As a former Leica user ( just can't afford an M right now ), who got started in photography with a Nikon and loves this camera, it is good to see it on your channel.
Was waiting for your Nikon Zf video, great job! Now looking forward to the Singapore images. Thanks! Edit: very nice you call the Zf a PRO camera, which I guess it is.
Your review is always complete and easy to follow. Thank you. I’m a primary sony user, purchased this Zf because it’s retro look and color (sunset orange) and a Sony A7RV on Black Friday 2023. To date, I’ve not used that A7RV once and only the Zf. Since most of my lenses are Sony so I got a E to Z adapter, it’s good enough for my shooting. I like this Zf better than Sony in six features, one the eye detection auto switches between human, animal… sony requires manual switch, two object tracking works in manual focus mode, very useful with my voightlander 40mm f1.2 at f1.2 shallow depth of field, three the auto focus is just as fast and sticky as sony for my shooting, four the menu option is not as complicated as Sony, five the viewing screen is bigger and brighter than Sony and last Nikon color science is better than Sony for my taste. What I dislike are the camera is big and heavy like a DSLR doesn’t fit well in my bags (most of my camera bodies are smaller Leica and Sony), I’m a photo only shooter so I wish the screen can tilt and flip like Z8 and more retro small size Nikon lenses selection. Edit, forgot to mention, the top switches on the right don’t have lock, easy to turn unintentionally when I move it in and out of bag and I did purchase additional grip (I got a black like yours and another with wood, think the kit comes with a grip which is a better deal I regret didn’t select).
Your style of reviewing really appeals to me. Thanks. I own the Zf and I would echo another comment requesting a tutorial on the Zf particularly related to the autofocus settings and recommendations.
Nikon do make a dedicated handgrip for the Zf, but it's only available in Japan (and via some specific sellers willing to ship overseas). By all accounts the quality of the Nikon grip is the best of the bunch (and it wraps around to the back aiding also as a thumb grip). However, since the SmallRig version was manufactured with the cooperation of Nikon, it's pretty good, too. The Z 28mm and Z 40mm SE Nikkors are prone to coma and flaring when pointed in the direction of bright light, and the latter isn't tack sharp wide open at close distances, but when you close either lens down one stop-or shoot either of them between f/4 and f/8-they are just as sharp as the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, making them great for general purpose street and travel photography. I recommend picking up one of the vintage 52mm metal Nikon lens hoods from the late 1960s to mid 1980s; they help with flare and really fit the look of these Nikkor SE primes, elevating the overall experience by completing the overall vintage "AI-S" look.
Hey nice surprise, glad to see you cover the zf. The zf is really enjoyable to shoot, lots of places where the tech improves the experience, but subtly and unobtrusively. Best example (other than general speed and responsiveness from the exspeed 7) is the mf subject detection combination - really a superior manual focus experience. Probably my favorite lenses to use are the voigtlander z-native like the 50 f2 apo (which are all chipped, so communicate exif and work well with ibis etc), though nice to have all z-mount as an option. Also just picked up the ttartisan 6 bit adapter to use leica m glass, will try it out in the next week+.
Very good point about the manual focus aids. My Zf is blue, I only got it about 1 month now. I have it coupled with the Zeiss classic 1.4/50mm Planar T*. I am taking it everywhere with me and slowly learning, as I am just an amateur. Math’s other “pricey” purchases are way out of my league, so I won’t even comment, because my opinions do not matter. I am just satisfied with a camera like the Zf, which is at a good price, for all the features we get.
One more great test. I used the FM2 it s a sturdy camera but The view finder was a little bit Dark. I enjoyed this camera Because it was so easy To use... Not like the new one... Have a Nice Trip in.Singapore. At this time of the Year the weather is very high! 38... 40°... Don t throw away your Chewing gum on the ground... or You Will pay a penalty... incredible Singapore is cleaner than Zurich! Have a Nice Trip. And good photos! I hope To see some on your channel
No FTZii or other adapter for old SLR or DSLR lenses? I did not have an SLR back when, but I have 6 MF lenses (besides AFS FX and DX ) but Zf is first camera I've used which enables me to use MF lenses well.
Many thanks! Could have done that, agree. What you will see in my next Zf video is that for Singapore I used actually none of these lenses and went for a different choice :) Video will be posted soon.
