F3

The relationship between Nikon and Giugiaro has been on for almost twenty years, starting with the projects for the EM and AF35 camera models. Given the professionality of the product with a background of formal tradition, a rational operation and a well defined production technology, Giorgetto Giugiaro concentrated its efforts on the design ergonomics.

He was able to bring the F3 into a truly unique existence through a new way of capturing the "volume" in the professional single-lens-reflex cameras which had all the electronic convenience features at its disposal.

Solutions were introduced to improve grip, holding and manoeuvrability in any conditions. In particular, the grip on the right side was designed for a better hold, and the inclination of the motor drive was based on a rhomboid parallelepiped which balanced the barycentre.

To realize just how convincing this fresh design was, not only for the users but also for the designers of other camera manufacturers, one needs only to take a quick glance through the design of cameras which came out shortly after the F3.

The red stripe on the front face of the body - this one simple elegant line, so uncharacteristic of Nikon - is enough to let one know that it is indeed Giugiaro's work of art.