So happy to see a video from you about this camera. I'm going to be getting one myself in May or June with the 40/2 and I have loads of nikon, Olympus, LTM, and Minolta manual focus glass to adapt to it. I feel like coming from a Canon 6D and 7D ii the autofocus on this is going to feel like magic. I mean you and other viewers are nit picking whether focus is on the iris or eyelashes. I've never even looked at that on photos from my dslr's because I know it probably is not on the iris anyway, and clients are not going to notice. Seriously. I love using manual film cameras with dials so I'll feel right at home.
The Zf is a really great camera packed in a retro body. It has some really great features for the price point, some that not even the Z8/9 has. To me, it’s a camera to use when one wants to slow down and shoot manually. Take it out with a lens or two for some street shooting or whatever you favorite subject. Like my Df, I would probably pair it with some nice manual focus lens. Although the tech inside means it’s on par and better than current digital cameras and you can just switch it to auto and let the camera manage everything. Nikon’s marketing showed it in use by younger folks, which is one of their target market however, those that use the film cameras it was based on, will get it for that nostalgic feeling while having a capable modern camera underneath. Nikon did a great job on bringing it to market.
Impressive overall performance (and nice shots by the way). For those wanting native manual lenses, there’s the interesting lineup from Voightlander that would meld the CPU contacts with everything else being retro. I wonder if the ZF could be useful for wedding photography when using smaller lenses (particularly at a reception). It could be more stealthy and mitigate the big camera pro look. The low light performance sure suggests that would be useful in some cases.
Great video! I am very happy with the Zf , especially with the Voigtländer 40 1.2 and 75 1.5, both in Z Mount. They are manual lenses, but the eye focus indicator from Nikon in manual mode is brillant. For AF I use the Nikon 50 1.8 s.
I would like to own this camera but would go for the z6 mk3 if I had the money. Until then I will be happy with older dslrs. One point I always think about is traveling. I would make prefer a cheap dslr that I could replace.
The Zf is a camera for the "ambitious amateur", in the same category as the A7Cii from Sony, at least to my feeling. I have it with the f1.8 primes and the camera feels very well balanced (especially with the 50). P.S. The reason I chose Nikon some 15 years ago was the On/Off button. The placement just made most sense to me. If you can't decide between 2 models, details matter 🤣
It’s very nice but not for me, my work needs video now which I was very reluctant to do for ages but like it now which surprised me. I have ended up with the z8 for work as I can do everything I need for work with no limitations in one camera. Canon should make a zf equivalent for sure I’d buy this again for personal stuff though but I won’t spend on that.
Martin, I love your chanel. Really well done. Although I shoot modern mirrorless, I begrudge the ergonomics. If I hold a DSLR, in my case Canon, for a second, I think we have gone backwards in some ways with modern cameras. I had to modify my modern mirrorless in order to be grip comfortable and its still not even close to older DSLRs. The smoother lines are maybe 80s concepts but for sure feel better in my hand. Great review.
Does the silent shutter function on the Zf measure up to the Z8 and Z9? Earlier Z cameras (e.g. Z5 and Z6) created a banding effect on images when using silent shutter indoors.
Hi, no because the readout speed is much faster on z8 the zf will get banding still. No shutter mechanism is z8 is big advantage as there is no blackout either.
Martin, I am curious about what you think the Nikon Z 50Mm f1.2 compares to the Canon EF 50MM f1.2? Like the Canon RF 50MM 1.2, the Nikon has many lens elements and is much larger than the Canon EF 50MM 1.2, which I believe has 8 elements. My assumption is that the modern versions, whether Canon or Nikon, lose a certain amount of character.
You would luv the old AF-D lenses on it, David. I particularly enjoy my cheap nikkor 60mm micro f2.8 on it. If you want something native, the Voigtländer z-mount 40 f1.2 is highly recommended as a dual-purpose lens. Wide open it renders like older vintage lenses, stop down to f2/f2.8 for crisp and sharp modern rendering.
@@bsc001 I once owned the 60mm Micro-nikkor and loved it. I did several trips and just used that lens on my old D810 back in the day. Thank you for the information! I really appreciate it!
