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Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

pdesopo
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p.7 #1 · p.7 #1 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Jepser wrote:
I took some not very scientific shoots with my Color Skokap 35mm F2.5 LTM on my ZF yesterday. At a quick glance it looked good. Next week I'm gone try my 25mm Snapshot-Skopar and my brothers 21/4 if he brings it.

I have the Super Wide Heliar 15mm in Z mount and 20mm Color Skopar in F-mount so I haven't yet took the time for testing other lenses

I have a boring indoor close test from a year ago on a bookshelf with the Z6 and Voigtländer 15, 20, 21, 25 and Nikkor 24/2.0 AIs, bur I was only looking at center-midframe...Show more →

That would be interesting to look at!
I'm particularly interested in anything Voigtlander+Zf-related. Whatever you can share, would be much appreciated.

Oct 27, 2023 at 11:56 AM

highdesertmesa
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p.7 #2 · p.7 #2 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

pdesopo wrote:
Thanks for the explanation!
I see. So, the smart adapter would be the only one that would allow for focus confirmation while using manual lenses.
That's the part where I was confused. I guess with a regular adapter the focus confirmation wouldn't work then.
From the videos around it's not clear. I thought it would work regardless of the adapter used.

Yes, with a dummy adapter the subject recognition works but not the green box focus confirmation. But just getting the subject recognition is still great because you can assign a function button to zoom in and out, and you’ll be zooming to the subject face/eyes.

Oct 27, 2023 at 02:38 PM

JustShootMe
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p.7 #3 · p.7 #3 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Starting watching around 15:00

on another note , the CV 40 1.4 works great with the TT adapter , trap focus is interesting although probably not something I will use often.. well maybe

Oct 28, 2023 at 06:08 AM

VinnieJ
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p.7 #4 · p.7 #4 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

A couple of my classic nikkors and a lens made to look like classic nikkors on my Zf.

Nikon Zf + 55mm f/1.2 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Dani by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Nikon Zf + 50mm f/1.8 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Rizzo by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Nikon Zf by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

HS Band by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Oct 28, 2023 at 09:18 AM

Venky
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p.7 #5 · p.7 #5 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Hello Dan,
What adapter are you using to mount the MF lens. Is it the FTZ II. TIA.

VinnieJ wrote:
A couple of my classic nikkors and a lens made to look like classic nikkors on my Zf.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53291711061_e105614ab7_c.jpg Nikon Zf + 55mm f/1.2 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292142553_212b93ab6e_c.jpg Dani by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53290379551_85c7bc4879_c.jpg Nikon Zf + 50mm f/1.8 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292145533_2f3692460b_c.jpg Rizzo by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53283279416_f63d5ea1e9_c.jpg Nikon Zf by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53283371511_0f1a9af2b2_c.jpg HS Band by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Oct 28, 2023 at 10:57 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.7 #6 · p.7 #6 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

nehemiahphoto wrote:
That's not quite accurate I think (on the Nikon front) because:

"That was what many people thought, including me. However, what this teardown shows is the thickness of the removable glass. There is also a glass layer epoxied to the sensor itself, which adds to the total thickness. If the real, total, sensor glass thickness actually was 1.1mm, then even "difficult" M mount lenses would perform flawlessly on a stock Nikon Z camera. Unfortunately, that isn't the case."

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/336520-nikon-z7-compatible-with-m-mount-lenses/

That's From LarsHP who is quite active on FM as well. I have a NKIR modded A7r2 with a v3+ version, which has a...Show more →

I just came across this info from Diglloyd commenting on the Nikon Z sensor stack:

From Kolarivision PANASONIC S1R DISASSEMBLY AND TEARDOWN:

These layers of sensor cover glass (Panasonic S1R) have a combined thickness of roughly 1.45 millimeters. This is thinner than the EOS R, but a decent sight thicker than the Z7’s 1.1mm [diglloyd: actual total thickness is 2.3mm], the thinnest we’ve come across yet. This makes the S1R a poor candidate for legacy Leica lens performance despite the partnership with Leica, meaning this camera is another excellent candidate for our Ultra-Thin filter modification service.

The Panasonic S1R at 1.45mm thick (is this the total thickness?!) is far thinner than Sony mirrorless at ~3mm thick. Hence the horrible performance of M-mount lenses on Sony cameras and the slightly better performance on the Nikon Z7. Judging by my testing, I’m skeptical that the total glass thickness on the Panasonic S1R is only 1.45mm. Even if accurate, that’s a lot thicker than the optimal of 0.8mm thickness.

https://diglloyd.com/blog/2021/20210828_1235-PanasonicS1R-vs-LeicaSL2.html

---------

Ilija Melentijevic of Kolarivision writes:
We haven’t tested the SL2 yet so I can’t comment.

