Another interesting advantage is the extremely well made manual focus aids like for example "focus confirmation" (green focus point if focused correctly) as well as eye detection even in manual focus mode. Unfortunately that works only for lenses with electrical contacts. However there is a TT Artisan Leica 6 bit adapter. It has electrical contacts and allows the usage of the "focus confirmation" feature for Leica M lenses. The adapter will also record correct exif information for focal length and (if you set the aperture dial correctly) also the f stop. I also regularly use adapter f glass (with the ftz II adapter) and even my Sony mirrorless full frame GM lenses on the Nikon Zf using the Megadap ETZ21 adapter. So the Nikon Zf is my most universal camera at the moment. I can all my lenses on it.
I thought that eye detection worked with all adapted lenses even via a dumb adapter. Or did you mean the green focus point feature requiring electrical contacts?
@@professionalpotato4764Yes, that "green focus piont feature" (focus confirmation) works only with electrical contacts like for example with the TT Artisan 6 bit Leica M adapter.
A few more reasons: brass dials and other metal accents; face and eye detection that works with manual focus lenses (you still need to actually focus though except in the case mentioned next; with tech art af adapter you can actually AUTOFOCUS vintage lenses, like the Leica m mount lenses! Also, you can flip the lcd screen closed, protecting the screen when traveling, and creating a more film like experience to prevent chimping; so, yeah, I guess you can say I agree! I also love shooting M bodies, great in entirely different ways.
Eye detect focus point works for all manual focus lenses whether chipped or not. It will put Nikons eye AF square overt the detected eye but without focusing the lens of course. Now when you punch in to 100% (I have set the record button to do this) it will punch into the selected eye no matter where it is ion the composition. This makes it very easy to manually focus on the person's eye For instance I put my Yashica 5cm f2 M42 mount lens on to a M42-Nikon ZX mount adapter and then attached it to the Nikon ZF In the menu I set the focus area to wide and turn on the eye detect option. Now when I point the camera at a person the eye detect box immediately picks up the person's eye The Yashica lens is not chipped. It has no CPU It is not even a Nikon manual focus lens and the adapter is completely dumb. The ZF kicks serious butt.
Just tested my old 55/2.8 Micro Nikkor AIS lens with the FTZ (original) adapter on my new ZF - Eye detection works great, even animal detect works on my dog... no electronic contacts on the old 55 micro...
Great video Andrew!! In addition to the "Focus Confirmation," the Zf attempts to perform the IBIS about the focus point, and the focus point doesn't have to be at the center of the sensor (another plus for the Zf). All other cameras today always stabilize about the center of the sensor regardless of the focus point. Thanks again!!
Definitely agree- m mount glass is the way to go though if mounting manual focus lenses though. Using the ttartisan 6 bit adapter give you focus trap, focus confirmation and eye detect using m glass.
Just a quick question, I purchased the FTZII adapter 10 days ago, my Zf camera is being delivered tomorrow so I will get a chance to see how the adapter works when on the Zf. My question is this, I have several older Nikon lenses all Ai converted by Nikon. When I put on a lens the aperture remains wide open, even if I turn the aperture ring. The newer Ai-S G lenses stop all the way down to their minimum aperture when fitted, I presume I will be able to set the correct aperture when it is fitted to the Zf, But how do I set the aperture on my manual lenses, it seems it is stuck on the widest aperture. There is a small lever inside the adapter which I think will control the aperture on my manual lenses? Does the adapter require the cameras power to make it work ?
Unfortunately it sounds like you may have gotten some faulty AI conversions. As far as I know, the apertures should all mechanically stop down when moving the ring. All the body (or FTZ adapter) ever did was mechanically open and close the aperture. And IIRC the FTZs don't even have a pre-AI coupling flange, so if your lens isn't naturally stopping down on its own, the Zf is likely unable to change that...
@@vincentoliver You're contradicting yourself. "When I put on a lens the aperture remains wide open, even if I turn the aperture ring." & "All seems to be OK my Ai lenses do stop down when adjusted by the aperture."
@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism My question was posted before I had delivery of the Zf, once fitted to the camera all lenses do work perfectly - I have a large collection of Ai lenses and a few D mount lenses
I guessed all the reasons - other than mount diameter - as soon as I read the title haha. The full frame sensor certainly pushes it above a Fuji for these purposes. That 24mm Nikkor makes beautiful images!
I know it’s physics but I hate the size of the adapters needed to use legacy F-mount and other lenses. It ruins the look for me. It’s why I continue to use my Df w/ my legacy F lenses. For Fuji, I use many of my film lenses coupled to a 50R body set the shoot in 35mm mode (or my X-Pro2, but I agree with you re: using 35mm lenses on aaPS-C).
The Nikon Zf looks great and it is really nice to see the results you’ve gotten with those vintage lenses. I may try some vintage lenses but I’m staying with Fujifilm as I love the colors and form factor.
I've been using my Mamiya 80mm f1.9 lens adapted to the ZF a lot with wonderful results. By far my favorite combination, though it becomes pretty large with the adapter.
The Sony A7S offered a fantastic system for adapting vintage and m mount glass. The 12mp sensor handled those older lenses really well. Having said that, adapting old lens to the original Canon 5D Classic offers fantastic results also, and I’m guessing the size isn’t much different.
I cannot disagree with you on this, but, no matter the sensor size, we can enjoy to a certain extent all the vintage lenses. including Nikkor and especially the amazing Rokkor lenses. With which the film simulations gain a new dimension named "almost there". :P 😛
Yes. But, I would still prefer native Z mount lenses without an adapter. There are probably more now than before, but, I definitely like Voigtlander's offerings, and you get the electronic contacts, too. I agree with some others that having a somewhat ugly adapter sandwiched in-between the Zf and a nice vintage lens kind of kills the appeal, although functionally it works. For me, I think one way of maybe drawing less attention to such a lens adapter would be to use with longer telephoto lenses. The adapter's visual footprint will be greatly minimized in comparison to the camera body and large/longer lens attached. Aesthetically it may look more palpable and barely notice it. The Zf's auto subject detect and ability to quickly confirm focus with a green box and quickly zoom into focus details is quite the user experience and a treat to use.