Great review. I look forward to seeing your more comprehensive review. The video autofocus mode AF-F works extremely well in my experience. This is perhaps an odd comment but I wish the Leica SL2-S had the capabilities of this camera for autofocus. I don't want to take anything away from the SL2-S though. It too is a good camera. If you have time in your comprehensive review, I would be really interested to hear what you have to say about using manual lenses and the focus assist for manual focus lenses.
Difficult to say for me. I shoot the Z8 and the Zf so do not have a need for a Z6III although Nikon will for sure build in a lot of upgrades. I think its a matter of taste to which it boils down.
Thanks for wonderful introduction. I am hoping to see your take on pixel shift on the Zf. I've got my fingers crossed that Nikon will add pixel shift to the Z9 which I already own. My favorite film Nikon remains my F2S but I just don't get shooting film any more when I have so much to learn about digital photography. I used to develop my own B&W film and even print direct to positive using Agfachrome&Cibachrome. Have a great trip. I think I would have taken the 24-120 mm zoom lens on a one lens trip.
I had the camera for a couple of weeks but ended up returning it !! I loved the quality of the ergonomics and it is well built but with image quality I wasn’t all that impressed when cropping and framing the image in post . I guess I must be spoiled with my other cameras I own . I wanted to like it but not for the looks of it only …
So I sold my first one (mostly because I didn't think the 24 mp would hold up to the m11p, q2, z8 etc), then when doing a recent image library review was really, really surprised to find a number of my favorite images from the past few months were shot on the zf. Much longer story, but guess the bottom line is a few weeks ago I bought it again. I also have many great choices, but couldn't deny the results.
First of all, the Japanese pronunciation is Nikon (like you said it, but the emphasis as well as on the i as on the o) and the Z is pronounced "Zetto" (basically the z alone is not Japanese) But my question is, do we need this ? Brands like e.g. Fuji, Leica, Hasselblad , have by default the vintage look cause that belongs to the company style. This however this is more or less a Hipster camera, and I would never be mistaken for one, probably from Toys"'R" Us , so this is totally not my piece of cake (besides I am not a Nikon shooter too) The older Nikon on the table, however, is very attractive as being a OG, and as we know that it is great camera. IMO it does NOT give value to the market but since, I guess, it is not your last money I am happy for you and hope you have lotsa fun with it. Otherwise it is a very cool "presse papier" for your desk Sorry but I could not resist, thanks for sharing and a wonderful weekend.
Unfortunately, you don't seem to know what you're talking about. The Zf is a genuine retro design, because it is heavily based upon 35mm cameras from Nikon's own rich and storied past, the FM and FE series. So Nikon's "company style" is as legitimate, or more legitimate, than anyone else right now. The Fujifilm cameras-nice as they are-are not directly based upon any of their previous film cameras. As to the hipster remark: The Zf is the world's first full frame mirrorless retro camera, but it is also extremely capable in its own right, with features no other camera right now has, such as focus point sensor stabilization and manual focus with full subject AF tracking assist capability, making it the best manual focus mirrorless camera on the planet right now, bar none. The only thing that would make this, or anything else, a hipster camera is if a hipster is using it. btw: You can pronounce the "i" in Nikon either long or short, according to Nikon themselves, depending upon your region. The original is the short pronunciation, because it is based upon an amalgamation of the original company name, Nippon Kogaku.
@@RobertFalconer1967 with your comment you proofed me right. It is based on the OG 35mm design, like I wrote in my comment. But it differs from the modern Nikon line so why should they. The brands I mentioned had it through their whole line in the past .e.g Leica .M4 ...M11. But you probably have one or want one and now you are sad hehe.
Haha guys calm down, lol. Its just a camera, not life & death :) My personal humble belief is that Nikon is conscious about photographers who love retro-style cameras like this one or the Fuji X100VI, so Nikon packed a highly capable camera setup into a retro camera body looking to some extent similar to their legacy film cameras. I find this a good idea and a lot of people seem to like it. "Do we NEED this?" - no, definitely not because the Z8 or Z9 will eat the Zf for breakfast. But has the retro design any disadvantages if you like it and go for it? No, in contrast to the Fuji X100VI its fully weather-sealed out of box wheras for the Fuji you need to buy accessories to seal it. Has the Zf all you need as a photographer? Yes for sure. Every pro photographer can get the job done with the Zf. And the full Z-lens arsenal is at disposal. So I personally conclude for myself: the Zf is not needed but highly likeable and highly capable :)
Multiple manufacturers make high-speed microSD cards, providing UHS-II v60 and v90 speeds. Why not buy one of those to match the speed of your SDXC card? Then you can use the backup method.
