Sorry for the confusion - watch anecdotes are just my flawed (and unsponsored!) attempts at story telling. If any video is sponsored I'll declare it up front. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I think if you were able to spot a watch to get footage of while looking for the grip and condensed the segments together, I think that would have tied the story to the video a little better. I do appreciate the shots of the watches though. I modified my Seiko SKX007 after the original movement died - my own fault - I replaced the movement with a NH36 and some other parts like a double dome red AR sapphire that has a nice magenta hue to it. I also use a Galaxy watch 5 together with the SK007 on a band I made. Surprisingly and thankfully, people don't comment that I'm wearing two watches as often compared to when I used to wear a Fitbit on my opposite wrist.
@@kaze913 The first version of the video had a lot more watch talk, hence people's confusion. Hoping this edit cleared things up but always trying to get better! I'm waiting for a fitness ring to become more feasible so I can go back to wearing mechanical watches. Thanks for watching!
Recently discovered your channel while looking at ZF related videos. Enjoyed the watch storytelling and your channel as a whole! Looking for a newer non-watch fitness tracker myself, so I don't have to sideline my small watch collection. I catch myself staring at my Seiko SPB089 and SARX033 way too often to consider not wearing them.
I don't have any questions or anything clever to comment. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this video. The style, the storyline, the editing, etc. Very satisfying and easy to watch.
the last year I went down the rabbit hole of seiko mods and collection watches. It's a bit exhausting and was never satisfied with my collection and my builds vs what I could buy from actual brands. Decided to pick my top 10, put them in rotation and switch hobbies. I've always loved photography and have always had the Nikon DSLR's of the 2010's. Time to research the modern offerings and get back into photography.
Neewer made a new one. CA134 grip feels like smallrig's version with a bump on the front for your grip to rest on the finger and a thumbgrip. It's an upgraded version of Neewer CA079
I got the SmallRig with a thumb grip. It slightly interferes with the shutter but worth the extra grip in my use case. I completely relate with your watch collecting and search for the right camera. For me, this extends to other tech like phones and I am currently justifying a tablet for photo editing. I have the Nikon ZF but now wonder if I should consider the XT50 when it comes out, or the Sony A7Cii. Don’t think I want to get rid of the Nikon, but I do miss my Fujifilm XT5.
Hi Shaun thanks so much for watching and commenting - glad to hear I am not alone in the search. I never get along with tablet editing, miss my keyboard shortcuts too much. I shoot Sony, Nikon, and Leica - switching systems can be stressful! Let me know what you end up deciding, happy shooting!
I really like your channel. I can't believe I found a channel that resonates so well with my own experiences. A street photographer, traveller, a family man, a Fuji / Nikon Zf user. The way you wake up early snd shoot late night at Japan and other places sounded so familiar.
Welcome Mikhail! Great to have you visit the channel. I am meeting lots of like minded photographers on TH-cam, hope the content continues to resonate and have value for you. Working on this week’s video now!
I know this is a bit of an older video Jack, but have you had a chance to compare the Nikon ZF-GR1 with the new Neewer CA079 which has the thumb grip at the back. I am heading to Japan in a few weeks time and I am wondering if its still worth trying to find the Nikon ZF-GR1 or I should keep with the Neewer CA079?
Hello! Yes I compared it in a section of the 35mm f1.4 Z video: th-cam.com/video/srrkJ4Nwpq0/w-d-xo.html I like the Neewr grip better than the ZF-GR1, back grip is there, more substantial front grip, overall smaller package. I still went with the Smallrig one. Hope this helps!
Haha I think it might be available in the US now? Someone else told me they ordered it directly from Nikon USA. But no need! The Neewer is the better and more stylish option
@@BokehTherapy I only use the native Z, because you get the exif data, the 2 axis IBIS and the eye auto focus assist although I think you can still get the eye focus assist on certain m mount adapters.
The native Z mount were sold out in Japan and I have some m mount glass. I use the TTArtisan 6 bit adapter, but still wouldn’t mind the native Z mount versions. Thanks for the tips!
Great story telling Jack! Love my Zf as well! I have the Small Rig grip and the Neewer. Like the Small Rig as well. But I found out Neewer has a newer one that has a wrap around thumb rest portion. I have the being delivered tomorrow to continue the obsessional search! :)
Thank you Paul - like you, I couldn't help myself and tried the new Neewr grip. My thoughts are here (th-cam.com/video/srrkJ4Nwpq0/w-d-xo.html), it looks the nicest out of all the options but still found Smallrig more comfortable for my use. My original conclusion stands - phew!
@@BokehTherapy I tried the newer NEEWER and agree. Even though I like the back thumb rest, I don't like the smooth surface and also don't like the red line on front. Another BIG issue with the Nikon and Neewer grips is if you want to use the RRS universal L-bracket that I use, it wouldn't mount correctly in those grips to allow battery cover to clear open. SmallRig provides a mount hole offset to left to allow this alignment correctly.
Hi the 24-70mm f4 and f2.8 Nikon Z lenses are really great, the f4 is a lot more compact and better suited for the Zf. I am not a zoom shooters so would go for a 40mm or 35mm lens myself. Depends on how you like to shoot?
@BokehTherapy How do you handle situations where you need a wider or zoomed-in view? Last year, I went to Japan and found out that 50mm for me is hard to street shoot. Maybe 40mm can fix the problem I thought.
