Thanks for your perspective on the Df. I am a retired photographer and love the Df because it harkens back to the same cameras I began my career with and were designed by Tetsuro Goto, whose swansong in camera design this unit represents. The big mistake is to compare it to contemporary cameras - to me, that's not the point. It is an homage to those cameras, and not intended to be a 'hipster' camera or a replacement for a modern camera. I still shoot Ca non, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus and Sony and they are all great tools, and technically superior, but that's not the point of the Df: when I want to savor the experience and enjoy the process of taking an image in its own right, I reach for the Df. It's not about the tech, it's about the experience... The camera is a reflection of a strong thread within Japanese culture called Wabi-Sabi - which embraces imperfection, accepts that things age and seeks to work within those constraints. So, the so-called failures of the camera are a harkening back to both the era and Japanese culture - something not a lot of digital natives will be familiar with. I have never had an issue with focusing, but I use single point centre focus, with the AF-ON button assigned to BBF and the EF-L assigned to Exposure lock. So, I set the exposure, then place the centre on the point of focus, lock it, compose and shoot. It takes far longer to explain that to execute!
This camera aged extremely well. I wouldn't by a D4 today. I DID buy this one 4 weeks ago. You hit the nail on the head unknowingly talking about the Zf. The Z mount and the EVF kills the entire idea. The Df is and will remain so unique with the analog dails, the small form factor, the OVF and the f mount. Plus the sensor paired with the older lenses also gets you closer the the "film look" in your images, not only in shooting experience. And there's your recepit for high, used priced.
I have a silver version Df, it’s the only DSLR body I kept after converting to mirrorless, love the images and how it feels in hand. Sitting next to my new Zf, it still looks sexy.
I have a DF paired with a Nikkor 35 mm f2 D and the af is great. With a 50 mm 1.4G works perfectly. And the colors and the character of the photos are outstanding. Also in low light is a great camera. Went to many concerts and it is absolutely smashes newer cameras.
That intro will be in the history books!!! LOL. & yes,,,,, I do love my Df. Interesting, I have no focusing issues at all but must admit I am primarily a center focus kind of guy. Total tool for me. Takes me back to my Fm days. Feels just right.
I've been contemplating the DF for the last 3 years and you've helped me cure my GAS! (Verdict, I wish there was a D850 in a DF body, the DF is in my opinion the best looking digital camera ever made)
I never understood why Nikon didn't take making retro style digital cameras more seriously. the Z FC looks great also, and yet most of their modern cameras don't look great at all
I'm an old Olympus shooter, with a new OM-2 back then. Twenty years ago I went digitally with Nikon, and bought a lot of Nikon analog cameras and the best lenses from that era. Then I went to m43 when it arrived, with the Metabones Speedbooster to use with Nikon glasses. I have analog MF and LF cameras, but I missed a real Nikon FX camera. Two years ago I found a nearly unused one. When you mention the Split screen to Df, I'm gonna get one. I already have it on my Canon 5D MkIi (with Nikon F adapter). Yes, I bought it first, a nearly unused studio camera, nearly just for Nikon F optics and T&S. I'll do mostly B&W with all of my stuff, and nearly all with manual lenses. I think Nikon Df might go down in history as a collector item. Big thanks for a nice review.
That intro was hilarious! Love the ironic over-the-top vibes. Also I don't understand why the D850 and even this Df are so adored when in my opinion the sensor in the D700 is Nikons best ever
I looked at d700s on eBay for fun (I already have too many bodies) and the shutter count on them were all super high. Which means they were all well loved and used. But probably won’t last that much longer.
@@sonholee5769 Don't concern yourself with the shutter count too much. Mine is well past 200,000 and still going strong. I know someone that has more than 350,000 and has had no issues
Love mine. Sold my silver one 18 months ago, immediately regretted it and bought a black one (from MPB). I agree with most of the findings expressed in this video, except two: I personally find the electronic rangefinder very reliable, even with my fastest lenses. And I find the AF very adequate, even in low light, as long as you pick contrasty edges. I tried the third party split screen hack, and messed up the viewfinder in the process (dust specks, finger smudge). Not worth the hassle, hard to see and less precise than the electronic rangefinder. I also have an issue with drive selector getting switched too easily onto continuous. That one certainly deserved a lock. Also annoying: the eye cup is not locked in the same way as on D850, and unscrews way too easily, begging to fall off without you noticing. Had to replace mine 3 times. But all in all, the Df is probably my preferred DSLR of all time, and the IQ always makes me smile. You should try it with a Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF2 rather than that cute Voigtlander. That is one of the best combos ever. Thanks again for your very entertaining and informative photo walks!
Las cámaras nunca se hacen viejas, nos hacemos viejos los fotógrafos. Todavía hay Leica M6, Pentax 67..... Que funcionan perfectamente y tienen más de 40-50 años. Tengo una D70 que compre en 2004 y todavía da unos resultados muy buenos. Gracias por el video
I had a DF once and I loved it. To solve the autofocus issue I bought the Yongnuo YN-622N flash controller because his infrared light beam, and with it was snappy just like a D4S or other modern focus system. If I could buy another now, of course I would do it.