Thanks Andrew for your insights to the Zf and especially adapting manual lenses, as I've collected 20 of them!. I have followed your channel for a long time and I know you are a Fuji fanboy so to hear you talk about this camera with so much interest makes me wonder? I am a 66 year old Fuji fangirl starting with the XT-1 and now my old XT-2. I need to replace my XT-2 now as it has too many issues. I do landscape photography often in low light and some bird photography as we have special birds here in NZ. Since your first review of the Zf I now have a choice yo make, the XT-5 or go full frame for better dynamic range and low light performance. I like the dials and film sims of the X series but the Zf is seeming very appealing now.
I have that same 24 F2 lens on my Z5 and I chipped it so it works with the cameras’ front dial. It’s a great lens, low distortion and minimal light fall off. I will buy a Zfc though because I want the smaller sensor to work with my tilt shift adapter and my longer lenses. The lack of IBIS is a pain which the Z5 and the Zf have but I might hold out for the Zfc11 and Nikon will add IBIS because they do listen to customer complaints.Enjoyed your review and I love the retro look as well and I always had black Nikons, Nikkormat and FA, FE. They were great looking cameras. Regards Gerry
Man, I've always wanted to chip a lens. I'd love to do it for my 105mm 2.5 but it's not the Gauss design so it's incompatible. part of me wonders if the youngest of revisions would work better for me (i tend to shoot portrait with it)
I sure wish Nikon would start putting a dedicated aperture dial on their glass . Or at least make a prime set of vintage style glass . Copy’s of their old Non Ai lenses with the metal scalloped lenses like Voigtlander is doing. Come on Nikon please. I use more manual vintage style lenses on my Z9 than autofocus. This is crazy cool . I too am adapting Leica M , Sony E , Nikon F and more how versatile of a mount . As for colors I think Nikons 24mp sensors have ruled . I shoot the 46 mp sensors with d850 and Z9 . They are slightly different but close . It’s their rendering I believe that’s different. I want the ZF as my daily carry everywhere camera . It does way too much . $2k is a freaking deal of deals ! Go Nikon
Thanks for the video, Andrew! Do you know if when manually focusing with Ai-S lenses, you see the green focus confirmation box? Maybe a specific Ai-S to Z adapter needs to be used? Also, do you know if aperture data shows up in the EXIF info? Thanks!
Also the 24 MP of the Zf is just about right for vintage glass being they really aren't ever sharp enough to support the 50MP+ bodies now. Great points comparing flange distances of the Nikon Z mount. You completely sold me on it. Now time to dust off my 24mm AI-S f/2 copy as well.
Your reasons are very compelling! I am aware that while Nikon doesn't have "film simulations" per se, they do have color profiles. I dont have much experience with them, but I feel like fuji is just too good in that area. And it outweighs some of the benefits of the Zf. That could be an interesting video if you haven't done it already. Comparing Fuji and Nikon "color profiles". Also would be interesting to hear your thoughts on what is the 2nd ultimate camera for vintage lenses. If it would be the Zfc or the Fujis, since there would be no Full Frame advantage. But great video!
I have a canon 24mm 2.8 fd mount lens that I really like with it. My other big fav is the legendary 105mm 2.5 (early sonnar design). It just looks so gosh dark pretty with all the chrome (and the lock/unlock ring on my adapter just happens to have a very similar color, creating a very cohesive look). Been trying to decide what other lenses I could add to my roster. of course I have a helios 44-2.
I just purchased this camera as my first Nikon after using fuji and leica for a few years. Mainly due to the price point, style, and availability. I also bought it because I think the internet might find out about this camera soon and I wanted to snag it before it's out of stock. haha! One question, though - you didn't mention any adapters worth buying. Maybe a video about those?
The best experience is by far the Nikon DF: optical viewfinder, same vintage controls, full compatibility with vintage Ais and Non-Ais lenses WITHOUT and adaptor and the greatest Nikon D4 15 MB sensor, which delivers fantastic colors and gets the most out of the vintage glass.
I just came off the Df after 10 years of solid use and now using the Zf. Zf is so way ahead of the Df. Bright viewfinder and the manual focus with eye detection is just next level. Slightly smaller body to the Df too. 24 megapixels is also a huge advantage for image cropping.
paired my zf with the zhong yi turbo ii pancake adapter looks wayyy retro! haha thanks for this u gave me an idea of what retro lenses look nice on the zf! greetings from malaysia!
Prior to watching this video, I watched your take on the Nikon Zfc, and some of the issues you were having with its build quality and feel - do those issues transfer to this camera as well (ie plasticky feel?). Btw, my first camera (which I still own) is the Nikon FE2 with the 24mmf2.8 and 85mmf2.8; I currently shoot with both D300 and D7000, and recently purchased a 1955 Mamiyaflex TLR medium format film camera! Cheers.
My main complaint is that Nikon has no native lenses with aperture rings, so you have a shutter dial, but no aperture dial? They have a 40mm vintage looking modern lens, but if I’m not mistaken there is no aperture ring. Couldn’t they make a set of 3 primes with aperture rings? I would really appreciate if someone could correct me if I’m wrong.
You can go for the Voigtländer MF native z-mount lenses. There are a few, I have the trio, made up of 40 1.2, 50 1.0 and 75 1.5. All 3 are absolutely phenomenal on the Zf, and the aperture ring takes you back in time.
It is indeed the best for vintage lenses but mostly due to being full frame so field of view remains intact. Else the overall usability is inferior to Fuji x, at least for me, (assuming we don't have PASM in mind) despite having the same form factor at first glance. One very cool feature though the Zf has is the focus assist e.g. for eye recognition even with vintage lenses.
I disagree. I used the Df for three years and the Xpro2 for four years. The Nikon FA/F4/Df/Zf way of having dials and a pasm switch is much more practical actually. For example. I typically shoot in M always. But the light changes drastically for a moment. I go indoors or in a car or something. On a Zf you flick the switch to any of the auto modes and your done. If I want to go to P on a Fuji I have to manipulate multiple dials, and IMPORTANTLY, then when I go outside again all my settings are now changed. On the Zf you go back to M and everything is where you left it. Like a type of memory mode. It’s beautiful in practice
Nice. You just right the Nikon Zf is just the perfect camera. Another question, do you don't have Fuji any more? Can you link the adpater or is this the F to Z adapter?
