Best review on the df I've seen. I think people get so caught up on specs and tech and what they're used to it blinds them when something different comes along. I'm actually one of those people that cares how my gear looks. As an artist, these things are important to me. Looking for a dslr, I've found they all look EXACTLY the same. Who decided this was the best route to take? And now that it's become the norm, it's hard for people to see a camera in any other way. I applaud Nikon for taking this leap and will probably be picking this camera up this week. And also checking out the Df on dxomark, it had excellent scores, even against the new Leica M-240.
Your review of the Nikon DF is simply sublime. You really convey the whole idea of this camera in a good, respectful, inspiring and insightful manner. Keep up your great work and your brilliant channel. Thanks for such a great review...
Just watched this review. You have captured the essence of the Df. As soon as I saw the release of this camera I knew I wanted one. Purchased my first Nikon in early 70s. Purchased a Nikkormat as I could not afford an F model. Worked a contract job after retirement to get the Df. I only use it with a 50mm 1.8 and a 85mm 1.8. Still using Nikkormat and have added Nikon F2. And I still listen to records with my 70s vintage component stereo equipment.
Absolutely you are the best reviewer, since you have an attitude where you want to learn the camera, and present it as its designers meant it to be used. This is the right and only meaningful approach, I am a Df fan and user, too. Now, I am about to buy my first medium format film camera. The Df was a stepping stone towards that direction. I started with a fully automated Nikon V1 three years ago.
Great review! I love my Df and finally using my Fstop ring having almost all, good bargain, D series lenses that are so plentiful. For me it is very fast to use and was the camera I always wanted coming from 35mm & 2 1/4 film and several Nikon DSLRs. I never liked having to hold down one button with one hand and then with the other spinning a wheel, also bumping the front wheel and not knowing my speed changed. The size and weight is a huge plus, I thought I needed a vertical grip like my other DSLR but never missed it do to the weight.
Got a DF recently. Grew up on an FM2. Can't understand why anyone would give the Df a negative review. Its a REAL camera and the controls are at your finger tips. Love it!
AlteredStar Studios I have a Nikon D-750, and an Olympus OMD EM1 II. When I first started to become interested in the XT3 I thought it was because it combined the best characteristics of the cameras that I already owned. But the more I watched the XT3 reviews, the more it reminded me of the DF. A camera that I'd always admired, in spite of the crap that it got from the “fanboys” (Thank-you Mattias Burling.) and “serious” reviewers. Because of my traveling and space requirements, I would still go for the XT3. But it’s similarity to the DF would be a significant asset.
Irvin Martin Mattias’s 5 reasons video was awesome on the Df! I absolutely love mine and probably never gonna part with it. Glad to you you also have the D750 and OMD EM1 Mk2! I have the Z7 and EMD Mk2 with the 25 1.2 and love it to bits 👍🏻
I have lots of Camera, sold some , I never think to sold Df , I feel in love with , it’s old school with best low light quality, thank you so much for this nice review 🤗👌💐
I own a D810 and a D500 both of which I really like. I just bought my second Df and just love it. I sold my first one to buy my D810 which was a good move, but I could finally afford to replace my Df and I'm glad I did. My Df is by far much more fun to shoot with. I can't believe the negative RUclips videos on this camera. Most of these people don't even own this camera. They borrow or rent one and shoot for a few hours and bad mouth it. Some can't stand the fact that it's not a video camera and some can't stand that it's not a all around camera like a D810 or a wildlife camera like a D500 or the fact that they can't afford to buy it.
Snapchick loved your vid on this DF I stumbled onto tonight, I have heavily invested in another brand of camera but have fallen in love with the Df, your opinion of this camera was very cool,,,as you said this camera has been bagged because of its retro manualness which is what has attracted me I love technical,, your analytical explanation and technical insight is very refreshing and on the money, never judge a beautiful blonde book buy it cover...I look forward to and will keep an eye on your freshing clarity info in the future
Hi, I have probably seen all the reviews of this camera as well as a number of your other presentations. I would like to say that you absolutely 'nailed it' with this review! The Df has allowed the love to return to my photography. I miss my old SLR's that led finally to my F4 . Then I lost the love during the introduction of Digital, however, I do drive a D610 and D4 I recently bought a used Df and man I am enjoying the struggle once again. Dust off the old vinyl! kind regards from Peter Bennett (Melbourne, Australia)
I purchased a Df a few weeks ago and love it. The camera allowed me to resurrect my prime Ais lenses which worked seamlessly on the Df. That, to me, was the biggest selling point and I love using the camera. Is it a feature by feature replacement of a modern digital SLR, probably not, but somethings are worth getting just for the joy they bring, the Df, I think, falls into that category.
