So basically, you sold this camera to me a year ago with your Denmark trip photos. I think it was some of your best work to date. I also ordered the Wotancraft strap and everything. I found your channel after I moved to Germany and was so happy to find someone who made me want to get into photography again after moving here. So, I applaud what you're doing. For what it's worth.
It's worth a lot! Thank you for sharing this with me. Makes me really happy to hear that. Hope you found good connections and a place you call home here in Germany! ❤
Watching this review was like having a coffee with my favorite photographer friend. Down to the very detailed explanation of settings and the rationale for them. While your style of use couldn’t be any more different than mine, I found many of your tips useful. Simply because you have so deliberately adjusted the default user settings of the body. The one point you made that resonated most with me, people react differently to this camera. As do I. It’s simply pleasurable to look at and touch and despite that it’s less comfortable to carry than my Z6, I much prefer the Zf. By the way, the image of the kids with what looks like northern lights on the trees was incredible. Awesome video. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words❤ Really appreciate this description because that is the kind of feeling I want to transport with my videos. I want it to feel casual and like sitting with friends and just chat about a topic :) And good to hear you also enjoy your ZF! Cheers ❤
Wow, I'm so glad I came across your video! I just bought a ZF yesterday, and I'm really excited to start using it. Your explanation of the camera and its settings was incredibly helpful. I especially appreciated your relaxed, non-overly technical approach. It made everything much easier to understand. Thank you, Samuel!
Your reviews are so well done; so thought out, with many details and thoughts clearly derived from many months working and shooting with the gear. Thank you so much, Samuel!
So glad to see a more competent review of the ZF that’s not riddled with goofy nitpicks and weird use cases it’s not suited for. I’ve already decided I’m going to opt for one over a Leica M body as the tech is more reliable and the system gives you more options for different shooting occasions. I look forward to making a review and open up the discussion about the need for more analog bodies in the market. Excellent review!
Appreciate that! I do also believe that the ZF is the best platform for M lenses at the moment. Unless you really want to use a rangefinder... But ZF is hard to beat for usability, style and speed :-)
I still prefer using a M body (M8 and M9-P) for street and travel photography over any other alternative (DSLR/DSLM). It is the easiest way for me to shoot without any distractions in tech. For adapting all kinds of lenses I also have a Leica SL (Typ 601) which has an amazing finder and a joystick and also distracts not very much from what's going on in front of it. Nikon was, as always, too late in the game with the Zf. Compared to the SL it is an inferior solution in my opinion.
I picked up a Z7 at MPB in their best rated condition for USD1,100 with tax - what a bargain. The Z7 is one of the most underrated bargains at the moment. But people are catching on. With the 24-120 S it makes for an amazing, portable landscape setup for the backcountry.
It's a great camera indeed, in terms of image quality. Ideal for landscape. I moved to the Z 7ii because of the recognition-AI-AF becoming unreliable in a portrait studio using flash for the picture but available light for the AF (that light you always use to focus). That turned out a disappointment because the second EXPEED 6 processor was primarily used to feed the eVF at higher frame rates and the freed headroom on the image EXPEED 6 was not used a lot better in the Z 7ii. Now with the Z 8 and its EXPEED 7 with much better firmware, that's all solved. But in the case of landscapes, that I would generally take from a tripod, the Z 7(ii) is really great. Also note that the Z 7 is a few mm smaller than a D500 in its X, Y, Z dimensions. If the recognition-AI-AF is not your thing, it could easily pose as the Z's D500 successor. The sharpness gain in the 45MP cameras is far more than the MP increase because the 45MP has no OLPF that the 24MP full frame cameras have. The 20MP APS-C Nikons don't have an OLPF either and that makes them compare well to the 24MP full frame. Except without OLPF we depend more on better raw processing or we get residual Bayer noise from inadequate raw conversions in darker image zones, fuzzy image zones, and low contrast image zones where the too-simple deBayerisation AI in raw processing has no content reference for its old-school-algorithmic AI. Check Adobe Camera Raw's AI Denoise option (Lightroom Classic's Develop tab IS ACR) but watch out for digital artefacts like crinkly lines it may generate. Alternatively, look at Topaz DeNoise AI or DxO PhotoLab (DeepPRIME feature, sold stand-alone in PureRAW) - if you need to deal with such noise. With images shot at, say, LV 10 (LV=EV@ISO100) or above, all "luminance noise" and "colour noise" are pure inadequate deBayerisation. Even a lot below we should reason in this way.
With the Z6III coming out, these are dropping in price both new and 2nd hand. 1900 brand new, 1500-1600 on ebay or refurb. And the amazing Z f4 S Kit Glass has always been comedically affordable on ebay, right now I think the Zf is one of the best entries into the Nikon system, or tbh even mirrorless as a whole because it hits a great sweetspot of IQ, speed and glass affordability and quality. Only thing I really wish was that the command ring on the Z lenses had clicks
100% agree on clicks with the command ring! That is the only reason I don't bother using it because it's so easy to accidentally move it. But yes, overall it is a very well rounded camera!
I have the zf and the voigtlander 40mm 2.8 heliar on a voigtlander close adapter. It’s the funnest setup I’ve had in a long time. I also have the 24-120 nikkor for a workhorse. Your other videos were a big influence on my decision to jump from Fujifilm to Nikon. Fujifilm makes fun cameras but I was always missing the full frame look. Thanks for the great videos and information. Your street photography videos are some of my favorites to watch on RUclips.
If Nikon sold an all black version that is also de-badged, that might just sell the best out of all the colors. It's seems like a lot of people like to de-badge the camera themselves like you have. Regarding the Fuji X-T5 you mention in the beginning, IMO, I believe the Zf shows more character in the photos and I believe that is in large part because of the full frame sensor.
Hehe yes cool idea! It looks so much better to me without the logo... And yes, full frame can show more character especially when used with bright lenses but crop sensors are also very beneficial for street photography. Easier to take photos with a lot of foreground and background layers in the frame.
@@MandrakeCigars Yes to a blacked out version. It’s such an aesthetically pleasing body. But if it followed the Leica Q2 Monochrome route I’d be even happier. Imagine a dedicated B&W 24mp sensor in a blacked out, rugged, retro body that’s only ~$2000!
I really like that you enjoy using your photography equipment and using it. I am also a ZF user. I can’t wait to get home tonight to touch it and take it out on the street !
You recommended this Tenba backpack in one of your videos. I recently purchased it. It was the best photography purchase of the year for me. It's really great for street photography, so thanks for the tip!
Nice that is great to hear! I was influenced by Dan Milnor when he reviewed it on his channel and had to get one after that. Same result for me, best bag purchase I've done haha :)
"Other photographers leave me alone." I know the feeling. Your explanation of your street techniques and settings was quite helpful. Up until now I've avoided these Zfs due to their strangely implemented interface, but they work very well for you!
Great video Samuel, informative, light hearted and lots of b roll ❤ The ZF and MF glass is the perfect setup, enough tactile experience with modern assistance
Nice review. Lots of great insights and useful tips! I didn’t know about the Highlight-weighted metering. Will have to try that. The Thypoch looks interesting. I currently use my MF Nikkors when I want to shoot manual. The 28/2.8 Ai-s, 50/2 H, and 105/2.5 Ai-s are my favs, and they seem to do what I need. Also, thanks for pointing out the benefits of the PASM over the Fuji method. I used to have an X-Pro2 and while the A positions seemed like a good idea, it always slowed me down. It’s hard to convince the Fuji fanatics that the PASM is actually better in certain situations. The Zf is my all time favorite Nikon. Lots of great tech hidden in an unassuming retro skin. Keep up the great work!
I have had my Zf since early September. So happy with it. Using just 2 lenses, Nikkor 24-120 f4S and Voigtlander 40 f1.2 Nokton Z mount. Neewer grip, which looks fine and works welll.