When I first saw the Zac I wanted a full frame version, then YOU ruined it by showing the beautiful Hasselblad X2D ! Now I have that and the Nikon Z8 so I cannot justify the Zf !! It's all your fault. I will buy the Zf and my wife will pay you a visit !! HA ! That will teach you !! 😁
@@martinbowen9928 but I really need a hard drive, do you have any freelance work available that I can provide something and in return to help me get the hard drive that I really needed right now?
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
As a former Leica user ( just can't afford an M right now ), who got started in photography with a Nikon and loves this camera, it is good to see it on your channel.
Nikon is truly a great brand with great gear.
Was waiting for your Nikon Zf video, great job! Now looking forward to the Singapore images.
Thanks!
Edit: very nice you call the Zf a PRO camera, which I guess it is.
Thanks! 😃 The Zf is PRO, no doubt about that.
Looking forward to you making a full tutorial on the ZF as well! Thank you for this video.
Your review is always complete and easy to follow. Thank you.
I’m a primary sony user, purchased this Zf because it’s retro look and color (sunset orange) and a Sony A7RV on Black Friday 2023. To date, I’ve not used that A7RV once and only the Zf. Since most of my lenses are Sony so I got a E to Z adapter, it’s good enough for my shooting. I like this Zf better than Sony in six features, one the eye detection auto switches between human, animal… sony requires manual switch, two object tracking works in manual focus mode, very useful with my voightlander 40mm f1.2 at f1.2 shallow depth of field, three the auto focus is just as fast and sticky as sony for my shooting, four the menu option is not as complicated as Sony, five the viewing screen is bigger and brighter than Sony and last Nikon color science is better than Sony for my taste.
What I dislike are the camera is big and heavy like a DSLR doesn’t fit well in my bags (most of my camera bodies are smaller Leica and Sony), I’m a photo only shooter so I wish the screen can tilt and flip like Z8 and more retro small size Nikon lenses selection.
Edit, forgot to mention, the top switches on the right don’t have lock, easy to turn unintentionally when I move it in and out of bag and I did purchase additional grip (I got a black like yours and another with wood, think the kit comes with a grip which is a better deal I regret didn’t select).
Such a beauty :) I sold my SL2 for it :)
Your style of reviewing really appeals to me. Thanks. I own the Zf and I would echo another comment requesting a tutorial on the Zf particularly related to the autofocus settings and recommendations.
Loved the review. I will rent it at some point and have a closer look at it. Looks fun
Thanks Eugen, this camera is fun pure and highly capable in addition.
Nikon do make a dedicated handgrip for the Zf, but it's only available in Japan (and via some specific sellers willing to ship overseas). By all accounts the quality of the Nikon grip is the best of the bunch (and it wraps around to the back aiding also as a thumb grip). However, since the SmallRig version was manufactured with the cooperation of Nikon, it's pretty good, too.
The Z 28mm and Z 40mm SE Nikkors are prone to coma and flaring when pointed in the direction of bright light, and the latter isn't tack sharp wide open at close distances, but when you close either lens down one stop-or shoot either of them between f/4 and f/8-they are just as sharp as the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, making them great for general purpose street and travel photography. I recommend picking up one of the vintage 52mm metal Nikon lens hoods from the late 1960s to mid 1980s; they help with flare and really fit the look of these Nikkor SE primes, elevating the overall experience by completing the overall vintage "AI-S" look.
Thanks for sharing, Robert.
Your videos are a gift! Thank you!
Hey nice surprise, glad to see you cover the zf. The zf is really enjoyable to shoot, lots of places where the tech improves the experience, but subtly and unobtrusively. Best example (other than general speed and responsiveness from the exspeed 7) is the mf subject detection combination - really a superior manual focus experience. Probably my favorite lenses to use are the voigtlander z-native like the 50 f2 apo (which are all chipped, so communicate exif and work well with ibis etc), though nice to have all z-mount as an option. Also just picked up the ttartisan 6 bit adapter to use leica m glass, will try it out in the next week+.