The numbers we report on the sensor glass is only the removable UVIR cut layers, and excludes the permanent clear cover window in the sensor itself. This layer is typically 0.8-1mm but is hard to measure non destructively.

That would make the Panasonic S1R around 2.4mm and the Nikon Z7 around 2.1mm.

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:21 PM

VinnieJ
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p.7 #7 · p.7 #7 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

No it’s the Artra lab adapter. It actually sold out shortly after I posted a pic of it on Facebook.

https://artralab.com/products/nikon-f-mount-ai-g-nikon-z-mount-camera-body-adapter

Venky wrote:
Hello Dan,
What adapter are you using to mount the MF lens. Is it the FTZ II. TIA.

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:30 PM

gear-nut
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p.7 #8 · p.7 #8 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Not criticizing, just curious: what is the attraction of MF lenses when there are so many excellent AF options available at reasonable prices?

I do understand the appeal for unique and legacy lenses, just not for run of the mill optics.

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:34 PM

1bwana1
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p.7 #9 · p.7 #9 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

gear-nut wrote:
Not criticizing, just curious: what is the attraction of MF lenses when there are so many excellent AF options available at reasonable prices?

I do understand the appeal for unique and legacy lenses, just not for run of the mill optics.

For me it is the very high build quality, the special ergonomics, the incredible optics, the size and weight. This all adds up to a shooting experience that the AF lenses cannot duplicate.

I do also love my top end AF lenses for certain kinds of shooting. My GM lenses with aperture rings in particular.

AF/MF each have their purpose in my kit. It is similar to having a Porsche 911 and an SUV in the garage. Different uses, different experiences.

It also seems to me that modern lenses designed for mirrorless all seem to have similar design goals optically. I think that may be because of the testing and review styles they must pass in order to sell well. Designed for YouTube success. Manual lenses are often more orientated towards character and uniqueness.

Edited on Oct 28, 2023 at 01:05 PM · View previous versions

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:59 PM

Valorin
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p.7 #10 · p.7 #10 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

I'm surprised that there are people who are genuinely puzzled by the desire to use manual focus lenses. For some the manual focus experience we want is something that is not remotely replicated by modern AF optics.

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:59 PM

bluehawaii
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p.7 #11 · p.7 #11 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

VinnieJ wrote:
A couple of my classic nikkors and a lens made to look like classic nikkors on my Zf.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53291711061_e105614ab7_c.jpg Nikon Zf + 55mm f/1.2 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292142553_212b93ab6e_c.jpg Dani by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53290379551_85c7bc4879_c.jpg Nikon Zf + 50mm f/1.8 by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292145533_2f3692460b_c.jpg Rizzo by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53283279416_f63d5ea1e9_c.jpg Nikon Zf by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53283371511_0f1a9af2b2_c.jpg HS Band by Dan Ridolfi, on Flickr

Could you share some thoughts on the 35/1.4.

From what I can see optically it shares some slight similarity with the W-Nikkor 3.5cm/1.8. A lens many rate amongst the top 5 character 35s of all time, and technically also a 1.4 lens optically. But more similar to earlier the summilux 35.

There are very few, if any, fast 35mm lenses with full coverage that mount directly to the Zf. A clever decision by Ding/ Artra lab to put it into production IMO.

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:09 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.7 #12 · p.7 #12 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

gear-nut wrote:
Not criticizing, just curious: what is the attraction of MF lenses when there are so many excellent AF options available at reasonable prices?

I do understand the appeal for unique and legacy lenses, just not for run of the mill optics.

Besides their compact size and mechanical feel, using M manual focus lenses gives photographers greater control over what's in focus. This sense of liberation is particularly important in today's world, where modern cameras often act like mini-computers, taking charge of exposure and focus on our behalf.

Capturing a well-exposed and perfectly focused image with a manual focus lens can be rewarding due to the deliberate and slower process it involves. However, it may not always be the best choice, especially when precise autofocus tracking is necessary. In my view, both focus systems complement each other.

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:27 PM

pdesopo
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p.7 #13 · p.7 #13 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

It's too bad that Nikon F lenses need such a thick adapter. I have some beautiful old Nikon lenses, but a relatively compact system is quite a priority for me.

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:28 PM

pdesopo
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p.7 #14 · p.7 #14 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:32 PM

JustShootMe
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p.7 #15 · p.7 #15 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

gear-nut wrote:
Not criticizing, just curious: what is the attraction of MF lenses when there are so many excellent AF options available at reasonable prices?