Long comment warning! A few things… I have a shoe mounted thumb grip, the one that butts against the camera body thus avoiding excessive torque on the shoe. Pretty good and definitely worth considering. I also just got the TTArtisans M-Z 6 bit adapter. Definitely useful for accurate focusing, but the build quality is poor. Mounts to the body with a nice reassuring click, but is very stiff when mounting lenses and they don’t always click into place. I prefer the Voigtlander close focusing adapter. Like you I have the 28mm Simera, but find it too big for an EDC lens. I have the 50mm Eureka which is amazing particularly in combination with the Voigtlander adapter which overcomes the MFD issue of 90cm. You can get as close as 30cm! Prefer it to the Fuji 35mm f1.4, but only just, two very different shooting experiences. I will probably get a Voigtlander 28mm Color Skopar to solve the 28mm EDC issue. Type 1 cos I want to look cool. 😎 I am also a Fuji X-T5 owner. My main issue with the Zf is the size and weight…why did it have to be so big and heavy? And the screen! Oh dear…not flush to the body and mine wiggles when set in the outward looking position…super annoying. The X-T5 murders the Zf in terms of ergonomics and build. But the Zf wins with the MF experience. Even though the viewfinders have the same resolution, the Nikon is brighter, clearer and much easier to focus with. Also, the options you have with FF lenses are vast and superior. APS-C third party lenses just don’t deliver the same magic. I agree that a mk ii version may be a ways off, but in terms of future wants… 1. Shave a few millimetres off the size. 2. Reduce the weight by about 100g (does it really need brass dials?). 3. Make the screen flush to the rest of the body. 4. 45mp sensor. 5. B&W version. Sermon ends…
Good Sermon :) Yes weight is something I wanted to talk about in the video but I forgot to do so. I got used to it so it's okay for now. And I also thought about getting the Voigtländer 28mm Color Skopar haha. It must be a great fit on the ZF. Simera is a tad too long to be an EDC.
little unknown fact about both the 28mm and 40mm Nikon Z lenses : they are both weather sealed ! It's on the product page with a diagram of all the sealed, but somehow very little people know this. There is no rubber gasket at the mount, but the design of the plastic mount of the lens is made so that it doesn't need it (basically the mount has two little rails, one on the outside circle and one on the inside circle. If the water gets through the outside circle, it gets trapped in a textured part in the middle of the mount that does not make contact with the camera's lens mount, and the water does not get through) So they are not only optically decent and cheap : they are also sealed and can withstand serious abuse ! Really underrated lenses in my opinion, especially the 28mm f/2.8 which people tend to diss out since the 40mm f/2 released
I understand the plastic mount has some natural weather resistance, but I wouldn't take my Zf out in the rain beyond a light sprinkle with the current 28mm Z and 40mm Z like I would my weather-sealed S-Line lenses with rubber gaskets. I really think we can use a G2 of the 28mm Z and 40mm Z with the gasket (and improved autofocus too). Don't get me wrong, the current versions are my daily drivers for street photography, but I can have my wishlist too, right? 😊
@@GeoChild You wouldn't... but hey I was curious about it, so I tested it ! At my work we have an IPX2 test bench to test out water resistance for products. The equipment wasn't in use for several weeks, so I brought in my camera (a Nikon Z6 first gen) with the 40mm f/2, put it in the box and let water fall onto it for about 2/3 hours. Brought the camera home : no moisture in the lens, the lens mount had kept all the water out... I'm no longer concerned about using them in the rain ! Sometimes percieved effectiveness of a product (like having a metal mount + rubber gasket) is giving us more confidence in our equipment than anything else. Lenses like the Sigma DC primes and zooms all have rubber gaskets... but are not weather sealed anywhere else, yet I've seen people argue that they would go better in the rain than those small Nikkor muffin lenses ! I can honestly appreciate the Nikon's effort to keep the cost down. If that means I'm paying less, and it's just as effective? Yes sir !
@@RobertFalconer1967 hah, you'd be surprised to know that there is no difference at all for cameras. Nothing in the camera world is really "sealed" only "weather resistant", and that's a big difference. Even the most "sealed" of cameras are "only" IP54 which is not that impressive. A product that is really "sealed" would be IP67 or IP68 at least. We are lucky to have IPX2 or IP54 cameras already. They can resist water splashes and dripping up to 60° to the vertical but that's is it. In the camera world, when a manufacturer says "weather resistant" that basically means it resists to rain, in certain condition. That's it !
Really great update video! Lots of good information, I definitely learned some things about my ZF that I'll put to use. One note, I believe the highlight metering button only works in modes other than manual. I mostly shoot in Aperture priority mode with manual un-chipped lenses and highlight metering works great for me.
I'm glad you mentioned super-resolution. The problem really used not to be resolution but minimum printing resolution before the quality of your print would deteriorate. Once you hit that, you had to upscale your picture and it would visibly pixelate. That's not an issue anymore. So you can easily print 20MP at huge sizes and have very satisfying results. It's only very niche needs that require actually having loads of close up detail on the print for leaning in - certain kinds of crowd scenes for example.
Some really great snaps. Thanks for showing this off. The Zf is one of the only 2 cameras I still look over at fondly and think, "Maybe if I had THAT."
Wow, what a great video! Well, done, Samuel! Honestly, your photos show so much talent today. Hats off to you! Michael Neumann One World Productions. Ps I totally love the Voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 as well.!
Hi! your approach to the settings and how you use them such as the psam switch and the black/white switch is eye opening and I would like to see a dedicated video of it, it will help many people for more intuitive photography with the ZF cheers!
coolest street photographer on youtube ... also very funny. Thank you for your recommendation for thypoch lenses and adapter. they are not available here in Canada but i will be getting them when i am visiting family in the US. keep the videos coming
Hey Samuel, melde mich auch mal als einer deiner allerersten Abonnenten 😉 Seit Jahren bin ich Fuji Shooter ( nur JPEG) , zu 90 % benutze ich Film-Sim-Bracketing Classic Chrome, Acros+Red und Standard ( Nostalgic Neg ) . Werde nun auch wegen der stark gefallenen Preise zusätzlich mal die Sl ausprobieren, Leica ist halt schon so ein Sehnsuchtspunkt für Fotographen. ( hast du ja schon hinter dir 😅) . Geniesse deinen Content und dich als entspannten Typen. Mach weiter so 👍 Grüße Kalle
I Samuel very interesting video on how you use your Zf. I also own one with a Z7 ( this reminds me someone :)). The way you use the b&w button to swap from normal b&w to deep tone is very clever and I will try it. On my side I can give you a tip if you want to benefit from the fantastic focus assistance on full manual lens without contacts. You need to buy a Sony E to Nikon Z adapter with contacts. It s very short and made basically to mount FE lenses to Nikon Z body ( Nikon got the smart idea to put the sensor more near the mount than other brands) keeping AF and it works quite well but it not only does this. It also simulâtes contacts even if the lens is without any and the zf assistance works. So you just need to mount any manual lens with an X to FE adapter ( Leica M to FE for a Leica m mount, Nikon F to FE for a Nikon AI lens ) and then mount the first FE to Z adapter which is very very thin so the addition is not so big and then wpyou got the assistance. I use it on a Nikon Auto 28mm f2 ( I love it) and the 105 f2.5 - These are very first Nikon lenses made for the Nikon F with the full metal focus ring ( a little like the new voigtlander for Sony E and Nikon Z or Leica M) - And it works perfectly. It also works on the TT artisan f0.95 in m mount. Like you I use the voigtlander close focus adapter and it s great. I finally have the voigtlander 40mm f 1.2 but in Z mount like you and this one works thx to its native contacts.
If Nikon comes with Z mount lens with Aperture ring and design like the vintage AI lens it would make the system really amazing. That along with joystick and a flip up screen would make it perfect
12 дней назад
Great video, thanks a lot for dedicating time to make it! I had (still have) a D750 that I love because it's full frame and great to use in low light but I wanted a lighter and smaller camera for street photography and to carry easily during city breaks so I bought a Zfc, which I am finding very fun and easy to use (I only use the 28/2.8, even though it becomes a 40mm due to APS-C conversion). From time to time I am getting back to the D750, even for street photography, so that I can shoot in (real) 26mm or 40mm and low light conditions. Do you think I could consider replacing both by a Zf?
I enjoyed the video and the camera, which I use daily. I have the Rayqual LM-NZ adaptor that I use with Zeiss ZM lenses. Extremely happy with it from .7 meters to infinity.
Nice, thank you. I've been curious about working with the Zƒ, I had actually forgotten it was only 26MP. I started using my Z7II with my old Leica glass about a year ago for personal work and haven't turned back. To me the entire experience of shooting with the MF lenses is just more 'organic' as you say (good term for this). I use my 35 and 50 Summicrons predominantly and love them. Don't think I'll move to the Zƒ after watching this but I do recommend you spend more time playing with a 50. After 45 years of shooting I can honestly say it's 'possibly' the most versatile lens you can own. It's also quite difficult to learn and appreciate though. What's great about it is that as it services as both a wide and short tele lens, it allows you to really define what's most important about your image. That's where it's value really shines as you have to be more conscious of what you're including and what you're not, ie composition. And yeah, it can seem boring, until it's totally not. Anyway, after all of that you have inspired me to try a 40. I also agree with you that the Voigtlander is the best adapter on the market. Thanks again, great video. d:-)
I love my Zf. Another quick adjustment for the exposure/highlights is the EV dial, which is my fast go to since it’s super easy. The only problem is when I switch to the Zf, I have to get used to the EV dial since I inherently turn it when I go for the rear command dial.
I've really loved mine. My main gripe is the screen for shooting video. If I need to have a low angle and have a cage with handles on I can't tilt the screen properly to see without it being in the way of my handle grip.
I checked out the Nikon Zf for my use, which seems similar to your own. The problem is that the native lenses that I would want to use, the compact 28mm and 40mm you mentioned, are pretty bad quality. High distortion, busy bokeh, etc. So then I would need to adapt lenses, as you are doing. I guess that's why you skipped over the glass so quickly! So instead I bought a Lumix S5 that has a proper grip, the same type of screen you like, has the same mass, etc. I choose to adapt Carl Zeiss and Pentax lenses mostly but could use anything. Glass from the 70s that is much better than those Nikon Z lenses. The S5 has annoyances just like the Zf does. But here's the thing your readers should know... it's one-third the price. Buy the cheaper (but still highly capable) body. Then buy more lenses!
