Approaching The Scene 308: Why Nikon's Zf & Z6iii's Manual Focus Modes Are Revolutionary

(LINKS BELOW): I’m really excited the Z6iii has this built in like the Zf before it. It’s hard to overstate what a boon this is for manual focus lenses. I remember first reading the press release on Nikon’s Zf and wondering “what is manual focus subject detection?” I went digging and found that: the AF system will identify subjects (like eyes), track them, give focus confirmation (green box), and allow you to zoom to 100% to perfect focus while tracking them. Seriously? I instantly ordered the Voigtländer 50mm F1.0 Z-mount I’d tested and loved last summer. How well does this all work? Really well. Let me demonstrate with this video.

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LINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro to ATS 308
01:00 The Zf & Z6iii’s manual focus subject detection is crazy
02:20 An example of it through my lens
04:00 The Zf’s LCD focus point movement is awesome too.
04:46 So many cameras could use this (looking at Leica!)
06:40 This capability feels like cheating with MF lenses
07:34 Join our next free Office Hours meeting

[davids]

Thanks for highlighting this manual focus subject tracking feature! I am considering either the Zf or the Z6iii, so it is great to know that they both have this capability.

[jeffrey]

Hudson, thanks so much for helping us get the most out of our gear. You’re amazing!
📷😎👍

[Daniel_Zalman]

Yeah, I have to say that this such a great innovation. People like myself, who love the lore of photography, have been waiting for something that would make quick & accurate MF on digital cameras possible.

[tarheel]

I think that touch screen focus movement feature was also in the Nikon D5500, but was never added to any other Nikon camera until the ZF.

[bk]

Why hasn't Nikon backported this feature to the Z8/9? Too many other features to move that took higher priority? Or do they just not think pro camera users would find it useful? I feel like it'd be a good addition, especially for anyone using the Noct (all 2 of them :P)

[randallbrander]

When using Leica M lenses on the Nikon Zf or Z6III I noticed that about when it is in focus where the color turns green. Even with native glass. So I have been shooting with the Z8 & Z9 and forgot that the younger siblings can do this. Cheers!

[TormodAmundsen]

Was curious if the Z6iii got the manual assist mode. Z6iii + Voigt 50 1.0 now on the wish list. Very useful! Thanks🙏

[altrujillo]

This could be a game changer for those who are constantly frustrated by MF lenses. I watched your recent video on Voigtlander lenses and saw your frustration show through due to MF challenges. Most of my lenses are Voigtlander and I think this will create a few more converts to these wonderful lenses. Thanks for sharing.

[randyschwager]

Always great info! I’m so thankful that I found you!

[bytecode]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing you knowledge

[JeffCelen]

This will be great for my 58F0.95 NOCT !!!

[petersuvara]

Wow! What a find! This is perfect. Especially better with 8k!

[merkin]

This has got to come to my Z9, please! As always, thanks for the video.

[petergordon]

Z6iii on preorder. Can't wait to use my Leica lenses on this unit. The Nikon sensor cover glass is thinner than Sony, so less CA. Sadly, although there has been noise about a EVF M, I doubt that Leica will produce such a unit as M- messucher- means rangefinder. Of course they could put it in an SL, but that form factor is a bit large.

[gchristopherklug]

So, gob-smacked. THIS feature (or, rather, the lack of this feature) has sent me on a Quixotic quest through camera after camera. I LOVE manual focus. I use auto focus, of course, but when you want or need manual focus, you want the camera to help you, not make it harder. This feature makes me want the new Z6 so much.

[lesgregory]

I have the Z 6lll ordered and do have the D 850 and Z 7ll. I would love this feature to come to the Z 7ll as well. I used several Carl Zeiss lenses, 135 apo sonar and the 21mm Distagon ZF2 mostly. As much as I like the Nikon glass there is something about Zeiss glass

[TheNivekfalk]

I went a bit bonkers last year and bought 5 ZEISS Milvus lenses (used but in perfect condition) for my Nikon D850 and I've been struggling with hitting focus. I can zoom in but only on the back LCD and it's a bit clunky of a workload. Although I primarily do landscape on a tripod I have been getting into more street as well and something like the Zf might help get me past the frustration as they are beautiful lenses.

[PatrickSmeaton]

I'm glad I watched this. I thought I knew what you were talking about, but I didn't.

[canadianwatchguy]

I can’t believe this isn’t being more talked about! I’m in the process of acquiring a 28mm Thypoch Simera and have been struggling to figure out how to make a non-chipped lens work with eye-detect and focus indication. It seems that there are a few M-Z smart adapters out there that can make this happen (TTArtisan chipped adapter and the Techart will work)… could be a great subject for a video… that 28mm Simera rendering looks incredible.

[SonnetLeong]

Greeting from Macau. Thank you for your explanation. Your daughter is really really ADORABLE.