Just one comment here, for those that might not be aware - the Z-mount actually allows quite many lenses (via adapters) to be fitted to the Zf. Sony E, Canon EF, Leica M, Panasonic LUMIX, old Nikon F-mount, even old Takumar and Helios M42’s. So there indeed are dozens and dozens that can be used with very good success on this body/mount. You can even stack adapters for more options, but I am sure you will have enough to keep you busy.
Love one but concerned about the Z lenses. I have also taken the plunge and bought another D700 for A$400. This one has only 12000 actuations and the rubber is pristine. I looked at the 6D and D600, but they are a lot more down here. The exchange rate clobbers us.
My first Nikon was an F2 in 1975. When I shot Hasselblad, Sinar P (8"*10"), Cambo (4"*5") professionally. The choice was about the excellent lenses and robust cameras with a worldwide service system. And historically, Nikon had been Japan's optical company (even Canon started with Nikon lenses - called Nippon Kogaku originally). I had two recurring rants with the excellent but not perfect Nikon F lenses: (1) chromatic aberration, and (2) tint differences between lenses. Now I have all the "S" class f/1.8 primes and 105/2.8S macro. These problems are completely over. My digital recurring rant is about cameras with an OLPF - all Nikons, Z included, with sensors at or under 36MP (at full frame). In the 36MP D800E, Nikon Eliminated the OLPF from the 36MP D800. If you want to see the effect on sharpness of your lenses, then find the sharpest F-mount lens in DxO Mark and compare the D800 to the D800E with that lens - the difference is purely in the OLPF present or absent. Next, with that same lens, compare the D600 to the D800 (sharpness) - both with OLPF. And finally the D800E to the D810 or D850 (all without OLPF). My gripe with the OLPF is not actually the loss of sharpness (that is much more shocking than differences in MP), but the risk of total reflection between filter grid over sensor and sensor in strong backlight that results in a colour cast I cannot remove. I replaced a 24MP D by the Z 7 and started building the set of glass. When the Z 7ii came I replaced it by that. Now that got replaced by a Z 8 - the first digital stills camera that brings a smile on my face. If your concern is lack of finance, then that is sad but I would still advice to invest in the Z system. It is far superior. A used Z 7ii should be relatively cheap. It's an excellent camera too, and in its X, Y, Z dimensions slightly smaller than a D500 APS-C camera. If you set it in DX mode then it is like a Z500. Bottom line it's about use cases. A Z 7ii has a great 45MP sensor and does incredibly well in landscape photography. If you need to shoot portraits, relying on eye-recognition AI AF with 3D tracking in lower light, then you need an Expeed 7 camera - Z 8 in my case because it has no OLPF. In the old days, a zoomlens was far inferior to a prime and I never owned zooms in my life. Today's "S" class Z zooms are about as good as the primes, but heavier, more expensive, bulkier. Depending on my mindset, I take two primes with me to a shoot. Smaller, lighter, less intimidating. But, if you buy a used Z 7ii with, say, a used 24-120 "S" class then you will never complain about your images. Finally, it's only a tool. And if your images ever end up in the National (Portrait) Gallery, then it's not because of the tools.
It works pretty well, as long as you have semi-decent light. I have no issue with eye recognition in either manual or auto modes, it works equally well. Hopefully this helps you.
My don’t like digital camera ( DSLR or Mirrorless ) because of its dusts issue . It bothers me a lot ! I check the sensor everytime after I use my camera .
It was a Z 50mm f1.2S. It's my favourite Z lens that I've used. It renders fantastically but still has some "old glass colour, clarity and character". It is huge and heavy though...
For the love of me I don’t understand what Nikon was thinking with this camera? You have a retro looking camera with ISO and shutter speed dials but modern lenses with no manual aperture dial, they should have made a couple of prime lenses with aperture rings to complement the design
It lacks the lenses to match it for sure I think if they sell enough bodies they will make them but then will they sell enough without the lenses. Should make 3 at least asap
There’s an arsenal of MF native Z Voigtländer lenses available for this, as well as quite many older Nikon vintage lenses, Ai, Ai-S and AF-D, for a very unique MF experience.