You were born to do this. Superb presentation. I picked up an x100 for the same reasons. Got frustrated. Wanted more control, more manual. So I have the xt1 and I am picking up modern manual lenses. Love to hear your thoughts on XT1 vs DF1 image quality. Anyhow, great review 🙏
I was at my local store today and I happened to play around with one for about 15min, I must say the camera does definitely have something special about it when you start to work with it... more so than my D800 which is saying a lot as I love how the D800 feels for me. Haven't tried the D810 so I don't know if that has the same vibe or not. AND you are correct, the camera is not hard to use at all... if anything some can find it easier than other cameras seeing that you don't need to play around with the menu system all that much after the initial setup. Great review(s) of the Df, some of the better ones out there, well done!!
Agreed! It calls to you "click this, turn this, do it!" The "electronic wonders" like the D800 are certainly capable, but the Df brings some a certain soul to the table.
I would love to try one of these. I used to love photography back when I was shooting with film. Somehow, when I switched to digital, I didn’t love it anymore. I lost interest. Not sure if it’s me or the camera, but I have a lot of emotions tied to the tactile nature of my old film camera, but I cannot afford to shoot in film anymore. Maybe this is what I need to get into up photography again? I sure do miss the enjoyment I used to have shooting and experimenting with a manual camera.
I use to use a Nikon FM2 and Nikon F3 and loved using them because they were manual cameras and always said i would never get a digital camera unless it could be operated like one of the Nikon manual film camera's, that's because i fell in love with the FM2 and f3, using them both 100% manual. when the Df came out i was curious, but the price was a bit out of my range, as soon as i found a Df in my price range, i purchased one, Im now hooked on it and use it in manual mode 99% of the time with my manual focus prime Len's, so for me it's a love afair reborn. :)
I don't have df but this is the reason I have an Olympus omd , it takes me back to my old film days when I shot with an om2 and om4ti. Its just the feel of it in my hand, its definitely a an attraction that just makes me want to pick it up again and again.
Great review and well presented! In fact when people want to know why I shoot with a now 4 year old dslr I will show them this video. I get frustrated by most comments and reviews by people who don’t own, haven’t shot a Df. (ever wonder why those that do own one rate it so highly?) Is it perfect? No but it is a great camera, not video camera but a CAMERA. That is NOT a fail, If you want a video camera, get one! Complaining that this doesn’t have it is like complaining that a Ferrari can’t take garbage to the dump or go off-roading. As for the split screen or lack of one, It would have been nice, I agree but you can get one and put it in, it works great! What this Camera is, is a well built camera that just feels right in your hands, can use virtually any nikkor glass and is a joy to use. I would like to see a few tweaks however. Auto ISO position on the dial for one. Split prism from the factory would be great, built in AF assist light would be great. Built in WiFi and capable software. These can all be worked around but it would be nice to have them. D5’s AF system and sensor/processor would step this up. Other than that, this is a great camera that deserves a better rep from those that have never used it and lived with it daily and as such, don’t have the first clue as to what they are talking about.
I own the Df and I am using it for more than six months. There is nothing I can say more than, it is a so great camera. It has its own personality as well as the people are using it. If anybody serious about still photography it is the camera they should have. It is a special camera for special people … The feeling… The quality… The look… The sound… ….. And if you want more of the camera, try it with Zeiss lenses. Both are traditional integral of each other…
Great clip and camera, and yes you "hit the nail on the head" about it being an "experience" to use it (great stuff). I grew up with film SLR's (I'm a Film Student) and I find grappling with all the menu's and control buttons on DSLR's (my Film School's Canon 60D) plus digital camera's (SONY FS700, RED Scarlet) mens you spend more time navigating the menus instead of being creative and thinking about the shots. I noticed the other Film Students shoot very quickly whereas I tend be be slower and I think more about the shot (stills or video). This may sound strange but that's what I found by using my iPhone 5S for street photography (stills & video), it's simplicity of use (less menu's). In Trimester 5 (Bachelor of Film - 2014-2015) we had to shoot a 30 secs TV commercial using a AATON 16mm Film Camera (no Menu's, just a test switch to check the film is being "grabbed" okay, not too loose, and check the film "rolls" okay, then just "roll"...), not so much to learn film per see, but more about the production process / being organised, kind of like when you said you took less pictures but you were thinking more about them (quality versus quantity). It's a shame though that it doesn't offer video, as I think for the price it kind of "hurts" by not offering it, which may limit it's sales a bit. If I could afford a totally separate DSLR and not need it to do video (be a "jack of all trades" DSLR) then this would be it (I'd get the all black version). A true successor to the legendary Nikon F, as used in the 1966 movie "Blow-Up", kind regards. Google Images for Blow-Up Hyperlink: www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=643&q=blow-up+%281966%29&oq=blow-up&gs_l=img.1.2.0l10.2529.5487.0.7857.7.7.0.0.0.0.193.1276.0j7.7.0....0...1.1.64.img..0.7.1274.ClFqIKMDcVA#imgrc=avJUQ6ZRUdLIMM%3A
I bought a Df last Xmas, having used Nikons since 1970. I'm very happy with it. It even works - albeit a bit clunkily - with some pre-Ai Nikkors, like my 35 f1.4. But what surprised me the most was how well it performs as a sports camera. Motor racing shots (Le Mans) even with an old 180 f2.8 AF enabled me to fill the frame and be spot-on for focus. Those 39 focus points work fine. Video? I don't really do video, have other cameras that can. The Df works for me.