Those rabbit ears look a bit weird however I get your point, especially with Z to M42. I suggest you take a look at native Z Voightländer glass and some others from an amazing list of 30(?) plus third party Z lenses.
Reason #2 wouldn't it be better for APS-C sensors since they are essentially getting the center crop of the lens coverage and getting rid of the corners which is usually where the imperfections are?
It's literally a crop into the image quality of the lens. So whatever sharpness the lens provides, when you crop in or zoom in to that center area, you decrease the overall sharpness of the lense. So while maybe potentially eliminating some edge imperfections, it always comes at a cost in center image quality
The video does not address the biggest issue I have, and that is functional compatibility. My reading on the FTZ adapters is that they do not transmit any information between the AiS lenses and the camera. Auto diaphragm control? Maximum aperture? My AiS lenses work perfectly on my Df in every way. I will soon be adding chips to them so I don't even have to set the Non CPU lens data.
Zf looks delicious, is well made and screams quality but that's too expensive for what it should be, an enthusiast casual photographer ff camera. You can buy 5D mk3 or D700/ D600 / D610 used in perfect condition for 1/5 -1/7 of Zf's price. Even A7III looks affordable by comparison with the Zf. For me, what I can afford, it's still the 5D with a Zeiss C/Y prime.
I love my XT2 a LOT, and I love using vintage glass on it, like my Minolta 58, 28, Zeiss Ultron 50 and so on, but I would really like to use these lenses on full frame- with their intended field of view. Getting anything in the ~24mm equivalent is near impossible for apsc sensors. I am awaiting a speedbooster for Minolta lenses though, and I am very interested in seeing how much worse the IQ becomes with that, along with the intended fov an a camera that is not from my analog collection. The ZF sadly is not really an option for me, my stepmom has one, so naturally I tried it, and I really don't love the UI, no auto on the dials (I prefer manual with auto iso, switching to manual iso quite often though), non tilting screen and the handling really is not good in my opinion, other than that, it is a great body.
Less vibrancy, more pastel... is this the new trend? But then, less clarity, a little bit too much fogginess. Is there a Black Mist filter that it has two levels of too much effect? Would not an 1/8 be enough? Or it is the winter effect in the desert?
It seems to me that's the creators colour grading process applied to the whole video. Watch this video along side another photography video and you'll see that's the look throughout the video. You're best to look at samples from elsewhere.
Mount distance is not made for vintage design at all but to suport modern Z glass and you didn’t mentioned most important thing and that is the thickness of the sensor cover plate. Thinner plate works better with vintage glass , since glass itself is made for film and not for digital sensor
I love my Contax 50mm 1.7 on my GFX though. Feels like a pancake lens! There are loads of old primes that work quite well on the GFX system! Even with no or very little vignetting.
There is a google doc some guy made collecting all the various lenses that adapt well or don't adapt well to GFX camera's. Perhaps you already own some of them: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uxvvpxJ9QVFFyh0pW2rs9KBmUW9vlh-d-VnbcLDCTn8/edit#gid=0 @@AndrewGoodCamera
The flange distance goes both ways, it can be too short. Notice how your ZF is too front heavy? This is why I think the Leica L mount is the perfect mount for adapting vintage SLR lenses.
flange distance is no reason at all there is no film era lens that has a flange distance so short that it will be an issue on any mirrorless camera camera. I would say a shorter flange distance is con since it make the adapter larger and makes it looks more odd. the diameter of the lens mount and the image circle are also two different things. image circle is the optical. elements made to cover the size of the film or censor and have nothing to do with diameter of the lens mount. the lens mount diameter have no effect on adapting any lenses the a larger diameter only allows manufacturers to use larger optical elements but that have no effect at all when you adapt a medium format lens.
One advantage of the shortest flange distance is that you can adapt sony e mount glass to the nikon z system. Thats a pretty big deal, although I haven't tried it yet. I'm still trying to figure out how to buy this Zf camera.
I shoot a lot of m-mount lenses adapted to l-mount bodies. Since I only shoot m-mount lenses, I actually prefer the longer flange distance of the l-mount because the adapter is shorter. But that is really cool that Nikon was able to get it down to 16mm. If I ever expand my manuel lens collection, I'll have to keep that in mind. I've always been interested in shooting Nikon F glass, but I've never loved how even the pancake F-mount lenses protrude because the F-mount adapter is so long. Great video!
I would have to disagree, okay maybe Second Best digital camera for vintage lenses.... hear me out. The Zf is a brilliant FE looking camera ( I have shot FEs since the late 70s) and I love the look and handling. I would say as far as "Mirrorless" offerings, the Zf is the best with it's IBIS and 24MP BSI IBIS sensor, but when it comes to adapting Vintage lenses That is where it becomes another Fuji or any other mirrorless camera with it's limitations of aperture communication and control, totally relying on manual and aperture priority sensor metering. Only the AF-S (G) nikkors will operate with the FTZ. May I introduce the Df, This "project" or "labor of love" camera designed by the long time Nikon F series designer who made a DSLR that resembles the Zf today but was made a decade ago. The beauty of this camera is that it takes EVERY Nikkor F lens made and has aperture control and readings all the way back to the Pre (or non) Ai glass by way of it's flip up Ai tab on the mount where most DSLRs only had the permanent Ai tab ring that would break if you try to mount a pre Ai lens. Not only That, there is a focus motor in the body and screwdrive in the mount to power the D series lenses also using the Ai metering ring. Yes it is only 16MP CMOS sensor but it's the one used in the D4 which is legendary, and no it has no IBIS but it does have the D4's 3D tracking AF for the G and D lenses and focus confirmation for everything else.. So yes the Zf has all the modern chip tech, IBIS and 24MP but it is Not the best for adapting vintage lenses. It is limited by the lack of Ai, pre-Ai and D series full adaptation. In a way the Zf is the modern Df but it left out many key features that makes it a true "vintage" or retro adapting camera.... I'm still getting one tho but the Df will always be my choice for old vintage lens adaptation because of the control I have of those lenses over any mirrorless version... lets be real, vintage lenses comes from 35mm SLR/DSLR designs, no limited working FTZ required when mounting on an F mount version of the Zf, aka Nikon Df.