Hello! How does it work? Do you just insert the flash trigger in the hotshoe of the DF, or do you have to set anything up for it to work properly? And is there any down side to using this method? Thinking about buying one myself :)
@@pontussvensson1233 Hi!, you just need to ON the trigger and focus with the shutter button or the rear AF button (I used like that, the rear button to focus with the main center focus point and recompose to shot), the infrared light will illuminate every time you focus with the way you choose. You don't need to set something in the menu (like Flash sync or something else) because the light just let the AF system "see under zero EV". Maybe some to notice is the infrared light may could distract your subject for a second but it is way less noticeable than the light beam of any Nikon with light lamp to focus. People get used to the infrared light very quickly. (I worked in classical music concerts and they told me they not distracted with my equipment) Cheers!
I love the intro and of course this amazing camera. The best I have ever had with the Nikon F5. Coming back to Nikon after a long time using canon eos ds1 I,II,III ans the beautiful canon L lens. This Df came on the market too lately otherwise I’d stay with Nikon. This Df delivers accuate pictures ( colors, IQ sharpness. My ultimate camera. Bye bye Canon.
I find the focusing fine with AF-D lenses. I do use center weighted to match the operations of my Nikon FM and the D series lenses with the aperture ring seems to be the best way to use this camera with AF lenses. It's a very fun to use camera. I wanted one FX frame camera that was as fun to use as my Nikon FM and this fits the bill. Still, my M4/3 Panasonic G9 with the Olympus Pro lenses seems far superior at even a lighter weight than the Df. Fun to have both systems.
15:28 You would be a good history teacher😂 „In winter there was nothing to do, the servants got bored so they decided to drink and party“ Geniale Erklärung😂
We humans are often defined by emotion in various ways. Art in most forms is somewhat of the expression of this emotional state... I do believe photography to play a strong role in sharing our own perception of what is around us and how we view it. Just like music, colours, shapes, etc... can have an impact on emotion, why couldn't a camera affect our perspective of feelings? Isn't this also why marketing works so well, they pull at our emotional chords and we open our wallets to feed this emotional need. Nice video Samuel.
Hi Sam, Another great video, thank you. Just to say one can print beyond 60" wide with a decent full frame or APS-C sensor from 6MP onwards with knowhow and good RIP (Rasterized Image Processor) software, inkjet printing uses dithering method and has nothing to do with the 300dpi resolution requirement used in press printing where it has to be optimise because of the dot gain in the screen used. So there's no problem for the Df (or most decent digital cameras) to print and fit almost any size wall from my experience and understanding of making huge prints. I have made 60" wide prints from the 6mp Epson RD1 camera and look every bit as good as any film camera without jaggies at least 10 years ago (and that is done without the aid of any plug-ins). On top of this, I recently made some large A0 in store display prints for a top fashion brand and when I looked at the camera metadata, it was shot on a Nikon D3. What makes these prints looking great is the film look and feel, opposed to prints made from modern higher resolution cameras that makes the prints looking decisively digital. My advice for anyone who is looking to make giant prints of your own work to hang in your home, is to visit pro fine art print labs in your area and see if they can help you with your size requirements.
Great Work Samuel! I still love your Style and Storytelling... Here is my off Topic Tipp: Nikon Z30 with 26mm 2.8 Nikon Z.... Trust me.... it could be a the new Streetcamera....
@@SamuelStreetlife Absolut! Ein weiterer Vorteil wäre sogar die Schärfe am Rand bei APS-C... Ich habe die Z30 schon mit dem 28mm 2.8 und es ist auch so klein und liegt super in der Hand! (ich habe sehr große Hände) .... passt sogar noch in meiner Jackentasche und ich konnte meine Kinder beim Roller fahren ganz entspannt fotografieren...🤗
Got a Df (second hand) a few years ago. From a file quality perspective it feels very much like a cutdown D4. I like the colours. It can use the oldest F mount AF lenses I Don’t find focusing a particular issue but it will miss focus when I’m chasing my 5year old. Otherwise excellent as a family shooter, a walk around and holiday camera, as long as you are only interested in stills. Biggest gripe is the front dial as it doesn’t roll reliably with one finger. Second gripe is the grip which feels weedy compared to modern cameras, it is ok when used intermittently.
The Nikon Df camera can work with f-mount non-AI (Auto Indexing) lenses from 1959 upto 1970, so very flexible like the Nikon F4 film camera who had also a adjustable AI lever (could be switch off to accommodate non-AI lenses). Nikon made some great lenses in that era. Non-AI lenses would destroy (!!!) your Nikon D850 camera (plastic AI lever will break !!!), so be careful with that. Great images and great introduction in the Nikon Df. For a hipster appreciation you need other clothes to “communicate” with these people like F-stoppers did, but could be that people from Hamburg are cool with a Nikon Df or D850. I think they appreciate quality gear …. Note that your F100 also not have a adjustable AI lever to accommodate non-AI lenses!!!
Man! I thought Los Angeles has a lot of graffiti! LOL! As a professional photographer myself, I still use my Nikon D4s for work (in addition to newer bodies) and that sensor still amazes me! Paraphrasing Ansel Adams - It's not the camera folks! It's that big thing just inches behind the viewfinder! LOL!!! Thanks Sam!