Very good point about the manual focus aids.
My Zf is blue, I only got it about 1 month now. I have it coupled with the Zeiss classic 1.4/50mm Planar T*. I am taking it everywhere with me and slowly learning, as I am just an amateur.
Math’s other “pricey” purchases are way out of my league, so I won’t even comment, because my opinions do not matter.
I am just satisfied with a camera like the Zf, which is at a good price, for all the features we get.
One more great test. I used the
FM2 it s a sturdy camera but
The view finder was a little bit
Dark. I enjoyed this camera
Because it was so easy To use...
Not like the new one... Have a Nice
Trip in.Singapore. At this time of the
Year the weather is very high! 38...
40°... Don t throw away your
Chewing gum on the ground... or
You Will pay a penalty... incredible
Singapore is cleaner than Zurich!
Have a Nice Trip. And good photos!
I hope To see some on your channel
Thanks, of course I will show the images next couple of weeks :)
Do the manual buttons have a reasonable resistance so they can be relied on not to be knocked out of position?
Yes, and Yes they do.
Yes - good haptic.
No FTZii or other adapter for old SLR or DSLR lenses? I did not have an SLR back when, but I have 6 MF lenses (besides AFS FX and DX ) but Zf is first camera I've used which enables me to use MF lenses well.
Thank you for posting. Since both lenses are relatively small, why not take both? BTW, as usual, a very good, very thorough video.
Many thanks! Could have done that, agree. What you will see in my next Zf video is that for Singapore I used actually none of these lenses and went for a different choice :) Video will be posted soon.
Great review. I look forward to seeing your more comprehensive review. The video autofocus mode AF-F works extremely well in my experience. This is perhaps an odd comment but I wish the Leica SL2-S had the capabilities of this camera for autofocus. I don't want to take anything away from the SL2-S though. It too is a good camera. If you have time in your comprehensive review, I would be really interested to hear what you have to say about using manual lenses and the focus assist for manual focus lenses.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video 👍 is it better to wait for the Nikon z6iii or just go ahead and buy this ?
Difficult to say for me. I shoot the Z8 and the Zf so do not have a need for a Z6III although Nikon will for sure build in a lot of upgrades. I think its a matter of taste to which it boils down.
@@mathphotographer that’s amazing you shoot the z8 !! I’m thinking of adding a z8 to my collection and what’s your thoughts on the z8 ?
I'll wait for the Silver version.
The silver chrome will look fantastic!
Thanks for wonderful introduction. I am hoping to see your take on pixel shift on the Zf. I've got my fingers crossed that Nikon will add pixel shift to the Z9 which I already own. My favorite film Nikon remains my F2S but I just don't get shooting film any more when I have so much to learn about digital photography. I used to develop my own B&W film and even print direct to positive using Agfachrome&Cibachrome. Have a great trip. I think I would have taken the 24-120 mm zoom lens on a one lens trip.
Thanks for your comment and your very friendly words.
I had the camera for a couple of weeks but ended up returning it !!
I loved the quality of the ergonomics and it is well built but with image quality I wasn’t all that impressed when cropping and framing the image in post .
I guess I must be spoiled with my other cameras I own .
I wanted to like it but not for the looks of it only …
So I sold my first one (mostly because I didn't think the 24 mp would hold up to the m11p, q2, z8 etc), then when doing a recent image library review was really, really surprised to find a number of my favorite images from the past few months were shot on the zf. Much longer story, but guess the bottom line is a few weeks ago I bought it again. I also have many great choices, but couldn't deny the results.
Interesting, thanks for sharing. I actually like the image quality and also could live fairly well with 24MP ...
And your comment at the end is spot on: own a camera for image quality and workflow reasons, not because of design :)
Very interesting 👍🏻
Thanks!
First of all, the Japanese pronunciation is Nikon (like you said it, but the emphasis as well as on the i as on the o) and the Z is pronounced "Zetto" (basically the z alone is not Japanese)
But my question is, do we need this ?
Brands like e.g. Fuji, Leica, Hasselblad , have by default the vintage look cause that belongs to the company style.
This however this is more or less a Hipster camera, and I would never be mistaken for one, probably from Toys"'R" Us , so this is totally not my piece of cake (besides I am not a Nikon shooter too)
The older Nikon on the table, however, is very attractive as being a OG, and as we know that it is great camera.
