Nikon F3 35mm SLR Film Camera Body with DW-4 6x Magnifying Finder Tested

Description

The Nikon F3 is a legendary professional 35mm SLR film camera body featuring an electronically controlled, horizontal-travel titanium focal-plane shutter and aperture-priority auto exposure. This particular unit comes equipped with the specialized Nikon DW-4 6x High-Magnification Finder, providing a right-side-up, unreversed image with 6x magnification across the entire frame—ideal for macro, astro, and precision critical focusing photography. Features include the classic Giorgetto Giugiaro body styling with red accent stripe, manual shutter speeds from 8s to 1/2000s plus Bulb, mechanical backup release lever (1/60s), depth-of-field preview, and exposure lock. Serial number 1604406. Made in Japan. Complete with front body cap.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Cosmetically in very good pre-owned condition showing light handling marks, minor surface scuffs, and subtle edge brassing on the top plate and finder housing. Shutter fires smoothly across all speeds, and shutter speeds and light meter vary appropriately. DW-4 6x magnifying finder glass is clear with smooth dioptre adjustment ring. Film advance lever cocks cleanly, counter advances, and film transport mechanism functions correctly. Internal titanium shutter curtains are clean and undamaged. Battery compartment is corrosion-free. Serial number 1604406. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Nikon F3 35mm SLR Camera Body in Black (Serial No. 1604406)
• Nikon DW-4 6x High-Magnification Finder Attachment
• Front Body Cap

Key Features

• Professional-grade modular 35mm SLR chassis designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
• Nikon DW-4 6x High-Magnification Finder for critical macro and precision focus work
• Quartz-controlled horizontal-travel titanium foil focal-plane shutter (1/2000s top speed)
• Aperture-priority automatic exposure with exposure compensation and AE lock
• Mechanical shutter release backup (1/60s) for operation without battery power
• Center-weighted TTL light metering system (80/20 preference ratio)
• Nikon F bayonet mount compatible with AI, AI-s, and converted Nikkor lenses

Collector's Notes

First introduced in 1980, the Nikon F3 remained in continuous production for over two decades, cementing its status as the benchmark professional 35mm SLR workhorse. Outfitted with the uncommon DW-4 6x magnifying finder—designed specifically for waist-level macro and scientific copy work—this setup offers a high-precision viewing experience that appeals to both specialized macro photographers and vintage Nikon system collectors.

Keywords

Nikon F3, Nikon F3 DW-4, Nikon F3 Body, Vintage 35mm SLR, Professional Film Camera, DW4 6x Finder, Nikon Macro Finder, Tested Nikon F3