This is the best review I've seen of this camera. I had one back in the day and I truly loved it. I took some of my best photographs and I really enjoyed bringing it with me everywhere. I traded it in for a Z6 and as I much as I also like the mirrorless technology I've always missed my Df. I can't wait for Nikon to bring out a new full frame version of this camera!!! Sometimes I even think about buying a Df again. Thanks so much for this beautiful video and congratulations on your wonderful photos!!
Thank you again Marco, both for you kind words and again for being so positive. I can really understand the feeling of missing the Df, i know i would to and even though i have been close at times to sell it to finance other things i have now come past that and really want it to not break so that i can keep it and pressure it for a long while ahead. Crossing my fingers! A FF Df2 would be a dream to be honest, lets make a wish for that too :D Thank YOU for watching and liking it , have a great weekend :)
@@hellatightdude Sorry for the late reply! Just saw that i never answered you. I like the Zf alot, but cannot say it has the same appeal to me as the Df had. Its a "better" tool in many ways. But the sensor and the feeling of the Df in general made me just love it more and feel it was more special. Maybe spending more time with the Zf it will grow on me too. Time will tell.
My brother just picked up one of these. He likes how it reminds him of the film cameras and doesn’t mind going back to 16 mps. I have always believed that it is not the camera, it is the person behind the camera. If an individual who knows what they are doing was to take a Brownie 620 film camera (yes, I own a selection) which is over 100 years old they could create some stunning photographs. Good video and I like the music in the background.
Thank you so much :) and sorry for the late reply, thought i had given an answer earlier and then life got in the way. Its exactly like you say.. For me i have taken some of my favorite pictures with it, and also on much lower resolution digital cameras like the panasonic LX3 or similar pocket cameras. Also its about the lens and as you say photog and character of the sensor. The Megapixels id say s a "no" factor in how the image will look , and for a long while backwards with camera models. I appreciate your comment! regards Martin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review. I like how thoughtful you are in detailing your experiences with your equipment and your journey in photography. Beautiful images.
@@Capcity44 Cheers Freeman and thanks a lot for doing that :) The more the merrier and im happy for any comment or subscriber that comes my way that wants to chat and talk about the gear we love using and photography in general. Greatest hobby and in general and my experience a very positive and helpful community :)
Your work is beautiful! Some of the best I’ve seen posted on RUclips. The 24mm, 58mm, and 105mm f1.4 lenses seem like a dream team on the Df. Really inspiring photos. Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you so much for that positive feedback, very happy to hear that :) And glad you feel that way! Yes for me at least those are the gems together with the Df if one mean the newer G lenses. Sure there are some gems from the old era too, but i believe for the highest quality photos and with great character id say those are my absolute favorites :) Thank you for watching and your comment Simon. regards Martin.
I have to agree-this was a fantastic video. It was the best I've seen as I've wrestled with whether to purchase the df. I shoot mostly film, but my digital cameras are fujifilms. I have many film Nikons and beautiful lenses; all of which can be used on the df. Adding a full frame to my mirrorless digitals makes sense and the df is the one for me. Thanks for helping with my decision.
Thank you so much for you comment and for enjoying the video, warms my heart :) And i think and hope your decision will be the right one for you in the end, as it was for me. fuji cameras are a lot of fun too, but its nice to be able to use that older Nikkor glass and having a FF camera to do that with. Let me know how that goes! :) Regards Martin.
I got a 2nd hand Df about a year ago and use it locally far more than my Z6 as it's just so inspiring to shoot with. And if you were to sell a camera on the basis of the images -- well this is one of the best collections of portraits I've seen. Gratulerar!
Thank you for this motivation! I've been wanting one for years and will now finally get one. The FE2 is my favorite camera of all time. What a tank it was, so tough. I still have it and all the lenses. It was great to see one in your post. Beautiful photos as well!
Thank you Joel! :) The Fe2 is SO great, i actually took it out yesterday on my photowalk here in Stockholm, its always a pleasure to use, gives you such confidence when you use it. Very reliable. If you have all the lenses already the Df will make such a good companion Joel, let me know when you have it and what you think, regards Martin.
Somehow I missed the release of this camera body. I recently dragged out my old F3 and took it on a few trips with me. Sticker shock set in as I found that quality processing and scanning of film to be almost prohibitively expensive to shoot as an advanced hobbyist. I'd been considering a Zf as a means of scratching that "full manual camera" itch. But now, having found out about this body (and having watched this excellent review), I have decided this is a more cost-effective option for getting that manual-camera aesthetic and operational satisfaction while not having to spend upwards of $30 per roll for processing and scanning. In addition, I can use my already extensive collection of both non-AI and AI-S F-mount lenses mounted straight to the camera (rather than through an FTZ, which adds bulk). So I've found one in near-mint condition with a 7,000 shutter count. It's on its way, and I can't wait to drop it into my flight bag for use while I'm at work.
Wow i missed your wonderful comment and when i saw it now just had to answer :) First of all congratulations to finding such a mint Df . makes me smile thinking about someone starting to explore photography with this amazing camera. I really hope you get happy using your old lenses and just have fun with it. From what i hear after reading your text it seems to me the Df will be perfect. Thank you for sharing! Regards Martin.
Great Review and fantastic camera that needs to be coupled with excellents lenses, the ones you present at the end with the astonishing pictures you took with. My ultimate camera. Thank you
haha yeh, maybe i should say sorry, its a bit of a "false" advertisement in that regard i suppose :) glad you liked it in another way at least :) Im not a very technical person when it comes to stats or testing in that sense. I like to test it and get experience with the gear i like and then try to describe my passion for it and why i guess and try to convey it. Thank you for watching it and glad you got some enjoyment out of it. /Martin
Beautiful pictures. I have no plans to get a DF, but watching your "review" was very well worth every second. That's the "Dream" combo of primes you have there. I just can't imagine travelling with primes (Maybe a 50 or a 35mm at most). The 24-120 was a life saver in my most recent family trip and I still regret not taking the 28-85 instead. Going around with a set of primes requires dedication (or a dedicated trip), but those beautiful pictures are gold and worth it.
Thank you so very much, both for watching and your comment :) Appreciated. A zoom for traveling is a savior when it comes to miss shots so absolutely not a bad idea. I always went with primes even though i did shoot with he 24-70 many years. And for weddings etc i could not shoot with only primes, so always use the 24-70 and the 70-200( except on the df too as its too big and heavy ). And in those instances its so nice to have them as well i the tool kit. But yes, when it comes to that special character and you get do nail a good shot a prime makes it a bit more unique and nice in the end for sure :) /regards Martin.
Great video, I just got one a few days ago and am loving it already. Question on AutoFocus: I'm coming from the film world, mostly shoot F3, F4, F801.. and am a little daunted by the numerous AF modes on the Df. What do you find is the most efficient mode for getting quick accurate focus? Between AF-S single point & Auto.. and then AF-C Auto vs single, 9 point, 21 point..? Any help appreciated
Nikon Df is a timeless design for a standard photographer, a family man. Great full frame with budget vintage lenses, compact super raw files, works on older versions of LR too. Love to combo with cheap light sharp lenses. Below I end up keeping, as the full manual of aperture ring and AF remains delightful Tokina 24-70mm F2.8 Tokina 100mm F2.8 Nikkor 50mm F1.4D Nikkor 85mm F1.8D Nikkor 70-210mm F4D
That is awesome to hear :) Goes very well with those lenses i can imagine. I also have some older Nikkor lenses i love pairing with mine, some with Af and some not :) One small favorite is the 50mm f1,4 D for example, get to be very compact. Thank you for watching :)
Nice :) haha yes, it was a bit of a hatestorm at first, glad we are past that and it seems pretty sought after now instead and people have ( more so at least) accepted it for what it is, and awesome an unique camera :)
Beautiful video, thank you for it. Coming from Pentax cameras, I was wondering if the Nikon Df has an Auto-ISO mode? If so, would you be able to set it from the body controls or do you need to access the menu? I have been shooting with Nikon since 1983 and switched to Pentax in 2012 when I went digital. I still have my Nikon lenses and my old Nikkormat FT3 body. I'm thinking of going back to Nikon and this would be an interesting camera.
Thank you so much :) Love Pentax cameras and have shot with several film Pentax over the years. Also always been interested in how their digital bodies are like. Had a lady friend always shooting Pentax at photography school swearing by them. I Used to have my Auto ISO button fixed to a Fn button on the front if i recall correctly. S pretty sure that is possible :) That is awesome, if you still have the old Nikkors or any other F mount lenses the Df would seem like a very nice transition into the system :D /regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 Thank you so much for your reply, Martin. I really appreciate your help. I will look up into the Df as it's a camera that really seems interesting and my kind of tool. Cheers!
@@thebestoffools No worries :) good luck now and i hope if you ever decide to get it that you will like it as much as i have and te images you make with it, which is after all the most important thing!
Hello,i have found one in a very good price but its missing this tiny plastic flash sync cap. Do you think it loses the weather sealing without this?And i cant find it anywhere to buy it.
Hello! Hmm, good question! It just might but not totally sure to be honest. Personally i would not worry about it and probably buy one if the price is right. You could always just put some good tape over that opening or such to protect it, but otherwise its so well built in other parts so if not in a downpour i would not worry too much anyhow :) Good luck in your decision making! /regards Martin.
Excellent video, beautiful presentation. Gorgeous black and white pictures. DF is my favorite camera, coming from D700 as well. I tend to stay away from modern ED lenses, I prefer the rendition of older manual AI lenses when shooting B&W, but I must say I'm impressed with the 24mm you showed here. Great work! Subscribed.
Thank you, very happy you stopped by and watched it and liked it as well :) That is awesome that you share that history with coming from the D700, it seems we also share a similar taste in sensor character when it comes to that and lenses. I agree with that the older lenses gives off a more preferable look to the newer lenses. I tend to favor them too with a few exceptions like those i presented here, Which kind of share the same rendition among each other, but its not the same as those older even so. Just different :) Cheers and thanks again for leaving a comment and more for becoming a subscriber as well. regards Martin.
Hello Martin, Your B/W photos. Did you use the monochrome setting in the camera or was it all done in post? Beautiful photos no matter how you did them
Hey :) Thank you so much first of all, i never used the profiles in the camera actually, so not sure how good you can make them from there. I have worked out a few of my own profiles beginning from other software. The one i love using and have used to work with my photos for a long while is Alienskin which is a great starting point and totally customizable in every way. /Regards Martin.
I really enjoy your review. The Df is a really unique camera, own it for almost half year after reading your channel, it pairs so well with F-mount retro lens. This is a camera that makes me want to get more afd and manual lens, especially those small one.
Thank you! Its so compact for a DSLR and even more so with the ability to use those smaller lenses , which also have such great quality and character :) There are so many nice lenses to choose from!
Anyone else who owns a Df watching this? I love my Df and will likely never part with it. There is just something extremely theraputic about using this body. The "analoguey" feel of it really makes taking photos fun. The 16MP sensor has INCREDBILE low light capability and is forgiving of older, cheaper glass. The small body size makes the camera easy to carry and unobtrusive. I tend to use it with old D series prime lenses which are themselves light and compact.
Thank you :) The Df is one of a kind. Having bought the Zf i can still say the Df has and always will have a special place in my heart. If one can live with the Dfs shortcomings and has needs for the strengths of the Df there is no other camera out there with the same capabilities for me. And as you say the 16 Mp files are incredible, and even at high ISO the images never look off, just if anything organic and analog :)
Wonderful video on a beautiful camera supported with stunning portraiture. This is the finest video on the Df I've ever seen. I had been contemplating selling mine, but won't now. You've inspired me to go out and make great portraits with it as I did in the past.
That is amazing to hear, to inspire someone to make that decision is very humbling. So happy you feel that way after watching it. Thank you :) Happy shooting! Regards Martin.
Thank you for this excellent review! I'm strongly leaning toward picking up a Df, and this review has been a big part of that. I'm curious how you find using the OVF with eyeglasses, specifically for manual focus? I feel like you've sort of answered the question already as you show yourself using it with eyeglasses, and the video expresses how pleased you are with the camera, but I thought I'd still ask about your experience regarding that.
Thank you Sean, thats amazing that you now want one or at least felt more keen to get one after watching so happy to hear that. Honestly for me it works ok with the glasses, what i can say is im sure there are other cameras working even better and that are maybe known for being more for people wearing glasses. But the other thing that would have been better thought through is having another focus screen making it easier to focus with manual lenses. Now the Df has that green dot showing you when its in focus, but it can be a tad frustrating when you ficus on a F1,2 lens or f1,4 for example hehe. Otherwise i love it :) /regards Martin.
As a Canon shooter I was excited when it was announced. What held me back was its hybrid nature, I believe they'd have created such a cult if they'd have gone "full Leica". I mean: a true huge analog viewfinder to focus comfortably, better build quality, no AF, no video. The sensor it's amazing and they made the right choice about it. I didn't investigate any further into buying it since I didn't see the point of having equally uncomfortable manual focus -as much as any other reflex like the 6D I had back then-. But you can tell me better about this: is this camera comfortable to focus as much as a true film reflex camera?