50mm is a bit hard in tight urban spaces like Japan. 35mm or 40mm is more versatile, and if you need to zoom in I will just move closer. It’s a personal preference though? There’s also the 20-40mm f2.8 lens from Tamron, not sure if they make a native Z mount version just yet though.
I think the Smallrig and thumb grip sticker is better because the height of the whole package is smaller. The GR1 really adds a fair bit more to the size of the camera. I don’t use the thumb grip sticker myself, just the Smallrig grip. It’s very hard to know until you try it in person though, that’s what’s frustrating about hand grips!
@@BokehTherapy wondering if just a thumb grip sticker (wood or otherwise) would be enough. The small rig for me (I don’t own the camera yet) would make an already large camera even bigger. I have Olympus E-P7 and the front “grip” is about the same size at the ZF, but it has a built on piece of plastic for the thumb that makes it 100x easier to hold.
It depends what lenses you will want to shoot with? 26, 28, 40, don’t need a grip. Anything bigger you might need more than the sticker because the camera is quite heavy too.
Thanks for your research and the video - glad I chose the Smallrig from the outset! I’ve since added a small ebony coloured wooden thumb rest to the back which provides a noticeable boost to the ergonomics. There is however the not so small matter of attaching it using 3M branded double sided tape to consider.
Yes I have seen the back rest thumbgrips but it does seem a bit silly to have to glue things onto the camera. You chose well at first, unlike me! Thanks for watching!
Personally I’ve never bought a grip for any of my cameras (Nikon, Pentax, OM, Lumix), just find a camera model that feels right in my hands in the first place. Could it be that you bought it without holding it or that you still bought it even though the grip is not optimal which lead to this grip hunt?
Hey thanks for watching! Camera feels great with the 40mm lens (the kit most people buy the Zf with). Just when you pair larger lenses a grip is needed. I very much prefer going without grips myself too.
@@BokehTherapy got it. I felt most Nikon models are known for their comfort in their excellent grip design compared to other makes; coping easily with small primes to big tele zooms. Might be because the ZF has adopted a retro design language in which the grip unfortunately, is not optimal for bigger lenses.
I don’t begrudge Nikon one bit with the Zf design, I love the minimalist symmetrical design. The Z6 has an amazing grip, so I’m guessing lots of people will jump to the Z6iii once it’s announced.
@ Yes it does. Love your channel, your content is so great. The Leofoto I asked about isn’t available in the US. What’s unique about it is on the base plate it’s got a little stub at the end that allows you to use it as an L bracket (without being a full up the entire side of the camera L bracket so less bulky).
I don’t shoot much in portrait orientation so a baseplate is usually enough for me. L bracket designs have to be pretty spot on to match all the tripod ball head designs out there. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
This was a good video! I've been wanting to pick up the Nikon grip, I have the Smallrig but I actually might like it a little better without it, still can't decide.
Thanks! The Nikon grip is an acquired taste, I think you can save your money or try something else. Lots more grips have been released since I made this video
I started with two grips. SmallRig and Iborrys green leather half case for those times I want to change the color of the camera. Now I'm waiting for the wood grip from iWoodStore for the Zf and another camera - the Panasonic GX9. I'm probably going to cycle through them depending on the way I want to use the camera for that day.
@@BokehTherapy I believe my small hands are about one inch less than yours. I also have the small thumb rest on the back of the camera since I suspect the large thumb rest would have been too big for my grip. The slight indent in the wood for my fingertips makes the wood grip my favorite of the three I have. The slight indent is similar to my Z8. Finally, my favorite zoom (24-120 S) and prime (105 S) lenses are comfortable to use on the Zf.
Yes. I’ve ‘tried (most) of them all’ and this was my favorite. It had no reviews yet but tried it out and surprisingly simple design fit me the best. Great channel btw. Great content.
I just ordered the original Nikon one. I can’t get over the missing thumb grip. At first I could not put my finger (pun intended ) on why it just did not feel right even with the newer grip. Then I grabbed my Fujis and canon and realized it REALLY needs a thumb grip. I watched your video once. Then rewatched it and I picked up something I had missed on the first one. That the Nikon grip adds more grip that the Small rig because of the rear thumb grip. That right there sealed it for me. It does have a return policy but I don’t think I’ll return it. I think for me at least it is exactly what I need. Only wish and wonder why o why didn’t small rig fuse their design with Nikons. That would have been the perfect grip!
Yes the back thumb rest makes a big difference for a lot of shooters. Ergonomics are so personal though, hope the official Nikon grip suits you! I really like the design, just hard to beat out the Smallrig for value. Let me know when your grip arrives!
It’s arrived and this grip has actually subsided my desire to move to canon for this issue alone! I still can’t help looking over the greener grass, but less so. I was seriously considering switching to Canon but the thumb grip for me at least, has made a HUGE IMPROVEMENT!
Wonderful from hear from you - I love Map Camera and found Fujiya camera on my most recent trip. The customer service in Australia sadly is lacking by a lot! Hope you’re well, Merry Xmas!
Sony makes a good stick on grip for their RX100 series compact cameras. Nikon should make one for the ZF. All the current options makes a big camera even bigger.
