Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NOMENCLATURE-------------------------CD ITT •• r-,m",.
Distance scale @ -direct-readout scale @ Viewfinder illuminator button @ Self-timer lever @ Self-timer ON index @ Power switch ON index @ Power switch ® Film advance lever @ Shutter- scale @ Shutter speed dial @) Film indicator ® 3
TABLE OF C O N T E N T S - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 NOMENCLATURE . .. . . .. ......... .. ......... . .. 2-3 FOREWORD . .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . ...... . .. . ..... 5 BASIC OPERATION ........ .. .. . . .... . .... . .. . . 6-16 CONTROLS IN DETAIL . . ... . .. .. ... . ... ... .. .. 17-31 Shutter speed dial. .... . .................. 17-19 Exposure memory lock button . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . .. 20 Exposure compensation dial . . . . .. . . .. ... . .. .. . 21 ASA film speed dial . . . . . .
FOREWORD--------Congratulations! You now own one of the most advanced 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 approach to photography_ However, before actually taking pictures with the F3, you should familiarize yourself with its basic operation as presented in the first section.
BASIC OPERATION- - - - - - - - - - - - 1 6 Remove the battery • chamber lid @ • Use a coin to twist the lid counterclockwise to unscrew it. 2 Install the batteries. • Insert the two 1.5V silver-oxide batteries supplied with the camera , making sure that the "+" signs are up. 3 Replace the battery • chamber lid. Slip the battery clip back into the camera body and screw it tightly into place.
4. Move the power switch ® 5 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 automatically to conserve battery power. 6. Check battery power. Look through the viewfinder @ at the liquid crystal display (LCD).
-BASIC OPERATION-continued------------ 1. Mount the lens onto 8 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 clockwise until it comes off. 8. Open the camera back. Push the camera back lock lever @ to the right with your thumb while lifting the film rewind knob@.
10. Insert the film leader in the takeup 11 Pull the leader across the camera and insert it into one of the slots in the film takeup spool. Wind the film advance lever and depress the shutter release button until the film sprockets engage the perforations on the edges of the film. spool. Note: The Iwo dolo back conlacls localed inside Ihe camera below Ihe film guide rails are for use wilh a dolo back available in Ihe fulure . Wind the film advance lever @ to • advance film onto the takeup sprocket.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued------------ 10 12. Close the camera back. 13. Take up the film slack. Close the camera back until it snaps shut. Fold out the film rewind crank ® 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 release button until the frame counter shows "1.
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 . 16. Set th~ camera for automatic operahon. Rotate the shutter speed dial ® until the "A" is opposite the white dot @.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued------------ 12 17. Hold the camera steady. Wrap the fingers of your right hand around the camera body so that the index finger rests comfortably 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 shooting in this pOSition. 18. Focus on the subject.
2 3 4 5 ---------- Infocus ---------- 6 ---- Inside the viewfinder - I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. LCD exposure information ADR flnumber Fine matte/Fresnel outer field Microprism collar Split-image rangefinder spot 12mm reference circle Note : The meter reads the light aver the entire focusing screen but is distinctly biased toward the central 12mm¢ area. 19. Set the lens aperture. Turn the lens aperture ring @ until the desired flnumber is opposite the index mark on the lens .
-BASIC OPERATION-continued------------ 14 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 - 8 - 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.
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 cartridge . 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 .
-BASIC OPERATION-continued----------- 16 25. Turn the camera off. To conserve battery power between takes, return the power switch to the "off" position.
CONTROLS IN D E T A I L - - - - - - - - - - - Shutter speed dial ® , -, 5 + fe M In addition to automatic stepless shutter speed control, the Nikon F3 offers manual control of all shutter speeds from 112000 sec. to 8 sec . including X, B, and T. To move the shutter speed dial off "A," depress the locking button CD 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.
-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.
(Stop action) (Subject motion blur)
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------- Exposure memory lock button 0) 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 , resulting in under-or overexposure (see Fig. I). 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.
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 indicate one and two stops underexposure , whereas + 1 and + 2 indicate one and two stops overexposure. At ASA 6400, the compensation extends to only -1 ; at ASA 12, up to + 1. The following table indicates the recommended settings for various subjects. After use , make sure you set the dial back to "0.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------- Memo holder @ As a reminder of the film type and the number of ex22 posures on the roll in use, clip off the end of the film carton and insert it into the memo holder. Note: At the "B" selling, unless you hold the shutler release butlon 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.