Comments from a Df User. I’m one of the guys who has been using the Nikon Df for 10 years. And still do …because I haven’t found another that I would like to replace it with. For people who want to be hipster, they normally get a film camera. Ok lomo cameras too. The silver version of the Df would have more of that effect rather than the black version. Note: 10 years ago the hipster use to be a rare and novel type, but today the meaning of hipster is lost when half of young people in every city looks like one. It’s not for event photographers because the continuous shutter release is too slow. It’s not an efficient, streamlined machine for the street photography either. It’s not a performance machine. It’s for slower, methodical photography. The Df is made for people who do stills (no video function), prefer mechanical buttons/dials which can become familiar, with a good quality sensor that also allows much older Nikkor lenses (yes I use this feature too once in a while) to be used. It’s quite amazing actually. I think the ergonomic fit is not great. The right hand does not have enough depth to make a secure grip. Also my pinky finger is underneath the camera body, basically supporting half the camera weight. So I can never hold the Df with one hand carefree. The shutter release button is not sensitive enough. After years of using it, I still fire shots later than I wish. Even worse, the deep button release sometimes makes a slight shift in my composition or causes a blur. The aperture dial was designed too shallow. Even today it’s not comfortable to use. The functional physical buttons are more preferable than navigating by digital screen for setting adjustments. For focusing, I stopped the habit of shooting with shallower depth of field, so I rarely have focusing issues.
also… they did do a mirrorless version of the df: the zfc. one of the downsides to both cameras is the weight of both of them. people think lighter cameras are better but they don’t feel anywhere as reliable. when you pick up a heavy camera it feels good and indestructible. and when you pick up a camera that weighs half of that it feels hollow, plasticky, and cheap
I Town one Df and agree 100% with all your comments. Just one mine, with Nikon AF lentes, focus just work perfect, and in particular, with the kit lens 50mm f1.8G not just focus but image is very very good, looks like Nikon really found which of Lis lentes match very very good this camera. Rgds from Mexico
Age of a camera sensor is irrelevant. Take a look at the 5D, 5DII, 5DIII and 5DIV, their sensors do not differ too much in terms of real world output you get from any of them and they are many years apart. I picked up a 5DII for peanuts recently, it's crazy what value you get from used DSLRs right now. It feels like the early 2000s again when I bought most of my film cameras, they were dirt cheap then, as DSLRs are cheap now. Nice video Samuel.
The 5D Mk II is such a classic. I miss mine. And I know it would still do the job today even shooting professional work. That's why I started using DSLR's again. Everything so affordable and the performance is still great.
Thank you for the video, it was cool. However, if I may say you need to try some lenses that suit the Df a bit more. Try a few portraits with the 58 f1.4G and the 85 1.4, both environmental and classic portraits. To me this camera isn't about the dials and looks, who cares, it's about the fantastic files it can produce in the right hands, they are just something special. On top of that it is small and fun to shoot as it slows one down making it all about light and composition, not snap, snap, snap. It takes me back to what photography really is. I love my Df but also shoot a Z8 /Z6ii combo with some nice lenses. My favourite Z lens is the 50mm f1.2S, it renders like an older lens but with modern precision. I don't quite care for the Z 1.8 primes for portraits and environmental shots, they are a bit dry and characterless but superb for landscapes, product shots and architecture. We are lucky that Nikon allows us to mix the lenses from the mounts as I also use a few F-mount ones on the FTZ, I prefer the rendering of some of them. Thank you Nikon.
You needed the silver version to attract the hipsters! 😂 As an owner of the Df for about 3 years now, I feel this is a very fair review. I can’t bring myself to sell it, even though the AF can be super frustrating at times. The colors just blow me away - it’s the only camera I’ve ever used where I’ve made zero adjustments in post to some images. I have learned some techniques for getting the AF to work a bit better. It seems like it may be relying heavily on contrast-detect instead of phase detect, so I find if it can quickly focus on an “edge” of my subject - like the transition between clothing and skin - then quickly recompose it almost always nails it. It’s just very slow - I have to adjust my shooting style to give it time to catch up to what I’m doing. I’d love to try out the D750 or D850 because I suspect I’d love them - but I don’t need more cameras. 😅 Also a note on lenses. It seems like it was designed with the D model lenses in mind, since you can couple the aperture rings on those to the body and then you have a more Fuji-like experience. I’m also not a huge fan of the PASM dial, as I’m primarily a Fuji shooter and I’m used to that system. I pretty much leave the camera in manual mode and I have the ISO dial setup to be the MAX ISO, allowing me to quickly throttle the auto setting, but letting it make decisions the rest of the time. I find that leads to the least futzing.
The D780 is for me Nikon's best DSLR, an absolute joy to use and even more straightforward than the D850 - unless you need high resolution I'd take the D780 all day. Honestly if the Df was based on the D780, it would be the perfect camera. I can only hope whenever Nikon releases the full frame Zf they base it on the upcoming Z6 or Z7 mk.III and do not under-power it as just a "gimmick" camera.
My favourite camera before mirrorless. Just reallly miss a tiltscreen and the screen should be brighter, more D750like. But I'm in love with the sound of the knobs and also it was smaller than the other fx DSLR.
After rewatching this clip, I just realised I have the same gear set you’re using - Nikon Df, D850, Ricoh GRIII/GRIIIX. I still have a Fuji X100F but rarely used. Hit me up if you plan to come visit Singapore! 😊
Added this as it's off subject of 'DF'! A slr/DSLR/ mirrorless are made for lenses. Many or a few! Not One lens. I use zooms mostly on (toy) very small cameras. On M's it's 35mm to get closer, crowds, and more 50mm in Summer!
I’d love to see a zdf. I’ve found the df new in box but it’s more expensive then the d850. I’ve started with mirrorless but have been enjoying older DSLR cameras. I do enjoy that what seems to be better build quality.