Mmm interesting - I have seen third party stick on back grips? The Smallrig really does have a very thin base plate, hence it’s not the prettiest but I think the best streamlined option with the most functionality. Thanks for watching!
I to am obsessed, but with camera straps for my Zf. I’m convinced 34 to 36 inches is the perfect length of a neck strap for me. It been very difficult to find a strap with the right aesthetic, my preferred connection (split rings) and the proper length. So far Wotancraft’s parashooter are my favorites but just slightly too long. I have 2 of them. Also I have a Hawksmill Westminster strap, a Tuenne rope strap, Clever Supply Co. Ioe short strap, and a Peak Design wrist strap. I also ordered a Peak Design leash in sage green for its adjustability with sage wrist strap to match. The justification of course is that green is my favorite color and I didn’t have one. Oh and while I’m waiting for the Peak Design straps , I ordered a Wotancraft Parashooter wrist strap to top it all off. I might have a problem. 🤣🤣🤣😳
I too went down the rabbit hole of watches, I haven't got around to the slimming down phase though. I completely understand the over research and making things more difficult for myself mentality .. sigh. Thanks for the grip comparisons!
I bought the smallrig for the Zf, but was driven mad by the idea that there was a better one in Japan. I ordered the one from Japan on EBay and returned it immediately. While it matches the camera better, and does have that little back thumb rest area, it was overall not fitting my hand well, and was less grippy than the smallrig. I kept the smallrig. I am hoping someone creative can somehow use the smallrig base to create an even thicker grip to attach to it.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this experience, except I flew to Japan to get the grip! I like the smallrig one just fine, even if it doesn't look as "retro" as some of the other options. Thanks for watching!
I returned my ZF despite liking the camera quite a bit. The worst thing I found was that 1.8 glass is so (surprisingly) wonderful, it overshadowed the 28 and 40 pancakes - but at the same time, it also felt too big for the gripless, heavy ZF body. That, combined with something about external grips just not working for me. It's like when you see a smartphone in an otterbox. For that reason I never felt quite satisfied. I do miss that glass, though.
Yes the f1.8 glass is super underrated - testing them now! The Smallrig grip looks way bulkier in pictures than it does in person. Very thin baseplate and soft grip. The Z6iii that’s coming out might change a lot of people’s minds. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy Agreed, it's massively underrated. Perhaps because people wanted 1.4/1.2s out of the gate and ignored them. As a result, I haven't ruled out going back to Nikon and the z6iii may well be what lures me back. I am also going to be keeping an eye on future ZF models as they have done an incredible amount right with it. As a Nikon F100 owner, and starting out on a d5300, I've got a lot of time for the brand!
You made two statements apart that made me laugh a little. "Happy Wife, happy life" and the "Thrill of the Chase". Good luck with that. On a serious note, interesting I'm watching this vid about the DF and you revealed we have the same taste in mechanical watches. The Legend Diver is a beast. Love it.
"Thrill of the chase" - so true, specially regarding my cameras: have more then enough to cover every aspect, but here I am next to you on YT continuing the chase, because it is fun to play around with different cameras :D Great video about the Zf grip man! I think you are the only one on YT I know who covers every grip there is currently wide available on the world + the romantic Nikon grip. When I saw the JP exclusive grip from Nikon I was very dissappointed I was not able to get one, but now after seeing your video I'm glad I bought the Smallrig grip on day one of my Zf :D Also great side story of your watches. When you showed the first two watches, I thought to myself, they are very nice, I would like to wear them, but my Apple watch is the one which motivates me to work out and track my fitness (fell of the wagon regarding health since being a dad since 3 years and only recently restarted my fitness again, Apple watch really helps) - but in the end we are also here on the same boat :D :)
I made the video I needed to see before buying the Zf - hope it is helpful for others! I have to say it is a relief to be out of watch collecting game, more time to obsess over cameras
@@BokehTherapy Amen to that brother 😀😎. Question is, what is on your next watch? You know mine already, and it is your fault I’m still eying on the M10M 😅😀
Wow going all the way to Japan for a grip, I made my own grip with a piece of 3/8” aluminum which I had black powder coated and a piece of Ash hardwood which in the shape of the MD 12 motor drive for my Nikon FE. I didn’t make a cut out for the battery compartment but I can just turn it with the lens off and I can remove the battery. I enjoy your videos and I must admit that when I bought a Nikon grip for my Nikon V1 years ago, it was the best grip that I found. Other manufacturers tried but there was no comparison. But it made the camera so much more enjoyable to shoot with. Ergonomics are very important if you’re working with your camera all day. Nikon DSLR’s were great compared to other manufacturers like Sony which look like a brick with a lump on them.😂Regards Gerry
Gerry I am envious of your craftsmanship to make a grip! I don’t have the skills I’m afraid. Ergonomics on the Zf aren’t great but that’s what the Z6iii is for. Thanks for watching!