Hey Davide :) You are right about most things you write i feel. Like you say there are of course things they could have done better and made it even more of a cult camera. I know it does have a strong following like the D700 but maybe even more so in a niche way. But one thing that you touch on concerting the focus and i also feel would have been better is to implement something of a split screen like in the film cameras. Unfortunately you will have to rely on your eyes and the green focus dot in the electronic display inside the finder to know if you hit focus or not. Something that is obviously a little hard in some instances like using a f1,4 or f1,2 lens or in bad lighting situations etc. So that is one thing for sure i know many complained about even though they liked the rest of the camera. So no, not as comfortable as aNikon Fm or FE2 or the like to nail focus :) For me i already knew about the shortcomings and was not "let down" like so many when it came out. So i valued it for the things i know it was better on unlike most of the other digital cameras around. And for that currently its quite unique. And i dont believe they will make a DF2 as so many have screamed for. Its already too late to be honest as if they did i guess it would be on the Z body, and i dont like the adapter or bigger lens mount at all. That new Z body that tried o sort of come close or mimic the df or older film bodies was kind of nice, but still looked odd with that lens mount to me.Also just being able to use a small amount of lenses etc makes it pretty "useless" for now in comparison to the Df that can use SO many lenses. Thanks again! :) love the banter and opinions keep them coming :D
@@martinandreasson5504 I honestly feel deeply let down by CaSoNykon mirrorless offers. I've a 5DmkIV since a few years and it's still a nice tool to use on the job with legendary primes like 35 1.4 (mk I), my favorite autofocus lens ever built the 50mm 1.2 and the mighty 85 1.2. Commands and ergonomics have always hit the right spots for what I needed on the job. I got the R6 a year and a half ago since EVERYBODY was praising it to be so much better in all regards (including the finder) compared to the 5DmkIV. To get used to the R6 I took over one year: poor ergonomics, longer viewfinder black out (and I tend to dislike digital finders, at least on the job), commands scattered in a weird way and partially on the screen. Today I mostly use the R6 only because compressed raw gives me 15 mb files (AMAZING) and because AF is so much better, even if I only use EF lenses adapted. The drawbacks are less pleasure of shooting and poor ergonomics, but I come home less tired after 12 hours of service. What deeply disappoints me is this contemporary obsession for perfect but boring lens (sadly started by Sigma with its "art" line) and this bodies that are nothing more that expensive plasticky toys with screens bells and whistles (sadly started by Sony, cameras/lenses I can't bond with at all). I'm so glad I finally discovered Leica, for my own peace of mind, at least for my personal production, and I plan to slowly introduce Leica also in my workflow (I'm getting soon the M240 instead of Q/Q2, decision made! All in all my X100V is still more than enough for daily snappy stuff) and to slowly switch towards more intimate jobs where I don't need to focus and shoot 50 photos per minute, which my R6 can amazingly (but boringly) do. The only lens that will made me keep Canon is that gorgeous 50 1.2, despite the beautifulness of the 35 and 85 I mentioned above they wouldn't be special enough for me to justifiy an extra system. For the same reason I'm going to keep my old GX1, the unbelievably good 20mm pancake, the most lightweight, honest and genuine lens I've ever used. Photography has to get back to what it used to be, I might join you one day in being a youtuber. I have a lot to share, as you do :)
Hi! I would and i do! :) But thats of course very subjective, so i do not want to recommend the Df for someone not researching it properly and knowing the limitations and being ok with them. If you have the need for higher resolutions and or want to shoot sports or other often fast moving subjects etc, its not the best camera, but besides that its a terrific camera even by todays standard because the IQ of the Df is fantastic and in my mind "superior" to the newer cameras because i subjectively like the images coming from the Df better, i find them much more pleasing and not as "sterile" as what i see from the new cameras out today :) Also if you want something very small, something like the X-T5 or something similar in size IS smaller and lighter. So consider those things and how important that is and then decide, if your answer to all those considerations are that you are fine with not having them, then the style and feel of the Df and the IQ is amazing for someone valuing that over those other things. Also being able to shoot with older Nikkor lenses was a big plus for me too :) And it goes so well on the DF too and not having to have an extra adapter etc, so cool :) /Regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 hey thanks for this. I rented it many years ago and I loved it. Im just wondering if it can hold up today for semi serious work. Appreciate the vid!
No worries and thank you for watching :) Id say it does work for that type of task sure. Just maybe not anything with sports or similar. I have used min for several weddings lately and i mean you get amazing pictures with the right lenses. Nothing really beats it in that regard. For stuff like that its better to get a camera and lens with some unique character than large pixel sensors , really no use for it there :) @@vc6218
@@marcoantonioregiltv Truly humbled that people enjoy watching it and taking their time to do that, and that you even left a positive comment. Thank you it made my day :) I have no clue what people want and like just what i would like to see myself so trying to do something i really feel :) thank you. /regards Martin.
Thank you so much Robert , so Happy people take their precious time and choose to watch the video . Glad you liked it and thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻✨
Thank you for this calm, differencing review. I used a Nikon FA for 6 yrs, then a F90X mostly until they closed up the Kodachrome facility and I had to go to digital. I got a D700 and liked it but it didn't fit into my shoulder bag ! So I bought an used Df for traveling and street photography. I have also a D810. I have the 135mm/2 DC also but I found that the images are not always sharp on autofocus - the D810 does it better. Did you compare this lens on these 2 cameras ? thanks for your sharing your experience Jochen from Germany
Thank you for watching Joachim! :) Some great cameras you had there as well over the years. The D700 was a bit heavy for traveling for my liking as well. I recall bringing mine to Rome and 3 lenses in the august heat, it was no cake walk. After that i got myself a Fuji X-T1 and traveled with 3 lenses and it felt like a breeze in comparison hehe. Im not sure if i ever took any photos with that combination( 135 DC and D810), but the 135 wide open for example was not the sharpest lens in itself as i recall but not sure if it would have been better of on the D810. To be honest i had trouble in the beginning to get sharp photos at all on my D810. Until i learned how to use that resolution in a better way. I constantly had to drive my shutter speed up more or have the chance of camera shake or something else making the images unsharp. But after that it was a great camera too. id love to try the D850 out actually as i thought the D810 felt a bit slow at times but it seems they remedied that in the D850 from what i have heard :)
Thanks A lot :) Glad you took the time to watch it. Its such a nice camera if you really read up on it and dont have any misconceptions in beforehand and get disappointed expecting something else :)
hehe that is great :D Yeh its a keeper for sure! Oh no another one making me want the new Zf ;) How do you like it so far? A worthy sibling to the Df?:) /regards martin.
I got a used DF!! So far tried my Nikkor 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.4, Voitglander 40mm f2 Ultron, and Tamron 105mm f2.5. Beautiful image! I truly think DF is misunderstood. I don't do video at all, and I don't fiddle with settings and command dials all the time. After two days of learning curve, my settings are pretty much all done. I switch between black and white, and color, and switch lenses. That's pretty much it. This is a photographer camera, and the shutter sound gives me joy😊 I am getting a split screen after reading all the google I could find, and also attempted by DK17m, which is now hard to find. I think the DF designer has a deep appreciation of photography. He has perhaps failed the consumer market, but this DF is a iconic one when looked back in a few decades.
I could not agree with you more :) and you have a great setup there! So glad your enjoying this iconic camera too. Look forward to hearing more about the splitscreen etc later down the line, good luck :) /regards Martin.
Great video about a camera I would love to own. I have a D700, D610 and a D810, but I've been waiting for the price on used Nikon Df's to drop and then I'll buy one, thanks!
I certainly enjoyed your video and also, your photos are really impressive. I still use my D700 and love the feel and also the colours it produces. I bought the D700 not long before the Df came on the market and I was tempted many times to get it but I didn't. I still have my Nikon FEs and the DF was an inspiration but I opted out. Cheers
Thank you so much for watching it and that you enjoyed it . The D700 is an amazing camera, i had two of them and the last one i got just a year ago or so because i missed using it. For me the Df was the "natural" progression from something i considered the only camera i wanted. None of the newer cameras interested me. And i wanted to be able to use the lenses i had acquired too, not having to upgrade those as well because of the higher resolution of the new cameras. Hold on to your D700 they are still sought after by many :) one of the greats! /regards Martin.
@@Navigator-apex The price for the Df has always been "too" high when launched and also now second hand its still so high. Sure im very happy i got it, but at the same time it has to be justified for yourself alone. I can really see why its not for many. /regards Martin.
The DF was ahead of its time. When a lot of so-called photographers were hung-up on current tech, the DF’s target market were users/owners who understood what the camera was actually for.
What a great review and some stunning photos. A flawed but great camera. I sold my first copy and a year later bough another. That sensor produces some beautiful images and the price you have to pay for a df tells the story.
Thank you SO much Jason. Its a special camera and as you say the price even nowadays sais it all hehe. I saw one here yesterday on our local market for 1500 EU with 10k shutter count. Was almost keen o getting it! But yeh except leica not many other digital cameras hold value that long. Its unique in that regard :)
Hi there :) And thank you so much. the af is not the best thats for sure. But it will all depend on your needs and what your expectations will be. Otherwise i could see how one could become disappointed if they are not right for the Df. I hope you figure it out and if you decide to get it is as happy as i am with mine :) /regards martin.
Very nice review of a wonderful camera, thank you for sharing. Makes me want to use mine more. When the Df came out in 2013 I just had bought a 50 mm f 1.2 ais, for my D90, wich wasn't a good match. The moment I bought my Df in 2014 and paired it with the 50 A1.2 ais, it was a delight! The only autofocus lenses I have for my Df, is the kit lens that came with it, the 50 mm 1.8 G, and the 85 1.8 D I got from a friend. For the rest, all I have are manual lenses : 28 2.8 ais, 50 1.2 ais, 105 2.5 ais and recently I bought the 20 mm f 4 ai because it has the 52 filter ring like all of my manual lenses and the 20 mm f 2.8 ais, doesn't. Now I'm looking to the Zf, wich seems a very nice camera too, especially the focus system, the design and the slim body. But the concern I have with Zf, is what to do with my manual lenses ... The idea of putting a plastic ZTF adapter between them and the Zf isn't something I'm looking forward to.... I still have to do some research... By the way, the only thing I still miss for my Df is a leather half case, the one in your video seems very nice.
Thank you for sharing your story as well, love reading these kinds of gems and get feedback too! You have some lovely lenses there o pair with your Df, thats great to hear. I have similar musings as do you about the new ZF. Im pretty close to getting one, i have tried one at the store and it felt pretty good. My only concern is exactly the same as you, i dont like either the F adapter nor the other adaptors. But from what i have seen with some lenses it looks ok, and there are even other adaptors that it looks better with that i have seen :) I enjoy the idea of adapting all kinds of cool vintage lenses if i get one, and that eye focus feature for manual lenses seems very nice to help out with the focusing . That case the Gariz half case is really nice, it comes in black as well :) I really recommend it! Cheers and regards Martin.
No Thank you for watching :) and liked it. Thats great! Im on the borderline selling some things to get the Zf, how do you like it? How is the sensor? it seems like a really cool and maybe worthy sibling ot the Df or companion :) Regards Martin.
Hello Martin; I've been longing for the Zf since the inception of the Df camera. The moment Nikon announced the camera I immediately placed the pre-order for the Zf 40mm Kit lens. Everything about the Zf is absolutely perfect, the aesthetics, the weight, and of course the sensor. As a long-time Nikon shooter, finally Nikon introduced my ideal camera, a keeper. Is so good that I might order another one in about six months time. Yes, it is that great@@martinandreasson5504
Hello Martin; Yes, of course, the sensor is magnificent. I have been waiting for the Zf for 30 years. Nikon finally announced my ideal camera and I immediately seized the opportunity and placed a pre-order for the Zf 40mm f2 kit. For my shooting philosophy every feature of the Zf is perfect, the aesthetic, the weight, the sensor's typical Nikon colors, and overall performance. The 24-megapixel sensor is just perfect for me, and in fact I don't like the images out of higher mega pixel sensors, they prove to look synthetic/digital. The camera is so good that I shall eventually place another order with Nikon. I own a ZFT II, and I may occasionally use older lenses, however, I strongly suggest using the native Z lenses with the Z series cameras for optimum result. I own a collection of great A-is Nikon lenses (my favorite lenses) and why I purchased a Df. To each their own, I am an artist/architect and the comment above reflect my principles and philosophy in photography. Thank you again.@@martinandreasson5504
VERY well done! I, too, am a fan of the Df, and have felt, as you, that the criticisms have been misplaced and based on a misunderstanding of the appeal of the camera to us film shooters.
Thank you so much Kevin :) Yes, if you are in that category i believe there is no better DSLR , would be really cool if they made something similar at one point, while not trying to overcomplicate it or stuff too many features in it, with what we know of the Df and how people have regarded it in retrospect i believe it would be better received :)
I've been wanting to buy a Nikon Df for so long. Until now, I still hesitated because the used prices are very high. I still have the whole series of Ais lenses and would like to use them properly. Today I finally ordered the Df from mpb. I can hardly wait. This video was the missing inspiration for me to do it. Many greetings from Thorsten.
Wow thank you Thor!, i hope you won't get disappointed in the end, but i doubt you will, if you feel inspired and have those lenses im sure you will put them to good use :) Please come back and tell me what your experience will be in the end from it. Good luck and enjoy :) And again thank you! /regards Martin.
My Df arrived yesterday and I did my first shots with this beauty. What can I say? It is love at first sight. I was lucky and the camera has only 19,000 releases. That's pretty much nothing for a Nikon digital SLR. It is also almost like new from the outside. Now I can finally use my AIS lenses again. They have a very special look. Thanks again for the inspiring video. Without the video I probably would not have bought the Df. Also to you further much joy with the Df. Best regards from Thorsten.
@@Thorset1 so happy to hear that Thor! What a lovely surprise :) Glad it was in such great condition too! You will make so many wonderful memories with that camera im sure, may it be a long and prosperous journey :D Thank you Thor, to inspire anyone at all just makes me happy so dito. Regards Martin.
Hey :) yes indeed, had it twice and loved it. I could still have one today to be honest if it were not because i have too much as it is. Also i try to use less heavy cameras as much as possible and the D700 was on the heavier side at times, especially now with a bad back :P Otherwise, one of my favorite cameras over the years for sure.