The more weddings I shoot the more I begin feeling like the Df is an ideal camera for my needs. File size isn't absurdly huge, prints enlarge to any size for walls or albums, handling is great, and low light performance is ace. The only shortcoming I can find - and it's a serious one - is the auto focusing system from the D600. I have a D600, and whilst the response time is reasonably good the clustering of the AF points to a small portion of the middle of the viewfinder in a sort of sanitary napkin pattern, quite honestly sucks. Would love to see a Df MKII with the AF system from the D500/850.
My first camera was a K1000. All manual workhorse. Many hate the look of the dials and old style but I prefer it to the rather cold looking dslrs. If a person's never experienced shooting with a film camera, they can't understand the feeling.
Since quite some time I was looking for a replacement of my Pentax MX film camera. Fortunately one can still get the older D lenses for it, will the aperture ring. One detail that I can't see on the Nikon DF is the deep of field preview. In the past you could manual focus, check the DoF, move the focus and aperture ring as needed, then adjust the exposition as needed. It may be more complicated then the camera thinking and doing all, but there's is a reason cameras like Leica, Fuji and now Nikon DF exist. Ergonomics and full control do matter.
Thanks for an interesting voice. Personally, I have two D4s and love all of the modern and polished ergonomics. I found the Df to be old fashioned for not much gain but I totally respect your view. :-)
One thing is for sure, whether you love it or you hate it, after using it for a while, you will definitely better a photographer for the experience, and that's the one aspect of this camera, that those who constantly criticize this camera overlook. But best of all, it puts a smile on my face, and that alone makes it worth the money!.
Thanks for posting your review, I enjoyed it. I believe the Df would be a great camera for me, but the price tag is a bit high. In my film lens arsenal from the past, I still have 18mm f/3.5 to 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF, all AIS, all fast glass. The specs I've read about the Df states that all my MF Lenses will work just fine. I will have a Df someday, but most likely not any time soon.. Have you tried using any manual focus lenses on your Df? I would like to know, and if you don't mind please, your opinion. Thanks in advance. Larry..
I have a F3.5 400, and I can focus well right off the screen without even looking at the focus indicator. I just nailed 3 eagles last Sunday in flight using the 2X adapter.
For true 1973 authenticity, they need to delete the screen and most of the automatic modes, so the only way you can see your pics is to take the card out of the camera and upload the files. Also get rid of the AF and all but the centre spot of the metering system. Strip it down to the bare bones. The only electronic switches you should get are jpeg versus raw and on/off. The only info you should get in the viewfinder is iso, aperture (a concession for lenses that don't have an aperture ring), shutter speed, and a basic exposure meter. :) All joking aside, this is quite a fascinating camera. I'm hoping that once Pentax have got their full-frame camera out in the marketplace they would consider something like this. A K1000-D would be a fascinating companion/competitor for this camera, especially if they also restored the full K mount functionality.
You have captured the essence of the past with an esoteric view. Things were much more tactile and hands on back then. You had to think about things, or waste film.
Having grown up in the world of film, I consider a camera to be only as good as the prints it can produce. After buying an Epson SureColor P800, I can say that even after the necessary trimming of the digital image to fit the aspect ratio of the Epson's maximum print size of 17x22 inches, the 16 megapixels of the Dƒ are sufficient to produce flawless 17x22 inch prints. Makes me wonder what those 24, 50, 100(!) megapixel cameras are for, other than pixel-peeping: panoramics, maybe? Anyway, I'm pleased to find out that I just don't need the latest and greatest megapixel budget-buster.
