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p.23 #17 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf | |
RoamingScott wrote:
If you're talking about my comments and my grievances with the Zf as presented, I've been extremely clear that the GUTS of the camera are great and will be even better once they make their way into the Z6iii. It's putting those good guts into a half-retro body that are a bit confusing to me. It has a flippy screen for crying out loud, which isn't anything any photo-centric shooter wants. It's a lame appeal to tHe HyBrId ShOoTeRs so they don't get their feelings hurt.
The GUTS are more than capable of some action work. I shot BIF on the Z7ii, which had worse AF performance and slower burst rates than the Zf. When you say it's not designed for action, I guess you mean because of the physical dials? There's nothing preventing you from throwing it in Tv mode and shooting action based on the specs, as far as I can see. The ergos will suck with any capable lens of course, but the camera guts won't be the limiting factor. Put it on a monopod and you'll probably get really nice results.
Your comments about Fuji are laughable to me, though. Fuji (and the X100 line in particular) are as close to shooting a film camera with a digital back as you can get today. They are a JOY to use for the use cases where they excel. They are much smaller than a Zf with a Z prime, and built better too. They have a built in ND filter for amazing daytime possibilities with wide apertures. The JPEG customization is endless. If you haven't shot one, you really have to spend time with it to appreciate it. ...Show more →
I actually was referring to you, as you often come in pretty heavy on the negative side for a lot of new gear. The great thing, however, is that you are not a "fan boy," as I've seen you negative on Nikon, Fuji, Sony, and Canon. As such, you are an equal opportunity critic... I say this in respect, as it adds a bit of credence to the way you approach things.
On the other hand, your comments are also very "Scott-centric." Again, I say this with respect, as it is clear that this camera will not work for you and that is ok. However, your commentary is often less objective... thinking outside of your "Scott-centric" point of view.
I hope that you do not see my comment as disrespectful, as I do respect your opinion. In contrast, I try to get out of my box... and process the intent behind the introduction of a piece of gear. I owned the original X100 for about two years and thought this to be a laughable attempt to make a "Leica" from a digital-centric point of view. To be clear, I have owned Leica rangefinder bodies CL (original), M3, M8, the Hasselblad (Fuji created) X-Pan, Leicaflex SL, Contax RTS I, II, ST, S2, G1, G2, Nikon FM, FMII, F3 and a pile of medium format gear that includes the original Fuji Rangefinder 645 and Hasselblads. I have a pretty good idea about the purpose and intent of a traditional dial-based camera functions. In my mind, the Fuji X100 was a gimmick that worked. People... mostly boomers, missed the traditional dials the were replaced by programmable switches on modern cameras, and Fuji took a risk and it paid off. Five years after the introduction of the X100 and X-Pro 1, they developed a cult following that appealed to the hipster crowd. But just like the Zf... it's a gimmick. In the end, these dials are non-mechanical electronic switches that make you feel like you're using an old camera... nothing more. For the record, I happen to prefer the Fuji H series and GFX bodies because they don't pretend to be something they are not.
As for Nikon... the Zf is a marketing gamble. While the Zfc is not very popular in the US, it has done very well in Asia... I can only assume that Nikon is trying capitalize on their history and bring more people into the Z-system by appealing to their legacy... I find no fault with this. Furthermore, at $2000, I think they have produced a solid product.
However, I will not claim that the Zf is great or it is trash... I am giving Nikon credit for doing something different with respect to their brand... they took the gamble with the Df,... a camera that did not do well. I guess we'll see where this goes.
Final point... I know a lot of Canon shooters that would love to see a Canon AE-1 digital... at least Nikon is trying to give their traditional customer base something they wanted...
respectfully yours,
bruce
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