I have't use the Zf or really any full frame camera. For me vs my Fuji cameras the lower noise at higher ISOs is an advantage as is the better cropping ability. Otherwise, I really been enjoying the Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Leica thread mount on my Fuji cameras, minus low light(X-T30 so no ibis). In favor of APS-C if the lens has poor corners, it's less of an issue than on FF.
it's almost like i've seen this before??? o yeh, fuji already did this. it does look nice though. i think it's a bit expensive and the sensor is a bit outdated for the price, but anyway.
ZF falls short of vintage Nikkor cameras. 35mm film presents almost 140 megapixels worth of line pairs. Too bad Nikon offered only 24 mpx with this ZF. If anything, Nikon needs a ZA mirrorless, high megapixel photography focused camera (replacing its F series [FM, FE…etc]) that accommodates Ai-S (and F and Z lenses) with full cpu readout (like the D850 offered.). The VTZ adapter would need to be metal and create a seamless pair with vintage metal lenses. Then Nikkor analog aficionados and new photography students would have the tool to use / learn full manual skills resulting in film quality images. No need for video features in my book…or just basic video features at best… enough to learn about pulling focus and 180 shutter angle and exposure control. Such a camera would crush the market and make Nikon a front leader in innovation and interchangeable lens sales again.
@@Nypher91 I'm sure the ZF is great but so is the Z6. I'm tired of the new camera treadmill. Its fun and cool but does nothing for my photography. I will see where I am when my Z6 dies and most likely get a used ZF unless I find a need that can only be filled with something else, I go back to Fuji , 4x5 , medium format film or digital. It's all produces similar results though due to the person behind the camera. The lenses make a bigger difference and that doesnt always come from the newest or most expensive.
@@0_Edgar_Allan_Poe don't get me wrong the z6 is still an amazing camera. I am a fan of retro styl and i am glad that nikon just get the zf out. If the Zf doesn't exists I would go with fuji.
Sorry, but with small lenses like you did attache on the camera , it looks just awful when having to attache them via adapter -- makes them look clumsy and too long ! Unfortunately that is not an elegant solution at all, so in this regard the ZF looks way better with small Leica m-mount lenses ( still not, amazing since even then it needs an adapter which has a much bigger diameter on the one end - towards the camera - then the lens itself of course ). Somehow it is a compromise -- and i rather like to use it with m-mount compatible lenses and smaller adapter ! ( but then -- I. do not even have an ZF yet 🤣 )
Sorry, but the points about the flange distance and bayonet diameter are such nonsense, it seems to me. Tell me, which vintage glass cannot be installed on some Fuji or Olympus (mirrorless) because of the flange distance, but with this Nikon it is possible? The same goes for the reliability of the lens mount - all really heavy glasses have a separate hole for a tripod. And if we are talking about your hands, it will be inconvenient for you to hold the camera by the body if the glass is heavy, regardless of the diameter of the bayonet. First dislike on the channel. With Fuji, you played with film stimulation and thereby tried to change the original colors, and now you say that the colors here are “the most real.” Basically the summary: it's the best because of the design. Yes, it's better than Fuji, because it's full frame.
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Another interesting advantage is the extremely well made manual focus aids like for example "focus confirmation" (green focus point if focused correctly) as well as eye detection even in manual focus mode. Unfortunately that works only for lenses with electrical contacts. However there is a TT Artisan Leica 6 bit adapter. It has electrical contacts and allows the usage of the "focus confirmation" feature for Leica M lenses. The adapter will also record correct exif information for focal length and (if you set the aperture dial correctly) also the f stop. I also regularly use adapter f glass (with the ftz II adapter) and even my Sony mirrorless full frame GM lenses on the Nikon Zf using the Megadap ETZ21 adapter. So the Nikon Zf is my most universal camera at the moment. I can all my lenses on it.
Good to know about the TT Artisan adapter!
I didn't even know about that. Thanks for the comment!
I thought that eye detection worked with all adapted lenses even via a dumb adapter. Or did you mean the green focus point feature requiring electrical contacts?
@@professionalpotato4764Yes, that "green focus piont feature" (focus confirmation) works only with electrical contacts like for example with the TT Artisan 6 bit Leica M adapter.
@@professionalpotato4764 subject detection works with ANY lens.
A few more reasons: brass dials and other metal accents; face and eye detection that works with manual focus lenses (you still need to actually focus though except in the case mentioned next; with tech art af adapter you can actually AUTOFOCUS vintage lenses, like the Leica m mount lenses! Also, you can flip the lcd screen closed, protecting the screen when traveling, and creating a more film like experience to prevent chimping; so, yeah, I guess you can say I agree! I also love shooting M bodies, great in entirely different ways.
Subject detect even with dumb adapters is a HUGE reason why ZF is the best for vintage.
Eye detect focus point works for all manual focus lenses whether chipped or not. It will put Nikons eye AF square overt the detected eye but without focusing the lens of course. Now when you punch in to 100% (I have set the record button to do this) it will punch into the selected eye no matter where it is ion the composition. This makes it very easy to manually focus on the person's eye
For instance I put my Yashica 5cm f2 M42 mount lens on to a M42-Nikon ZX mount adapter and then attached it to the Nikon ZF
In the menu I set the focus area to wide and turn on the eye detect option. Now when I point the camera at a person the eye detect box immediately picks up the person's eye
The Yashica lens is not chipped. It has no CPU It is not even a Nikon manual focus lens and the adapter is completely dumb. The ZF kicks serious butt.
Eye recognition in manual focus it's a great thing.
only works with electronic contacts, some adapters do exist that allow for this
@@CianMcsweeney That's sad... I have a collection of vintage manual lenses, so I thought it would work in full manual lenses. Thanks!
Just tested my old 55/2.8 Micro Nikkor AIS lens with the FTZ (original) adapter on my new ZF - Eye detection works great, even animal detect works on my dog... no electronic contacts on the old 55 micro...
