วีดีโอ

I heard there are tons of production issues with the Nikons. Hot/dead pixels, bits falling off, supply chain issues….etc……I bought a Fuji instead after 20 years of Nikon use. Couldn’t afford to waste over 3K on something that might be defective…love the X series, especially with the manual Voigtlander lenses.

ZF plus Z mount Voigjtlander lenses are a fine solution particularly in light of the focusing aids provided. Then keep a Nikon lens (too big and lacking aperture ring of course) for when you need autofocus. Not expecting Nikon to come thru w retro styled lenses with aperture rings.

I am fine with the V40mm 1.2 Z mount for manual and if AF is needed I take the 40mm SE basta

I absolutely want an aperture ring, and I won't buy plastic lenses. The other thing that annoys me: the fully-articulated screen. I will not buy any camera with that... please Nikon, give us retro-styled with tilting option. Or just leave it fixed tbh. Maybe I'm weird, but that's just how I feel.

Agree on lenses. Nikon didn't show any new "retro" inspired lenses since 28f2.8 and 40f2 is a hint. Hope they plan to keep Zf line alive.

I just got this camera. I’m really excited to put it through its paces. I’m a headshot and portrait photographer. I moved to the Zf from the Fuji XT5. Still have my X100V, but excited to go back to Nikon. I’m 53, and I trained on film (Nikon FE, FM2, etc.) so this camera feels like an old friend. I got the 85 1.8 S and the 50 1.8 A as well as the 40mm F2 (got the 40 mm kit). The Nikon lenses are amazing! Great review!!!! Subscribed! 😊

Hey Phil. Great video. I saw a couple of days ago a video on the channel of nikon asia which made think they could actually be thinking in committing to develop new retro styled lenses. I hope it is really the message behind it. th-cam.com/video/sOHOib8_69I/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yOF8fuSAwRwRBdIW Gruß aus München

If you want true retro feeling feeling with aperture rings buy yourself a M42 adapter and be happy with TONS of great favourable vintage lenses. With the E-Mount to Z Adapter you even get the focus assists.

theyre never gonna give another ****ing SE lens or anything of the sort. they're completely uncommitted to following this incredibly lucrative line. I swear, you'd never know that the Zf was a hit from the last year...

Do you get annoyed by how heavy it is?

I do not mind you focusing on the Zf. That is how I found your channel. I do not think that Nikon will abandon the Zf line. I am pretty sure it is a hit for them. I can see them doing another version in the future but higher megapixel like maybe 45. They really should focus making vintage/retro styled lenses for sure. They are leaving a lot of money on the table. For me I am happy to mostly purchase Voigtlander lenses in Z mount as I do not mind manual focus especially on the Zf. I think if other companies like Viltrox, TT Artisans, etc decide to release even more lenses in Z mount FF (not APSC) and make them metal with clicky aperture rings as well as compact size then they will also do well.

I use Fujifilm X and GFX cameras. I picked up a Nikon Zf with the 40mm lens last week but returned the kit a couple of days ago. The lens issue was one of my primary reasons. If Nikon, or a third party, releases weather resistant metal prime lenses with aperture rings/auto-focus in Z mount, I would consider the camera again. Also, I didn't think the image quality from the 40mm when wide open was very good. It was decent in the center, but the edges/corners didn't look great to me. Nikon should go all in with the lenses. I think many users of the non-retro Z series bodies would also like the option to use aperture rings.

You kids love the retro design but put that ugly grip on it. Don’t get it🤔? But will more than likely get a second ZF I like this ZF so much. I don’t even use Nikon glass just voigtlander. I bought Nikon glass but don’t like it.

Very valid remarks from your side - like so many times before. My personal feelings are similar, but not exactly the same. Let me explain. I currently use two Nikon mirrorless bodies. The Z8 and the Zf. Both are wonderful cameras.They are sharing the burden as follows: if I want to be quick, precise and want to avoid being held up by fumbling around with dials etc. I'm using the Z8 and variety of native Nikon glass. If I want to play around with depth of field, have no fear of missing crucial moments and simpy want to enjoy photograpy, I'm using the Zf with some phantastic manual Voigtländer lenses. Lenses, which are tremendous value for money (35, 40, 50 [f1.0!), 75). This is, when I want a bit more wriggle-room than what I have with my Leica Qs. The Qs (28 and 43) have the advantage of compact size and exzellent optics but the disadvantage of mediocre AF and - compared to the Zf - the fixed focal length. Do I need native vintage-type lenses for the Nikon Zf? No, I don't. For me there is no application for it. If I want to go AF, I'm taking the Z8. If I want to indulge in a retro-feeling, taking it slow and easy, I'm taking the Zf with a couple of Voigtländers. I don't need more options than I already have. Do I understand your point? Absolutely. It is just that I don't need them.

