Nikon Zf - Film Photographer's Perspective

I tested the new Nikon Zf, and drew some comparisons to the film photography experience. This video breaks down who the camera is for, how it feels, adapting vintage lenses, and more. Thanks to @nikonaustralia for the loan!

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►Video Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Intro
02:19 - Why the Zf?
03:44 - Everyday photography
06:20 - Zf vs Film experience
09:36 - Pixpa (sponsor)
10:24 - Adapting F lenses
13:06 - Street Photography
16:07 - Night photos
16:30 - Video
17:11 - For professional work?
18:11 - Pixel Shift / Film Scanning
19:35 - Nikon Zf comparisons
20:33 - more samples
20:53 - Closing Thoughts / Outro

#nikonzf #nikon #filmphotography

[thisisbenji]

When I ordered my Zf I thought the B&W switch was massively gimicky. However, I’ve found myself shooting B&W way more with the Zf. Well played Nikon.

[davidjb]

I have owned mine for a little while now, and I want to add a couple of comments. You may be aware of these by now given the release date of this video. First, on my 40mm f2 SE I assigned the focus ring to vary the aperture and I find it much nicer to use than the command dial on the body. Second, this body has allowed me to successfully use my Nikkor-C 500mm f8 mirror lens mainly because of the IBIS. I tried this on a tripod with my Df, my D3s, and a few others without much success because of lens vibration. Never could get a sharp image until the Zf. I have never been overly in love with IBIS but in this case it really shows its worth. Third, to me the most significant aspect of this body is how functional it is to use manual focus lenses. I have never liked the focus peaking performance of my Z6II, but the Zf with its capabilities of focus confirmation is a definite step change in performance. For me, the Zf experience has been unlike any of the many other cameras I have had in that as I have first hand learned of its capabilities, I have grown to like it more and more. I admit that I have the Small Rig grip installed (never coming off!), but now I don't feel like there is anything I can't capture with this, including sports/action. I have the back button programed to 3D tracking and it works very well. Fourth, the adaptability to other lens system is insane. One of my favorite combinations is the Zf paired with a KF Concepts adapter for Canon EF along with the 70-300 f5.6 L lens. It seems to run as well as it did on my 6D (now sold), maybe better because the autofocus is superior. To support the argument that there is no such thing as a perfect camera, I will say I am not a fan of the battery-card slot combination compartment, but I can live with it. Related to that, I applaud Nikon for the micro SD back up card idea as being a clever solution to a thorny problem. I don't really care for sounding like a fanboy, but there are so many good things about this one it is hard not to. This one is not perfect, but I can't seem to put it down for any length of time, and that is a good thing. Sorry for the novel....

[extremelydave]

I'll have to admit that this is the first Nikon camera in MANY years to get my attention. It just hits all the good points for me....and the B&W switch? Genius and so much cheaper than mono only cameras. Great video Hasham!!!

[robertbreining]

It's good to hear the perspective of a film photographer on the new Zf. I'm on Fujifilm myself shooting recipes/SOOC only, but can clearly see the appeal for the Zf.
Overall it is a good thing the market reacts to people loving the look, feel and shooting experience of old cameras without the hassle of inflated film prices, film development, scanning and scan editing. Maybe this brings in some new crowd to the hobby, as well.

BTW: Easter egg at 8:25? 😁

[ocphish]

Until 2018 I had been a Nikon user for many years. I think I got my first Nikon, an F401, in around 1987 followed the next year by an F801S. I also had an older Nikon EM but the less said about that the better. I then moved into Digital with a Nikon D90 in 2009 and a D7100 in 2014. Then I saw a pre-launch video by Lok Cheung from DR-TV in Tokyo with the new Fuji X-Pro2. I was smitten. I pre-ordered one and loved it. Since then I have added an X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-T5 and X-H2. The last two I bought this year. Then I saw the first videos of the new Nikon Zf. I pre-ordered two of them and earlier this week I picked up the first one with the Nikkor 40mm f2 lens. So, you wondered who might be attracted to this camera? Well, people like me who will be happy to move back to Nikon. So far I love the camera and will be getting to grips with it soon. Thanks for a very good video.

[needtoknow]

I'm highly considering getting the ZF. I'm currently 25 and started to learn photography on a minolta x700 when I was 16. I got to roll, shoot, develop, and enlarge my own film back in HS. Currently, i use a fuji xt2 but really want a full frame. This finally might give me the experience I enjoyed back in HS shooting film but with full frame rather than Fuji apsc.

