Nikon F3 HP Review
The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
The Nikon F3 HP
This One Is a Keeper
I am finding myself in a predicament of completely contradicting myself as I write the opening paragraphs of this review.
Rewind to September of 2021 when I had a brief time with a Nikon F3 that I bought from an e-Bay vendor in Japan. Unfortunately, the camera had a few issues and I had to return it for a full refund.
After this adventure, I concluded that I would not pursue a Nikon F3 any further. And yet here I am again, this time with a Nikon F3 HP, the high eye point version, and the third Nikon F3 I have had since I started snapping photos back in 1983.
In the conclusion of my September 2021 Nikon F3 review, I wrote that the Nikon FE-2 probably would be the right camera for me as I preferred the smaller size and lower weight.
A few months later, in January of 2022, a Nikon FM3a popped on our local buy and sell and it was impossible to resist. While I loved the looks of this camera the ergonomics were not great for me.
Being a left-eye shooter presents a few challenges with Nikon FE and FM series cameras. Otherwise, these are great cameras on most accounts. You can read more about this in my FM3a review here:
The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap and a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
Buying a Nikon F3 HP on eBay
Although the last Nikon F3 I ordered on e-Bay was a dud I took a chance again on a Nikon F3 HP from Japan. The one good thing about the vendors I have been dealing with is the fact that they have a 30-day return policy. I paid about $525.00 including shipping and taxes/duties.
Shipping is usually very quick from Japan to Vancouver and I think it only took three days before the camera arrived on my doorstep. I thought my first copy was mint but this camera is in even better shape. Judging from the serial number I suspect the camera was manufactured in 1988.
The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap
Nikon F3 HP - Specs and History
I will not get into the specs in this review as much of it will be redundant from my Nikon F3 Review.
The one component that separates this camera from the original Nikon F3 is the viewfinder. The HP version has a more recessed viewfinder which can be easier to view if wearing glasses or if your face is slightly further from the eye cup.
While the magnification on the standard F3 version is 0.80x on the Nikon F3 HP it is 0.75x. While 0.80x would appear to be better I found it much easier to use the high eye-point viewfinder. It is easier to see the LED info at the top of the viewfinder showing the shutter speed.
I had difficulties focusing on the Nikon F3 I returned. Perhaps overall this camera had seen better days and other cameras obviously should not have these issues. It was as if the calibration was off.
I have had no such issues with the Nikon F3 HP and enjoy the more recessed placement of the viewfinder as I find you get a much better look at the entire finder without having to stick your face right up to the camera.
The back of the Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap
Ergonomics and Aesthetics
Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro has designed one of the most aesthetically pleasing cameras with the Nikon F3 HP. It has design clues from the earlier Nikon F models and yet has a modern flair for its time.
Where ever your hand rests on this beautiful camera it has a wonderful tactile feel. I realize I almost sound like a camera advert in this paragraph but these are factors that can sum up a great experience.
The grip on the front assures that the camera is well balanced in your hand and buttons, dials, and the film advance and rewind all instill confidence with solid built quality.
To alleviate the heavier body of the Nikon F3 HP compared to the Nikon FM3a and Nikon FM2n I got a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap. I am really enjoying this strap and it compliments the camera well.
The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap and a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
Four Rolls Later
Four rolls of film so far and I have had no issues with either light leaks or overlapping frames. The sample images in this post are from two rolls of Ilford Delta 100, a roll of Ilford Pan F 50 Plus, and finally a roll of Kodak Ektar 100.
With all scenarios equal, obviously, the photos would have looked exactly the same if taken with a Nikon FE or FM series camera but the experience varies. Some will prefer the smaller and lighter FE or FM bodies while others will appreciate the subtle differences in the Nikon F3 versions.
The sample images in this review (more below) can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger images.
The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap and a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
Nikon F3 HP Final Thoughts
It has taken me quite some time to find my favorite Nikon film SLR. It has been a journey via the Nikon FE2, Nikon FM2n, Nikon FM3a, a malfunctioning Nikon F3, and finally, I now ended up with the Nikon F3 HP. I believe this one is a keeper.
It is my intention to use this camera mainly for black-and-white photography and perhaps I will explore other lenses down the line.
For the moment I use a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S and Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs but I am curious to try either the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 or f/2 AI-S and I had the Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI-S for a short stint and would not mind trying it again.
This review reads well as a two-part story about the Nikon F3 and part one can be found here:
The negatives in this post were copied using a Fujifilm X-Pro2, an AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, and Skier Sunray Copybox 3. RAW files were imported to Lightroom and I used the Negative Lab Pro plugin to convert the files.
Nikon F3 HP - Sample Images
Please click to view larger images.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver, Nikon F3 HP, Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs, Kodak Ektar 100
Nikon SLR and F-Mount Lens Reviews
Nikon F
Nikon FM3a
Nikon FM2n
Nikon FE2
Nikon EM
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
Voigtländer Nokton 55mm f/1.2 SL IIs
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