I set 100% zoom on the record button and set it like this on both the Z6 and Z9 so I have the same settings on all cameras. I find this feature useful on the Z9 when photographing birds.
@ I’m a 28 and 40 guy myself! I wanted a 35mm manual focus but then I moved to a tropical island so “street” photography lens isn’t a priority! Keep making that awesome content! 🔥🔥🔥
13:32 the best part for me. Thank you for your tips & tricks. I wonder if my Canon R10 can do this "highlighted metering" thing. Your pictures in low key looks very emotional.
Someone asked for a alternative to the xf 35 1.4 from fuji for the zf. I loved the xf 35 1.4. now i use the new z 35 1.4 and it has some character and a fast af. The newer z 50 1.4 should be a good choice for a try!!! The Voigtlander 50 1.5 II with the 6bit-tt-artisan is also tempting me…😅
My close friend and I go almost weekly on photo shoots. I'm Fujifilm and he is Zed. He loves your videos and I try to send him a link to all your videos. He has a Zed 5 and 6II, and he wants to get the Zf. I sent him a link to this video and it's like his prayers were answered. He wrote me back to tell me how he can't wait to get to a place were he can look at it in private. He's vacationing at a Gulf Coast beach.
Since you asked us to comment on adapter: strangely, my experience with the Voigtlander adapter you favour is that, with some lenses at least, it does NOT allow infinity focus. This is the case with my favourite 35mm lens of all time, the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 distagon. That lens's hard stop is right at the middle of the infinity symbol, which is also 100% correct infinity, as proven on m-mount bodies and when I use a Novoflex M-to-Z adapter. Many other lenses allow to turn the focus ring a micron or two "beyond" correct infinity (supposedly to compensate for potential thermal expansion of the focus mechanism). So I cannot use the Distagon with the Voigtlander adapter, which makes me suspicious with other lenses as well. Did you carefully check your Typoch on that front? On top of that, my specimen of the adapter does not provide a secure lock of the close focus helicoid when retracted: the red plastic tab is flimsy in that respect. Does yours feel the same?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the piece on the Scheutzen club. Shooters are generally pretty friendly, and we are certainly “gear” oriented, so I can see why they are interested in your cameras. We love precision machinery. I hope we get to see some of the pics of the shooters gear as well, I would really be interested to see what’s used in Germany, especially done I. Your style which is very interesting and artistic
Oh thank you that is nice to hear that you find my approach interesting. I have taken photos of the gear and interior of the club house. They use a mix of old and modern gear. I am definitely going to continue taking photos of them throughout the next years and see what comes out of it.
You mentioned 16mp as a sweet spot when cropping and up scaling. As an old school 35mm film shooter used to framing in camera rather than cropping later I noticed just how good the images were from my 16mp Nikon Df, compared to images from newer, higher mp sensor cameras I had used with the same lenses.
I quite enjoy my old Nikon 28mm f/1.4E on Z - it's got some character that's less present with many of the native Z lenses. Downside is that it's already a bit bulky and gets quite big on an FTZ.
I would like to buy a 40mm for the Zf I love these focal lengths. I can't decide whether to go for the Voightlander 40 1.2 Z or the 40 1.4 SC LM mount and whether it's really worth paying extra for the Voightlander adapter
Really enjoyed the review! I've been waiting for my Simera 28mm with Lightlens Lab adapter to arrive. So I will survive Hamburg's gloomy dark winter too :))
Great job on this video Samuel! :) Can we call you a Nikon shooter now, since you own three of them? :D As a ZF owner myself I'm still curious, what Nikon will do with these retro line up. Social media / RUclips has celebrated the ZF since it has been released and people continue to adore this camera, specifically for the retro design. But now for a whole year we don't see any native lens from Nikon to complement this retro design language (besides these 28+40mm SE lenses). Looks like they are kinda relying on third party lenses. I personally wish for prime lenses with aperture ring like Fuji. What's your thoughts on this? Would there be a lens you wish Nikon would release for the Zf? I recently got myself the Nikon FM2 and therefore have the vintage lenses also to adapt on the Zf via the ZTF adaptor. They look quite nice on the Zf despite the adapter. Only the rotation of focusing confuses me, since I'm used to the other way around on the M-lenses :). Guess you have tried Nikon vintage lenses on the Zf, but didn't like the experience compared to Voigtländer glas? PS: Thank you for the grip tip!! I will definitely check that out! Looks like it would solve my ergonomics issues :D
Haha proud to be a Nikon Shooter :-D Yes I am also very curious what Nikon will do with the ZF ecosystem from now on. I hope they won't just leave it alone without adding any new lenses for the ZF. They could sell even more ZF cameras if they would make smaller lenses that work well with the ZF (with aperture ring for example). And no, I have never tried older Nikon lenses except a few Af-D lenses. At the moment I am not interested in experimenting with that because the FTZ adapter makes all lenses look so big... But I like that I have these options in the future. At the moment it's going to be small M mount lenses : )
@SamuelStreetlife thanks for your reply and your thoughts :) I also really hope Nikon is not leaving the Zf (and money) in the corner like it felt with the Nikon Df and ZFc - but somehow they keep returning with retro design, so really hope the Zf gave them the final push to invest into a retro lens system. I get you with the FTZ adapter and here they should also release a retro design one to fit the Zf. I got mine used and paired it with a vintage Nikkor 50mm 1.8 pancake lens. That combo surprisingly looks very pleasing :) But there is one thing I will never get used to with a Nikon camera - lenses have to be twisted the other way around compared to any other brand. Still gets me after owning the Zf for a year :D Dir und deiner Familie ein schönes Wochenende! :)
@@amazme1398 if I understood correctly his two main lenses are: Thypoch 28mm 1.4 and the Voigtländer 40mm 2.8 Heliar. Third lens for special occasions is the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm 1.2. and the allrounder is the Nikon Z 24-70 f4 lens.
I think I’m the only non-german that pronounces Voigtländer the correct(?) way and it’s partly thanks to you and my high school German teacher. I hope you have found the camera system that works for you.
It's okay if you don't pronounce it "correctly". Every language has their way of pronouncing words : ) I used to pronounce every camera brand the way other Americans do it because RUclips has more English speaking viewers than Germans but then a few Germans got very upset with me and I started to pronounce words "correctly" haha. But good to hear my videos helped you a little bit : ) cheers
I have the same Nikon Zf. I love your Nikon Zf's monochrome look. Please help me out here. How do you set up a monochrome that is so contrasty in the menu? Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you.
@@mamo4104 you probably mean the deep tone monochrome filter yes? You can select that in the picture profile menu. Either through the Quick menu or the main photo menu :)
I bought a Df a few months ago and I'm enjoying manual mode with the aperture ring of old AF-D lenses. This seems to be missing from the Zf and Z mount lenses.
Hey Samuel, Great video! It was really informative and entertaining as well. Thank you for making it. I agree on the points you made about the Zf. The bottom line: It inspires me to capturing more photographs everyday. Your early videos on the Zf was one of the very few on RUclips that was helpful for a new owner. Been using the Zf for about 8 months now. It’s my daily carry. For other genres (Landscape and Wildlife) I use my Z8. There is one thing that I don’t understand, there are so many RUclipsrs who purchased the Zf, and keep griping about the ergonomics. This is 1980s inspired design married with modern digital guts. If the ergonomics is essential to their photography experience, the contemporary camera designs like Z7, Z6 II and now the Z6III is a much better fit. In any case, I think Nikon thoughtfully designed and built an amazing camera in the Zf. It works fabulously for me. I hope a second iteration doesn’t take 10 years :).
Friend of mine bought one and uses the small rig grip and it made all the difference my my hands when I got to borrow it. It is a great walk around camera and I would pick one up if I didn’t already have a walk around camera (I’d do it anyway but the wife said no) The menu was a little weird for me but I’ve always shot canon so it was just a learning curve
Ok, I’m definitely gonna steal the highlight metering button idea. I recently got a Zf but haven’t had the chance to use it too much due to work and my schedule. So I haven’t had a chance to fully set things up and get used to the ergonomics. I shoot on my D850 for freelance work and too got reliant on cropping. Hoping my Zf will help me show more restraint
Samuel! Have you tried the Rayqual or Shoten adapters? You didn’t mention them but I heard the Rayqual one is amazing for infinity performance. Not sure about the Novoflex one.
I never heard about Rayqual. Will look them up, thanks! I bought a Shoten adapter and it was not accurate unfortunately... Someone said that the Novoflex adapter is accurate. Which is good news if that is true.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🤗. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Haha nice one: "...so I befriended another club and documented the preparation phase." Next picture showing a group of men who drink liquor 😁 24:07 And also the ending: what a nice coincidence with the scream of the child 😃 BR
I'm still not a fan of the articulated screen, but I adapted to the way you use it - just shutting it. I think my main annoyance with it is that it latching mechanism is too tight. I'll sometimes lose a precious second or two trying to pry it open when I want a low or high angle shot. Maybe it'll get a bit looser with time, but it's been almost a year and it's still the same. I recently picked up the TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 lens to shoot on it with an M42 adapter. That lens is super fun and for a different portrait look I highly recommend it. It's got the old Zeiss/Helios swirl and softness, but it's well controlled and the moment you stop down to 2.8 it's just a super sharp lens.