Great video Andrew!! In addition to the "Focus Confirmation," the Zf attempts to perform the IBIS about the focus point, and the focus point doesn't have to be at the center of the sensor (another plus for the Zf). All other cameras today always stabilize about the center of the sensor regardless of the focus point. Thanks again!!
Definitely agree- m mount glass is the way to go though if mounting manual focus lenses though. Using the ttartisan 6 bit adapter give you focus trap, focus confirmation and eye detect using m glass.
Just a quick question, I purchased the FTZII adapter 10 days ago, my Zf camera is being delivered tomorrow so I will get a chance to see how the adapter works when on the Zf.
My question is this, I have several older Nikon lenses all Ai converted by Nikon. When I put on a lens the aperture remains wide open, even if I turn the aperture ring. The newer Ai-S G lenses stop all the way down to their minimum aperture when fitted, I presume I will be able to set the correct aperture when it is fitted to the Zf, But how do I set the aperture on my manual lenses, it seems it is stuck on the widest aperture. There is a small lever inside the adapter which I think will control the aperture on my manual lenses? Does the adapter require the cameras power to make it work ?
Unfortunately it sounds like you may have gotten some faulty AI conversions. As far as I know, the apertures should all mechanically stop down when moving the ring. All the body (or FTZ adapter) ever did was mechanically open and close the aperture. And IIRC the FTZs don't even have a pre-AI coupling flange, so if your lens isn't naturally stopping down on its own, the Zf is likely unable to change that...
All seems to be OK my Ai lenses do stop down when adjusted by the aperture ring.@@MatthewSaville
@@vincentoliver You're contradicting yourself.
"When I put on a lens the aperture remains wide open, even if I turn the aperture ring."
&
"All seems to be OK my Ai lenses do stop down when adjusted by the aperture."
@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism My question was posted before I had delivery of the Zf, once fitted to the camera all lenses do work perfectly - I have a large collection of Ai lenses and a few D mount lenses
Excellent points, I totally agree with you and why I purchased Zf to use my A-is lenses.
I guessed all the reasons - other than mount diameter - as soon as I read the title haha. The full frame sensor certainly pushes it above a Fuji for these purposes. That 24mm Nikkor makes beautiful images!
The zf is a Beautiful match for vintage lenses, thanks for the video
I know it’s physics but I hate the size of the adapters needed to use legacy F-mount and other lenses. It ruins the look for me. It’s why I continue to use my Df w/ my legacy F lenses.
For Fuji, I use many of my film lenses coupled to a 50R body set the shoot in 35mm mode (or my X-Pro2, but I agree with you re: using 35mm lenses on aaPS-C).
Try the URTH brand
The Nikon Zf looks great and it is really nice to see the results you’ve gotten with those vintage lenses. I may try some vintage lenses but I’m staying with Fujifilm as I love the colors and form factor.
Love this camera. And the hair looks great Andrew.
thanks my friend. :)
Nice thoughts, thanks! What’s your adapter please?
I've been using my Mamiya 80mm f1.9 lens adapted to the ZF a lot with wonderful results. By far my favorite combination, though it becomes pretty large with the adapter.
The Sony A7S offered a fantastic system for adapting vintage and m mount glass. The 12mp sensor handled those older lenses really well. Having said that, adapting old lens to the original Canon 5D Classic offers fantastic results also, and I’m guessing the size isn’t much different.
Yep. I use the Sony A7s mark 1. Love it.
Glad to hear you like the Zf, I remember how disappointed you were with the Zfc
I cannot disagree with you on this, but, no matter the sensor size, we can enjoy to a certain extent all the vintage lenses. including Nikkor and especially the amazing Rokkor lenses. With which the film simulations gain a new dimension named "almost there". :P 😛
Yes. But, I would still prefer native Z mount lenses without an adapter. There are probably more now than before, but, I definitely like Voigtlander's offerings, and you get the electronic contacts, too.
I agree with some others that having a somewhat ugly adapter sandwiched in-between the Zf and a nice vintage lens kind of kills the appeal, although functionally it works.
For me, I think one way of maybe drawing less attention to such a lens adapter would be to use with longer telephoto lenses. The adapter's visual footprint will be greatly minimized in comparison to the camera body and large/longer lens attached. Aesthetically it may look more palpable and barely notice it.
The Zf's auto subject detect and ability to quickly confirm focus with a green box and quickly zoom into focus details is quite the user experience and a treat to use.
I got you beat: NIKON F3 , the real deal. Lenses fit better , M42 and Leica M too .
Thanks Andrew for your insights to the Zf and especially adapting manual lenses, as I've collected 20 of them!. I have followed your channel for a long time and I know you are a Fuji fanboy so to hear you talk about this camera with so much interest makes me wonder? I am a 66 year old Fuji fangirl starting with the XT-1 and now my old XT-2. I need to replace my XT-2 now as it has too many issues. I do landscape photography often in low light and some bird photography as we have special birds here in NZ. Since your first review of the Zf I now have a choice yo make, the XT-5 or go full frame for better dynamic range and low light performance. I like the dials and film sims of the X series but the Zf is seeming very appealing now.
I have that same 24 F2 lens on my Z5 and I chipped it so it works with the cameras’ front dial. It’s a great lens, low distortion and minimal light fall off. I will buy a Zfc though because I want the smaller sensor to work with my tilt shift adapter and my longer lenses. The lack of IBIS is a pain which the Z5 and the Zf have but I might hold out for the Zfc11 and Nikon will add IBIS because they do listen to customer complaints.Enjoyed your review and I love the retro look as well and I always had black Nikons, Nikkormat and FA, FE. They were great looking cameras. Regards Gerry
Man, I've always wanted to chip a lens. I'd love to do it for my 105mm 2.5 but it's not the Gauss design so it's incompatible. part of me wonders if the youngest of revisions would work better for me (i tend to shoot portrait with it)
What type of adapter is the best for nikon vintage lens?
My Fujifilm xpro3 with a SMC Takumar 23mm also looks great and I can use the aperture
I sure wish Nikon would start putting a dedicated aperture dial on their glass . Or at least make a prime set of vintage style glass . Copy’s of their old Non Ai lenses with the metal scalloped lenses like Voigtlander is doing.