I've been through these "thrill of the chase" things with a lot of areas of my life too. Thankfully I usually end up at a final destination that balances all the various factors. Been down the GAS train with watches, guitars, keyboards, cameras, lenses, etc. Cameras are the one area of my life that is still in flux I think though. I've got 4 different bodies (2 full frame, two M43), probably a dozen lenses or so. I have been through a lot of phases and honestly the one thing that's helping more than anything is just getting out and shooting. While I will continue to buy and sell bits (literally have another lens coming in tomorrow), I'm actually starting to make progress by process of elimination. I don't shoot at night, I don't shoot in low light, I've been shooting more and more stopped down and kinda grew out of the bokeh obsession on my end (just now used when it's called for, and not literally every shot as I used to). That's meant f4 lenses are fine with me, especially for landscapes, cityscapes, urban decay, etc. Anyway, I've already shot more photos in 2024 than the last 6 years combined, and that's really helping me identify all the unnecessary gear in collection. My niche is really taking off, I'm more aware then ever before "what I want, and what I need", and by the end of the year I'll probably have sold off the extra bits (sorta like your watch collection). It's a process for sure, but the journey has been fun. Sometimes GAS is a good thing = it can help you figure out what you really want...so long as you don't let it bankrupt you in the process. Best of luck my friend.
@@BokehTherapy I'll be 39 here shortly myself, but yeah I have an office/studio space full of things I probably don't need. But thankfully my GAS is only tied up in a single hobby right now and not 3-4. I also am the kind of person who almost always sells unused gear so my cycling of gear doesn't lead to hoarding thankfully. Don't feel a camera or lens anymore? Sell it. Buy a new mountain bike? Sell the old one. Etc. When I migrated from Sony APS-C to full frame, selling all my old gear paid for all the new gear...so it's been mostly a wash. Happy early birthday btw. 39 for me = half dead for an American male (life expectancy is 78) LOL. Live life to the fullest my friend.
Haha oh no, hopefully my second half is better than the first! Selling and reselling is the only way I have managed to keep this hobby afloat with the wife’s permission. I have gotten strangely into product photography as a result - topic for a future video!
I don’t think that the soft silicon Small Grip will last very long…! And how does it perform in hot weather for a long while? It’ll be interesting to find out. Cheers
I am based in Australia so a very interesting test case for a hot and humid environment most of the year. Will report back with long term use, but for the moment it’s doing great. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy HI…! What a coincidence, I’m also based in Australia, Canberra to be exact where it can be very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold 🥶 in winter. I currently use Neewar and a Wood (ebony ) grips and I’m quite pleased with them, but as we know always wonder what the Others are like??? Cheers mate 😂
A fellow Aussie photographer! Nice to connect, I haven’t visited Canberra for a few years, will need to pick your brain for the best photo spots next time I have a trip lined up. Canberra winters were quite brutal from what I can remember!
We are alike in that way haha. I hope smallrig comes out with a v2 of the grip, providing a comfy thumb grip. I also spotted some third party glue-on tumbrest that I may give a try
Some others have had success with the thumb grip, let me know how you go with yours? I haven’t yet taken that plunge, the Smallrig is comfortable enough for now. Unless I start using 400mm lenses for street lol
@@BokehTherapy i dont think those cold shoe thumb grips are good for the zf. There isn’t a point of contact on the camera so there is a massive pressure on the shoe to break. But the adhesive variants might be good enough
Yup I never understood the camera cages and handles with the cold shoe as the only point of attachment. It’s just two pieces of metal or plastic most of the time!
Loved the video. Still on the fence bout getting the zf and selling everything else (m9,a7s,xt1,em5mk1). Lovely watch collection and I honestly had the apple on my.wrist before I felt it made me wanna look too much. Hence returned it to my wife and am using the watch she bought me. Tag
Goodness, you have a big setup with presumably a lot of lenses? Hard to say, but other than the Leica M shooting experience the Zf can do everything else that my other cameras do. It’s become my daily driver that pairs really well with digital M Rangefinders.
Loved this video! I really enjoyed the structure with the watch interludes and the 'making things harder on myself' theme really resonated with me and my hobbies. Subscribed!
From sneakers to watches, I came to the realization it’s all about the thrill of the chase for me 🤦♂️ I stopped using the Apple Watch to stop being so connected, but that led me to becoming a Hans Wilsdorf fanboy 😂 Thanks for the input on the ZR1, if I go back to the Zf I know I’ll stick with the Smallrig grip. I current quest, finding a Q3 at retail 😅
thrill of the chase. amen for this. after finished completing my wishlist, I think I will be full of satisfication but life is felt empty instead. so in the end do you prefer nikon grip or smallrig grip? fellow omega lover here.
I think the Smallrig one is best value and comfort over the Nikon. I love how it doesn’t really change the height of the camera. Thanks for watching - I am out of the watch game for now at least!
@@BokehTherapy as for wooden grip, I have it for my a7c. it is very solid, big grip, and heavy. it takes big space between your fingers and lens. with bigger lens like sony 50mm f1.2 gm, my fingers couldnt wrap the grip properly because my middle and ring fingers couldnt slip between grip and lens. So i sold it and get halfcase instead. with bigger camera like Zf maybe the space doesnt matter.
Somewhat bizarre how similar our taste is in watches. I only wear an Apple Watch now too - having been through many other expensive brands… I think we all have to go through this process to varying degrees. I find it peaceful to be free of the acquisition drive. I have things my 18 year old self wouldn’t believe and I feel no different. I guess that’s not what was lacking all along.
