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
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.
Humans love stuff that's easy to do
Why lock yourself into a corner with a mediocre b/w simulation via the switch vs unlimited ways to convert a color raw in post?
@@scotttucker9613To see the final result on the field. I mean, the EVF switches into the B&W mode as well. For some people, this makes it easier. This is also the same reason people use the crop mode. Plus, your RAW is still in full colour, so if you can do better in post, go ahead.
@@scotttucker9613 I can believe folks are this dumb….
Would be great if it had the option to turn the elf to B&W mode but captured the image in color NEF. I guess you could simply throw the switch and take an extra image in color for later conversion
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....
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!!!
Mono only cameras are about the sensor... this is literally just a z6
@@user-kj5en4hz6c Z6 sensor but Z9 processor.
Would have liked the monochrome switch to preserve its settings separately.
I'm an old non=pro shooter so this would work just fine for me..........I don't need to impress anyone, I just want shots I take to look good to me.
The same goes for me, even though I was already a fan of the brand, having owned several DSLRs. But none of them had attracted me since my last D800.
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.
Cool to hear! Thanks for watching :-)
Which one do you like more, the XT-5 or the ZF? I too was shooting Nikon before I moved to Fuji and had an XT2. Upgraded to XT5 this year but I don’t enjoy it as much as I did the XT2. Was thinking to get back to Nikon with ZF.
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? 😁
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
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.
Nice! You should try one in person if possible, it'll give you a better feel for it.
Basically the same thing for me. I shot with a Olympus OM-2 and Vivitar 450-SLD in my early 20's. (I'm 36 now) Got into Fuji with the original Fuji X100, had the X Pro-2, XT2, XT4 and now the X100V. I ordered this camera without hesitation. I crave that feeling of full frame I had with the film cameras years back. Now I can have that with a powerhouse of tech on the inside, but the exterior of my past. I can't wait to get my hands on this camera.
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 !
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.
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.
Good solution! Or even a cheap M adapter if you like to manual focus
Or use E to Z smart adapter and adapt Sony E lenses that has aperture ring. This would work even better.
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!
Thank you for the kind feedback!
Agreed. This review addresses so many points/issues not covered, or even mentioned, by others. Very helpful and useful - thank you.
I really like Nikon RAW files, much more than Fuji. It's very compelling.
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.
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!
I thought the same thing. Will be swapping in my Z6 for this soon and I feel while the viewfinder may be more designed after those cameras, I can't help but notice the grip is definitely lifted from the F3. I shoot nearly all my 35mm film on a Nikon F3, so with that slight beveled grip on the metal body I look forward even more to getting the Zf with the leather/leatherette liner over the bevel. I'll still shoot a good amount of film but I'd be glad if the Zf allows me to feel inspired to go out and shoot; I don't shoot a ton of stills with my Z6 sadly, I use it for mostly video work for concerts and live events.
Glad you liked the video! It would be cool if they make a silver version of this 🙂
I’m so hyped about the Zf. It’s on my list whenever I need to get another digital camera.
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.
Blob design :-) Spot on, never liked it.
Thank you for producing this review. You covered all the bases in a great way.
I learned on an FE2, still have an FM2 and used an F3 for awhile. Zf is definitely larger and chunkier but has to accommodate all the electronics so it's understandable. It's really amazing Nikon did this and if I wasn't so heavily invested in Fuji I would probably go this route. Not really excited about the retro 40mm and 28mm lenses though. Wish they would have stuck with the traditional 35mm and 50mm in that classic style. Who knows maybe they will add some more classic looking lenses. Put a Kodachrome film simulation in it though and I might be switching systems.
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. 👍🏻
Hey Thanks so much! I'm sure every video out there has it's own unique perspective that caters to different curiosities 😁 Yeah that 40 1.2 looks like one the best all-round options! I also loved the Ultron F2 F-mount when I owned that (only sold it because I wasn't using it enough after a certain point). Thanks again, I'm looking forward to checking out your video.
I’m 59yo and my 1st camera was an FE2 in the 80’s. After doing Nikon digital for the past 20 years, I’m waiting on delivery of a ZF. It’s the next step up from my Z6ii and am looking forward to pretending I’m a tourist with my new Nikon! 😂
Haha perfect for that!
