After using the camera for couple weeks now, I am very satisfied.
People have been very critical of some choices Nikon made. My take on couple of them below.
Monitor:
A monitor like Z8 or Z6 is a non starter for this FM3 design. The back plate should look like FM3 so flip out and close is a perfect choice.
Joy stick:
That thing would again doesn't go with design philosophy as it protrudes. The four way button is nice for me. I also use touch to do things, which is even faster than a joy stick.
Dials:
If we learn the camera and don't fight with it, it's a non issue. It's for when we shoot on M mode.
Grip:
We can buy Nikon's grip if we need one.
Bottom-line:
If you see this camera from Z6/Z8 filter, that is, from a functionality stand point, you as well buy those bodies. Because it will lose its reason to exist the moment we add a grip, joy stick or few other things.
That said, I see no functional limitation here, it's snappy and great to shoot.
Gunigaon wrote:
I bought a ZF very recently. The camera is a stunner. It's every bit as good looking as the pictures tell us. Moreover, the quality of materials and craftsmanship is there. They designed it from the heart.
The grip came with the camera (smallrig) but I prefer it without the grip. The grip takes away from the look. If I badly needed a grip, I would have waited for a6III. I see there are no L brackets (without grip) available, to my knowledge, that also allow vertical shooting.
I am shooting with CV 50/1.2 (Sony mount). The lens-camera combination looks gorgeous. The Megadap Pro adapter doesn't spoil the party in the looks department, rather adds to it. That silver ring on the mount adds a classic touch in otherwise black textured body.
Shutter sound, and the feel seems to have been tailored like a manual film camera. I put an old FM3a strap on it rather than the one that came with the box.
I shoot a D850 and the F mount lenses. I also have Sony lenses. This camera sort of completes the loop for me as it can take Sony as well as F mount lenses.
I didn't find the body too big or big. It is very dense and reassuringly heavy, as against light or hollow feel that we have seen in some retro cameras recently.
hoangkt wrote:
I'm new here. Hello and a few questions:
1. how do you "trap" focus? with the TTartisan m-z 6 bit + 35nokton vintage 1.5?
2. does the TTartisan m-z 6 bit have any problem with close vs infinity focus? what is the min focus distance when it's mounted?
Thank you
1. set the camera to AF-S and shutter to focus priority. Then fully press the shutter button and turn the focus ring, the camera will take a picture once the subject is in focus
(tbh I never use this, I think it’s easier to just manually focus)
2. my copy has no issues, focus distances are exactly the same as the native lens. I think that’s 0.5m min on the Nokton and most recent Voigtlander lenses
Gunigaon wrote:
Hi,
Can you help me with a regular L plate for Z capable of shooting vertically also, but without a grip.
Thanks,
Guni
I just bought the Zf myself and this was one of my concerns with my purchase. Hopefully there's better ways to do this, but tonight I used a 3 legged thing universal L-bracket flipped round with the vertical part on the grip side (Smallrig grip removed). It did the job and the flippy screen was free to do its thing. Certainly not a great option (held only by one screw, blocks the battery and memory cards, ergonomically not ideal when using in landscape orientation if switching back and forth).....but it did the job.
ilkka_nissila wrote:
It's likely because the EU wants to cut down on excessive charger waste, so manufacturers are expected to offer the product without charger (they can offer another package with a charger).
I for example have three copies of the Nikon charger for EN-EL15 series batteries (MH-25a) and while I personally think they're not excessive (one at home one at work and third is backup) I can see the need for this kind of regulation and certainly I don't need a fourth.
While I appreciate this point, the manufacturers don't provide a discount despite providing "less" in the box. My old Nikon D40x included a charger in the box, and its was 799 USD in 2007 (1215 USD in today's dollars). Not providing such an item in the box of a 1500+ USD camera, phone, etc is chintzy in my view.
Starting in fall 2024, devices like chargeable cameras and chargers must be offered unbundled in the EU market. Customers have to have the option of purchasing just the device and use their old charger(s), or purchase a new charger with the camera if they have a need for it. The manutacturers are simply doing this before they are required to do so because they are happy to reduce charger waste (and save money). The manufacturers are doing it also outside of the EU probably because of the same reasons (reduced waste and cost) and as one of the largest markets the EU may end up setting the regulatory tone that others eventually follow. The manufacturers will have no choice since they did not voluntarily standardize the charger and its connector, and offer unbundled options, they will be required to by the law.
If you need a charger, buy one. I have dozens (less than a hundred, I believe) of chargers of various kinds filling closets that need to be recycled some time (if I can figure out which ones are needed and which ones are not).
Ive had my zf 2 weeks.
Tried many grips, preferring the neewer w/thumb rest.
Btw i wrapped mine in gaff tape for better grip and to remove that red racing stripe...