Photographers tend to have similar tastes in many things but always good to know I’m not alone! The acquisition drive will always be there, I’m just trying to point it in the right direction. Watches don’t seem to fill the void, they just make it bigger somehow
Thanks so much! I’ve received some mixed feedback on watches in this video, it’s getting confused for sponsored content rather than a story telling device. Will work harder on clarity for the next video
You’re right, but Leica rangefinders are two handed manual focus operation all the time and the lenses are smaller. Autofocusing ZF tends to encourage one handed operation, and the f1.8 primes are bigger. I prefer not to use handgrips myself but most people who own the Zf need one it seems
I couldn't find the right grip either so I decided to make my own from wood and attached it to a small rig base. Let me know what you think th-cam.com/users/shortsIJd0RjV53WA?si=mWh46OqwRRFYKSWP
@BokehTherapy it was Ali Express, it was called the Mr. Stone ZF camera case. I just really liked how it has a leather wrap around it but an aluminum bottom. Instead of the annoying flaps that are either magnetic or buttoned. And I liked the buttoned flap that covers the ports because I never use them on any of my cameras. I do photography. I have no use for all those extra ports. Basically, I've been using it with the 26mm 2.8 for almost a month to see if it's compact enough to replace my x100v before I think about possibly selling it. It is and the image quality far beyond the 100v. I got 35mm 1.8 for it also, but I just don't want to take off that pancake lens.
Main reason I sold the Zf, were grips, once you added that it was not small and not all that light. Love the watches thrown in there. And soon you will be trying to minimize your camera collection, good luck finding the perfect camera for you!
I am not against sponsored ads, ppl need to make a living. But can't you do it all together at the beginning or the end, it's interrupting and annoying this way. The content is good otherwise
Thanks for watching - this video isn’t sponsored? But thanks for the feedback, affiliate income keeps the lights on. Edit: just realised you might mean the sections about watches? That was my attempt at story telling, no watch companies sponsor the channel as of yet.
@@BokehTherapy yes, I was referring the watch part. My apologies for my mistake, I thought those were ads and skip those parts. I personally love watch too. It's just that I personally would be expecting camera info in this vid. But this is just personal opinion. I like your comparison of the grips, keep up the good work
Far too much time talking about watches! However, good review of the grips. Don't know if I'll watch any further videos if they're full of perceived commercials of other products.
Hi Mike, watches are a story telling device, not sponsored (otherwise it needs to be declared). Didn’t get the balance right for this video, will work harder on clarity for future content. Thanks for the feedback
So... you're not wearing any of the watches you described in the video? Wearing something completely different while taking street photos. I see at least 10 more grips on Google, where will you take us next?
Yes I sold them all because there’s no such thing as a perfect collection! The number of grips have exploded since I made this video, might need to do a follow up. Thanks so much for watching!
Sorry for the confusion - watch anecdotes are just my flawed (and unsponsored!) attempts at story telling. If any video is sponsored I'll declare it up front. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I think if you were able to spot a watch to get footage of while looking for the grip and condensed the segments together, I think that would have tied the story to the video a little better.
I do appreciate the shots of the watches though. I modified my Seiko SKX007 after the original movement died - my own fault - I replaced the movement with a NH36 and some other parts like a double dome red AR sapphire that has a nice magenta hue to it.
I also use a Galaxy watch 5 together with the SK007 on a band I made. Surprisingly and thankfully, people don't comment that I'm wearing two watches as often compared to when I used to wear a Fitbit on my opposite wrist.
@@kaze913 The first version of the video had a lot more watch talk, hence people's confusion. Hoping this edit cleared things up but always trying to get better! I'm waiting for a fitness ring to become more feasible so I can go back to wearing mechanical watches. Thanks for watching!
I don’t mind the watch talk at all. Sometimes different for the sake of being different is a non starter. But in this case I enjoyed both subjects.
Recently discovered your channel while looking at ZF related videos. Enjoyed the watch storytelling and your channel as a whole! Looking for a newer non-watch fitness tracker myself, so I don't have to sideline my small watch collection. I catch myself staring at my Seiko SPB089 and SARX033 way too often to consider not wearing them.
Thanks Jack! Lots of detail. Helpful!
Thanks for watching!
“ I like to make things more difficult for myself.” 😂
Truth for us all buddy!
Yup that’s why we are here. Thanks for watching!
I don't have any questions or anything clever to comment. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this video. The style, the storyline, the editing, etc. Very satisfying and easy to watch.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Just a one person production team (me) so glad to hear the end product is easy to watch. More to come!
the last year I went down the rabbit hole of seiko mods and collection watches. It's a bit exhausting and was never satisfied with my collection and my builds vs what I could buy from actual brands. Decided to pick my top 10, put them in rotation and switch hobbies. I've always loved photography and have always had the Nikon DSLR's of the 2010's. Time to research the modern offerings and get back into photography.
Very similar thought process - don’t have time or funds to have more than 1 hobby these days. Thanks for sharing!
The small rig, with the silicone won't scratch up your camera. I think I go with that one
That’s the one I went with!
Neewer made a new one. CA134 grip feels like smallrig's version with a bump on the front for your grip to rest on the finger and a thumbgrip. It's an upgraded version of Neewer CA079
Another new grip! Neewer don’t rest, will need to try it out. Thanks for the recommendation
I got the SmallRig with a thumb grip. It slightly interferes with the shutter but worth the extra grip in my use case.
I completely relate with your watch collecting and search for the right camera.
