INTRODUCTION

I owned a Nikon F3HP for a number of years now. I bought it used from ebay at a price of just $390. It was not actually in mint condition, but I would classify it as excellent. The unit I bought came with a MF-14 data back, which will imprint dates for references on the negative.

The Nikon F3HP was originally bought as a backup for my auto-focus camera, but unexpectedly, I used it more often as compared to the auto-focus counterpart.

The Nikon F3HP was introduced back in 1982 to replace the legendary Nikon F2AS, which was one of the best cameras ever produced at that time. The Nikon F3 was also one of the longest serving models within Nikon that has ever produced. The F3 was also the first Nikon pro-oriented camera that provides built-in automation. While still employing a horizontal traveled shutter, but its ultra-reliable shutter, which has a lab test, result of 150,000 exposure cycles is 50% more durable than its main contender, Canon F1n’s 100,000 exposure cycles.

The Nikon F3HP only finally announces its retirement from the market only recently in 2000. It will no doubt be one of the greatest lost to photographers around the world by this decision from Nikon.

BUILD

One look at the Nikon F3HP does not actually give me the impression that it is very strongly build. It does look plastic at first glance. In fact, the metal structured body of the Nikon F3HP is one of the strongest available around, even till today. After using and holding the Nikon F3HP for a number of years now, I just have the confident that it will last forever.

There is a provision of a grip on the body, which is an extra when compared to its predecessors the Nikon F2 series. But the gripping design is not very effective in my opinion, especially when you compared to the grip design available for most Auto-Focus SLR cameras.

The poor grip design makes shooting in vertical position slightly uncomfortable, but shooting in horizontal position makes no differences.

FOCUSING

As a standard, the Nikon F3HP come with a Split-Image Microprism Type K focusing screen. If you are familiar with Split-Image focusing, you will have no problem using it. In fact, it is the most popular and common focusing screen in manual SLR camera.

For the Nikon F3HP, it has a total of 21 different focusing screens, which you can change if you do not like the standard focusing screen.

Personally, I am employing a grid screen. This screen will help me in my picture composition.

EXPOSURE

The exposure metering for the Nikon F3HP is by TTL Centre-Weighted (80/20), with an EV range of 1 to 18 for ISO 100.

It will definitely not comparable with modern day AF Nikon with multi segment matrix metering, but is still accurate for most application. But in tricky situation, a bit of experience is needed to ensure proper exposure.

OTHER FEATURES

There are a number of useful features available with the Nikon F3HP, which is listed below.

01) Interchangeable View Finder
02) Interchangeable Focusing Screen
03) Aperture Priority
04) Backup Mechanical Release Lever
05) Exposure Memory Lock
06) Exposure Compensation
07) Mirror Lockup
08) Self Timer
09) Multiple Exposure
10) Depth of Field Preview

LENS

The Nikon F3HP used the old Nikon F Mount, which mean it will accept all older Nikkor lenses, as well as modern Nikkor AF Lenses (but in manual mode). There are also a wide range of good quality third party lenses maker like the popular low cost Sigma, Tokina, Tamron... etc., which can be used on the Nikon F3HP, both manual and auto focus lenses.

To achieve high picture quality and most important sharpness, none of this cheap lenses maker is comparable to the original Nikkor lenses. I always believe that that extra cost spent on the optics is worthy.

There is a wide selection of old reliable manual focus Nikkor lenses in the used market. With a bit of hunting, you will be able to get some good bargain.

QUALITY TEST

I have used the Nikon F3HP numerous times, both indoors and outdoors. Different types of films have been used during my few years of ownership of the Nikon F3HP. From colour to black and white films or slides, there is never a day of disappointment with it.

The shutter release of the Nikon F3HP is very smooth and quiet. The shutter is well known as one of the best ever available for a camera. I bought the unit a few years ago, and my Nikon F3HP was made back in 1985 according to the serial number. After over 15 years of usage, the shutter is still in very good condition, and seems like the speed is all as accurate as before.

The number of shutter speeds available is good for many uses. With a shutter speed ranging from 8 seconds to 1/2000s, you can basically use it on all kind of photography opportunities.

One minor disappointment with the Nikon F3HP is the slow Flash Sync. Speed of just 1/80s. Newer Nikon design will provide a Flash Sync. Speed of at least 1/125s and 1/250s.

Using the metering in the Nikon F3HP is easy. The digital readout is clear with good indication of the exposure reading.

With the provision of exposure compensation of 1/3 increment, it is a good feature to do manual exposure bracketing. I have used this method a number of times, and the effect is accurate.

Focusing is easy, but it actually depends on which type of focusing screen are you using with your Nikon F3HP. In the beginning, I am using the standard Split-Image screen, and now I am using the Grid Screen. Both screen have not given me any difficulty to ensure good and nice sharp photos.
Most of the time, I am using the Nikon F3HP in its Aperture Priority Mode. The corresponding shutter speed is always well kept and accurate.

Pictures taken with my Nikon F3HP is always sharp and good. The only inconvenience with the F3HP is during night shooting where I have difficulty to focus due to poor visibility. Other than such problem, it remains a faithful servant to me over the years.

SUMMARY

The stop production of the Nikon F3HP is definitely one of the biggest lost to photographers around the world. The new introduction of the high standard Nikon FM3a is still not up to the standard of the Nikon F3HP, though it was never meant to be a direct replacement of the great camera.

With a price of just $500 for a good condition used unit for the Nikon F3HP, it is definitely a more worthy choice even when compared to a similar priced Nikon FM3a.

The excellent build of the Nikon F3HP will definitely last you another decade, and maybe a few. This is a hell of a camera, and will definitely list as one of the best ever produced by NIKON.

I am still using my Nikon F3HP regularly over the years I owned the camera, and I am not disturbed by the introduction of the Nikon FM3a. I have strong belief in the Nikon F3HP, that it will last longer and perform better than the newcomer.

Purchase Price (INR):

No Comment