Nikon F3 MF-17 Data-Back 250

Introduced in 1985, the Nikon F3 MF-17 Data-Back 250 is a dedicated data back accessory designed for the Nikon F3 professional 35mm SLR camera. It replaced the earlier MF-12 and MF-16 backs, providing a straightforward way for photographers to imprint exposure data directly onto the film's frame edge. Compatible specifically with the Nikon F3 body, the MF-17 allowed the user to record the month, day, hour, and minute of each exposure, a valuable feature for professional, scientific, and documentary photographers requiring precise shot documentation. Functioning via a replaceable 1.5V LR44 battery, the back seamlessly integrated with the F3's controls, ensuring data imprinting occurred automatically with each frame exposure without disrupting the camera's core photographic functions. Its name "250" referenced the film capacity, typically for 35mm rolls.

As an accessory within the F3 system, the MF-17 represented a practical evolution in camera functionality, catering to the needs of photographers who required automated exposure logging. It maintained the F3's renowned reliability and precision, extending the camera's capabilities for record-keeping tasks while preserving its status as a workhorse tool. The back's construction utilized durable materials consistent with Nikon's professional grade, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of heavy use alongside the F3 body it served.