This is the only DSLR camera that it didn't bother me as much, it's the only camera that both size and ergonomics are more reminiscing of the mirrorless standards than the DSLR ones.
I got rid of my D750 for a X-T1 and am struggling with switching back to Nikon with a DF, but they are so expensive here. I still have a bunch of Nikon lenses I use with the Fuji.
The opening is the perfect parody of the Df commercials! 😂 To find a hipster you gotta find a humorless man with a confrontational attitude with a nose ring and a beard full of pork and pickle juice. I covet this camera. For me I’d rather have 16 Megapixel files cause they’re smaller and cheaper to store and I’m not gonna print anything bigger than that. Also you can hand hold slower shutter speeds on smaller sensors. This sensor definitely has a certain look and has a reputation for being as close to Leica as Nikon ever got. Glad I watched your review cause the manual focus problems wouldn’t be worth it to me. Probably won’t be able to get this camera out of my imagination until I try one though!
Thanks for taking the extra kilometers Samuel. Been looking for a Df in my local used market, dont know why they didnt continue this one and they released the crop-sensor plastic nikon Zfc. Great review!
Liked. The D850 is better, for me, too. We have a Df, but I only really liked using with a 60mm Micro Nikkor AF G lens. To actually use a Voigtlander 40mm SL II, or a Nikkor 45mm 2.8P, to manually focus, in a street/urban envronment, I would rather tote a larger D850 or even a D5. My wife likes the Df better than I do. She loves her D850, but she finds it a bit heavy, sometimes, and would rather use a lighter camera, for an extended shoot.
The images look really nice, the D850 still looks a little better, but overall your shots have a texture to them that doesn't look so modern. It would be interesting to see if that holds up with the update to this camera: the Nikon Zfc and maybe the new 26f2.8 lens, if you were willing to try it out. I enjoyed the structure of this video a lot, it felt there was a lot of variety. ✌️
Hi! Thank you for this brilliant video and for your nice opinion about the Df 🙏🏼 I was wondering what is the brand of the strap you have on it, I’m looking for exactly the same strap as this one for many times now! Thank you for your help 👍🏼🙌🏼
Great video as always, i just wanna ask so lately i really want to go oustside to just shoot, but when i woke up in the morning i lost of all that motivation any suggest or tips to you know bring back that spirit?
Thanks for your perspective on the Df.
I am a retired photographer and love the Df because it harkens back to the same cameras I began my career with and were designed by Tetsuro Goto, whose swansong in camera design this unit represents. The big mistake is to compare it to contemporary cameras - to me, that's not the point. It is an homage to those cameras, and not intended to be a 'hipster' camera or a replacement for a modern camera. I still shoot Ca
non, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus and Sony and they are all great tools, and technically superior, but that's not the point of the Df: when I want to savor the experience and enjoy the process of taking an image in its own right, I reach for the Df. It's not about the tech, it's about the experience...
The camera is a reflection of a strong thread within Japanese culture called Wabi-Sabi - which embraces imperfection, accepts that things age and seeks to work within those constraints. So, the so-called failures of the camera are a harkening back to both the era and Japanese culture - something not a lot of digital natives will be familiar with.
I have never had an issue with focusing, but I use single point centre focus, with the AF-ON button assigned to BBF and the EF-L assigned to Exposure lock. So, I set the exposure, then place the centre on the point of focus, lock it, compose and shoot. It takes far longer to explain that to execute!
This camera aged extremely well. I wouldn't by a D4 today. I DID buy this one 4 weeks ago. You hit the nail on the head unknowingly talking about the Zf. The Z mount and the EVF kills the entire idea.
The Df is and will remain so unique with the analog dails, the small form factor, the OVF and the f mount. Plus the sensor paired with the older lenses also gets you closer the the "film look" in your images, not only in shooting experience. And there's your recepit for high, used priced.
Most handsome camera in the world.
I have a silver version Df, it’s the only DSLR body I kept after converting to mirrorless, love the images and how it feels in hand. Sitting next to my new Zf, it still looks sexy.
I have a DF paired with a Nikkor 35 mm f2 D and the af is great. With a 50 mm 1.4G works perfectly. And the colors and the character of the photos are outstanding. Also in low light is a great camera. Went to many concerts and it is absolutely smashes newer cameras.
I like the 50mm 1.8 a little better with the Df - seems to auto focus faster and more reliably
bought it, thought it was gimmick, sold it, regret selling, bought it again after a year, elevates my mood every time i pick it up now
Fantastic video! The Df was my first full frame camera back in 2017…sold it in 2020, got one back in 2022 and never letting it go 😉
i don't even care about the df and i still watched this vid from beginning to end cuz this was so much fun! 😍
My favourite camera of all times! Thank you, Samuel!!
Nice :)
That intro will be in the history books!!! LOL. & yes,,,,, I do love my Df. Interesting, I have no focusing issues at all but must admit I am primarily a center focus kind of guy. Total tool for me. Takes me back to my Fm days. Feels just right.
The D780 is my favorite DSLR ever! Though the Df styling is gorgeous, and the build quality & experience is a ton of fun.
Finally a person telling me how accurate the focus indicator is for manual. So many reviews just talk about autofocus slow.
