p.72 #1 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
Nikon really needs to make a compact, photography-centric body like this. The ZR is clearly geared toward video, and for me, half the fun of shooting is using a proper viewfinder. If they ever made a smaller, trimmed-down version of the Zf, keeping the focus confirmation, I'd be all over it!
Fred, The Z5II is a bit smaller than the Zf and performs extremely well with M lenses via an adapter.
p.72 #2 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
stgrove wrote:
Fred, The Z5II is a bit smaller than the Zf and performs extremely well with M lenses via an adapter.
I've had the ZR since November, but have only really enjoyed using it recently as I paired it with the newly released Z native Voigtländer 35/1.4 Nokton . I'm now treating it like a large Ricoh GR, but with the added fun of the wide open rendering that can only be found with classic fast full frame glass.
The photo quality is more than good enough, so a shutter-less EVF equipped camera in the rangefinder style would likely be a big win for Nikon.
p.72 #4 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
stgrove wrote:
Fred, The Z5II is a bit smaller than the Zf and performs extremely well with M lenses via an adapter.
That's not quite what I had in mind. The Zf's lack of a deep grip is actually a plus for me because it keeps the overall profile much thinner. The Z5 II is over 20mm deeper, still has the SLR shape, and doesn't even save much weight over the Zf.
My ideal Nikon camera would be a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless like the Fuji X-E or Sony A7C series with its focus confirmation for MF lenses. That said, I'm really loving the Zf right now! It takes up more space than my A7CR, but it just has so much style.
p.72 #5 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
In other words, instead of drawing inspiration from the FM2, Nikon could base a digital camera on the compact S2 rangefinder...giving us that classic form factor with the EVF on the left side instead of in a hump on top.
p.72 #6 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
In other words, instead of drawing inspiration from the FM2, Nikon could base a digital camera on the compact S2 rangefinder...giving us that classic form factor with the EVF on the left side instead of in a hump on top.
Nikon is supposedly releasing a brick like photography oriented camera, I wish that they would just do that, I mean the digital S2 version.
But my biggest wish for it is that they would go for the Z7 sensor and make it a real photography tool. The Zf is finally half baked in that regard even if it was as it is already a bold move at the time considering the market and Nikon difficulties. But still If they recycle their 24m px sensor once again, I just can’t. The Z7 sensor doesn’t have an olp and I think that’s good too for a camera stills oriented.
I thought the Zf would be my dream camera when it was released, the Nikon version of a Leica M but I don’t like it that much in real use after a few years and looking back.
So I have some big hopes for that elusive maybe real S2.
p.72 #7 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Nikon's 24mp sensors never kept a single talented photographer from making incredible imagery in the last 10+ years. I like the smaller files and the particular look of that sensor, but wouldn't mind the Z7/Z7ii sensor either.
p.72 #8 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
RoamingScott wrote:
Nikon's 24mp sensors never kept a single talented photographer from making incredible imagery in the last 10+ years. I like the smaller files and the particular look of that sensor, but wouldn't mind the Z7/Z7ii sensor either.
I do agree, although it was more the lack of low pass filter that I was contemplating in the Z7 sensor plus maybe that at the time of the release of the Zf, I was longing for something more than my Z6 in terms of offering.
Now with a few years even further down that line, I wouldn’t mind something new(at least to me)so the Z7 sensor would be welcome.
p.72 #9 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I’d like the A7R6 sensor if we are just wishing
Sonnar-7 wrote:
I do agree, although it was more the lack of low pass filter that I was contemplating in the Z7 sensor plus maybe that at the time of the release of the Zf, I was longing for something more than my Z6 in terms of offering.
