In article , AUE@phys.rug.nl says...

>I just bought a F3 and have some questions on it. If one of you has
>the answers, please let me know !

>1. The mechanical release. I noticed that it will also act as a
>second release, I thought it would fire the 1/90 s mechanical time
>only but I found it to be firing at other times as well. (even on the
>A it will select times itself instead of the 1/90 s)
> Don't I understand it or is it misfunctioning ??
---With a functioning battery in the camera, the second release acts
---as just that - but with no battery power, it will fire the F3 at
---the synch. speed only.

>2. When I use the advance lever to cock the shutter, almost at the
>end of the movement I hear a strange sound, like the Titanium foil is
>buckled. When you look at the shutter, you can see the second curtain
>going back a little bit. Is this normal ???
>(it seems to work OK, and no strange wear marks can be seen on the
>shutter)
---It is normal.

>3. I'd like to know the age of the F3. Is there any way of telling
>this form the serial number, or is there anybody having a database of
>serial numbers and years of make ???
---I don't have that information. Enjoy the best 35mm camera ever
---made, IM(NS)HO (except for some aspects of the TTL flash...).

>Thanks and have fun !
---We always try, but it is so hard, sometimes.......
---Hope This Helps