Your experience, knowledge and discoveries are very important and expressed me,You have beautiful feel of the df and photographers,photography you sell this Camera to me,You can persuade someone of the merit of,you are respectfully presenting customer's wish and taking lot of pain,hardwork and assuring that customer get more than what they ask for,it's your handling camera please sell me
I said it before.. Love your review! best Df review on the web, will you get one? I love mine, I own a D4, D800, D3x and Df, my Df is my personal camera, no job gets done with it, only my truly personal stuff. (I love that) All my other cameras can take on the world in a second ! but they surely feel work oriented, not the Df, where Pleasure is first.
hard choice, the F3 has capabilities for accepting different viewfinders, even vertical ones, plus some interesting motor drive options too, but what I love about the FM3 is the no battery required characteristic on all speeds, and high speed flash sync up to 1/250
It's like a Frankencamera! Like it was made of spare parts from the 70's Nikons. But with a 2019 pricetag. I'll stick with Fuji for my retro styling at half the price and similar image quality
the review that i'm waiting for!! all other reviewer keep bashing Df just because they don't like it! Df is NOT for everyone. yeah it is pricey, if you can't appreciate it, you just don't deserve a Df.
Even if this video is a couple of years old, it is still true. I have been shooting a Df now for almost 7 years for semi professional use (events, landscape and architecture) and private use (kids and family). Working with it is all about the emotional side. The haptics are great, people always ask about the camera. Nobody seems to know it. Even in 2021 IQ is still acceptable enough for my photographic jobs and handling is great especially with manual focus lenses. Only the bad AF module still makes me angry. So to all of those looking for a special camera - this is it. Just buy one and be happy.
I keep hearing, "it has the D4's sensor, it's great in low light, and produces great images at almost any ISO setting." That's partially true. People seem to get stuck in thinking that the sensor is the sole reason the camera's performing like a champ. Although a FX sensor does capture light more efficiently, the imaging processor is the one that does most of the work; Canon Digic, or Nikon Expeed contain the algorithms that manage the sensors low light A/D conversions and NR processes. At least give the processors credit from time to time, unless merely mentioning the D4 sensor automatically covers the processor too.
Quite a late comment, but want to add my 5 cents. Event though I don't want to let go of this camera so far, but the ergonomics is not well thought out and the long exposure photography is not the most comfortable experience. Otherwise it is wonderful camera for general purpose coupled with some retro lens. Cheers! )
After decades of shooting with a Nikon F and a FM I could probable work faster with this camera than I can with other DSLR's which I still haven't got use to.
Watching this in March 2019: I've sold my D810 and D4, but I still have my Df. It's the one Nikon I'll never sell. I love the thing.
Best, most balanced review of the Df I've see so far.
Thanks Steve!
Best review on the df I've seen.
I think people get so caught up on specs and tech and what they're used to it blinds them when something different comes along.
I'm actually one of those people that cares how my gear looks. As an artist, these things are important to me. Looking for a dslr, I've found they all look EXACTLY the same. Who decided this was the best route to take? And now that it's become the norm, it's hard for people to see a camera in any other way.
I applaud Nikon for taking this leap and will probably be picking this camera up this week.
And also checking out the Df on dxomark, it had excellent scores, even against the new Leica M-240.
Your review of the Nikon DF is simply sublime. You really convey the whole idea of this camera in a good, respectful, inspiring and insightful manner. Keep up your great work and your brilliant channel. Thanks for such a great review...
Just watched this review. You have captured the essence of the Df. As soon as I saw the release of this camera I knew I wanted one. Purchased my first Nikon in early 70s. Purchased a Nikkormat as I could not afford an F model. Worked a contract job after retirement to get the Df. I only use it with a 50mm 1.8 and a 85mm 1.8. Still using Nikkormat and have added Nikon F2. And I still listen to records with my 70s vintage component stereo equipment.
Absolutely you are the best reviewer, since you have an attitude where you want to learn the camera, and present it as its designers meant it to be used. This is the right and only meaningful approach, I am a Df fan and user, too. Now, I am about to buy my first medium format film camera. The Df was a stepping stone towards that direction. I started with a fully automated Nikon V1 three years ago.