Hi Martin, I love your review. You have turned me on to an older camera. It is hard to find anything wrong with this camera, as you said I can live with those few short comings. Video isn t a big deal with me either, I am a stills guy anyway. The Nikon AF-S lenses are just great and for once affordable. Your pix are fantastic, the shots with the 105 f1.4 are tremendous, I love the narrow depth of field. So you have me on a hunt for this camera. I am presently using Canon with no complaints. But this camera might just spark a little fun. So thank you for the great video, and sharing your great talent.
Hi Thomas and thank you so much for watching and that you liked it. Very happy to hear that it might inspire you to look for a Df, with the lenses you mentioned it will create some great images for sure :) A you say now we can be happy those pretty expensive lenses ( used to be ) are now in reach, and its not like they have become worse just because newer gear have been released :) Its like with the older vintage lenses you can also mount on your Df, very affordable and create some beautiful images, also fun to use and pair so well on the Df . Let me know if you find one and how it goes!, Cheers Martin.
Hi Michael :) The SL seems like a very nice camera too! The DF is certainly not for everyone, but for me still to this day after using so many other cameras and buying and selling it is the one i still keep and will most likely keep until its obsolete :) I actually saw one yesterday here at our "local" camera market on the internet, its price was 1500 EU. Which is pretty rare if you compare other digital cameras, even the new D850 is down to the same price which says a lot , and many say that is the perfect camera! Come back and tell me if you ever get one and what you think of it . regards Martin
I believe at the time when this was released, the biggest frustration was that it was using the AF tech from the D610 and not the D4 or D750 etc. Everything else about it was perfection. I also think it was using an inferior battery (correct me if I'm wrong).
Hey :) and thanks for watching. Absolutely , it would have been even better. I had that problem just last night with it, that it also hunts in very dark situations shooting at an event. So in the "worst" circumstances it can be frustrating. Usually i just grab the D4 or another camera then. But for all other situations its brilliant and so nice to use . Honestly the battery life is pretty decent . I usually never go through even the second battery after a long days shooting. Yesterday shooting the whole evening i did not even get the battery down to half and i had those batteries for a while now. Maybe it is because they have succeeded in making it less draining on the battery so that it will suit the Df better than if that same battery would have been used in another more "demanding camera". Not sure but when i compare it to using other cameras and batteries i feel its actually pretty good :)
Id love a silver one as a companion to the black. Was actually close to buying one of the last from Nikon here in Sweden , but I waited too long and it was sold 😫 if I ever find one on good condition for a reasonable price I might go for it !
Great video and sample photos, thanks for sharing. I’m expecting my black DF to arrive in 2 weeks. Found one yesterday on eBay with 60 shots on the shutter, couldn’t pass it up. For years, I’ve been using Zeiss lenses on a Canon 5D Classic and 6D. My favorite Zeiss lens is the Planar 50/1.4 since it’s small and has a unique rendering at large apertures. I may end up getting a ZF.2 version for the DF or get a cheap Nikon prime to start with. I’ve been wanting a DF for a more manual shooting experience like my old film camera, I like the manual controls and buttons and less dependency on the menu. I also like the image quality from the D4 sensor based on the RAW samples that I’ve downloaded. It is less clinical-looking compared to the newer sensors today.
Thank you so much for watching and your comment. Congratulations, thats a good deal ! Glad your getting one in that great condition. I hope you are going to enjoy i as much as i have. Even though i had mine now for a long while, i still from time to time toy with the idea of getting a second silver one, in case mine breaks down at some point. They are still pricey i see and so i wait for a good deal as well in case i decide to get it. The files from the Df are really great, paired with both the older Nikkor lenses but also the newer G lenses the images you can get out of it are unique in that regard in my opinion, in comparison to the clinical look you also describe from other newer sensors. /regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 I received the camera yesterday, it was in pristine condition and packaged securely by the seller. After doing some research on lenses, I've decided to go with Zeiss since I'm familiar with them already with my Canon kit. To start, I ordered a Zeiss Planar ZF.2 50/1.4 lens from Amazon today, it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. I think it will be great combo for daily use, I just love the character of that lens when shot at larger apertures, the out-of-focus areas look very painterly and artistic. I hope to sell one or two of my Canon lenses so I can add another lens to the line-up, maybe a 28mm or 100mm.
@@jojom1984 Wow congratulations Jojo :) That is awesome and glad could find one in that great condition. About the Ziess lens that sounds like a splendid idea in my opinion and i think it will be a great fit for the Df. Yes adding a 28 is also a great addition and something longer when it comes to fl. You can do so much with a 50 to begin with so its a smart start :) Good luck on your new journey and let me know how it goes with everything in the future :) /regards Martin.
Thank you so much :) Yes you are right, i try to stay pretty consistent with my tones and editing with a few exceptions . Glad you liked it:) /regards Martin.
Nikon Df is a great realization of the dream of thousands of cameras lovers, that wish to be able to use their beloved analog camera on a daily basis with the ease of digital and not limited by the exclusivity of analog. So the criticism does not make sense, what they point as defects, should be seen as characteristics, just as it makes no sense to criticize the Porsche 911, because there's no place to the children and Mother-in-Law, in the rear seats. Special objects should be appreciated simply for what they are, not for what they could have been. Wonderful portraits you showed us.
First of all thank you Ricardo, both for watching and your comments. What you say also makes so much sense,, the metaphor with the Porsche is just so true hehe.I mean of the top of my head i cannot recall every word in the original DF commercial that was shown back then all over the world, but i cannot recall someone shooting sports or action in that regard, it was a bout pure photography most of all and take things slowly. Something which i feel it really lives up to :)
The Nikon df is unicorn 🦄 dslr that when 1st released was criticised by all reviews. But I didn't listen or care, as I've own one and absolutely love it and will never let it go. Images this camera captures are breathtaking. Thanks for you're review that the Nikon df deserves 👏
Thank you so much John! It really is one of a kind. In one way im kind of sad nothing like it will most likely never come out, but at the same time im happy that some of us have it and can enjoy it while its here :) And also be happy we listened to what we believed ourselves instead of what others thought! We are all part of something special :) Regards Martin.
@@kristersjoblom4025 Thank you so much Krister! That is great, i hope you are lucky if you ever decide to get one and find one in good condition, im sure you will love it if you feel it could be for you :) But ye its seldom seen, i guess ebay would be the best bet if one want to get it a little sooner. Good luck and let me know if you ever get one! /regards Martin.
Wonderful inspiration, thank you. For me it is Less about the dials and knobs and much about the incredible images this camera produces especially when paired with the ai, pre ai and Zeiss lenses the images remind me of color slide. I have 2 I never want it to be without one.
Thank you! So happy to hear that it gave you inspiration :) It IS an inspiring camera though and as you say, the images from those kind of combinations as you mentioned with the lenses and sensor, is a match that just makes amazing photos in the right hands. And as you say while i love retro styling it is the sensor that makes me love it even more :)
Hey :) Im manually focusing by looking at the green confirmation dot in the viewfinder at the information at the bottom of it. It could be better but its working ok :)
@@RichardsModellingAdventures Yeh in that regard its "nothing special" also i know many people feeling its a dealbreaker for them especially if they have bought it to use with older manual lenses, and as you say some have invested in a new screen and made it work for them. For me while one of those would be great im ok with what i have and work with. Just the ability to work with all those older lenses is great :) But its good to be aware of for sure if someone wants to buy one.
Hi, maybe you may have some clue for me. With all my lenses wide opened, I cannot focus properly, precisely. An example : having the focus on the center on a people's face with room in the frame for the background, it always miss the focus for the background. I have to use the live view to have a better focus...
Hey :) Thank you fro your question first of all. Is that on the DF specifically or also other cameras? It sounds like you need to "tune" your Af for those lenses. I have actually never done that myself, ans while i most likely would need it too on some lenses it has not been that bad so have never got around to do that. But you can hand the lens in to a Nikon dealer and im sure its not that pricey to get help with. They will test the lens together with the Df and just fine tune it to the Df so that focus is spot on instead :) Hope that helped some. If not good luck and hope you can find the solution. /regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 Thanks for your help. Yes it's a Nikon Df. It's strange because with the live view the camera uses contrast detection and I have not problem with af, it's slow but flawless with all my lenses. So it may be a phase detection problem. I will try to tune it, maybe the tuning concerns the phase detection regarding a particular lens. It's probably what you just mentionned. Thanks again. I will try.
All of my Nikkor lenses are manual (because I still also shoot with Nikon film bodies like F or F2). With the Df, the overall experience isn't that much, probably like shooting with Leica M film and digital. I'm fine with 16 MP so far... Perhaps one day will switch to Nikon Z due the slimmer body and bigger MP.
Yeh those older film bodies and lenses are great, and i think being able to also use them on the DF is great :) of course they can be used on the Z bodies as well, i really dislike the idea of havng to use the Nikon lenses with adapter on a Nikon camera, but in the future if they come out with a little bit more of a retro Z body in FF i might also be tempted to change for one of those or add it to the kit :) From all accounts i heard the Z7 is a very good camera.
Great video! Having owned the Df for a while I can say I really liked the camera. Only the autofocus could have been a little more snappy and precise in my opinion.
Thank you Stefan :) yeh i agree with that for sure! I think the most annoying thing could be when trying to focus in very dark situation, nothing snappy about it then for sure hehe.
Imo this body has one flaw, which it faithfully copied from the analog bodies it is mimicking, it is the “locked” exposure compensation. This stops you from easily adjusting the setting, you need to press the lock before you can turn it. The AF is ok, the D4 sensor has relatively low resolution, 16mpx, but has a nice look. The leatherette around the grip can loosen, something to be aware of when buying used. Its shortcomings were from people who wanted a modern camera, they completely misunderstood this body. I love this camera, especially with my AIS and Voigtlander lenses - I even like the 50mm 1.8 G as “retro” AF lens. My GAS keeps looking at the newish Voigtlander 90mm 2.8 APO-Skopar…
Any camera is a tool, and Nikon cameras are among the best cameras ever made, but, it always depends on the one who is using it, if fully aware of it's capabilities and potentials, and when those factors are added to his or her talent, the great photographs are inevitable outcome.
I have used almost all of the great brands occasionally and with different setups, but i always used Nikon as sort of my main base and always felt those were the most dependable and safe to use in all situations. The Df is no exception :) its a tool that also feel great using it and inspires you to step it up. thank you Wael :)
Well done. I agree with your take on more physical dials and fewer menus. Although I have been long dialed in with Canon digital cameras, I still enjoy my Nikon S-2 rangefinder and Nikkormat FT3 Film cameras. Beautiful imagery you have there!
Thank you Brian 🙏🏻✨ those old cameras were all so nice and tactile 😍 actually got myself an FT2 a few weeks back with a beautiful 50 mm f1,4 lens on . What a tank! 😁
Martin...the Nikon Df is a camera that has intrigued me for some time. The analog experience is precisely what appeals to me. Designers of modern mirrorless cameras pack so much technology and features that I feel it often gets in the way of image creation. I own fuji and leica because of the user experience, clean interface and dials and buttons. The older I get the more I seek to slow down and appreciate the process of taking memorable photos. Perhaps the Nikon Df will finds its way into my hands. Also, I agree with you about the sensor of the Nikon D4 and Df--simply dreamy. Thank you again for sharing your journey with this wonderful camera.
First of all thank you for watching and the very thoughtful comment, it is precisely why i made this channel, to be able to exchange thoughts and chat with likeminded people or maybe inspire someone to try out something i liked and help in their journey :) I know i have been helped so many times by watching other peoples stories on here. To help me make choices when it comes to certain gear etc. I agree with you as well about how one think becoming older, when i was younger i followed new development and tried catching up on the "upgrade" train, spent so much money on the next best thing, but it just felt hollow in the end. I am so happy i now have ended up with at least a core set of equipment that feels inspiring and that give me the look i want when i use it. And i guess to someone on that upgrade train my gear would now feel very old hehe. And most likely even wonder why i still shoot with it :) I hope you at least get to try the Df out :) i think you would appreciate it for what it is , reading what you wrote. Now i just wish mine never breaks, or if it does that i can fix it somehow so that i can use it for a very long time. I doubt they will ever produce something too close again, at least not Nikon. Thank you Edilson /regards Martin
I bought a Df when it released, back in 2013, and loved using it. I like the old-style use of dials and buttons. The image quality was superb and the only thing i missed was having the option to shoot 1/8000th. It was great with old manual Nikon glass, too. You have some great images in this video, too!
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment :)😃 Thats a good point, would have been cool to have for sure. ye its a great benefit to be able to use that old glass, and makes it so much more versatile and fun imo. /regards Martin.
@@QuicknStraight Thanks again :D It is actually music i bought from Soundstripe. I usually listen trough a lot of different music and narrowed it down to a few from there i thought i would like for the slideshow. Glad you liked it :) If you want to i can look up the name of song and artist, just let me know :) /regards Martin.
Olympus digital is my primary system, but the Df turned me onto getting non-AI and AI Nikkor lenses, my favorite among them being the Nikkor 24mm f/2. I have installed a split image focusing screen onto the Df, which no Fujifilm mirrorless camera can replicate. The Df's colors are usable, albeit a little cool overall for my tastes, which more closely align with those of Olympus/OM System. If I ever shoot film, I'm gonna use Nikon, and I do think the Df is inspiring in its own way, especially when paired with the film-era lenses that can get as small and as hefty as Olympus' lenses can. Nice portraits.
