Nikon F3 User Manual

Nikon

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

NOMENCLATURE

0 Shutter-speed dial locking button
©Depth-of-field preview button
© Mirror lockup lever
©Neckstrap eyelet
©Self-timer LED

©Backup mechanical

release lever

©Exposure memory

lock button

© Lens mounting flange

©Reflex mirror

©Motor drive coupling
©Motor drive

positioning hole
@ Film rewind button
©Memo holder

J *

IHv

1

-

ADR window (g)

Exposure compensation dial @

ASA film speed/

Film rewind knob ®

Sync terminal @

Lens mounting index @

Lens release button ®

Meter coupling lever

Viewfinder illuminator @

release button @

Meter coupling lever @

Tripod/Motor drive

coupling socket (

Motor drive

electrical contacts {

Battery chamber lid <

Motor drive

coupling cover (

@ Depth-of-field indicators/Mounting ring
@ Focusing ring______________________
©Aperture ring
©Meter coupling ridge
©Finder mounting/release levers
©Exposure compensation scale
©Exposure compensation index
©Film rewind crank
® Hot-shoe contacts_______

___________________

©Accessory shoe
©Camera back lock lever

©Exposure compensation

locking button
©ASA film-speed scale
©Eyepiece shutter lever
©Viewfinder eyepiece
©Shutter speed index

_________

_________

Aperture/Focusing index i

Meter coupling shoe (

Distance scale ®

Aperture-direct-readout scale (

Viewfinder illuminator button (

Self-timer lever (

Self-timer ON index ®

Power switch ON index (

Power switch (§)

Multiple exposure lever @

Shutter release button @

Frame counter @

Film advance lever @

Shutter-speed scale @

Shutter speed dial (

Film plane indicator <

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOMENCLATURE............................................................2-3

FOREWORD.........................................................................5

BASIC OPERATION

CONTROLS IN DETAIL...............................................17-31

Shutter speed dial................................................17—19

Exposure memory lock button

Exposure compensation dial.......................................21

ASA film speed dial.....................................................21

Memo holder...............................................................22

Shutter release button.................................................22

Film advance lever
Frame counter
Multiple exposure lever

Batteries.......................................................................24

Backup mechanical release lever................................25

Depth-of-field preview button...........................25—26

Meter coupling lever...................................................27

Mirror lockup lever.....................................................28

Self-timer.....................................................................28

Eyepiece shutter lever.................................................29

Accessory shoe
Sync terminal

Viewfinder illuminator...............................................30

Film plane indicator
Infrared focusing index

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6-16

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31
31

20

23
23
24

29
30

ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA

ACCESSORIES..............................................................36-41

Interchangeable viewfinders......................................36

Interchangeable focusing screens

Focusing screen selector guide...................................38

Motor Drive MD-4
Speedlights

Other accessories........................................................41

TIPS ON CAMERA CARE
SPECIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT

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33-35

42-43
44-45

32

37
39

40

46

FOREWORD

Congiatulations! You novr own one of the most ad
vanced and easy-to-use cameras on the market today.
With a wealth of exciting new features, the Nikon F3 is
designed to be as up-to-date as you are in your ap

proach to photography. However, before actually

taking pictures with the F3, you should familiarize

yourself with its basic operation as presented in the
first section. For more detailed explanations and
special picture-taking situations, refer to the second
section, CONTROLS IN DETAIL. A few minutes wisely
invested now will pay off in years of rewarding photo

graphic experiences.

BASIC OPERATION

........

' «

J ^ Remove the battery

® * chamber lid@.

Use a coin to twist the lid counter

clockwise to unscrew it.

2, Install the batteries.

Insert the two 1.5V silver-oxide
batteries supplied with the camera,
making sure that the ''
are up.

-I-

" signs

3,Replace the battery

chamber lid.

Slip the battery clip back into the

camera body and screw it tightly

into place.

Move the power switch®
to uncover the red dot (§).

This turns the camera on and makes
it ready for exposure reading and
shooting.

Touch the shutter release

* button ® lightly.

This activates the exposure meter.
The meter stays on for 16 seconds
after you take your finger off the
button and turns itself off auto
matically to conserve battery power.

0^ Check battery power.

Look through the viewfinder ®
at the liguid crystal display (LCD).
The shutter speed should be dis
played to show that the batteries
have been properly installed and
their power is adeguate. If not, re
place both batteries.

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

Mount the lens onto
the camera.

Grasp the lens by its mounting ring

Then line up the focusing index

® on the lens with the white dot ®

on the camera body and twist the

lens counterclockwise until it clicks

into place.

To remove: Push the lens release
button ® and turn the lens clock
wise until it comes off.

0^ Open the camera back.

Push the camera back lock lever

@ to the right with your thumb while
lifting the film rewind knob®. The
camera back will pop open.

0^ Install the film cartridge.

Drop the film cartridge into the

film cartridge chamber so that the
film leader points towards the takeup
spool, and push the rewind knob
back down into place.

10. Insert the film leader in the takeup
spool.

Pull the leader across the camera and insert it into one
of the slots in the film takeup spool.

Note: The two data back contacts located inside the camera below the

film guide rails are for use with a data back available in the future.

11. Wind the film advance lever (§) to
advance film onto the takeup sprocket.

Wind the film advance lever and depress the shutter
release button until the film sprockets engage the per
forations on the edges of the film.

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

12. Close the camera back.

10 Close the camera back until it

snaps shut.

Take up the film slack.

Fold out the film rewind crank
0 and rotate it in the direction of the
arrow until it stops. Then fold the
crank back in.

14. Make blank exposures

until the frame counter

@ shows "1."

Continue to wind the film advance
lever and depress the shutter re
lease button until the frame counter
shows ”1." While making blank ex
posures, watch the rewind knob to
see that it rotates. This indicates
that the film has been loaded cor
rectly and is being advanced.