Great review! I love my Df and finally using my Fstop ring having almost all, good bargain, D series lenses that are so plentiful. For me it is very fast to use and was the camera I always wanted coming from 35mm & 2 1/4 film and several Nikon DSLRs. I never liked having to hold down one button with one hand and then with the other spinning a wheel, also bumping the front wheel and not knowing my speed changed. The size and weight is a huge plus, I thought I needed a vertical grip like my other DSLR but never missed it do to the weight.
Got a DF recently. Grew up on an FM2. Can't understand why anyone would give the Df a negative review. Its a REAL camera and the controls are at your finger tips. Love it!
Watching this in September 2019, was on my way to buy the Fuji XT3, and bought the DF instead 🤩
AlteredStar Studios I have a Nikon D-750, and an Olympus OMD EM1 II. When I first started to become interested in the XT3 I thought it was because it combined the best characteristics of the cameras that I already owned. But the more I watched the XT3 reviews, the more it reminded me of the DF. A camera that I'd always admired, in spite of the crap that it got from the “fanboys” (Thank-you Mattias Burling.) and “serious” reviewers. Because of my traveling and space requirements, I would still go for the XT3. But it’s similarity to the DF would be a significant asset.
Irvin Martin Mattias’s 5 reasons video was awesome on the Df! I absolutely love mine and probably never gonna part with it. Glad to you you also have the D750 and OMD EM1 Mk2!
I have the Z7 and EMD Mk2 with the 25 1.2 and love it to bits 👍🏻
You are not alone. +1 here hahahah
Excellent video , I love touch screens too & modern features ,but also find the DF irresistible . Agree on most reviewers missing the point of the DF
I have lots of Camera, sold some , I never think to sold Df , I feel in love with , it’s old school with best low light quality, thank you so much for this nice review 🤗👌💐
Nice overview . . YOU get what the DF is all about :)
I own a D810 and a D500 both of which I really like. I just bought my second Df and just love it. I sold my first one to buy my D810 which was a good move, but I could finally afford to replace my Df and I'm glad I did. My Df is by far much more fun to shoot with. I can't believe the negative RUclips videos on this camera. Most of these people don't even own this camera. They borrow or rent one and shoot for a few hours and bad mouth it. Some can't stand the fact that it's not a video camera and some can't stand that it's not a all around camera like a D810 or a wildlife camera like a D500 or the fact that they can't afford to buy it.
Snapchick loved your vid on this DF I stumbled onto tonight, I have heavily invested in another brand of camera but have fallen in love with the Df, your opinion of this camera was very cool,,,as you said this camera has been bagged because of its retro manualness which is what has attracted me I love technical,, your analytical explanation and technical insight is very refreshing and on the money, never judge a beautiful blonde book buy it cover...I look forward to and will keep an eye on your freshing clarity info in the future
Hi, I have probably seen all the reviews of this camera as well as a number of your other presentations. I would like to say that you absolutely 'nailed it' with this review! The Df has allowed the love to return to my photography. I miss my old SLR's that led finally to my F4 . Then I lost the love during the introduction of Digital, however, I do drive a D610 and D4 I recently bought a used Df and man I am enjoying the struggle once again. Dust off the old vinyl! kind regards from Peter Bennett (Melbourne, Australia)
You have a great personality, and a smart reviewer! Good, balanced look at the DF!
I purchased a Df a few weeks ago and love it. The camera allowed me to resurrect my prime Ais lenses which worked seamlessly on the Df. That, to me, was the biggest selling point and I love using the camera. Is it a feature by feature replacement of a modern digital SLR, probably not, but somethings are worth getting just for the joy they bring, the Df, I think, falls into that category.
This is a great video! Funny & informative. And yes, you made me fall in love with the Df. Reminds me of my Nikon F...
You were born to do this. Superb presentation. I picked up an x100 for the same reasons. Got frustrated. Wanted more control, more manual. So I have the xt1 and I am picking up modern manual lenses. Love to hear your thoughts on XT1 vs DF1 image quality. Anyhow, great review 🙏
I was at my local store today and I happened to play around with one for about 15min, I must say the camera does definitely have something special about it when you start to work with it... more so than my D800 which is saying a lot as I love how the D800 feels for me. Haven't tried the D810 so I don't know if that has the same vibe or not. AND you are correct, the camera is not hard to use at all... if anything some can find it easier than other cameras seeing that you don't need to play around with the menu system all that much after the initial setup. Great review(s) of the Df, some of the better ones out there, well done!!