Sometimes I like shooting from the hip while watching the screen. I don't like that it stands out to the side, it's awkward to handle. That's why this camera is not for me. Other than that it's a great camera.
Great vid as usual! Im thinking of replacing my x-t2, does the punched in zoom image in the view finder look sharper for manual focus lenses than say the xt5? Cheers
I went from an xt2 to the zf. You will not regret it one bit. Focus is accurate, view finder and lcd screen are incredible, and tbh, I find it to have more character than Fuji. I thought I was going to miss the colors from Fuji and that wasn’t true. Nikon’s colors seem much more pleasing and accurate. My wife, who isn’t into photography, pointed that her clothes actually looked like they’re supposed to. She always complained about Fuji, especially when she was wearing red. I got the 50 1.8 with the camera and just today got in the 28mm se. I wanted the thypoch but decided to wait a little longer for that one. I’m eyeing the 135 plena since my small photo business is high volume headshots.
lol I‘m also thinking about going Nikon Zf because I don’t use my XT2 at all. I think I can wait for the Zf2 but the Zf is the most interesting current camera for me
I would consider this camera, but the market for manual focus lenses here in Norway is just ass. The Voigtländer selection is such a joke, importing them or Thypoch lenses becomes so expensive and so on. I should take a trip home and pick up a lens or two there. Might do that one day :) much appreciated that you took your time to make this update! These updates are worth gold and it is exciting to hear your one year update :)
Loving this camera with my z mount simera. I used to love the Neewer grip with the red taped over but now I rock it raw in a wotancraft pilot or black rapid sling so the weight is less hassle. Who needs to use it one handed anyway?
The Light Lens Lab adaptor for M-L is exquisite. I somehow got one before it was released. I don't know if they make other mounts, but if you use an fp or S-series sometime you should try the Thypoch on that. btw your description has really piqued my interest in the Thypoch for the first time, despite having seen many rave about them. Back to the video
Interesting! What makes the light lens lab adapter so good? For me the adapter needs to create the right distance to the sensor so that the focus scale on lenses is accurate. Unfortunately the ones I tried all fell short. And most adapters rattle a bit but the Voigtländer one fits very tight and nothing moves which I like.
Yes I think so! But the Z6iii is the better alround camera. Different workflow. You need to try both to know which suits you better. You could even start with an old Z6 Mark I or Z7.
@@ZZ.91I dont have anything against sharpness. I love sharp lenses! The 24-70mm is not a lens that I use to create blurry backgrounds or isolate subjects with a wide aperture. That's why use it when i want most of the frame in focus and then any character that the lens might have doesn't show up anyways.
14:27 😂😂 nice review. After F2, FM2, D700, ZF will be my first DSLR mirrorless.But i don't want to leave my voigtlander 40/2 Fmount. Will the feature underexpose work with adapter and my ultron?
There is a E to Z mount adapter, which make the camera think, that there is lens which is transmitting information attached. Some people use a M to E-mount adapter on top of the E to Z-mount adapter to get focus confirmation. Maybe this trick works with the expose for highlights function as well?
Seems like a briljant camera. Only thing i would absolutely hate is the vlog style lcd screen. When you shoot down horizonaly with the screen flipped it makes the camera twice as wide. No clue why they went for that. But this must be the best camera to use with manual lenses these days. Even better than Leica sl
Thinking about the Nikon 35 mm f1.8. Does it have good character? Currently using the Nikkor 40 mm f2.0, not sure if I should upgrade to the 35 from Nikon or the Voigtländer 40 mm 1.2 on my z7. I like my 40 mm, but wish more micro contrast and corner sharpness.
I can't speak for the 35mm 1.8 S because I never used it. I heard that it is a bit different than the 50mm 1.8 S but also very sharp and "clinical" feeling in terms of image rendering (that is why the 35mm 1.4 Z now exists). The Voigtländer 40mm 1.2 definitely has more micro contrast than the 40mm F2 Z and is also sharper in the corners when you stop it down to F4 or further. But the weakness of the Voigtländer is that the Bokeh or the out of focus elements look less pleasing the moment you stop the aperture down to even 1.4. It has nice and round bokeh balls wide open at 1.2 but stop the lens down and it becomes "edgy". So I use it wide open most of the time or stop it down so much that everything is sharp (it's a lens that has two characters). In the end it is also a question of workflow (AF or MF).
hi sam. now that you mentioned that you no longer use the manual subject detection focus feature on the zf, do you think buying a thypoc 28mm for the z mount is now more practical since that feature would only work for m mount w/ an adapter? as far as i know, thypoc has no electronic contacts that's why it doesn't support the said feature. sorry if i butcher my english.
Difficult to answer. There are some adapters that do give you focus confirmation even with lenses that dont have contacts. That's why I would probably still buy the M mount version because with the Z mount you will never get it :D
I have a Df, and the Zf is very tempting to trade it in for… I have my F100 and FM2N for F mount fun, and I feel like the Zf might be more usable than the Df…
The ZF feels like a very modern camera because it's very fast compared to the DF. But the DF has an optical viewfinder so overall it has more of an analogue experience. When you look through the finder of the ZF you will be reminded that you use a digital mirror less camera. It is a good EVF though so I think even people who prefer optical finders might find the ZF finder acceptable
@@SamuelStreetlife Absolutely. I realized you used the Voigtlander 40 1.2 on it as well! I use mine in M mount and it was already lovely. Would expect the Z mount version to be better.
@@SuperChonk It was my first lens I bought for the ZF :-) I heard the M mount version is almost the same. The Z version might just be a tiny bit better at the edges but that doesn't matter when you use it wide open.
So basically, you sold this camera to me a year ago with your Denmark trip photos. I think it was some of your best work to date. I also ordered the Wotancraft strap and everything. I found your channel after I moved to Germany and was so happy to find someone who made me want to get into photography again after moving here. So, I applaud what you're doing. For what it's worth.
It's worth a lot! Thank you for sharing this with me. Makes me really happy to hear that. Hope you found good connections and a place you call home here in Germany! ❤
Watching this review was like having a coffee with my favorite photographer friend. Down to the very detailed explanation of settings and the rationale for them. While your style of use couldn’t be any more different than mine, I found many of your tips useful. Simply because you have so deliberately adjusted the default user settings of the body.
The one point you made that resonated most with me, people react differently to this camera. As do I. It’s simply pleasurable to look at and touch and despite that it’s less comfortable to carry than my Z6, I much prefer the Zf.
By the way, the image of the kids with what looks like northern lights on the trees was incredible.
Awesome video. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words❤ Really appreciate this description because that is the kind of feeling I want to transport with my videos. I want it to feel casual and like sitting with friends and just chat about a topic :) And good to hear you also enjoy your ZF! Cheers ❤
Wow, I'm so glad I came across your video! I just bought a ZF yesterday, and I'm really excited to start using it. Your explanation of the camera and its settings was incredibly helpful. I especially appreciated your relaxed, non-overly technical approach. It made everything much easier to understand. Thank you, Samuel!
Your reviews are so well done; so thought out, with many details and thoughts clearly derived from many months working and shooting with the gear. Thank you so much, Samuel!
Thank you Myke and appreciate the comment❤
So glad to see a more competent review of the ZF that’s not riddled with goofy nitpicks and weird use cases it’s not suited for. I’ve already decided I’m going to opt for one over a Leica M body as the tech is more reliable and the system gives you more options for different shooting occasions. I look forward to making a review and open up the discussion about the need for more analog bodies in the market. Excellent review!
Appreciate that! I do also believe that the ZF is the best platform for M lenses at the moment. Unless you really want to use a rangefinder... But ZF is hard to beat for usability, style and speed :-)
I still prefer using a M body (M8 and M9-P) for street and travel photography over any other alternative (DSLR/DSLM). It is the easiest way for me to shoot without any distractions in tech. For adapting all kinds of lenses I also have a Leica SL (Typ 601) which has an amazing finder and a joystick and also distracts not very much from what's going on in front of it. Nikon was, as always, too late in the game with the Zf. Compared to the SL it is an inferior solution in my opinion.
This is really great video, extremely informative and so much fun to watch! Thanks man!
Thank you! Put in a lot of work so I'm glad to hear that.
I picked up a Z7 at MPB in their best rated condition for USD1,100 with tax - what a bargain. The Z7 is one of the most underrated bargains at the moment. But people are catching on. With the 24-120 S it makes for an amazing, portable landscape setup for the backcountry.
