Gear
SUMMARY
The Nikon F3, launched in March 1980, marked a significant advancement in professional photography, being the first to offer both manual control and aperture priority automation. Designed in part by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it featured tight mechanical tolerances, ball bearing mechanisms for smooth operation, and an optional motor drive for 4fps shooting. Although it was a durable and capable camera, many photographers preferred to stick with the F3 even after the introduction of the autofocus-capable Nikon F4 in 1988. The F4, while innovative and used by NASA for its early digital camera projects, struggled to win over professionals due to its first-generation autofocus and the absence of a manual film-advance lever, leading many to wait for the F5 or continue using the F3, which remained in production until 2001.
TAKEAWAYS
The Nikon F3, released in 1980, was the first professional camera to feature aperture priority automation.
It was designed with input from automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, introducing a signature red stripe.
Despite its advanced features, many professionals continued to use the F3 over the later autofocus F4.
The F3 remained in production until 2001, outlasting the F4.