Classic Camera Review: Nikon F3 & MD-4


Explains the functions of this camera and its motor drive. 27/5/09 – Added annotations based on viewer’s comments Information from www.mir.com.my The Nikon F3 was the third generation of the professional class Nikon F-series 35mm SLR camera model. Introduced in 1980, it was the successor to the original Nikon F of 1959, and the hugely successful Nikon F2 of the 70s, where both the earlier models were commanding a distinctive supremacy in the professional users’ market. When the F3 was first announced, the heavy automation in the camera sent cold shivers down the spine of most purist photographers. As one can still recall, the price of a discontinued fully mechanical Nikon F2AS had a retail price higher than that of a new automatic Nikon F3 during those early days of its introduction, which was Nikon’s way of saying ‘move on’, to the photographic community!

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25 Responses to “Classic Camera Review: Nikon F3 & MD-4”

  1. suba1234 says:

    I had an F3 with MD4 and AH-1 (2?) firing rate convertor/veritcal shutter realease. With the J screen (simple circular microcrystals in centre). Used it many years then sold it. I miss that camera a great deal.

  2. borozonx says:

    nice video and great camera i have an F4 FE and F401m

  3. drjoefo says:

    Really depends on condition. If it was new in box, with the original papers and everything, it’s worth a lot to collectors. But back in the 60s everyone was using Nikon Fs, so there are many on the second hand market. If you have any interest in film photography, the F is a fantastic camera. If it was mine, I would hang on to it, and shoot with it.

  4. chicochee says:

    hello nice video i have a nikon f that was prchased in 1955 i have the bill of purchase it cost 200 canadian dollars back then i would like to no if its worth anything now thx.

  5. alanstarkie2001 says:

    After posting that I saw your other videos – I thought you were a classic camera guy. It was a tongue-in-cheek comment – no offense intended! 5*

  6. drjoefo says:

    Please Sir, this is not expert village, and I am certainly not an expert – this was the concentrate of an afternoon’s procrastination. Nonethe less, thanks for your comment!

  7. alanstarkie2001 says:

    I’m surprised the expert doesn’t know why the camera has a 60th flash sync speed and an X (flash sync) on the speed dial. The X setting is a mechanically governed shutter speed that will allow the camera to be used with a flat battery when all other speeds are useless. Thoughtful Nikon!

  8. 1stab says:

    I wish I had you as a College Professor. My life would have been entirely different!!!
    This is has to be the most helpful, thorough, concise explanation that I have ever seen and heard.
    Many thanks. Cheers.

  9. MacPro8CoreMan says:

    Very nice video, respectful of the best manual focus SLR ever made. I owned mine from 1984 to 1998, taking around 50,000 photos with it. Selling it was my greatest regret. I’m looking to buy 2 just to display; 1 in mint condition and super worn. FYI… The “X” mode gives you 1/80th of a second flash sync speed, and the hot shoe was mounted that way due to the interchangable viewfinders. Also, with practice the tiny viewfinder light is easy to use. Great video about the best of the best. Cheers!

  10. drjoefo says:

    Glad you enjoyed it, you just made my day :)

  11. campfirestring says:

    I dont even own this camera, but i loved watching this video!

  12. dongor94 says:

    Very nice camera!
    I have a Nikon F2 and I’m the F3 is just as beautiful

  13. omarabed1984 says:

    its really a great video for a grat camera thank you so much

  14. mapiababy says:

    wow my age 29 years thanks for the review

  15. drjoefo says:

    The F3 was introduced in 1980

  16. mapiababy says:

    what year this camera was made i have mamiya msx500 year 1974 made in japan

  17. Jaybabeex3 says:

    so…wheres the flash at? is there one?

  18. catandpiddle says:

    thanks so much for posting this! the explanation was lucid and I could really understand this magnificent camera’ operation much better…

  19. drjoefo says:

    I forgot about that one :P
    Added an annotation.

  20. drjoefo says:

    I see. Added an annotation.

  21. drjoefo says:

    I hope you enjoy it as much as the camera :)

  22. pedrosolorzano1 says:

    Excellent review of the F3

  23. ichirootaniguchi says:

    the F3P has a hotshoe on the viewfinder but it has no TTL capabilities which is good! :)

  24. Pinguing1 says:

    actually, when you put it on x the sync time, witch is 1/80th of a second, but on the ’scale it will be between 1/60 and 1/125 and it is locking, handy for studio use/
    And the iso is from 6 iso till 12800 iso (if you use the stop compensator, and it will takes one extra stop, wont get to two stops when you want to go to 3 iso or 25600. But they mada a prism with hot shoe, but only for the press version (look at mir)

  25. drjoefo says:

    Yes!


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