Agreed! It calls to you "click this, turn this, do it!" The "electronic wonders" like the D800 are certainly capable, but the Df brings some a certain soul to the table.
I would love to try one of these. I used to love photography back when I was shooting with film. Somehow, when I switched to digital, I didn’t love it anymore. I lost interest. Not sure if it’s me or the camera, but I have a lot of emotions tied to the tactile nature of my old film camera, but I cannot afford to shoot in film anymore. Maybe this is what I need to get into up photography again? I sure do miss the enjoyment I used to have shooting and experimenting with a manual camera.
I use to use a Nikon FM2 and Nikon F3 and loved using them because they were manual cameras and always said i would never get a digital camera unless it could be operated like one of the Nikon manual film camera's, that's because i fell in love with the FM2 and f3, using them both 100% manual. when the Df came out i was curious, but the price was a bit out of my range, as soon as i found a Df in my price range, i purchased one, Im now hooked on it and use it in manual mode 99% of the time with my manual focus prime Len's, so for me it's a love afair reborn. :)
I don't have df but this is the reason I have an Olympus omd , it takes me back to my old film days when I shot with an om2 and om4ti. Its just the feel of it in my hand, its definitely a an attraction that just makes me want to pick it up again and again.
Is the OMD viewfinder as big as OM2 viewfinder?
Love your videos, you are a very talented photographer and being beautiful is certainly a plus
this review sold me hands down! awesome analogy!
Thanks I have one and happy to learn more
Love the retro idea. I need to rent one of these and test it with my 50 f/1.2 - would be a great second body to my D810.
Great review.
Great review and well presented! In fact when people want to know why I shoot with a now 4 year old dslr I will show them this video. I get frustrated by most comments and reviews by people who don’t own, haven’t shot a Df. (ever wonder why those that do own one rate it so highly?) Is it perfect? No but it is a great camera, not video camera but a CAMERA. That is NOT a fail, If you want a video camera, get one! Complaining that this doesn’t have it is like complaining that a Ferrari can’t take garbage to the dump or go off-roading. As for the split screen or lack of one, It would have been nice, I agree but you can get one and put it in, it works great!
What this Camera is, is a well built camera that just feels right in your hands, can use virtually any nikkor glass and is a joy to use.
I would like to see a few tweaks however. Auto ISO position on the dial for one. Split prism from the factory would be great, built in AF assist light would be great. Built in WiFi and capable software. These can all be worked around but it would be nice to have them. D5’s AF system and sensor/processor would step this up. Other than that, this is a great camera that deserves a better rep from those that have never used it and lived with it daily and as such, don’t have the first clue as to what they are talking about.
I own the Df and I am using it for more than six months. There is nothing I can say more than, it is a so great camera. It has its own personality as well as the people are using it. If anybody serious about still photography it is the camera they should have. It is a special camera for special people …
The feeling…
The quality…
The look…
The sound…
…..
And if you want more of the camera, try it with Zeiss lenses. Both are traditional integral of each other…
Love this review ... I did own a Nikon FM ... Might have to part ex my Fuji X100 !
PS I’ve been trying to discover manual focusing and struggling with the X100 . What is the DF like with MF ?
So often we worry about the facts and figures of a camera that we forget the emotion.
Great review.
This one gets the "fact and figure" of "Wanting to be in my hands all the time" :)
Great clip and camera, and yes you "hit the nail on the head" about it being an "experience" to use it (great stuff). I grew up with film SLR's (I'm a Film Student) and I find grappling with all the menu's and control buttons on DSLR's (my Film School's Canon 60D) plus digital camera's (SONY FS700, RED Scarlet) mens you spend more time navigating the menus instead of being creative and thinking about the shots. I noticed the other Film Students shoot very quickly whereas I tend be be slower and I think more about the shot (stills or video). This may sound strange but that's what I found by using my iPhone 5S for street photography (stills & video), it's simplicity of use (less menu's). In Trimester 5 (Bachelor of Film - 2014-2015) we had to shoot a 30 secs TV commercial using a AATON 16mm Film Camera (no Menu's, just a test switch to check the film is being "grabbed" okay, not too loose, and check the film "rolls" okay, then just "roll"...), not so much to learn film per see, but more about the production process / being organised, kind of like when you said you took less pictures but you were thinking more about them (quality versus quantity). It's a shame though that it doesn't offer video, as I think for the price it kind of "hurts" by not offering it, which may limit it's sales a bit. If I could afford a totally separate DSLR and not need it to do video (be a "jack of all trades" DSLR) then this would be it (I'd get the all black version). A true successor to the legendary Nikon F, as used in the 1966 movie "Blow-Up", kind regards.