Thank you :) ow i would love a split image focus screen on mine as well! The film cameras that the Df is modeled after are so nice to use just as the Df but even better cause they are smaller. But its pretty nice to be able to get that feeling a bit when using a digital SLR which makes it so unique :)
My primary system is Olympus too. But the Nikon DF holds a very special place in my colleague. Much like the Olympus Pen F. Something about using it brings alot of joy. I love the DF so much I even bought the limited black gold version.
@@ChubbyRUclipsr Oh! that version looks so nice too, wanted that and saw one a while back making the rounds here in the local market, would have been so cool to have too :)
If you really like the sensor in your D4 and want a smaller package but not too worried about the af speed or less ergonomic body( although less weight! ), id really consider it :) I still have the D4 for when i need it and cant see myself getting rid of that until it breaks down. Hopefully it will soldier on a while longer.
Thank you. Eventually I will have to find lighter alternatives, I guess - a D4 and the "holy trinity" of 2,8's are quite heavy to carry the whole day - and I consider taking my old non-zoom lenses out of the cupboard instead. I tried the Zf during a presentation by Matthias Klum today, and that camera really needs a better grip. So the D4 stays for a while.
@@Megadad60 hehe yeh, the D4 is a beast with the bigger lenses. I dont have all my F lenses left, but i kept the 24m f1m4 G, the 58 G, the 70-200 and the 105mm f1,4. All i need really, sometimes miss the 24-70 but they are so cheap now so might get that one back at some point. But yeh, it becomes heavy with all those except maybe the 58mm . The d4 is a great camera, but its nice to have a backup thats lighter i find. The Zf is a really good camera, love min, but i wont put any of the bigger F lenses on it. feels unbalanced and i hate the way it tooks too. So i only use the lighter Z SE lenses ( 28mm and 40mm ) and for those its perfect, but also to adapt vintage lenses its so much fun and works so well. So if you want the F lenses with a smaller body i think the Df must be the best bet out there :), especially if you like the look of it and that magical sensor sauce ;)
My favourite camera was the Nikon FM3A. Small, bullet proof. Shame digital photography has made film both expensive and harder to process. I have always wished that a digital 35mm film back would exist, but frankly most DIY solutions to attempt this have horrible picture quality. I have a Nikon D7100 and have always wanted to try a Nikon DF to see if it was more like my FM3A. Shame that there is virtually no stock online for this camera, or stockists to try it in person.
Yeh i agree with you that something very close to a FM3a would be a dream :) Unfortunately i dont think the DF or even the ZF even though that is more close in size are close enough. But at least for me they both give an experience more close than any other digital camera out there in my opinion. Yeh its not often they pop up any longer :( makes me want to hold on to mine forever as they get more and more rare. There has been a few on the swedish market places lately, They are sold for around 1000 EU or more i seem to recall. And look to be in pretty good condition.
Back in 2013, DPReview gave the Df a rather lukewarm review, the usual “it too big” stuff (they were already enamored with tiny mirrorless cameras). It wasn’t the first time they botched a Nikon camera review. They missed the mark in their D7000 review, a groundbreaking camera for IQ. Like the Df, it has an absolutely top notch sensor, that is, to this day, high up on DXOMark’s sensor ratings. Sensational images, superb review about the joy of photography and quality gear.
Thank you so much Markus :) yes i agree wholeheartedly about what you said on the DPreview review of the DF, remember reading that and so many others having the completely wrong mindset going into writing those reviews. It is like they weren't sure how to make a review about something not following the general guidelines on how a camera would look like at that time. Like they were all caught off guard and just couldn't be fair in their judgement at all. What NO video!? old looking dials and wheels??, no 30 mp resolution?! ;) Thank again :) /regards Martin.
Yes, the D7000 was to me, one of the best APS-C sensors ever made. I loved that camera, but hated the AF. I think why DP review didn't like the DF as much is because of what it could have been. Take the Fuji XT range. If you handle those cameras, you get that true retro feel. And then Nikon threw in the same AF system the shoved in the D7000 & D600/610. I do acknowledge that the DF wasn't made for me, so I am not knocking it.
@@deejayiwan7 I want a D4s to replace my D4 at some point. I used to have the D810 but love the sensor so much on the D4/df so changed to a D4 as a combo :) I won't ever "need " anything more than those two cameras when it comes to "performance" as a tool is considered for anything i do anyhow.
Great video, thanks. I loved my Df, but less for nostalgia and more for being a great photography tool. Loved the DC 135/2 and the new 58/1.4 on it, like you. But mine let me down with a) breaking (my only Nikon DSLR ever to die silently while I was traveling. OK, it was a warranty repair) and b) slow shutter and no low ISO (I hate NDs). So I traded it in for a D850. But I got myself one of the 1st Zfc, however that one is very different - let‘s see how this one will do with the new Z85/1.2 for a 135/1.8-ish look. But the balance cam with lens is all off for this.
Hey Andi thanks you :) So sorry to hear of yours breaking! thats not fun. I heard the D850 was a stellar kamera though so im sure you have a good camera anyhow :) I havent jumped on the Mirrorless train yet, and not sure i will if my other Nikons break. Maybe if they produce something akin to a Df2 or similar, then it might be time ;) Time will tell. The Zfc looks great, only thing i dont like is that Big mount it has, otherwise it looks light and lovely :)
@@martinandreasson5504 - thanks! On the Zfc (or probably any mirrorless): It's really changing things a lot. Not having to change between open aperture for view-finding and spring-closing it down for firing the shutter really enables a new class of new small/inexpensive lenses - mostly Chinese (TTArtisan, Viltrox,...). Nikon mostly went for the large/expensive Z optics approach themselves instead. Also having a preview of the exposure as-is in the viewfinder is nice. And focus-peaking for MF (or optionally magnifying for static scenes) is a big change. Also the Zfc swiveling screen enables a waist-level viewfinder experience in portrait-mode shootings (e.g. on a tripod in the studio). So far my Zfc (+28/2.8 kit) has even been more exciting fun than the Zf (and way cheaper, a perfect mirrorless-intro). But I still miss the sustained slow-food-experience approach which the Zf brought to me. And DX-format is a bit of a let-down, I can't really use the 105/1.4 with it - 150/2 is not a look I'm after, but 85/1.2 translated to ~135/1.8 sounds interesting (ordered my 85/1.2 even though its big/heavy/very-expensive). P.S. forgot: Awesome images you took, great work!
@@andikunar7183 Yeh, i have been shooting mirrorless on Fuji for a long while, and it really has its advantages when it comes to size and as you say ability to adapt lenses etc. Currently i have been adapting a lot of Zuiko and takumar lenses that give a really nice retro look, also feels great to handle :) But like you say full frame would have been even better, do not really have a wide angle but all lenses either go from 50 and up. The 35 i have is only f3,5 so not really great for portraits . But its a lot of fun :) Can take a analog camera with me and the Fuji XT-1 and same lenses and shoot both a day in town , great fun :) Thanks again Andi!
I use the Df as a travel compagnon. But, like your experience, I had a broken shutter too. I bought it used but like new. I had a lot of other Nikons in use over 25 yrs where I never had a shutter problem. The repair was expensive.
I can understand that! Sometimes i have contemplated selling because i needed money etc, and im happy i did not every time :) Thank you for wacthing and commenting David. Regards Martin.
I had the d600, and through the af was better than the df, even tho they were the same. Probably because I got the d750 and it made it seem slower. Plus I bought my used and the person already had 100,000 clicks, so maybe the af was slower. That was my main issue is the AF system felt weak for the price. I got the Zf now and like using that more. I will keep my DF as it is a relic to me.
Well the Af is quite slow to be honest hehe . Can imagine next to the ZF it must be like a camera "zombie"! :) Im looking a lot on the Zf now and might actually get it. How do you like it otherwise? Yhe i wouldnt get rid of the DF, it will hold value longer than the Zf for sure :) Its got this cult following too and will always be the most Unique digital Nikon as long as they dont produce something similar. /regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 button layout still nikon so it easy for me to use. i do event photography and it is muscle memory where things are. Top panel looks just like the DF. For longer shoot I prefer the z8 grip, but the no grip is fine for causal shooting. I don't like the small bump grip that is the worst as it cause you fingers to have less contact surface to hold. I am used to milc now so I prefer to shoot that over dslr. But battery drains faster. Why I still like walkaround with the dslr on a long day. No battery drain. I even use the z30 for video. I picked the Zf over the z6ii is for the AF, I had the z7ii as my main. Couldn't wait for the z6iii. Plus it shoot a tad different. I use zebra to manual focus or the zoom in button to be more precise. I do have film slr that do split focus which is fun, but now it is zoom focus if need be. I prefer higher mp for landscape and portrait, but for all other 24p is fine.
I have a Z6 that's more for pro work. I started with a D7100 which was a great camera but sold it then realized I prefer OVFs over EVFs. I ended up grabbing a used D810, which I got for a great price that was hard to pass, as my "fun" camera, and since I missed DSLR experience and also from my film shooting phase I went for many years but it's gotten too expensive. The Df camera is like a bit of both worlds but I never knew about this camera and this review sold me on considering trading for it but damn, those used prices are nuts. Why is this so expensive in 2023? This cost more than a lightly used D810. I was expecting
Hey and thanks a lot :) The df has indeed got something of a cult following, a bit like the D700 but even more so since of the unique style of camera it is. Unfortunately for us the people that find it inspiring and intriguing that has made it very hard to get and too expensive. It was actually always a bit too expensive for "what you get" on paper even when launched. And then kept that pricetag for a long time. They had new for sale until a few years back on Nikons website and i almost grabbed a silver but the price that was even then like 2200 EU kept me from it...:( Its a bit stupid and as you say the used prices are normally between 1000-1400 EU here . Not sure about current Ebay prices or other countries :) Hope you can have some luck finding one in decent condition for a decent price! good luck, regards Martin.
haha, yupp its easily moved. I think one of the biggest criticisms from detractors over the years with the Df has been all the dials and that its cluttered. Its not that big of a deal for me, and id rather have it as it is than not:)
one of the best, emotionally connecting reviews about the NIkon Df
wow thank you for those kind words, very happy you took your time to watch the video and leave a comment and also subscribed kind regards Martin.
Agree 100 percent
I’ve literally seen thousands of videos on cameras, lenses and photography but never one this well done.
That is truly humbling to hear, thank you and so happy you thought so well of it. /regards Martin.
This is the best review I've seen of this camera. I had one back in the day and I truly loved it. I took some of my best photographs and I really enjoyed bringing it with me everywhere. I traded it in for a Z6 and as I much as I also like the mirrorless technology I've always missed my Df. I can't wait for Nikon to bring out a new full frame version of this camera!!! Sometimes I even think about buying a Df again. Thanks so much for this beautiful video and congratulations on your wonderful photos!!
Thank you again Marco, both for you kind words and again for being so positive. I can really understand the feeling of missing the Df, i know i would to and even though i have been close at times to sell it to finance other things i have now come past that and really want it to not break so that i can keep it and pressure it for a long while ahead. Crossing my fingers! A FF Df2 would be a dream to be honest, lets make a wish for that too :D
Thank YOU for watching and liking it , have a great weekend :)
The Df is a Fx (full frame) camera, correct?
@@michaelmcclain-8346 That is correct Michael :)
What do you think about the ZF?
@@hellatightdude Sorry for the late reply! Just saw that i never answered you. I like the Zf alot, but cannot say it has the same appeal to me as the Df had. Its a "better" tool in many ways. But the sensor and the feeling of the Df in general made me just love it more and feel it was more special.
Maybe spending more time with the Zf it will grow on me too. Time will tell.
My brother just picked up one of these. He likes how it reminds him of the film cameras and doesn’t mind going back to 16 mps. I have always believed that it is not the camera, it is the person behind the camera. If an individual who knows what they are doing was to take a Brownie 620 film camera (yes, I own a selection) which is over 100 years old they could create some stunning photographs. Good video and I like the music in the background.
Thank you so much :) and sorry for the late reply, thought i had given an answer earlier and then life got in the way. Its exactly like you say.. For me i have taken some of my favorite pictures with it, and also on much lower resolution digital cameras like the panasonic LX3 or similar pocket cameras. Also its about the lens and as you say photog and character of the sensor. The Megapixels id say s a "no" factor in how the image will look , and for a long while backwards with camera models.
I appreciate your comment!
regards Martin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review. I like how thoughtful you are in detailing your experiences with your equipment and your journey in photography. Beautiful images.
Thanks Freeman! thanks for coming back again and watching, and very happy you enjoyed this video too :) have a great weekend regards Martin.
Just so you know, I share your videos with hopes of bringing more viewers to your work, and perspectives.
@@Capcity44 Cheers Freeman and thanks a lot for doing that :) The more the merrier and im happy for any comment or subscriber that comes my way that wants to chat and talk about the gear we love using and photography in general. Greatest hobby and in general and my experience a very positive and helpful community :)
Your work is beautiful! Some of the best I’ve seen posted on RUclips. The 24mm, 58mm, and 105mm f1.4 lenses seem like a dream team on the Df. Really inspiring photos. Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you so much for that positive feedback, very happy to hear that :) And glad you feel that way!
Yes for me at least those are the gems together with the Df if one mean the newer G lenses. Sure there are some gems from the old era too, but i believe for the highest quality photos and with great character id say those are my absolute favorites :) Thank you for watching and your comment Simon. regards Martin.
I have to agree-this was a fantastic video. It was the best I've seen as I've wrestled with whether to purchase the df. I shoot mostly film, but my digital cameras are fujifilms. I have many film Nikons and beautiful lenses; all of which can be used on the df. Adding a full frame to my mirrorless digitals makes sense and the df is the one for me. Thanks for helping with my decision.
Thank you so much for you comment and for enjoying the video, warms my heart :) And i think and hope your decision will be the right one for you in the end, as it was for me. fuji cameras are a lot of fun too, but its nice to be able to use that older Nikkor glass and having a FF camera to do that with.