It's a great camera indeed, in terms of image quality. Ideal for landscape. I moved to the Z 7ii because of the recognition-AI-AF becoming unreliable in a portrait studio using flash for the picture but available light for the AF (that light you always use to focus). That turned out a disappointment because the second EXPEED 6 processor was primarily used to feed the eVF at higher frame rates and the freed headroom on the image EXPEED 6 was not used a lot better in the Z 7ii.
Now with the Z 8 and its EXPEED 7 with much better firmware, that's all solved. But in the case of landscapes, that I would generally take from a tripod, the Z 7(ii) is really great. Also note that the Z 7 is a few mm smaller than a D500 in its X, Y, Z dimensions. If the recognition-AI-AF is not your thing, it could easily pose as the Z's D500 successor.
The sharpness gain in the 45MP cameras is far more than the MP increase because the 45MP has no OLPF that the 24MP full frame cameras have. The 20MP APS-C Nikons don't have an OLPF either and that makes them compare well to the 24MP full frame.
Except without OLPF we depend more on better raw processing or we get residual Bayer noise from inadequate raw conversions in darker image zones, fuzzy image zones, and low contrast image zones where the too-simple deBayerisation AI in raw processing has no content reference for its old-school-algorithmic AI.
Check Adobe Camera Raw's AI Denoise option (Lightroom Classic's Develop tab IS ACR) but watch out for digital artefacts like crinkly lines it may generate. Alternatively, look at Topaz DeNoise AI or DxO PhotoLab (DeepPRIME feature, sold stand-alone in PureRAW) - if you need to deal with such noise.
With images shot at, say, LV 10 (LV=EV@ISO100) or above, all "luminance noise" and "colour noise" are pure inadequate deBayerisation. Even a lot below we should reason in this way.
Many are saying this
With the Z6III coming out, these are dropping in price both new and 2nd hand. 1900 brand new, 1500-1600 on ebay or refurb. And the amazing Z f4 S Kit Glass has always been comedically affordable on ebay, right now I think the Zf is one of the best entries into the Nikon system, or tbh even mirrorless as a whole because it hits a great sweetspot of IQ, speed and glass affordability and quality. Only thing I really wish was that the command ring on the Z lenses had clicks
100% agree on clicks with the command ring! That is the only reason I don't bother using it because it's so easy to accidentally move it. But yes, overall it is a very well rounded camera!
Best reviewa on YT by far, your work is just incredible!!
Thanks a lot! ❤
I have the zf and the voigtlander 40mm 2.8 heliar on a voigtlander close adapter. It’s the funnest setup I’ve had in a long time. I also have the 24-120 nikkor for a workhorse. Your other videos were a big influence on my decision to jump from Fujifilm to Nikon. Fujifilm makes fun cameras but I was always missing the full frame look. Thanks for the great videos and information. Your street photography videos are some of my favorites to watch on RUclips.
Oh that is so nice to hear! Good to hear from another Heliar user : ) it's a fun and mighty good lens.
If Nikon sold an all black version that is also de-badged, that might just sell the best out of all the colors. It's seems like a lot of people like to de-badge the camera themselves like you have. Regarding the Fuji X-T5 you mention in the beginning, IMO, I believe the Zf shows more character in the photos and I believe that is in large part because of the full frame sensor.
Hehe yes cool idea! It looks so much better to me without the logo... And yes, full frame can show more character especially when used with bright lenses but crop sensors are also very beneficial for street photography. Easier to take photos with a lot of foreground and background layers in the frame.
@@MandrakeCigars Yes to a blacked out version. It’s such an aesthetically pleasing body. But if it followed the Leica Q2 Monochrome route I’d be even happier. Imagine a dedicated B&W 24mp sensor in a blacked out, rugged, retro body that’s only ~$2000!
I really like that you enjoy using your photography equipment and using it. I am also a ZF user. I can’t wait to get home tonight to touch it and take it out on the street !
You recommended this Tenba backpack in one of your videos. I recently purchased it. It was the best photography purchase of the year for me. It's really great for street photography, so thanks for the tip!
Nice that is great to hear! I was influenced by Dan Milnor when he reviewed it on his channel and had to get one after that. Same result for me, best bag purchase I've done haha :)
😂Thank you for the " Nice Guy, nice Camera" and sorry for interrupting you on your Video shoot . Love your Videos 👍👍👍
Haha! No problem : ) There is always time to appreciate another cool camera hehe. Grüße!
"Other photographers leave me alone." I know the feeling.
Your explanation of your street techniques and settings was quite helpful. Up until now I've avoided these Zfs due to their strangely implemented interface, but they work very well for you!
I just ordered mine today thanks to u Samuel!
Cool! Congrats and enjoy!!
Great video Samuel, informative, light hearted and lots of b roll ❤ The ZF and MF glass is the perfect setup, enough tactile experience with modern assistance
Nice review. Lots of great insights and useful tips! I didn’t know about the Highlight-weighted metering. Will have to try that. The Thypoch looks interesting. I currently use my MF Nikkors when I want to shoot manual. The 28/2.8 Ai-s, 50/2 H, and 105/2.5 Ai-s are my favs, and they seem to do what I need. Also, thanks for pointing out the benefits of the PASM over the Fuji method. I used to have an X-Pro2 and while the A positions seemed like a good idea, it always slowed me down. It’s hard to convince the Fuji fanatics that the PASM is actually better in certain situations. The Zf is my all time favorite Nikon. Lots of great tech hidden in an unassuming retro skin. Keep up the great work!
I have had my Zf since early September. So happy with it. Using just 2 lenses, Nikkor 24-120 f4S and Voigtlander 40 f1.2 Nokton Z mount. Neewer grip, which looks fine and works welll.
Great kit :-)
Long comment warning! A few things…
I have a shoe mounted thumb grip, the one that butts against the camera body thus avoiding excessive torque on the shoe. Pretty good and definitely worth considering.
I also just got the TTArtisans M-Z 6 bit adapter. Definitely useful for accurate focusing, but the build quality is poor. Mounts to the body with a nice reassuring click, but is very stiff when mounting lenses and they don’t always click into place. I prefer the Voigtlander close focusing adapter.
Like you I have the 28mm Simera, but find it too big for an EDC lens. I have the 50mm Eureka which is amazing particularly in combination with the Voigtlander adapter which overcomes the MFD issue of 90cm. You can get as close as 30cm! Prefer it to the Fuji 35mm f1.4, but only just, two very different shooting experiences. I will probably get a Voigtlander 28mm Color Skopar to solve the 28mm EDC issue. Type 1 cos I want to look cool. 😎
I am also a Fuji X-T5 owner. My main issue with the Zf is the size and weight…why did it have to be so big and heavy? And the screen! Oh dear…not flush to the body and mine wiggles when set in the outward looking position…super annoying. The X-T5 murders the Zf in terms of ergonomics and build. But the Zf wins with the MF experience. Even though the viewfinders have the same resolution, the Nikon is brighter, clearer and much easier to focus with. Also, the options you have with FF lenses are vast and superior. APS-C third party lenses just don’t deliver the same magic.
I agree that a mk ii version may be a ways off, but in terms of future wants…
1. Shave a few millimetres off the size.
2. Reduce the weight by about 100g (does it really need brass dials?).
3. Make the screen flush to the rest of the body.
4. 45mp sensor.
5. B&W version.
Sermon ends…
Good Sermon :) Yes weight is something I wanted to talk about in the video but I forgot to do so. I got used to it so it's okay for now. And I also thought about getting the Voigtländer 28mm Color Skopar haha. It must be a great fit on the ZF. Simera is a tad too long to be an EDC.
little unknown fact about both the 28mm and 40mm Nikon Z lenses : they are both weather sealed !
It's on the product page with a diagram of all the sealed, but somehow very little people know this. There is no rubber gasket at the mount, but the design of the plastic mount of the lens is made so that it doesn't need it (basically the mount has two little rails, one on the outside circle and one on the inside circle. If the water gets through the outside circle, it gets trapped in a textured part in the middle of the mount that does not make contact with the camera's lens mount, and the water does not get through)
So they are not only optically decent and cheap : they are also sealed and can withstand serious abuse ! Really underrated lenses in my opinion, especially the 28mm f/2.8 which people tend to diss out since the 40mm f/2 released
I understand the plastic mount has some natural weather resistance, but I wouldn't take my Zf out in the rain beyond a light sprinkle with the current 28mm Z and 40mm Z like I would my weather-sealed S-Line lenses with rubber gaskets. I really think we can use a G2 of the 28mm Z and 40mm Z with the gasket (and improved autofocus too). Don't get me wrong, the current versions are my daily drivers for street photography, but I can have my wishlist too, right? 😊
@@GeoChild You wouldn't... but hey I was curious about it, so I tested it !
At my work we have an IPX2 test bench to test out water resistance for products. The equipment wasn't in use for several weeks, so I brought in my camera (a Nikon Z6 first gen) with the 40mm f/2, put it in the box and let water fall onto it for about 2/3 hours.
Brought the camera home : no moisture in the lens, the lens mount had kept all the water out... I'm no longer concerned about using them in the rain !