Google Images for Blow-Up Hyperlink:
www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=643&q=blow-up+%281966%29&oq=blow-up&gs_l=img.1.2.0l10.2529.5487.0.7857.7.7.0.0.0.0.193.1276.0j7.7.0....0...1.1.64.img..0.7.1274.ClFqIKMDcVA#imgrc=avJUQ6ZRUdLIMM%3A
I bought a Df last Xmas, having used Nikons since 1970. I'm very happy with it. It even works - albeit a bit clunkily - with some pre-Ai Nikkors, like my 35 f1.4. But what surprised me the most was how well it performs as a sports camera. Motor racing shots (Le Mans) even with an old 180 f2.8 AF enabled me to fill the frame and be spot-on for focus. Those 39 focus points work fine. Video? I don't really do video, have other cameras that can. The Df works for me.
COOL :)
Great combination of old school and modern digital camera technology...VERY IMPRESIVE! Should I get rid of my D750? :)
The more weddings I shoot the more I begin feeling like the Df is an ideal camera for my needs. File size isn't absurdly huge, prints enlarge to any size for walls or albums, handling is great, and low light performance is ace. The only shortcoming I can find - and it's a serious one - is the auto focusing system from the D600. I have a D600, and whilst the response time is reasonably good the clustering of the AF points to a small portion of the middle of the viewfinder in a sort of sanitary napkin pattern, quite honestly sucks. Would love to see a Df MKII with the AF system from the D500/850.
Enjoyed your tutorial. What I liked was almost anything you don't like can be changed in the menu. Thanks
My first camera was a K1000. All manual workhorse. Many hate the look of the dials and old style but I prefer it to the rather cold looking dslrs. If a person's never experienced shooting with a film camera, they can't understand the feeling.
Great Preview!!! thank you :-) definitely my camera ! and till now i saw only bad previews on it and now i get to the point :-)
Since quite some time I was looking for a replacement of my Pentax MX film camera.
Fortunately one can still get the older D lenses for it, will the aperture ring.
One detail that I can't see on the Nikon DF is the deep of field preview.
In the past you could manual focus, check the DoF, move the focus and aperture ring as needed, then adjust the exposition as needed.
It may be more complicated then the camera thinking and doing all, but there's is a reason cameras like Leica, Fuji and now Nikon DF exist.
Ergonomics and full control do matter.
+TheGreatLoco The 1.2X eyepiece helps a lot with manual focusing and I really like using my aperture rings again.
Maybe more like putting on a laser disk. The vinyl record analogy only works with film IMVHO. That being said I think I would love this rig.
Great review. I could see having one as my DSLR if I go mirrorless one day.
Excellent analogies!
Thanks for an interesting voice. Personally, I have two D4s and love all of the modern and polished ergonomics. I found the Df to be old fashioned for not much gain but I totally respect your view. :-)
One thing is for sure, whether you love it or you hate it, after using it for a while, you will definitely better a photographer for the experience, and that's the one aspect of this camera, that those who constantly criticize this camera overlook. But best of all, it puts a smile on my face, and that alone makes it worth the money!.
Thanks for posting your review, I enjoyed it.
I believe the Df would be a great camera for me, but the price tag is a bit high. In my film lens arsenal from the past, I still have 18mm f/3.5 to 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF, all AIS, all fast glass. The specs I've read about the Df states that all my MF Lenses will work just fine. I will have a Df someday, but most likely not any time soon..
Have you tried using any manual focus lenses on your Df? I would like to know, and if you don't mind please, your opinion.
Thanks in advance.
Larry..
I have a F3.5 400, and I can focus well right off the screen without even looking at the focus indicator. I just nailed 3 eagles last Sunday in flight using the 2X adapter.
For true 1973 authenticity, they need to delete the screen and most of the automatic modes, so the only way you can see your pics is to take the card out of the camera and upload the files. Also get rid of the AF and all but the centre spot of the metering system. Strip it down to the bare bones. The only electronic switches you should get are jpeg versus raw and on/off. The only info you should get in the viewfinder is iso, aperture (a concession for lenses that don't have an aperture ring), shutter speed, and a basic exposure meter. :)
All joking aside, this is quite a fascinating camera. I'm hoping that once Pentax have got their full-frame camera out in the marketplace they would consider something like this. A K1000-D would be a fascinating companion/competitor for this camera, especially if they also restored the full K mount functionality.