I’ve heard quite a few Fuji owners say that they would switch to Nikon Zf, if they had native primes with aperture rings. I’m in the same camp. I’m on the fence to sell my X-Pro2 and Fuji lenses and go with the Zf. But am still not sure if I want to go with adopted Sony E primes lor with Voigtlander z mount and go full manual. I don’t mind MF, but would like to have both options. Let’s hope Nikon hears our pleas.

I would be surprised if Nikon made more retro designed lenses. Their lenses either 'match' all their other Z cameras, OR match the ZF. I have not looked at numbers for Nikon (or any company), but I am doubtful the ZF outperformed all of their other Z cameras combined (to make enough sense to create these more expensive to design/make lenses). MAYBE if a ZFii is fast approaching, perhaps they drop a fast 50... but I do not think that is forecasted for at least a few years (and not yet confirmed I do not think). That said, I want a ZF and I want more lenses with retro styling... I am probably going to get a Voigtlander lens to pair with the SE lenses if/when I get a ZF.

That guy made a video out of it, about things which are since the Zf rumours clear. 🙂 I said into DPR forums, just when the Zf was released, that Nikon does need to create a matching prime lens line, like 20, 28, 35, 50, 85 & 135mm at least, a bag of primes. 20/2.8, and the rest should be F1.7 or F2, to keep it handy, 135/2 or F2...also into Nikon AF-(D) lens design....go figure. It'll sell like hotcakes. I am with Nikon since the FM(2), go figure. That's where the Zf inspiration came from. After the FM(2), F90, F90x, F80 & F100....still shooting the last ones, go figure....digital, started with the D100(2002) and up to the D700. Nikon does need a bag of primes for the Zf, but the best lens from design native & also rendering (classic) is the NoNikkor 35/1.4 (mf) from Artralab...go figure!

Thanks for sharing ! I’d love to see vintage high quality native Nikon lenses too, but I really doubt it will come, even with the great success the Zf has. At the end, it is the only full frame retro design camera they have in the line up, and all the other cameras will not really match properly with « retro design » lenses (Z6,Z7,Z8 and Z9). I guess the return on investment of developing such line of lenses mainly appealing for Zf users will not be so interesting for them at the end.. that’s probably why they work closely with brand like voigtlander, allowing them to design fully coded lenses that work seamlessly with their bodies, for the « Zf purist » 🙂. But that’s only my opinion. I have the Zf since 2 months now, and so far, I love it, it pushed me back to the roots of photography I enjoyed so much when I started, and inspired me a lot recently. Only for that reason, I find it amazing even if it’s not perfect for sure. The last time I had this feeling with a camera was the first time I used a digital M body. I am currently testing a Q3 43 beside the Nikon , just as you I believe 😉 honestly, I am chocked at how much more I enjoy the Zf in comparison… yes the resolution and image quality of the Q3 43 is impressive. But as a hobbyist, it is much more fun for me to grab the Zf, close the screen, and hear that wonderful shutter sound when I capture family, my kids, streets, or taking the time to work on my personal editorial projects .. there is not the 60 mpx files, but man, the Zf files paired with Voigtlander glasses really have something special too ! Back to the lens topics, for those who really want an analog experience, I strongly believe Voigtlander is definitely the way to go ! I use the 40mm Nokton, and I plan to purchase the 50 Apo mark ii. Fantastic experience, build and image rendering ✨ Keep developing your chanel 👍 if I can kindly give you one « advise » is that it would be great to put sample images here and there in your video, especially when it is only « head talk » format. 😉

Just bought one, my first ever camera, big learning curve for an old fart noob but I'm happy with it.

