Good luck on your kit reboot. Kit building is forever right?
A friend of mine wanted to see what it was like to shoot a monochrome camera so we swapped for a couple weeks.
Now if the Zfc could get the Z7II sensor and IBIS then we would be talking some kit building with me Or better yet a Df/F3 F mount body with those mirrorless features. But that F mount train has left the station for good
George
SiMuMe wrote:
Beautiful set, George. Especially the first one. I remember James sharing various tests with the 2.8 vs 3.5 a while ago and the 3.5 copy looking sharper. These ones are really good examples of what it can achieve. Please buy a 2.8 so you can shoot them side by side .
I'm going through a phase where I think a reboot of my kit is in order. I'm talking to a local shop(okay, they're in Cape Town) about selling them lots of stuff. In the end I'll be left with just the 35-70, 50 pancake, 55 2.8, and the 105 2.5. The zoom and the 55 have turned out to be my MF mainstays.
Did you swap the Zf-c with the camera club for the Z7? How is Z7?
AdaptedLenses wrote:
Leighton, the bike is in Clayton, GA if you ever feel the need to see one. Didn’t have long to check it out but the sprocket caught my attention. One more, wanted to tweak the colors to match how I saw it. 50mm f/1.2 at f/11 I think with a CPL.
Matt,
That is the perfect waterfall for a long exposure - well done.
Jim
AdaptedLenses wrote:
Leighton, the bike is in Clayton, GA if you ever feel the need to see one. Didn’t have long to check it out but the sprocket caught my attention. One more, wanted to tweak the colors to match how I saw it. 50mm f/1.2 at f/11 I think with a CPL.
George,
Beautiful images! I so miss getting low angle shots since "getting down there" isn't really an option for me anymore. That articulating screen would be such a helpful aid, and I assume that is how you got those first two shots with the 55mm. I can remember the self proclaimed gear pundits claiming we all had to get new lenses, because the new high rez sensors would "out resolve" the lens. Turns out it was simply hot air.
Jim
GeorgeBo wrote:
Funny, I think the same thing when you post with your 2.8 version. Grass always greener
In the 3.5 theme, I put it on a camera for my evening walk. Getting dark early. Not sure what I am going to do once the time changes in a couple weeks.
These were on a camera I shot for the first time today. Z7 II. Nice having friends in a local camera club where you can swap gear for a couple weeks.
First one from just about the same location as I posted the other day with the 16mm fisheye
All 3 were either f/3.5 or f/5.6. Of course Z cameras do not record the aperture setting and I didn't bother noting it.
Glen,
Your IR images just keep getting better and better. Don't you just love how water and sky go black in IR?
Jim
GroWeb wrote:
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Martin! It seems as though certain photos just need to be monochromatic, and I think that is one of them.
I've been enjoying the nature theme that's been showing up recently. Here are a few more infrared photos, to show something of how nature might be imagined to look through non-human eyes. The first three are from the 50 f/1.2 Ai-s, and the fourth is from the 24 f/2.8 NC, mounted on the IR-converted Fuji X-T2.
Thanks Martin. I remember you sharing the rebuild on one of your lenses, and I like the retro look.
Jim
hmzimelka wrote:
Lovely image! Pretty amazing colours!
Yeah, I have both 55mm Micro Nikons, and I love my f/3.5 versions. I also know how to service them blindfolded by now, I've done so many for myself and friends. My f/2.8 version was super crusty, dented and dirty after sitting without caps on an antique shop shelf for 10 or more years. Got it for the equivalent of under US $ 5.00
Although my custom silver polished 55/2.8 looks better, I prefer my f/3.5.
GeorgeBo wrote:
I have a love/hate (well maybe hate is too strong) relationship with the Z cameras...
I owned the Z6 for a little while when they first came out. Loved the IBIS and that they were full frame 35. Did not like the body style (personal opinion on my part I know), really did not like the original FTZ adapter and especially the part of not capturing the most basic function of recording the aperture when using the FTZ and Nikon AIS lenses.
That said, in my brief shooting yesterday, the Z 7II is a really nice camera. Using the FTZ II adapter without the tripod hump feels a lot better than I remember with the original. Still no aperture recording. I am interested to see how it performs at base ISO 64. I am going to have it a couple weeks and it should be fun to shoot. Still an ugly body
I have a Z5 which is very similar in looks to the Z6 and I agree that it's an ugly camera. However, it has the best ergonomics of any camera I've ever held. It's just perfect for my hands.
I just received a Zfc that I purchased from another forum member and I'm really liking it, too. It came to me with a SmallRig grip and it makes the camera handle very nicely. Like you, I wish it had a FF sensor, but I bought this as something to have with me all the time and wanted something lightweight. It came with the super small Z 16-50mm, so it fits the bill perfectly.
Do you still have your Zfc? I remember that you were not that fond of it. Has it grown on you?
George,
I believe Lens Tagger will let you add the f-stop after the fact.
Jim
GeorgeBo wrote:
Thanks Leighton!
I have a love/hate (well maybe hate is too strong) relationship with the Z cameras...
I owned the Z6 for a little while when they first came out. Loved the IBIS and that they were full frame 35. Did not like the body style (personal opinion on my part I know), really did not like the original FTZ adapter and especially the part of not capturing the most basic function of recording the aperture when using the FTZ and Nikon AIS lenses.
That said, in my brief shooting yesterday, the Z 7II is a really nice camera. Using the FTZ II adapter without the tripod hump feels a lot better than I remember with the original. Still no aperture recording. I am interested to see how it performs at base ISO 64. I am going to have it a couple weeks and it should be fun to shoot. Still an ugly body
I have a love/hate (well maybe hate is too strong) relationship with the Z cameras...