Let me know how that goes! :)
Regards Martin.
I got a 2nd hand Df about a year ago and use it locally far more than my Z6 as it's just so inspiring to shoot with. And if you were to sell a camera on the basis of the images -- well this is one of the best collections of portraits I've seen. Gratulerar!
That is great! :D And thank you so much for you kind words :)
/regards Martin
Thank you for this motivation! I've been wanting one for years and will now finally get one. The FE2 is my favorite camera of all time. What a tank it was, so tough. I still have it and all the lenses. It was great to see one in your post. Beautiful photos as well!
Thank you Joel! :) The Fe2 is SO great, i actually took it out yesterday on my photowalk here in Stockholm, its always a pleasure to use, gives you such confidence when you use it. Very reliable. If you have all the lenses already the Df will make such a good companion Joel, let me know when you have it and what you think, regards Martin.
Somehow I missed the release of this camera body.
I recently dragged out my old F3 and took it on a few trips with me. Sticker shock set in as I found that quality processing and scanning of film to be almost prohibitively expensive to shoot as an advanced hobbyist. I'd been considering a Zf as a means of scratching that "full manual camera" itch.
But now, having found out about this body (and having watched this excellent review), I have decided this is a more cost-effective option for getting that manual-camera aesthetic and operational satisfaction while not having to spend upwards of $30 per roll for processing and scanning. In addition, I can use my already extensive collection of both non-AI and AI-S F-mount lenses mounted straight to the camera (rather than through an FTZ, which adds bulk).
So I've found one in near-mint condition with a 7,000 shutter count. It's on its way, and I can't wait to drop it into my flight bag for use while I'm at work.
Wow i missed your wonderful comment and when i saw it now just had to answer :) First of all congratulations to finding such a mint Df . makes me smile thinking about someone starting to explore photography with this amazing camera. I really hope you get happy using your old lenses and just have fun with it. From what i hear after reading your text it seems to me the Df will be perfect.
Thank you for sharing!
Regards Martin.
Great Review and fantastic camera that needs to be coupled with excellents lenses, the ones you present at the end with the astonishing pictures you took with. My ultimate camera. Thank you
A humble thank you for the comment :) Happy you liked it! Also happy you also find it a fantastic camera :D
/regards Martin.
wow. I was looking for a camerareview but found an inspiring video abour phtography.thank you!
haha yeh, maybe i should say sorry, its a bit of a "false" advertisement in that regard i suppose :) glad you liked it in another way at least :) Im not a very technical person when it comes to stats or testing in that sense. I like to test it and get experience with the gear i like and then try to describe my passion for it and why i guess and try to convey it. Thank you for watching it and glad you got some enjoyment out of it. /Martin
Beautiful pictures. I have no plans to get a DF, but watching your "review" was very well worth every second.
That's the "Dream" combo of primes you have there. I just can't imagine travelling with primes (Maybe a 50 or a 35mm at most). The 24-120 was a life saver in my most recent family trip and I still regret not taking the 28-85 instead.
Going around with a set of primes requires dedication (or a dedicated trip), but those beautiful pictures are gold and worth it.
Thank you so very much, both for watching and your comment :) Appreciated. A zoom for traveling is a savior when it comes to miss shots so absolutely not a bad idea. I always went with primes even though i did shoot with he 24-70 many years. And for weddings etc i could not shoot with only primes, so always use the 24-70 and the 70-200( except on the df too as its too big and heavy ). And in those instances its so nice to have them as well i the tool kit.
But yes, when it comes to that special character and you get do nail a good shot a prime makes it a bit more unique and nice in the end for sure :)
/regards Martin.
Great video, I just got one a few days ago and am loving it already. Question on AutoFocus: I'm coming from the film world, mostly shoot F3, F4, F801.. and am a little daunted by the numerous AF modes on the Df. What do you find is the most efficient mode for getting quick accurate focus? Between AF-S single point & Auto.. and then AF-C Auto vs single, 9 point, 21 point..? Any help appreciated
Absolutely stupendous portrait photography. Truly an artist with a camera.
Bill thank you for that wonderful comment and for taking the time to watch! Regards Martin.
Thank you for your review 😊. I am too, really love my Df and old DSLR NIKON cameras ☺️
Thank you Oleg, thats awesome, they make som greta cameras indeed :D
Nikon Df is a timeless design for a standard photographer, a family man.
Great full frame with budget vintage lenses, compact super raw files, works on older versions of LR too.
Love to combo with cheap light sharp lenses. Below I end up keeping, as the full manual of aperture ring and AF remains delightful
Tokina 24-70mm F2.8 Tokina 100mm F2.8
Nikkor 50mm F1.4D Nikkor 85mm F1.8D Nikkor 70-210mm F4D
That is awesome to hear :) Goes very well with those lenses i can imagine. I also have some older Nikkor lenses i love pairing with mine, some with Af and some not :) One small favorite is the 50mm f1,4 D for example, get to be very compact. Thank you for watching :)
Excellent video! I enjoyed your take on the DF. I LOVE the photo’s you shared! Bravo
Thank you John! So happy you enjoyed it and liked my images as well, thank you for that :)
/regards Martin.
I've had my Df since 2015. Had to weather some storms of people hating on it, but I'm still shooting it and I still love it.
Nice :) haha yes, it was a bit of a hatestorm at first, glad we are past that and it seems pretty sought after now instead and people have ( more so at least) accepted it for what it is, and awesome an unique camera :)
Beautiful video, thank you for it. Coming from Pentax cameras, I was wondering if the Nikon Df has an Auto-ISO mode? If so, would you be able to set it from the body controls or do you need to access the menu? I have been shooting with Nikon since 1983 and switched to Pentax in 2012 when I went digital. I still have my Nikon lenses and my old Nikkormat FT3 body. I'm thinking of going back to Nikon and this would be an interesting camera.
Thank you so much :) Love Pentax cameras and have shot with several film Pentax over the years. Also always been interested in how their digital bodies are like.
Had a lady friend always shooting Pentax at photography school swearing by them.
I Used to have my Auto ISO button fixed to a Fn button on the front if i recall correctly. S pretty sure that is possible :)
That is awesome, if you still have the old Nikkors or any other F mount lenses the Df would seem like a very nice transition into the system :D
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 Thank you so much for your reply, Martin. I really appreciate your help. I will look up into the Df as it's a camera that really seems interesting and my kind of tool. Cheers!
@@thebestoffools No worries :) good luck now and i hope if you ever decide to get it that you will like it as much as i have and te images you make with it, which is after all the most important thing!
Hello,i have found one in a very good price but its missing this tiny plastic flash sync cap. Do you think it loses the weather sealing without this?And i cant find it anywhere to buy it.
Hello! Hmm, good question! It just might but not totally sure to be honest. Personally i would not worry about it and probably buy one if the price is right. You could always just put some good tape over that opening or such to protect it, but otherwise its so well built in other parts so if not in a downpour i would not worry too much anyhow :)
Good luck in your decision making!
/regards Martin.
Excellent video, beautiful presentation. Gorgeous black and white pictures. DF is my favorite camera, coming from D700 as well. I tend to stay away from modern ED lenses, I prefer the rendition of older manual AI lenses when shooting B&W, but I must say I'm impressed with the 24mm you showed here. Great work! Subscribed.
Thank you, very happy you stopped by and watched it and liked it as well :) That is awesome that you share that history with coming from the D700, it seems we also share a similar taste in sensor character when it comes to that and lenses. I agree with that the older lenses gives off a more preferable look to the newer lenses. I tend to favor them too with a few exceptions like those i presented here, Which kind of share the same rendition among each other, but its not the same as those older even so. Just different :)
Cheers and thanks again for leaving a comment and more for becoming a subscriber as well.
regards Martin.
I love my Df - still use it even after getting a Z8
Thats so awesome to hear :D
I'm glad I stayed to the end. Your photographs are wonderful.
Thank you, and im very happy you did decide to stay until the end and that you enjoyed it :) Regards Martin.
Hello Martin, Your B/W photos. Did you use the monochrome setting in the camera or was it all done in post? Beautiful photos no matter how you did them
Hey :) Thank you so much first of all, i never used the profiles in the camera actually, so not sure how good you can make them from there. I have worked out a few of my own profiles beginning from other software. The one i love using and have used to work with my photos for a long while is Alienskin which is a great starting point and totally customizable in every way.
/Regards Martin.
I really enjoy your review. The Df is a really unique camera, own it for almost half year after reading your channel, it pairs so well with F-mount retro lens. This is a camera that makes me want to get more afd and manual lens, especially those small one.
Thank you! Its so compact for a DSLR and even more so with the ability to use those smaller lenses , which also have such great quality and character :) There are so many nice lenses to choose from!
Beautiful and inspiring photos Martin, thank you.
Thank you so much for watching and your kind words :) /regards Martin.
Beautiful video and lovely photography, fine work!
Thank you watching :) and thank you for your kind words :)
Anyone else who owns a Df watching this?
I love my Df and will likely never part with it. There is just something extremely theraputic about using this body. The "analoguey" feel of it really makes taking photos fun.
The 16MP sensor has INCREDBILE low light capability and is forgiving of older, cheaper glass. The small body size makes the camera easy to carry and unobtrusive. I tend to use it with old D series prime lenses which are themselves light and compact.
Thank you :)
The Df is one of a kind. Having bought the Zf i can still say the Df has and always will have a special place in my heart. If one can live with the Dfs shortcomings and has needs for the strengths of the Df there is no other camera out there with the same capabilities for me.
And as you say the 16 Mp files are incredible, and even at high ISO the images never look off, just if anything organic and analog :)
I remember when it first came out and everyone hated on it, I really enjoyed it from day one
Wonderful video on a beautiful camera supported with stunning portraiture. This is the finest video on the Df I've ever seen. I had been contemplating selling mine, but won't now. You've inspired me to go out and make great portraits with it as I did in the past.
That is amazing to hear, to inspire someone to make that decision is very humbling. So happy you feel that way after watching it. Thank you :) Happy shooting! Regards Martin.
very nice review! Enjoyed many of the nice portraits too and the "man walking by at windmill" picture
Thank you Ansgar! thats cool that you liked that one, one of those moments were all landed in my lap and ended up being a fun shot :)
This was great. I want more!😎
hehe Thank you guys! :D its inc.....slowly but steady ;)
Thank you for this excellent review! I'm strongly leaning toward picking up a Df, and this review has been a big part of that. I'm curious how you find using the OVF with eyeglasses, specifically for manual focus? I feel like you've sort of answered the question already as you show yourself using it with eyeglasses, and the video expresses how pleased you are with the camera, but I thought I'd still ask about your experience regarding that.
Thank you Sean, thats amazing that you now want one or at least felt more keen to get one after watching so happy to hear that. Honestly for me it works ok with the glasses, what i can say is im sure there are other cameras working even better and that are maybe known for being more for people wearing glasses.
But the other thing that would have been better thought through is having another focus screen making it easier to focus with manual lenses. Now the Df has that green dot showing you when its in focus, but it can be a tad frustrating when you ficus on a F1,2 lens or f1,4 for example hehe.
Otherwise i love it :)
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 thank you for the quick and helpful reply!!
@@seansteinle no worries, and thank you again :)
Absolutely stunning photography and nice video presentation too, really enjoyed.
Thank you for your kind words and so glad you enjoyed watching it! :)
Regards Martin.
Great video and fantastic photos!
Thank you so much Ully! Best regards Martin.
As a Canon shooter I was excited when it was announced. What held me back was its hybrid nature, I believe they'd have created such a cult if they'd have gone "full Leica". I mean: a true huge analog viewfinder to focus comfortably, better build quality, no AF, no video. The sensor it's amazing and they made the right choice about it. I didn't investigate any further into buying it since I didn't see the point of having equally uncomfortable manual focus -as much as any other reflex like the 6D I had back then-. But you can tell me better about this: is this camera comfortable to focus as much as a true film reflex camera?
I mean, nobody has the balls of saying "let's take a Pentax MX/ Nikon FM2 and slam a sensor in it". Only Leica.
Hey Davide :) You are right about most things you write i feel. Like you say there are of course things they could have done better and made it even more of a cult camera. I know it does have a strong following like the D700 but maybe even more so in a niche way. But one thing that you touch on concerting the focus and i also feel would have been better is to implement something of a split screen like in the film cameras. Unfortunately you will have to rely on your eyes and the green focus dot in the electronic display inside the finder to know if you hit focus or not.
Something that is obviously a little hard in some instances like using a f1,4 or f1,2 lens or in bad lighting situations etc. So that is one thing for sure i know many complained about even though they liked the rest of the camera.
So no, not as comfortable as aNikon Fm or FE2 or the like to nail focus :)
For me i already knew about the shortcomings and was not "let down" like so many when it came out. So i valued it for the things i know it was better on unlike most of the other digital cameras around. And for that currently its quite unique. And i dont believe they will make a DF2 as so many have screamed for. Its already too late to be honest as if they did i guess it would be on the Z body, and i dont like the adapter or bigger lens mount at all. That new Z body that tried o sort of come close or mimic the df or older film bodies was kind of nice, but still looked odd with that lens mount to me.Also just being able to use a small amount of lenses etc makes it pretty "useless" for now in comparison to the Df that can use SO many lenses.
Thanks again! :) love the banter and opinions keep them coming :D
Wow!! That would've been very interesting. I think I probably would buy one like that. It's a great idea.