15. Set the ASA film speed.

Lift up the ASA film speed dial

@ and rotate it in either direction
until the white dot is opposite the
ASA film speed in use. Also make
sure the exposure compensation dial
is set to the red "0." This programs
the camera's exposure meter so that
it may provide a proper exposure
for the type of film being used.

Set the camera for automatic

* operation.

Rotate the shutter speed dial © until the "A" is oppo
site the white dot @. The built-in locking mecha
nism ensures that the dial cannot be accidentally
shifted from the auto position during shooting.

11

BASIC OPERATION — continued-

17 Hold the camera

12

* steady.

Wrap the fingers of your right hand
around the camera body so that the
index finger rests comfortabfy on
the shutter release button and the
thumb fits between the body and
film advance lever.
Then, cradle the camera in the left
hand with the thumb and fingers
grasping the lens focusing ring @.
The camera may be switched from
horizontal- to vertical-format shoot
ing in this position.

18. Focus on the subject.

Turn the lens focusing ring until the image in the viewfinder becomes
sharp.
The K focusing screen comes with the camera as standard equipment. With
the split-image rangefinder, turn the ring until the split image becomes whole.
With the microprism grid, turn the ring until the shimmering image
appears sharp. With the matte outer field, turn the ring until the image ap
pears sharp. The split-image rangefinder works well for subjects having defi
nite lines or boundaries. The microprism collar is for fast-moving subjects or
ones with indistinct lines, while the matte outer field is suitable for close-ups.
In fast-moving or candid shooting situations, you can measure or estimate the
distance between you and the subject and preset it on the lens using the dis
tance scale @ engraved both in feet and meters.

Out of focus -

In focus -

-------

Inside the viewfinder —

1. LCD exposure information

2. ADR f/number

3. Fine matte/Fresnel outer field

4. Microprism collar

5. Split-image rangefinder spot

6. 12mm4> reference circle

Note: The meter reads the light over the entire

focusing screen but is distinctly biased toward
the central 12mm<j> area.

19. Set the lens aperture.

Turn the lens aperture ring
until the desired f/number is oppo
site the index mark on the lens. The
selected f/number appears in the
viewfinder for convenient reference.

13

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

20. Take the picture.

Look through the viewfinder and press the shutter release button
lightly to turn on the exposure meter. The shutter speed display indicates
the shutter speed selected by the camera. As long as neither +2000 nor

appears in the shutter speed display, the camera gives the correct
exposure. If either indication appears, adjust the aperture ring on the lens
until a desirable shutter speed is indicated. Should either indication appear
even after aill possible lens apertures have been tried, then the available
light is too bright or too dim for the meter's range. Use either artificial light
to increase the subject's brightness or a neutral density filter to reduce the
amount of light reaching the film.

Advance the film.

Stroke the film advance lever

to transport the film to the next frame
and get the camera ready for the
next shot.

22 Push in the rewind

* button ®.

After the last exposure has been
made, the film advance lever will
stop working. You must then rewind
the exposed film back into its car
tridge. To do this, first turn the
camera upside down and depress
the rewind button to disengage the
film sprocket drive.

23. Rewind the film.

Lift the film rewind crank and
turn it in the direction of the arrow to
rewind the film. When you feel the
tension lessen, continue winding
one or two more turns until the film
leader is rewound completely back
into the cartridge.

24. Remove the film

* cartridge.

Open the camera back and take out
the film cartridge. Avoid unloading
the film in direct sunlight. If there is
no shade available, turn your back
on the sun and use your own
shadow to shield the camera while
unloading film.

15

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

25. Turn the camera off.

16 To conserve battery power

between takes, return the power
switch to the "off" position.

CONTROLS IN DETAIL

is/i

biOQ

+ < r< C

s/i fC 3

-+ 3C _

IS/I >L ji O

Underexposure

Overexposure

Correct exposure

Shutter speed dial @

In addition to automatic stepless shutter speed control,
the Nikon F3 offers manual control of all shutter speeds
from 1/2000 sec. to 8 sec. including X, B, and T. To move
the shutter speed dial off "A," depress fhe locking bufton
® as you rotate the dial counterclockwise to the 1/2000
sec. setting. You can then rotate the dial freely between
any setting except “X" which, like "A," is a locked setting.
Shutter speeds from 1/2000 sec. fo 1/2 sec. are engraved
in white, 1 to 8 seconds and ”B" in orange, and "T" and
"X" in white. 1/60 sec. is in red, indicating the highest
manual shutter speed for proper synchronizafion with
electronic flash excepf "X."
When the camera is on manual, an "M" appears to the left
of the liguid crystal shutter speed display inside the
viewfinder. In addition, above the "M," the following
symbols appear: " + " and " indicating under
exposure, overexposure and correct exposure, respec
tively. To obtain correct exposure, simply turn the shutter
speed dial and/or aperture ring until the -(-" symbol
appears.

17

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

The F3 has two separate settings for time exposures. On
"B," the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter
release button is depressed. On "T," the shutter stays
open until the dial is rotated to another setting, making it
ideal for really long time exposures. Being a mechanical
setting, ”T" will not cause battery drain regardless of how
long the shutter remains open.
"X" provides a shutter speed setting of 1/80 sec. It is used

18

to provide proper synchronization with electronic flash
units other than the Nikon SB-12.
The amount of lighf reaching the film plane is defermined
by a combination of the shutter speed and the lens
aperture. Since the two are interrelated, different combi
nations will give the same degree of exposure. A one-step
change in shutter speed, or a one-stop change in aper
ture setting, will either halve or double the degree of ex
posure. For example, a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. lets
in twice as much light as a setting of 1/250 sec., and only
half as much light at 1/60 sec. For an aperture setting of
f/11, twice as much light as f/16 and half at much as f/8,
is let in. Thus, if fhe correct exposure for a particular
picture-taking situation is 1/125 at f/11, then 1/60 at f/16
or 1/250 at f/8 will give the same exposure. The following
table illustrates the interrelation between shutter speed

and aperture.