Now with a few years even further down that line, I wouldn’t mind something new(at least to me)so the Z7 sensor would be welcome.
p.72 #10 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I have lots of manual focus lens experience, and my wish list manual focus platform would be:
A body the size of the Nikon FM. Nikon FM dimensions are 142 × 89.5 × 60.5 mm. An adjustable flange distance of 40-48mm A good 24-36 megapixel FX sensor. A super bright focus confirmation indicator light PLUS an adjustable audio beep focus confirmation - both configurable (close ro what the F4 & eos system already has). A big as possible rear screen that articulates, and flips to nest in the back in a protective position. (like the Canon 90D). Dual flash memory slots - SD and XQD (like the D850). A user configurable lens database of at least a hundred lenses (like Nikon's but expanded), that writes that metadata to every manual lens shot. Shooting priority (Aperture or Shutter), +/-EV, focal length, max aperture of lens, serial number of lens, f-stop, shutter speed, manufacturer, & a notes field plus anything else the engineers can shoehorn in there. Sorry - been daydreaming
p.72 #13 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Fred Miranda wrote:
My ideal Nikon camera would be a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless like the Fuji X-E or Sony A7C series with its focus confirmation for MF lenses
I noticed in coverage of the substantial drop in Nikon's 2026 2nd quarter camera sales the company is saying it plans to “strengthen proposals focused on enhanced core performance and emotional value, including heritage-inspired design.”
p.72 #14 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I would agree that any S-styled rangefinder would need to be akin to the X100 line with a fixed 35mm lens (which I've been asking for for YEARS, now). It's the only way to keep the bulk down, because it's basically impossible to make a small Z mount lens if your name isn't Viltrox.
The "mini ZR" rumor shifted to "well maybe it has an EVF but no EVF bump" making me wonder if someone saw this camera in silhouette only when they leaked it, and would also imply a rangefinder style placement. I remain hopeful but not optimistic.
p.72 #15 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
RoamingScott wrote:
I would agree that any S-styled rangefinder would need to be akin to the X100 line with a fixed 35mm lens (which I've been asking for for YEARS, now). It's the only way to keep the bulk down, because it's basically impossible to make a small Z mount lens if your name isn't Viltrox.
The "mini ZR" rumor shifted to "well maybe it has an EVF but no EVF bump" making me wonder if someone saw this camera in silhouette only when they leaked it, and would also imply a rangefinder style placement. I remain hopeful but not optimistic.
At one point they mentioned the possibility of an external viewfinder, I liked the idea quite a bit, also because if it were compatible across the Z, it could justify for me the Zr.
p.72 #16 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Sonnar-7 wrote:
At one point they mentioned the possibility of an external viewfinder, I liked the idea quite a bit, also because if it were compatible across the Z, it could justify for me the Zr.
The problem is that only the ZR has the new upgraded hot shoe that would support such a thing well. I'd love to see that hotshoe made standard across Expeed 8 cameras. Give me the GFX 100 II style removable EVF for my Z9 II!
p.72 #17 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
RoamingScott wrote:
The problem is that only the ZR has the new upgraded hot shoe that would support such a thing well. I'd love to see that hotshoe made standard across Expeed 8 cameras. Give me the GFX 100 II style removable EVF for my Z9 II!
I bought an Fx2 and went back to Sony almost exclusively because of the tillable side viewfinder, I know it’s niche but it’s indecent how much I like it.
So yeah.
p.72 #18 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Sonnar-7 wrote:
I bought an Fx2 and went back to Sony almost exclusively because of the tillable side viewfinder, I know it’s niche but it’s indecent how much I like it.
So yeah.
The visioflex 2 tilts like this. I never expected to like shooting this way so much, but its really nice.
p.72 #19 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
RoamingScott wrote:
I would agree that any S-styled rangefinder would need to be akin to the X100 line with a fixed 35mm lens (which I've been asking for for YEARS, now). It's the only way to keep the bulk down, because it's basically impossible to make a small Z mount lens if your name isn't Viltrox.
The "mini ZR" rumor shifted to "well maybe it has an EVF but no EVF bump" making me wonder if someone saw this camera in silhouette only when they leaked it, and would also imply a rangefinder style placement. I remain hopeful but not optimistic.
Nikon has the 26mm pancake; the 28 and 40 would make for a Q3 sized solution. Nikon likes to sell lenses.
If they went for an APS-C mini rangefinder style camera more like the non-IBIS Z30 with an EVF, I think the response would be mixed unless the price is entry level similar to the Z30.
A rangefinder style body wants to remain bump and grip free - so that battery placement in the grip is an issue.
The lowest development cost, and fastest way to bring a full frame rangefinder layout ZS to market, would be to take the ZR chassis, complete with with electronic only shutter, drop the LCD down to a 3” tilt style, and place the EVF in the corner.