Film advance lever @ Frame counter @ The film advance lever is specially contoured to fit the thumb and is coaxial with the shutter release button. It has a 30 0 stand-off with a throw of 140 0 and may be operated in one complete stroke or a series of shorter ones . To keep track of the number of exposed frames, the frame counter is graduatea from two frames below 0 up to 40. 23 Blue numerals appear every 5 frames (0, 5, 10, etc.) with dots in between.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------Batteries Multiple exposure lever @l 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 recoc k 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 .
Backup mechanical release lever ® Depth-of-field preview button CD This lever is provided as an alternative method of tripping 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.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------- 26 Lens set at £/2.8 Lens set at fll6 At wide apertures, the depth-ol-field is very shallow with the main subject in focus. But when the lens is stopped down to £116, most objects from near to far are in sharp focus.
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-AI Nikkor lenses with automatic diaphragms On AUTO: Push in and hold the depth-of-field preview button while you trip the shutter . Caution: If the depth -a/·/ield preview bullan is not depressed all the way, the mirror may remain in the "up" position.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------Self-timer The F3's blinking self-timer provides a lO-sec . delay in shutter release. To operate the self-timer: Mirror lockup lever 0 28 When using super-telephoto lenses or doing photomicrography, it becomes necessary to reduce camera vibration 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 .
Eyepiece shutter lever @ Accessory shoe @ 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 automatic 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.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------- Sync terminal @ Viewfinder illuminator @ A separate sync terminal with a protective screw-in cover is provided on the Nikon F3. It accepts all standard plug30 in PC cords, plus it is threaded for use with a Nikon screw-in PC cord. When using flash bulbs or an electronic 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. sn1.lUer.
Film plane indicator @ Infrared focusing index 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.
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.
EVRANGEOFTHECAMERA-------------------How to read the EV chart • Full-aperture metering Example: Lens maximum aperture fll.4 ASA film speed 100 Working aperture fl5.6 By referring to the fll.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 fll.4 lens at ASA 100 is I to 18. Now, refer to Section B and single out the fl5.6 indication for ASA 100.
-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 flstop, shutter speed and film speed, indicating the slowest functioning shutter speed (for metering purposes) with any film speed/aperture combination .
EV Chart Section D Section A Working Aperture ASA I . I I 3222 16 11 8 5.64 2.8 2 1.4 Section C .. ~ ~ > c..
ACCESSORIES-------------Interchangeable viewfinders Fig . 1 36 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. I), 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.
Interchangeable focusing screens Nikon offers you a choice of 20 interchangeable fo cusing screens: A-T . The type K screen comes with the came ra as standard equipment. On the following page is a chart listing all the scree ns. 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).
-ACCESSORIES-continued-------------Focusing Screen Selector Guide Type A: M~Ue/Fresnel field with 3mm; circular split-Iml.lge rangefinder spot and 12mm~ c ircle. Rapid and o!Iccurote focusing. Excellent for J: MlIUe/ Fresnel field with centro!ll microprlsm focusing spot and 12mmjll Circle. Good for generlll photognphy . Type general photogrophy. Type B: Matte/ Fresnel field with 12mm; line-ground matte focusing spot In the center. Good for general photography , especltlUy with long -lenses.
Motor Drive One of the most exciting new accessories for the F3 is the MD-4 Motor Drive. This amazingly compact and streamlined unit attaches to the bottom of the camera in seconds and advances the film either singly or in sequence 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 necessary for convenient operation .
-ACCESSORIES-continued------------Speedlights 40 Designed to complement the versatility of the F3, the Nikon SB-12 is a direct-mounting electronic flash unit offering fully automatic through-the-Iens 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 .
OTHER ACCESSORIES-----,.------Eyepiece Correction 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, + 0.5, + I, + 2, and + 3 diopters representing the combined dioptry of the finder and lens.
TIPS ON CAMERA C A R E - - - - - - - - - - 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 . 1. Keep the lens clean. Keep the lens surfaces free of fingerprints and dust as much as pessible. Remove dust with a blower brush or lens tissue .
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. 3. Keep the camera away from water. Avoid excessive moisture. When using the camera near water, guard against splashes, especially saltwater spray. 43 . 5 Store the camera properly. Store the camera in a carrying case to protect it from dust.
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 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm film format) Nikon bayonet mount Nikkor 5011.2, 5011.4, 5011.8, and Nikon Series E 5011 .8 as standard; more than 55 Nikkor and Nikon Series E lenses available Horizontal-travel, titanium focal plane shutter Auto: Electromagnetically controlled stepless speeds from 8 to 1/2000 sec.
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 ASA400 Interchangeable eye level penta prism type DE-2 as standard; O.
IMPORTANT!--------------- 46 The camera body you have purchased is packaged separately 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.
