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Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

phinix
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf? Would you consider jumping over the fence?
Would you buy it just to have it in your collection?
Would you say its in line with Sony bodies with all settings, abilities etc?

Being a7c user (one body, few lens) and having a small kit, I'm waiting for this Zf to drop on price in a year or two, or get a used one, but definitely thinking of switching. Sounds like with its focus confirmation it is amazing for manual lens like Voigtlander Z.

Nov 18, 2023 at 09:15 PM

foto16
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Apparently it's built like a tank and it's good looking, but the large size and 710g weight put me off (as the basis for a small kit), a whopping 38% heavier than the A7CII.

It's also doubtful how committed Nikon is to the Zf form factor. Recall the Nikon Df... there was never a Df2. Sony is more likely to commit to further developing the A7C line.

The focus confirmation with chipped lens is brilliant. There isn't any technical reason why Sony cannot implement it but nobody knows whether or when Sony will do it.

Nov 18, 2023 at 09:24 PM

liggy
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Zero interest. Rather shoot my X-T5.

Nov 18, 2023 at 09:51 PM

Chris_88
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Likewise, no interest. Then again, in ten years of using e-mount cameras, I have not once felt the urge to switch to Canon or Nikon. I had used 1-2 Nikon lenses and the D500 for a few years as a wildlife setup, but that was during e-mount's early years.

Nov 18, 2023 at 10:05 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

I looked it up. It looks like fun. Reminiscent, obviously, of the cameras when I first got started with slrs. I happened to be in Minolta with an SRT-102. Instead of the different colors, a polished chrome or stainless would also have that period look.

I'm looking for lighter these days. I'd like to replace my A7Riv. The travel/walk-around likes the A7CR, the 200-600 calls out for the A7Rv or ?? So a random Nikon just isn't in the cards.

Nov 18, 2023 at 10:08 PM

Juha Kannisto
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

It looks like a nice retro-style camera and if I was going to try Nikon I'd go for a ZF from the current lineup but it's too big and heavy and has poor ergonomics without adding an additional grip. I tried one at a shop briefly and didn't feel like it would be nice to handle as-is. I'm also too invested in glass for E-mount (and X-mount to smaller extent) to go for another mount. I also don't like the traditional manual focus direction of Nikon system which is reverse of manual focus lenses available for Sony, M-mount, X-mount etc. It could be a nice option for adapted lenses but the adapters are also bigger than for E-mount due to short flange distance and larger mount etc.

It's good that they are adding more innovative manual focus aids though and I wish Sony did that too, although I'm getting along fine with just peaking and magnification so far and I don't shoot a lot of portraits with MF lenses.

Additionally the shops in Tokyo expect 6-7 month lead time for new orders of ZF after the initial supply so it's not even possible to buy one and get it soon...

Nov 18, 2023 at 11:57 PM

Ross Martin
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

I was initially attracted to its looks, but looking at all lens options I realized I'd rather shoot my brilliant A7RV and choose among the vast native E mount optics. Also agree that the in-hand feel with no real grip would be a huge stumbling block for how I work.

Nov 19, 2023 at 12:27 AM

gheller
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Had 2 on order from Nikon (in the cool burgundy and brown colors). Once I started hearing and researching all of the drawbacks, I cancelled my orders.

• bigger, heavier, and narrower than my current Sonys
• ergo sucks for all but a now-and-then camera (I am a wedding shooter)
• once you slap an (ugly Nikon) lens on it, the retro factor diminishes significantly
• micro sd card (not a deal-breaker, but a bummer)

Really wanted to jump ship, but the cons just outweighed the pros too much.

If they release a retro-style lens lineup, I may revisit the idea.

Nov 19, 2023 at 12:51 AM

tuomkok
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

I think Zf has nothing to with tech, and also very little to do with what photographers need. Zf is a camera that many people want.

Nikon has large old school user base, Zf might look like a viable alternaternative to them to photograph everyday day and travel or Nikon MF legacy lenses. Zf might also interest same younger people who shop for Sony A7c series. Zf looks nice and think about Nikon brand.

Nikon is looking for niches where it has a market. Z9 and 8 with new pro lenses are strong products in wildlife and sports photography. Maybe Nikon can also create something around Zf in 3-5 years - they just need a line of small Z-lenses.

Nov 19, 2023 at 02:55 AM

Slalom
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

It is a Nikon!

Nov 19, 2023 at 03:40 AM

GHarris
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

gheller wrote:
...
• once you slap an (ugly Nikon) lens on it, the retro factor diminishes significantly

...If they release a retro-style lens lineup, I may revisit the idea.

