p.53 #1 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I am happy to report that on the lowly Z5 + Neewer adapter + dumb adapter, face/eye recognition and trap focus work. Zoom button will also zoom in on the eye selected.
Edit:
Play with it a bit and found the following, all on Z5 + Neewer + dumb adapter:
In MF mode: green box and >o< all appears, but no option to focus trap in MF
In AF-S: face/eye recognition and tracking work. With the shutter half pressed, box will turn green when it get in focus, but will remain green even when it get out of focus, so focus trapping won't work properly. no >o<
In AF-C: face/eye recognition and tracking work. Box will not turn green even when it is in focus, but the camera knows and so focus trapping works properly (the "in focus" range seems less precise than in MF mode though). Also no >o<
I chatted with a CS from TTA, looks like they have discontinued the smart MTZ adapter and the CS has no knowledge of version II coming.
Hope Nikon will enable focus confirmation/trapping regardless of whether the lens/adapter is chipped/unchipped in Zf and older bodies.
p.53 #2 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
is there another brand/company that has a M-Z 6bit adapter, like TTA? can't seem to find them, and would prefer M over E, but guess it wouldn't be the end of the world either.
p.53 #3 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I'm still waiting for the adapter to arrive, so haven't tried my M mount lenses yet, but I got the camera yesterday.
My very first thought - Wow. I am impressed by the look and feel. It's a bit larger than I thought but that's not a problem, I was just expecting more like Fujifilm X-E/X-T size. But what I especially care about is the build quality. I like the precise feel on the dials, wheels, switches and most of the buttons. The d-pad is a bit stiff and senseless, but works OK. It has plastic here and there but it doesn't feel plasticky at all.
Despite only having 24 megapixels, the image quality is quite impressive too, but cropping in post might be out of option. ISO 20 000 is totally usable. Higher ISOs might be usable in emergency situations. Auto White Balance does a fine job. Colors are accurate, truthful to real world. I will have to play with it in the garden and forest to see how the greens look.
My biggest concern was EVF. I have used numerous electronic viewfinders, for example EOS R and multiple Fujis including GFX 50S II, but have never liked them. Some of them even causes nauseous feeling. My eye gets tired easily. Not sure what causes that. EVF on Zf doesn't feel laggy (I don't know the refresh rate it has) and it doesn't feel too bright. But these are just first impressions - I'll get back to this subject in coming weeks
Like many youtubers and influencers, I wouldn't call it 'Leica killer' or 'Leica contestant' by any means. It might have at the moment state-of-the-art manual focusing controls but that's about it. The overall experience with an M camera is so much different. It is still a nice camera and definitely has nice features and I will enjoy using it just as I enjoy using my M11.
p.53 #4 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Just got back from a weekend in Bangkok with the ZF and a simple pair of my only lenses for it, the 7A 35/1.4 and the 40SE.
For casual snaps when photos weren't the top priority, the 40 is great.
I much preferred the experience and images from the manual 35 though.
Here's a mix of some images, with either very minor edits or straight out of camera. I'm enjoying a "Superia 400" preset that I found.
p.53 #5 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Returning the 7Artisans 28mm f1.4 M, as not only is the used copy I picked up WAY heavier than I expected (does not balance well on this camera), but it's dinged up more than I would have expected the rating to indicate. Nikon ZF + 7Artisans 28mm f1.4 M-Asph by chris lynch, on Flickr
p.53 #6 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I have to refine my opinion about usable ISOs. ISO 20 000 is usable in optimal or specific lighting conditions and photographic subjects. I found out that with high ISOs, micro-detail are easily lost. But I will keep my auto-ISO max-setting at 20 000 and see how it performs in real life situations.
I received my dummy adapter. Focus peaking is very nice with manual focus M mount lenses, but I wish I'd invested in chipped adapter in order to get better IBIS and proper 'focus trapping' / green confirmation box. I could hit the zoom-in button to get more precise focus, but then I lose the fast composition of the photo. I'll stick with this dummy adapter for a while.
24 megapixels are very forgiving when using vintage glass. I have played with MS Optics 50mm ISM and LLL Speed Panchro on this - and I hate to confess - they might be more suitable for Zf than for M11.. Brightin Star 28mm is also quite a bit more forgiving in terms of image quality on this body. That's a bit contradictory statement while comparing 24 mpx to 61 mpx, but the higher megapixel Leica body reveals more critically the optical "quirks" than Nikon does.
I'll have to do some more testing and get used with the body. These adapted lenses tend to be pretty front heavy, which isn't that apparent with Leica. And Leica feels much better in hand. It's just a bit smaller, feels way sturdier as it's basically a large chunk of brass, and it has more round sides. Maybe I'll add SmallRig grip to Zf and see how it feels.
p.53 #7 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Made a few purchases here before, but haven't been an active member, I hope to change that.
Just picked up a Nikon ZF and I'm interested in the slimmer profile lenses, M mount and the like. I have a Nippon S Mount 35mm 2.5 on the way.
I'm looking to grab a Elmar 9cm Collapsible (previously had the non-collapsible version, but it's a little long), perhaps the 5cm as well. I know they will adapt, but does anyone know if they are full collapsible without damaging the ZF or the sensor?
