Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1 2 3 … 54

56 end

Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

RoamingScott
Online
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #1 · p.55 #1 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

You need to think about what you're asking for...

...a lens, with an aperture ring, on a camera with a PASM switch, that could and would render the aperture ring functionless.

The ZF is already an operational failure now without this added level of insanity.

Mar 04, 2024 at 04:27 PM

OwlsEyes
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #2 · p.55 #2 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

RoamingScott wrote:
You need to think about what you're asking for...

...

The ZF is already an operational failure now without this added level of insanity.

I think we'll have to disagree with respect to the Zf being an operational failure. Compared to the DF, it is an operational success. As a former Nikon FM and FE (original recipe in the early 80's), I've enjoyed the throwback feel of the camera. When doing casual crap, photographing friends, the odd street shot, etc... it's fun to shoot like I once did.

As a wildlife shooter, I used it as my 2nd camera to a Z9. Much of the shooting was with the 180-600 and 24-120. Under these conditions, I did all of my work with the two command dials, relied on auto iso, and "easy exposure compensation."

The Zf is not a Leica Mx... anyone buying the ZF to replace their Leica M will be disappointed with the feel of the camera, but rejoice about its AF system.

As for lenses with apertures... well this is an easy fix. Nikon already integrates a custom programmable ring on their S-series and some non-S lenses like the 180-600. They could engineer a retro 40... or whatever with the ring and the user can decide how they want to use it. For those seeking a clicky aperture, look at the Voigtlander lenses.

bruce

Mar 04, 2024 at 07:05 PM

RoamingScott
Online
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #3 · p.55 #3 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

OwlsEyes wrote:
As a wildlife shooter, I used it as my 2nd camera to a Z9. Much of the shooting was with the 180-600 and 24-120. Under these conditions, I did all of my work with the two command dials, relied on auto iso, and "easy exposure compensation."

I think that if you're wanting to shoot the ZF as a command dial/auto ISO camera, then yes, it's just as simple as literally any other camera made in the last decade.

That's not at all the design ethos/point of the ZF though. In that use case, you're using it as the Z6iii it kind of wants to be, not the retro click dial camera it...also...sort of wants to be...

I think the particular frankenmashup of these two styles completely undo each other and keep it from being a legendary camera, but just one guy's opinion who also owns a classic FM which does all of these things better on a click dial functional level. It's impossible to set an FM dial to any particular setting and not have that be your actual setting (to my knowledge).

All that said, I'm glad you're enjoying your purchase and that the camera is good enough to hang with your Z9. That's high praise for Nikon in many ways.

Mar 04, 2024 at 07:28 PM

scalanc2
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #4 · p.55 #4 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

RoamingScott wrote:
I think that if you're wanting to shoot the ZF as a command dial/auto ISO camera, then yes, it's just as simple as literally any other camera made in the last decade.

That's not at all the design ethos/point of the ZF though. In that use case, you're using it as the Z6iii it kind of wants to be, not the retro click dial camera it...also...sort of wants to be...

I think the particular frankenmashup of these two styles completely undo each other and keep it from being a legendary camera, but just one guy's opinion who also owns a classic FM...Show more →
For sure this is just your opinion. Which I completely disagree, no problem.
People which spend this amount of money is not unaware of the architecture of this camera which brings back the pleasure to shot to many of us. To me with a couple of software improvements and 3/4 dedicated lenses this is the perfect camera. But, of course this is me and I do not pretend anyone shares my feeling. For those fortunately there are other alternatives.

Mar 05, 2024 at 02:59 AM

Jepser
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #5 · p.55 #5 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

"...an operational failure..." is quite subjective and hyperbolic.

My subjective view is that the Zf is very simple and logical, never use the P or S on the switch, and never use auto ISO. Its like a digital version of a FM2 & F4 combined. I found my way with the Zf very quick and it suits my preferences much more than the SL2 or Fujis I tested or the Z6 i had.

Mar 05, 2024 at 03:13 AM

fjablo
Online
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #6 · p.55 #6 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

I prefer how Fujifilm approached the dials with an auto setting on each dial, but in actual use I don’t find the PSAM switch on the Zf an issue at all. I can see how the auto ISO implementation would be annoying to someone who uses it a lot, but I almost never use it. Aperture rings on (more) lenses would be great for the Zf..

Where the Zf beats Fuji is in autofocus implementation - I have it set to auto area with subject detection as default, but when I press the AF-ON button this is overwritten with a centered 3D Tracking point. Works brilliantly and is simply not possible to replicate on the Fujis. I wouldn’t go as far as calling them an ‚operational failure‘ but (subjectively) it has a much bigger impact in use than the PSAM switch

Mar 05, 2024 at 04:32 AM

Jman13
Online
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #7 · p.55 #7 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

RoamingScott wrote:
You need to think about what you're asking for...

