Nomenclature 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Shutter-speed dial locking button Depth-of-field preview button Mirror lockup lever Neckstrap eyelet Self-timer LED Backup mechanical release lever Expose memory lock button Lens mounting flange Reflex mirror 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. ADR window Film rewind knob ASA/ISO film speed/Exposure compensation dial Sync terminal Lens mounting index Lens release button Meter coupling lever release button Meter coupling lever Viewfinder illuminator 10. 11. 12. 13.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD BASIC OPERATION CONTROLS IN DETAIL Shutter speed dial Exposure memory lock button Exposure compensation dial ASA film speed dial Memo holder Shutter release button Film advance lever Frame counter Multiple exposure lever Batteries Backup mechanical release lever Depth-of-field preview button Meter coupling lever Mirror lockup lever Self-timer Eyepiece shutter lever Accessory shoe Sync terminal Viewfinder illuminator Film plane indicator Infrared focusing index ABOUT THE LIQUID CRY
BASIC OPERATION 1. Remove the battery chamber lid . Use a coin to twist the lid counter clockwise to unscrew it. 2. Install the batteries. Insert the two l.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 to uncover the red dot This turns the camera on and makes it ready for exposure reading and shooting. 5. 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). The shutter speed should be displayed to show that the batteries have been properly installed and their power is adequate. If not, replace both batteries. 7. Mount the lens onto the camera. Grasp the lens by its mounting ring .
8. 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. 9. 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 perforations on the edges of the film. 12. Close the camera back.
13. Take up the film slack. 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 exposure 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." While making blank exposures, watch the rewind knob to see that it rotates. This indicates that the film has been loaded correctly 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. 16. Set the camera for automatic operation. Rotate the shutter speed dial until the "A" is opposite the white dot .
Out of focus In focus 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 rinq until thc image appears sharp.
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. 12mm ¢ reference circle Note: The meter reads the light over 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 f/number is opposite the index mark on the lens. The selected f/number appears in the viewfinder for convenient reference.
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.
25. Turn the camera off. To conserve battery power between takes, return the power switch to the "off" position.
CONTROLS IN DETAIL 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 the locking button 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. to 1/2 sec.
f/8, is let in. Thus, if the 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) 1/1000 4 1/500 5.6 1/250 8 1/125 11 1/60 16 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.
(Subject motion blur) Exposure memory lock button When there is a substantial difference between the main subject and the background, unimportant bright spots or dark spots are likely to fool the camera's metering, resulting 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.
(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 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.
ASA film speed dial The scale 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 intermediate settings. 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.
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 threaded 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 .
Frame counter 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 indicate the number of frames available on most film cartridqes. 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.
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 equivalent) will last for about one year. Try not to touch the + or - surfaces of the batteries as this many result in poor electrical contact.
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 indication of exactly what will be in focus in the final photo.
Lens set at f/16 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. 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.
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. Mirror lockup lever When using super-telephoto lenses or doing photomicrography, it becomes necessary to reduce camera vibration to the absolute minimum.
2. Push the shutter release button. 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. 4. Don't forget to return the selt timer to its oriqinal position after using it. If you want to cancel the self timer after pushing the shutter release button, return the selftimer lever to its original position. The picture then will not be taken.
Accessory shoe Located at the base of the rewind knob, Lhe accessory shoe allows direct mounting of the Nikon SB-12, SB-16A, SB-17 or SB-21A Speedlight. Three electrical contacts provide for synchronization 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 proper synchronization speed of 1/80 sec.
Shutter speed (sec.) 1/2000 1/1000 1/500 1/250 1/125 1/60 1/30 1/15 1/8 1/4 1/2 1 2 4 8 X(1/80) B Speedlight FP Flashbulb M MF Synchronized Cannot be used Note: When using a special electronic flash unit with provision for time leg, an electronic flash unit with long flash duration time, or the Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 IF, adjust shutter speed down to 1/30 sec. or slower.
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 When you shoot infrared film, note that the plane of sharpest focus is slightly farther away than that in visible-light photography.
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.
ASA/ISO 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 Table Slowest shutter speed at full aperture with any lens How to read the EV chart • Full-aperture metering Example: Lens maximum aperture f/1.4 ASA/ISO film speed 100 Workinq aperture f/5.6 By referring to the f/1.4 column in Section A and the EV values indicated for ASA/ISO 100 in Section D, you will find that the EV range for an f/1.
