Nikon F3 owners manual..where to find?

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sferguso@telus.net - 06 Sep 2006 05:25 GMT

I've just been given an unused f3hp and know little on how to use it,
my old film body is a n2020, but it operates way differently than this
unit. Can anyone point my to a site that has a manual to download?

Scott

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frederick - 06 Sep 2006 06:22 GMT

> I've just been given an unused f3hp and know little on how to use it,
> my old film body is a n2020, but it operates way differently than this
> unit. Can anyone point my to a site that has a manual to download?
>
> Scott

Not a scanned copy of an original manual - but this seems to me to be a
good start.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/f3manual/bas
ic/basic1.htm

I guess using google and using film cameras are mutually exclusive
activities? (I just had to say that before you get flamed)

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Tony Polson - 06 Sep 2006 10:54 GMT

>I've just been given an unused f3hp and know little on how to use it,
>my old film body is a n2020, but it operates way differently than this
>unit. Can anyone point my to a site that has a manual to download?

Several years ago, while the F3 was still a current model, there were
a number of sites offering downloads of the F3 manual. Nikon
threatened them with legal action unless the downloads were withdrawn.
That explains why it is difficult to find an F3 manual online.

However, some other sites have recently offered downloads, and since
the F3 is no longer a current model, Nikon perhaps don't care anymore.

Try these links:
http://24.237.160.4/files/photography/Nikon/Manuals/F3Book/F3BK.PDF
http://personales.ya.com/hurodal/download//manual_nikon_f-3.zip

The first covers the F3HP model but the scan is of poor quality. The
second covers the slightly different F3 model but is a clearer scan.
The F3 differs from the F3HP by not having the high eyepoint
viewfinder, but this is only of minor concern when learning to operate
the camera.

If you would like to buy an original Nikon F3HP manual, there are
usually one or two for sale on eBay.

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Ed Ruf (REPLY to E-MAIL IN SIG!) - 06 Sep 2006 21:31 GMT

>However, some other sites have recently offered downloads, and since
>the F3 is no longer a current model, Nikon perhaps don't care anymore.

Can't speak related to film slr bodies, but at least to software for the
old CP-990, they care. Enough in fact for the word paranoid to come to
mind.
--
Ed Ruf (Usenet2@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index.html

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Tony Polson - 06 Sep 2006 23:14 GMT

>>However, some other sites have recently offered downloads, and since
>>the F3 is no longer a current model, Nikon perhaps don't care anymore.
>
>Can't speak related to film slr bodies, but at least to software for the
>old CP-990, they care. Enough in fact for the word paranoid to come to
>mind.

That's one area where Pentax are very good. All their manuals are
available for free download.

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Ed Ruf (REPLY to E-MAIL IN SIG!) - 06 Sep 2006 23:50 GMT

>>>However, some other sites have recently offered downloads, and since
>>>the F3 is no longer a current model, Nikon perhaps don't care anymore.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>That's one area where Pentax are very good. All their manuals are
>available for free download.

Nikon has a most of the manuals available for DL, software especially
before cameras appeared as removable drive via usb connections is another
thing. I posted part of the CP-990 on my website with a link in r.p.d years
ago and got a nasty e-mail from Nikon Canada of all things.
--
Ed Ruf (Usenet2@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index.html

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sferguso@telus.net - 09 Sep 2006 02:26 GMT

thanks for the links to down loan a copy of the owners manuel, google
was not as helpfull as i thought, but youve help me to answer many
questions
Thanks again
Scott

>I've just been given an unused f3hp and know little on how to use it,
>my old film body is a n2020, but it operates way differently than this
>unit. Can anyone point my to a site that has a manual to download?
>
>Scott

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Tony Polson - 09 Sep 2006 08:24 GMT

>thanks for the links to down loan a copy of the owners manuel, google
>was not as helpfull as i thought, but youve help me to answer many
>questions
>Thanks again

Scott,

You're welcome.

Enjoy what is a very fine camera, which was the "gold standard" for
photojournalists in the 1980s and early 1990s. Look out for the
following lenses, often available very cheaply on eBay since AF and
digital arrived:

24mm f/2.8 AI or AIS Nikkor
35mm f/1.4 AI or AIS Nikkor
50mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 AI or AIS Nikkor
55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro-Nikkor
85mm f/1.4 AI or AIS Nikkor
100mm f/2.8 Nikon Series E
105mm f/2.5 AI or AIS Nikkor
180mm f/2.8 AI or AIS Nikkor
300mm f/4 and f/2.8 AI or AIS Nikkor

35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AIS Nikkor
35-70mm f/2.8 AF or AF-D Nikkor

75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E
70-210mm f/4 Nikon Series E

The 105mm f/2.5 was probably one of the best portrait lenses ever
made, regardless of brand. The 75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E
is also a superb portrait lens, with a performance that goes far
beyond its price. The Series E lenses were a cheaper line but those I
have listed were optically superb.

Tony

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