Shutter speed (sec.)

Aperture (f/number)

The best combination will depend on the results you

want. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze motion; use slow

speeds to produce a deliberate blur. (See the example
pictures on the opposite page.). Also, small apertures
give greater depth of field, while large apertures restrict
sharp focus to the main subject. (See page 26.)
A good rule to follow in preventing camera shake is to

select a minimum shutter speed which is the reciprocal of
the focal length of the lens in use. For example, when
using a normal 50 mm lens, select a speed no slower than

1/60 sec. (the closest number to 1/50). For a 500mm
super-telephoto, use no less than 1/500 sec., and so forth.

1/1000

1/500

1/250

1/125 1/60

4

5.6

11

16

(Stop action)

(Subject motion blur)

19

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Exposure memory lock button ®

When there is a substantial difference between the main
subject and the background, unimportant bright spots or

20

dark spots are likely to fool the camera's metering, result
ing in under-or overexposure (see Fig. 1). One way to
make exposure compensation is to use the memory lock.
This control allows you to lock in an exposure reading
with the camera on automatic control. To compensate for
an excessively bright or dark background, center the
main subject in the viewfinder or move in close to the
subject, depress the memory lock button and hold it in;
then recompose and shoot ( see Fig. 2).

(Fig. 2)

Exposure compensation dial

Another way to correct exposure is to use this dial. Push

the locking button @ while rotating the dial. The dial is

graduated in one-third stop increments. —1 and —2 indi

cate one and two stops underexposure, whereas -f 1 and

+ 2 indicate one and two stops overexposure.

At ASA 6400, the compensation extends to only -1; at

ASA 12, up to
recommended settings for various subjects. After use,
make sure you set the dial back to “0."

Original

Type of lilrn '^.,,^
Panchromatic film

for g ene ral u se

-I-

1. The following table indicates the

Repro-copying & slide-copy ing

B&W

colo r ph oto

No comp ensation
necessary

Letters or figures on

light background

1-1/3 stops

Letters or figures on

dark background

-2/3 stop

micrography

-t 1 stop

ASA film speed dial ®

The scale <H> on the ASA dial has numbered settings for
speeds from ASA 12 to 6400. Two dots between each pair

of ASA numbers stand for intermediate settings, such as

64, 80, etc. The table below gives the speeds for all inter

mediate settings.

12 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400

16 20 32 40 64 80

ASA is a numerical rating of the film's sensitivity to a

given amount of light. The higher the number, the

greater the sensitivity, and vice versa. The ASA of your
film is indicated on the cartridge itself. It is also printed
on the film carton and on the data sheet packed inside.

125 I 250 1 500 i lOOOl 2000l 4000(

160 320 640 1250 2500 5000

21

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Memo holder

As a reminder of the film type and the number of ex
posures on the roll in use, clip off the end of the film

22

carton and insert it into the memo holder.

Note: At the "B"setting, unless you hold the shutter release button down

all the way, the shutter may close prematurely.

Shutter release button

Slight pressure on the shutter release button switches on
the exposure meter. Pushing the button all the way down

releases the shutter. The shutter release button is thread

ed at the center to accept a standard cable release.

When battery power fails, the F3's electromagnetically

controlled shutter ceases to operate. You cannot release
the shutter release button unless you use the backup
mechanical release lever ®.

To lock the shutter release button when the camera is not
in use, turn the power switch to the "OFF" position.

Film advance lever (§)

The film advance lever is specially contoured to fit the

thumb and is coaxial with the shutter release button.

It has a 30° stand-off with a throw of 140° and may be
operated in one complete stroke or a series of shorter ones.

l2b%

Frame counter i

To keep track of the number of exposed frames, the frame
counter is graduated from two frames below 0 up to 40.
Blue numerals appear every 5 frames (0, 5, 10, etc.) with
dots in between. White marks at 12, 20, 24, and 36 indi

cate the number of frames available on most film car

tridges. When making blank shots with the shutter speed
dial set to "A," the shutter will fire at 1/80 sec. until the
frame counter reaches "1." In addition, the LCD shows
80 in the finder. Or if you set the dial manually between

1/125 and 1/2000 sec., the shutter will still fire at 1/80 sec.
In the finder, an “M80" is displayed. However, if the
speed is manually set to 1/80 sec. (X) or below, the shutter
will fire at the speed set and the speed will be displayed
by the LCD. Therefore, to speed up film loading, set the
dial to "A" or to 1/80 sec. (X) or above. "T" should not be
used when making blank shots as the shutter will remain
locked open.

23

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Multiple exposure lever (§)

Double or multiple exposures are easy to accomplish with
the F3's multiple exposure lever. Follow this procedure:

24

1. Take the first shot.

2. Then to recock the shutter without advancing the film,
push the multiple exposure lever forward (Fig. 1), and
stroke the advance lever. Immediately the multiple

exposure lever will spring back to its normal position

(Fig. 2). ^

3. Now you're ready to take the second shot on the same
frame. For more than two shots on the same frame, just
repeat the same procedure for each additional ex
posure. When you've finished, simply advance the film
normally to the next frame.

Note: While making multiple exposures, the frame counter doesn't

advance.

Batteries

When battery power fails, the camera's exposure meter
stops working and the shutter won't work either unless
you use the backup mechanical release lever. For this
reason, it is a good idea to carry an extra set of batteries

with you whenever you set out to take pictures.

