Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
I had a Zf c for a while to try having something small around. By the time the grip was on there, it was basically the same size as a Z6 anyway. I'm Zf curious, but also not excited about another camera that can't exist without a chunk of metal bolted to it.
BSPhotog wrote:
Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
I had a Zf c for a while to try having something small around. By the time the grip was on there, it was basically the same size as a Z6 anyway. I'm Zf curious, but also not excited about another camera that can't exist without a chunk of metal bolted to it.
I haven't held a Zfc but I have a Pentax K1000. My K1000 is easier to hold without a grip than the Zf IMO. I think it has to do with the thickness of the Zf, it feels more awkward in my hand.
I don't use a grip on the Zf as I need an L bracket and none of the grips that I know of that are custom
fit to the camera have the L bracket built-in. The camera came with a Smallrig grip but that makes it harder to use the sub-command dial so I don't use it. I am fine with the shape of the camera as it is, it's similar to the F3. I appreciate the small size.
BSPhotog wrote:
Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
I had a Zf c for a while to try having something small around. By the time the grip was on there, it was basically the same size as a Z6 anyway. I'm Zf curious, but also not excited about another camera that can't exist without a chunk of metal bolted to it.
BSPhotog wrote:
Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
Yep. No grip, just generally sticking to adapted M lenses, the CV-Z 35 APO and 40 f/1.2 Nokton, some adapted F-mount stuff like 35 f/1.4G and several smaller Ai/Ai-S/Series E lenses, and then some occasional 24-70 f/4 S usage.
I used the Nikon grip for a few portrait sessions with a 70-200, but then I bought a Z8 for that kind of thing so the grip is back in its box.
BSPhotog wrote:
Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
I had a Zf c for a while to try having something small around. By the time the grip was on there, it was basically the same size as a Z6 anyway. I'm Zf curious, but also not excited about another camera that can't exist without a chunk of metal bolted to it.
I use mine without a grip 95% of the time. I don't have large Z lenses (only 28mm and 40mm SEs). With smaller F mount lenses I can get away without using a grip too (as long as it isn't too front heavy - for example 58mm f1.4g and 35mm f1.4 AI-S are fine for me). M-mount lenses are fine too for the most part. I've only felt the need to use the grip with heavier glass.
Anyway having an optional separate grip isn't a bad thing. I'd rather a more nimble camera most of the time and the ability to add a grip if I needed to, than to have the grip built-in all the time. Would've been great if the Zf had a bit more of a recess for the thumb and maybe then I could do away with the add-on grip entirely (kinda like the Leica M10/M11 cameras).
chasdfg wrote:
I use mine without a grip 95% of the time. I don't have large Z lenses (only 28mm and 40mm SEs). With smaller F mount lenses I can get away without using a grip too (as long as it isn't too front heavy - for example 58mm f1.4g and 35mm f1.4 AI-S are fine for me). M-mount lenses are fine too for the most part. I've only felt the need to use the grip with heavier glass.
Anyway having an optional separate grip isn't a bad thing. I'd rather a more nimble camera most of the time and the ability to add a grip if I needed to, than to have the grip built-in all the time. Would've been great if the Zf had a bit more of a recess for the thumb and maybe then I could do away with the add-on grip entirely (kinda like the Leica M10/M11 cameras)....Show more →
58G on Zf withotu grip? Is it ok to handle? Would you be able to share pic of this combo? I love photos of Zf, plus keeping thinking of getting 58G for it, so seeing this combo would be amazing
phinix wrote:
58G on Zf withotu grip? Is it ok to handle? Would you be able to share pic of this combo? I love photos of Zf, plus keeping thinking of getting 58G for it, so seeing this combo would be amazing
Have PMed you the pic!
I find the handling fine because of how light the lens is (it's a lot of plastic in terms of the lens body). I have a 58mm F1.2 Noct Nikkor and that's the only lens I have which I feel a grip is necessary. It's only a hundred grams heavier than the 58g, but it is more compact and dense and makes the camera front heavy. I guess I'd say that the more front heavy the setup is, the more one might need to add a grip. If the lens is heavy but closer to the body, one might be able to get away without a grip.
But at the end of the day grip Vs no grip is such a personal question - how big your hands are (mine are small), what lenses you have, etc.
aerospace99 wrote:
I just tried the Neewer CA079 and am sending it back. The thumb grip does not do anything for me. My hand is medium large. I prefer the extra grippiness of the Small Rig. It inspires a little more confidence if I am using a bigger lens. I do not like the slight interference with the front dial of the Small Rig but its not a show stopper. The Admiring Light review is thorough and I do not believe the Nikon version is worth it. I am staying with the small rig.
I'm still waiting for a grip that is grippy like the smallrig AND integrates a nice thumb catch.
I can one hand the stupid GFX 100S because of the thumb grip! It's a total game changer when done correctly and the ZF weight distribution is begging for it.
I can't understand how anyone finds the slippery Neewer to be adequate or feel safe in their hands, but more power to those that do.
