gyoung143 wrote:
Even more dissapointing than the Df. At least that would work well with the old MF lenses, and was lighter than the 'modern' options.
Just a fashion statement.
I get more manual focus and AF lens functionality from Xt3 and Fringer.
Gerry
The only way the DF worked well with old MF lenses was they didn’t need an adapter. The manual focus screen on the DF sucked. At least the Zf will be able to manually focus those lenses accurately.
BPsmith511 wrote:
The accessory grip looks like something I would pick up. Still on the fence on this one based on ergonomics and button layout..
I like that the grip has an integrated Arca-Swiss mount, too often not the case with OEM grips. Imo it's good that it's optional as I had one for my Fuji X-T1, but eventually got rid of it and now prefer to use the Fujis without an extra grip.
Overall I love the design and most of the features of the Zf. The only thing I'm missing ergonomically are 1-2 additional FN buttons (one on the front, one next to the AEL/AFL button) and maybe an AF joystick although I think I can live without one due to 3D tracking.
The Zf with the 40mm f2 might replace my Fuji X-T3 as my "socially acceptable" camera
Desmolicious wrote:
The only way the DF worked well with old MF lenses was they didn’t need an adapter. The manual focus screen on the DF sucked. At least the Zf will be able to manually focus those lenses accurately.
On the Df the diaphragm works. As it does on most chipped lenses on the Fringer adapter (Voigtlander and Zeiss, plus af and af-d). Not rocket science to put the lens focal length and max aperture choices in the menu lime dslrs.
And you could change the screen in the Df.
Might as well buy a Z6, or even Z5 and save money
You could
Nice camera that couldn't have everything. Seems a good match for any of the 26/28/40mm lenses. Needs more like-sized lenses or the Voigtlanders. Unlike the Df, not a bad price. Now time for Nikon to make Z6 people happy too.
The camera itself looking rally nice, but what about lenses to match it aesthetically?
Nikon Z lenses - especially f/1.8 primes - are looking quite clumsy (in my opinion of course), but what is more important - they are designed to look modern.
They don't have aperture ring, or vintage aesthetics to fit well in design of this new ZF
Funny, that Voigtlander lenses for Z mount looks perfect with ZF, way better than native Nikkor glass
I think the most important part of this release for me is that it shows Nikon is willing to filter down traditionally higher end features (such as 3D tracking) and even new features such as pixel shift and focus-point IBIS to a $2000 USD body, giving hope for the Z6iii to be a real winner at a decent price point.
I think I'll most likely wait for that - I like a lot of things about this camera including the look, but having run dual systems in the past, different control layouts are not for me (easy for some, not for others). I think I'll be happier waiting for a body with a control layout more in line with the Z6/Z8 etc.
I think the body will sell really well, especially in niche markets. Nikon film shooters will like it because it will allow them to have a digital camera that matches their film bodies. Furthermore, the "hipster" group will buy into this as well as those with a ZFc wanting an upgrade path. Finally, I think it will appeal to some of the very large Asian market in China and Japan, as this market seems to really appreciate thoughtful design that gives a nod to the past.
As for function.... I think Nikon gave users a lot for $2000. With the current price of Fx-sensor cameras, this seems to be a bargain. The 3D subject detect makes it worth the price...
As for me... just not something I need.
I think this will be a nice body to use with Techart adapter and all kinds of small MF lenses. Hopefully it will be compatible with Techart adapter. My TZM-01 version currently does not work with Z9, Z30 but works fine with Z8, Z7 ii, Z Fc go figure.
Eye detection that works with manual focus make me want to use 58/.95 with it except the lens is going to be 3+ times heavier so may be not an ideal match. I hope this feature will get into Z8/Z9.
So if we assume a Z6III will also have the updates in the ZF (Z9-ish AF, multi shot, etc), the choice boils down to:
Z6 will be lighter, have a bigger grip, big sub display, and more buttons (including a focus joystick).
ZF has the B&W mode switch, aperture display, and control wheels.
So, you’re basically choosing your ergonomics. Which is good; the alternative is locking features into certain models, which is bad for all of us.
I wish the body were smaller and lighter, I wish it had a joystick, and I saw Ricci say it doesn’t lock its IBIS on power off, which I had about my 105MC.
Otherwise it looks great to me. I prefer shooting with manual rings most of the time, and the Z9 features filtering into this body makes this quite a bit better than the current Z5/6/7 bodies.
I have one on pre-order with a 40/2, although I’m tempted to cancel and order a color version from Nikon themselves.
This looks like a nice release that provides a little insight into future Nikon products.
I really am curious why there is no sensor dust protection however. This is becoming a standard feature I the industry. Since the camera has a mechanical shutter already it seems like this would be a very low cost software only feature. My experience is that it greatly reduces dust and maintenance issues on my sensors.
Sep 20, 2023 at 07:23 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
1bwana1 wrote:
This looks like a nice release that provides a little insight into future Nikon products.
