/60
Hi, yes the 2nd shutter release is manual backup that only shoots at 1/60th sec. It does so with or without batteries. In order to sell this cameras to pros of the day who were used to completely mechanical cameras and feared a camera that could let them down at a crucial time, Nikon added this feature to the F3.
My Contax RTSII has the same feature. If I remember correctly, it fires at 1/50th of a second.
Good day Hashem, I enjoyed this video on the Nikon F3 and your thoughts on this camera. I never purchased this camera, not because I didn't like it , I got hung up on the Nikon FM,FE series of cameras of which I still have 6, all with MD-12's. Started with the FM then the FE next the FM2 to the FE2, FM2n and so on. You might say that I was a bit obsessed. I jumped over the F3 in favor of the F4S. I fell in love with that camera because of it's innovations and styling. It was a beast ! Unfortunately, it appeared to grow legs at a wedding I and a girlfriend attended. I left it at the table to dance with my girl friend, it was a very expensive loss. Had a 28-85 lens and SB 24 attached. I never replaced it. By the way , I'm using a Canon 5Dlll and 7D these days but getting back to film a little as well, which brought me here to your channel.
You do a very good job at presenting your information in a manner that's easy to watch and listen to and I may just look into getting an F3. Thank you !
Hello Hashem, I wanted to add that for some time I displayed these cameras on book shelves with a 5x7 or 8x10 or two of favorite photos taken with these cameras. Things that happen when one gets obsessed !
Much success to you and your channel !!
Just got my F3 this morning, the shutter sound is addictive! I have the FE and I also SO FAR like the meter on FE more, just easier to see. I couldn’t image using the F3 on the street.
What's your opinion now a few months later ? I have the FE and love it but was considering getting a f3
Another fine review. I shot my FE2 for almost two years and kept hearing about the F3.i bought a black F3/T in April and LOVE it. So nice. Nice work on those images.
Joe Lopez It's a great camera! And thanks again :)
I love the red brick picture of the man working. That is one of the best photos I've seen in a while, thank you.
Wow, thank you! I forgot all about that shot until seeing this comment 😁
the 'second' shutter release is actually the mechanical shutter overide. It fires the shutter at 1/80, rather than at your chosen shutter speed on the dial.
great video. And a great camera, too.
Calum Stewart I have actually tested this after another viewer mentioned it , and as long the camera is switched on with a live battery, the second release will fire the shutter at whatever speed the dial is set to. Glad you like the video!
First, great video- I shoot my f3 everyday for years. It's such a tank. One of the best camera's ever built.
About the back up release...
You guys are both kinda right. The back up lever: when powered off or if dead batteries, it fires the shutter around a 60th.
This is where it gets kinda tricky... If powered on and you engage the shutter button to get the F3 to meter, it will fire at the preset shutter speed (1/125 or what ever it's set at). If powered on, and you don't engage the meter and trip the back up shutter button... it will fire at a 60th. This is consistent with all of my f3s.
WOW. That is complicated. So, if themeter is on - it will fire whatever the shutter speed dial is set to. If the meter is off, it's a mechanical 60th of a second. I guess that makes sense. But it is tricky, as you say.
I am really loving this channel. Keep up the great work!
George Sampson That makes sense! Thanks for the clarification :-D
The design on the F3 is probably one of the best in the F Series Nikon has ever produced! I love my F3 and also have the simple FE2 to your FE Hashem. I would highly recommend the F3 if you get the chance to own one for yourself. The FE is as good as any higher end Nikon for sure. I love the simplicity of the FE and the metering all built in the viewfinder. Great job! OMG! just noticed in the background that you also have the Nikon SB-30 flash attached to another Nikon body! I love that little flash unit! Hahahahaha!
Nikon FE for life
facts
Nikon FE2 for afterlife. ;)
I have Nikon f3, fe, fe2, and f80. My favorite Nikon F3HP. Best slr camera ever made, no compromises!
Well done Hashem, loved all the cutaway shots.
John Warkentin Thanks John!
I totally agree...with the F3 you have to make an effort to look for the meter while on the FE it's just there while you're composing your image.
Great overview. I totally agree about the self timer, mine needs a pry-bar to come loose haha. My F3 is the 'go-to' daily shooter as well, and I always have it loaded up with something and within reach.
I don't own a F3 (yet) but I do own a FM2N and a FE. There's something about the FE's simplicity, convenience of aperture priority, and the solid build that I love. My FM2N was built in 1975 and my FE was built in the early 80s, so the body my FE is in incredible shape. I love both but I enjoy shooting with the FE a little more. I can't wait to get my hands on a F3 though.
