On 13 Nov 1998 17:11:19 GMT, philndebra@aol.com (PhilnDebra) wrote:

>Recently acquired a Nikon F3HP. It came w/ a AS-4 flash mount. What kind of
>flash can I use w/ this mount? Will it be possible to use this flash off
>camera and maintain TTL metering? What does the flash mount connect to???
>Thanks so much in advance!! Deb, Cleveland

The F3 flash shoe is unfortunately unique (though it does have the
advantages of being strong and locking, with reliable electrical
contacts). Flashes and accessories slip on over the F3 rewind knob
from the camera front, then an outer collar is rotated to lock the
accessory in place. Only F3-footed flashes will work TTL with the F3
(and there is a TTL remote cord made for it [SC-14, as I recall...]),
but any ISO-footed auto flash will work on the AS-4 or 7 shoe (or
Vivitar adapter shoe). The F3 system provided the first TTL fill-ratio
possibility that I'm aware of, so there were some advantages to the
F3 flash system - but it is outmoded by current standards due to
the low flash sync shutter speed, and low maximum-allowable film
speed (400 ASA...). For non-flash use, though, it is still my
favorite of all 35mm SLR's. I would look for an SB-12 or SB-17
flash for the F3, or use a current Nikon flash in auto mode,
since you have the AS-4 adapter. (BTW, I have a spare SB-12...;-)