p.59 #1 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
@phinix
Yes, I have it...sort of. Mine's the Syoptic 50mm f/1.1 for Sony E-mount. Not fun to use on Sony, very much fun on Nikon with a smart adapter. Apart from the known issues, my lens barely reaches infinity - I've tried 3 separate adapters ranging from 1.9 to 2 mm and this was true for all of them.
Outside the center it's visibly softer (astigmatism, I guess) than the Voigtländer 40/1.2 and 50/1.2 but the E-mount version has impressively low vignetting and most of the time the smoother rendering.
p.59 #2 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
After half year shared journey with Z f, I'm starting to experience slight letdown and buyer's remorse. This body is hyped for its manual focus capabilities and is generally considered the best camera body for adapting manual focus M mount lenses. While I also have 'the real deal', Leica M11, I don't find myself adapting those lenses that often to Z f - instead I like shooting M body more despite it lacks many of the features Z f provide.
I have the Z mount SE duo, small form-factor 40mm and 28mm cheap primes, and I happen to shoot this camera more often with those instead. But, as I also happen to have Canon 5D Mark IV with a bunch of nice L lenses, I tend to pick that more often for better image quality. As a gear-hoarding person, this poor little camera falls through the cracks beside big boys.
I also thought that I would shoot much much more video with this body but nah, I'm just not a videographer that I think I am
In terms of image quality in Z mount, would I find a clear improvement in quality if I invest in Nikkor 50mm f1.8 S lens compared to 40mm f2? This would be kind of the last chance for this camera body to impress me before considering selling it.
p.59 #4 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
tommmi wrote:
After half year shared journey with Z f, I'm starting to experience slight letdown and buyer's remorse. This body is hyped for its manual focus capabilities and is generally considered the best camera body for adapting manual focus M mount lenses. While I also have 'the real deal', Leica M11, I don't find myself adapting those lenses that often to Z f - instead I like shooting M body more despite it lacks many of the features Z f provide.
[snip]
In terms of image quality in Z mount, would I find a clear improvement in quality if I invest in Nikkor 50mm f1.8 S lens compared to 40mm f2? This would be kind of the last chance for this camera body to impress me before considering selling it....Show more →
I am in the honeymoon phase with my Zf. Not going to lie, I'm madly in love with this thing. In your case, however, a fancier lens is not going to move the needle IMO. Firstly, because the SE primes are pretty good despite their modest price.
But more importantly, IQ isn't why you should (not) keep the Zf. After all, the same sensor is available in other bodies. The Zf excels at two things:
Frankly, since you already have the Leica, I suspect your "analog itch" is already scratched. In fact, the M11 may be even better at this than the Zf.
And when it comes to the Nikon's JPEG engine, nothing else you own comes even close (I owned these bodies). With some experimentation and careful fine-tuning, the Zf can produce unbelievable JPEGs straight out of the camera relieving you from the burden of RAW post-processing.
I love my Zf because it allows me to practice a very different type of photography. Slower, more deliberate, one-shot, no-cheating. After two weeks of tinkering, I now have 3 presents (picture controls, Nikon calls them) configured with a quick way to toggle. I know what kind of light I need for each. The process is fun, similar to shooting slide film. The results are fantastic.
TL;DR: Putting myself in your shoes, if you don't want the JPEG workflow you are not going to enjoy this camera because you already have the M11.
p.59 #5 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
tommmi wrote:
In terms of image quality in Z mount, would I find a clear improvement in quality if I invest in Nikkor 50mm f1.8 S lens compared to 40mm f2? This would be kind of the last chance for this camera body to impress me before considering selling it.
You have 2 of the worst lenses for pure IQ in the Z line up so almost anything would be an improvement. The 50/1.8 is a whole other tier of glass.
That said, you have half a year of experience and should have plenty enough experience to know if it's for you or not from a body perspective. I don't know why I'd adapt an M lens to a Zf if I had an M body.
p.59 #6 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
tommmi wrote:
After half year shared journey with Z f, I'm starting to experience slight letdown and buyer's remorse. This body is hyped for its manual focus capabilities and is generally considered the best camera body for adapting manual focus M mount lenses. While I also have 'the real deal', Leica M11, I don't find myself adapting those lenses that often to Z f - instead I like shooting M body more despite it lacks many of the features Z f provide.