I really am curious why there is no sensor dust protection however. This is becoming a standard feature I the industry. Since the camera has a mechanical shutter already it seems like this would be a very low cost software only feature. My experience is that it greatly reduces dust and maintenance issues on my sensors.
Steve, it looks like they are putting flourine coatings on the sensor glass (like they do on the front lens of their top lenses) for the first time. Perhaps they think this coating will be good enough at repelling dusting (or perhaps preventing it from adhering so that it can be shook off with the dust shaker) that they won't need dust protection with the shutter. I am interested to see if this coating approach makes any difference. I still get your point, however. No reason you couldn't have the coating and close the shutter when changing lenses. Perhaps they are worried about shutter damage, but that seems unlikely to me.
Sep 20, 2023 at 07:55 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
CKrueger wrote:
So if we assume a Z6III will also have the updates in the ZF (Z9-ish AF, multi shot, etc), the choice boils down to:
Z6 will be lighter, have a bigger grip, big sub display, and more buttons (including a focus joystick).
ZF has the B&W mode switch, aperture display, and control wheels.
So, you’re basically choosing your ergonomics. Which is good; the alternative is locking features into certain models, which is bad for all of us.
I wish the body were smaller and lighter, I wish it had a joystick, and I saw Ricci say it doesn’t lock its IBIS on power off, which I had about my 105MC.
Otherwise it looks great to me. I prefer shooting with manual rings most of the time, and the Z9 features filtering into this body makes this quite a bit better than the current Z5/6/7 bodies.
I have one on pre-order with a 40/2, although I’m tempted to cancel and order a color version from Nikon themselves....Show more →
I have my doubts about how much AF will improve. Having 3D tracking will be nice, but without faster sensor scan speed I don't think the AF will get close to Z8/Z9 level.
I didn't read through the 17+ pages. I think the Zf looks like an incredible camera and I appreciate the:
- FM/FE inspired design
- F3 inspired grip
- incorporation of brass and magnesium alloy vs. poly and aluminum
- articulated screen and how you can hide the rear LCD altogether
Although one could dream for more native lenses that compliment the aesthetic, I think a nice 'next' step is a more discrete F to Z mount that will allow people to adapt their vintage Nikon non-AI, AI, and AIS glass. Having a refined 'split-prism' focus option would also be a nice touch.
Steve Spencer wrote:
Steve, it looks like they are putting flourine coatings on the sensor glass (like they do on the front lens of their top lenses) for the first time. Perhaps they think this coating will be good enough at repelling dusting (or perhaps preventing it from adhering so that it can be shook off with the dust shaker) that they won't need dust protection with the shutter. I am interested to see if this coating approach makes any difference. I still get your point, however. No reason you couldn't have the coating and close the shutter when changing lenses. Perhaps they are worried about shutter damage, but that seems unlikely to me....Show more →
I think the coating has good potential, but would also like a sensor shield feature as well. Sony added this with a firmware upgrade to some models so maybe Nikon will eventually do so as well. Durability has not been a problem as far as I know.
Steve Spencer wrote:
I have my doubts about how much AF will improve. Having 3D tracking will be nice, but without faster sensor scan speed I don't think the AF will get close to Z8/Z9 level.
Agree. I am not interested in AF, EVF, or electronic shutter based cameras without a stacked sensor anymore. The benefits are just too great in my opinion.
I am heartened by the specs, to be sure, as they are the bellweather of the Z6iii/Z7iii if and when those come to market. That Nikon is pushing the Z9 CPU out to their most niche, small market SKU is encouraging.
That said...
- The rear screen feels like a fail just to appease to the vlogger market. I hate that to shoot in portrait with the screen facing up, the screen is significantly below the body unlike the multi tilt on the Z8/Z9.
- MicroSD is a major fail given the performance specs of the CPU and burst abilities. They should have made the camera just big enough to at least accommodate dual SD so that shooting in backup mode would be somewhat possible with high speed bursts.
-The nearly non-existent grip is going to be uncomfortable when using even fairly short F lenses, because of the added length the FTZ requires.
The price is JUST low enough where the short comings may get forgiven, especially compared to the Z6iii when it's released at a significantly higher pricepoint. To me, the point of this camera was to compete with the X100/Ricoh space...that is a camera Nikon needs badly. It's interesting to see Nikon bundle it with a (comparatively) bulky 24-70 lens. Nikon still doesn't understand the appeal of the "everyday carry" camera.
All of this said, the Z6iii is suddenly a very attractive camera if the Z f is any indication of what it will include.
1bwana1 wrote:
This looks like a nice release that provides a little insight into future Nikon products.
I really am curious why there is no sensor dust protection however. This is becoming a standard feature I the industry. Since the camera has a mechanical shutter already it seems like this would be a very low cost software only feature. My experience is that it greatly reduces dust and maintenance issues on my sensors.
