Thoughts Odd relatively uncommon camera compared to the WP-1 more robust than expected Rubber band like clamp that goes over camera to supply tripod mount and cold shoe

Defaults to flash on when you turn on Lag between shutter press and exposure colored to manual cameras Zoom fees like not that wide to not that tele Rounded corners and contours make it nice to hold in the hand and easy t go in a jacket pocket Robbed! Counted out 37 exposures and then backed up one to 36 Loading is very easy, confident that the film is in the takeup reel; unwinds whole roll first and then you wind it back into the film canister as you take photos

Takeaway Like the similarly sized FE, this camera fees a bit on the smaller size in larger hands, but just sublime once the MD-12 motor drive is added. Nikon faced a problematic audience where some appreciated the advantage of electronic shutter timing while others viewed it as a delicate, fault prone gimmick. Nikon’s solution was to make one camera for each group that shared as much as possible. Now, decades later, the question seems to have reversed - what is better?

Takeaway Two different personalities exist in the F3 - a classy, refined metal clad precision craftsman’s tool with manual dials for interfaces, and a beastly instrument for shredding through rolls of film once the motor drive and accessories are attached. The former is the perfect subject for being a prop to be seen with on the ‘gram, the latter is an expensive exercise to try without the benefit of autofocus.

Quick facts Cost: $25-150 Noteable Features: Auto Exposure, can mount pre-AI lenses Relative size: medium Relative weight: light Takeaway The Nikon FE was a mid-tier professional camera, slotting in below the F3 in features and value. For modern use it has nearly all of the capabilities of the F3 in a smaller, cheaper package that makes it possibly the best bang-for-buck classic, electronic timing, Nikon camear. Thoughts These cameras are at very special intersection of Nikon history, one of the few cameras I know of that give you aperture priority exposure meter on the old pre-AI lenses.

Quick facts Cost: $25-100 Features: minimal Relative size: medium Relative weight: heavy Takeaway Nikon’s Nikkormat is a stylish and robust yet inexpensive 35mm film SLR that would be ideal for a photographer wanting to try analog photography and the distinction of carrying a classic camera at a fraction of the cost of the premium brands. Thoughts The Nikkormat was introduced as a budget alternative to their professional grade SLR cameras for serious amateurs that still wanted the solid build and reputation of the Nikon system.