I've been contemplating the DF for the last 3 years and you've helped me cure my GAS! (Verdict, I wish there was a D850 in a DF body, the DF is in my opinion the best looking digital camera ever made)
I never understood why Nikon didn't take making retro style digital cameras more seriously. the Z FC looks great also, and yet most of their modern cameras don't look great at all
I have a silver Df - one of my fav Nikon cam especially the low light sensor performance.
Thought it was gimmicky when it first came out but it’s growing on me now. Actually kinda cool and will sit nicely with the rest of my film Nikons 😌
If you decide to buy one, you know which link to click😎 haha
日本からです🎵✨ZFが発表された現在、私は密かに、そして虎視眈々とDF狙ってますw
Prices have dropped so still a great buy.
I'm an old Olympus shooter, with a new OM-2 back then. Twenty years ago I went digitally with Nikon, and bought a lot of Nikon analog cameras and the best lenses from that era. Then I went to m43 when it arrived, with the Metabones Speedbooster to use with Nikon glasses. I have analog MF and LF cameras, but I missed a real Nikon FX camera. Two years ago I found a nearly unused one. When you mention the Split screen to Df, I'm gonna get one. I already have it on my Canon 5D MkIi (with Nikon F adapter). Yes, I bought it first, a nearly unused studio camera, nearly just for Nikon F optics and T&S. I'll do mostly B&W with all of my stuff, and nearly all with manual lenses. I think Nikon Df might go down in history as a collector item. Big thanks for a nice review.
I am owning the Df, the D810 and a Fuji X-T1, your conclusions can be fully confirmed, you said it all 👍 well done review - thank you
That was the best photography opening I have ever seen! Great! Great! Great! 😊
Your videos are getting better and better, really loved the vibes, you definitely deserve the like & views :)
Thanks!
Thank you!!! Appreciate the support
That intro killed me 😂😂😂
I think today, the DF is probably one of Nikon's more underrated Full Frame cameras..
Definitely the most unique digital Nikon!
"what matters is what others think of you" - All introverted people left the chat
Haha :D
@@SamuelStreetlife hey where did you get the strap on the df from ?
Lol
That intro was hilarious! Love the ironic over-the-top vibes. Also I don't understand why the D850 and even this Df are so adored when in my opinion the sensor in the D700 is Nikons best ever
I looked at d700s on eBay for fun (I already have too many bodies) and the shutter count on them were all super high. Which means they were all well loved and used. But probably won’t last that much longer.
@@sonholee5769 Don't concern yourself with the shutter count too much. Mine is well past 200,000 and still going strong. I know someone that has more than 350,000 and has had no issues
Love mine. Sold my silver one 18 months ago, immediately regretted it and bought a black one (from MPB). I agree with most of the findings expressed in this video, except two: I personally find the electronic rangefinder very reliable, even with my fastest lenses. And I find the AF very adequate, even in low light, as long as you pick contrasty edges.
I tried the third party split screen hack, and messed up the viewfinder in the process (dust specks, finger smudge). Not worth the hassle, hard to see and less precise than the electronic rangefinder. I also have an issue with drive selector getting switched too easily onto continuous. That one certainly deserved a lock.
Also annoying: the eye cup is not locked in the same way as on D850, and unscrews way too easily, begging to fall off without you noticing. Had to replace mine 3 times.
But all in all, the Df is probably my preferred DSLR of all time, and the IQ always makes me smile. You should try it with a Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF2 rather than that cute Voigtlander. That is one of the best combos ever.
Thanks again for your very entertaining and informative photo walks!
Lost my eyecup twice too... And I decided to glue the third one on lol
‘Samuel goes out for you’😂❤️love it
Just inspired me purchase the camera, cause I’m passionate about photography rather than the specs
Las cámaras nunca se hacen viejas, nos hacemos viejos los fotógrafos.
Todavía hay Leica M6, Pentax 67..... Que funcionan perfectamente y tienen más de 40-50 años.
Tengo una D70 que compre en 2004 y todavía da unos resultados muy buenos.
Gracias por el video
I had a DF once and I loved it.
To solve the autofocus issue I bought the Yongnuo YN-622N flash controller because his infrared light beam, and with it was snappy just like a D4S or other modern focus system.
If I could buy another now, of course I would do it.
Hello! How does it work? Do you just insert the flash trigger in the hotshoe of the DF, or do you have to set anything up for it to work properly? And is there any down side to using this method? Thinking about buying one myself :)
@@pontussvensson1233 Hi!, you just need to ON the trigger and focus with the shutter button or the rear AF button (I used like that, the rear button to focus with the main center focus point and recompose to shot), the infrared light will illuminate every time you focus with the way you choose. You don't need to set something in the menu (like Flash sync or something else) because the light just let the AF system "see under zero EV".
Maybe some to notice is the infrared light may could distract your subject for a second but it is way less noticeable than the light beam of any Nikon with light lamp to focus. People get used to the infrared light very quickly. (I worked in classical music concerts and they told me they not distracted with my equipment)
Cheers!
I love the intro and of course this amazing camera. The best I have ever had with the Nikon F5. Coming back to Nikon after a long time using canon eos ds1 I,II,III ans the beautiful canon L lens. This Df came on the market too lately otherwise I’d stay with Nikon. This Df delivers accuate pictures ( colors, IQ sharpness. My ultimate camera. Bye bye Canon.
I never understood the hate for this camera at the time, it was great.