Under normal usage, one set of 1.5V silver-oxide

batteries (Eveready EPX76 or eguivalent) will last for
about one year. Try not to touch the -I- or — surfaces of the
batteries as this many result in poor electrical contact. If

you do get fingerprints on the battery terminals, wipe
them off with a soft cloth.

At below-freezing temperatures, battery performance
deteriorates. The use of a fresh set of batteries is recom

mended to ensure reliable service at low temperatures.

In extremely cold climates, it is recommended to use the

F3 in conjunction with the MD-4 Motor Drive. With the
motor drive attached, the camera gets all its power from
the batteries in the motor drive. Thus, if you use a NiCd

battery, the camera/motor drive will operate down
to -20°C.

Note: At ~10°C or below, the LCD may exhibit o slight delay in response

time. This is natural and should be no cause lor concern. However,

exposure to extremely high temperatures (80°C and above) may actually

shorten the life of the LCD.

Backup mechanical release lever ®

This lever is provided as an alternative method of trip
ping the shutter in case the camera's batteries become

weak or completely exhausted. To operate the lever, first

use your fingernail to pull it down to the ready position.
Then push it down to trip the shutter. The shutter operates
at a mechanical speed of approx. 1/60 sec. regardless of
the setting on the shutter speed dial. Even when the

batteries are exhausted, you can still make time ex

posures by setting the dial to "T" and using the backup

mechanical release lever to trip the shutter.

Coufion: liyou advance the film while holding down the backup mecha

nical release lever, the shutter will fire immediately at the completion
of the film advance stroke, thus wasting a frame.
Also if you fail to advance the film completely and then use this lever to

trip the shutter, the mirror Q) will remain in the "up"position until the
advance lever stroke is completed.

Depth-of-field preview button ©

This control allows you to get a visual impression of the
various parts of the scene in front of and behind the main
subject which will appear sharp in the final photograph
(see the photos on the next page.) To operate this control,
push the button while looking through the viewfinder. If
the lens is set to anything other than maximum aperture,
the image on the focusing screen will give you an indi
cation of exactly what will be in focus in the final photo.
The image progressively gets darker as the lens aperture
gets smaller.

25

—CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

26

Lens set at f/2.8

At wide apertures, the depth-of-field is very shallow with the main subject in focus.
But when the lens is stopped down to f/16, most objects from near to far are in sharp focus.

Lens set at f/16

Meter coupling lever @

Push the meter coupling lever release button @ and lock
the meter coupling lever in the "up" position before
mounting a non-AI Nikkor lens. Then perform stopped­down metering in the following manner:

For non-Al Nikkor lenses with automatic diaphragms
On AUTO: Push in and hold the depth-of-field preview

button while you trip the shutter.

Cau fion: // the depth-of-field preview button is not depressed all the

way, the mirror may remain in the "up"position.

On MANUAL: Select a shutter speed. Then hold in the
preview button and turn the aperture ring until the

+ " symbol appears in the finder. Release the preview

button and take the shot.

HIM

For non-AI lenses or accessories without automatic
diaphragms
On AUTO: Stop the lens down manually until the de

sired shutter speed appears in the finder. Then take
the picture.
On MANUAL: Adjust the shutter speed or aperture until
the + " sign appears.

For fixed-aperture reflex lenses, photomicrography,
or astrophotography
On AUTO: No control is necessary.
On MANUAL: Adjust the shutter speed dial until the

+ " appears.

27

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Self-timer

The F3's blinking self-timer provides a 10-sec. delay in

shutter release.

To operate the self-timer:

Mirror lockup lever @

When using super-telephoto lenses or doing photomicro
graphy, it becomes necessary to reduce camera vibration

28

to the absolute minimum. To lock the reflex viewing
mirror in the "up" position, push in the depth-of-field
preview button and rotate the lever counterclockwise
until it stops.

Note: Two Nikkor lenses require that the mirror be locked up beiore

mounting—the Fisheye-Nikkor 6mm f/5.6 and OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm
{/5.6.

Caution: With the mirror locked up. you should not operate the camera

on automatic. Even though the LCD continues to show you the shutter
speed automatically selected by the camera, this speed will not produce

the correct exposure.

1. Push the self-timer lever
to uncover the red dot

3. Watch the blinking red LED
© on the front of the camera.
The LED blinks faster during
the final two seconds before the
shutter opens to warn you to
get ready.

2. Push the shutter release but
ton.

i

4. Don't forget to return the
self-timer to its original posi
tion after using it.
If you want to cancel the self
timer after pushing the shutter
release button, return the self
timer lever to its original posi
tion. The picture then will not
be taken.

Eyepiece shutter lever i

When it's impossible to keep your eye at the viewfinder
(such as when utilizing the self-timer), you should use the

eyepiece shutter. This shutter prevents stray light from

entering the eyepiece and adversely affecting the auto

matic exposure meter reading. Just push the lever to the

left to close the shutter. As a visual reminder that it's in

use, the blind is painted red.

Accessory shoe'

Located at the base of the rewind knob, the accessory
shoe allows direct mounting of the Nikon SB-12 Speed-

light. Three electrical contacts @ provide for synchro
nization of the flash unit, automatic through-the-lens flash
output control, and ready-light indication in the camera's
viewfinder (via an LED), plus auto switching to the pro
per synchronization speed of 1/80 sec. Two flash coupling
adapters are available allowing either ISO- or Nikon F2­type direct-mounting electronic flash units to be attached.

29

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Sync terminal

A separate sync terminal with a protective screw-in cover
is provided on the Nikon F3. It accepts all standard plug

30

in PC cords, plus it is threaded for use with a Nikon
screw-in PC cord. When using flash bulbs or an elec
tronic flash without a hot shoe, it is necessary to use the
sync terminal. Use the following table to determine the
correct synchronization speed to set on the camera.

1/2000 (-1000 i/500

SpeedhghI

FP

1

M

1

MF

D Synchronized

I I Cannot be used

1'2M P125

l'60 1'30 P15

ShuUer speed (sec.)