@@bsc001 Maybe so… but people don’t want MF third party lenses or older native lenses where there’s an adapter required… Why make it a analogue experience and then Z mount lenses don’t have aperture rings on the lenses… they give you two out of three on the exposure triangle!
@@richarddutchholland4780 I get your point, no hassles. Personally, I got a few z-mount Voigtländer lenses, and have many AF-D’s too. So I am having fun with that solution, but YMMV. The Voigtländer lenses are exceptional quality though, both in mechanical design, as well as optically.
I checked the price and immediately shit my pants. I guess you probably need it. I'll learn my own stuff first and buy a ZF in 10 years. Actually, you can make any camera sing, so you don't need it either. Much (brotherly) love from somewhere Southeast of you.
It looks a good buy as it offers quite a lot of performance for half the price of a Z8. If you're saving £2000, then you're probably not going to shed too many tears over the styling - even it it's not quite your cup of tea. I recently saw a video by a guy whining that he had not received any eBay bids for his Zf for @ £1800. When I saw it was bright orange, I laughed & thought 'No Wonder' (but it's a decent saving on a Z8 if you can live with orange. LOL) 🤣
Retro cameras are not for me. I prefer the interface and grip of the Z8. I love my Z8 but have noticed as you pointed out that under certain circumstances it does go for the eyelashes instead of the eye.
I forgot to mention that while I love my Z8 my D850 is better in many respects. The Z8 focusing is better than my D850 and having IBIS is great but in many other ways I prefer my D850. It also feels more solid.
I was watching Taylor Jackson's video about the Nikon ZF he said he really messed up his wrist using this camera. When I use my cameras with large lens I also get a hand strap and I found that helps a lot.
Really you need to hold the lens more than the grip but yeah over a long time it would probably hurt with the larger lenses I can imagine that. It’s just the wrong body style for those lenses which is why it’s not for me really.
I get a feeling that NIkon is targeting London hair dressers with this offering, and the ones who cant afford some stupid expensive Leica will gladly buy this less overpriced thing. (for the same money i would rather get used D5 and a Lens) it's a marketing gimmick 10 years too late, Olympus and Fuji won this game already. Thanks for cool informative videos :)
You're wrong. Nikon did this already with the FM2 camera from 1983. Later they have done a modern version with the Nikon Df and now with the Nikon Zfc and Zf.
Totally disagree, there is a massive market for retro cameras and this is a part of Nikons heritage. There are plenty of professional photographers that appreciate the look of full frame images over M43 and crop sensors and now have an option. Nikon already did it with the Df and are now doing it with their mirrorless offerings. It’s not a race as to who does it first it’s about offering something that the market wants and this is it.
![Kodak Black - Catch Fire [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A4ch-olIuZo/mqdefault.jpg)
So happy to see a video from you about this camera. I'm going to be getting one myself in May or June with the 40/2 and I have loads of nikon, Olympus, LTM, and Minolta manual focus glass to adapt to it. I feel like coming from a Canon 6D and 7D ii the autofocus on this is going to feel like magic. I mean you and other viewers are nit picking whether focus is on the iris or eyelashes. I've never even looked at that on photos from my dslr's because I know it probably is not on the iris anyway, and clients are not going to notice. Seriously. I love using manual film cameras with dials so I'll feel right at home.
The Zf is a really great camera packed in a retro body. It has some really great features for the price point, some that not even the Z8/9 has. To me, it’s a camera to use when one wants to slow down and shoot manually. Take it out with a lens or two for some street shooting or whatever you favorite subject. Like my Df, I would probably pair it with some nice manual focus lens. Although the tech inside means it’s on par and better than current digital cameras and you can just switch it to auto and let the camera manage everything. Nikon’s marketing showed it in use by younger folks, which is one of their target market however, those that use the film cameras it was based on, will get it for that nostalgic feeling while having a capable modern camera underneath. Nikon did a great job on bringing it to market.