I have the Z mount SE duo, small form-factor 40mm and 28mm cheap primes, and I happen to shoot this camera more often with those instead. But, as I also happen to have Canon 5D Mark IV with a bunch of nice L lenses, I tend to pick that more often for better image quality. As a gear-hoarding person, this poor little camera falls through the cracks beside big boys.
I also thought that I would shoot much much more video with this body but nah, I'm just not a videographer that I think I am
In terms of image quality in Z mount, would I find a clear improvement in quality if I invest in Nikkor 50mm f1.8 S lens compared to 40mm f2? This would be kind of the last chance for this camera body to impress me before considering selling it....Show more →
I think the Voigtländer Z-mount lenses are a perfekt match for the Zf. For me they are a important part of the experience, both when it comes to handling and image quality.
My brother and and a close friend have M11s, and you cant beat the feeling of a Leica M in the hand, but I have a higher keeper-rate with the Zf. Two times I've tried and sold Leica Ms while keeping my Nikon FM2 before going digital.
p.59 #7 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
old-gregg wrote:
The Zf excels at two things:
2. OOC JPEGs.
And when it comes to the Nikon's JPEG engine, nothing else you own comes even close (I owned these bodies). With some experimentation and careful fine-tuning, the Zf can produce unbelievable JPEGs straight out of the camera relieving you from the burden of RAW post-processing.
TL;DR: Putting myself in your shoes, if you don't want the JPEG workflow you are not going to enjoy this camera because you already have the M11.
I'm open minded. I actually liked some of the Fuji film simulations when I had my X and GFX bodies, but I haven't actually paid that much interest in "picture control" in Nikon world. Any presets you'd recommend to try?
RoamingScott wrote:
That said, you have half a year of experience and should have plenty enough experience to know if it's for you or not from a body perspective. I don't know why I'd adapt an M lens to a Zf if I had an M body.
I actually thought that I would shoot a lot of video with this body and adapted M lenses but that didn't really fly. Some of my M lenses can focus much closer on this body than the Leica's rangefinder coupling can achieve (something like ~35cm instead of 70cm closest focusing distance on M body). I have shot a couple of times from "frog perspective" with Z f tilting screen that would have been quite hard to achieve the framing and focus with M body.
I also imagined my partner would find interest in photography with this camera, but I have to say, work is still in progress She likes more the convenience and simplicity of the workflow of mobile phone photography over the controls and image quality of a real camera. While Leica FOTOS, Phocus 2 and SnapBridge camera apps are very good nowadays, the user experience should be seamless, but unfortunately these apps have quirks and are not bug-free.
Haven't sold the Z f yet Definitely checking the "picture control" profiles. I actually have played with the "random grain patterns" and that is actually quite nicely implemented, the final images are pleasing.
p.59 #9 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I'm seriously considering the Nikon Zf, mainly to pair it with adapted Leica M-mount lenses and the new Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Z-mount I will review. I'd love input from people who are actually using the Zf with adapted/manual focus glass right now.
The TTArtisan 6-bit M–Z adapter seems discontinued and hard to find, so I'm looking for up-to-date recommendations.
1) For Leica M-mount lenses (manual focus only):
Which adapter currently gives the best MF assistance on the Zf... especially green focus box confirmation, eye/subject detection that snaps to eyes, and good IBIS support?
Has anyone tried this one? https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Reminder-Install-M-Mount-Z-Mount/dp/B0FLXML41Q/
2) I've seen AF adapters like the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+, Techart and the newer Viltrox E-Z.
Which one is the most reliable choice?
Has anyone had good results with the latest Viltrox?
How well do these adapters work for manual focus E-mount lenses (Like Voigtlander E-mount glass) ... do you get reliable green box confirmation?
I have also read about the stacking route: dumb M-to-Sony E + a 'smart' AF E-to-Z adapter (Megadap or Vitrox. Does this still give flexible and reliable green box + eye-AF assistance?