RoamingScott wrote:
I'm still waiting for a grip that is grippy like the smallrig AND integrates a nice thumb catch.
I can one hand the stupid GFX 100S because of the thumb grip! It's a total game changer when done correctly and the ZF weight distribution is begging for it.
I can't understand how anyone finds the slippery Neewer to be adequate or feel safe in their hands, but more power to those that do.
For me, it's because it isn't all that slippery once you're out using it and your hands get warm, and with the large thumb catch, it's more secure to me than the Smallrig despite the more slippery front grip.
As I’ve said previously I like the Neewer CA079, the thumb test very much works for me. With small, Zf friendly lenses I also find a leather half case works very well. The leather is grippy and the rear part surprisingly works as a bit of a thumb rest. The case also adds quite a lot of protection. Don’t dismiss a quality half case.
Clivem2 wrote:
As I’ve said previously I like the Neewer CA079, the thumb grip very much works for me. With small, Zf friendly lenses I also find a leather half case works very well. The leather is grippy and the rear part surprisingly works as a bit of a thumb rest. The case also adds quite a lot of protection. Don’t dismiss a quality half case.
Link? There are a ton of leather half cases but hard to tell which are good quality. There's one that has an extended grip on the front but it's over $120 and I don't think that's worth it.
novalaker wrote:
Link? There are a ton of leather half cases but hard to tell which are good quality. There's one that has an extended grip on the front but it's over $120 and I don't think that's worth it.
That's the one everyone raves about. I had it and found it sooooo slippery, and the add on grip was way too small/rounded for my liking.
novalaker wrote:
Link? There are a ton of leather half cases but hard to tell which are good quality. There's one that has an extended grip on the front but it's over $120 and I don't think that's worth it.
BSPhotog wrote:
Just read through this thread--out of curiousity, is anyone using the Zf without a grip?
I had a Zf c for a while to try having something small around. By the time the grip was on there, it was basically the same size as a Z6 anyway. I'm Zf curious, but also not excited about another camera that can't exist without a chunk of metal bolted to it.
Like @Clivem2 and some others here, I'm now using just a leather halfcase on the Zf. I first tried the Nikon Zf-GR1 grip for a while, but to me adding such a grip rather defeated why I liked the Zf in the first place. But I did want it to be a tad grippier, just without bulk. I didn't get the $120 halfcase with the bulging handle that lots of users seem to like, but rather a lower profile one similar in style to the one Clive pictured above. Mine is a suede type of leather that is very grippy/not smooth or slick, so it stays in my hand well.
If I'm doing something that requires a tripod, I'm usually going to be makings lots of verticals, and to me the base-plate grips aren't an option for that. So then I swap the case out for a full L-bracket. But otherwise my Zf lives in the halfcase and this seems to work well.
A new grip has appeared, but there are a number of reviews bemoaning its imprecise machining and others saying it's fine. I'm biting the bullet and will report back next week.
I've used a number of Haoge parts before and always found them high quality. I don't like how the arca dovetail doesn't go as far towards the grip as the Smallrig, but not sure that would actually be an issue.
Amazon also has the smaller Japanese Nikon grip in stock with a 30 day return policy. Very much worth abusing that policy to see if this grip would work for you. The price is firmly in import territory.
I like the leather case too. I bought the Iborry's off Amazon, mainly cause I wanted a brown leather. I won't say it's the best of the grips, but looks like and adds something. Now though someone might look at me weird because they'll catch me smelling the camera. I love the smell of a nicely crafter genuine leather product.
RoamingScott wrote: A new grip has appeared, but there are a number of reviews bemoaning its imprecise machining and others saying it's fine. I'm biting the bullet and will report back next week.
I've used a number of Haoge parts before and always found them high quality. I don't like how the arca dovetail doesn't go as far towards the grip as the Smallrig, but not sure that would actually be an issue.
Amazon also has the smaller Japanese Nikon grip in stock with a 30 day return policy. Very much worth abusing that policy to see if this grip would work for you. The price is firmly in import territory....Show more →
I got this grip a little while ago and it’s very meh. It’s just not shaped right for this camera. And it doesn’t lay flush with the camera on the right side. It also doesn’t have a thumb screw and mine didn’t come with an Allen key either. And then the coin slot is so thin it only works with dimes. Overall I think it’s a big whiff from Haoge, which is surprising as I like a lot of their accessories. The rubber feels nice though. I wish the Smallrig used this rubber type.
Thanks for the quick feedback, canceled that order but am sticking with the smaller tapered one just to see what it’s about. Should have it in hand tomorrow.
Jman13 wrote:
I got this grip a little while ago and it’s very meh. It’s just not shaped right for this camera. And it doesn’t lay flush with the camera on the right side. It also doesn’t have a thumb screw and mine didn’t come with an Allen key either. And then the coin slot is so thin it only works with dimes. Overall I think it’s a big whiff from Haoge, which is surprising as I like a lot of their accessories. The rubber feels nice though. I wish the Smallrig used this rubber type.