Sometimes percieved effectiveness of a product (like having a metal mount + rubber gasket) is giving us more confidence in our equipment than anything else. Lenses like the Sigma DC primes and zooms all have rubber gaskets... but are not weather sealed anywhere else, yet I've seen people argue that they would go better in the rain than those small Nikkor muffin lenses !
I can honestly appreciate the Nikon's effort to keep the cost down. If that means I'm paying less, and it's just as effective? Yes sir !
@@matthieuzglurg6015 That's actually very fascinating to know; thanks! I think I'll start shooting in slightly less agreeable weather now! :)
There is a significant difference between "weather sealed" and "drip resistant."
@@RobertFalconer1967 hah, you'd be surprised to know that there is no difference at all for cameras.
Nothing in the camera world is really "sealed" only "weather resistant", and that's a big difference. Even the most "sealed" of cameras are "only" IP54 which is not that impressive. A product that is really "sealed" would be IP67 or IP68 at least.
We are lucky to have IPX2 or IP54 cameras already. They can resist water splashes and dripping up to 60° to the vertical but that's is it.
In the camera world, when a manufacturer says "weather resistant" that basically means it resists to rain, in certain condition. That's it !
Excellent presentation. Question, Which adapter did you use for the Helair Voigtlander 40mm?
非常好的视频，漂亮的异国风情画面，让我非常期待自己可以拿着zf拍出自己想要的照片。
Really great update video! Lots of good information, I definitely learned some things about my ZF that I'll put to use. One note, I believe the highlight metering button only works in modes other than manual. I mostly shoot in Aperture priority mode with manual un-chipped lenses and highlight metering works great for me.
I'm glad you mentioned super-resolution. The problem really used not to be resolution but minimum printing resolution before the quality of your print would deteriorate. Once you hit that, you had to upscale your picture and it would visibly pixelate. That's not an issue anymore. So you can easily print 20MP at huge sizes and have very satisfying results. It's only very niche needs that require actually having loads of close up detail on the print for leaning in - certain kinds of crowd scenes for example.
I just order a ZF and watching your video help me making some lens choice and make me eager to start taking photos. Thank You
Nice, have fun with it! : )
Some really great snaps. Thanks for showing this off. The Zf is one of the only 2 cameras I still look over at fondly and think, "Maybe if I had THAT."
Haha I know this feeling :-D
Congrats on the GR4, great review of the Zf
😆 thanks👍
Wow, what a great video! Well, done, Samuel! Honestly, your photos show so much talent today. Hats off to you! Michael Neumann One World Productions. Ps I totally love the Voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 as well.!
Thank you for the kind words Michael! I appreciate that ❤
Enjoyed this video and format. Really enjoyed all the vintage lenses as well!
Hi! your approach to the settings and how you use them such as the psam switch and the black/white switch is eye opening and I would like to see a dedicated video of it, it will help many people for more intuitive photography with the ZF
cheers!
coolest street photographer on youtube ... also very funny. Thank you for your recommendation for thypoch lenses and adapter. they are not available here in Canada but i will be getting them when i am visiting family in the US. keep the videos coming
Hey Samuel, melde mich auch mal als einer deiner allerersten Abonnenten 😉 Seit Jahren bin ich Fuji Shooter ( nur JPEG) , zu 90 % benutze ich Film-Sim-Bracketing Classic Chrome, Acros+Red und Standard ( Nostalgic Neg ) . Werde nun auch wegen der stark gefallenen Preise zusätzlich mal die Sl ausprobieren, Leica ist halt schon so ein Sehnsuchtspunkt für Fotographen. ( hast du ja schon hinter dir 😅) . Geniesse deinen Content und dich als entspannten Typen. Mach weiter so 👍 Grüße Kalle
I Samuel very interesting video on how you use your Zf. I also own one with a Z7 ( this reminds me someone :)). The way you use the b&w button to swap from normal b&w to deep tone is very clever and I will try it. On my side I can give you a tip if you want to benefit from the fantastic focus assistance on full manual lens without contacts. You need to buy a Sony E to Nikon Z adapter with contacts. It s very short and made basically to mount FE lenses to Nikon Z body ( Nikon got the smart idea to put the sensor more near the mount than other brands) keeping AF and it works quite well but it not only does this. It also simulâtes contacts even if the lens is without any and the zf assistance works. So you just need to mount any manual lens with an X to FE adapter ( Leica M to FE for a Leica m mount, Nikon F to FE for a Nikon AI lens ) and then mount the first FE to Z adapter which is very very thin so the addition is not so big and then wpyou got the assistance. I use it on a Nikon Auto 28mm f2 ( I love it) and the 105 f2.5 - These are very first Nikon lenses made for the Nikon F with the full metal focus ring ( a little like the new voigtlander for Sony E and Nikon Z or Leica M) - And it works perfectly. It also works on the TT artisan f0.95 in m mount. Like you I use the voigtlander close focus adapter and it s great. I finally have the voigtlander 40mm f 1.2 but in Z mount like you and this one works thx to its native contacts.
If Nikon comes with Z mount lens with Aperture ring and design like the vintage AI lens it would make the system really amazing. That along with joystick and a flip up screen would make it perfect
Great video, thanks a lot for dedicating time to make it! I had (still have) a D750 that I love because it's full frame and great to use in low light but I wanted a lighter and smaller camera for street photography and to carry easily during city breaks so I bought a Zfc, which I am finding very fun and easy to use (I only use the 28/2.8, even though it becomes a 40mm due to APS-C conversion). From time to time I am getting back to the D750, even for street photography, so that I can shoot in (real) 26mm or 40mm and low light conditions. Do you think I could consider replacing both by a Zf?
I enjoyed the video and the camera, which I use daily. I have the Rayqual LM-NZ adaptor that I use with Zeiss ZM lenses. Extremely happy with it from .7 meters to infinity.
Nice, thank you. I've been curious about working with the Zƒ, I had actually forgotten it was only 26MP. I started using my Z7II with my old Leica glass about a year ago for personal work and haven't turned back. To me the entire experience of shooting with the MF lenses is just more 'organic' as you say (good term for this). I use my 35 and 50 Summicrons predominantly and love them. Don't think I'll move to the Zƒ after watching this but I do recommend you spend more time playing with a 50. After 45 years of shooting I can honestly say it's 'possibly' the most versatile lens you can own. It's also quite difficult to learn and appreciate though. What's great about it is that as it services as both a wide and short tele lens, it allows you to really define what's most important about your image. That's where it's value really shines as you have to be more conscious of what you're including and what you're not, ie composition. And yeah, it can seem boring, until it's totally not. Anyway, after all of that you have inspired me to try a 40. I also agree with you that the Voigtlander is the best adapter on the market. Thanks again, great video. d:-)
I love my Zf. Another quick adjustment for the exposure/highlights is the EV dial, which is my fast go to since it’s super easy. The only problem is when I switch to the Zf, I have to get used to the EV dial since I inherently turn it when I go for the rear command dial.
It really is a beautiful camera, and I'm excited to see some competition with Fuji's hold on the retro style mirrorless cameras.
I've really loved mine. My main gripe is the screen for shooting video. If I need to have a low angle and have a cage with handles on I can't tilt the screen properly to see without it being in the way of my handle grip.
I checked out the Nikon Zf for my use, which seems similar to your own. The problem is that the native lenses that I would want to use, the compact 28mm and 40mm you mentioned, are pretty bad quality. High distortion, busy bokeh, etc. So then I would need to adapt lenses, as you are doing. I guess that's why you skipped over the glass so quickly!
So instead I bought a Lumix S5 that has a proper grip, the same type of screen you like, has the same mass, etc. I choose to adapt Carl Zeiss and Pentax lenses mostly but could use anything. Glass from the 70s that is much better than those Nikon Z lenses. The S5 has annoyances just like the Zf does. But here's the thing your readers should know... it's one-third the price.
Buy the cheaper (but still highly capable) body. Then buy more lenses!
I set 100% zoom on the record button and set it like this on both the Z6 and Z9 so I have the same settings on all cameras. I find this feature useful on the Z9 when photographing birds.
I love the colour of the "leather" you chose.
Best ZF review out there. Thanks Samuel.
I just love listening to you! 👍🏾 My Z8 feels like work time, my Zf feels like play time! ❤️ Maybe the new Z 50mm 1.4 for less “boring” photos? 😅
Good combo! The 50mm 1.4 Z is probably much more characterful than the 50mm 1.8 but for me its not a focal length I use a lot anyways :-)
@ I’m a 28 and 40 guy myself! I wanted a 35mm manual focus but then I moved to a tropical island so “street” photography lens isn’t a priority! Keep making that awesome content! 🔥🔥🔥
13:32 the best part for me. Thank you for your tips & tricks. I wonder if my Canon R10 can do this "highlighted metering" thing. Your pictures in low key looks very emotional.
Someone asked for a alternative to the xf 35 1.4 from fuji for the zf. I loved the xf 35 1.4. now i use the new z 35 1.4 and it has some character and a fast af. The newer z 50 1.4 should be a good choice for a try!!! The Voigtlander 50 1.5 II with the 6bit-tt-artisan is also tempting me…😅
Some great technique packed into this video - thanks.