IMO it does NOT give value to the market but since, I guess, it is not your last money I am happy for you and hope you have lotsa fun with it.
Otherwise it is a very cool "presse papier" for your desk
Sorry but I could not resist, thanks for sharing and a wonderful weekend.
Unfortunately, you don't seem to know what you're talking about. The Zf is a genuine retro design, because it is heavily based upon 35mm cameras from Nikon's own rich and storied past, the FM and FE series. So Nikon's "company style" is as legitimate, or more legitimate, than anyone else right now. The Fujifilm cameras-nice as they are-are not directly based upon any of their previous film cameras.
As to the hipster remark: The Zf is the world's first full frame mirrorless retro camera, but it is also extremely capable in its own right, with features no other camera right now has, such as focus point sensor stabilization and manual focus with full subject AF tracking assist capability, making it the best manual focus mirrorless camera on the planet right now, bar none.
The only thing that would make this, or anything else, a hipster camera is if a hipster is using it.
btw: You can pronounce the "i" in Nikon either long or short, according to Nikon themselves, depending upon your region. The original is the short pronunciation, because it is based upon an amalgamation of the original company name, Nippon Kogaku.
@@RobertFalconer1967 with your comment you proofed me right. It is based on the OG 35mm design, like I wrote in my comment. But it differs from the modern Nikon line so why should they. The brands I mentioned had it through their whole line in the past .e.g Leica .M4 ...M11.
But you probably have one or want one and now you are sad hehe.
@@RS-Amsterdam All you've proved ("...and now you are sad hehe") is that your comments continue to be nonsensical.
@@RobertFalconer1967 you've got one, don't you hehe. Cognitive dissonance hitting in .
Haha guys calm down, lol. Its just a camera, not life & death :) My personal humble belief is that Nikon is conscious about photographers who love retro-style cameras like this one or the Fuji X100VI, so Nikon packed a highly capable camera setup into a retro camera body looking to some extent similar to their legacy film cameras. I find this a good idea and a lot of people seem to like it. "Do we NEED this?" - no, definitely not because the Z8 or Z9 will eat the Zf for breakfast. But has the retro design any disadvantages if you like it and go for it? No, in contrast to the Fuji X100VI its fully weather-sealed out of box wheras for the Fuji you need to buy accessories to seal it. Has the Zf all you need as a photographer? Yes for sure. Every pro photographer can get the job done with the Zf. And the full Z-lens arsenal is at disposal. So I personally conclude for myself: the Zf is not needed but highly likeable and highly capable :)
Multiple manufacturers make high-speed microSD cards, providing UHS-II v60 and v90 speeds. Why not buy one of those to match the speed of your SDXC card? Then you can use the backup method.
When I first saw the Zac I wanted a full frame version, then YOU ruined it by showing the beautiful Hasselblad X2D ! Now I have that and the Nikon Z8 so I cannot justify the Zf !! It's all your fault. I will buy the Zf and my wife will pay you a visit !! HA ! That will teach you !! 😁
Me too but I got the z9 and x2d. The ZF sits in my purchase basket - do I push the button??
@@martinbowen9928 yeah but send to my address!
NOOOO Martin, it’s too much.
Hahahahahha!
@@martinbowen9928 yes and send to me!
@@martinbowen9928 but I really need a hard drive, do you have any freelance work available that I can provide something and in return to help me get the hard drive that I really needed right now?
Missing sensor shield!
Welcome to Singapore
Thanks! You will get to see the images in my next Zf video about shooting in Singapore.
Thanks Math. Have a good time in Singapure! 🙂
Greentings - Andreas
Thanks! 😃
We get it - you go to Singapore!! No need to say it in every second sentence… :-P
Guess you are right, thanks for the comment :)
Swiss warranty is 3-years, but the exact same camera’s USA warranty is 1-year. Seems unfair.
Agree - seems Nikon Switzerland uses the extendy warranty for marketing reasons.
Ah jetzt verstehe ich diesen Akzent. In der Schweiz spricht Deutsch oder Französisch! Vel vergnügen!!
That's great camera for all Nikon guys that fell in love with Fuji's retro design. Just like me... someday... I hope 😁 Thanks for sharing!
Best of luck!