Nikon F3 Camera - Variations

Credit: ALL Illustrations contributed by : Simon Cheong, Hong Kong
Edited text by: Azrul, Malaysia.

Subject: F3AF
To: leofoo@mir.com.my
MIME-Version: 1.0
Status:

A) The serial numbers start with AF (mine was AF 8308448)

I tragically don't have a manual for this camera, but I can tell you a few things about it. This camera has all the same functions as a regular F3 except in a few areas:

B) If you remove the DX-1 pentaprism, there will be a set of gold contacts located just ahead of where a focusing screen would be. These contacts re-emerge on the inside of the lens mount where todays regular AF cameras have their AF contacts. When the pentaprism is replaced, these contacts will mate with another set of contacts on the pentaprism. Therefore the contacts on the camera body are an intermediary between the pentaprism and the AF lens.

C) The lens AF motor is driven by the power supplied by the DX-1 pentaprism. The camera body itself has no control over AF functions. When the light meter is activated by depressing the shutter halfway, the lens will start focusing in a similar fashion as 'Continuous Servo' on todays cameras. There is no single servo mode. The AF lenses come with TWO focus lock buttons since there is no single servo mode.

D) The DX-1 pentaprism has a standard set of red left and right arrows to indicate focusing accuracy just like todays cameras. When non AF lenses are used, the arrows still function as a rangefinder.

E) The DX-1 pentaprism is powered by two AAA batteries that honestly don't last too long. After 2 to 3 rolls of film, expect focusing speed to falter. The AF system is primitive and rather slow at times, but it is accurate. If you use it outdoors, you should have no problem in the focusing department. The battery cover on the DX-1 is VERY flimsy and can easily break if you are not careful. It also tends to get lost very easily. I have seen a few F3AFs with missing DX-1 battery covers. Some people also have been known to leave the batteries in for too long causing them to leak and ruin everything.

F) The 80mm f2.8 lens that I had with the camera is a rear focusing lens and is nearly silent in operation compared to the AF lenses of today. I have an F5 now and I can honestly say that neither the 85mm nor the 28-200 are as quiet as the old 80mm f2.8. You might want to read my review of this lens here.

G) All F3AFs come with a special focusing screen that is built into the DX-1. Because the contrast is detected in the pentaprism, a unique focusing screen was fitted to enable proper AF detection. Todays Nikons have their contrast detection done in the body of the camera. The DX-1 also has a rubber gasket where it meets the body of the camera, just like on the DE-3 High Eyepoint prism.

H) Even though many F3AFs today are sold with either the 80mm or 200mm AF lens, when the camera was new, it was sold 'body only'. Lenses were extra. I got this confirmed by a manager at Photo Shangrila.

I) A special CF series maroon coloured leather case was made for the F3AF. Unlike the other F3 leather cases, this one had an oversized top to accomadate the large pentaprism. My guess is, this case may be rarer than the camera itself !

Handling: The F3AF is a VERY top heavy camera. It takes quite a bit of getting used to because of the excess weight. The oversized pentaprism was very uncomfortable and made it difficult to handle. The addtion of the MD-4 helps to 'balance' the top heavy camera, but in total, you have an even heavier camera! The other main problem that one would have is the battery cover on the prism. Like I said earlier, it tends to come off. It happened to me once and I was lucky to find the cover in one piece. I don't think Nikon stocks any parts for the DX-1. The problem starts when you have to use new AF lenses with the camera; you will have to remove the batteries because the new lenses will be ruined by the DX-1 or vice versa. Plenty of inconvenience. Naturally when the F3AF was conceived, the new AF lenses of today did not exist. Until today, nearly 16 years on, Nikon lens and camera manuals still have warnings about the perils of using accesories from the F3AF. A ghost from Nikon's past that keeps coming back...

I also heard that if the AF stops working, don't bother repairing it. It is very costly to repair.

If you want a more usable F3AF, just buy a focusing screen and a regular DE2 prism and convert the camera to a full manual focus item. Despite its rarity, this camera is not particularly 'expensive'. My advice for would be buyers, buy it and keep it. Use it as a conversation piece, but don't bother using it to take pictures. It handles awfully.

I hope some of the info I have given has been of some use to you. Do contact me if you have anymore questions.