Well, I just purchased the Zf as a birthday present to myself last month. I’ve only had it 3 days, shot with it for the first time today with an adapted Minolta 50mm f2 MD lens and I must say, I’m liking this camera a LOT. I bought it to round out my full-frame kit comprising of the Leica M10-R and the LUMIX S5II. I sold my entire Fujifilm kit, the X-T3 and X-Pro3 with a few lenses to pay for it. I don’t need to purchase and Z lenses because I shoot manual focus only and have standardised across my cameras on the Voigtlander Ultron and APO lenses. From what I experienced shooting the Zf it does everything I need for street and travel photography and makes for a great backup camera to my S5II when I’m doing portrait work. The only complaint I have about this camera is thus far is the ergonomics as it relates to holding it in hand for long periods of time. I’m waiting for my Smallrig handgrip which I should have tomorrow. Hopefully that will make handling so much better. Suffice it to say, I’ve never cared for the aesthetic of Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras but they got this one right. Side note, I bought this camera because Fujifilm took to long to launch the X-Pro4.😂
Nice review. For me it's not the retro look that people go on about with this Nikon ZF and Fuji cameras, rather it is the user interface that allows the photographer to compose, adjust shutter speed, iso and aperture without diving into system menus. It's why Leica, Fuji and now the ZF are appealing to me and perhaps will be an addition to the aforementioned cameras I own. I enjoy my Tesla but sometimes controlling certain vehicle systems can be over-engineered. Dials and knobs are functional and can be integrated into the prevailing design language.
Old point and shoots and mobile phones are the only cameras that I know that require you to dive into the menu systems to change exposure settings. In fact, it's easier on most mirrorless DLSR's to just spin the shutter speed or aperture dials and read the evf display, as it happens, than it is to twiddle with old style buttons on the top plate. If you have been 'diving into the menu' to change these settings, I suggest your read your users manual.
Great video review on this camera! One of the better reviews I’ve seen on KZhead. Well done.
Thanks very much!
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.
Great review mate! I was waiting for this one. Very tempting camera for what it is. Looks gorgeous!
Thanks!
I love this camera. It’s not only an awesome complement to my Z8 but it’s also beautiful and fun to use as an everyday body too.
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.
Thanks for watching! Z9 and Zf would compliment each other well :-)
I have the Zf and I love love it… especially the ease to switch to black and white on the fly
Nikon FE or FM for me is an iconic design. More by accident, now I own Canon F1 and AE1, one body dedicated for b&w, one body for color film. In the digital department I own several Fujifilm cameras ranging from X-T2 to X-H2. But this Nikon - mainly because of its look - makes me want to h ave it. I have tried a Canon R before and got an adapter for my 28 and 50mm Canon FD lenses, but the "plasticcy, cheap feel" of the buttons - compared to Fuji - made me sell it soon afterwards. I am sure there is an adapter for Canon FD-lenses on this body :)
Great review and a great camera. Mine just arrived from Nikon USA, i got it in sepia brown so it looks really old school. Currently using it with the 28 and 40 SE lenses and the AF is lightning fast, making it great for street photography. It is heavier than my Nikon FE2 and FM2 cameras but comparable to my Nikon F3 and my nikkormats.
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.
SELL IT and adapt the GMs ;)
Amazing review! Love the practical perspective. Insightful stuff 👌🔥
Thanks!
Thanks for trying out the pixel shift on repro work. That looks like one of the more useful applications for that feature. As long as one isn't copying entire rolls of film, and just picking select images (be they negatives or slides) then it should be very useful.
Excellent review Hashem. Nailed a lot of the points I've been noting for myself as well.
Thank you! I saw that you got one for yourself?