You are correct about Nikon lenses, a 35mm F2 or 50mm 1,4 with aperture ring would be very welcome for the ZF. But it should be made of metal mostly. Most people (like me) use the superb Voigtländer MF lenses. They are quite expensive, but worth the money. Most people don't complain because the Z lenses generally offer superb value for money and the ZF is often the second camera they use with their Z7 or Z8 or Z9 with the brilliant Z AF glass they can use on both cameras. I use the 26mm 2.8 as well, which is an incredible performer for its size for street.

Just got one with the megadap and a bunch of e mount lenses with aperture rings, like the Sigma i series.

You are right, this rant shows OCD. If you look at Nikon's lens design evolution, you'll notice that they never re-released their AI-S designs with electronic contacts, even for modern F-mount bodies. When they went screwdrive AF, the first generation of lenses had an ultra thin focus ring and a smooth "beer can" barrel finish, reminiscent of the current Z lenses. That evolved a bit with a 2nd generation of screwdrive AF lenses (and a couple of AF-I and AF-S lenses) with a more conventional design for textures and rings. Both kept the aperture ring, but it was - for most lenses - unpleasant to use (grinding plasticky haptics, which I hated) and most people left them on the smallest aperture setting to manage aperture from the body. The next generation (G lenses) dispensed from the aperture ring altogether. So, for the last 25 years, Nikon has not launched a single lens with a dedicated aperture ring (apart from specialised PC lenses). I really do not see them going down that road now just for the sake of one-off retro Z bodies. It will never happen. Use Sony lenses with adapter or manual focus lenses or the new wave of Chinese lenses if you cannot live without a dedicated aperture ring. For the full retro look, modern electronics and hard core ersatz FM2-era haptics , the z-mount Voigtlanders are the best bet.

I want a redux of the photo-only D f for the Z fII with the D f's aperture lever design for better compatibilty with older Nikkor lenses. In the meantime, Voigtlander, Thypoch and Viltrox all have native Z glass with aperture rings.

If nikon is smart they will be working on a line of vintage lenses that have character that might put the fuji xt line of cameras to bed

I used to shoot Fuji and switched to Nikon. If you like the retro aesthetic, stick with Fuji. They have a much better retro implementation. That said, I feel that the retro style Nikon is dabbling into is a distraction from everything they have done best; modern ergonomics, optical quality, and an eye toward the future, not the past.

Nikon got 2.5K USD out of us and then left us to dry lmao. The 40/2.0 is nice but despite being 55 years younger than the Minolta 6/4 planar formula 40mm or the current 50mm summicron (formulated 1979) or even Zeiss' Contax 45mm, designed in the 1990s and having an aspherical element, is saved from its bad sharpness/contrast by its pleasant rendering. I despise the 28mm. It's my favorite focal length but the 28/2.8 I can just find nothing to like about it. Sony has the 2.4G lenses, why can't Nikon just copy their homework? Leica may charge me out the ass but at least they offer a real set of choices AND allow Voigtlander to use the mount. Adapting on the Zf gives up one of the absolute best and most important features of this camera; it is weather sealed. Overall I'm just really disappointed because I like the camera itself.

Not gonna happen. Unfortunately.

I don't have one but want it since it's out. Too expensive for me atm. I also hope they keep this "line" going. But I have my doubts as to what extend Nikon really wants to buid their retro segment. After all Nikon only made 2 retro looking lenses. And those were initially made for the Zfc and they have modern looking sister-models. The retro look even looks a bit cheap. I really hoped they would come out with some new retro lens(es) with the Zf, but I think there is no reason to hope anymore. But: I like that they seemed to have opened their mount early for Voigtländer. I guess if you want retro lenses for the Z-mount and almost all auto-focus capabilities you have to go with them. But as Nikon aims to provide all lenses on their own in any other segment I am a bit dissapointed they didn't even try. Online there is already talk about a new Zf. I don't think that is necessary for a few years now. This camera is perfectly tuned to deliver on everything it promises. So I wouldn't be dissapointed if the Zf runs for a few years as it is. Just like Ricoh GR III or Fuji X 100 V which ran several years.

Your usual interesting video, Phil. Many thanks.