Overall, very happy but looking at a different body. The shutter button placement isnt my favorite
Coming from an x2d, i also much prefer a tilting screen over a flip screen
Also since im gripping the zf I figure the ergonomics + tilt sxreens of a z8 or z7ii will be preferable
I've read that the z7ii sensor is the same as the d850 and has a better dynamic range at lower iso
I've always shot full manual and keep my iso as low as possible.
Apparently the z8 has better af speeds (than z7ii) and focuses faster in lowlight.
Im only adapting leica m glass with the techart af adapter
Trying to decide between the z8 or z7ii.
If the z7ii is a fine performer in lowlight. I kind of think it makes more sense. Because smaller and reportedly more dynamic range
But if the z8 is much faster at acquiring focus, and the dynamic range performance is minimal. Then that's probably my better move
luminorsubm wrote:
Ive had my zf 2 weeks.
Tried many grips, preferring the neewer w/thumb rest.
Btw i wrapped mine in gaff tape for better grip and to remove that red racing stripe...
Overall, very happy but looking at a different body. The shutter button placement isnt my favorite
Coming from an x2d, i also much prefer a tilting screen over a flip screen
Also since im gripping the zf I figure the ergonomics + tilt sxreens of a z8 or z7ii will be preferable
I've read that the z7ii sensor is the same as the d850 and has a better dynamic range at lower iso
I've always shot full manual and keep my iso as low as possible.
Apparently the z8 has better af speeds (than z7ii) and focuses faster in lowlight.
Im only adapting leica m glass with the techart af adapter
Trying to decide between the z8 or z7ii.
If the z7ii is a fine performer in lowlight. I kind of think it makes more sense. Because smaller and reportedly more dynamic range
But if the z8 is much faster at acquiring focus, and the dynamic range performance is minimal. Then that's probably my better move
I have the Z8 as well as the Zƒ, and the Zƒ gives me more joy. That said, I much prefer the tilting screen of the Z8 and I would not mind the sensor from the Z7 (even though I think that 24MP is the sweet spot I terms of resolution). I'd also like some more custom buttons and ISO control in the way Fuji does it. But all in all the Zƒ really is a pleasure to use. But these things are so subjective.
As a referece of my preference:
Loved the D3 and Dƒ, the Fuji X-Pro2 and 3 as well as the original 50s.
Did not gel with the D800, X-H1 and GFX 100s.
luminorsubm wrote:
Ive had my zf 2 weeks.
Tried many grips, preferring the neewer w/thumb rest.
Btw i wrapped mine in gaff tape for better grip and to remove that red racing stripe...
Overall, very happy but looking at a different body. The shutter button placement isnt my favorite
Coming from an x2d, i also much prefer a tilting screen over a flip screen
Also since im gripping the zf I figure the ergonomics + tilt sxreens of a z8 or z7ii will be preferable
I've read that the z7ii sensor is the same as the d850 and has a better dynamic range at lower iso
I've always shot full manual and keep my iso as low as possible.
Apparently the z8 has better af speeds (than z7ii) and focuses faster in lowlight.
Im only adapting leica m glass with the techart af adapter
Trying to decide between the z8 or z7ii.
If the z7ii is a fine performer in lowlight. I kind of think it makes more sense. Because smaller and reportedly more dynamic range
But if the z8 is much faster at acquiring focus, and the dynamic range performance is minimal. Then that's probably my better move
I can't speak to how any of these compare to the X2D focus, but the Z8 and Z7II are pretty significantly different in performance--and very close in output. At the end of the day, half a stop of DR is minor and missed focus is a missed shot.
For reference, I liked the D600 and D800 more than the Df, liked both the D500 and D850.
It's been a year. Best digital I've owned, too, for portraits, travel and street photography with small lenses, particularly the CV's. It's about control.
There are many better cameras for animals & sports. I'd have the R5II to capture everything in the universe.
Past gear: Rolleiflex, Leica IIIf, FE, N90, Isolette III, Graphlex, 500cm, SWC, D3s.
appreciate the info guys.
with the boost at 500, I'll try to keep it there. I'll pretend im shooting portra 500
also I find my zf struggles with iq even at iso over 1600 - I usually like to max out at 6400. But high iso on this camera is not great. Maybe I got too spoiled on the x2d.
Ordering a z8 right now
Also, I can't recommend the techart af adapter enough --- just make sure you update the firmware. Mine performs so much better after doing so. It's a pita if you're a mac user. I literally installed windows bootcamp on an old macbook
You'll want to get the notification "firmware updated please unplug the usb" otherwise it didn't install.
While dynamic is very important, its value diminishes once over the *threshold that is sufficient for your work*. So, it's very subject- and light-dependent, together with personal taste and photographic style. It gets little attention these days for the reason that almost all general purpose modern cameras' DR levels are above most photographers' threshold needs.