3) Reviews and blogs:
Are there any recent, detailed reviews or videos that walk through adapter setup, menu settings (Non-CPU data, focus modes, etc.), and real-world use on the Zf..especially helpful for someone relatively new to Nikon?
p.59 #10 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
For manual focus only M mount lenses, I have been using the "SHOTEN Electronic Adapter Leica M lens to Nikon Z" (https://www.stkb.jp/shopdetail/000000002432) which I purchased from qycamera on ebay. Shoten announced these adapters with electronic contacts for a bunch of mounts a month or so ago and the chipped Leica M - Z and Nikon F - Z adapters have worked really well in my experience. Any of their adapters with the >E< symbol should work the same way. It doesn't have a macro helicoid but otherwise is programmed the same as the one you linked. Based on Shotens recent offerings I would not be surprised if the same adapter with an added macro function is introduced sometime. I previously had used the TTartisan 6-bit adapter, but often found it would lose connection and require me to cycle the camera power on and off.
For lenses other than M mount.. before the Shoten adapters were released I was stacking dumb adapters to a Neewer/Funmount E-Z adapter which could be programmed to remember the EXIF and IBIS data for 1 lens, but the new Shoten adapters have been much more reliable and support 10 user programmable lenses each. At $50 each they also made much more sense in my mind to just buy a few in the mounts I have lenses for and avoid stacking any adapters.
For E-mount Voigtlander lenses, I used the Viltrox E-Z to good results. I have no serious experience adapting autofocus E mount lenses so I can't comment on how well it works there.
I bought and tried a lot of adapters and the Shoten chipped adapters have made all that testing pretty much meaningless. They work well, have good build and tight tolerances, I haven't any complaints.
p.59 #11 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
bigtractor wrote:
For manual focus only M mount lenses, I have been using the "SHOTEN Electronic Adapter Leica M lens to Nikon Z" (https://www.stkb.jp/shopdetail/000000002432) which I purchased from qycamera on ebay. Shoten announced these adapters with electronic contacts for a bunch of mounts a month or so ago and the chipped Leica M - Z and Nikon F - Z adapters have worked really well in my experience. Any of their adapters with the >E< symbol should work the same way. It doesn't have a macro helicoid but otherwise is programmed the same as the one you linked. Based on Shotens recent offerings I would not be surprised if the same adapter with an added macro function is introduced sometime. I previously had used the TTartisan 6-bit adapter, but often found it would lose connection and require me to cycle the camera power on and off.
For lenses other than M mount.. before the Shoten adapters were released I was stacking dumb adapters to a Neewer/Funmount E-Z adapter which could be programmed to remember the EXIF and IBIS data for 1 lens, but the new Shoten adapters have been much more reliable and support 10 user programmable lenses each. At $50 each they also made much more sense in my mind to just buy a few in the mounts I have lenses for and avoid stacking any adapters.
For E-mount Voigtlander lenses, I used the Viltrox E-Z to good results. I have no serious experience adapting autofocus E mount lenses so I can't comment on how well it works there.
I bought and tried a lot of adapters and the Shoten chipped adapters have made all that testing pretty much meaningless. They work well, have good build and tight tolerances, I haven't any complaints. ...Show more →
Thank you! I'm glad I asked because there are so many adapters mentioned on this thread that are no longer available and so many new options.
The shoten with electronic contacts looks like a solid replacement for the TTA. It doesn't offer automatic FL detection, but setting it manually using the presets seems easy enough. I will give it a try.
For Sony E to Z, I've been considering the Viltrox as well, so it's good to hear your experience. I'm not too demanding and I'm not shooting fast action or long telephoto work, so as long as I can use some of my FE lenses and Voigtlander E-mount lenses on the Zf, that's really all I need.
Apr 28, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.59 #12 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thank you! I'm glad I asked because there are so many adapters mentioned on this thread that are no longer available and so many new options.
The shoten with electronic contacts looks like a solid replacement for the TTA. It doesn't offer automatic FL detection, but setting it manually using the presets seems easy enough. I will give it a try.
For Sony E to Z, I've been considering the Viltrox as well, so it's good to hear your experience. I'm not too demanding and I'm not shooting fast action or long telephoto work, so as long as I can use some of my FE lenses and Voigtlander E-mount lenses on the Zf, that's really all I need....Show more →
Hi Fred,
If you get the Shoten adapter, you may want to look at the thread in the Canon Forum about the adapter. Ron Scheffler provided a translation of the instructions for the Canon version in that thread (hopefully the Nikon instructions are the same or similar). When I received my adapter, the instructions were in Japanese and Ron's translation was super helpful and made setting up the adapter for my lenses easy peasy. I agree with bigtractor that it is a really nice adapter with good tolerances and works very well. I had the TTA for Sony and in most ways I prefer the Shoten adapter.