There is three reasons why I wouldn't buy this camera even though I think it's a really good camera from Nikon and one of them you mentioned is the aperture ring. It's such a great thing on Fiji film cameras and it has a practical use because you can be in the middle of a shot and change the aperture...... The second is unavoidable is the weight of the camera is quite heavy.... the last one might be slightly controversial but it is just my view 24 megapixels for me is on the lower end of the scale. I tend to be a 35....40 megapixel camera user because I like to crop in and get multiple scenes out of an image, especially when you're shooting a lot. I do think it's a great camera though and congratulations on your channel growing and yes I've hit the subscribe button

I agree Nikon really needs to show it’s invested in the retro vibes. The 35 and 50 1.4 are a start but they need the SE treatment at the very least. Adapting other lenses was a big selling point though. The ability to get M mount glass to autofocus is amazing (the zf doesn’t even look THAT goofy with my light lens lab attached). I’m also looking forward to adapting some legend EF L lenses and some E mount Zeiss in the future. Would love to hear your thoughts on adapted ‘retro’ AF glass if you start experimenting in that direction 😅

I completely agree that if Nikon had offered lenses with an aperture ring, many of us would have switched from Fuji. Feels like a missed opportunity. Hopefully, they release one soon! do you still have those Fuji bodies even if you have the ZF?

It must be straightforward for Nikon to offer an SE versions of at least a couple of their existing lenses, I am less fussed about aperture ring. They already have a good 26mm 2.8 pancake lens that could be superficially modified to look retro and perhaps a portrait lens like the existing 85mm with a retro exterior styling or better still release a NIKKOR SE version of the a 75mm 1.8 lens similar to the TT Artisan F2, but that might be asking for too much.

I’d love to see some classic Nikkor manual lenses reimagined for the z mount.

Love the Nikon ZF. It would be nice to have more stylized lenses to match the ZF. Though is not my priority. I wish they would made more “pancake” style lenses. Personally I don’t care much about the aperture ring but would be nice if they have lenses with it so more people would buy the ZF

I also have a zf for about a year. It is a fantastic camera. The two dedicated retro lenses are excellent. Lightweight, very sharp and compact. In addition to that Nikon offers all the other Z series lenses. The best thing about this camera is the sensor. Which may also be the one it shares with the Z6ii but in reality the quality, probably combined with the processor, has an insane performance. Excellent high ISO results. In addition to the hundreds of old Nikon lenses (which in my opinion make no sense on a mirrorless), the Voigtlander Z mount lenses are simply sublime. Both the "apo" and the normal ones. I also remind everyone that the most beautiful photos you see in museums and photography books were taken with film cameras. Often with ISO that reached 100/200 asa. When film arrived at 400 asa, photographers could not believe it. Invest less in technology that today offers EVERYTHING, and more in yourself. Avoid technological onanism. If the photos come out shit it is not because of any modern camera. But from your lack of ability to grasp and read the situations around you. Get a ZF and have fun. The rest is mental masturbation.

I just bought the Zf in blue. It handles well and I agree about the aperture ring. I ordered a Voigtlander 50 from Japan. It should be here in a few days. I look forward to it!

I agree with your lens assesment. All the best for you and your family

That 28 is quite good! Sharp and colors look good. Do you recommend it?

The Christmas vibe is really strong! Hope to see more Christmas street shots in the coming days. Keep it up, it's looking awesome!

It's a real pleasure to see you using some of JJC's compatible accessories for the Q3 43 & Q3☺☺

I enjoyed your video a lot. Esslingen looks like a lovely city and it was nice to see the work involved in constructing the Christmas market. I live close to Edinburgh in Scotland and am going to do a Christmas Market shoot there next week. I will take my Leica Q2, and my Leica M5 which I received from Leica Store Stuttgart last week.

Are the desktop video shots also using the Leica Q3? Have you used this for longer webcam activities such as web conferences and meetings?

I think it is better not to shoot secretly on the street. Make it obvious. Not in a way that everybody sees you are photographing them, so do not stand out of the crowd too much. But do not do it secretly. I do it this way and hardly ever have bad reactions. The opposite! I have a lot of fun on the streets with my Leica Q3 28, Nikon Zf and Fujifilm X-T3 with often nice conversations with people.

Really nice atmosphere with the pov and natural sounds. Loved it! Personally this setting I find less attractive for B&W photography and I would choose leica natural colors but I guess thats personal preference 😊