For me, this extends to other tech like phones and I am currently justifying a tablet for photo editing.
I have the Nikon ZF but now wonder if I should consider the XT50 when it comes out, or the Sony A7Cii. Don’t think I want to get rid of the Nikon, but I do miss my Fujifilm XT5.
Hi Shaun thanks so much for watching and commenting - glad to hear I am not alone in the search. I never get along with tablet editing, miss my keyboard shortcuts too much. I shoot Sony, Nikon, and Leica - switching systems can be stressful! Let me know what you end up deciding, happy shooting!
Which thumb grip did you get?
@@I2ecreate Not sure, got it on Amazon. Just to correct myself, it only slightly blocks access to the shutter speed dial.
I really like your channel. I can't believe I found a channel that resonates so well with my own experiences.
A street photographer, traveller, a family man, a Fuji / Nikon Zf user. The way you wake up early snd shoot late night at Japan and other places sounded so familiar.
Welcome Mikhail! Great to have you visit the channel. I am meeting lots of like minded photographers on TH-cam, hope the content continues to resonate and have value for you. Working on this week’s video now!
Your leather case link doesn’t work
Sorry think Amazon stopped selling that exact model. Here's the updated link: amzn.to/3Wk94Tj
I know this is a bit of an older video Jack, but have you had a chance to compare the Nikon ZF-GR1 with the new Neewer CA079 which has the thumb grip at the back. I am heading to Japan in a few weeks time and I am wondering if its still worth trying to find the Nikon ZF-GR1 or I should keep with the Neewer CA079?
Hello! Yes I compared it in a section of the 35mm f1.4 Z video:
th-cam.com/video/srrkJ4Nwpq0/w-d-xo.html I like the Neewr grip better than the ZF-GR1, back grip is there, more substantial front grip, overall smaller package. I still went with the Smallrig one. Hope this helps!
@@BokehTherapy definitely helps, and will save me running around Japan trying to find it 😊.
Haha I think it might be available in the US now? Someone else told me they ordered it directly from Nikon USA. But no need! The Neewer is the better and more stylish option
I bought the small rig only to use the camera without it in the end because I mostly use it with a voigtlander manual focus lens anyway.
Ah yes if you are manual focusing with two hands it’s stable enough without a grip. Did you get the native Z mount version or adapt m mount glass?
@@BokehTherapy I only use the native Z, because you get the exif data, the 2 axis IBIS and the eye auto focus assist although I think you can still get the eye focus assist on certain m mount adapters.
The native Z mount were sold out in Japan and I have some m mount glass. I use the TTArtisan 6 bit adapter, but still wouldn’t mind the native Z mount versions. Thanks for the tips!
Great story telling Jack! Love my Zf as well! I have the Small Rig grip and the Neewer. Like the Small Rig as well. But I found out Neewer has a newer one that has a wrap around thumb rest portion. I have the being delivered tomorrow to continue the obsessional search! :)
Thank you Paul - like you, I couldn't help myself and tried the new Neewr grip. My thoughts are here (th-cam.com/video/srrkJ4Nwpq0/w-d-xo.html), it looks the nicest out of all the options but still found Smallrig more comfortable for my use. My original conclusion stands - phew!
@@BokehTherapy I tried the newer NEEWER and agree. Even though I like the back thumb rest, I don't like the smooth surface and also don't like the red line on front. Another BIG issue with the Nikon and Neewer grips is if you want to use the RRS universal L-bracket that I use, it wouldn't mount correctly in those grips to allow battery cover to clear open. SmallRig provides a mount hole offset to left to allow this alignment correctly.
Smallrig isn't the prettiest looking one but they really got the design just right. Helps when you have pre-production access to the camera of course!
Just received the Zf from Nikon USA … it came with a free GR-1 grip …it’s very nice .
Nice one! Think it comes as standard now not a Japan exclusive… haha enjoy the Zf!
Hi Jack,
Could you share your lens with Nikon ZF? For a better kit set, go for a 40mm or 24-70mm?
Hi the 24-70mm f4 and f2.8 Nikon Z lenses are really great, the f4 is a lot more compact and better suited for the Zf. I am not a zoom shooters so would go for a 40mm or 35mm lens myself. Depends on how you like to shoot?
@BokehTherapy How do you handle situations where you need a wider or zoomed-in view? Last year, I went to Japan and found out that 50mm for me is hard to street shoot. Maybe 40mm can fix the problem I thought.
50mm is a bit hard in tight urban spaces like Japan. 35mm or 40mm is more versatile, and if you need to zoom in I will just move closer. It’s a personal preference though? There’s also the 20-40mm f2.8 lens from Tamron, not sure if they make a native Z mount version just yet though.
@@BokehTherapy Thanks! I may get a 40mm lens and test before traveling again this summer :)
Next weeks video is on 35mm vs 40mm for the Nikon Zf - hope that helps your decision too. Let me know how you go!
Does the extra thumb on the GR1 make it worth it or should someone buy the small rig and then a thumb grip sticker?
I think the Smallrig and thumb grip sticker is better because the height of the whole package is smaller. The GR1 really adds a fair bit more to the size of the camera. I don’t use the thumb grip sticker myself, just the Smallrig grip. It’s very hard to know until you try it in person though, that’s what’s frustrating about hand grips!
