Film Photography, Camera ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogJune 16, 2022Nikon F3 HP review, Nikon F3 review, Nikon F3 HP sample images, Nikon F3 sample images, Nikon F3 HP sample photos, Nikon F3 HP Design, Buying a Nikon F3 HP on e-Bay, Nikon F3 HP ergonomics, Nikon F3 HP aesthetics4 Comments

Nikon F3 HP Review

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 2021, when I had a brief time with a Nikon F3 that I bought from an eBay 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, the third Nikon F3 I have had since I started snapping photos back in 1983.

A Nikon F3 HP with a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs — The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs

In the conclusion of my September 2021 Nikon F3 review, I wrote that the Nikon FE-2 would probably be the right camera for me as I preferred its smaller size and lower weight.

A few months later, in January 2022, a Nikon FM3a popped up 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:

Nikon FM3a - Review

Camera reviewer Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, with a Nikon F3 HP and Voigtländer 40mm f/2 SL IIs — 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 eBay 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 that they have a 30-day return policy. I paid about $525.00 for the F3 HP, including shipping and taxes/duties.

Shipping is usually very quick from Japan to Vancouver, and I think it only took three days for the camera to arrive 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.

Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye LEGACY classic wide camera strap — 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 viewfinder is one component that separates this camera from the original Nikon F3. The HP version has a more recessed viewfinder, which can be easier to view if you wear glasses or if your face is slightly further from the eyecup.

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 using the high eye-point viewfinder easier. It is also easier to see the LED info at the top of the viewfinder showing the shutter speed.

The railway tracks leading into Vancouver at Terminal Ave. Sample image from a Nikon F3 HP on Ilford Delta 100 — Railway tracks, Vancouver, Nikon F3 HP, Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs, Ilford Delta 100

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. I find that you get a much better look at the entire finder without having to stick your face right up to the camera.

The back of a Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap — 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, the Nikon F3 HP. It has design clues from the earlier Nikon F models, yet has a modern flair for its time.

Wherever your hand rests on this beautiful camera, it has a superb tactile feel. I realize I almost sound like a camera advert in this paragraph, but these factors 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 compensate for the Nikon F3 HP's heavier body compared to the Nikon FM3a and Nikon FM2n, I got a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap. I am enjoying this strap, and it compliments the camera well.

Camera reviewer, Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, with a Nikon F3 HP and Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs. Tap & Dye Legacy Classic camera strap. — 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

I have used four rolls of film so far, and I have had no issues with light leaks or overlapping frames. The sample images in this post are from two rolls of Ilford Delta 100, one roll of Ilford Pan F 50 Plus, and finally, one roll of Kodak Ektar 100.

All scenarios equal, the photos would have looked 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.

Nikon F3 HP shown with a Voigtländer 40mm f/2 SL IIs and Tap & Dye Legacy Classic Wide camera strap. — The Nikon F3 HP shown with a Tap & Dye Legacy classic wide camera strap and a Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs

Final Thoughts

Finding my favorite Nikon film SLR has taken me quite some time. It has been a journey via the Nikon FE2, Nikon FM2n, Nikon FM3a, a malfunctioning Nikon F3, and finally, the Nikon F3 HP. I believe this one is a keeper.

I intend to use this camera mainly for black-and-white photography, and perhaps I will explore other lenses later.

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. 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:

Nikon F3 - Review, Part 1

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.