Come on Nikon please.
I use more manual vintage style lenses on my Z9 than autofocus. This is crazy cool .
I too am adapting Leica M , Sony E , Nikon F and more how versatile of a mount .
As for colors I think Nikons 24mp sensors have ruled . I shoot the 46 mp sensors with d850 and Z9 . They are slightly different but close . It’s their rendering I believe that’s different.
I want the ZF as my daily carry everywhere camera . It does way too much . $2k is a freaking deal of deals ! Go Nikon
I agree
Thanks for the video, Andrew! Do you know if when manually focusing with Ai-S lenses, you see the green focus confirmation box? Maybe a specific Ai-S to Z adapter needs to be used? Also, do you know if aperture data shows up in the EXIF info? Thanks!
The green box does appear. Aperture is not passed to EXIF data
@@AndrewGoodCamera Thanks!
Also the 24 MP of the Zf is just about right for vintage glass being they really aren't ever sharp enough to support the 50MP+ bodies now. Great points comparing flange distances of the Nikon Z mount. You completely sold me on it. Now time to dust off my 24mm AI-S f/2 copy as well.
Your reasons are very compelling!
I am aware that while Nikon doesn't have "film simulations" per se, they do have color profiles. I dont have much experience with them, but I feel like fuji is just too good in that area. And it outweighs some of the benefits of the Zf. That could be an interesting video if you haven't done it already. Comparing Fuji and Nikon "color profiles".
Also would be interesting to hear your thoughts on what is the 2nd ultimate camera for vintage lenses. If it would be the Zfc or the Fujis, since there would be no Full Frame advantage.
But great video!
I have a canon 24mm 2.8 fd mount lens that I really like with it.
My other big fav is the legendary 105mm 2.5 (early sonnar design). It just looks so gosh dark pretty with all the chrome (and the lock/unlock ring on my adapter just happens to have a very similar color, creating a very cohesive look). Been trying to decide what other lenses I could add to my roster. of course I have a helios 44-2.
Your KEH code did not work for me. Do you have an updated one?
I just purchased this camera as my first Nikon after using fuji and leica for a few years. Mainly due to the price point, style, and availability. I also bought it because I think the internet might find out about this camera soon and I wanted to snag it before it's out of stock. haha! One question, though - you didn't mention any adapters worth buying. Maybe a video about those?
Great images, and its a great camera, period.
The best experience is by far the Nikon DF: optical viewfinder, same vintage controls, full compatibility with vintage Ais and Non-Ais lenses WITHOUT and adaptor and the greatest Nikon D4 15 MB sensor, which delivers fantastic colors and gets the most out of the vintage glass.
I just came off the Df after 10 years of solid use and now using the Zf. Zf is so way ahead of the Df. Bright viewfinder and the manual focus with eye detection is just next level. Slightly smaller body to the Df too. 24 megapixels is also a huge advantage for image cropping.
The adapter ruins it for me.
The Nikon adapter is so big. I hate it. That’s why I adapt m mount glass. The adapter is 25% of this size making it much more portable.
@@D.Trider Thats what I would do. Sucks we gotta compromise tho.
@@oetproductions8101 honestly the iq is better with m mount glass than older ais nikon glass. So not much of a compromise!
How is the sensor stack compared with SL cameras? Any quality loss in the edge and corner?@@D.Trider
@@shawnj8765 no, not anything you’d ever notice or even need to worry about.
Looks like a great camera for these lenses! How would you rate the 24mm f2 on Zf compared to the 16mm f1.4 on Fuji?
It's different. The Fuji 16 is higher quality and more surgical. Much sharper. And it can focus closer. The Nikkor definitely gives a vintage vibe.
paired my zf with the zhong yi turbo ii pancake adapter looks wayyy retro! haha thanks for this u gave me an idea of what retro lenses look nice on the zf! greetings from malaysia!
doesnt that reduce the focal length as well? is it any use with a full frame rather than apsc?
@@Cleverconveyence nope,zhong yi turbo ii extends it if ur apsc , try it hehe
Prior to watching this video, I watched your take on the Nikon Zfc, and some of the issues you were having with its build quality and feel - do those issues transfer to this camera as well (ie plasticky feel?). Btw, my first camera (which I still own) is the Nikon FE2 with the 24mmf2.8 and 85mmf2.8; I currently shoot with both D300 and D7000, and recently purchased a 1955 Mamiyaflex TLR medium format film camera! Cheers.
My main complaint is that Nikon has no native lenses with aperture rings, so you have a shutter dial, but no aperture dial? They have a 40mm vintage looking modern lens, but if I’m not mistaken there is no aperture ring. Couldn’t they make a set of 3 primes with aperture rings?
I would really appreciate if someone could correct me if I’m wrong.
You can go for the Voigtländer MF native z-mount lenses. There are a few, I have the trio, made up of 40 1.2, 50 1.0 and 75 1.5. All 3 are absolutely phenomenal on the Zf, and the aperture ring takes you back in time.
It is indeed the best for vintage lenses but mostly due to being full frame so field of view remains intact. Else the overall usability is inferior to Fuji x, at least for me, (assuming we don't have PASM in mind) despite having the same form factor at first glance. One very cool feature though the Zf has is the focus assist e.g. for eye recognition even with vintage lenses.
I disagree. I used the Df for three years and the Xpro2 for four years. The Nikon FA/F4/Df/Zf way of having dials and a pasm switch is much more practical actually.
For example. I typically shoot in M always. But the light changes drastically for a moment. I go indoors or in a car or something. On a Zf you flick the switch to any of the auto modes and your done. If I want to go to P on a Fuji I have to manipulate multiple dials, and IMPORTANTLY, then when I go outside again all my settings are now changed. On the Zf you go back to M and everything is where you left it. Like a type of memory mode. It’s beautiful in practice
@@tor2919 that is the beauty of choices I guess. Whatever works for each one :)
Nice. You just right the Nikon Zf is just the perfect camera. Another question, do you don't have Fuji any more? Can you link the adpater or is this the F to Z adapter?
Those rabbit ears look a bit weird however I get your point, especially with Z to M42. I suggest you take a look at native Z Voightländer glass and some others from an amazing list of 30(?) plus third party Z lenses.