I've heard the recommendations of the gaffer tape or the o-rings and that might have to be the way to go, depending on how much it sticks out. Thanks!
p.53 #9 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Regarding the EVF. I actually had to turn off the focus peaking to see more clearly where I am focusing at when turning the focusing ring on a manual focus lens. I can see it quite clearly if the subject isn't moving but of course it depends on the distance to the subject too. I think it is more easier to manual focus on Leica M, but I have more experience on that, I'm quite new to the Z system.
On the Zf you can actually zoom in on the EVF (or back display) which makes it much easier to fine-tune the focus but that makes the composing a bit harder. You have to zoom out after focusing to recompose, and after you have recomposed, are you sure the focus is still spot on? Is there a setting somewhere which would reset the zooming after half-pressing the shutter button? Then I could first focus and fine-adjust the focus by zooming, and press the shutter lightly to do the composing before taking the picture.
p.53 #12 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Still a lot settings in the camera to deeply understand how they affect the shooting and the final image (which, matter of fact, is a thing I'm so tired of, constantly fiddling through the menus (note my other gear on that matter) ) but still - I'm really enjoying this camera.
p.53 #13 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
tommmi wrote:
On the Zf you can actually zoom in on the EVF (or back display) which makes it much easier to fine-tune the focus but that makes the composing a bit harder. You have to zoom out after focusing to recompose, and after you have recomposed, are you sure the focus is still spot on? Is there a setting somewhere which would reset the zooming after half-pressing the shutter button? Then I could first focus and fine-adjust the focus by zooming, and press the shutter lightly to do the composing before taking the picture.
Nikon added "zoom out with half press" in firmware 2.0.
Per the firmware supplement manual, it's Custom setting d18 and g16.
p.53 #15 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I recently re-purchased the Nikon ZF. I bought it along with the Nikon z-mount Voigtlander 40mm f1.2. My hope is the duo will go like peanut butter and jelly. After near a month of usage, and after updating my Z8 to firmware 3.0 with object detection, I found the ZF is more suite for smaller lenses. Even the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 feels a tad large. Curious enough, I found even with the electronic connection, the manual focus rangefinder assist arrow will not show up for the Voigtlander lens. However, with my Neewer E-to-Z adapter, the rangefinder focus assist will show up. I personally prefer the rangefinder focus assist, so the absence of this feature when using "native" lens really bother me. Also, for me, I prefer turning the green box focus confirmation's sensitive a13 to "high". Otherwise, I often find the focus is close enough, but the focus confirmation box won't show up.
I had to set a few buttons to help with the manual focus: 1) the replay button becomes my focus setting selection 2) my video recording button to enable/disable focus peaking 3) custom button next to the lens mount to select manual focus lens 4) the ae-l becomes the zoom in and have half-press shutter to reset the zoom.
I use LensTagger to set lens name. Ever since I got this plugin to work, I much prefer to use the mount adapter to E + Neewer E to Z adapter. I now have focus assist the way I want it and I can 1) change aperture setting to match the lens setting 2) update lens name after lightroom upload.
Comparing to my Z8, the ZF's evf's refresh rate is noticeable slower. I often find myself when waking up the ZF from sleep, the evf will lag briefly before catching up. Overall, the Z8 is better at mounting larger lens. The ZF with Voigtlander 35mm f2 is a good combo. I may start using it with my techart adapter more.
p.53 #16 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
goodnitesteve wrote:
Made a few purchases here before, but haven't been an active member, I hope to change that.
Just picked up a Nikon ZF and I'm interested in the slimmer profile lenses, M mount and the like. I have a Nippon S Mount 35mm 2.5 on the way.
I'm looking to grab a Elmar 9cm Collapsible (previously had the non-collapsible version, but it's a little long), perhaps the 5cm as well. I know they will adapt, but does anyone know if they are full collapsible without damaging the ZF or the sensor?
I've heard the recommendations of the gaffer tape or the o-rings and that might have to be the way to go, depending on how much it sticks out. Thanks!...Show more →
I have collapsed a 50/3.5 Elmar successfully, but it is a little scary. I'm not certain that a bump wouldn't put it into the frame around the sensor. So, I have, "don't collapse it, but if you do accidentally, it should be ok" level of confidence.
p.53 #17 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Cross-post:
Today I made a quick test with my new Nippon Kogagu Nikkor Q-C 13,5cm F3.5 in LTM mount, made in april 1951 i think. Picturecontroll auto or B/W in camera. Nikon Zf. I guess all at F3.5.
p.53 #18 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I'm a bit stuck/unsure which smart 6bit adapter to purchase, as I don't own any E or M mount lenses just yet. purchasing one merely as a means to adapt F mount glass with focus confirmation.
any guiding wisdom or advice? looking at either the TTArtisan M-Z, Neewer or Megadap E-Z. a
p.53 #19 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
This is a good video about this topic:
taxidrivr wrote:
I'm a bit stuck/unsure which smart 6bit adapter to purchase, as I don't own any E or M mount lenses just yet. purchasing one merely as a means to adapt F mount glass with focus confirmation.
any guiding wisdom or advice? looking at either the TTArtisan M-Z, Neewer or Megadap E-Z. a
