The Nikon F3 - Only 45 years?

 45 years, pfft.

My F3HP was manufactured in 1994

This morning, I was scanning my IG feed, and saw a post from somewhere about this being the 45th anniversary of the introduction of the Nikon F3.  I hadn't thought too much about it, but I do have a T-shirt from Mike Padua's Shoot Film Co. with 1980 and a drawing of the Nikon F3.  It's an excellent T-shirt- heavy duty and well-made.

courtesy of Shoot Film Co.

I've owned my example of the Nikon F3HP since 2008, when I was given the mint-condition camera from my mentor, William Brudon. At the time, I had been using a beat-up F3 that I'd purchased on eBay a year before.  To say I was amazed  by this gift from my friend was an understatement. I don't think Bill had even run ten rolls of film through it. Over the years, it's become more and more my go-to camera for travel because I can always rely on it to perform flawlessly.  

Sept. 2023, AuSable Point Lighthouse, Ludington, MI. Nikon F3HP, SHD 100 film.

My F3HP's serial number is 1957804, and the date code under the rear door hinge is 64VN. According to this site my camera was manufactured in June, 1994.  So, it's really only 31 years old, but looks like it was made yesterday. I love the high-eyepoint viewfinder, which is perfect for a glasses wearer. As you can see in this photo of my camera, it currently has the old Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 lens attached.  It was converted to AI by the Nikon factory.  It remains one of the best 50mm lenses made, period.

I don't know how many rolls of film I have shot with this camera. More than 50, and less than 150, I suppose. In any case, it's a fine camera that is a joy to use.  It was made to be a professional's SLR, and as SLRs go, it had a long manufacturing run, from 1980 - 2000.  Even then, it was available as a new camera into the digital age.  

Ludington, MI, Sept. 2023. Nikon F3HP, Kodak XX.

If you want to know more about Nikon's F3, this site has a lot of great information in one place. https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/index.htm

If you have never used a Nikon F3 before, it's an easy camera to work with.  The controls are obvious, with butter smooth operation.  All you can expect from a pro-grade SLR.

Floyd, VA, July 2024. Nikon F3HP, Ilford HP-5.