I miss the Df and my series E 55mm 1.2 with the gorgeous scalloped metal focus ring. Sigh.. Having manual focus peaking in the VF is nice though...
Hey Andrew, for printing purposes, can you tell a huge difference in IQ from Fuji, also with vintage glass?
Hair looks great my guy!!
Thanks! :)
Reason #2 wouldn't it be better for APS-C sensors since they are essentially getting the center crop of the lens coverage and getting rid of the corners which is usually where the imperfections are?
It's literally a crop into the image quality of the lens. So whatever sharpness the lens provides, when you crop in or zoom in to that center area, you decrease the overall sharpness of the lense. So while maybe potentially eliminating some edge imperfections, it always comes at a cost in center image quality
Can you use a more slimline adapter?
Also the flange range is the smallest of all mirrorless cameras.
Bruh. It's like you watched my video! ;)
I do not grasp the fantastication with vintage lens on new cameras but then again I love cars/trucks from the 50's and 60's. Go Figure ;)
The video does not address the biggest issue I have, and that is functional compatibility. My reading on the FTZ adapters is that they do not transmit any information between the AiS lenses and the camera. Auto diaphragm control? Maximum aperture? My AiS lenses work perfectly on my Df in every way. I will soon be adding chips to them so I don't even have to set the Non CPU lens data.
Lovely photos 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Zf looks delicious, is well made and screams quality but that's too expensive for what it should be, an enthusiast casual photographer ff camera. You can buy 5D mk3 or D700/ D600 / D610 used in perfect condition for 1/5 -1/7 of Zf's price. Even A7III looks affordable by comparison with the Zf. For me, what I can afford, it's still the 5D with a Zeiss C/Y prime.
I love my XT2 a LOT, and I love using vintage glass on it, like my Minolta 58, 28, Zeiss Ultron 50 and so on, but I would really like to use these lenses on full frame- with their intended field of view. Getting anything in the ~24mm equivalent is near impossible for apsc sensors. I am awaiting a speedbooster for Minolta lenses though, and I am very interested in seeing how much worse the IQ becomes with that, along with the intended fov an a camera that is not from my analog collection.
The ZF sadly is not really an option for me, my stepmom has one, so naturally I tried it, and I really don't love the UI, no auto on the dials (I prefer manual with auto iso, switching to manual iso quite often though), non tilting screen and the handling really is not good in my opinion, other than that, it is a great body.
I read about sensor stack thickness as well (at least related to M mount). Is that applicable here?
I use mount all the time and it’s perfect.
Less vibrancy, more pastel... is this the new trend? But then, less clarity, a little bit too much fogginess. Is there a Black Mist filter that it has two levels of too much effect? Would not an 1/8 be enough? Or it is the winter effect in the desert?
It seems to me that's the creators colour grading process applied to the whole video. Watch this video along side another photography video and you'll see that's the look throughout the video. You're best to look at samples from elsewhere.
Nice video, as always 😊
Thanks!
Mount distance is not made for vintage design at all but to suport modern Z glass and you didn’t mentioned most important thing and that is the thickness of the sensor cover plate. Thinner plate works better with vintage glass , since glass itself is made for film and not for digital sensor
You forgot the eminent Techart AF adapter from Nikon Z to Leica M mount and then you have AF with almost all old lenses.
I love my Contax 50mm 1.7 on my GFX though. Feels like a pancake lens!
There are loads of old primes that work quite well on the GFX system!
Even with no or very little vignetting.
Very cool. I'll have to check out the Contax 50mm 1.7
There is a google doc some guy made collecting all the various lenses that adapt well or don't adapt well to GFX camera's.
Perhaps you already own some of them: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uxvvpxJ9QVFFyh0pW2rs9KBmUW9vlh-d-VnbcLDCTn8/edit#gid=0
@@AndrewGoodCamera
I’d like one too but I already have too many cameras and lenses….
right amount of cameras are of course the amount you have plus one more
there's no such thing as too many cameras and lenses 😜
The flange distance goes both ways, it can be too short. Notice how your ZF is too front heavy? This is why I think the Leica L mount is the perfect mount for adapting vintage SLR lenses.
My only gripe and why I can’t drop the bucks, that flip out screen I hate them.
dont use the screen and go with the EVF 😀
flange distance is no reason at all there is no film era lens that has a flange distance so short that it will be an issue on any mirrorless camera camera.
I would say a shorter flange distance is con since it make the adapter larger and makes it looks more odd.
the diameter of the lens mount and the image circle are also two different things.
image circle is the optical. elements made to cover the size of the film or censor and have nothing to do with diameter of the lens mount.
the lens mount diameter have no effect on adapting any lenses the a larger diameter only allows manufacturers to use larger optical elements but that have no effect at all when you adapt a medium format lens.
One advantage of the shortest flange distance is that you can adapt sony e mount glass to the nikon z system. Thats a pretty big deal, although I haven't tried it yet. I'm still trying to figure out how to buy this
Zf camera.
Looks very nice, but I hate camera straps, so the lack of a decent grip (like a film SLR) is a downer.
You forgot it's best unique feature: subject detection with manual lenses
I shoot a lot of m-mount lenses adapted to l-mount bodies. Since I only shoot m-mount lenses, I actually prefer the longer flange distance of the l-mount because the adapter is shorter. But that is really cool that Nikon was able to get it down to 16mm. If I ever expand my manuel lens collection, I'll have to keep that in mind. I've always been interested in shooting Nikon F glass, but I've never loved how even the pancake F-mount lenses protrude because the F-mount adapter is so long. Great video!
damn that song at the end is sorta stressful. Sounds like 2 songs at different BPMs
Hope canon would do something like this as well
There is some magic to vintage lenses that modern lenses don't have. The images look 3D.
that's pure nonsense lol
@@_rhapsodist your answer is obviously based on inexperience my friend
Vewy intewesting. But how about the Zf in general? Anything you'd want to improve?
Thank you!
I would have to disagree, okay maybe Second Best digital camera for vintage lenses.... hear me out.