Impressive overall performance (and nice shots by the way). For those wanting native manual lenses, there’s the interesting lineup from Voightlander that would meld the CPU contacts with everything else being retro. I wonder if the ZF could be useful for wedding photography when using smaller lenses (particularly at a reception). It could be more stealthy and mitigate the big camera pro look. The low light performance sure suggests that would be useful in some cases.
Great video! I am very happy with the Zf , especially with the Voigtländer 40 1.2 and 75 1.5, both in Z Mount. They are manual lenses, but the eye focus indicator from Nikon in manual mode is brillant. For AF I use the Nikon 50 1.8 s.
Thanx for a good video, Martin, always interesting to see how people view this camera. Keep up the good work.
I wish people would mention the Nikon Z5 more
I would like to own this camera but would go for the z6 mk3 if I had the money. Until then I will be happy with older dslrs. One point I always think about is traveling. I would make prefer a cheap dslr that I could replace.
Some fantastic shots Martin!
The Zf is a camera for the "ambitious amateur", in the same category as the A7Cii from Sony, at least to my feeling. I have it with the f1.8 primes and the camera feels very well balanced (especially with the 50).
P.S. The reason I chose Nikon some 15 years ago was the On/Off button. The placement just made most sense to me. If you can't decide between 2 models, details matter 🤣
Love the style of that camera, makes me wonder why Canon hasn't done something similar, stunning pictures.
It’s very nice but not for me, my work needs video now which I was very reluctant to do for ages but like it now which surprised me. I have ended up with the z8 for work as I can do everything I need for work with no limitations in one camera. Canon should make a zf equivalent for sure I’d buy this again for personal stuff though but I won’t spend on that.
Martin, I love your chanel. Really well done. Although I shoot modern mirrorless, I begrudge the ergonomics. If I hold a DSLR, in my case Canon, for a second, I think we have gone backwards in some ways with modern cameras. I had to modify my modern mirrorless in order to be grip comfortable and its still not even close to older DSLRs. The smoother lines are maybe 80s concepts but for sure feel better in my hand. Great review.
Does the silent shutter function on the Zf measure up to the Z8 and Z9? Earlier Z cameras (e.g. Z5 and Z6) created a banding effect on images when using silent shutter indoors.
Hi, no because the readout speed is much faster on z8 the zf will get banding still. No shutter mechanism is z8 is big advantage as there is no blackout either.
Martin, I am curious about what you think the Nikon Z 50Mm f1.2 compares to the Canon EF 50MM f1.2? Like the Canon RF 50MM 1.2, the Nikon has many lens elements and is much larger than the Canon EF 50MM 1.2, which I believe has 8 elements. My assumption is that the modern versions, whether Canon or Nikon, lose a certain amount of character.
i think the EF is a less perfect and therefore more interesting, looks more organic less clinical, it depends what you want really.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Zf. It would be my daily as I would be shooting vintage glass on it anyway. 😂 I still haven’t laid eyes on one yet.
It’s probably really good fun with vintage glass on it
You would luv the old AF-D lenses on it, David. I particularly enjoy my cheap nikkor 60mm micro f2.8 on it. If you want something native, the Voigtländer z-mount 40 f1.2 is highly recommended as a dual-purpose lens. Wide open it renders like older vintage lenses, stop down to f2/f2.8 for crisp and sharp modern rendering.
@@bsc001 I once owned the 60mm Micro-nikkor and loved it. I did several trips and just used that lens on my old D810 back in the day. Thank you for the information! I really appreciate it!
@@davidsaylors Ha, all good, Mate. I always enjoy your vids, lots to learn from you guys here :) Keep it up, will chat again!
You mentioned Fuji as best option for retro style camera with more lens options than the Zf. Which ones did you have in mind?
Just one comment here, for those that might not be aware - the Z-mount actually allows quite many lenses (via adapters) to be fitted to the Zf. Sony E, Canon EF, Leica M, Panasonic LUMIX, old Nikon F-mount, even old Takumar and Helios M42’s. So there indeed are dozens and dozens that can be used with very good success on this body/mount.