1'8

1/4

1/2 1 2

XO-SO)

Viewfinder illuminator'

A convenient built-in viewfinder illuminator lets you see
the liguid crystal display shutter speed, including the
aperture, even in dim light. While the LCD is displayed
in the finder, push the illuminator button @.

Note: The power switch must be turned on and the shutter button must

be depressed halfway prior to using the illuminator. Otherwise, it will
not light up.

B

Film plane indicator

The film plane indicator (-e-) is engraved in white on the
top deck just behind the shutter speed dial. It indicates
the exact position of the film plane inside the camera.
Whenever it becomes necessary to measure the exact
distance between the subject and film plane, such as in
macrophotography, use the film plane indicator. The
distance between the film plane and the lens mounting
flange® is exactly 46.5mm.

Infrared focusing index

The red dot beside the focusing index on most lenses

is the infrared focusing index. When shooting with

black-and-white infrared film, it is necessary to refocus

the lens to compensate for the fact that infrared light rays

focus at a point slightly in front of visible light. To use the

index, first focus on your subject through the viewfinder.

Then look at the lens and take note of the focused dis
tance. Finally reset the focusing ring so that the desired

distance is aligned with the red dot.

31

ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

1. At high temperatures (over approx. 60°C), the whole
surface turns black so that the exposure information

cannot be read. However, this situation will return to
normal when the temperature drops.

2. Avoid storing the camera in excessively hot places,
such as in a car parked in direct sunlight or inside the

trunk. You may shorten the LCD's life by doing so.

3. When the temperature goes below freezing, the res
ponse time decreases as the liquid crystal becomes
more viscose.

4. Although the Nikon F3 employs the highest quality
LCD, it deteriorates in contrast and becomes difficult
to see after six or seven years. When this happens,
please contact your dealer or the Nikon service facility
nearest you for replacement of this element at a

32

small charge.

EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA

How to read the EV chart

■ Full-aperture metering

Example: Lens maximum aperture f/1.4

ASA film speed 100

Working aperture f/5.6
By referring to the f/1.4 column in Section A and the EV
values indicated for ASA 100 in Section D, you will find
that the EV range for an f/1.4 lens at ASA 100 is 1 to 18.
Now, refer to Section B and single out the f/5.6 indication
for ASA 100. Go diagonally down until the protruding
line intersects with Section C's vertical line for the shutter
speed of 8 sec. (the F3's slowest shutter speed). From this
point of intersection, follow the horizontal line that leads
to Section D's EV value for ASA 100, and you will obtain
an EV value of 2. Start again from the f/5.6 indication for
ASA 100 in Section B, and go down diagonally until the
protruding line intersects with Section C's vertical line
for the shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. (the F3's fastest shutter

speed) this time. Then follow the horizontal line that leads
to Section D's EV value for ASA 100, and you will get a
reading of EV 16. This means that an f/stop of f/5.6 at ASA

100 and a shutter speed of from 8 to 1/2000 sec. has an

effective EV range of 2 to 16, which is well within the F3's
metering range of EV 1 to EV 18. The area encompassed
by the heavy lines in Section C demonstrates a metering
range for full aperture method using an f/1.4 lens and
ASA 100 film.

■ Stop-down metering

Example: ASA film speed 100

Stopped-down aperture f/8
The procedure is the same. The f/8 column in Section A
and the EV values indicated for ASA 100 in Section D will
show you that the EV range for f/8 is 6 to 23. Refer now to
Section B and single out f/8 at ASA 100. Go diagonally
down until the protruding line intersects with Section C's

vertical line for the shutter speed of 8 sec. From this point
of intersection, follow the horizontal line that leads to

Section D's EV value for ASA 100, and you will obtain an
EV reading of 3. This means that an f/stop of f/8 at ASA

100 and a shutter speed of 8 sec. give an EV value outside
the metering range. To find out the slowest shutter speed
usable, follow the f/8 indication for ASA 100 in Section B
diagonally down until it intersects the horizontal line in

Section C that leads to Section D's EV value of 6 for ASA

100, and you will find that the slowest shutter speed
usable is 1 sec. In other words, at f/8 and ASA 100, the
available shutter speed range that is within the metering
range is from 1 to 1/2000 sec., which has an effective EV
range of 6 to 17 (indicated by the broken line in Section
C)—well within the metering range.
In practice, you will find that it is generally the high end
and the low end which reguire a careful check. The EV
range of the Nikon F3 encompasses most lighting situ
ations, and it is only under dim-light or extra-bright
picture-taking situations that you need pay any special
attention.

33

EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA —continued

The camera's meter may be used only within the shutter
speed range covered by the exposure value (EV) range
of the meter, which varies with the aperture and ASA
settings.
The chart on page 35 shows the relationships between the
f/stop, shutter speed and film speed, indicating the
slowest functioning shutter speed (for metering purposes)

with any film speed/aperture combination.
Careful attention to the following instructions will assure
precise exposure, automatically, over the complete expo
sure control and meter range capability of your Nikon F3.

■ Auto exposure control at full aperture

For example, with an f/1.4 lens and ASA 100 film, the
automatic shutter will function down to one second with

34

the lens set at f/1.4, and proportionately slower as the
aperture is closed.
Using a standard of ASA 25 film, you may be assured of
at least a four-second speed regardless of the aperture of
the lens used as long as the lens is set at full aperture
(refer to Table).
Using ASA 400 at f/1.4, the slowest speed is 1/4 second;
however, as the aperture is closed down, the functioning
shutter speed becomes progressively slower until we
reach f/8 when the slowest speed of eight seconds is
functioning.