The Zf is a brilliant FE looking camera ( I have shot FEs since the late 70s) and I love the look and handling. I would say as far as "Mirrorless" offerings, the Zf is the best with it's IBIS and 24MP BSI IBIS sensor, but when it comes to adapting Vintage lenses That is where it becomes another Fuji or any other mirrorless camera with it's limitations of aperture communication and control, totally relying on manual and aperture priority sensor metering. Only the AF-S (G) nikkors will operate with the FTZ.
May I introduce the Df, This "project" or "labor of love" camera designed by the long time Nikon F series designer who made a DSLR that resembles the Zf today but was made a decade ago. The beauty of this camera is that it takes EVERY Nikkor F lens made and has aperture control and readings all the way back to the Pre (or non) Ai glass by way of it's flip up Ai tab on the mount where most DSLRs only had the permanent Ai tab ring that would break if you try to mount a pre Ai lens. Not only That, there is a focus motor in the body and screwdrive in the mount to power the D series lenses also using the Ai metering ring. Yes it is only 16MP CMOS sensor but it's the one used in the D4 which is legendary, and no it has no IBIS but it does have the D4's 3D tracking AF for the G and D lenses and focus confirmation for everything else..
So yes the Zf has all the modern chip tech, IBIS and 24MP but it is Not the best for adapting vintage lenses. It is limited by the lack of Ai, pre-Ai and D series full adaptation. In a way the Zf is the modern Df but it left out many key features that makes it a true "vintage" or retro adapting camera.... I'm still getting one tho but the Df will always be my choice for old vintage lens adaptation because of the control I have of those lenses over any mirrorless version... lets be real, vintage lenses comes from 35mm SLR/DSLR designs, no limited working FTZ required when mounting on an F mount version of the Zf, aka Nikon Df.
The adapter size kills it for me. Everything else is great.
That adapter is way to big and absolutely kills the aesthetic of the camera. Good lord.
Just a shame Nikon decided to put a flip out screen on it instead of a tilt
I have't use the Zf or really any full frame camera. For me vs my Fuji cameras the lower noise at higher ISOs is an advantage as is the better cropping ability. Otherwise, I really been enjoying the Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Leica thread mount on my Fuji cameras, minus low light(X-T30 so no ibis). In favor of APS-C if the lens has poor corners, it's less of an issue than on FF.
it's almost like i've seen this before??? o yeh, fuji already did this. it does look nice though. i think it's a bit expensive and the sensor is a bit outdated for the price, but anyway.
think again
ok, i just did, and yup, diddo.@@_rhapsodist
ZF falls short of vintage Nikkor cameras. 35mm film presents almost 140 megapixels worth of line pairs.
Too bad Nikon offered only 24 mpx with this ZF.
If anything, Nikon needs a ZA mirrorless, high megapixel photography focused camera (replacing its F series [FM, FE…etc]) that accommodates Ai-S (and F and Z lenses) with full cpu readout (like the D850 offered.). The VTZ adapter would need to be metal and create a seamless pair with vintage metal lenses.
Then Nikkor analog aficionados and new photography students would have the tool to use / learn full manual skills resulting in film quality images.
No need for video features in my book…or just basic video features at best… enough to learn about pulling focus and 180 shutter angle and exposure control.
Such a camera would crush the market and make Nikon a front leader in innovation and interchangeable lens sales again.
I use a Voightlander 65mm f2 on my Z6. Would love to pair it with a ZF, but cant justify a new body when the Z6 is all I need.
Sell the Z6 and take the Zf. The Zf is really a stunning camera and it makes fun to photograph with it.
@@Nypher91 I'm sure the ZF is great but so is the Z6. I'm tired of the new camera treadmill. Its fun and cool but does nothing for my photography. I will see where I am when my Z6 dies and most likely get a used ZF unless I find a need that can only be filled with something else, I go back to Fuji , 4x5 , medium format film or digital. It's all produces similar results though due to the person behind the camera. The lenses make a bigger difference and that doesnt always come from the newest or most expensive.
@@0_Edgar_Allan_Poe Yes sure but i use only old lenses with my Zf and with a Z6 i would never use it 🙂
@@Nypher91 I get that. Focus peak is good enough for me so the Z6 is fine. Still easier than film camera focus.
@@0_Edgar_Allan_Poe don't get me wrong the z6 is still an amazing camera. I am a fan of retro styl and i am glad that nikon just get the zf out. If the Zf doesn't exists I would go with fuji.
its ugly with this adapter... only leica m lenses are paired nice.
Exactly the same thoughts... the adapter is ugly.
True
Vintage lenses look horrid with that adapter.
This flare from the lamp behind you looks like dirty greasy lens. Really disturbing. Except for that great video.
he is probably using a mist filter on the camera filming him
zf huge viewfinder is such a big turn off
I don’t like any kind of adapter except made by Nikon itself, other 3-party adapters cause dusts into the camera more easily.
What an ugly combo with the smaller dia lenses to the Z mount. Seems like a solution to a never asked question.
Dont cry.
Andrew… wow that look ah?
The look is the least important. Only added value.
Sorry, but with small lenses like you did attache on the camera , it looks just awful when having to attache them via adapter -- makes them look clumsy and too long !
Unfortunately that is not an elegant solution at all, so in this regard the ZF looks way better with small Leica m-mount lenses ( still not, amazing since even then it needs an adapter which has a much bigger diameter on the one end - towards the camera - then the lens itself of course ).
Somehow it is a compromise -- and i rather like to use it with m-mount compatible lenses and smaller adapter !
( but then -- I. do not even have an ZF yet 🤣 )
Sorry, but the points about the flange distance and bayonet diameter are such nonsense, it seems to me. Tell me, which vintage glass cannot be installed on some Fuji or Olympus (mirrorless) because of the flange distance, but with this Nikon it is possible? The same goes for the reliability of the lens mount - all really heavy glasses have a separate hole for a tripod. And if we are talking about your hands, it will be inconvenient for you to hold the camera by the body if the glass is heavy, regardless of the diameter of the bayonet. First dislike on the channel. With Fuji, you played with film stimulation and thereby tried to change the original colors, and now you say that the colors here are “the most real.” Basically the summary: it's the best because of the design. Yes, it's better than Fuji, because it's full frame.