I am looking for a body to back-up my N90. I have used an FM2N extensively and am very comfortable with this body. My question is what do I gain with the F3 over the FM2 that will translate into tangible benefits in the field. My photographs are primarily candid portraits and landscapes. Please consider the abilities of the N90 when answering because I will consider the two cameras a team in the sense that they will compliment each other. Price difference is not as important a consideration as function and convenience. Thanks very much!

-- Matt Williams (mattnsue@acadia.net), March 12, 1999

Answers

In favor of the F3: 1. Closer in size & weight to N90 2. 100% viewfinder 3. Auto exposure 4. Faster motor drive available 5. May be slightly more rugged

In favor of the FM2n: 1. Smaller & lighter 2. You are already accustomed to it

For the uses you mentioned, I don't believe either camera has a clear-cut advantage. Either would be fine. They seem to cost about the same on the used market.

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), March 12, 1999.

The two things that the F3 has that neither the FM2 or the N90 have are (1) "real" mirror lock-up and (2)a 100% viewfinder. These would both come if you do a lot of macro/copy work.

If you have (or rent) any PC Nikkors (shift lenses), the F3 is the only Nikon SLR that can accurately meter the scene with the lens in the shifted position.

There are a ton of accessories that Nikon seems to reserve for only "F series" SLRs. 20+ focussing screens, different viewfinders, 250 exposure backs, etc.

The one thing that you do give up with the F3 is the slow 1/80 sec x-synch.

-- Geoffrey S. Kane (grendel@pgh.nauticom.net), March 12, 1999.

Of course the FM2N doesn't need batteries to operate the shutter(as it's legion of owners never lets us forget :-), but the F3 will run for years on a couple of cheap silver oxide batteries so who cares. Unless you're doing lots of very long exposures (like star trails) it shouldn't matter. The F3 gives you a superb viewfinder with great eye relief (even the non-HP version)that shows 100% of the final image (a low eyepoint 93% in the FM2N). The F3 also has a mirror lockup control, which probably wouldn't matter much for you. The F3 can be used in aperture priority mode, while the FM2N has only manual mode. The FM2N boasts the higher flash syncronization (1/250 vs. 1/80 for the F3), but lacks TTL flash exposure like the F3. The F3 accepts a waist-level finder, which is great for shooting candids. I think the price/performance sweet spot is with the used excellent condition (non HP) F3's.

-- Barry Schmetter (bschmett@my-dejanews.com), March 12, 1999.

One thing about the F3 is that you will need an adapter for your flash in order to use it on the body. I would go for an FE-2 as a backup for your N90. It's basically an FM2 with aperture priority, exposure compensation and TTL flash. It also has a mechanical setting of 1/250th if the battery dies.

-- Ron Stecher (stecherr@vafb5a.vafb.af.mil), March 12, 1999.

Matt,

I'll go in for FM2 of FE2 because of the higher flash sync speed of 250 which is very helpfull for fill in flash. As you know that FM2 is a mechanical work horse that will give you good service. F3 is a legend, one of the best viefinders you can find (great eye relief for spectacle wearers like me, always miss it when using FM2), TTL flash,AP mode, mirror lock up etc. Since you have said that you mainly take candids and landscapes you can also search for FA in mint condition, mind you it is not a mechanical camera and you need batteries to operate it (Beware of extreme cold conditions).

-- Anil.N.S (anils@vsnl.com), March 15, 1999.

Remember, you're teaming it with an N90. So things like the FM2n's 1/250 max flash sync may not matter, since you've got that covered with the N90. Or, it may be critical since that's a feature on the N90 for which you want back-up. We could flip that the other way, and say the F3's TTL flash capabilities do or don't matter.

So, what features on the N90 do you want back-up for? And, what tools do you need to complement your N90? Once you decide that, you can root through the above answers and decide what works for you.

I team my N90s with an F3 and an FA. They all back up each other, the Tinkers to Evers to Chance of the Nikon line.

-- John Kuraoka (kuraoka@home.com), March 15, 1999.

I use an F3 / N90 combination. If you do portraiture and landscape mostly with the N90, I'd recommend the FM2N: consistency of flash sync and viewing, 1/4000 sec. mechanical shutter. The F3 gives you a few serious advantages which make it my primary camera, but I've about given up on flash use with it, and fill flash at 1/80 isn't really a big help.

I'll be switching to an F3 / FM2N combination someday. And I won't mind being able to afford a new body rather than a used one of questionable mileage -- F3's age slowly in appearance.

-- John O'Connell (oconnell@siam.org), March 18, 1999.

I use a FM2n, F3 combination for the past 3 years and found it the best possible pair up in the Nikon camp. But if I have to chose one body over the other, I be happy to lug around my Fm2n with a 24mm for my walking trips. I found the size and weight of the FM2n much more suitable than the F3 especially on long walking trips. I don't believe you can go wrong with either on

-- Alf (alf@hotmail.com), July 27, 1999.

Hi Matt, I'm very late with my answer, but I didn't saw your question until now. Think, you bought your camera already. But, maybe some advice: TTL-metering with the F3 and NON-F3-FLASHES works with the AS-17. Connecting a ISO-flash at the F3 works with a AS-4 and AS-7. Looking for an F3 model, which can hold ISO-flashes with no problems, look for a used F3 P, TTL-Metering included. Many greetings, Ralf.

-- Ralf Grambrock (101.51955@germanynet.de), October 11, 1999.