■ Auto exposure control with stop-down
metering

When using a bellows or other extension eguipment
which disengages the meter coupling device, it is neces
sary to revert to stop-down metering. Certain limitations
are imposed in this mode.
As lens-to-film distance is increased, the metering range
(EV range) changes proportionately. For example, when
an f/2 lens is used at 2:1 reproduction (twice life-size) the
effective f/number is f/5.6. When used at f/8, the effective
f/number is f/22.
When pictures are taken under minimal light levels, it is
desirable to use a high-speed film (ASA 160 or higher).
Using Tri-X at film speed 400 with stop-down metering,
with an effective f/nupiber of f/8, the shutter speed range
would be from 1/4 second to 1/2000. Should the light
level drop below EV 6, it would be out of the shutter
speed range of the meter.

Table

Slowest shutter speed
at full aperture with
any lens

ASA speed
6400

3200 (4000)
1600

800

400
200(160)
100 ( 80)

50 ( 64)
25

12

Slowest shutter speed

(sec.)

1/60
1/30
1/15
1/8
1/4
1/2

1
2
4
8

EV Chart

Section A

Working Aperture

32 22 16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

Bill

Section D

ASA

.b

M

CO

o

O

ooOOO

o

o

I

o
o
o

7654321 0
876
9 8 7 6 5

9 8

10 9 8 7 6

12

11 10
13 12 11 1098 7 6 5
14 13 12 1 1 1098
15 14 131211

14 131211

16 15
17

15 14 13 121110 9 8

16
18 17 16 1 51413 12 11
19 181716 15 14 131211 10
20

19 181716
212019 18 171615 14 13
22

21 20
23 22 21 20 19 181716
24

23 22 2 12019
25 24 23

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18

26
27

26 25 24 23

272625 24

28

272625 24 2 3 22 21

29

28
30 29 28 27

O

o>

g

5 4 321 0

4 3 2 1

7 6 5 4 3 2

76543

9 8

10 9

15 14 1 3 12 11

19 18 17 16 15 14 13

22 212019 181716

22 21 20 19 1 8
23 22

26 252423

KJ

O

0

IT

2

O)

1

-1 -2

543

765
8 7

10 9 8

10

15 14

18 17 16 15

21 20 19

22 21

-1
0

1

2

4

b

7

9

12

17

20

35

ACCESSORIES

36

Fig. 2

Interchangeable viewfinders

In addition to the DE-2 Eye-Level Finder, the F3 accepts

various other interchangeable viewfinders. To remove
the finder, slide the finder release levers @ with your
thumb and finger towards the back of the camera (Fig. 1),
and lift the finder out (Fig. 2). The DW-3 Waist-Level

Finder is ideal when you want to use the camera at a low
angle or upside down over your head for shooting over
crowds. The DA-2 Action Finder works well for those

situations when you can't bring your eye close to the
finder, such as when you are wearing a helmet or goggles
or when the camera is enclosed in a waterproof under
water housing. The DW-4 6X Magnification Finder is for
critical high-magnification close-up work or photomicro
graphy. Regardless of which finder is attached, you still
have full automatic exposure control because the meter is
built not into the finder but the body.
When using the DA-2 or DW-3, be careful that stray light
does not enter from the top and cause an inflated meter
reading.

Fig. 2

Interchangeable focusing screens

Nikon offers you a choice of 20 interchangeable focusing
screens: A—T. The type K screen comes with the camera
as standard eguipment. On the following page is a chart
listing all the screens.
To take out the focusing screen, first remove the finder,
then insert your fingernail under the rear edge of the
screen and lift it out (Fig. 1).
To install another screen, simply insert the front edge (the
edge with the slot in the middle) under the pin and push
the rear edge of the screen down into place (Fig. 2).

Note: For more information on which screens are compatible with which

lenses, consult the instruction sheet supplied with the lens.

37

ACCESSORIES —continued-

Focusing Screen Selector Guide

Type A: Matte/Fresnel field with 3mm^ circular split-image rangefinder

spot and I2mm^ circle. Rapid and accurate foc usin g. E xcellent for
general photography.

(ijlj

Type B: Ma tte/Fresnel field with 12mm ^ fine-grou nd matte focusin g spot

in the c enter. G ood for general photography, especially with long

-lenses.

Is ‘(3' 'V

Type C: Fine-g round matte field w ith 4m m^ clear spot and cross hair.

For photom icrography, astrop hotogra phy and other high-magnifi
cation applications, usin g pa rallax fo cusing o n aerial ima ges.

№

38

. ..

Ks I

Type D: Overall fine-grou nd matte field. Fo r specialized close-u p

photography and for use with lo ng lenses.

Type E: Matte/Fresnel field w ith 1 2mm^ fine-grou nd m atte spot and

1

etch ed horizon tal and vertica l lines. Ideal for architectural ph otog
raph y.

V'jt'l

Type G: Clear Fresne l field with ex tra-bright 12mm ji micro prism focus

ing spot for viewing and focusing in poor light. Four models (G1— G4)
are a vailable correspo nding to specific focal length len s^. D epth of
field can not be o bserved .

Type H: Clear Fresnel field with micropr ism fo cusing pattern over the

entire screen area. Perm its rapid focusing o n any part of the scree n with
optimum edge-to-ed ge brigh tness in poor light. Available in four
models (HI— H4) co rresponding to particular focal length lenses .

1,1 1)

Type I: M atte/Fresnel field with central microprism focusing spot and

12m m^ circle. G ood for general pho togr aphy.

Type K: Combination of Type A and J screens. Matte/Fresnel field with

3mm^ split-im age rangefinde r spot surrounded by Imm-wide m icro­prism doughnut. Rapid and acc urate focusing for subjects w ith both
straight tines and ill-defined c ontours. Suitable fo r general photog
raph y.

Type L: S ame as Type A scre en but with split-image rangefinder line at

a 45 “ an gle. Best for sub jects with horizonta l lin es.

