Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Are these cameras better than the Nikon F6?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Interesting question. The F6 was 3 generations down the road from the F3. Matrix metering was not there yet when the F3 was manufactured. When I did wedding photography I used a Hasselbald for all standard shots, I use a F4s for all kinds of general and special effects photography. I use the F3HP for doorway portrait work and ceremony shots because of the unique 80/20 metering system. So, I would say that the Nikon F3HP filled a niche in the wedding day for me. The camera was also great for senior portrait work. I would not say the F3HP was better than the F6, but it did some things that were unique to it that other Nikon's could not. At least, that is how it seems to me.

BebuLamar

don't know about the F6 because I don't have one but I like the F3HP better than the F5. Of course to each his own but the reason I don't have the F6 because I think it's not as good as the F5 (it's my opinion).

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Nikon Photomic FTN, adapted for use on the Apollo 15 mission to the moon

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Yea, there is a camera we can all afford. Interesting, Nikon put a few plastic black tips on the film advance on the FTN. If you can find one, it's worth some money. They continued this on the F2. It was put on the Apollo ones because of the gloves the astronauts wore. And those few ftn's that went to market to the general public were called the Apollo Nikon FTn's.

pendennis

I've owned and used all the models between the F2 and F6. At the manual end of the spectrum, the F3 was the best of the strictly manual focus F's. As has been mentioned the 80/20 metering and electronics were at the top of the heap.

The F4, in the opinions of others, was the best manual film camera ever made that had autofocus. While this may seem oxymoronic, I agree, everything was improved over the F3, and somehow Nikon managed to stuff autofocus in the camera. Metering was improved, and autofocus was at the top of the technology at the time. The functions layout was in line with the evolution of the F3, and the only shortfall was the LCD bleed in the viewfinder. I still use my F4s, and it has never failed. My AI, AIs, and non-G autofocus lenses all work well.

The F5 was my final working upgrade to the F3Hp. It was not a primary camera for my wedding photography (Mamiya 645 and C330), but I had it, ready to go, in the van, in case of a catastrophic failure. The F5, IMHO, was imported from the future at the time. It has very high functioning metering and focusing systems even compared to today's digital models. While not as light, it does have a rock-solid feel that I've always liked.

A few years ago, I found a nearly new F6, and then added the MD-40 battery grip. While it was much more advanced, it just never seemed to be "my camera"; too close to digital, and not far enough advanced in film. While it does work with most Nikkor lenses, it has no provision for firmware updates, nor the ability to use the electromagnetic aperture lenses. A number of months ago, I traded it for a Hasselblad 500 C/M.

I still have my F2, F3, F4, and F5 cameras, and they all get rotated for use.

Duane Hanley Loc: Milwaukee Wisconsin

I have had my F3 HP since it was released in the 80's. I alleys keep fresh batteries in the MD-4 motor drive. It was my go to camera Al those years. I only recently let it go for digital. After decades of lugging that heavy camera and the SB-11 flash I was eager to get a light easy to carry digital. I still use the F3 and it never has failed me. Other than a good cleaning it never has failed me. Best purchase I ever made

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

No one has mentioned the HP viewfinder. It was designed so that glasses wearers could see 100% of the viewfinder. No other camera did that. The battery comment makes no sense. The battery would last for years, though I changed all mine every year on my birthday. Digital cameras maybe last a few days or hours. The F3 has the best sounding shutter of any camera I have ever heard. It was music to my ears. Brand new Duracell batteries leaked in and trashed my motor drive. Duracell made good and bought me a new one. With an FMHP and an FM2 around your neck, any photographer looked smart and professional.
...Cam

GGerard

Both of the Leicas you mention will also "shut down" without battery. Maybe you are thinking of the R6 models.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

Guess you've never tried an F6 then, eh ?

Wmetcalf Loc: Rogersville, Mo

I don’t even LIKE it

rcarol

The F3 was built like a tank. I still have my F3HP.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I started with Nikon F (1959) progressed through Nikkormat..FM. FE.. FE2.. skipped F3 versions, went with F4s and F100's till I went digital, with Nikon, of course. "We are Family".

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

TU a little tid bit of trivia irt the film advance lever.....

mbowman

Still have my F3HP w/MD 4. My college graduation present to myself. Just waiting on Kodak to get that Ektachrome back on the market!