Thank you brother fot that one, it is so soulful, I felt like we are walking the same streets despite I live in another country
I find the focusing fine with AF-D lenses. I do use center weighted to match the operations of my Nikon FM and the D series lenses with the aperture ring seems to be the best way to use this camera with AF lenses. It's a very fun to use camera. I wanted one FX frame camera that was as fun to use as my Nikon FM and this fits the bill. Still, my M4/3 Panasonic G9 with the Olympus Pro lenses seems far superior at even a lighter weight than the Df. Fun to have both systems.
15:28 You would be a good history teacher😂 „In winter there was nothing to do, the servants got bored so they decided to drink and party“ Geniale Erklärung😂
Haha, but that's the story 😂
We humans are often defined by emotion in various ways. Art in most forms is somewhat of the expression of this emotional state... I do believe photography to play a strong role in sharing our own perception of what is around us and how we view it.
Just like music, colours, shapes, etc... can have an impact on emotion, why couldn't a camera affect our perspective of feelings?
Isn't this also why marketing works so well, they pull at our emotional chords and we open our wallets to feed this emotional need.
Nice video Samuel.
I was like, I wonder if Samuel has a new video, BOOM, here we are!
Haha :) Nice timing! I took my time with this one...
Hi Sam, Another great video, thank you. Just to say one can print beyond 60" wide with a decent full frame or APS-C sensor from 6MP onwards with knowhow and good RIP (Rasterized Image Processor) software, inkjet printing uses dithering method and has nothing to do with the 300dpi resolution requirement used in press printing where it has to be optimise because of the dot gain in the screen used. So there's no problem for the Df (or most decent digital cameras) to print and fit almost any size wall from my experience and understanding of making huge prints.
I have made 60" wide prints from the 6mp Epson RD1 camera and look every bit as good as any film camera without jaggies at least 10 years ago (and that is done without the aid of any plug-ins). On top of this, I recently made some large A0 in store display prints for a top fashion brand and when I looked at the camera metadata, it was shot on a Nikon D3. What makes these prints looking great is the film look and feel, opposed to prints made from modern higher resolution cameras that makes the prints looking decisively digital.
My advice for anyone who is looking to make giant prints of your own work to hang in your home, is to visit pro fine art print labs in your area and see if they can help you with your size requirements.
Great Work Samuel! I still love your Style and Storytelling...
Here is my off Topic Tipp: Nikon Z30 with 26mm 2.8 Nikon Z.... Trust me.... it could be a the new Streetcamera....
Yes! Since the 26mm was announced I was thinking the same :D A little wide for Full Frame for me but on APS-C it is almost a 40mm!
@@SamuelStreetlife Absolut! Ein weiterer Vorteil wäre sogar die Schärfe am Rand bei APS-C... Ich habe die Z30 schon mit dem 28mm 2.8 und es ist auch so klein und liegt super in der Hand! (ich habe sehr große Hände) .... passt sogar noch in meiner Jackentasche und ich konnte meine Kinder beim Roller fahren ganz entspannt fotografieren...🤗
Got a Df (second hand) a few years ago. From a file quality perspective it feels very much like a cutdown D4. I like the colours. It can use the oldest F mount AF lenses I Don’t find focusing a particular issue but it will miss focus when I’m chasing my 5year old. Otherwise excellent as a family shooter, a walk around and holiday camera, as long as you are only interested in stills. Biggest gripe is the front dial as it doesn’t roll reliably with one finger. Second gripe is the grip which feels weedy compared to modern cameras, it is ok when used intermittently.
The Nikon Df camera can work with f-mount non-AI (Auto Indexing) lenses from 1959 upto 1970, so very flexible like the Nikon F4 film camera who had also a adjustable AI lever (could be switch off to accommodate non-AI lenses). Nikon made some great lenses in that era. Non-AI lenses would destroy (!!!) your Nikon D850 camera (plastic AI lever will break !!!), so be careful with that.
Great images and great introduction in the Nikon Df. For a hipster appreciation you need other clothes to “communicate” with these people like F-stoppers did, but could be that people from Hamburg are cool with a Nikon Df or D850. I think they appreciate quality gear ….
Note that your F100 also not have a adjustable AI lever to accommodate non-AI lenses!!!
Man! I thought Los Angeles has a lot of graffiti! LOL! As a professional photographer myself, I still use my Nikon D4s for work (in addition to newer bodies) and that sensor still amazes me! Paraphrasing Ansel Adams - It's not the camera folks! It's that big thing just inches behind the viewfinder! LOL!!! Thanks Sam!
Comments from a Df User.
I’m one of the guys who has been using the Nikon Df for 10 years. And still do …because I haven’t found another that I would like to replace it with.
For people who want to be hipster, they normally get a film camera. Ok lomo cameras too. The silver version of the Df would have more of that effect rather than the black version. Note: 10 years ago the hipster use to be a rare and novel type, but today the meaning of hipster is lost when half of young people in every city looks like one.
It’s not for event photographers because the continuous shutter release is too slow. It’s not an efficient, streamlined machine for the street photography either. It’s not a performance machine. It’s for slower, methodical photography.
The Df is made for people who do stills (no video function), prefer mechanical buttons/dials which can become familiar, with a good quality sensor that also allows much older Nikkor lenses (yes I use this feature too once in a while) to be used. It’s quite amazing actually.
I think the ergonomic fit is not great. The right hand does not have enough depth to make a secure grip. Also my pinky finger is underneath the camera body, basically supporting half the camera weight. So I can never hold the Df with one hand carefree.