■ !iCi .i-&

li

■ - • j ''

nllt r,

t

efy .

Type Mi Fine-ground Fresnel field with 5.5mm>( clear spot and double

cros s h air for use in parallax focus ing on ae rial im age, plus millimeter
scales for calculation of ind ivid ual magnification of objects or for
mea suring ob jects. Brillian t image in dim light. Suitable for close-up s,
photomicrography and othe r high-m agnification application s.

Type P: Same as Type K but with split-im age rangefinder lin e at a 45“

angle an d etched ho rizontal and vertical lines as an aid to com position.
Rapid and accurate focusing for subject w ith horizon tal or vertical lines

1

or ill-de fined co ntours. Suitable for general photography.

Type R: Sam e as Typ e A but w ith rangefinde r prism s of slop ing surfaces

at a smaller angle and horizontal and vertic al lines to aid prop er com
position . Works best with lenses having m aximum apertures from f/3.5
tof/5.6.

Type T: Matte/Fresnel field with sp lit-image rangefinder, 12mm ^ re

ference circle, and horizontal and vertical lines. Used when preparing
slides for TV b roadcasts. Dotted line s indicate standard TV scre en
form at. Solid outline shows "safe action” area, whereas broken lin es
indicate "safe title" a rea.

Motor Drive

One of the most exciting new accessories for the F3 is the
MD-4 Motor Drive. This amazingly compact and stream
lined unit attaches to the bottom of the camera in seconds
and advances the film either singly or in seguence form
up to a rapid 6 * frames per second—making it the fastest
regular production motor drive on the market today.
Actual controls have been reduced to only those neces

sary for convenient operation. In addition to the electro

magnetic trigger button (which also turns on the camera's

meter when depressed halfway), there is its concentric
S-C (SINGLE/CONTINUOUS) mode selector, a battery

check button and LED indicators, two interlocking re

wind slides for automatic film rewinding, and a sub

tractive frame counter which stops the motor at the

desired number of frames for use in cold weather. Eight

AA-type penlight batteries fit into a quick-release clip

housed in the base of the motor drive. An optional NiCd
battery pack is available for use in cold weather or when

you want the fastest possible firing rate. Once you attach

the MD-4 to your camera, you'll never want to take it off.

• Possible with NiCd battery pack at 1/225 sec. or above with mirror

locked-up.

ACCESSORIES —continued-

Speedlights

Designed to complement the versatility of the F3, the

Nikon SB-12 is a direct-mounting electronic flash unit

offering fully automatic through-the-lens flash output
control. Even with the camera on automatic, the proper
synchronization speed of 1/80 sec. is automatically set.

Then, while the shutter is open, the camera's Silicon
Photo Diode reads the light reflected off the film and tells

the flash unit to cut itself off when the exposure is correct.
With a guide number of 25 (ASA 100 and meters) or 40

(ASA 25 and feet), the SB-12 Speedlight provides just the

right amount of light for subjects located between 0.6m—

15m (2ft—49ft). As soon as the flash is recycled and ready

to fire, an LED ready-light inside the finder goes on. The

40

same LED blinks to let you know when the light is

insufficient for proper exposure.

And for those photographers needing even more power
and versatility, Nikon has created the SB-11 Speedlight.

It has a guide number of 36 (ASA 100 and meters) or 60

(ASA 25 and feet) and gives you a choice of three auto

matic shooting apertures—f/4, f/5.6, and f/8 at ASA 100.
When used with the F3 via a special TTL connecting
cord, it provides the same automatic through-the-lens

control of the flash exposure as the SB-12. Other features
include a bounce head and a removable sensor for auto
matic use with other cameras.

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Eyepiece Gsrrection Lenses

Screwing into the finder eyepiece, nine separate lenses

are provided, so that near- and farsighted photographers

can use the F3 without their glasses. They are available in

—5, —4, —3, -2, 0, -1-0.5, -1-1, -t-2, and -)-3 diopters

representing the combined dioptry of the finder and lens.

Rubber Eyecup

The eyecup prevents stray light from entering the view

finder from the rear, yet is still small enough not to cause

any interference when closing the camera back. The

eyecup also allows eyeglass wearers to use the F3 without
fear of scratching their glasses.

Camera Cases

The CF-20 Semi Soft Leather Case was designed ex
clusively for the F3. And there are three new Custom
Shoulder Cases (CB-1, 2, or 3) for the photographer who
wants to carry his F3 in style.

41

TIPS ON CAMERA CARE

Camera care is common sense care. Treat your F3 as you
would treat other valuable precision instruments. Even
though the F3 is built to take many years of hard use, it
may be damaged by shock, heat, water, or misuse.
Following are some tips to help you keep your camera in
good condition.

42

L Keep the lens clean.

Keep the lens surfaces free of fingerprints and dust as much as
possible. Remove dust with a blower brush or lens tissue. Never use
cloth or ordinary tissue. If smudges or fingerprints persist, use lens
tissue moistened sparingly with alcohol or lens cleaner.

4. Do not expose the camera to high temperatures.

Keep the camera away from places where the temperature is apt

to be high, such as on the beach under direct sunlight or in the trunk

of a car.

2, Clean the inside of the camera.

Brush out the inside of the camera periodically using a soft brush.
Do not exert pressure on the shutter curtains as this may damage them.
Also keep the mirror free from fingerprints and dust.

Store the camera properly.

Store the camera in a carrying case to protect it from dust. Avoid
storing the camera in excessively hot, cold, or damp places. Always
attach a body cap to the camera body and a front and rear lens cap to
the lens when storing them to prevent dust from getting inside the body
or on the lens surfaces. Remove the batteries before storing the camera
for an extended period of time.

3. Keep the camera away from water.

Avoid excessive moisture. When using the camera near water,

guard against splashes, especially saltwater spray.