You have captured the essence of the past with an esoteric view. Things were much more tactile and hands on back then. You had to think about things, or waste film.
Having grown up in the world of film, I consider a camera to be only as good as the prints it can produce. After buying an Epson SureColor P800, I can say that even after the necessary trimming of the digital image to fit the aspect ratio of the Epson's maximum print size of 17x22 inches, the 16 megapixels of the Dƒ are sufficient to produce flawless 17x22 inch prints. Makes me wonder what those 24, 50, 100(!) megapixel cameras are for, other than pixel-peeping: panoramics, maybe? Anyway, I'm pleased to find out that I just don't need the latest and greatest megapixel budget-buster.
Great camera!
Your experience, knowledge and discoveries are very important and expressed me,You have beautiful feel of the df and photographers,photography you sell this Camera to me,You can persuade someone of the merit of,you are respectfully presenting customer's wish and taking lot of pain,hardwork and assuring that customer get more than what they ask for,it's your handling camera please sell me
I said it before.. Love your review! best Df review on the web, will you get one? I love mine, I own a D4, D800, D3x and Df, my Df is my personal camera, no job gets done with it, only my truly personal stuff. (I love that) All my other cameras can take on the world in a second ! but they surely feel work oriented, not the Df, where Pleasure is first.
The Df has me interested in maybe picking up an FM3a or F3. I do have an FG, but something about those other two...
hard choice, the F3 has capabilities for accepting different viewfinders, even vertical ones, plus some interesting motor drive options too, but what I love about the FM3 is the no battery required characteristic on all speeds, and high speed flash sync up to 1/250
yeah i fancied this years ago but there was no grip option .. like my f3 hp the grip would of been decent .
Would you buy the camera for working purposes?
If I didn't already have a D800, the Df would probably be my working camera.
It's like a Frankencamera! Like it was made of spare parts from the 70's Nikons. But with a 2019 pricetag. I'll stick with Fuji for my retro styling at half the price and similar image quality
the review that i'm waiting for!! all other reviewer keep bashing Df just because they don't like it! Df is NOT for everyone. yeah it is pricey, if you can't appreciate it, you just don't deserve a Df.
Agreed. The reviewers who pretend that it's difficult to use should be in a different line of work.
I used to have one of those Nikon 50mm 1.8D lenses. No autofocus, but it's a great little lens and super cheap.
nice review!!!
Even if this video is a couple of years old, it is still true. I have been shooting a Df now for almost 7 years for semi professional use (events, landscape and architecture) and private use (kids and family). Working with it is all about the emotional side. The haptics are great, people always ask about the camera. Nobody seems to know it. Even in 2021 IQ is still acceptable enough for my photographic jobs and handling is great especially with manual focus lenses. Only the bad AF module still makes me angry. So to all of those looking for a special camera - this is it. Just buy one and be happy.
Nice review, Nikon curved ball camera but up to date results
Thank you, excellent.
finally someone with a personable point of view
Excellent
I keep hearing, "it has the D4's sensor, it's great in low light, and produces great images at almost any ISO setting." That's partially true. People seem to get stuck in thinking that the sensor is the sole reason the camera's performing like a champ. Although a FX sensor does capture light more efficiently, the imaging processor is the one that does most of the work; Canon Digic, or Nikon Expeed contain the algorithms that manage the sensors low light A/D conversions and NR processes. At least give the processors credit from time to time, unless merely mentioning the D4 sensor automatically covers the processor too.
could use more T&A, but otherwise not a bad review
If romancing a camera is wrong, I don't want to be right. Well said.
Quite a late comment, but want to add my 5 cents. Event though I don't want to let go of this camera so far, but the ergonomics is not well thought out and the long exposure photography is not the most comfortable experience. Otherwise it is wonderful camera for general purpose coupled with some retro lens.
Cheers! )
After decades of shooting with a Nikon F and a FM I could probable work faster with this camera than I can with other DSLR's which I still haven't got use to.
Indeed. You would be right at home with the Df.
I think .we think cameras are works of art.
you are bomb, SnapChick!
Amazing :-)
Df = Harley Davidson
D810 = Kawasaki ZX14
:)
I want one
:) :) :)
I'm absolutely in love with this camera, it just looks sexy......please Santa 💻📷📱🎥
Love your videos, you are a very talented photographer and being beautiful is certainly a plus
Excellent video , I love touch screens too & modern features ,but also find the DF irresistible . Agree on most reviewers missing the point of the DF
I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for commenting!