@@davidecapri that would be amazing! hehe, i agree with Marco, that idea would make me buy it in a heartbeat :)
@@martinandreasson5504 I honestly feel deeply let down by CaSoNykon mirrorless offers. I've a 5DmkIV since a few years and it's still a nice tool to use on the job with legendary primes like 35 1.4 (mk I), my favorite autofocus lens ever built the 50mm 1.2 and the mighty 85 1.2. Commands and ergonomics have always hit the right spots for what I needed on the job. I got the R6 a year and a half ago since EVERYBODY was praising it to be so much better in all regards (including the finder) compared to the 5DmkIV. To get used to the R6 I took over one year: poor ergonomics, longer viewfinder black out (and I tend to dislike digital finders, at least on the job), commands scattered in a weird way and partially on the screen. Today I mostly use the R6 only because compressed raw gives me 15 mb files (AMAZING) and because AF is so much better, even if I only use EF lenses adapted. The drawbacks are less pleasure of shooting and poor ergonomics, but I come home less tired after 12 hours of service. What deeply disappoints me is this contemporary obsession for perfect but boring lens (sadly started by Sigma with its "art" line) and this bodies that are nothing more that expensive plasticky toys with screens bells and whistles (sadly started by Sony, cameras/lenses I can't bond with at all). I'm so glad I finally discovered Leica, for my own peace of mind, at least for my personal production, and I plan to slowly introduce Leica also in my workflow (I'm getting soon the M240 instead of Q/Q2, decision made! All in all my X100V is still more than enough for daily snappy stuff) and to slowly switch towards more intimate jobs where I don't need to focus and shoot 50 photos per minute, which my R6 can amazingly (but boringly) do. The only lens that will made me keep Canon is that gorgeous 50 1.2, despite the beautifulness of the 35 and 85 I mentioned above they wouldn't be special enough for me to justifiy an extra system. For the same reason I'm going to keep my old GX1, the unbelievably good 20mm pancake, the most lightweight, honest and genuine lens I've ever used.
Photography has to get back to what it used to be, I might join you one day in being a youtuber. I have a lot to share, as you do :)
Hi Martin, would you shoot with this today? I’m so torn between this and a modern mirrorless with manual lenses
Hi! I would and i do! :) But thats of course very subjective, so i do not want to recommend the Df for someone not researching it properly and knowing the limitations and being ok with them. If you have the need for higher resolutions and or want to shoot sports or other often fast moving subjects etc, its not the best camera, but besides that its a terrific camera even by todays standard because the IQ of the Df is fantastic and in my mind "superior" to the newer cameras because i subjectively like the images coming from the Df better, i find them much more pleasing and not as "sterile" as what i see from the new cameras out today :) Also if you want something very small, something like the X-T5 or something similar in size IS smaller and lighter. So consider those things and how important that is and then decide, if your answer to all those considerations are that you are fine with not having them, then the style and feel of the Df and the IQ is amazing for someone valuing that over those other things. Also being able to shoot with older Nikkor lenses was a big plus for me too :) And it goes so well on the DF too and not having to have an extra adapter etc, so cool :)
/Regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 hey thanks for this. I rented it many years ago and I loved it. Im just wondering if it can hold up today for semi serious work. Appreciate the vid!
No worries and thank you for watching :) Id say it does work for that type of task sure. Just maybe not anything with sports or similar. I have used min for several weddings lately and i mean you get amazing pictures with the right lenses. Nothing really beats it in that regard. For stuff like that its better to get a camera and lens with some unique character than large pixel sensors , really no use for it there :) @@vc6218
I Really like the feeling of this video!! Thanks! Beatifully done!
Im very happy you liked it :) And thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to watch and leave a comment :) regards Martin
I agree!!! It's a relief, a truly photography video and not just another talking review full of criticism and drama! Lol
@@marcoantonioregiltv Truly humbled that people enjoy watching it and taking their time to do that, and that you even left a positive comment. Thank you it made my day :) I have no clue what people want and like just what i would like to see myself so trying to do something i really feel :) thank you. /regards Martin.
It has certainly helped you to create some magical photographs - excellent work (and thanks for a most entertaining video).
Thank you so much Robert , so Happy people take their precious time and choose to watch the video . Glad you liked it and thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻✨
Thank you for this calm, differencing review. I used a Nikon FA for 6 yrs, then a F90X mostly until they closed up the Kodachrome facility and I had to go to digital. I got a D700 and liked it but it didn't fit into my shoulder bag ! So I bought an used Df for traveling and street photography. I have also a D810.
I have the 135mm/2 DC also but I found that the images are not always sharp on autofocus - the D810 does it better. Did you compare this lens on these 2 cameras ?
thanks for your sharing your experience
Jochen from Germany
Thank you for watching Joachim! :)
Some great cameras you had there as well over the years. The D700 was a bit heavy for traveling for my liking as well. I recall bringing mine to Rome and 3 lenses in the august heat, it was no cake walk. After that i got myself a Fuji X-T1 and traveled with 3 lenses and it felt like a breeze in comparison hehe.
Im not sure if i ever took any photos with that combination( 135 DC and D810), but the 135 wide open for example was not the sharpest lens in itself as i recall but not sure if it would have been better of on the D810. To be honest i had trouble in the beginning to get sharp photos at all on my D810. Until i learned how to use that resolution in a better way. I constantly had to drive my shutter speed up more or have the chance of camera shake or something else making the images unsharp. But after that it was a great camera too. id love to try the D850 out actually as i thought the D810 felt a bit slow at times but it seems they remedied that in the D850 from what i have heard :)
Best DF review so far! Thanks
Thank you! very happy you feel that way :) /regards Martin.
I love my Df, happy owner since 2017
Thats awesome! Fantastic camera :)
Wasn't the F3 and F4 designed by Giugiaro?
edit : yes i actually say that in the video, but when i read your question first i actually forgot i said it ;)
Nice video. Always wanted the Df. Been looking at it lately on eBay.. incredible pictures too. 👍🏾
Thanks A lot :) Glad you took the time to watch it. Its such a nice camera if you really read up on it and dont have any misconceptions in beforehand and get disappointed expecting something else :)
I love my Df, it’s the only DSLR I keep, it sits on my center shelf in between FG and Zf.
hehe that is great :D Yeh its a keeper for sure! Oh no another one making me want the new Zf ;) How do you like it so far? A worthy sibling to the Df?:)
/regards martin.
I got a used DF!! So far tried my Nikkor 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.4, Voitglander 40mm f2 Ultron, and Tamron 105mm f2.5. Beautiful image! I truly think DF is misunderstood. I don't do video at all, and I don't fiddle with settings and command dials all the time. After two days of learning curve, my settings are pretty much all done. I switch between black and white, and color, and switch lenses. That's pretty much it. This is a photographer camera, and the shutter sound gives me joy😊 I am getting a split screen after reading all the google I could find, and also attempted by DK17m, which is now hard to find. I think the DF designer has a deep appreciation of photography. He has perhaps failed the consumer market, but this DF is a iconic one when looked back in a few decades.
I could not agree with you more :) and you have a great setup there! So glad your enjoying this iconic camera too. Look forward to hearing more about the splitscreen etc later down the line, good luck :)
/regards Martin.
Great video about a camera I would love to own. I have a D700, D610 and a D810, but I've been waiting for the price on used Nikon Df's to drop and then I'll buy one, thanks!
Beautiful and hearfelt video
Thank you Steve :) Much appreciated. regards Martin.
I certainly enjoyed your video and also, your photos are really impressive.
I still use my D700 and love the feel and also the colours it produces.
I bought the D700 not long before the Df came on the market and I was tempted many times to get it but I didn't.
I still have my Nikon FEs and the DF was an inspiration but I opted out.
Cheers
Thank you so much for watching it and that you enjoyed it . The D700 is an amazing camera, i had two of them and the last one i got just a year ago or so because i missed using it.
For me the Df was the "natural" progression from something i considered the only camera i wanted.
None of the newer cameras interested me.
And i wanted to be able to use the lenses i had acquired too, not having to upgrade those as well because of the higher resolution of the new cameras.
Hold on to your D700 they are still sought after by many :) one of the greats!
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 Yeah, definitely keeping it. I just wished I bought the Df back then but I could not justify it.
Cheers
@@Navigator-apex The price for the Df has always been "too" high when launched and also now second hand its still so high. Sure im very happy i got it, but at the same time it has to be justified for yourself alone. I can really see why its not for many. /regards Martin.
The DF was ahead of its time. When a lot of so-called photographers were hung-up on current tech, the DF’s target market were users/owners who understood what the camera was actually for.
I agree wholeheartedly on that :)
What a great review and some stunning photos. A flawed but great camera. I sold my first copy and a year later bough another. That sensor produces some beautiful images and the price you have to pay for a df tells the story.
Thank you SO much Jason. Its a special camera and as you say the price even nowadays sais it all hehe. I saw one here yesterday on our local market for 1500 EU with 10k shutter count. Was almost keen o getting it! But yeh except leica not many other digital cameras hold value that long. Its unique in that regard :)
Wow... beautiful video. beautiful photos. I'm considering whether to take one but I have doubts sull'af. the rest would be ok...
Hi there :) And thank you so much. the af is not the best thats for sure. But it will all depend on your needs and what your expectations will be. Otherwise i could see how one could become disappointed if they are not right for the Df. I hope you figure it out and if you decide to get it is as happy as i am with mine :) /regards martin.
Very nice review of a wonderful camera, thank you for sharing. Makes me want to use mine more. When the Df came out in 2013 I just had bought a 50 mm f 1.2 ais, for my D90, wich wasn't a good match. The moment I bought my Df in 2014 and paired it with the 50 A1.2 ais, it was a delight! The only autofocus lenses I have for my Df, is the kit lens that came with it, the 50 mm 1.8 G, and the 85 1.8 D I got from a friend. For the rest, all I have are manual lenses : 28 2.8 ais, 50 1.2 ais, 105 2.5 ais and recently I bought the 20 mm f 4 ai because it has the 52 filter ring like all of my manual lenses and the 20 mm f 2.8 ais, doesn't. Now I'm looking to the Zf, wich seems a very nice camera too, especially the focus system, the design and the slim body. But the concern I have with Zf, is what to do with my manual lenses ... The idea of putting a plastic ZTF adapter between them and the Zf isn't something I'm looking forward to.... I still have to do some research... By the way, the only thing I still miss for my Df is a leather half case, the one in your video seems very nice.
Thank you for sharing your story as well, love reading these kinds of gems and get feedback too!
You have some lovely lenses there o pair with your Df, thats great to hear.
I have similar musings as do you about the new ZF. Im pretty close to getting one, i have tried one at the store and it felt pretty good. My only concern is exactly the same as you, i dont like either the F adapter nor the other adaptors. But from what i have seen with some lenses it looks ok, and there are even other adaptors that it looks better with that i have seen :)
I enjoy the idea of adapting all kinds of cool vintage lenses if i get one, and that eye focus feature for manual lenses seems very nice to help out with the focusing .
That case the Gariz half case is really nice, it comes in black as well :) I really recommend it!
Cheers and regards Martin.
Great pictures, thanks....I just ordered one from eBay, a great companion to my Zf.
No Thank you for watching :) and liked it. Thats great! Im on the borderline selling some things to get the Zf, how do you like it? How is the sensor? it seems like a really cool and maybe worthy sibling ot the Df or companion :)
Regards Martin.
Hello Martin; I've been longing for the Zf since the inception of the Df camera. The moment Nikon announced the camera I immediately placed the pre-order for the Zf 40mm Kit lens. Everything about the Zf is absolutely perfect, the aesthetics, the weight, and of course the sensor. As a long-time Nikon shooter, finally Nikon introduced my ideal camera, a keeper. Is so good that I might order another one in about six months time. Yes, it is that great@@martinandreasson5504
Hello Martin; Yes, of course, the sensor is magnificent. I have been waiting for the Zf for 30 years. Nikon finally announced my ideal camera and I immediately seized the opportunity and placed a pre-order for the Zf 40mm f2 kit. For my shooting philosophy every feature of the Zf is perfect, the aesthetic, the weight, the sensor's typical Nikon colors, and overall performance. The 24-megapixel sensor is just perfect for me, and in fact I don't like the images out of higher mega pixel sensors, they prove to look synthetic/digital. The camera is so good that I shall eventually place another order with Nikon. I own a ZFT II, and I may occasionally use older lenses, however, I strongly suggest using the native Z lenses with the Z series cameras for optimum result. I own a collection of great A-is Nikon lenses (my favorite lenses) and why I purchased a Df. To each their own, I am an artist/architect and the comment above reflect my principles and philosophy in photography. Thank you again.@@martinandreasson5504
VERY well done! I, too, am a fan of the Df, and have felt, as you, that the criticisms have been misplaced and based on a misunderstanding of the appeal of the camera to us film shooters.
Thank you so much Kevin :) Yes, if you are in that category i believe there is no better DSLR , would be really cool if they made something similar at one point, while not trying to overcomplicate it or stuff too many features in it, with what we know of the Df and how people have regarded it in retrospect i believe it would be better received :)
I use a Nikon D3500 I highly recommend it I do photography for gcse and as a hobby in fact in 5 minutes I’m going out
superb video & underbara bilder!
Tack så mycket Ulf! superkul att du tyckte om den och bilderna, ha det gott! Mvh Martin.
I've been wanting to buy a Nikon Df for so long. Until now, I still hesitated because the used prices are very high. I still have the whole series of Ais lenses and would like to use them properly. Today I finally ordered the Df from mpb. I can hardly wait. This video was the missing inspiration for me to do it. Many greetings from Thorsten.
Wow thank you Thor!, i hope you won't get disappointed in the end, but i doubt you will, if you feel inspired and have those lenses im sure you will put them to good use :)
Please come back and tell me what your experience will be in the end from it. Good luck and enjoy :) And again thank you!
/regards Martin.
