Hi all,
I’m on the look out for some good quality Nikon AIS prime lenses. I’ve acquired a lovely Nikon F3 film camera but don’t own any lenses. Anyone have any gathering dust that they feel like parting with?
Thanks so much. Caroline
I guess you could check eBay, but also Mifsuds, ffiordes and Mr Cad.
Using a standard Google search will bring up the likes of Park Cameras, LCE, and Srimicrosystems if they have any for sale.
Congratulations on getting the F3. I don’t have one myself nor the F4 but I do have the F90x and F100 and the F5 and F6. So if you ever want to try these out sometime, let me know and we can try a half way meet up somewhere. A bit like a TFP for a photographer/photographer.
Hello,
All of the below shops are highly recommended.
I have an F3 and love, personally i have the 35mm, 50mm and 85mm.
Yes the 105mm is great, but i would start with the 50mm and get used to the camera - enjoy !
https://www.tli-processing.com/
https://soperfectimages.co.uk/
Don't overlook AI versions. I have the 105 f2.5 ai, 200 f4 ai, 50 f1.4 ai, and 200 f2 ai. They are all great. One to look out for if you have portraiture in mind is the 180mm f/2.8 ED ais, reasonable (ish) money but a great lens. Most of the decent examples are in Japan but if the seller has 100% feedback, all should be good. But prices are climbing. Bear in mind you will have 20% vat to pay on entry plus 15-20 quid to FedEx or whoever. They won't deliver until you have paid.It is well worth the investment. Good luck with your search. :)
Hi, I have the 50mm 1.2. I use it quite a lot for images and video. Give me a shout if you're interested.
The Photographer Brian Harris said
Hello,
All of the below shops are highly recommended.
I have an F3 and love, personally i have the 35mm, 50mm and 85mm.
Yes the 105mm is great, but i would start with the 50mm and get used to the camera - enjoy !
https://www.tli-processing.com/
https://soperfectimages.co.uk/
Some great links here. I already knew of Wycameras through Instagram, and as I travel up to Leeds a lot it is definitely on my list for a visit along with Takeiteasy film lab and the Lightspace Studio Leeds.
The Soperfectimages was definitely worth a quick click. Their blog on a large number of film camera reviews is a bit of a goldmine for interesting reads.
Bruv & I always liked the 85mm f2 Ai (we haven't owned it since the film days.)
I've heard the 28mm f2.8 Ais is a really top lens, and I definitely recommend this 105 f2.5. You'll need it to have an Ai conversion for an F3 I think (or get the later Ai/Ais incarnations.)
Possibly the F3 has the little button to let you flatten the Ai coupling ridge on the lens mount for non-Ai lenses (I know my Dad's FM had that feature, but I'm not sure about the F3.)
Also - I got one of these 200mm f4 lenses for £60 recently and was stunned at just how good it is.
Carolinebay said
I’ve heard the 105 is great!
You heard right!
Try searching on Used Lens ( they now also do cameras). It brings ads from all over in one place.
You can customize searches to (say) exclude ebay or search only your favoured dealers.