The shutter release button is not sensitive enough. After years of using it, I still fire shots later than I wish. Even worse, the deep button release sometimes makes a slight shift in my composition or causes a blur.
The aperture dial was designed too shallow. Even today it’s not comfortable to use.
The functional physical buttons are more preferable than navigating by digital screen for setting adjustments.
For focusing, I stopped the habit of shooting with shallower depth of field, so I rarely have focusing issues.
I typically spend half an hour on the treadmill so this vid was perfect for that. Fun and entertaining as usual, thanks.
also… they did do a mirrorless version of the df: the zfc. one of the downsides to both cameras is the weight of both of them. people think lighter cameras are better but they don’t feel anywhere as reliable. when you pick up a heavy camera it feels good and indestructible. and when you pick up a camera that weighs half of that it feels hollow, plasticky, and cheap
That's true!
Hitting the like button because I know what it feels like to go out shooting in rain and cold 😭😭😭
I Town one Df and agree 100% with all your comments. Just one mine, with Nikon AF lentes, focus just work perfect, and in particular, with the kit lens 50mm f1.8G not just focus but image is very very good, looks like Nikon really found which of Lis lentes match very very good this camera.
Rgds from Mexico
Age of a camera sensor is irrelevant.
Take a look at the 5D, 5DII, 5DIII and 5DIV, their sensors do not differ too much in terms of real world output you get from any of them and they are many years apart.
I picked up a 5DII for peanuts recently, it's crazy what value you get from used DSLRs right now. It feels like the early 2000s again when I bought most of my film cameras, they were dirt cheap then, as DSLRs are cheap now.
Nice video Samuel.
The 5D Mk II is such a classic. I miss mine. And I know it would still do the job today even shooting professional work. That's why I started using DSLR's again. Everything so affordable and the performance is still great.
I want a modern camera with a split screen prism so bad.
I put one in my Nikon Df. Very cool indeed!
Thank you for the video, it was cool. However, if I may say you need to try some lenses that suit the Df a bit more. Try a few portraits with the 58 f1.4G and the 85 1.4, both environmental and classic portraits. To me this camera isn't about the dials and looks, who cares, it's about the fantastic files it can produce in the right hands, they are just something special. On top of that it is small and fun to shoot as it slows one down making it all about light and composition, not snap, snap, snap. It takes me back to what photography really is. I love my Df but also shoot a Z8 /Z6ii combo with some nice lenses. My favourite Z lens is the 50mm f1.2S, it renders like an older lens but with modern precision. I don't quite care for the Z 1.8 primes for portraits and environmental shots, they are a bit dry and characterless but superb for landscapes, product shots and architecture. We are lucky that Nikon allows us to mix the lenses from the mounts as I also use a few F-mount ones on the FTZ, I prefer the rendering of some of them. Thank you Nikon.
I'm using Df, is an amazing camera
Watching this right before Nikon announcement of their new retro style fx camera! Hopefully we will have a modern version of this beautiful tool!
You needed the silver version to attract the hipsters! 😂
As an owner of the Df for about 3 years now, I feel this is a very fair review. I can’t bring myself to sell it, even though the AF can be super frustrating at times. The colors just blow me away - it’s the only camera I’ve ever used where I’ve made zero adjustments in post to some images. I have learned some techniques for getting the AF to work a bit better. It seems like it may be relying heavily on contrast-detect instead of phase detect, so I find if it can quickly focus on an “edge” of my subject - like the transition between clothing and skin - then quickly recompose it almost always nails it. It’s just very slow - I have to adjust my shooting style to give it time to catch up to what I’m doing. I’d love to try out the D750 or D850 because I suspect I’d love them - but I don’t need more cameras. 😅
Also a note on lenses. It seems like it was designed with the D model lenses in mind, since you can couple the aperture rings on those to the body and then you have a more Fuji-like experience. I’m also not a huge fan of the PASM dial, as I’m primarily a Fuji shooter and I’m used to that system. I pretty much leave the camera in manual mode and I have the ISO dial setup to be the MAX ISO, allowing me to quickly throttle the auto setting, but letting it make decisions the rest of the time. I find that leads to the least futzing.
The D780 is for me Nikon's best DSLR, an absolute joy to use and even more straightforward than the D850 - unless you need high resolution I'd take the D780 all day. Honestly if the Df was based on the D780, it would be the perfect camera. I can only hope whenever Nikon releases the full frame Zf they base it on the upcoming Z6 or Z7 mk.III and do not under-power it as just a "gimmick" camera.
I used it once in 2015, I have always liked the camera, and now I often pay attention to it, but second-hand cameras are still very expensive.
had to stop the video at the 19 minute mark to appreciate the extra mile! STARK!!! 🙂
My favourite camera before mirrorless. Just reallly miss a tiltscreen and the screen should be brighter, more D750like. But I'm in love with the sound of the knobs and also it was smaller than the other fx DSLR.
I LOVE NIKON DF
The amount of work, creativity, and thoughtfulness that goes into your videos is inspiring.
Thank you Joe. I try my best and sometimes it works :)
great review and gear experience samuel
Thanks Junichi :D and for the question hehe
@@SamuelStreetlife 😁👍📸
After rewatching this clip, I just realised I have the same gear set you’re using - Nikon Df, D850, Ricoh GRIII/GRIIIX. I still have a Fuji X100F but rarely used. Hit me up if you plan to come visit Singapore! 😊
Loved it Sam, excited for your MPB partnership ✌
That's for giving me exactly what I was looking for. Was contemplating getting a DF and now my mind has shifted a bit.