@@pushingfilm I sure did :)
Thanks for this. I was an early adopter of the Nikon Z f, and after using it for a few weeks, I think you gave it an accurate and informative review. As a semi-pro photographer (I document major construction projects for my US firm, but am also just a photography enthusiast) I am happy to add it to my kit. I also have a Z 7 which fills my need for a high resolution full frame, so the Z f will add more flexible and accurate autofocus for my nature photography. Since I’m into my 7th decade, I didn’t really want to haul around a Z 9 or Z 8, weight-wise. The Z f allowed me to add the Expeed 7 processor without too much extra weight. I seldom really need the extra megapixels. Obviously no one camera can be everything for everyone, but for me it really fits the bill for what I wanted to add to my camera capabilities.
This will likely be the digital camera I have been waiting for since my SLR film camera days of the 1970's, 1980's and into the 1990's.
I love my Nikon FA and shooting film definitely. I do think the ZF looks great and I can imagine it feeling like shooting film. I ultimately had already ordered the Q3 when the ZF came out and once it arrived gave me the simplified film like experience that I was looking for. Was very tempted though!
Nice. I too love shooting with my FA, & a Nikonos V for rough conditions, and after 3 different Z’s, this Zf. I think these 3 cameras perfectly cover all the bases for me.
The Nikon Zf got my attention as I used Nikon cameras and lenses many years ago before I switched to Canon and to Sony Alfas some years ago, I went to my regular store and the Nikon Zf was delivered by the local distributor. I tried the camera with the Nikkor 23-70 mm f4 Nikkor s. I enjoyed the camera that brings back old memories and bought it .I loved its low light capabilities and its features.
Great video as usual Hashem. I got mine as soon as it was available. As a long time Nikon user it gives me the best balance between old and new. I never use my D850s or Z9s for personal stuff because as my work cameras, they never really inspire me to want to take them when I’m not working. I now have a full frame camera that I love using and complements my film cameras.
Thanks Don! That's great to hear
This is a great vid, thanks for doing it Hasham. I pre-ordered a Zf to replace my Z6. What you say is spot on. I think they nailed the film look in build with design and materials. Design wise is so good that when I picked mine up the first time my thumb automatically tried to rest against the non existent film advance! I also find that back screen is in the hidden position 95% of the time. Eye detect and MF with peaking on and the front function button set to 100% zoom - is an absolute killer function. F1.8 to 1.2 MF is now a no-brainer and keeper rate is very very good. I shoot F3 / FM3A and Leica M3, I can confirm that M mount adapted lenses work perfectly. Because of that F mount flange distance adapting f mount MF primes is a little bit meh due to that loss of compactness. I find I use my large 28-70 AFS and 80-200 AFS etc with adapter no worries as their stonking big lenses anyway and with Zf AF works so well its not fair really. As for ergos with the big lenses - I find it no problems (I'm not small though so it would depend on body size and strength) as I am holding the lens with the non master hand and that supports everything. As a two camera carry around its Leica M3 with 35 / 50 / 90 mm lenses and the Zf with the SE 40mm and 28mm all the way. Adapted M mount again is sublime. MF is so fast, and the greatly reduced flange distance numbers mean a very small adapter that results in an unnoticeable lens length increase. I agree regards the weight vis a vis my FM3A. I think the aesthetics for me are more F3 (its just missing a red stripe on the small bump grip) so much so I am wondering who I can get to add on on mine! Those voigtlander MF Z mount are appealing, but, I'd love to see Nikon go all in here, for all intents, it appears the Zf has sold gang busters and believe the Zfc sold very well also, bring out some Z mount AIS like primes, with aperture rings and metal bodies & mounts I believe they'd sell. all in all I was as nervous as hell pre ordering (never done anything like that) but absolutely chuffed with it and it works a treat using it in my side farm job of farm/ highland coo photography. Oh and by the way I use it on my Durst colourcopy stand with Nikkor and Schneider Enlarger Lenses for film scanning.
Thank you 😀 Great to hear! I agree, these factors are a big deal for certain photographers. Hope you enjoy it!
As others have stated before me; the most well balanced and well articulated review of the camera. Great work!
Much appreciated!
Really well made video, and really great review Hashem!! I doubt I'll be getting a Zf, but it does interest me! I do love vintage style digital cameras. I have a Fuji GFX 50R, which is retro-ish in style, and I have an Olympus Pen-F digital which is very retro in design. I absolutely adore the Pen-F. I am glad you enjoyed using the Zf. It looks like a really enjoyable camera!
