CameraWorth.com

Nikon F3 HP

The Nikon F3 HP is a professional 35mm SLR introduced in the early 1980s as the high-eyepoint variant of the F3, featuring the DE-3 prism with extended eye relief for easier viewing with glasses. It was Nikon's flagship mechanical-era professional body, positioned above the FM/FE amateur line and used widely by press and studio photographers through the 1980s and 1990s.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for Nikon F3 HP bodies have typically fallen between £160 and £630, with a median around £320 based on the last two years of saleroom results. Clean, cosmetically strong examples with working meters and unscratched prisms sit at the upper end, while bodies with cosmetic wear or uncertain electronics trade toward the lower end of the range.

Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: June 2026

Date Price Source
Jun 2026 £250 Flints Auctions
Jul 2025 £230 Special Auction Services
May 2025 £475 Flints Auctions
Apr 2025 £475 Flints Auctions
Jan 2025 £214 Chiswick Auctions
Nov 2024 £625 Flints Auctions
Oct 2024 £600 Special Auction Services
Apr 2024 £160 Special Auction Services
Apr 2024 £250 Special Auction Services
Feb 2024 £500 Flints Auctions
Apr 2023 £360 Special Auction Services
Apr 2023 £300 Special Auction Services
Mar 2023 £162 Flints Auctions
Oct 2022 £250 Flints Auctions
Jan 2021 £248 Flints Auctions
Apr 2019 £348 Flints Auctions
Nov 2013 EUR 1,000 Leitz Auction
May 2013 EUR 32,000 Leitz Auction
Dec 2010 EUR 40,000 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 2,200 Leitz Auction
Jun 2007 £180 Christie's
Nov 2005 EUR 330 Leitz Auction
Nov 2001 £411 Christie's
Oct 2000 £411 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Nikon F3 and F3 HP?

The F3 HP uses the DE-3 high-eyepoint prism, which provides longer eye relief than the standard DE-2 finder fitted to the base F3, making it easier to see the full frame while wearing glasses.

How much does a Nikon F3 HP sell for at UK auction?

Recent UK hammer results typically range from about £160 for worn or untested bodies to around £630 for clean, fully working examples, with a median near £320.

Is the Nikon F3 HP still serviceable?

Yes, independent Nikon specialists continue to service F3 bodies, though the viewfinder LCD and some electronic components can be difficult to source and are worth checking before purchase.

What lens mount does the Nikon F3 HP use?

It uses the Nikon F bayonet mount and accepts the wide range of manual-focus AI and AI-S Nikkor lenses.