Nikon's legendary professional film SLR — the F3 with titanium shutter, interchangeable viewfinders, and motorsport heritage.
The Nikon F3 was released in 1980 as the professional-grade 35mm SLR for Nikon F-mount, featuring interchangeable viewfinders, aperture-priority AE, and a titanium shutter. Shutter speeds 8s to 1/2000, Bulb. Center-weighted TTL metering (EV 1-18). Single SR44 battery. At approximately 710g with standard DE-2 viewfinder, no lens.
35mm SLR, Nikon F mount. Aperture-priority AE + Manual. Shutter: 8s to 1/2000, Bulb (titanium shutter curtain). Center-weighted TTL metering (EV 1–18). Interchangeable viewfinders: DE-2 standard + DE-3 HP (High Eyepoint, 2.5cm eyepoint for spectacle users). Single 1.55V SR44 battery. Approximately 710g with DE-2 finder, no lens or battery. 35mm film format.
The F3 was Nikon's professional F-mount flagship from 1980 through 2001 (production end): the interchangeable viewfinder system allowed adaptation for vertical shooting (DA-2 action finder), waist-level viewing (DW-3), or medical/technical photography. The titanium horizontal-travel shutter provides durability rated for extended professional use. The DE-3 HP viewfinder with 2.5cm eyepoint was particularly valued by spectacle wearers.
On the used market the Nikon F3 is available at classic Nikon professional film body pricing. Condition checks: shutter accuracy and smoothness, viewfinder coupling, foam light seals, aperture-priority accuracy. The SR44 battery type is still widely available. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount AI and AI-S lenses.