Hey thanks man! It certainly was enjoyable 😁
I'm going to start saving to get myself one of these. What a perfect beast of a camera.
I use FM and FE, so this is now my new dream camera for digital shooting.
Wicked video ! Covered everything I wanted to know, except maybe more about the EVF and how that feels , I love a big viewfinder that fills up your eye , but I guess I just have to test one for myself . Thanks for the vid
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best Zf review that I’ve seen. Thank you very much.
Yes! Just what I needed!!! Hello Christmas Nikon zf 😭😭😭
Will be waiting for a mk ii. Not happy with the lack of physical joystick. Also, the lack of glass that matches the build and aesthetic of the Zf is a big miss in my opinion. It’s like Nikon when 60% of the way here. If they had released this with a vintage style 28 2.8 and 50 1.8 with aperture rings, metal build quality and autofocus, it would have been an easy must buy for me (and others, I’m sure).
I was pleasantly surprised with this camera. If they got rid of the top dials and added a joystick and a large AF-ON button I think there'd be a winning combination here.
Thanks for the well-produced production on the zf. I've been a photographer since the FM2 and FE, FM days. I have a zf on order and hopefully it will be here in a few weeks. I know how long these videos take to produce and I enjoyed it all. Very helpful.
Great to hear! And thank you :-)
Nice review! The Nikon FE black was my first camera.. I siold it a long time ago after more than 10 years of use. I recently bought another FE wiith motor drive and a bunch of lenses that i can adapt to my Nikon D7000 and D7200. All lenses in mint or near mint conditions. Cant be more happy to do film again after more than thirty years. The FZ is on my wish list for surer.Great job again Nikon!!
Thank you for this great review !
Thanks for watching!
Hi. Awesome review. Extensive /meticulous outlook of Nikon Zf .Been using Nikon since the 80's, never doubted, Nikon will catch up with Sony & Canon mirrorless system. I will get this camera as soo us my budget, is available. Thanks for your great video.
Thank you for this excellent review!
Thanks for watching!
My good old Z6 II burned in my car... long story... so I bought me a ZF with the Smallrig grip. The Z6 II was already excellent in low light, I shoot a lot of festivals and concerts, but the ZF beats it in every aspect. That little camera is just awesome. I'm using the Z 28-75 f2.8 lens for street/concerts and the results are just perfect for me.
Sorry to hear that! Glad the Zf is working out well though.
I’m a film man and grew up with film ,I use a canon A1 that I’ve owned for 35 years I love the process of film don’t get me wrong digital is cheaper but until now have just not had that nostalgia looks that old film cameras have until now I’m looking at the Nikon you have as it looks like the old fm so I may be convinced to part with my cash great video 👍
Thanks!
The design is beautiful. I am 51 so way ahead of your generation and I still find it very appealing. Thanks for the video I have been trying to find something that makes me want to take pictures aside from my leica M6, the Sony cameras are amazing but not inspiring at all.
Nikon zf classic black is ok...but the nikon zf silver version is the KING retro camera :)
The Zf brought me back into photography. Having left with my last camera being the Nikon F4 (disappointed by the automation) but I spent my youth with an F3HP. I truly missed the engagement of this camera. The Nikon Zf in full manual mode is how I prefer to shoot and now I'm back with a great collection of Z lenses and inspired to reconnect with my creativity.
Glad to hear it!
I've been considering buying an old Nikon SLR and shooting some film again for a couple of years, but the cost of film has always stopped me (as someone who routinely shot 4 bricks of PKR in a day, the price of film now is insane). I looked at the Df, but it didn't quite make the grade and the Zfc reminded me way too much of the cheap entry level SLRs that Nikon made (FG and FG20). The Zf looks to be an opportunity to get back to something resembling the FM and FE2s that I started with without having to deal with film cost. I'm looking at it more as a camera I use for personal stuff than for professional work (I have D750s for that). It looks worth a try.
Got it. Love it.
My favorite review of the Zf!! Thank you for your video!!!
Glad you liked it!