This, plus the much-celebrated large Z mount actually counts against the design of the Zf, I think - it makes a lot of lenses bigger and uglier/chunkier than they need to be, at the mount end. And if you are adapting a cute lens, it looks ungainly because of the adapter. To an extent.

Nov 19, 2023 at 03:44 AM

aCuria
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

The ZF is nothing like the cameras I used in the past so the nostalgia does nothing for me at all

(EOS3 / P&S film cameras)

Nov 19, 2023 at 06:47 AM

bluehawaii
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

I guess they kept the lens re-housing deal going with Tamron (Sony) meaning the wonderful and small FF Samyangs and Sigmas are blocked.

P67 style handling needs some small, fast, standard primes to make it workable IMO.

Kind of a bummer.

Nov 19, 2023 at 06:47 AM

Jbantillo
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

It looks really good but like the others said considering the rest of the cons I’ll pass. I wish Sony would make a retro looking one in full frame and APSC. We know the Sony version is going to be a lot lighter!

Nov 19, 2023 at 07:08 AM

SNJOps
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Looks like a fun camera but it needs vintage looking glass to put on it. Sigma’s I series would have been perfect but no indication that will happen anytime soon if at all.

On a related note it would have been nice if the A7C line was made to look a bit more retro.

Nov 19, 2023 at 07:14 AM

ytwong
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Not very interested. If I have unlimited money Zf is probably a fun body but sadly I don't. For "Collection" I'd probably buy a D850, the last/best do everything DSLR (I still have D700 while I sold my D610).

I'm ex-Nikon film SLR/DSLR user and I have my father's F2, FT3 and a brunch of AI/AIS lenses here (haven't seen any actions for 20 years, even longer for F2). That Zf body might look good with that 1 or 2 specially styled lens but not when attached a new lens.

I don't think it offer better support for older lens, and at least no AF for AF-D lens (no adapter for that).

I'm not sure the practical use value of iso/shutter speed dials in digital age. I'm quite familiar with Nikon DSLR's button+dial control (they are excellent, IMO, way better than Sony).

If I am to buy a Nikon that would be more likely a Z8, but I think Sony basically offers what I want/need in a smaller package. I use A7R5/A6500, want something smaller? go A7C, need something faster? A1/A9. If I want to go (back) to a bigger body, I would go Fuji GFX.

Nov 19, 2023 at 08:33 AM

sandycrane
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

A gimmick.

If you want real retro you can pick up a genuine Nikon F to play with for $85. on ebay. A camera I would have given a kidney for when I was a kid going for peanuts.

Edited on Nov 19, 2023 at 09:14 AM · View previous versions

Nov 19, 2023 at 09:00 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Why are you asking Sony users about their opinions of a Nikon camera

Pop into the 44 page discussion thread, I'm sure you can come to some conclusion on what the camera is and isn't from actual users https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1818308

It's an unfortunate camera...its imaging and video capabilities are actually excellent, but it's in a body that does it zero favors, and actually managed to make both retro and modern shooters annoyed.

SNJOps wrote:
Looks like a fun camera but it needs vintage looking glass to put on it. Sigma’s I series would have been perfect but no indication that will happen anytime soon if at all.

Guess you don't know about all of the Z mount Voigtlander glass? You can also adapt any "vintage looking" E mount glass easily.

Nov 19, 2023 at 09:02 AM

LBJ2
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

phinix wrote:
Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf? Would you consider jumping over the fence?
Would you buy it just to have it in your collection?
Would you say its in line with Sony bodies with all settings, abilities etc?

Being a7c user (one body, few lens) and having a small kit, I'm waiting for this Zf to drop on price in a year or two, or get a used one, but definitely thinking of switching. Sounds like with its focus confirmation it is amazing for manual lens like Voigtlander Z.

If buyer feedback continues to be for the most part positive and the right price opportunity opens up, then I say go for it! Why not. As a long time and current Sony shooter since the very first FF Emount A7r, one of the best things I ever did was to expand my horizons/creativity and motivation and try other brands since 2018. I've never owned a Nikon, but I can certainly see the appeal of the Zf and from the looks of it so do a lot of other people too, time will tell.

Life is too short. Scratch the itch!

Nov 19, 2023 at 09:31 AM

mogul
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony users - what do you think about Nikon Zf?

Great camera for the average demographics who shoot Nikon.

Nov 19, 2023 at 10:01 AM

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