That is a great, honest review, thank you.
Leaking the GR4 while talking about focus points?
My close friend and I go almost weekly on photo shoots. I'm Fujifilm and he is Zed. He loves your videos and I try to send him a link to all your videos. He has a Zed 5 and 6II, and he wants to get the Zf. I sent him a link to this video and it's like his prayers were answered. He wrote me back to tell me how he can't wait to get to a place were he can look at it in private. He's vacationing at a Gulf Coast beach.
Since you asked us to comment on adapter: strangely, my experience with the Voigtlander adapter you favour is that, with some lenses at least, it does NOT allow infinity focus. This is the case with my favourite 35mm lens of all time, the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 distagon. That lens's hard stop is right at the middle of the infinity symbol, which is also 100% correct infinity, as proven on m-mount bodies and when I use a Novoflex M-to-Z adapter. Many other lenses allow to turn the focus ring a micron or two "beyond" correct infinity (supposedly to compensate for potential thermal expansion of the focus mechanism). So I cannot use the Distagon with the Voigtlander adapter, which makes me suspicious with other lenses as well. Did you carefully check your Typoch on that front? On top of that, my specimen of the adapter does not provide a secure lock of the close focus helicoid when retracted: the red plastic tab is flimsy in that respect. Does yours feel the same?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the piece on the Scheutzen club. Shooters are generally pretty friendly, and we are certainly “gear” oriented, so I can see why they are interested in your cameras. We love precision machinery. I hope we get to see some of the pics of the shooters gear as well, I would really be interested to see what’s used in Germany, especially done I. Your style which is very interesting and artistic
Oh thank you that is nice to hear that you find my approach interesting. I have taken photos of the gear and interior of the club house. They use a mix of old and modern gear. I am definitely going to continue taking photos of them throughout the next years and see what comes out of it.
My Nikon Z8’s manual focus confirmation is the most accurate I’ve used in the mirrorless world. Sounds like the Zf is similar.
I think it should be the same. Yes very accurate indeed 🙌
I also have it for a year already. I'm an amateur, but I love this camera. I had a D5600 before.
That's awesome!
great 1 year review Samuel, awesome photos of yours with voigtlander and simrera lens. 😁
Thanks Junichi :)
You mentioned 16mp as a sweet spot when cropping and up scaling. As an old school 35mm film shooter used to framing in camera rather than cropping later I noticed just how good the images were from my 16mp Nikon Df, compared to images from newer, higher mp sensor cameras I had used with the same lenses.
The highlight-weighted feature works with the TZM-02, it’s great
I quite enjoy my old Nikon 28mm f/1.4E on Z - it's got some character that's less present with many of the native Z lenses. Downside is that it's already a bit bulky and gets quite big on an FTZ.
I would like to buy a 40mm for the Zf I love these focal lengths. I can't decide whether to go for the Voightlander 40 1.2 Z or the 40 1.4 SC LM mount and whether it's really worth paying extra for the Voightlander adapter
Really enjoyed the review! I've been waiting for my Simera 28mm with Lightlens Lab adapter to arrive. So I will survive Hamburg's gloomy dark winter too :))
Ohhh nice to hear another similar setup roaming around Hamburg :-)
Hey Samuel I’m just curious what kind of tape you use to cover your cameras brands? Great video man.
Just regular electric tape : )
@@SamuelStreetlife thanks boss!
Great job on this video Samuel! :)
Can we call you a Nikon shooter now, since you own three of them? :D
As a ZF owner myself I'm still curious, what Nikon will do with these retro line up. Social media / RUclips has celebrated the ZF since it has been released and people continue to adore this camera, specifically for the retro design. But now for a whole year we don't see any native lens from Nikon to complement this retro design language (besides these 28+40mm SE lenses). Looks like they are kinda relying on third party lenses. I personally wish for prime lenses with aperture ring like Fuji. What's your thoughts on this? Would there be a lens you wish Nikon would release for the Zf?
I recently got myself the Nikon FM2 and therefore have the vintage lenses also to adapt on the Zf via the ZTF adaptor. They look quite nice on the Zf despite the adapter.
Only the rotation of focusing confuses me, since I'm used to the other way around on the M-lenses :). Guess you have tried Nikon vintage lenses on the Zf, but didn't like the experience compared to Voigtländer glas?
PS: Thank you for the grip tip!! I will definitely check that out! Looks like it would solve my ergonomics issues :D
Haha proud to be a Nikon Shooter :-D Yes I am also very curious what Nikon will do with the ZF ecosystem from now on. I hope they won't just leave it alone without adding any new lenses for the ZF. They could sell even more ZF cameras if they would make smaller lenses that work well with the ZF (with aperture ring for example). And no, I have never tried older Nikon lenses except a few Af-D lenses. At the moment I am not interested in experimenting with that because the FTZ adapter makes all lenses look so big... But I like that I have these options in the future. At the moment it's going to be small M mount lenses : )
@SamuelStreetlife thanks for your reply and your thoughts :)
I also really hope Nikon is not leaving the Zf (and money) in the corner like it felt with the Nikon Df and ZFc - but somehow they keep returning with retro design, so really hope the Zf gave them the final push to invest into a retro lens system.
I get you with the FTZ adapter and here they should also release a retro design one to fit the Zf. I got mine used and paired it with a vintage Nikkor 50mm 1.8 pancake lens. That combo surprisingly looks very pleasing :)
But there is one thing I will never get used to with a Nikon camera - lenses have to be twisted the other way around compared to any other brand. Still gets me after owning the Zf for a year :D
Dir und deiner Familie ein schönes Wochenende! :)
Can anyone list the lenses Samuel uses because I couldn’t understand part of his descriptions when he named them.
@@amazme1398 if I understood correctly his two main lenses are: Thypoch 28mm 1.4 and the Voigtländer 40mm 2.8 Heliar. Third lens for special occasions is the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm 1.2. and the allrounder is the Nikon Z 24-70 f4 lens.
I love yellow colour, is there any news there will be a Yellow Zf leather model soon like there is a Yellow Zfc now?
I think I’m the only non-german that pronounces Voigtländer the correct(?) way and it’s partly thanks to you and my high school German teacher. I hope you have found the camera system that works for you.
It's okay if you don't pronounce it "correctly". Every language has their way of pronouncing words : ) I used to pronounce every camera brand the way other Americans do it because RUclips has more English speaking viewers than Germans but then a few Germans got very upset with me and I started to pronounce words "correctly" haha. But good to hear my videos helped you a little bit : ) cheers
I have the same Nikon Zf. I love your Nikon Zf's monochrome look. Please help me out here. How do you set up a monochrome that is so contrasty in the menu? Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you.
@@mamo4104 you probably mean the deep tone monochrome filter yes? You can select that in the picture profile menu. Either through the Quick menu or the main photo menu :)
I bought a Df a few months ago and I'm enjoying manual mode with the aperture ring of old AF-D lenses. This seems to be missing from the Zf and Z mount lenses.
Both tilt and articulating screens are great. All camera manufacturers should provide models with both types.
It would be cool if they would!
Hey Samuel,
Great video! It was really informative and entertaining as well. Thank you for making it.
I agree on the points you made about the Zf. The bottom line: It inspires me to capturing more photographs everyday. Your early videos on the Zf was one of the very few on RUclips that was helpful for a new owner.
Been using the Zf for about 8 months now. It’s my daily carry. For other genres (Landscape and Wildlife) I use my Z8.
There is one thing that I don’t understand, there are so many RUclipsrs who purchased the Zf, and keep griping about the ergonomics. This is 1980s inspired design married with modern digital guts. If the ergonomics is essential to their photography experience, the contemporary camera designs like Z7, Z6 II and now the Z6III is a much better fit.
In any case, I think Nikon thoughtfully designed and built an amazing camera in the Zf. It works fabulously for me. I hope a second iteration doesn’t take 10 years :).
Friend of mine bought one and uses the small rig grip and it made all the difference my my hands when I got to borrow it. It is a great walk around camera and I would pick one up if I didn’t already have a walk around camera (I’d do it anyway but the wife said no)
The menu was a little weird for me but I’ve always shot canon so it was just a learning curve
Well I wish you good luck that the Wifey says yes soon :-)
A good and informative review. Thank you 👍😊
Ok, I’m definitely gonna steal the highlight metering button idea. I recently got a Zf but haven’t had the chance to use it too much due to work and my schedule. So I haven’t had a chance to fully set things up and get used to the ergonomics.
I shoot on my D850 for freelance work and too got reliant on cropping. Hoping my Zf will help me show more restraint
Good to hear my video was helpful :-) And cheers to a D850 + ZF setup! ❤
Samuel! Have you tried the Rayqual or Shoten adapters? You didn’t mention them but I heard the Rayqual one is amazing for infinity performance. Not sure about the Novoflex one.