0^ Never attempt to disassemble or repair the camera

yourseli.

These delicate procedures should be left to an authorized rep)airman.

43

SPECIFICATIONS

Type of camera

Picture format
Lens mount

Lenses

Shutter
Shutter speeds

44

Shutter release

Backup mechanical

release lever

Self-timer

35mm single-lens reflex
24 mm X 36 mm
(standard 35mm film format)
Nikon bayonet mount

Nikkor 50/1.2, 50/1.4, 50/1.8,
and Nikon Series E 50/1.8 as
standard; more than 55 Nikkor
and Nikon Series E lenses
available
Horizontal-travel, titanium focal-

plane shutter
Auto: Electromagnetically con
trolled stepless speeds from 8 to

1/2000 sec.; Manual; Quartz/

electromagnetically controlled

discrete speeds from 8 to 1/2000
sec., plus B and X (1/80 sec.);
mechanical: T setting on shutter
speed dial and 1/60 sec. when

using backup mechanical
release lever

Electromagnetic shutter release;

initial pressure on shutter release
button switches on meter (alter
power switch is turned on), meter

then remains on for 16 sec. after
finger is taken off button
Trips shutter at 1/60 sec. regard
less of shutter speed dial setting
except at T; used when batteries
are dead
Quartz-timed 10 sec. delayed
exposure; LED blinks at 2Hz for
first 8 sec. then at 8Hz for last 2 sec.

Exposure control Aperture-priority automatic

Film speed range
Metering range

Exposure

compensation dial

Exposure memory

lock

Accessory shoe

Flash synchronization Speeds up to 1/80 sec. with

exposure with manual override
and backup mechanical control;

through-the-lens, full aperture
metering via silicon photo diode
(SPD) with center-weighted

metering pattern and metering
circuits incorporated into
camera body; meter works with
all viewfinders
ASA 12 to ASA 6400
EV 1 to EV 18 at ASA 100 with
f/1.4 lens
Provided; ±2 EV in one-third
increments
Provided; operates on Auto to
electronically lock in shutter
speed
Provided; special Nikon type
located at base of rewind knob;
accepts Nikon SB-12 shoe
mounting electronic flash unit or
TTL connecting cord from SB-11
for TTL direct flash output
control using camera's SPD

metering cell
electronic flash; with SB-12, flash

sync is automatically set to 1/80

sec. when shutter speed dial is

set at "A," or 1/125 sec. or above;
flash synchronizes with shutter

speed set at slower shutter speed

settings; threaded sync terminal

Auto flash control

Viewfinder

Viewfinder display

Viewfinder

illuminator

Film advance lever

provided for off-camera or

multiple flash photography
TTL direct flash control governs
SB-12's flash output using
camera's SPD sensor; effective

ASA range from ASA 25 to

ASA 400
Interchangeable eyelevel penta

prism type DE-2 as standard;

0.8X magnification with 50mm
lens set at infinity; virtually 100%
frame coverage

Liquid crystal display (LCD)

shows shutter speed; on Auto,

:^00 indicates overexposure,

underexposure; on Manual,

M appears with -i- indicating
overexposure, — underexposure,
and — -I- correct exposure; LED
ready-light glows when Nikon
SB-11 or SB-12 Speedlight is
completely recycled; aperture in
use also shown through aperture­direct-readout (ADR) window
Provided; illuminates both liquid
crystal display and ADR
f/number

Wound in single stroke or series
of strokes; 30° stand-off angle
and 140° winding angle; shutter
speed automatically set to 1/80
sec. until frame "1" for fast
loading when shutter speed dial is
set to "A" or 1/125 sec. and above

Frame counter
Film rewind

Eyepiece shutter

Focusing screen
Depth-of-field

preview button

Reflex mirror

Multiple exposure

lever

Camera back

Power switch
Batteries

Dimensions
Weight

Additive type, self-resetting
Folding crank with rewind
button in baseplate
Provided; prevents stray light
from entering viewfinder from
the rear
Type K as standard; inter
changeable with 19 other types
Provided; coaxial with mirror
lockup lever
Automatic instant-return type
with lockup facility; incorporates
air damper

Provided; disengages frame

counter for correct count

Hinged, interchangeable type;

memo holder provided
Provided
Two 1.5V silver-oxide cells

(Eveready EPX76, D76or
equivalent); when MD-4 motor
drive is attached, camera gets
battery power from batteries in
motor drive

148.5mm(W)x96.5mm(H)
x65.5mm(D)

700g with DE-2 Eyelevel Finder

45

IMPORTANT!

The camera body you have purchased is packaged sepa
rately from the lens. Before mounting the lens, check if it
is capable of Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing
(AI) operation with your camera body by verifying that
the lens' aperture ring is fitted with a meter coupling
ridge as illustrated at the right. Note that the ” Ai" mark
on the cover of the instruction sheet provided with AI
Nikkor lenses is your assurance that the lens offers the
AI feature.
If the lens is fitted with the meter coupling ridge, it is
fully capable of full-aperture exposure measurement and
automatic maximum aperture indexing; to attach it to the

46

camera, follow the directions provided in the BASIC
OPERATION section of this instruction manual.
If the lens is non-AI, stop-down exposure measurement is
reguired with the camera body's meter coupling lever
locked up; to lock up the lever, follow the directions in
the "Meter coupling lever" section of CONTROLS IN
DETAIL.

Note: The modification at reasonable cost of most non-AI Nikkor lenses

having both an automatic diaphragm and meter coupling prong is
available for the convenience of Nikkor lens users. For further infor
mation concerning lens modification, please contact your local autho
rized Nikon dealer.

No reproduction in any form of this booklet,
in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in

critical articles or reviews), may be made without

written authorization from the publishers.

Printed in Japan (80. 1. B) &-1