Nikon Zf Manual Focus: The New Leica?

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0:00 Introduction
1:40 Focus peaking
2:45 Digital Split Zoom
3:32 MF Subject Detection
6:07 IBIS and Non-CPU lenses
7:02 Trap Focus
9:02 Focus Confirmation

[airdailyx]

So after fooling around with this trap focus and not being able to get it to work with my chipped voigtlander Z mount lenses, it turns out trap focus is a half ass feature.

Essentially, it is only intended to work with auto focus lenses, and if you’re shooting with an auto focus lens, why would you wanna bother manually focusing it unless it’s a macro ?

Even though the actual work is taking place on the sensor it makes absolutely no sense that a lens would need to be chipped anyway. I put an AF lens on and it worked perfectly. The moment I used any other chip lens, it refused to work at all.

So there’s something in the TT adapter that’s confusing the camera and making it think there is an auto focus lens attached and hence enabling the feature.

so unless someone else here has figured out another way to get it to work on the Zf it seems that’s the answer. So if you’ve been driving yourself crazy trying to get it to work. Hope this helps.

[ronnewsome]

"Looking at the gravity of these moments, their impact throughout history, my every day photography not only pales in comparison but also lacks purpose." Beautiful. Gravity is out there you just have to let it in.

[DirkMenker]

Hi Jack, this will become a classic video on YouTube for manual focus with Nikon. Well structured video as always. I've tried some of my M lenses with the TT Artisan 6-bit adapter. Now I'll start looking for old Nikon glass! Thank you for your great efforts!

[LisaOsta]

Hi Jack, I just wanted to check in again and say that you make the best videos about cameras and photography. I can watch them many times. I love the way you weave photo history with gear. Your videos are the Sopranos of YouTube! Thank you for all your hard work.

[EricWier]

I feel like I say it every week, but it is always warrented, fantastic video. Your incorporation of photography history into your journey really helps make your videos informative, but also timeless and fun. Furthermore, you do such an amazing job of incorpating your real world experience into the videos. Hearing your comparison of the Zf vrs Leica is so infoamtive and something that would be difficult to find anywhere, and certainly not in such an approachable way. Good luck with finding your first F mount glass! I would generally just recomend any of their Ai and Ai-s glass. They are so well built and a joy to use.

[enricojakobsoriano]

Another great video. You’re really helping me set up my Z6III menu w/ these manual focus tips. I appreciate you.

[peterronchetti]

Another fantastic video, albeit I had to watch several times to get all the messages 😂 The historical references are priceless, keep it up :-)

[airdailyx]

dude, I’m halfway through this video and so far it’s gold! You just introduced two features I didn’t know it had 😅

[ApoErylle]

"It is up to us to create our own meaning!" - superb! Well noted.

[DCAMM]

As a big Fujifilm guy, I was super hyped to get the X100VI in my hands. While I liked it, it felt more of a 5.5 model rather than a full upgrade to a version 6. Since the demand is there, someone offered me enough that I could afford the ZF w/40mm kit and boy am I glad I did. Gives the same "retro" itch but just has so much more capability that it's insane. Then I started getting into adapted vintage glass with used cheap lenses from my local shop and it is simply a joy to use.

[yoki]

No one tells the story like Jack.... in a word he is on the "money" with this additional info that Nikon could add just by a firmware update.... Very compelling story... especially as my father was involved in the Korean war ... thanks Jack for another "belting" video.... Peace and love Yoki...

[mipmipmipmipmip-vx]

I always wondered about the Zf manual focus in practice, finally a good explanation about this!

[Cariboukid]

I love this channel. Keep up the truly great work you're doing Jack!

[eddthirty]

Great presentation, well considered and researched.
Cheers!

[macmac]

Thanks for this! I'm not using half the features you have mentioned for the ZF because I didn't know about them or have forgotten. I have two beautiful manual lenses (Voigtländer 40mm 1.4 and 75mm 1.5) but they don't get used much because in my limited shooting time (mostly on holiday) I have to get the shot/shots.

[barclayjb]

Another fine video. I really enjoy your style of blending tech with history. I just got the Z6III. The manual focus feature was a big draw I use Voightlaner 58mm 1.4 and 40mm 2.0 along with many old manual AI lens. I haven't used all the controls you featured. This video is a big help.

[and]

Great video! I know you said you’re looking at getting a vintage 50, but I’d also recommend a Nikkor 105 2.5 AIS. I love the results I get from the lens and more importantly the feel. It’s beautiful in the hand and to the eye.

[jasontaycs]

Thank you so much for such a thorough video! Gonna start saving for a Z6iii/Zf

[janromo]

Another well thought out vid Jack. Thanks for sharing. Wish you had made this while I still had my Zf, you are giving me fomo.

[alebo]

Your videos are really good. Thanks for your work. I found good copies of most of my old lenses when I bought them new 30-40 years ago. 😅