The viewfinder is the best one for my vision I've ever used. All the controls are logical, properly placed and easily understood. Access to the entire Nikon System lenses and accessories, interchangeable finders, the superbly balanced motor drive keep this seemingly ancient design SLR on the top of the heap.

None.

The Nikon F3hp is the definitive working photographer's SLR. There's no frippery on it, no extra features that I'd never use. All the extras on it lend substance to its function. Just a solid, well designed, durable camera of the highest caliber.

Customer Service

Haven't needed any.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM, FE2, F, F2, Olympus OM-1n, Minolta XD-11, Contax 139ma, Canon F-1, A1

Bulletproof reliability, substancial feel, rugged and well engineered. A classic pro camera.

The "light" for the meter is a joke. Meter reading can be hard to see in ill lit situations, and the +- only meter reading is not exactly user friendly. Finder hinge got loosened a bit over heavy use. Has proprietary flash shoes with limited TTL flash selection.

This camera is designed to be worked hard. This is the camera I would take into the safari, to the Amazon, to the unpredictable. So reliable is the camera one feels safe with it. Built like a tank, it has all the features you'll ever need. I'll buy another one all over again. The only gripe I have about the camera is the teensy meter that can be hard to read in poor lighting situations. Even FM2 has a better meter (with +0- instead of just +-). Also the flash shoe is side mounted which can be awkward at times. The flash shoe is proprietary so there are very few (only one that I know of) that can be used with true TTL performance. Adaptors can be used to mount the standard flash shoe units, but it won't be TTL. Those aside, you only have to hold it to tell that it's a true classic.

Customer Service

Not yet.

Similar Products Used:

N90s, EOS1, EOS1n, FE2, FM2n

it's burly, solid, and great features. interchangeable viewfinders, battery packs, camera backs. you can attach a motordrive, and all the other cool features, like a multiple exposure lever and self timer.

none, besided dropping it a few times, and a dent on the high eyepoint piece.

i'd buy this camera over and over again. it's beautifully engineered. the hp piece is accurate to the nearest 2 inches. what you see inthe view finder IS what you get. the construction is solid and just the perfect weight so i can lug it around in extreme situations.

cool balanced camera and just awesome to handle.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

other automatic point and shoot, still like the manual focus.

Sturdy, reliable, has accurate exposure meter.

Would like better sealing against dust.

Don't like the tiny, spring-loaded ISO dial.

I started using this camera AFTER having used a heavily computerized SLR. Certain things seemed and still seem antiquated, such as having to manually flip the mirror lock-up and unflip it after the shot. However, at least it HAS mirror lock-up, and DOF preview.

More importantly, this camera has stood up to years of frequent outdoor use with zero problems. I haven't had to use it yet, but there is a mechanical shutter setting available in the event of battery failure or other trouble with the electronic shutter.

I'll take durability and reliability over bells and whistles any day.

Similar Products Used:

None

Reliable, versatile, easy to use.

Film loading is quirky.

The F3 is basically indestructable. It is simple to use and will accept any Nikon SLR made to date.
It functions flawlessly.

Customer Service

never repaired one

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F, F2, F4s