In practice, you will find that it is generally the high end and the low end which require a careful check. The EV range of the Nikon F3 High-Eyepoint camera encompasses most lighting situations, and it is only under dim-light or extra-bright picture-taking situations that you need pay any special attention. EV Chart This EV Chart indicates the performance of the F3 High-Eyepoint camera under normal temperatures and gives the usable ranges for all shutter speed/film speed combinations.
ACCESSORIES Interchangeable viewfinders In addition to the DE-3 High-Eyepoint Finder, the F3 High-Eyepoint camera 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 DX-1 AF Finder provides an electronic focus-aid indication as you manually rotate the lens to obtain correct focus.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Interchangeable focusing screens Nikon offers you a choice of 21 interchangeable focusing screens: A–U. The type K screen comes with the camera as standard equipment. 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).
Type B: Matte/Fresnel field with 3mm¢ fine-ground matte focusing spot and 12mm¢ reference circle. Good for general photography, especialy with long lenses. Type C: Fine-ground matte field wth 4mm¢ clear spot and cross hair. For photomicrography, astrophotography and other high-magnification applications, using parallax focusing on aerial images. Type D: Overall fine-ground matte field Full specialized close up photography and for use with long lenses.
Type K: Combination of Type A and J screens. Matte/Fresnel field with 3mm¢ split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by 1mm-wide microprism doughnut. Rapid and accurate focusing for subjects with both straight lines and ill-defined contours. Suitable for general photography. Type L: Same as Type A screen but with split-image rangefinder line at a 45° angle. Best for subjects with horizontal lines. Type M: Fine-ground Fresnel field with 5.
With shorter focal-length lenses, this screen is nof suitable because of light fall-off in the corners. Motor Drive MD-4 One of the most exciting accessories for the F3 High-Eyepoint camera is the Motor Drive MD-4. This amazingly compact, light, and streamlined unit attaches to the bottom of the camera in seconds and advances the film either singly or in sequence up to 6* frames per second– making it the fastest regular production motor drive on the market today.
camera. It screws into the tripod socket of the MD-4 and plugs into the remote terminal to provide three firing rates–1, 2, or 3 frames per second. It has its own handy trigger button for use in vertical format shooting. The Magazine Back MF-4 for shooting up to 250 frames without changing film is also available as an option. • Possible with NiCd battery pack at 1/125 sec. or above with the mirror locked up.
OTHER ACCESSORIES Eyepiece Correction Lenses Screwing into the finder eyepiece, four separate lenses are provided, so that near- and farsighted photographers can use the F3 High-Eyepoint camera without their glasses. They are available in -2, O, + 1 and + 2 diopters representing the combined dioptry of the finder and lens.
TIPS ON CAMERA CARE Camera care is common sense care. Treat your F3 High-Eyepoint camera as you would treat other valuable precision instruments. Even though the F3 High-Eyepoint camera 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 possible. Remove dust with a blower brush or lens tissue.
3. Keep the camera away from water. Avoid excessive moisture. When using the camera near water, guard against splashes, especially sallwater spray. 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. 5. 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.
6. Never attempt to disassemble or repair the camera yourself. These delicate procedures should be left to an authorized repairman.
SPECIFICATIONS Type of camera 35mm single lens reflex Picture format 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm film format) Lens mount Nikon bayonet mount Lenses Nikkor 50/1.2 50/1.4 50/1.8, and Nikon Series E 50/1.8 as standard; more than 70 Nikkor and Nikon Series E lenses available Shutter Horizontal-travel, titanium focal-plane shutter Shutter speeds Auto: Electromagnetically controlled stepless speeds from 8 to 1/2000 sec.; Manual: Quartz/electromagnetically controlled discrete speeds from 8 to 1/2000 sec.
Exposure memoy lock Provided; operates on Auto to electronically lock in shutter speed Accessory shoe Provided; special Nikon type located at base of rewind knob; accepts Nikon SB-12, SB-16A or SB-17 shoemounting electronic flash unit or TTL connecting cord from SB-11 or SB-14 for TTL direct flash output control using camera's SPD metering cell Flash synchronization Speeds up to 1/80 sec. with electronic flash; with a Nikon dedicated flash unit, flash sync is automatically set to 1/80 sec.
Depth-of-field preview button Provided; coaxial with mirror lockup lever Reflex mirror Automatic instant-return type with lockup facility; incorporates air damper Multiple exposure lever Provided; disengages frame counter for correct count Camera back Hinged, interchangeable type; memo holder provided Power switch Provided Batteries Two 1.55V silver-oxide cells (Eveready EPX76, D76 or equivalent), two 1.
IMPORTANT! 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 thc cover of the instruction sheet provided with AI Nikkor lenses is your assurance that the lens offers the AI feature.