[MrWatchmejumpstart]

This is by far the most intelligent and relevant review of this camera and what it can become for different types of photography and photographers. Also some excellent images. So well done. Thank you!

[martinsmyth]

I just got it and I have to say it is the most beautiful camera I have ever had I have had a lot, and all the tech inside, plus the low light performance, is just incredible. Well done Nikon

[howlingmad]

I currently own an FM2. It was my first ever camera and I learned how to shoot with it. It made me fall in love with photography. I also own a Sony a7 II BUT I am daydreaming about some day getting my hands on a Zf. That thing calls me out in ways I cant even understand.

[JohnTravena]

In addition to the convenience of physical dials, the ability to hide the lcd, and its sexy look, I love the manual focus eye tracking feature and the focus confirmation. I’ve acquired a bunch of classic Nikkor manual focus lenses and focus peaking isn’t always accurate for my ailing eyes. I believe it has the Z9’s processor too.

[mrsparkle]

100% agree with you on the aperture ring needing to be on the SE lenses. My solution was to adapt my Leica M lenses with the techart AF adapter. This gets me an aperture ring and autofocus on Leica glass. It’s a great setup for someone who always wanted a full frame Fuji.

[thomaskah]

The Zf is the camera I've waited for since release of the Z6 which I own. I will buy soon a Zf. The video capabilities, the B&W mode, the better processor and other features make it a perfect everyday and for-everything camera. It's been said that the camera was designed in the FM2 design. In my opinion the top of thecamera looks like more the FE/FE2 which I like as I still own a FE2 in silver. Great Video! Thanks!

[bernardlesperance]

Yes, I am considering getting the Zf (my first mirrorless camera). Still have my FM2, one of the best film cameras ever . . . but, man, that shutter is LOUD ! A real jolt ! But the Zf would definitely be a discretionary purchase . . . I don't really NEED another camera. Still shooting with the D810 (and the D3X and D3 and D200 and original M6), so it's been a while since my last camera purchase. . . .Ya, think I'll get it. . . . I'm getting it ! . . . That was easy !

[stephencross]

I have the Zf and I love love it… especially the ease to switch to black and white on the fly

[Spuzzmacher]

This is the camera i’ve been dreaming of them making since they threw themselves into the black rubber/everything in menu’s era. Admittedly my idea of it was just minimal basic controls + biggest sensor possible, so with this much tech shoehorned in, this thing is like an absolute spaceship compared to my expectations. Re: the design, as an industrial designer I think its a little funny people keep calling the ZF design “retro” and regarding “modern” as Z9/8/7/6/D3/D2x/F6/F5/F4 etc etc etc. The shapeless formless ergonomic styling is 90’s Blob design, 30 years old this year as well. If cameras are still being designed with menu-driven ui’s and physical knob ui’s in 2023, that makes both approaches retro and equally current.

[BrennanMcKissick]

I’m so hyped about the Zf. It’s on my list whenever I need to get another digital camera.

[niceyesplease]

A great thing is the easy implementation of manual focus override even in continuous AF/3D tracking. Something I have not seen with Sony A7C, Canon R5 or Fujifilm cameras. The built quality is incredible.

[AaronAnalog]

This is by far the most thorough review. Excellently presented with well crafted topics with nice photos throughout. The video I made is now obsolete 🤦🏻‍♂️
I got the green Zf at launch, it’s by far the best value for US$2K.
This camera is great for someone getting their “first real full frame camera”, a second body for paid gigs or a more compact everyday carry. I have the Voigtlander 50 f1 Z mount strictly for personal photos and portraits. In all honestly, if I were to only have one lens for the camera it would be the Z mount Voigtlander 40mm 1.2. It pairs better aesthetically. The 50 f1 is a chunky beast. I also have the Nikon Z 40mm f2 for a light set up with AF. This lens is an excellent value for the money. It’s actually pretty nice.
I also have an Urth Adapter for my M glass. My 28 Cron pairs VERY nicely with this camera.
Keep up the good work. 👍🏻

[Itsjustdeyo]

This video was perfectly timed for me. I’ve had an a7iv for the last year and a half or so after switching away from Fuji. Ever since then I’ve missed my Fuji but enjoyed being on a full frame. Now I have a Zf in the box at home and can’t decide if I’m keeping it and selling the Sony or not. Decisions decisions.

[harpenfluit]

Wonderful video, thank you. I just received my Zf today to complement the Z9 I already own. The Z9 is a great camera, but with the SmallRig frame, it becomes a BIG and heavy camera and sometimes attracts unwanted attention. The Zf is hopefully the camera I need when I want something a bit less intrusive.