Operating Instructions
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. 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
recommended 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 a slight delay in response time. This is natural and should be
no cause for 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 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. Even when the batteries are exhausted, you can still make time exposures by
setting the dial to "T" and using the backup mechanical release lever to trip the shutter.
Caution: If you advance the film while holding down the backup mechanical 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 will
remain in the "up" position until the advance lever stroke is completed.