Nikon F3P - The Finder

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon F3 P (Press) - Viewfinder DE-5

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There are a few things that you have to note. First, this is the only finder for the Nikon F3 that has a common ISO accessories shoe located on the top of the pentaprism viewfinder.

This finder permits the use of any flash with a standard hotshoe to be used on the F3 without the hassle of using a flash coupler on the 'irregularly placed ' F3 flash coupler (From the earlier design on the Nikon F and F2 ). Unfortunately, the contact/terminals provided on both the finder and the camera body still do not have the provision for TTL OTF flash metering on the new viewfinder prism. (The accessory shoe on the F3 is still there for you to use any of the dedicated TTL capable flash unit(s) with F3's special hotshoe or those with Standard ISO-type flash mounting foot via the new AS-17 flash coupler ) with the F3P). The terminals, however, still retain the useful flash charge status/ready light feature (Again, it has to be a dedicated unit to enjoy that little benefit). If you think ready light is not a priority, the main X-contact should be sufficient for the purpose of grounding if you are using auto mode or manual flash control.

What do you call this prism specially designed for the F3P or F3H ? The standard HP finder is referenced as DE-3, Nikon named their titanium version DE-3 for the Nikon F3T as DE-4, this DE-3 version that comes with a built-in hotshoe is referenced as DE-5. Another tiny drawback is the auto 1/80 sec for the initial few frames prior to the frame number one is not workable with the F3P - but it may serve other function for those who intend to squeeze a few extra frames out of a standard film cassette. For those who frequently use flash, turning the shutter speed setting from "A" will help a lot when changing film.

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This version of the prism is used in some other camera models that were introduced later. The F3 Limited was one and another was the F3 High Speed motor drive camera in 1996/7. Someone asked me, does this model have any collector value ? I don't think that was Nikon's priority but rather to show how attentive they were by responding to many' of the users' requests.

Warning : The F3AF DX-1 finder cannot be fitted on the F3P.

Again, I would not like to speculate on such topics because the camera was meant to serve rather than being made to be viewed and prized in the collector's market. But to some, the uniqueness of its rarity and improvements made within the camera structure do attracted many followings. It is rated highly among many photojournalists as being a workhorse camera and if you have came by a mint unit with a reasonable price tag, mail me.. hehe.

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Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon F3 P (Press) - Viewfinder DE-5