...a lens, with an aperture ring, on a camera with a PASM switch, that could and would render the aperture ring functionless.

The ZF is already an operational failure now without this added level of insanity.

I do prefer how Fujifilm operates with its A mode dials effectively controlling PASM modes, but it is a gross overstatement to say the Zf is an operational failure. First, it's not hard to just flip the switch, and once you get used to that as the method to switch a dial from auto to operational, it becomes completely normal to do. Considering I switch modes pretty infrequently (using aperture priority for most everything, and Manual for longer exposures, flash, or stacking / stitching situations), it's really, really not a big deal. I also have no issues going between an aperture ring (on my Voigtlander Z lenses and my adapted Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM) and any non-aperture ring lens. It's just not a problem for me. Maybe because I have been mixing manual and AF lenses together on cameras for more than 15 years.

Overall, the Zf works very well, and the only real thing I wish it had was one or two additional programmable buttons. Then again, I have my Z8 for that if I need it. I use the Zf for a different, more deliberate experience.

Mar 05, 2024 at 09:58 AM

JustShootMe
Online
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #8 · p.55 #8 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

One more function button would be useful, but other than that I have no complaints with how the ZF controls work. It works as designed , if you don't like it , you have options. Always someone on the internet complaining, and making judgement on something they have no experience using. Can't make everyone happy, and some will complain regardless.

Mar 05, 2024 at 10:28 AM

nhmorgan
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #9 · p.55 #9 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

I tried owning the ZF...twice. There was a lot to love about it, especially the subject detection in manual focus. The image quality was great. I really liked being able to flip the screen and protect it for carrying around. However, as others have mentioned, the controls could have been handled much better. The biggest factor for me though was just the weight and size. It's not a comfortable camera in the hand. Sure, the egos are throwback, but the weight isn't. Those two combined don't make for a comfortable experience. That combined with the one foot in PASM and one foot in vintage wore on me.

Mar 05, 2024 at 11:55 AM

johnvanr
Online
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #10 · p.55 #10 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

After playing with my M11 again and trying out the Visoflex 2, which then promptly broke, I ordered an adapter for M to Z and rented the ZF to try out for real. Mostly, that Visoflex breaking just drove home the unwarranted cost of Leica.

I know the ZF will be larger, but I want to find out how much that bothers me and how well it works with my M-mount lenses for street work.

Mar 05, 2024 at 12:13 PM

ilkka_nissila
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #11 · p.55 #11 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

nhmorgan wrote:
I tried owning the ZF...twice. There was a lot to love about it, especially the subject detection in manual focus. The image quality was great. I really liked being able to flip the screen and protect it for carrying around. However, as others have mentioned, the controls could have been handled much better. The biggest factor for me though was just the weight and size. It's not a comfortable camera in the hand. Sure, the egos are throwback, but the weight isn't. Those two combined don't make for a comfortable experience. That combined with the one foot in PASM and...Show more →

F3 HP weight 760 g, standard F3 715 g.

Zf weight 710 g.

The grip shape is also very similar between the two.

The F3 HP I loved to use, and the Zf feels similar and to me it feels excellent in hand. It is thinner than the F3 HP, which means it takes very little space in the bag, making it a perfect backup camera for a Z user.

I dislike the screen though, as the camera strap gets in the way of opening the screen to the left and is often tangled and also the strap blocks the eye sensor easily so then the LCD is turned off, not good. So this aspect I dislike and I would prefer the Zf to have a Z6 II -like tilting LCD. But I understand that youtubers may prefer a camera where they can see themselves on the LCD.

I have no complaints about the controls and quite like what Nikon did. The sub-command dial could protrude a bit more so it would be easier to rotate. It seems to have been made the way it is due to aesthetic considerations. I love the top dials.

Overall I love the Zf and it is the right kind of Nikon - a bit quirky but in a way that makes me excited every time I get to use it.

Mar 05, 2024 at 01:39 PM

nhmorgan
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #12 · p.55 #12 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

That's interesting. I love my f3HP. That and an f100 are the only film cameras I have left and I only ever grab the f3. I hadn't measured them, but the f3 feels a lot better in the hand to me. I guess a big part of that is probably the lenses being much more compact. I use the big chunky nikon primes most of the time. Interesting.

Mar 05, 2024 at 06:40 PM

stedge
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #13 · p.55 #13 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

Really enjoyed my ZF on Zion/Kanab local/Grand Canyon hike/glamp. It is not as light as my old Fuji X100 (ultimate travel camera) but the 14-24 or 24-120 jammed on the front end were really the main determinants of size and weight. The ZF is made for small primes, though. On that trip, the body felt good, worked well, and produced lovely images. And the battery did well, too. So all in all, very pleased w ZF.