Just found this video. I really considered getting the Zf, and then found a deal on a Z7ii body for 200 less. Great camera, but to be honest I still really wish I had gone with the Zf, and think about selling one to buy the other probably once a month or more. The Zf is reminiscent of the camera I learned on, and that nostalgia is calling me.
as an amateur photographer that has used a nikon FM almost exlcusively for the better part of 25 years now, if i had a nickel for everytime i wished upon the stars that they would make a full frame digital camera that looked exactly like the FM, i would be able to buy this zf with it.
I'm a 17 year old, i find this camera very appealing. I do plan to get a Sony mirrorless as they are not that expensive(the older ones at least) and look awesome, but as someone who shoots with old film cameras, I would like something that feels like film but not be as much of a pain in the ass.
I had been waiting for the A7C-II fo finally switch to full frame. But this camera is tempting with the manual dials and the B&W switch. Still torn between them.
stellar review and amazing photos
Thanks!
Great video my dude, you definitely did put in the effort.
I appreciate it!
The Olympus OMD Em5 is close. It feels very much like my OM4, and the 17mm has that manual focus clutch with focus scale that is just brilliant.
Bringing up shooting film with the F line of Nikon reminds me of using a beloved Nikon F Photomic in the 80's.
I'm very excited for the pixel shift function in digitizing film, but for larger formats. Did you get to try any medium format or large format film? How does Negative Lab Pro handle the higher resolution output file?
I didn't, unfortunately. In hindsight I wish I had... since the 60mm lens I was borrowing would have been more suitable for larger formats as opposed to 35mm film. I can't see why it wouldn't work just all well though. NLP handled the files fine! I didn't notice any difference even with 10,000+ pixels images.
Great video! I personally love the film camera look on the Zf
Thank you! You should try one 🙂
Great review. Beautiful camera. Just mount some Z mount manual focus Voigtlander lenses and you're ready to go. Classic combo and you get the green focus box confirmation when in focus to boot.
Thank you! Yeah those lenses look great 🙂
I never usually comment on anything, but this was a great review.
Thanks for taking the time!
Judging by your accent I'd say you are an Aussie. I used to work for Paxtons Photographics in George St , Sydney in the 80s, half a lifetime ago . At the time it was the biggest camera store in Sydney. I bought a Nikon FE when it came out then to add to my Nikon F2. Both great cameras. I'm pretty excited by the Nikon ZF and am going to buy one in the next week or 2. It really does look like a slightly larger FE! This camera could have been designed with me in mind . Lol. It's just what I have been waiting for...I've just discovered your channel and subscribed. Great video and photos!
I am indeed! It is significantly larger and heavier than the FE, but definitely worth trying if you're a fan of those. And thanks very much 🙂
even during film days a lot of photographers preferred the look of mechanical dslr (at least to the few people i knew who liked photography). the only reason people tend to go with the plastic dslr was its speed and autofocus. professional photographers need the speed, so back then the only choice were the plastic dslr if you wanted speed in af and fps.
have owned many fuji 'retro' style cameras and was not able to warm up to them.... loved the Zf from the first day
Awesome review Hashem😎✌️
Thanks mate!
I don't need another camera! And yet, I am really attracted to the retro vibe combined with great functionality. I wouldn't be surprised if I have one in the next month.
Might be worth trying one out then! 😁
Been shooting Canon since 2007, as well as Fuji and Leica. This thing is SWEET. I really want one...! Great review, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Loving this camera after picking one up from seeing this video. The most fun i've had in a while with digi! Quick Q, are you using soft fx filters on the images in this video?
Nice, congrats! I wasn't using them.
I love my ZF, and find it is fun to use. Enjoy your videos
Glad to hear that, and thanks!
Thanks for Best Guidance surely will go for Zf instead of Z5ii 👍
Thanks for the video Hasham. It's the most useful Zf review I've seen. I'm considering the Zf and would also use it for scanning 120 film. You tried the Nikon 60mm. Would it be a good choice for 120 film (6x6 mainly) or would you recommend the Nikon 105mm?
Glad it was helpful! If you're mainly doing 6x6 and not scanning any 35mm film, then the 60mm would be great.
