Nikon · 35mm film
Nikon F3
The F3 combines aperture-priority exposure with Giorgetto Giugiaro's red-stripe body design. A modified F3 flew aboard Columbia on the first Space Shuttle mission in 1981.
Find this camera
These links open retailer searches. Check the seller's condition notes, included accessories and return terms before ordering.
Is it your kind of camera?
For someone who wants a substantial manual-focus SLR with aperture priority.
The interchangeable finder and winding lever give it a deliberate feel. Choose automatic or manual exposure.
Keep in mind It is a larger system to carry, and its normal electronic shutter speeds depend on batteries.
Compare this camera- Maker
- Nikon
- Model
- F3
- Film format
- 35mm
- Camera type
- SLR (single lens reflex)
- Exposure
- Aperture priority, manual
- Shutter
- Electronic, mechanical backup at about 1/60 s
- Battery
- Needed for metering and normal shutter speeds
- In the gallery
- 10 sample photos
- Camera source
- View specifications ↗
Photographs made with the Nikon F3
The film, lens, exposure, developing, and scanning all influence the image. Select a photo for a closer look and its full credits.
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Fujifilm Neopan 1600 · Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
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Your first roll
The lens, power requirements and film to get started with this model.
- Lens
- Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI-S, late version
A manual-focus Nikon F lens with an aperture ring. Check that the listing identifies it as AI or AI-S.
- Power
- Two LR44 or SR44 cells; limited mechanical backup
Ask the seller to test the meter, LCD and the normal shutter-speed range.
- Film
- Kodak Gold 200, 35mm, 36 exposures
36 full-frame photographs per roll. A film lab can develop the roll and scan your photographs.
Keep the first roll simple: one lens and an outdoor walk in aperture priority. Check the display before each photograph.
How to load your first roll