@@BokehTherapy wondering if just a thumb grip sticker (wood or otherwise) would be enough. The small rig for me (I don’t own the camera yet) would make an already large camera even bigger. I have Olympus E-P7 and the front “grip” is about the same size at the ZF, but it has a built on piece of plastic for the thumb that makes it 100x easier to hold.
It depends what lenses you will want to shoot with? 26, 28, 40, don’t need a grip. Anything bigger you might need more than the sticker because the camera is quite heavy too.
brilliant jack i have the same hand measurment as yourself and have been obseesed with this great video
Hi Andy! Thanks for watching, camera accessories are a never ending rabbit hole for me. Working on this week’s video now
Thanks for your research and the video - glad I chose the Smallrig from the outset! I’ve since added a small ebony coloured wooden thumb rest to the back which provides a noticeable boost to the ergonomics. There is however the not so small matter of attaching it using 3M branded double sided tape to consider.
Yes I have seen the back rest thumbgrips but it does seem a bit silly to have to glue things onto the camera. You chose well at first, unlike me! Thanks for watching!
i would like to find a similar grip similar to SmallRig 4137 dedicated to Fuji xt5
Hopefully the new design filters over to all the new cameras. Thanks for watching!
Good video! I actually enjoyed the watch intermissions, they were integrated quite well into the overall story you’re telling, imo.
Thanks so much - everyone is a bit sensitised to undeclared sponsors in our niche at the moment I think. More to come!
Personally I’ve never bought a grip for any of my cameras (Nikon, Pentax, OM, Lumix), just find a camera model that feels right in my hands in the first place. Could it be that you bought it without holding it or that you still bought it even though the grip is not optimal which lead to this grip hunt?
Hey thanks for watching! Camera feels great with the 40mm lens (the kit most people buy the Zf with). Just when you pair larger lenses a grip is needed. I very much prefer going without grips myself too.
@@BokehTherapy got it. I felt most Nikon models are known for their comfort in their excellent grip design compared to other makes; coping easily with small primes to big tele zooms. Might be because the ZF has adopted a retro design language in which the grip unfortunately, is not optimal for bigger lenses.
I don’t begrudge Nikon one bit with the Zf design, I love the minimalist symmetrical design. The Z6 has an amazing grip, so I’m guessing lots of people will jump to the Z6iii once it’s announced.
Curious if you’ve tried the Leofoto grip?
No I haven’t! This list grows bigger everyday
@ Yes it does. Love your channel, your content is so great. The Leofoto I asked about isn’t available in the US. What’s unique about it is on the base plate it’s got a little stub at the end that allows you to use it as an L bracket (without being a full up the entire side of the camera L bracket so less bulky).
I don’t shoot much in portrait orientation so a baseplate is usually enough for me. L bracket designs have to be pretty spot on to match all the tripod ball head designs out there. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
This was a good video! I've been wanting to pick up the Nikon grip, I have the Smallrig but I actually might like it a little better without it, still can't decide.
Thanks! The Nikon grip is an acquired taste, I think you can save your money or try something else. Lots more grips have been released since I made this video
I started with two grips. SmallRig and Iborrys green leather half case for those times I want to change the color of the camera. Now I'm waiting for the wood grip from iWoodStore for the Zf and another camera - the Panasonic GX9. I'm probably going to cycle through them depending on the way I want to use the camera for that day.
Oh good intel on the wood grip when it arrives? I’m interested in how it fits. Thanks for watching!
I have the iwood and like it a lot. I also have the Smallrig but saw the iwood on Facebook and ordered it.
@@inchon66 Thanks for the feedback. Happy shooting!
@@BokehTherapy I believe my small hands are about one inch less than yours. I also have the small thumb rest on the back of the camera since I suspect the large thumb rest would have been too big for my grip. The slight indent in the wood for my fingertips makes the wood grip my favorite of the three I have. The slight indent is similar to my Z8. Finally, my favorite zoom (24-120 S) and prime (105 S) lenses are comfortable to use on the Zf.
I have heard good things about the 105 - might need to try that next. Glad to hear the ergos are working for you, it’s a great setup all around
Check out the Haoge HG-ZFB Camera Holder Hand Grip for Nikon ZF. I think it’s inspired by the F3 grip and works surprising well.
Thanks for the tip - another one to try!
Yes. I’ve ‘tried (most) of them all’ and this was my favorite. It had no reviews yet but tried it out and surprisingly simple design fit me the best.
Great channel btw. Great content.
Thanks so much - working on this weeks video now
I just ordered the original Nikon one. I can’t get over the missing thumb grip. At first I could not put my finger (pun intended ) on why it just did not feel right even with the newer grip. Then I grabbed my Fujis and canon and realized it REALLY needs a thumb grip. I watched your video once. Then rewatched it and I picked up something I had missed on the first one. That the Nikon grip adds more grip that the Small rig because of the rear thumb grip. That right there sealed it for me.
It does have a return policy but I don’t think I’ll return it. I think for me at least it is exactly what I need. Only wish and wonder why o why didn’t small rig fuse their design with Nikons. That would have been the perfect grip!
Yes the back thumb rest makes a big difference for a lot of shooters. Ergonomics are so personal though, hope the official Nikon grip suits you! I really like the design, just hard to beat out the Smallrig for value. Let me know when your grip arrives!