Love ya dude. Great video
" Doesnt Matter what you think, what matters is what other people think of you! " 🤣🤣
Got the Z f/c black, great compact camera, beside my M10.
很棒。为一部十年前的相机做了这么长和详细的视频，感谢。
Great colors. Thanks for putting together another beautiful video.
Thanks Clint! Glad to know you enjoyed it!
Best intro ever!:)
Congrats on your sponsor! Mpb is awesome. Been using for years in UK and now in Europe.
Nice! Yeah me too. Bought something from the UK site before they had a German site haha.
It’s a camera for enjoying photo taking. And my hit rate is almost 100%, may be I am a long time Nikon user.
That Ivan like intro 😂
Oh I am inside 😅
Great video for that nice camera 👍
This escalated rather quickly. 😂
Your humor is gold. 📸
I think I will buy the Black Edition Zfc and mount some Voigtlander lenses on it. 😍
Do it haha. Should be a fun setup.
Approche intéressante. Cela me donne envie d'en acquérir un et d'utiliser mes anciennes optiques Ais.
If it's any consolation I thought you looked cool standing on the street with the DF around your neck Samuel. 🤣👍
Haha! I felt cool :D
Added this as it's off subject of 'DF'! A slr/DSLR/ mirrorless are made for lenses. Many or a few! Not One lens. I use zooms mostly on (toy) very small cameras. On M's it's 35mm to get closer, crowds, and more 50mm in Summer!
Loved that intro😂🙏❤️
I still use mine - great little rig
I still want one
good review... a common misconception is you can't print larger with low MP count.... back in the day we were printing 20x30 shots from a D70 6mp.
I’d love to see a zdf. I’ve found the df new in box but it’s more expensive then the d850. I’ve started with mirrorless but have been enjoying older DSLR cameras. I do enjoy that what seems to be better build quality.
😂 the spaced out cult leader voice at the beginning 🤣
haha :D
TO BE HONEST, THAT IS MY DREAM CAMERA ! 📸📸
I've been thinking of getting one so I could use my nom-ai lenses. I really wish Nikon would have included that feature on more cameras.
I hope prices on this camera are not going to increase after this video! I always wanted one =-)))
This is the only DSLR camera that it didn't bother me as much, it's the only camera that both size and ergonomics are more reminiscing of the mirrorless standards than the DSLR ones.
I put a split screen in mine. I don't use AF lenses. Only retrofitted ancient glass.
I got rid of my D750 for a X-T1 and am struggling with switching back to Nikon with a DF, but they are so expensive here. I still have a bunch of Nikon lenses I use with the Fuji.
Love these videos very clean lol love your vibe cheers
Great intro!😂😂
😆💪
The opening is the perfect parody of the Df commercials! 😂 To find a hipster you gotta find a humorless man with a confrontational attitude with a nose ring and a beard full of pork and pickle juice.
I covet this camera. For me I’d rather have 16 Megapixel files cause they’re smaller and cheaper to store and I’m not gonna print anything bigger than that. Also you can hand hold slower shutter speeds on smaller sensors. This sensor definitely has a certain look and has a reputation for being as close to Leica as Nikon ever got. Glad I watched your review cause the manual focus problems wouldn’t be worth it to me. Probably won’t be able to get this camera out of my imagination until I try one though!
Thanks for taking the extra kilometers Samuel. Been looking for a Df in my local used market, dont know why they didnt continue this one and they released the crop-sensor plastic nikon Zfc. Great review!
Thanks Luke! Maybe we will see a Full Frame ZF some day. Would be cool! Always nice to have a different option.
I like your videos a lot im a number one fan😊
Always wanted one, but never bought one. Would look great next to my FM2n, and my old Nikkor glass.
For my the big problem with the dslr wit vintage glass is the focus. For using vintage glass I prefer the mirrolees 😊
Hey Samuel, I was wondering what strap you have on that Nikon Df. For instance at 1:46.
Great review, thanks for sharing. you don't happen to know what strap that is? It looks nice and soft.
Liked. The D850 is better, for me, too. We have a Df, but I only really liked using with a 60mm Micro Nikkor AF G lens. To actually use a Voigtlander 40mm SL II, or a Nikkor 45mm 2.8P, to manually focus, in a street/urban envronment, I would rather tote a larger D850 or even a D5. My wife likes the Df better than I do. She loves her D850, but she finds it a bit heavy, sometimes, and would rather use a lighter camera, for an extended shoot.
The Df is one of my favorite cameras that I regret selling....
The images look really nice, the D850 still looks a little better, but overall your shots have a texture to them that doesn't look so modern. It would be interesting to see if that holds up with the update to this camera: the Nikon Zfc and maybe the new 26f2.8 lens, if you were willing to try it out.
I enjoyed the structure of this video a lot, it felt there was a lot of variety. ✌️
I agree. The D850 is indeed a superior machine. It’s a performance camera that professionals can use without any worry.
Hi! Thank you for this brilliant video and for your nice opinion about the Df 🙏🏼 I was wondering what is the brand of the strap you have on it, I’m looking for exactly the same strap as this one for many times now! Thank you for your help 👍🏼🙌🏼
Great video as always, i just wanna ask so lately i really want to go oustside to just shoot, but when i woke up in the morning i lost of all that motivation any suggest or tips to you know bring back that spirit?