Operating Instructions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 21
Memo holder 22
Shutter release button 22
Film advance lever 23
Frame counter 23
Multiple exposure lever 24
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 29
Sync terminal 30
Viewfinder illuminator 30
Film plane indicator 31
Infrared focusing index 31
ABOUT THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) 32
EV RANGE OF THE CAMERA 33 - 35
ACCESSORIES 36 - 41
Interchangeable viewfinders 36
Interchangeable focusing screens 37
Focusing screen selector guide 38
Motor Drive MD-4 39
Speedlights 40
Other accessories 41
TIPS ON CAMERA CARE 42 - 43
SPECIFICATIONS 44 - 45
IMPORTANT 46
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. 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 photographic experiences.