You can even stack adapters for more options, but I am sure you will have enough to keep you busy.
Love one but concerned about the Z lenses. I have also taken the plunge and bought another D700 for A$400. This one has only 12000 actuations and the rubber is pristine. I looked at the 6D and D600, but they are a lot more down here. The exchange rate clobbers us.
My first Nikon was an F2 in 1975. When I shot Hasselblad, Sinar P (8"*10"), Cambo (4"*5") professionally. The choice was about the excellent lenses and robust cameras with a worldwide service system. And historically, Nikon had been Japan's optical company (even Canon started with Nikon lenses - called Nippon Kogaku originally).
I had two recurring rants with the excellent but not perfect Nikon F lenses: (1) chromatic aberration, and (2) tint differences between lenses. Now I have all the "S" class f/1.8 primes and 105/2.8S macro. These problems are completely over.
My digital recurring rant is about cameras with an OLPF - all Nikons, Z included, with sensors at or under 36MP (at full frame). In the 36MP D800E, Nikon Eliminated the OLPF from the 36MP D800. If you want to see the effect on sharpness of your lenses, then find the sharpest F-mount lens in DxO Mark and compare the D800 to the D800E with that lens - the difference is purely in the OLPF present or absent. Next, with that same lens, compare the D600 to the D800 (sharpness) - both with OLPF. And finally the D800E to the D810 or D850 (all without OLPF).
My gripe with the OLPF is not actually the loss of sharpness (that is much more shocking than differences in MP), but the risk of total reflection between filter grid over sensor and sensor in strong backlight that results in a colour cast I cannot remove.
I replaced a 24MP D by the Z 7 and started building the set of glass. When the Z 7ii came I replaced it by that. Now that got replaced by a Z 8 - the first digital stills camera that brings a smile on my face.
If your concern is lack of finance, then that is sad but I would still advice to invest in the Z system. It is far superior. A used Z 7ii should be relatively cheap. It's an excellent camera too, and in its X, Y, Z dimensions slightly smaller than a D500 APS-C camera. If you set it in DX mode then it is like a Z500.
Bottom line it's about use cases. A Z 7ii has a great 45MP sensor and does incredibly well in landscape photography. If you need to shoot portraits, relying on eye-recognition AI AF with 3D tracking in lower light, then you need an Expeed 7 camera - Z 8 in my case because it has no OLPF.
In the old days, a zoomlens was far inferior to a prime and I never owned zooms in my life. Today's "S" class Z zooms are about as good as the primes, but heavier, more expensive, bulkier. Depending on my mindset, I take two primes with me to a shoot. Smaller, lighter, less intimidating.
But, if you buy a used Z 7ii with, say, a used 24-120 "S" class then you will never complain about your images.
Finally, it's only a tool. And if your images ever end up in the National (Portrait) Gallery, then it's not because of the tools.
All those dials might be a bit useful for the youtube videographers. You can adjust the settings with the camera facing you using the dials.
You can also do this on the touch screen on the zf as well which is easier in fact.
Assuming you are close enough of course
Hi thank you for the review. What about eye recognition in manual focus mode. How is the performance there?
i didnt try this personally im afraid.
@@MartinCastein no problem
It works pretty well, as long as you have semi-decent light. I have no issue with eye recognition in either manual or auto modes, it works equally well. Hopefully this helps you.
@@bsc001 thank you very much!!
@@fabsecond306 Cheers Mate, you’re welcome!
My don’t like digital camera ( DSLR or Mirrorless ) because of its dusts issue . It bothers me a lot ! I check the sensor everytime after I use my camera .
I should have mentioned this, it’s not an issue on cameras that cover the sensor though.
Always the voice of reason....
What lens were you using?
It was a Z 50mm f1.2S. It's my favourite Z lens that I've used. It renders fantastically but still has some "old glass colour, clarity and character". It is huge and heavy though...
To the point and honest
Which lens did u use in this photoshoot?
