Re: [APML]: Nikon cameras-F3 &F3HP.

[Ian Turner <skyshooter@mindspring.com>]

Bobby Middleton Asked


>as to what the F3's& F3hp's have as far as mirror lock and manual B setting
>for non-battery time exposures.
>Also, what would be the magnifying viewfinder of choice for these cameras
>to use instead of the prism?  
>I don't think they accept non-AI lenses, right?


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bob the mirror lockup on the F3hp works great. As Wil suggested the DW4 
is the focus unit to use. I have taken many shots with this setup. I 
would replace the focus screen with the Beattie Intenscreen.

Regarding the battery draining it can be a problem. The way to use the 
camera and not drain the battery is select the T position on the shutter 
speed knob. Than fire the shutter with the alternate shutter release 
lever. To end the exposure you must move the shutter knob out of the T 
position.

All this means is you need to use the old hat trick. To start and end the 
exposure no big deal as long as you can cover your scope.

For Planetary images the shutter is almost the smoothest I have seen the 
Leica cameras are a bit better.

The prices of the F2s are high in my estimation and the F3hp is a far 
superior product.
The F3hp will except all nikon lenses.

I have a link to the Nikon F3hp web site from my website. It's under the 
URL shown below.

http://www.mindspring.com/~skyshooter/Cameras.html

Hope this rain stops
Ian

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                             Ian Turner 
                  Astrophoto and CCD Imaging Tips
         http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/7247/
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