Nikon sure has made some solid cameras in those few decades
Great channel! Keep up the good work.
Looking forward for the Nikon FE review.
Thanks very much, we appreciate it!
This is really informative, been stuck between choosing the F2 and F3, gonna check out the F3 tomorrow in a shop and this video has really sold it
How much did you get yours for? I only ask because I had just gotten one today at a thrift store for $14.99. Just wanted to see if I had struck gold on this find or not. Thanks in advance.
@@brycenjericb9372 i traded a couple of old lenses to help with the price and paid around 70 dollars for a restored body from a camera store! Couldn't be happier with it. The F3HP
I really really liked this video! I love that you just got to the point and said so much viable information . Thank you so much ☺️
Thanks so much for the amazing feedback!
Me too, I prefer the needle on the FE/FE2 much more readable on very bright scenarios.
You are making such nice videos, always a pleasure to watch if you are into cameras, even this older one! BTW when using the backup-release the shutters fires always at 1/60 sec regardless of the setting on the dial on top. At least this what the manual says.
Great review and video Hashem!! Love it
Sarah Ruhullah Thanks Sarah 😁
One of my favorite cameras I own!
I just bought an FA. I love these Nikon film cameras from the 80's, but I like the matrix metering, 1/4000th shutter, and PASM modes that the FA has. Nikon really was at the cutting edge back then.
For sure!
Cool camera 👍
Great video dude!
Really dig the content. Keep it up!
This is a fantastic video, I just ordered mine!
Hope you enjoy it!
You forgot one thing about the second shutter release. That release is a fix shutter speed, estimate around 1/90th a second. If your battery is dead, you cannot use the top shutter release button resulting you to use the front shutter release which is mechanical release.
Great review I’ve had an f3 since 1981 when I was 18 great camera lenses from nikkor too expensive for me .
Totally worth it is anyone wants a film camera. Inherited a hasselblad 500 c and a leica m3 from my father still prefer the F3.
it is a bit heavy though. do you know how to fix the focus? no matter how much i rotate the lense the focus is not sharp enough. is this broken or maybe the battery needs to be changed? thanks
A small point about the flash, if you get a Nikon AS-4 flash adaptor you slip it onto the F3's hot shoe and then you can use any simple standard hot shoe mount flash on them. and yep,they are a wonderful camera to use and shoot with. mine was the first 35mm slr I bought on recommendation by and from my local camera shop here in S.A. FE's are a wonderful little cam to use as well...love mine.and as always, love your videos :-)
catey62 Yes it's worthwhile compromise for the interchangeable prisms. Thanks again for your support :)
Love it
I never meshed with the F3. Maybe because I love my F2A. I recently picked up a Contax RTSii, which really feels like something special.
VeloRydr nice, the contax slrs were also great cameras!
I do understand the love for F3s, but given that batteries are required (making it non-mechanical-only), other cameras do the same thing. The Canon T90, with its huge array of colour-coded FD lenses, has a number of more advanced features as standard.
Sadly my F3 died because of a failure in the electronic. So there werd no spare parts to get. Now I‘m using a FM2n with a battery just for the lightmeter.
Great video; extremely helpful ! I have an FE already and am looking at purchasing an F3 :) Hmm, I do love the FE's meter though ....
Thanks TheSailor450. If it's in your budget, go for it! I think it's something you can get used to, if you don't the slight extra bulk also
Big FE guy myself. FE2 to be specific
Great video🙌
Carla Channel Thank you!
I love the f3. It's a beautiful camera but I recently got an FA and I actually prefer it over the f3. For one, the meter display is noticeably bigger.
Tony White Nice! the meter does feel a bit small in the F3
Great review ! I would not think about using the second shutter release for portrait, thanks for the tips :)
VanDan Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it
Yes, that's a great feature. I use a Pentax ME Super I bought in about 1980 and I'm considering a photo trip around Australia with it next year (I'm in the UK). But my main digital stuff is Nikon so I started looking for a Nikon film camera to supplement the Pentax and I've fallen for the F3 (though I'll now have a look at the FE).
The thing I was wondering is, if you do use the second release, does it operate at the metered speed? I've seen other reviews and info saying that if your battery fails you're still able to shoot with the second release but it's fixed at 1/60. So does it operate at the metered speed unless the batteries are dead and then operate at 1/60? I'll have to find out.
Thanks for the review Hashem. Very interesting and makes me want an F3 even more - especially if I can find one that's in the same condition as the one you borrowed! Gorgeous!