I owned the Z6 for a little while when they first came out. Loved the IBIS and that they were full frame 35. Did not like the body style (personal opinion on my part I know), really did not like the original FTZ adapter and especially the part of not capturing the most basic function of recording the aperture when using the FTZ and Nikon AIS lenses.
That said, in my brief shooting yesterday, the Z 7II is a really nice camera. Using the FTZ II adapter without the tripod hump feels a lot better than I remember with the original. Still no aperture recording. I am interested to see how it performs at base ISO 64. I am going to have it a couple weeks and it should be fun to shoot. Still an ugly body
Have a Z6II and admit I like the camera a lot, but generally 100% agree with most comments here. It's not that attractive, it's comfortable but "bulbous" for lack of a better word and wish it was smaller.
Just grabbed a deal on an A7S and it's great with the AIS Nikkors. Looks good, great size. Kinda miss IBIS but more for a steady view while focusing. I partly chose the A7S because you can pretty much use any ISO, so just bump the shutter for a steady photo. Plus it was a really good deal.
Couple from a foggy/misty morning yesterday with the 85mm f/1.4 AIS.
GeorgeBo wrote:
Now if the Zfc could get the Z7II sensor and IBIS then we would be talking some kit building with me Or better yet a Df/F3 F mount body with those mirrorless features. But that F mount train has left the station for good
George or Leighton, have you used a Zfc? I wasn't impressed, good IQ but felt a bit cheap in the hand. It's kinda the antithesis of classic Nikkors. Plus it NEEDS the extra grip with a lens of any mass. Even the 50mm f/1.2 AIS was unpleasant to hold/use, the Series E pancake was acceptable. Hopefully if they do add all the bells and whistles like A7II sensor and IBIS they also do a full metal chassis...
leighton w wrote:
Love how the dominate yellow changes the whole image into a different world.
Agreed Leighton, that's one reason why fall hiking is my favorite. I love the envelopment in the crisp fall air and colors. There are no grand vistas around here, so atmosphere is what I work with. The recent use of fisheyes here prompted me to get mine out and I'm glad I did. Probably a couple more FE fall pics to come, but I've got to get them to match the memory and feel in me before I upload them to share.
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SiMuMe wrote:
Shooting a bit, lately, Raymond. Your take on the forests and outings with the 25-50 really show you are enjoying yourself.
Siphiwe , I am (or have been anyway) enjoying myself immensely. Unfortunately, as much as I love October outdoors, it is one of the busier months where I work, with a lot of things due (as well as a major trade event) so everything feels rushed. Perhaps a couple more outings left in the season yet.
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GeorgeBo wrote:
I have a love/hate (well maybe hate is too strong) relationship with the Z cameras...
The Z's are kinda ugly, but sometime back someone here reminded me of how much they look like a vintage Nikon around the (False) prism housing area. Ergonomics are good with the control points, but they need more control points and more customable control points for the the Z5/6/7 series. I know controls cost extra but there's awful lot of blank space on the top deck to add a couple more control points. That or just get rid of the "mode dial" and give me back my D800 left top deck controls and custom banks.
I am fully committed to mirrorless though, so an AI aperture index converter to electronic fstop recording would be awesome for our manual focus lenses. You would think it would be simple enough for some 3rd party vendor, though economics might be another matter. I don't remember shooting apertures well enough to change it in PP via Lenstagger.
A lot of talk, now to add some MF lens images. 105mm f2.5 AIS.
I do still have the Zfc and really like it as a carry anywhere point and shoot with the 16-50mm DX lens.
The flip out screen still has not won me over but it works. I keep waiting for it to snap off, but if it hasn't yet, I think I am good
I did get a Lens Turbo II for it and it works well, but very front heavy with all that glass. But you are right, the Small Rig grip makes it much better.
It is not a bad camera for what it is. But it can be SO MUCH more. Here is hoping.
spoupard wrote:
I have a Z5 which is very similar in looks to the Z6 and I agree that it's an ugly camera. However, it has the best ergonomics of any camera I've ever held. It's just perfect for my hands.
I just received a Zfc that I purchased from another forum member and I'm really liking it, too. It came to me with a SmallRig grip and it makes the camera handle very nicely. Like you, I wish it had a FF sensor, but I bought this as something to have with me all the time and wanted something lightweight. It came with the super small Z 16-50mm, so it fits the bill perfectly.
Do you still have your Zfc? I remember that you were not that fond of it. Has it grown on you?
You are right Jim, it does allow you to input it and is really what I use the tool for. But you have to remember to actually note it in the field when shooting. Honestly yesterday I was just shooting to be shooting.
G
James Markus wrote:
George,
I believe Lens Tagger will let you add the f-stop after the fact.
Jim
Adding to my reply to Scott above... I have one, but really only use it with the 16-50 DX. Throw it in a backpack and you don't know it is there.
It also handles well with the 28mm and 40mm Z lenses, but seems a waste at least for me with the DX sensor. Yes I am a sensor size junkie
AdaptedLenses wrote:
George or Leighton, have you used a Zfc? I wasn't impressed, good IQ but felt a bit cheap in the hand. It's kinda the antithesis of classic Nikkors. Plus it NEEDS the extra grip with a lens of any mass. Even the 50mm f/1.2 AIS was unpleasant to hold/use, the Series E pancake was acceptable. Hopefully if they do add all the bells and whistles like A7II sensor and IBIS they also do a full metal chassis...
pbraymond wrote:
I am fully committed to mirrorless though, so an AI aperture index converter to electronic fstop recording would be awesome for our manual focus lenses. You would think it would be simple enough for some 3rd party vendor, though economics might be another matter. I don't remember shooting apertures well enough to change it in PP via Lenstagger.
Or better yet a Df/F3 F mount body with those mirrorless features. But that F mount train has left the station for good 