There remain small variations of ever less significance, therefore. Below, see the DR for cameras mentioned above. Bear in mind few can discern much less than a half stop difference in actual images, in out-of-camera form, never mind final post-processed form - once above that threshold they need. You might even do better with less DR at times, as the image gives you more natural contrast to guide the processing direction you might take. Lenses also vary in macro contrast.
On this scale from my experience, 11 stops is a solid threshold for landscape and general purposes, in good light. The graph covers base (and extended) ISO to ISO 6400. At the other end of the scale, the X2D has just .44 of a stop over the Zf at ISO 6400 - a pretty remarkable performance from the Zf. If happy with the X2D at ISO 6400, the Zf will deliver that level of DR at approx. ISO 4500. The Zf also has one-third of a stop over the Z8 at ISO 6400. It carries greater DR than the Z8 for all but the tiny ISO range settings at around ISO 450-700.
ISO 100 is the first vertical dot lineup with solid colors - the second dot from left for the green line. The green line represents Hasselblad's X2D-100c, so you can see how this MF camera compares with your Nikons. (fun fact: my 2013 Sony a7r matches the X2D's DR at ISO 100.) They are all very solid performers.
luminorsubm wrote:
appreciate the info guys.
with the boost at 500, I'll try to keep it there. I'll pretend im shooting portra 500
also I find my zf struggles with iq even at iso over 1600 - I usually like to max out at 6400. But high iso on this camera is not great. Maybe I got too spoiled on the x2d.
Ordering a z8 right now
Also, I can't recommend the techart af adapter enough --- just make sure you update the firmware. Mine performs so much better after doing so. It's a pita if you're a mac user. I literally installed windows bootcamp on an old macbook
You'll want to get the notification "firmware updated please unplug the usb" otherwise it didn't install. ...Show more →
Having shot a ton of different cameras and brands over the years, I can't imagine how anyone would consider the Zf 'struggling' at ISO 1600. Definitely could be a case of just being used to a larger sensor.
Yes, the comments about ISO 1600 are hyperbolic considering its performance among its full frame peers. Comparing it to medium format will of course lead to some level of disappointment, but that's not a fair comparison.
If you can't make a good image at ISO 6400 or sometimes even beyond, you need to improve your post processing skillset.
I also have a ZF now. I wanted a backup camera for my Z8 and it's nicer to take with you on those occasions that you don't want to carry around the "big professional camera".
Some impressions:
- All what's been said about the ergonomics is true. Compared to a modern camera it's hell on earth, but oh well... it has it's charm too.
- I'm quite impressed with the IBIS.
- The files feel nice with great color.
- Luckily I'm not too bothered by the way auto ISO is implemented. I put it on top of the my menu, with a custom button straight to it.
- I still (and always will) hate the flip out screen.
- Hopefully Nikon still wants to put out a firmware update for it that brings the thicker focus box line option (like on my Z8). I'm so used to it that I almost feel blind sometimes when looking for the box.
yeah, I’m still laughing too. To be honest, I don’t think I will ever recover..
Call the amberlamps.
I initially replied after a 2 hour deep tissue massage. Imagine, a typo.
I received my degree in flexography back in 2007. I was physically printing my own computer designs on web fed presses, mostly cmyk. That included: pre-press design, exposing plates, physically running the press & die cutting. Finally checking my prints color accuracy with a spectrodensitometer. I haven’t stopped tinkering with photography or adobe since.
Imagine you were hired by Coke to print their labels. They're going to measure the red to make sure it's their exact pantone color. If you didn't nail it, the deadline is still the same. Things like humidity in the press room can affect the outcome of your colors.
---------
Today, I have some goofy weirdo implying that I struggle with…noise reduction
This thread is titled "let’s talk zf"
I have been religiously pixel peeping over 22,000 photos taken from my x2d during the past 9 months. Before that, it was obsessing over my gfx100ii, m11 and q2 files. All of which outperform the zf at iso 1600. I only form opinions on gear that I've personally use.
I never said the zf is unusable at 1600. But it certainly doesn't start thriving there. You could’ve just gone to dpreview and check the x1d vs zf at iso 1600 and seen why my initial statement is correct. Check the q2 and m11 vs zf as well. I shoot raw so that’s my gauge.
I remember years ago people arguing pixel density for better iso performance. On that merit, the zf should crush the x2d. Photons to photos shows the zf is on par with the m11 at 1600. I’ve seen it differently, real world. Maybe dynamic range doesn’t directly translate into noise performance/image quality.
This forum is great for photography because majority of the members have no issue calling a spade a spade.
At the end of the day, I chose the zf over many much more expensive options. It's not perfect, but it’s good enough.