Mark Keohane Thanks, and that's a great plan! With the copy I tried, as long as it had batteries in, and switched, the second realease would operate at the manual speed I chose. I didn't test it in auto exposure mode, but can't imagine why it wouldn't. Without power however it would be restricted to the mechanical speed only. I would advise fiddling around with the speeds with no film in the camera to be sure 😁
Pushing Film Hey thanks for that. Then the 2nd release cld prove even more useful.
I've bought one! Bargain, from Japan, mint condition. As it happens I was just spending time with a mate who lives in Sydney but was over in the UK. I told him about my ambition of having an F3 and he said "I've got one, never use it, you can have it if you want." So I hope he'll send that over in due course when he's actually found it. Of course that will then mean I'd have two but hey, 400 in one and 100 in the other :o)
BTW, it seems the manual release only operates at 1/60 or 1/80 (opinions differ) and not at the speed on the shutter speed dial. No matter. The batteries appear to last forever - like those in my old Pentax.
Great review mate! Which lens do you use with the FE? I have FM3A with 50mm f1.4 lens I might need another one with 35mm.
SC Sydney Thanks very much! I mainly use the Voigtlander 40mm Ultron F/2, and sometimes the Nikon 28mm AI-s 2.8. The Voigtlander especially makes for a really nice combination with the FE being small, great manual focus and optically great. Nice, the FM3A is probably the only Nikon I would replace my FE with :-D
Great video... surprisingly, as popular as the F3 is, it feels a little cheap in the hand compared to a F2A or F2AS. Btw, have you compared the FE with the FE2? The FE2 is supposed to have a more balanced mirror mechanism, for sharper slow shutter speeds than the FE. Also, have you tried the awesome Nikon compact film camera, L35AF?
VeloRydr Thank you! Yeah many would say the original F cameras were built like tanks compared to the 80's onwards, but I think it's still very decent 😁 haven't tried an FE2; prices always seem to be about double. Did have a Nikon L35AD2 (same thing, with date back) it was a great shooter, and the lens had a very unique look to it!
Pushing Film ya, the late model F2 series were made to be Leica killers. The ratchet of the advance, and total feel of the camera was specifically unique to the F2A / F2AS. I had my FE2 with me with the e series 50mm 1.8 in Australia, and it wasn't too bad. My favorite camera to bring with my was my Olympus XA4 with it's 28mm lens.... shoots great with Ektar 100. The L35AF2 / AD2 are supposed to be good, but the L35AF1 has a better lens, threaded front filter, and a metal film door. Very different than the L35AF2, and worth a try. Or worth it to "Give it a go" ;)
Keep up the good work with the awesome videos!
VeloRydr I see, didn't realise the lens was different... Will have to keep an eye out in thrift stores :) And thank you for the support!
how slow did you set the shutter speed with the mirror lock up and still get sharp images handheld? what's the rule usually..1/60 with standard lens?..
exert2020 With the mirror lock-up I shot handheld at 1/8 or 1/15th and had sharp images on a 28mm, but everyone's mileage may vary and I'm not too sure of any general rule or guide but I can definitely say that it was a nice feature
Awesome review of a classic gem!!! I've just bought myself one with a 35mm F2.8 on eBay.. What lenses do you use?
Mustafa Yahya Thanks Mustafa. The F3 body in this video was only borrowed, but I used my Nikkor 28 AIS, and Voigtlander 40mm Ultron, both my go-to lenses for my FE. - Hashem
rad video!
Jovan Salazar Thank you!
Your shots are beautiful.
merkury06 Thank you!
F3 has the best cam design. It shame it use cloth shutter ie metal ones
May I suggest reviewing the Olympus OM-4 if you came across it ?
Sure! Have always wanted to try that camera.
Thank you
Great review man ! I have the original fm2 with the k focusing screen and have been noticing the screen gets a tad too dark when using lenses slower then 1.4 do you notice this with your FE? thanks man
Dan vdg Thank you! I bought a K3 screen for my FE from B&H and it works a treat, very bright on lenses up to 2.8, but haven't used with anything slower. It is brighter than a K screen. However you need to put your exposure compensation to +0.5 to adjust for the extra light hitting the meter (otherwise it would cause slight underexposure)
Thanks man, will will be purchasing a k3 very soon. Would you know how to do exposure compensation with the fm2? since it does not have a exposure dial like the fe? cheers dude
Dan vdg oh that's a good point, I'm not too sure to be honest, I'm not even sure that the FM2 needs adjustment with the screen change. Another way would be to adjust your iso half a stop but that might get annoying.
High Point HP viewfinder.