Amazon Japan has both the Sony A7C2 and Nikon ZK for a 10% discount. Japanese prices are a bit cheaper. I am quite conflicted as to which full-frame mirorless hybrid camera to buy. I learned to shoot on a Ricoh KR5 super 35mm film camera.
NIce video sir, I purchased the ZFC a few months ago just because I liked the way it looks, although I didn't use it much and never used it on a paid shoot simply because it took so much getting used to. I may keep it and I do like the images I get with it. Presently I own a Z9 for sports photography which is what I do, then a Z6, my first mirrorless camera. I use the heck out of this camera and am very confident using it, I know the button layout quite well. I plan on getting the Zf with orange colored cover, it just looks so cool. I have been a Nikon shooter since the 70s , I mean what other camera company has their own song like "Kodachrome"?
I’m actually tempted to sell my X100VI for the Zf (I’ve got the old Nikon AIS lenses with F mount)
I just got the ZF the other day and I have been playing with it. I am already blown away with the auto focus, even with the FTZ adapter and f mount lenses. My Vintage lenses works great.
Glad to hear it!
If 13.5 mp (4000x3500pix) is enough. The Kodak DCS slr/n is a full frame (CCD) camera takes Nikon F mount camera lenses. You will need CF memory cards for storage. The newer version came out in about 2004. I find that you need to keep the sensor speed at or below 500 ISO for quality work. Has black and white settings also. Cheers Peter.
Can you shoot bracketed exposures with the fully electronic shutter?
Does the Zf has the in-camera feature to digitize colored negative film, like the one in D850? I have tones of negative and slides to scan but I am clueless about the need to bring the color negative scans in some software, doing white balance for each and then converting. Perhaps you can do a detailed video on that
If you mean by using attachments like the ES2, then yes 🙂 Conversion still needs to be done in software though.
I am thrilled for the Zf and hope to own one once they are more available in the used market. However, I could not imagine doing a disservice to this camera by slapping a giant adapter mount on it followed by some also-large lens. Native mount, for me, please.
Nikon Zf has definitely jumped to second on my wishlist -- behind the S5Xii, and postponing (ousting?) the absent X-Pro4 and the Australian L-mount from Blackmagic.
The Voigtlaender 50mmF2 APO-Lanthar would be my first choice Z-mount lens to go with it.
Nice. That Open gate BMCC does look pretty awesome for the price!
You should ask our compatriates for a demo unit to test! @@pushingfilm
@@fellowcitizen I've actually thought that! Might do it if I can think of a video idea. Would also need to adapt other lenses to the L mount.
Nikon Z cameras are phenomenal in many ways, but I've failed to fully set that up the I need them to work withmanual vintage glass. Do you know how to turn off focus peaking and/or return from the zoomed in view (for focus checking) on a half-press of the shutter button? Another one that's annoying is inability to set one of the camera dials to ISO instead of Aperture since most vintage lenses have like M-mount have manual aperture rings, but that's less annoying.
I do miss the joystick on D850. However, on Zf you can use the touch screen as a touch pad to move focus point when your eye is up at the EVF. It’s not on by default, but a great feature nonetheless.
Yeah it's pretty good! But when shooting gigs I still prefer a joystick (my big nose or thumbs tend to hit the screen sometimes, even when adjusting the "zone")
Well treated review. Ohh, I see a photo from Bangladesh!! ❤
enjoyed every minute of it. one of the best reviews on the ZF for me for sure!
Thanks so much! Glad to hear that 😁
Thank you for this great video! I have one question: Does focus confirmation with manual lenses work on all adapted lenses (e.g. Leica M glas used with a cheap mechanical adapter) or does this require electronical communication with this lens?
I believe the green confirmation feature requires lenses with Nikon electronic contacts. But the tracking features still seemed to work with vintage/no contact lenses. Glad you liked the video!
Thank you! 👍
So well put together and you’re looking jacked! Maybe time for another update on the personal channel too? 💪
Haha thanks man, Yeah I've been neglecting things there 😅
Holy smokes, love your photos man.
Thanks!
If you develop RAW in Nion's NX studio, the colour profiles are preserved in RAW and not just in JPG.