Mathieu18 wrote:
Occasional lurker, first time poster with a question for this fine group. I’ve had some NAI Nikkors for a while (24/2.8, 35/2, 50/2, 55/3.5 & 105/2.5). I’ve used them on Sony’s plenty, and some other AiS lenses on a D610 and D800 fairly briefly. Now to my question, I’ve stared longingly at a Df for some time. The focus confirmation is nice, and I know split prisms exist, but still seems Sony with it’s EVF is a better platform for MF glass. Now Im not here to try an argument, rather I’m hoping you will all help me make a poor decision and grab a Df! Alternatively a Z6 is looking tempting, if only for the Non-CPU Lens Data programming.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice!
Hey Matt (and fellow North Carolinian),
I had the Df since it's release date at the end of November 2013 and used it almost exclusively with Nikkor manual focus lenses. Used D8xx cameras for autofocus and video. I just sold and shipped off my Df yesterday to help fund the Z6 purchase. I plan on using the Z6 with FTZ adapter for my manual focus collection. Did not order a Z lens.
My experience with the Df was extremely positive. Most lenses were easy to focus with the exception of some slower mf zoom lenses. I did install a focusingscreen.com K3 split prism screen and that really brought back the feel of the older film cameras that I started out with back in the 80's.
I also, like others on this thread have tried mirrorless bodies with these great old lenses. I went down the Fuji route for a couple years and had a generally positive experience there after some hit and miss adapters. The focus peaking was a life saver for quick critical focus. And I emphasize "quick" because given a slower workflow I could achieve the same critical focus with the Df. But at the end of the day I just missed the full frame character of these lenses on a crop sensor body. For some reason I never went the Sony route so I can't comment on that.
Given all that above, I have to mention that at least for me and a few others on this thread, Nikon hit the mark with the viewfinder/focus screen combination of the Nikon D850. For some reason it is much better and provides quick manual focus with these old lenses. For lack of a better term, it just pops. If you have the opportunity you should really get some hands on time with one.
I am looking forward to the Z6 and decided on it for two or three main reasons (didn't need the high megapixel count of the Z7 since I have the D850). The focus peaking, full frame, and IBIS. I have a number of fast long primes (135/2, 200/2, 300/2.8 etc) and I am anxious to being able to use them more efficiently on the Z6. Especially low light wildlife shooting down east and the Outer Banks. I do have the great 200-500mm auto focus lens but something keeps me coming back to manual focus and will still be able to use it on the FTZ adapter and D850 for those birds in flight trips.