Can anyone tell me how you transfer pics from film cameras I know it may be a stupid question but I want to get into film cameras and I don't know how you see the picture you take ?
when you get your film developed you can ask for a digital c.d / usb instead of getting prints or just scan your prints or shoot digital images of your prints
Nice video, great camera. I have the FE,FE2,FM, FM2, FA,F3,F4, F5 and lots, lots more but my first was the FE and I still love that camera. Get a hold of the F4 and tell us what you think of that camera, manual and af lenses work ( not G lenses )
mamiyapress Nice! Might just have to try one sometime, always hear good things
The F3 looks beautiful and I can absolutely imagine the heft of it in my hand. I have so many cameras and I know an F3 will make absolutely no difference to my abilities but...God I hate the internet sometimes!
I've just purchased an FA which is in almost every aspect, except for maybe a tiny bit negligible build quality, a better camera than the F3. Love the FA!
You should stay always on front of the lens, not behind
The F3 "A " function is for aperture priority auto exposure not shutter speed priority that you said.
Yes, that's why there's a text correction on screen correcting the mis-speech.
I got a f3T
Great Review. My Nikon f3 reads two stops over as compared with the external light metre.I don't know how to fix it . Do u think all the Nikon f3 is like that? Any suggestions would be very helpful.
Hey, I dont think all Nikon F3's overexpose, and two stops is quite a bit! Double check the exposure compensation is on 0, check against yet another camera or light meter, and if its still off it might need to be checked professionally.
@@pushingfilm I compared my Nikon F3 to another SLR , Pentax K1000's inbuilt light metre and it's reading show's - (For exmaple, in some situations , the Nikon F3 shows Aperture F8, Shutter speed 1/125'th at ASA 200 at the same time Pentax K1000 shows Aperture F4 , Shutter speed 1/125'th at ASA 200 &I compared with external light metre which shows same reading as Pentax K1000.
Great video! Which lens do you use?
Furkan Koç Thank you! A Voigtlander 40mm ultron f/2, and a Nikon 28mm AI-S f/2.8
Furkan Koç i just bought the Voigtlander 40mm for my F3, first roll is almost done.
While I was a committed Canon man totin' around a couple of F1AEs back in the 80s, the F3HP ruled the newsrooms back then, and my fellow shooters did let me forget my place on the food chain. Most newsrooms were stocked with strictly Nikon lenses and other equipment and those of us who choose to shoot with any other gear, well, you were on your own. That said, the F3 was a great rig, still the F1 was better. The 90s and beyond would belong to Canon.
Watta lensa?
Is it troublesome to still shoot film these days? Do u scan ur films to computer ? Or do u develop them and then scan them to show them in the video?
Shin Chan Not any more trouble than preparing and cooking your own food :) We do a mixture of developing and scanning and/or printing, and also shoot digital too depending on the situation.
the pictures inside the video is is shot through the film camera? I wanted to try out film but in todays convenience its all about shooting and uploading them right away. So by developing and constantly buying films its expensive in the long run right? unless u scan or some sort. So i'd like to know do u lose the quality by scanning? Scanning the film or otherwise scanning a developed picture.
The F3 lock on opening the back, is a hindrance, film advance so far to advance!, the utter smooth advance is terrible, one needs to check film is advancing! It's bloody heavy! Serious weight. The good any 44 cells work it! Focusing a joy. Pretty quite! Don't use heavy flashguns with the adapter. It can wreck a circuit underneath! I was a pro, flash not reqd.! Mine bought used, rebuilt in 80's. My go-to box when bad weather approaches! A few lenses and off to see the world. Highly recommended. Oh! the black paint is made to last! No or limited brassing unlike Leica-M's. Oh It is very small!
Are you based in Melbourne?
Damn man, really want an f3 but can't find one for the right price haha. Love this video though! Just subscribed. I shoot film photography on my channel, would love for you to check it out! keep it up!
KingJvpes Thanks man! Yeah keep searching and you'll find one. Sweet videos, especially the vlog stuff. That XA is a damn steal! We're putting up a vlog soon we did in Sydney, hoping it comes out alright. How do you find the Sony Alpha?
I'll be sure to check that blog out ;) And the sony alpha is pretty damn cool lol great video camera!
Just keep looking, you'll find them on ebay though some people are asking stupid prices for them. if you get a good one it will be worth it...love it and look after it when you do..
Check Robertscamera or KEH on eBay daily and within a few weeks you'll see one for a great price. I bought mine for $49 plus shipping with a motor drive. Good luck.
I'm a sub to your channel. I really enjoy your vids. If you have absolutely nothing better to do, please stop by my channel! Thanks.