In my case they sent me the non-electronic version by mistake, but fixed the problem immediately and were super easy to work with to get the wrong adapter sent back and I only had to wait an additional 2 days to get the right adapter.
p.59 #13 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Steve Spencer wrote:
Hi Fred,
If you get the Shoten adapter, you may want to look at the thread in the Canon Forum about the adapter. Ron Scheffler provided a translation of the instructions for the Canon version in that thread (hopefully the Nikon instructions are the same or similar). When I received my adapter, the instructions were in Japanese and Ron's translation was super helpful and made setting up the adapter for my lenses easy peasy. I agree with bigtractor that it is a really nice adapter with good tolerances and works very well. I had the TTA for Sony and in most ways I prefer the Shoten adapter.
In my case they sent me the non-electronic version by mistake, but fixed the problem immediately and were super easy to work with to get the wrong adapter sent back and I only had to wait an additional 2 days to get the right adapter....Show more →
Thanks, Steve! Yes, it sounds like it should do the trick.
p.59 #14 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
What I have learned recently is that the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ (only the Plus version) can be used to adapt Leica M-lenses to the Nikon Zf while still providing focus confirmation and, uniquely, usable IBIS. The way it works is by using the camera's "focus ring rotation range" settings to approximate FL, which the body then uses for IBIS.
For example, 50mm can be set to "non-linear", 35mm to 210 degrees, 28mm to 180°, and 75mm to 330°, and so on... It's not exact or automatically detected, but it's close enough for practical stabilization. For users with both Sony E and Leica M lenses, this makes the Pro+ a very flexible option, since this verison with the latest firmware allows AF with Sony E-mount lenses, manual focus E-mount lenses, and Leica M lenses via a 'dumb' E-mount adapter stacked onto the Megadap, with the understanding that IBIS relies on FL input and needs to be adjusted when changing lenses, a requirement that is also present with other adapters like the SHOTEN.
It's also compatible with Sony A-mount AF lenses via the Sony LA-EA5 adapter (stacked onto the Megadap).
p.59 #15 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I purchased the Megadap ETZ21 Pro Plus because I have Loxia lenses and other Sony E mount glass that I want to use on my Nikon Zf. I also recently bought the E mount version of the Simera 28 so I can use it on both Sony and Nikon. I can confirm that focus confirmation works. It is my only non CPU lens, so I manually entered the lens information in the camera. All my other lenses have electronic contacts, and the camera seems to read the metadata directly and ignore the manual settings when the lens provides its own data.
I still need to do more testing, but so far most of my Sony lenses, especially the G and GM lenses, autofocus very quickly with minimal hunting. The best part about the Megadap is how thin it is. I normally dislike adapters, but this one adds almost no weight or size to the camera, which makes it very easy to live with.
p.59 #16 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
I purchased the Megadap ETZ21 Pro Plus because I have Loxia lenses and other Sony E mount glass that I want to use on my Nikon Zf. I also recently bought the E mount version of the Simera 28 so I can use it on both Sony and Nikon. I can confirm that focus confirmation works. It is my only non CPU lens, so I manually entered the lens information in the camera. All my other lenses have electronic contacts, and the camera seems to read the metadata directly and ignore the manual settings when the lens provides its own data.
I still need to do more testing, but so far most of my Sony lenses, especially the G and GM lenses, autofocus very quickly with minimal hunting. The best part about the Megadap is how thin it is. I normally dislike adapters, but this one adds almost no weight or size to the camera, which makes it very easy to live with....Show more →
Same here. I bought the Megadap for my Loxia lenses mainly plus a few Sony lenses. It works very well and like you said, it is so thin and weighs next to nothing. It makes Sony mount lenses almost native Z mount and is perfect for the Zf IMHO.
p.59 #17 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
bigtractor wrote:
For manual focus only M mount lenses, I have been using the "SHOTEN Electronic Adapter Leica M lens to Nikon Z" (https://www.stkb.jp/shopdetail/000000002432) which I purchased from qycamera on ebay. Shoten announced these adapters with electronic contacts for a bunch of mounts a month or so ago and the chipped Leica M - Z and Nikon F - Z adapters have worked really well in my experience. Any of their adapters with the >E< symbol should work the same way. It doesn't have a macro helicoid but otherwise is programmed the same as the one you linked. Based on Shotens recent offerings I would not be surprised if the same adapter with an added macro function is introduced sometime. I previously had used the TTartisan 6-bit adapter, but often found it would lose connection and require me to cycle the camera power on and off.
