Retro moving forward

I have heard about it, but never actually seen one. The Nkon F3 Auto Focus film camera. At the end of its production run , as other cameras manufacturers were slowly introducing auto focus, Nikon decided to turn its industry standard workhorse into something that probably would not be able to keep up with the demands of a pro. My assumption is based on historical evidence which is in respect to the claims Nikon made about its F4. The F4 was supposed to track-focus fast moving , oncoming subjects. It did not stand up , however, to those claims. Not even close.

Presumably the F3AF came into being just as the Nikon F4 was still being developed. This is only my speculation.

You can pick up this little gem at Adorama for a mere $900. I think that it would make a really nice paper weight on any photogs desk; certainly a great conversation piece since I don't think any one on the planet still accepts film for commercial jobs.

For your information, the camera seen here comes with a motor-drive and an 80mm lens. The camera also accepts two other lenses specifically made for the AF. One wide angle , I think a 28mm and a longer lens which at the moment escapes me. Of course the F3AF also works with all of the other lenses in the Nikon line, but you will have to focus manually.

Let me know if you get it.

Pictures; courtesy of the iPhone 4G. The pictures are actually amazing but the blog just seems to reproduce these images very poorly.