50mm 1.2
Great shots! My fav at 1:30 :)
getting one once nikon announces a 35mm lens that isn't the size of a 24-70 zoom. thx
i hear you on that
For the love of me I don’t understand what Nikon was thinking with this camera? You have a retro looking camera with ISO and shutter speed dials but modern lenses with no manual aperture dial, they should have made a couple of prime lenses with aperture rings to complement the design
It lacks the lenses to match it for sure I think if they sell enough bodies they will make them but then will they sell enough without the lenses. Should make 3 at least asap
There’s an arsenal of MF native Z Voigtländer lenses available for this, as well as quite many older Nikon vintage lenses, Ai, Ai-S and AF-D, for a very unique MF experience.
@@bsc001 Maybe so… but people don’t want MF third party lenses or older native lenses where there’s an adapter required… Why make it a analogue experience and then Z mount lenses don’t have aperture rings on the lenses… they give you two out of three on the exposure triangle!
@@richarddutchholland4780 I get your point, no hassles. Personally, I got a few z-mount Voigtländer lenses, and have many AF-D’s too.
So I am having fun with that solution, but YMMV. The Voigtländer lenses are exceptional quality though, both in mechanical design, as well as optically.
I checked the price and immediately shit my pants. I guess you probably need it. I'll learn my own stuff first and buy a ZF in 10 years. Actually, you can make any camera sing, so you don't need it either. Much (brotherly) love from somewhere Southeast of you.
Hope you are well mate! Behave yourself over there will you please.
It looks a good buy as it offers quite a lot of performance for half the price of a Z8. If you're saving £2000, then you're probably not going to shed too many tears over the styling - even it it's not quite your cup of tea. I recently saw a video by a guy whining that he had not received any eBay bids for his Zf for @ £1800. When I saw it was bright orange, I laughed & thought 'No Wonder' (but it's a decent saving on a Z8 if you can live with orange. LOL) 🤣
i actually quite like the orange! its a really good camera though.
@@MartinCastein 'Orange Camera Man Good!'
Retro cameras are not for me. I prefer the interface and grip of the Z8. I love my Z8 but have noticed as you pointed out that under certain circumstances it does go for the eyelashes instead of the eye.
I have the z8 as well it’s really going to be a classic it’s really really good
I forgot to mention that while I love my Z8 my D850 is better in many respects. The Z8 focusing is better than my D850 and having IBIS is great but in many other ways I prefer my D850. It also feels more solid.
@@kapurard850 is probably the best camera made so far in many ways. depends on how you look at it.
Nihongo-desu
I love this camera but I hate Nikon Z lenses. All of them are long a big.
they are a bit ridiculous, they are very good though but yeah they are many times the size of their dslr counterparts in some cases
I was watching Taylor Jackson's video about the Nikon ZF he said he really messed up his wrist using this camera.
When I use my cameras with large lens I also get a hand strap and I found that helps a lot.
Really you need to hold the lens more than the grip but yeah over a long time it would probably hurt with the larger lenses I can imagine that. It’s just the wrong body style for those lenses which is why it’s not for me really.
I get a feeling that NIkon is targeting London hair dressers with this offering, and the ones who cant afford some stupid expensive Leica will gladly buy this less overpriced thing. (for the same money i would rather get used D5 and a Lens) it's a marketing gimmick 10 years too late, Olympus and Fuji won this game already. Thanks for cool informative videos :)
You're wrong. Nikon did this already with the FM2 camera from 1983. Later they have done a modern version with the Nikon Df and now with the Nikon Zfc and Zf.
Unfortunately the Df was a pig of a camera to hold and use. I know, I owned one, briefly. Lovely IQ though.@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas
Totally disagree, there is a massive market for retro cameras and this is a part of Nikons heritage. There are plenty of professional photographers that appreciate the look of full frame images over M43 and crop sensors and now have an option. Nikon already did it with the Df and are now doing it with their mirrorless offerings. It’s not a race as to who does it first it’s about offering something that the market wants and this is it.
Just hold the ZF once and you know Fujifilm has not won anything. The quality is outstanding!
Yeah- like other said- no idea what you’re talking about. Get real.
Zf is not for me