For lenses other than M mount.. before the Shoten adapters were released I was stacking dumb adapters to a Neewer/Funmount E-Z adapter which could be programmed to remember the EXIF and IBIS data for 1 lens, but the new Shoten adapters have been much more reliable and support 10 user programmable lenses each. At $50 each they also made much more sense in my mind to just buy a few in the mounts I have lenses for and avoid stacking any adapters.
For E-mount Voigtlander lenses, I used the Viltrox E-Z to good results. I have no serious experience adapting autofocus E mount lenses so I can't comment on how well it works there.
I bought and tried a lot of adapters and the Shoten chipped adapters have made all that testing pretty much meaningless. They work well, have good build and tight tolerances, I haven't any complaints. ...Show more →
This Shoten adapter looks nice. I currently have both the TTArtisan 6-bit adapter and the Voigtlander helicoid adapter (although I never use the helicoid feature). I'm not particularly happy with the former since I have some similar issues with it that you highlighted (normally it works fine though). I ended up buying the Shoten one from the same seller and am looking forward to trying it out once it arrives.
p.59 #18 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm seriously considering the Nikon Zf, mainly to pair it with adapted Leica M-mount lenses and the new Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Z-mount I will review. I'd love input from people who are actually using the Zf with adapted/manual focus glass right now.
The TTArtisan 6-bit M–Z adapter seems discontinued and hard to find, so I'm looking for up-to-date recommendations.
1) For Leica M-mount lenses (manual focus only):
Which adapter currently gives the best MF assistance on the Zf... especially green focus box confirmation, eye/subject detection that snaps to eyes, and good IBIS support?
Has anyone tried this one? https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Reminder-Install-M-Mount-Z-Mount/dp/B0FLXML41Q/
2) I've seen AF adapters like the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+, Techart and the newer Viltrox E-Z.
Which one is the most reliable choice?
Has anyone had good results with the latest Viltrox?
How well do these adapters work for manual focus E-mount lenses (Like Voigtlander E-mount glass) ... do you get reliable green box confirmation?
I have also read about the stacking route: dumb M-to-Sony E + a 'smart' AF E-to-Z adapter (Megadap or Vitrox. Does this still give flexible and reliable green box + eye-AF assistance?
3) Reviews and blogs:
Are there any recent, detailed reviews or videos that walk through adapter setup, menu settings (Non-CPU data, focus modes, etc.), and real-world use on the Zf..especially helpful for someone relatively new to Nikon?
I have a new TTArtisan 6-bit adaptor if you want Fred, bought it thinking the Zf was my dream camera but ended up going in another direction. Sort out the international shipping and its yours.
p.59 #19 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
bemei wrote:
I have a new TTArtisan 6-bit adaptor if you want Fred, bought it thinking the Zf was my dream camera but ended up going in another direction. Sort out the international shipping and its yours.
I like the TTArtisan 6-bit adapter on my Z5II (its nearly identical to the Zf). The little focal length lens selector wheel works fine. The TTArtisan also works in combination with additional adapters like Leica M to Leica R or Nikon F.
p.59 #20 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
For Sony E to Z, I've been considering the Viltrox as well, so it's good to hear your experience. I'm not too demanding and I'm not shooting fast action or long telephoto work, so as long as I can use some of my FE lenses and Voigtlander E-mount lenses on the Zf, that's really all I need.
The Viltrox E-Z works nicely with AF and OSS/IBIS. Given the number of native Viltrox lenses for Z mount, I felt confident that they decrypted the Z protocol pretty deeply.
Nikon Z6, Sony 100 STF wide open, SB-5000, Viltrox E-Z
Definitely checking the "picture control" profiles. I actually have played with the "random grain patterns" and that is actually quite nicely implemented, the final images are pleasing.