I do understand the appeal for unique and legacy lenses, just not for run of the mill optics.

I personally like the feeling of well made things , the reason I won’t put a case on my phone. The AF lenses mostly feel like mass produced plastics , I like the tactile feel of the older lenses , as well as the ‘not perfect’ image quality. I also enjoy the challenge of capturing something the hard way, and not relying on computers to do it all (builds thousands of servers for a living). I currently own about 25 lenses , all are manual focus , but I will probably pickup one or two AF lenses eventually for convenience. I just enjoy the experience more when I am in control , and prefer the cameras, and lenses with manual inputs. I do like the MF tools in the ZF , but I still have to nail the shot.

NIKON Z f 50mm f/1 lens 50mm f/1.0 1/1250s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

NIKON Z f 50mm f/1 lens 50mm f/1.0 1/3200s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

NIKON Z f 50mm f/1 lens 50mm f/1.0 1/8000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

NIKON Z f 50mm f/1 lens 50mm f/1.3 1/2500s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

Edited on Oct 28, 2023 at 02:22 PM · View previous versions

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:38 PM

VinnieJ
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p.7 #16 · p.7 #16 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

The 35 has excellent build quality. Similar to what the classic nikkors would have felt like brand new. Both aperture and focus ring are smooth and a pleasure to use. Wide open the lens shows some glow and softness. More similar to the classic lenses than the super sharp lenses like we have today. Stop it down and it does sharpen up quickly. Lens flare is massive wide open. There are obviously no coatings for flare. I know shooting with a hood would help but I rarely do. I would still highly recommend the lens and if they came out with a fast 85 or 135 I would still get it.

Nic character wide open is a good way to describe it. I have not tried those other lenses you mentioned to compare it.

bluehawaii wrote:
Could you share some thoughts on the 35/1.4.

From what I can see optically it shares some slight similarity with the W-Nikkor 3.5cm/1.8. A lens many rate amongst the top 5 character 35s of all time, and technically also a 1.4 lens optically. But more similar to earlier the summilux 35.

There are very few, if any, fast 35mm lenses with full coverage that mount directly to the Zf. A clever decision by Ding/ Artra lab to put it into production IMO.

Oct 28, 2023 at 01:53 PM

bluehawaii
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p.7 #17 · p.7 #17 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

VinnieJ wrote:
The 35 has excellent build quality. Similar to what the classic nikkors would have felt like brand new. Both aperture and focus ring are smooth and a pleasure to use. Wide open the lens shows some glow and softness. More similar to the classic lenses than the super sharp lenses like we have today. Stop it down and it does sharpen up quickly. Lens flare is massive wide open. There are obviously no coatings for flare. I know shooting with a hood would help but I rarely do. I would still highly recommend the lens and if they came out...Show more →

That's really helpful because I wanted to order one but wasn't sure how the build was. I like the fact there are 2 design options. They both suit the camera well, I guess the silver nose will be the most popular.

Oct 28, 2023 at 02:14 PM

RustyRus
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p.7 #18 · p.7 #18 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Fred Miranda wrote:
Besides their compact size and mechanical feel, using M manual focus lenses gives photographers greater control over what's in focus. This sense of liberation is particularly important in today's world, where modern cameras often act like mini-computers, taking charge of exposure and focus on our behalf.

Capturing a well-exposed and perfectly focused image with a manual focus lens can be rewarding due to the deliberate and slower process it involves. However, it may not always be the best choice, especially when precise autofocus tracking is necessary. In my view, both focus systems complement each other.

Well said Fred-

All my Leica M glass isn’t always the right choice, it’s almost always preferred though and so much more fun. I think if more people tried out true MF glass, they would be rewarded in ways they didn’t realize.

Or they will hate it, who knows

Oct 28, 2023 at 02:15 PM

nehemiahphoto
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p.7 #19 · p.7 #19 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Aside from the experience of shooting MF, the lenses themselves are just much smaller which is sooo important (at least to me).

Oct 28, 2023 at 02:22 PM

algrove
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p.7 #20 · p.7 #20 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses

Decided against the Zf as it another system which I do not now know.

I own and use Leica M's and even though I declined a Q3 on day one when I was offered one, I have now decided for street/candid use when not using an M, I will get the Q3. I have had Q and Q2's so I now know I can live with its fixed 28/1.7 lens.

In this way all my cameras (M11, M11M, SL2S) will have nearly the same menu system and this can make my life much smoother.

Oct 28, 2023 at 08:22 PM

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