As for comparison, I had a mint F3HP and recently sold it because with film, I like the idea of shooting without a battery. So my Fm2n works mechanically, as does the old Rolleiflex 3.5f (my fav of all). The ZF is bigger and heavier than the FM2n, but again, with depending on lens selection, doesnt matter. It is a compromise, and a good one.

Mar 06, 2024 at 09:05 AM

scalanc2
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #14 · p.55 #14 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

In my opinion the parallel between the Zf and the FM was completely wrong.
I find many more similarities with Zf and F3.
One of the best Nikon ever.
I remember I was very disappointed at the presentation of the F4, big, heavy and with that “strange” grip and relevant uncomfortable way to hold the camera….with the wrist slanting ahead….

Mar 06, 2024 at 10:03 AM

RoamingScott
Online
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #15 · p.55 #15 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

scalanc2 wrote:
In my opinion the parallel between the Zf and the FM was completely wrong.
I find many more similarities with Zf and F3.
One of the best Nikon ever.
I remember I was very disappointed at the presentation of the F4, big, heavy and with that “strange” grip and relevant uncomfortable way to hold the camera….with the wrist slanting ahead….

The point had nothing to do with the physical form factor...it was that the dials on the FM (and F3, if you like) allow for Auto settings on all controllable dials and that no dial would ever show you a value that was actually being overridden by something else, and in this way, the camera simply gets out of your way vs more...convoluted, "modern" solutions.

Mar 06, 2024 at 10:07 AM

ilkka_nissila
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #16 · p.55 #16 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

The FM has no Auto setting on its dial. There is no automatic exposure capability on that camera (or the FM2, for that matter).

The F3 does have A on the shutter speed dial but I never used it because the exposure compensation is so difficult to operate. I always used the F3 (HP) in manual exposure mode.

The Zf can be set up so that it works in manual mode with no need to go into so-called convoluted settings. It's very flexible in how it can be configured and used. But one can always choose to use it in simple dial-based operation if one so wishes.

Mar 06, 2024 at 12:40 PM

scalanc2
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #17 · p.55 #17 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

ilkka_nissila wrote:
The FM has no Auto setting on its dial. There is no automatic exposure capability on that camera (or the FM2, for that matter).

The F3 does have A on the shutter speed dial but I never used it because the exposure compensation is so difficult to operate. I always used the F3 (HP) in manual exposure mode.

The Zf can be set up so that it works in manual mode with no need to go into so-called convoluted settings. It's very flexible in how it can be configured and used. But one can always choose to use it in simple dial-based...Show more →

Fully agree. ISO variance is an added option of digital cameras.
If you forget it and fix one ISO value the camera operates 100% as a FM.
Then all other features are adds on which the competent operator can take advantage if.
But for sure they are not compulsory.
Possibly the convolution is in the mind of someone.
The only missing point of film era is the clickable aperture setting on lenses.
I strongly desire this feature on at least some dedicated lenses.

Mar 06, 2024 at 12:54 PM

ilkka_nissila
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #18 · p.55 #18 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

Although I don't mind using the sub-command dial to set aperture, I can understand the desire for lenses with aperture rings and ability to use them on the Zf/Zfc. I believe such lenses are currently made by some third parties, but it would be nice to have some from Nikon. The control ring on some Z lenses is not good because there are no fixed position markers, it rotates freely and is accelerated which makes it way too fast. It's also too easy to move by accident.
My choices would be 20-35-85 but I could work with 28/45/85, for example.

I typically use the S-line f/1.8 primes on the Zf and control the aperture from the sub-command dial.

Mar 06, 2024 at 01:49 PM

Ripolini
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.55 #19 · p.55 #19 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

scalanc2 wrote:
...I was very disappointed at the presentation of the F4, big, heavy and with that “strange” grip and relevant uncomfortable way to hold the camera….with the wrist slanting ahead….

How to kill Giorgetto Giugiaro industrial design evolution with few words

Mar 06, 2024 at 02:02 PM

Jorge Torralba
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.55 #20 · p.55 #20 · Let's talk about the Nikon Zf

since this is zf talk. please feel free to post photos on a site www.nikon-zf.com i created just for the zf. Its not a forum. its a gallery site.

regardless, I cant find any flaws in the zf for the type of photography I do. In the old days, just film. so just shoot like film now

Mar 06, 2024 at 02:08 PM

1 2 3 … 54 55 56 end
FM Forums \| Nikon Forum \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 … 54 55 56 end

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.