My Df arrived yesterday and I did my first shots with this beauty. What can I say? It is love at first sight. I was lucky and the camera has only 19,000 releases. That's pretty much nothing for a Nikon digital SLR. It is also almost like new from the outside. Now I can finally use my AIS lenses again. They have a very special look.
Thanks again for the inspiring video. Without the video I probably would not have bought the Df. Also to you further much joy with the Df. Best regards from Thorsten.
@@Thorset1 so happy to hear that Thor! What a lovely surprise :) Glad it was in such great condition too! You will make so many wonderful memories with that camera im sure, may it be a long and prosperous journey :D Thank you Thor, to inspire anyone at all just makes me happy so dito. Regards Martin.
Do you also own or used to own the D700?
Hey :) yes indeed, had it twice and loved it. I could still have one today to be honest if it were not because i have too much as it is. Also i try to use less heavy cameras as much as possible and the D700 was on the heavier side at times, especially now with a bad back :P
Otherwise, one of my favorite cameras over the years for sure.
@@martinandreasson5504 would you say image quality is comparable with the DF? Df is still quite expensive.
Hi Martin, I love your review. You have turned me on to an older camera. It is hard to find anything wrong with this camera, as you said I can live with those few short comings. Video isn t a big deal with me either, I am a stills guy anyway. The Nikon AF-S lenses are just great and for once affordable. Your pix are fantastic, the shots with the 105 f1.4 are tremendous, I love the narrow depth of field. So you have me on a hunt for this camera. I am presently using Canon with no complaints. But this camera might just spark a little fun. So thank you for the great video, and sharing your great talent.
Hi Thomas and thank you so much for watching and that you liked it. Very happy to hear that it might inspire you to look for a Df, with the lenses you mentioned it will create some great images for sure :) A you say now we can be happy those pretty expensive lenses ( used to be ) are now in reach, and its not like they have become worse just because newer gear have been released :) Its like with the older vintage lenses you can also mount on your Df, very affordable and create some beautiful images, also fun to use and pair so well on the Df .
Let me know if you find one and how it goes!, Cheers Martin.
I've always loved this camera and still do. Almost bought one a couple years ago but opted for a Leica SL. I think I might still buy one
Hi Michael :) The SL seems like a very nice camera too! The DF is certainly not for everyone, but for me still to this day after using so many other cameras and buying and selling it is the one i still keep and will most likely keep until its obsolete :)
I actually saw one yesterday here at our "local" camera market on the internet, its price was 1500 EU. Which is pretty rare if you compare other digital cameras, even the new D850 is down to the same price which says a lot , and many say that is the perfect camera!
Come back and tell me if you ever get one and what you think of it .
regards Martin
Having trouble finding a decently priced one in Europe. I'd love to get one
Yes they are still quite pricey unfortunately :( really hope you can find one for a good price! :)
I believe at the time when this was released, the biggest frustration was that it was using the AF tech from the D610 and not the D4 or D750 etc. Everything else about it was perfection.
I also think it was using an inferior battery (correct me if I'm wrong).
Hey :) and thanks for watching. Absolutely , it would have been even better. I had that problem just last night with it, that it also hunts in very dark situations shooting at an event.
So in the "worst" circumstances it can be frustrating. Usually i just grab the D4 or another camera then. But for all other situations its brilliant and so nice to use .
Honestly the battery life is pretty decent . I usually never go through even the second battery after a long days shooting. Yesterday shooting the whole evening i did not even get the battery down to half and i had those batteries for a while now.
Maybe it is because they have succeeded in making it less draining on the battery so that it will suit the Df better than if that same battery would have been used in another more "demanding camera". Not sure but when i compare it to using other cameras and batteries i feel its actually pretty good :)
Wow! This is one for the ages 👏…Well done!
Thank you Yuri! That is very kind of you, glad you liked it :)
I have a silver one and just bought another one in black. It’s one of the best DSLR’s.
Id love a silver one as a companion to the black. Was actually close to buying one of the last from Nikon here in Sweden , but I waited too long and it was sold 😫 if I ever find one on good condition for a reasonable price I might go for it !
Great video and sample photos, thanks for sharing.
I’m expecting my black DF to arrive in 2 weeks. Found one yesterday on eBay with 60 shots on the shutter, couldn’t pass it up. For years, I’ve been using Zeiss lenses on a Canon 5D Classic and 6D. My favorite Zeiss lens is the Planar 50/1.4 since it’s small and has a unique rendering at large apertures. I may end up getting a ZF.2 version for the DF or get a cheap Nikon prime to start with.
I’ve been wanting a DF for a more manual shooting experience like my old film camera, I like the manual controls and buttons and less dependency on the menu. I also like the image quality from the D4 sensor based on the RAW samples that I’ve downloaded. It is less clinical-looking compared to the newer sensors today.
Thank you so much for watching and your comment.
Congratulations, thats a good deal ! Glad your getting one in that great condition. I hope you are going to enjoy i as much as i have. Even though i had mine now for a long while, i still from time to time toy with the idea of getting a second silver one, in case mine breaks down at some point. They are still pricey i see and so i wait for a good deal as well in case i decide to get it.
The files from the Df are really great, paired with both the older Nikkor lenses but also the newer G lenses the images you can get out of it are unique in that regard in my opinion, in comparison to the clinical look you also describe from other newer sensors.
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 I received the camera yesterday, it was in pristine condition and packaged securely by the seller. After doing some research on lenses, I've decided to go with Zeiss since I'm familiar with them already with my Canon kit. To start, I ordered a Zeiss Planar ZF.2 50/1.4 lens from Amazon today, it's supposed to arrive tomorrow. I think it will be great combo for daily use, I just love the character of that lens when shot at larger apertures, the out-of-focus areas look very painterly and artistic. I hope to sell one or two of my Canon lenses so I can add another lens to the line-up, maybe a 28mm or 100mm.
@@jojom1984 Wow congratulations Jojo :) That is awesome and glad could find one in that great condition.
About the Ziess lens that sounds like a splendid idea in my opinion and i think it will be a great fit for the Df. Yes adding a 28 is also a great addition and something longer when it comes to fl. You can do so much with a 50 to begin with so its a smart start :)
Good luck on your new journey and let me know how it goes with everything in the future :)
/regards Martin.
Beautifully done Martin, thanks. I assume these were RAW files with a bit of editing. Love the colors.
Thank you so much :) Yes you are right, i try to stay pretty consistent with my tones and editing with a few exceptions . Glad you liked it:) /regards Martin.
Nikon Df is a great realization of the dream of thousands of cameras lovers, that wish to be able to use their beloved analog camera on a daily basis with the ease of digital and not limited by the exclusivity of analog. So the criticism does not make sense, what they point as defects, should be seen as characteristics, just as it makes no sense to criticize the Porsche 911, because there's no place to the children and Mother-in-Law, in the rear seats. Special objects should be appreciated simply for what they are, not for what they could have been. Wonderful portraits you showed us.
First of all thank you Ricardo, both for watching and your comments. What you say also makes so much sense,, the metaphor with the Porsche is just so true hehe.I mean of the top of my head i cannot recall every word in the original DF commercial that was shown back then all over the world, but i cannot recall someone shooting sports or action in that regard, it was a bout pure photography most of all and take things slowly. Something which i feel it really lives up to :)
The Nikon df is unicorn 🦄 dslr that when 1st released was criticised by all reviews.
But I didn't listen or care, as I've own one and absolutely love it and will never let it go.
Images this camera captures are breathtaking. Thanks for you're review that the Nikon df deserves 👏
Thank you so much John! It really is one of a kind. In one way im kind of sad nothing like it will most likely never come out, but at the same time im happy that some of us have it and can enjoy it while its here :) And also be happy we listened to what we believed ourselves instead of what others thought!
We are all part of something special :)
Regards Martin.
Stunning photograps! Amazing! I am going to learn more about the Df. The Df is unfortunately not often seen on the used market.
@@kristersjoblom4025 Thank you so much Krister! That is great, i hope you are lucky if you ever decide to get one and find one in good condition, im sure you will love it if you feel it could be for you :) But ye its seldom seen, i guess ebay would be the best bet if one want to get it a little sooner. Good luck and let me know if you ever get one! /regards Martin.
Wonderful inspiration, thank you.
For me it is Less about the dials and knobs and much about the incredible images this camera produces especially when paired with the ai, pre ai and Zeiss lenses the images remind me of color slide. I have 2 I never want it to be without one.
Thank you! So happy to hear that it gave you inspiration :) It IS an inspiring camera though and as you say, the images from those kind of combinations as you mentioned with the lenses and sensor, is a match that just makes amazing photos in the right hands.
And as you say while i love retro styling it is the sensor that makes me love it even more :)
@@martinandreasson5504
Thank you for the response and that you for the wonderful RUclips and I,ages.
Lovely images! I'm going to get a DF
Thank you! very happy you liked them :) Thats great! let me know what you think of it later on. regards Martin.
How do you focus manual lenses one the DF?
Hey :) Im manually focusing by looking at the green confirmation dot in the viewfinder at the information at the bottom of it. It could be better but its working ok :)
@@martinandreasson5504 I guess al Nikon DLSr cameras have this feature. I reckon adding a manual focus screen wold be better though
@@RichardsModellingAdventures Yeh in that regard its "nothing special" also i know many people feeling its a dealbreaker for them especially if they have bought it to use with older manual lenses, and as you say some have invested in a new screen and made it work for them. For me while one of those would be great im ok with what i have and work with. Just the ability to work with all those older lenses is great :) But its good to be aware of for sure if someone wants to buy one.
Hi, maybe you may have some clue for me. With all my lenses wide opened, I cannot focus properly, precisely. An example : having the focus on the center on a people's face with room in the frame for the background, it always miss the focus for the background. I have to use the live view to have a better focus...
Hey :) Thank you fro your question first of all. Is that on the DF specifically or also other cameras? It sounds like you need to "tune" your Af for those lenses. I have actually never done that myself, ans while i most likely would need it too on some lenses it has not been that bad so have never got around to do that.
But you can hand the lens in to a Nikon dealer and im sure its not that pricey to get help with. They will test the lens together with the Df and just fine tune it to the Df so that focus is spot on instead :)
Hope that helped some. If not good luck and hope you can find the solution.
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 Thanks for your help. Yes it's a Nikon Df. It's strange because with the live view the camera uses contrast detection and I have not problem with af, it's slow but flawless with all my lenses. So it may be a phase detection problem. I will try to tune it, maybe the tuning concerns the phase detection regarding a particular lens. It's probably what you just mentionned. Thanks again. I will try.
Need to use mine more.Great video ..📸
Thank you so much :) You should, i used mine today! :D
/regards Martin.
All of my Nikkor lenses are manual (because I still also shoot with Nikon film bodies like F or F2). With the Df, the overall experience isn't that much, probably like shooting with Leica M film and digital. I'm fine with 16 MP so far... Perhaps one day will switch to Nikon Z due the slimmer body and bigger MP.
Yeh those older film bodies and lenses are great, and i think being able to also use them on the DF is great :) of course they can be used on the Z bodies as well, i really dislike the idea of havng to use the Nikon lenses with adapter on a Nikon camera, but in the future if they come out with a little bit more of a retro Z body in FF i might also be tempted to change for one of those or add it to the kit :) From all accounts i heard the Z7 is a very good camera.
It's takes beautiful photos were the subjects have the time has stopped look
Great video! Having owned the Df for a while I can say I really liked the camera. Only the autofocus could have been a little more snappy and precise in my opinion.
Thank you Stefan :) yeh i agree with that for sure! I think the most annoying thing could be when trying to focus in very dark situation, nothing snappy about it then for sure hehe.
Nikon Df - Best Nikon ever!!!!!!
Greetings Thorsten
Yes i agree!! :D cheers Thorsten and thanks :) /regards Martin
Imo this body has one flaw, which it faithfully copied from the analog bodies it is mimicking, it is the “locked” exposure compensation. This stops you from easily adjusting the setting, you need to press the lock before you can turn it. The AF is ok, the D4 sensor has relatively low resolution, 16mpx, but has a nice look. The leatherette around the grip can loosen, something to be aware of when buying used. Its shortcomings were from people who wanted a modern camera, they completely misunderstood this body. I love this camera, especially with my AIS and Voigtlander lenses - I even like the 50mm 1.8 G as “retro” AF lens. My GAS keeps looking at the newish Voigtlander 90mm 2.8 APO-Skopar…
very good point about the exp comp dial :) Would have made for a much easier and more fluid photography experience if they had made a change there :)
“它是独一无二的”👍👏
Thank you! :)
Any camera is a tool, and Nikon cameras are among the best cameras ever made, but, it always depends on the one who is using it, if fully aware of it's capabilities and potentials, and when those factors are added to his or her talent, the great photographs are inevitable outcome.
I have used almost all of the great brands occasionally and with different setups, but i always used Nikon as sort of my main base and always felt those were the most dependable and safe to use in all situations. The Df is no exception :) its a tool that also feel great using it and inspires you to step it up. thank you Wael :)
Well done. I agree with your take on more physical dials and fewer menus. Although I have been long dialed in with Canon digital cameras, I still enjoy my Nikon S-2 rangefinder and Nikkormat FT3 Film cameras. Beautiful imagery you have there!
Thank you Brian 🙏🏻✨ those old cameras were all so nice and tactile 😍 actually got myself an FT2 a few weeks back with a beautiful 50 mm f1,4 lens on . What a tank! 😁
Martin...the Nikon Df is a camera that has intrigued me for some time. The analog experience is precisely what appeals to me. Designers of modern mirrorless cameras pack so much technology and features that I feel it often gets in the way of image creation. I own fuji and leica because of the user experience, clean interface and dials and buttons. The older I get the more I seek to slow down and appreciate the process of taking memorable photos. Perhaps the Nikon Df will finds its way into my hands. Also, I agree with you about the sensor of the Nikon D4 and Df--simply dreamy. Thank you again for sharing your journey with this wonderful camera.