I never heard about Rayqual. Will look them up, thanks! I bought a Shoten adapter and it was not accurate unfortunately... Someone said that the Novoflex adapter is accurate. Which is good news if that is true.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🤗. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Haha nice one: "...so I befriended another club and documented the preparation phase." Next picture showing a group of men who drink liquor 😁 24:07 And also the ending: what a nice coincidence with the scream of the child 😃 BR
that camera looks beautiful damn.
I'm still not a fan of the articulated screen, but I adapted to the way you use it - just shutting it. I think my main annoyance with it is that it latching mechanism is too tight. I'll sometimes lose a precious second or two trying to pry it open when I want a low or high angle shot. Maybe it'll get a bit looser with time, but it's been almost a year and it's still the same. I recently picked up the TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 lens to shoot on it with an M42 adapter. That lens is super fun and for a different portrait look I highly recommend it. It's got the old Zeiss/Helios swirl and softness, but it's well controlled and the moment you stop down to 2.8 it's just a super sharp lens.
Sometimes I like shooting from the hip while watching the screen. I don't like that it stands out to the side, it's awkward to handle. That's why this camera is not for me. Other than that it's a great camera.
Great vid as usual! Im thinking of replacing my x-t2, does the punched in zoom image in the view finder look sharper for manual focus lenses than say the xt5? Cheers
I went from an xt2 to the zf. You will not regret it one bit. Focus is accurate, view finder and lcd screen are incredible, and tbh, I find it to have more character than Fuji. I thought I was going to miss the colors from Fuji and that wasn’t true. Nikon’s colors seem much more pleasing and accurate. My wife, who isn’t into photography, pointed that her clothes actually looked like they’re supposed to. She always complained about Fuji, especially when she was wearing red. I got the 50 1.8 with the camera and just today got in the 28mm se. I wanted the thypoch but decided to wait a little longer for that one. I’m eyeing the 135 plena since my small photo business is high volume headshots.
@@BUCKSHOTSTV Thank you very much, great insight.
lol I‘m also thinking about going Nikon Zf because I don’t use my XT2 at all. I think I can wait for the Zf2 but the Zf is the most interesting current camera for me
I would consider this camera, but the market for manual focus lenses here in Norway is just ass. The Voigtländer selection is such a joke, importing them or Thypoch lenses becomes so expensive and so on. I should take a trip home and pick up a lens or two there. Might do that one day :) much appreciated that you took your time to make this update! These updates are worth gold and it is exciting to hear your one year update :)
Oh really? That's sad man haha. I still think its worth a trip to wherever you can go to get some nice manual focus lenses :D
Loving this camera with my z mount simera. I used to love the Neewer grip with the red taped over but now I rock it raw in a wotancraft pilot or black rapid sling so the weight is less hassle.
Who needs to use it one handed anyway?
Exactly! :)
The Light Lens Lab adaptor for M-L is exquisite. I somehow got one before it was released. I don't know if they make other mounts, but if you use an fp or S-series sometime you should try the Thypoch on that.
btw your description has really piqued my interest in the Thypoch for the first time, despite having seen many rave about them.
Back to the video
Interesting! What makes the light lens lab adapter so good? For me the adapter needs to create the right distance to the sensor so that the focus scale on lenses is accurate. Unfortunately the ones I tried all fell short. And most adapters rattle a bit but the Voigtländer one fits very tight and nothing moves which I like.
In your opinion Zf ist's the right camara to start Z mount or the Z new Z6III....
Yes I think so! But the Z6iii is the better alround camera. Different workflow. You need to try both to know which suits you better. You could even start with an old Z6 Mark I or Z7.
SamuelStreetlifedidn'ttdiscardI didn'tiniscard those, in the begining, but when I saw the new focus...
Honest assessment. Much appreciated :)
I really love this video. I've just ordered a Nikon ZF, I hope I'll like it... 😂
Hehe thanks man! Well I hope you like it too haha.
good review, thanks for your thoughts. And, the 50 z 1.8 S is so boring ?
It is just a very well corrected, sharp lens. But the images look "lifeless" to me. It's just how clean everything looks : ) Personal preference.
Yeah I understand, you like manual lenses so it is quite logical !
What about the 24-70 ? Isn’t it too sharp as well ?
@@ZZ.91I dont have anything against sharpness. I love sharp lenses! The 24-70mm is not a lens that I use to create blurry backgrounds or isolate subjects with a wide aperture. That's why use it when i want most of the frame in focus and then any character that the lens might have doesn't show up anyways.
14:27 😂😂 nice review. After F2, FM2, D700, ZF will be my first DSLR mirrorless.But i don't want to leave my voigtlander 40/2 Fmount. Will the feature underexpose work with adapter and my ultron?
If the Voigtländer has contacts then probably yes :)
@@SamuelStreetlife Oh great thanks for your reply!
There is a E to Z mount adapter, which make the camera think, that there is lens which is transmitting information attached. Some people use a M to E-mount adapter on top of the E to Z-mount adapter to get focus confirmation. Maybe this trick works with the expose for highlights function as well?
Wow that is super interesting and I can see how this can make a lot of sense! I will investigate that. Thanks for sharing that!
Seems like a briljant camera. Only thing i would absolutely hate is the vlog style lcd screen. When you shoot down horizonaly with the screen flipped it makes the camera twice as wide. No clue why they went for that. But this must be the best camera to use with manual lenses these days. Even better than Leica sl
Yes I agree. Had the Leica SL and it was fun using it with manual M lenses but ZF feels much nicer : ) Less lag and smooth viewfinder.
Oh, and I have the X-T5, so your disclaimer was helpful. I'll keep my MPB links hushed for now. ;)
I knew it would help at least one person hehe :-)
@SamuelStreetlife that's all it takes.
Really nice pictures a world apart from your Ricoh street stuff 👌
The Novoflex M adapter gets infinity right as well, and is like 1/3 the cost of the Voigtlander.
Oh that is good to hear! Too bad I've already spent 300 bucks on my Voigtländer adapter... :-D
@@SamuelStreetlife thus is life haha
Regarding manual focus confirmation and highlight metering for Leica adapted lenses, have you tried the TTArtisan m-z 6 bit adapter?
Yes I have but I can never give up my focus distance scale so the TTartisan adapter is out for me.
Thinking about the Nikon 35 mm f1.8. Does it have good character? Currently using the Nikkor 40 mm f2.0, not sure if I should upgrade to the 35 from Nikon or the Voigtländer 40 mm 1.2 on my z7.
I like my 40 mm, but wish more micro contrast and corner sharpness.
I can't speak for the 35mm 1.8 S because I never used it. I heard that it is a bit different than the 50mm 1.8 S but also very sharp and "clinical" feeling in terms of image rendering (that is why the 35mm 1.4 Z now exists). The Voigtländer 40mm 1.2 definitely has more micro contrast than the 40mm F2 Z and is also sharper in the corners when you stop it down to F4 or further. But the weakness of the Voigtländer is that the Bokeh or the out of focus elements look less pleasing the moment you stop the aperture down to even 1.4. It has nice and round bokeh balls wide open at 1.2 but stop the lens down and it becomes "edgy". So I use it wide open most of the time or stop it down so much that everything is sharp (it's a lens that has two characters). In the end it is also a question of workflow (AF or MF).
I use my VM lenses with the Techart 2.0 AF adapter, it works perfectly with the Zf
hi sam. now that you mentioned that you no longer use the manual subject detection focus feature on the zf, do you think buying a thypoc 28mm for the z mount is now more practical since that feature would only work for m mount w/ an adapter? as far as i know, thypoc has no electronic contacts that's why it doesn't support the said feature. sorry if i butcher my english.
Difficult to answer. There are some adapters that do give you focus confirmation even with lenses that dont have contacts. That's why I would probably still buy the M mount version because with the Z mount you will never get it :D
I don't think a smaller body and CFeXpress and SD will work. 24mgpx is ok. But a joystick would be useful.
Really great video. Thanks again.
I have a Df, and the Zf is very tempting to trade it in for… I have my F100 and FM2N for F mount fun, and I feel like the Zf might be more usable than the Df…
The ZF feels like a very modern camera because it's very fast compared to the DF. But the DF has an optical viewfinder so overall it has more of an analogue experience. When you look through the finder of the ZF you will be reminded that you use a digital mirror less camera. It is a good EVF though so I think even people who prefer optical finders might find the ZF finder acceptable
@@SamuelStreetlife I find my Z6II quite good, so I can only assume the Zf would be similar or better. 🤷♂️😸
What was the first lens you mentioned , the 28mm ? Played the video back to hear it but it’s a little garbled. Thanks
No problem! Thypoch Simera 28mm 1.4 and before that I mentioned the Nikkor 28mm 2.8 Z.
FIRST! I love my ZF perfect for mounting my M lenses!
Yes it's almost like it was made for it 🙌😊
@@SamuelStreetlife Absolutely. I realized you used the Voigtlander 40 1.2 on it as well! I use mine in M mount and it was already lovely. Would expect the Z mount version to be better.
@@SuperChonk It was my first lens I bought for the ZF :-) I heard the M mount version is almost the same. The Z version might just be a tiny bit better at the edges but that doesn't matter when you use it wide open.