First of all thank you for watching and the very thoughtful comment, it is precisely why i made this channel, to be able to exchange thoughts and chat with likeminded people or maybe inspire someone to try out something i liked and help in their journey :) I know i have been helped so many times by watching other peoples stories on here. To help me make choices when it comes to certain gear etc.
I agree with you as well about how one think becoming older, when i was younger i followed new development and tried catching up on the "upgrade" train, spent so much money on the next best thing, but it just felt hollow in the end. I am so happy i now have ended up with at least a core set of equipment that feels inspiring and that give me the look i want when i use it.
And i guess to someone on that upgrade train my gear would now feel very old hehe. And most likely even wonder why i still shoot with it :)
I hope you at least get to try the Df out :) i think you would appreciate it for what it is , reading what you wrote.
Now i just wish mine never breaks, or if it does that i can fix it somehow so that i can use it for a very long time. I doubt they will ever produce something too close again, at least not Nikon.
Thank you Edilson
/regards Martin
@@martinandreasson5504 Keep in touch my friend! Cheers
@@117775EM Absolutely :) Are you shooting any analog at all these days by the way Ed?
@@martinandreasson5504 No not at all these days. Soon!
I bought a Df when it released, back in 2013, and loved using it. I like the old-style use of dials and buttons. The image quality was superb and the only thing i missed was having the option to shoot 1/8000th. It was great with old manual Nikon glass, too. You have some great images in this video, too!
Thank you so much for watching and for your comment :)😃 Thats a good point, would have been cool to have for sure. ye its a great benefit to be able to use that old glass, and makes it so much more versatile and fun imo. /regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 BTW, what is the music you use for the slideshow? It's excellent.
@@QuicknStraight Thanks again :D It is actually music i bought from Soundstripe. I usually listen trough a lot of different music and narrowed it down to a few from there i thought i would like for the slideshow. Glad you liked it :) If you want to i can look up the name of song and artist, just let me know :)
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 I would like those details, please!
Olympus digital is my primary system, but the Df turned me onto getting non-AI and AI Nikkor lenses, my favorite among them being the Nikkor 24mm f/2. I have installed a split image focusing screen onto the Df, which no Fujifilm mirrorless camera can replicate. The Df's colors are usable, albeit a little cool overall for my tastes, which more closely align with those of Olympus/OM System. If I ever shoot film, I'm gonna use Nikon, and I do think the Df is inspiring in its own way, especially when paired with the film-era lenses that can get as small and as hefty as Olympus' lenses can. Nice portraits.
Thank you :) ow i would love a split image focus screen on mine as well! The film cameras that the Df is modeled after are so nice to use just as the Df but even better cause they are smaller. But its pretty nice to be able to get that feeling a bit when using a digital SLR which makes it so unique :)
My primary system is Olympus too. But the Nikon DF holds a very special place in my colleague. Much like the Olympus Pen F. Something about using it brings alot of joy. I love the DF so much I even bought the limited black gold version.
@@ChubbyRUclipsr Oh! that version looks so nice too, wanted that and saw one a while back making the rounds here in the local market, would have been so cool to have too :)
The Df looks very nice. I think I'll get one or a Zf when I am done schlepping my 2 D4 cameras
If you really like the sensor in your D4 and want a smaller package but not too worried about the af speed or less ergonomic body( although less weight! ), id really consider it :) I still have the D4 for when i need it and cant see myself getting rid of that until it breaks down. Hopefully it will soldier on a while longer.
Thank you. Eventually I will have to find lighter alternatives, I guess - a D4 and the "holy trinity" of 2,8's are quite heavy to carry the whole day - and I consider taking my old non-zoom lenses out of the cupboard instead. I tried the Zf during a presentation by Matthias Klum today, and that camera really needs a better grip. So the D4 stays for a while.
@@Megadad60 hehe yeh, the D4 is a beast with the bigger lenses. I dont have all my F lenses left, but i kept the 24m f1m4 G, the 58 G, the 70-200 and the 105mm f1,4. All i need really, sometimes miss the 24-70 but they are so cheap now so might get that one back at some point.
But yeh, it becomes heavy with all those except maybe the 58mm .
The d4 is a great camera, but its nice to have a backup thats lighter i find. The Zf is a really good camera, love min, but i wont put any of the bigger F lenses on it. feels unbalanced and i hate the way it tooks too.
So i only use the lighter Z SE lenses ( 28mm and 40mm ) and for those its perfect, but also to adapt vintage lenses its so much fun and works so well.
So if you want the F lenses with a smaller body i think the Df must be the best bet out there :), especially if you like the look of it and that magical sensor sauce ;)
Best camera in low light 👌👌👌
I agree! :D
After a little while..I just got lost in the photos
I love my df
I love the photography it makes
Thank you Robert for your lovely comment :)
/regards Martin
Df is a legend of Dslr !
Indeed :)! lets see what that "new" Df they are talking about will be, will it be as legendary in your mind?
/Regards Martin.
My favourite camera was the Nikon FM3A. Small, bullet proof. Shame digital photography has made film both expensive and harder to process. I have always wished that a digital 35mm film back would exist, but frankly most DIY solutions to attempt this have horrible picture quality.
I have a Nikon D7100 and have always wanted to try a Nikon DF to see if it was more like my FM3A. Shame that there is virtually no stock online for this camera, or stockists to try it in person.
Yeh i agree with you that something very close to a FM3a would be a dream :) Unfortunately i dont think the DF or even the ZF even though that is more close in size are close enough. But at least for me they both give an experience more close than any other digital camera out there in my opinion.
Yeh its not often they pop up any longer :( makes me want to hold on to mine forever as they get more and more rare. There has been a few on the swedish market places lately, They are sold for around 1000 EU or more i seem to recall.
And look to be in pretty good condition.
Back in 2013, DPReview gave the Df a rather lukewarm review, the usual “it too big” stuff (they were already enamored with tiny mirrorless cameras). It wasn’t the first time they botched a Nikon camera review. They missed the mark in their D7000 review, a groundbreaking camera for IQ. Like the Df, it has an absolutely top notch sensor, that is, to this day, high up on DXOMark’s sensor ratings.
Sensational images, superb review about the joy of photography and quality gear.
Thank you so much Markus :) yes i agree wholeheartedly about what you said on the DPreview review of the DF, remember reading that and so many others having the completely wrong mindset going into writing those reviews. It is like they weren't sure how to make a review about something not following the general guidelines on how a camera would look like at that time. Like they were all caught off guard and just couldn't be fair in their judgement at all. What NO video!? old looking dials and wheels??, no 30 mp resolution?! ;)
Thank again :) /regards Martin.
Yes, the D7000 was to me, one of the best APS-C sensors ever made. I loved that camera, but hated the AF. I think why DP review didn't like the DF as much is because of what it could have been. Take the Fuji XT range. If you handle those cameras, you get that true retro feel. And then Nikon threw in the same AF system the shoved in the D7000 & D600/610. I do acknowledge that the DF wasn't made for me, so I am not knocking it.
Awesome video
Thank you so much Ivan :)
@@martinandreasson5504 im just being honest.... I have D810 and D4S and they are more than enough for my journalist work...
@@deejayiwan7 I want a D4s to replace my D4 at some point. I used to have the D810 but love the sensor so much on the D4/df so changed to a D4 as a combo :) I won't ever "need " anything more than those two cameras when it comes to "performance" as a tool is considered for anything i do anyhow.
Some amazing images! 👍
Thank you so much Victor, and thank you for watching and leaving a comment! :)
Great video, thanks. I loved my Df, but less for nostalgia and more for being a great photography tool. Loved the DC 135/2 and the new 58/1.4 on it, like you. But mine let me down with a) breaking (my only Nikon DSLR ever to die silently while I was traveling. OK, it was a warranty repair) and b) slow shutter and no low ISO (I hate NDs). So I traded it in for a D850. But I got myself one of the 1st Zfc, however that one is very different - let‘s see how this one will do with the new Z85/1.2 for a 135/1.8-ish look. But the balance cam with lens is all off for this.
Hey Andi thanks you :) So sorry to hear of yours breaking! thats not fun. I heard the D850 was a stellar kamera though so im sure you have a good camera anyhow :)
I havent jumped on the Mirrorless train yet, and not sure i will if my other Nikons break. Maybe if they produce something akin to a Df2 or similar, then it might be time ;) Time will tell.
The Zfc looks great, only thing i dont like is that Big mount it has, otherwise it looks light and lovely :)
@@martinandreasson5504 - thanks!
On the Zfc (or probably any mirrorless): It's really changing things a lot. Not having to change between open aperture for view-finding and spring-closing it down for firing the shutter really enables a new class of new small/inexpensive lenses - mostly Chinese (TTArtisan, Viltrox,...). Nikon mostly went for the large/expensive Z optics approach themselves instead. Also having a preview of the exposure as-is in the viewfinder is nice. And focus-peaking for MF (or optionally magnifying for static scenes) is a big change. Also the Zfc swiveling screen enables a waist-level viewfinder experience in portrait-mode shootings (e.g. on a tripod in the studio). So far my Zfc (+28/2.8 kit) has even been more exciting fun than the Zf (and way cheaper, a perfect mirrorless-intro). But I still miss the sustained slow-food-experience approach which the Zf brought to me. And DX-format is a bit of a let-down, I can't really use the 105/1.4 with it - 150/2 is not a look I'm after, but 85/1.2 translated to ~135/1.8 sounds interesting (ordered my 85/1.2 even though its big/heavy/very-expensive).
P.S. forgot: Awesome images you took, great work!
@@andikunar7183 Yeh, i have been shooting mirrorless on Fuji for a long while, and it really has its advantages when it comes to size and as you say ability to adapt lenses etc. Currently i have been adapting a lot of Zuiko and takumar lenses that give a really nice retro look, also feels great to handle :)
But like you say full frame would have been even better, do not really have a wide angle but all lenses either go from 50 and up. The 35 i have is only f3,5 so not really great for portraits .
But its a lot of fun :) Can take a analog camera with me and the Fuji XT-1 and same lenses and shoot both a day in town , great fun :)
Thanks again Andi!
I use the Df as a travel compagnon. But, like your experience, I had a broken shutter too. I bought it used but like new. I had a lot of other Nikons in use over 25 yrs where I never had a shutter problem. The repair was expensive.
Loved the Df, P/X it for the Z 7, Still miss it.
I can understand that! Sometimes i have contemplated selling because i needed money etc, and im happy i did not every time :) Thank you for wacthing and commenting David. Regards Martin.
I had the d600, and through the af was better than the df, even tho they were the same. Probably because I got the d750 and it made it seem slower. Plus I bought my used and the person already had 100,000 clicks, so maybe the af was slower. That was my main issue is the AF system felt weak for the price. I got the Zf now and like using that more. I will keep my DF as it is a relic to me.
Well the Af is quite slow to be honest hehe . Can imagine next to the ZF it must be like a camera "zombie"! :) Im looking a lot on the Zf now and might actually get it. How do you like it otherwise?
Yhe i wouldnt get rid of the DF, it will hold value longer than the Zf for sure :) Its got this cult following too and will always be the most Unique digital Nikon as long as they dont produce something similar.
/regards Martin.
@@martinandreasson5504 button layout still nikon so it easy for me to use. i do event photography and it is muscle memory where things are. Top panel looks just like the DF. For longer shoot I prefer the z8 grip, but the no grip is fine for causal shooting. I don't like the small bump grip that is the worst as it cause you fingers to have less contact surface to hold. I am used to milc now so I prefer to shoot that over dslr. But battery drains faster. Why I still like walkaround with the dslr on a long day. No battery drain. I even use the z30 for video. I picked the Zf over the z6ii is for the AF, I had the z7ii as my main. Couldn't wait for the z6iii. Plus it shoot a tad different. I use zebra to manual focus or the zoom in button to be more precise. I do have film slr that do split focus which is fun, but now it is zoom focus if need be. I prefer higher mp for landscape and portrait, but for all other 24p is fine.
I have a Z6 that's more for pro work.
I started with a D7100 which was a great camera but sold it then realized I prefer OVFs over EVFs. I ended up grabbing a used D810, which I got for a great price that was hard to pass, as my "fun" camera, and since I missed DSLR experience and also from my film shooting phase I went for many years but it's gotten too expensive. The Df camera is like a bit of both worlds but I never knew about this camera and this review sold me on considering trading for it but damn, those used prices are nuts. Why is this so expensive in 2023? This cost more than a lightly used D810. I was expecting
Hey and thanks a lot :) The df has indeed got something of a cult following, a bit like the D700 but even more so since of the unique style of camera it is. Unfortunately for us the people that find it inspiring and intriguing that has made it very hard to get and too expensive.
It was actually always a bit too expensive for "what you get" on paper even when launched.
And then kept that pricetag for a long time.
They had new for sale until a few years back on Nikons website and i almost grabbed a silver but the price that was even then like 2200 EU kept me from it...:(
Its a bit stupid and as you say the used prices are normally between 1000-1400 EU here .
Not sure about current Ebay prices or other countries :)
Hope you can have some luck finding one in decent condition for a decent price!
good luck, regards Martin.
6:30 it's funny, i just saw the other reviewer also did this unintended, during turning on camera but also rotating the Cl mode
haha, yupp its easily moved. I think one of the biggest criticisms from detractors over the years with the Df has been all the dials and that its cluttered. Its not that big of a deal for me, and id rather have it as it is than not:)
Très bonne la technologie..apareille
Photographe..j'ai une.
merci d'avoir écrit et regardé