It’s arrived and this grip has actually subsided my desire to move to canon for this issue alone! I still can’t help looking over the greener grass, but less so. I was seriously considering switching to Canon but the thumb grip for me at least, has made a HUGE IMPROVEMENT!
Great to hear. Canon cameras have great ergonomics but not so retro. The Z6Iii is just around the corner and it has a great grip
Where is the watch roll from?!
It’s an old one from Hodinkee! Lots of cheaper versions available these days though. Thanks for watching!
Sorry to throw this in - but MAP Camera is the best. I bought my Leica M3 DS from them and their customer service was insanely good!
Wonderful from hear from you - I love Map Camera and found Fujiya camera on my most recent trip. The customer service in Australia sadly is lacking by a lot! Hope you’re well, Merry Xmas!
Sony makes a good stick on grip for their RX100 series compact cameras. Nikon should make one for the ZF. All the current options makes a big camera even bigger.
Mmm interesting - I have seen third party stick on back grips? The Smallrig really does have a very thin base plate, hence it’s not the prettiest but I think the best streamlined option with the most functionality. Thanks for watching!
I to am obsessed, but with camera straps for my Zf. I’m convinced 34 to 36 inches is the perfect length of a neck strap for me. It been very difficult to find a strap with the right aesthetic, my preferred connection (split rings) and the proper length. So far Wotancraft’s parashooter are my favorites but just slightly too long. I have 2 of them. Also I have a Hawksmill Westminster strap, a Tuenne rope strap, Clever Supply Co. Ioe short strap, and a Peak Design wrist strap.
I also ordered a Peak Design leash in sage green for its adjustability with sage wrist strap to match. The justification of course is that green is my favorite color and I didn’t have one. Oh and while I’m waiting for the Peak Design straps , I ordered a Wotancraft Parashooter wrist strap to top it all off. I might have a problem. 🤣🤣🤣😳
I too have a camera strap problem - it is a little insane how much time I spend swapping straps in and out. Thanks for watching!
I too went down the rabbit hole of watches, I haven't got around to the slimming down phase though. I completely understand the over research and making things more difficult for myself mentality .. sigh. Thanks for the grip comparisons!
Thanks so much! I like watches so much that I edited too much like watch ads haha. No watch sponsors on the channels any time soon I’m afraid
Enjoyed the watch collection part a lot. When you get back in the game, I can recommend the smaller no date LLD in 39 mm.
Mmm yes I have seen the smaller LLD with a million different dial colours. Thanks for watching!
Have you thought about the slim wooden grip from iwoodstore?
Hi Nate! Yes I have thought about it but generally wood adds even more weight. They do look really cool though
I bought the smallrig for the Zf, but was driven mad by the idea that there was a better one in Japan. I ordered the one from Japan on EBay and returned it immediately. While it matches the camera better, and does have that little back thumb rest area, it was overall not fitting my hand well, and was less grippy than the smallrig. I kept the smallrig. I am hoping someone creative can somehow use the smallrig base to create an even thicker grip to attach to it.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this experience, except I flew to Japan to get the grip! I like the smallrig one just fine, even if it doesn't look as "retro" as some of the other options. Thanks for watching!
I returned my ZF despite liking the camera quite a bit. The worst thing I found was that 1.8 glass is so (surprisingly) wonderful, it overshadowed the 28 and 40 pancakes - but at the same time, it also felt too big for the gripless, heavy ZF body. That, combined with something about external grips just not working for me. It's like when you see a smartphone in an otterbox. For that reason I never felt quite satisfied. I do miss that glass, though.
Yes the f1.8 glass is super underrated - testing them now! The Smallrig grip looks way bulkier in pictures than it does in person. Very thin baseplate and soft grip. The Z6iii that’s coming out might change a lot of people’s minds. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy Agreed, it's massively underrated. Perhaps because people wanted 1.4/1.2s out of the gate and ignored them. As a result, I haven't ruled out going back to Nikon and the z6iii may well be what lures me back. I am also going to be keeping an eye on future ZF models as they have done an incredible amount right with it. As a Nikon F100 owner, and starting out on a d5300, I've got a lot of time for the brand!
Yep the Zf is my first Nikon camera and I am a convert. Thanks for watching!
What a great video!! Love your honesty too. So the SmallGrip? This is timely. I was about to purchase! Thank you. 🙏
Yes after all that fussing it’s the Smallrig that’s the best overall for my use. Glad it was helpful!
You made two statements apart that made me laugh a little. "Happy Wife, happy life" and the "Thrill of the Chase". Good luck with that. On a serious note, interesting I'm watching this vid about the DF and you revealed we have the same taste in mechanical watches. The Legend Diver is a beast. Love it.
Yes the legend diver is beautiful - the newer 39mm versions come in all the colours under the sun
"Thrill of the chase" - so true, specially regarding my cameras: have more then enough to cover every aspect, but here I am next to you on YT continuing the chase, because it is fun to play around with different cameras :D
Great video about the Zf grip man! I think you are the only one on YT I know who covers every grip there is currently wide available on the world + the romantic Nikon grip.
When I saw the JP exclusive grip from Nikon I was very dissappointed I was not able to get one, but now after seeing your video I'm glad I bought the Smallrig grip on day one of my Zf :D
Also great side story of your watches. When you showed the first two watches, I thought to myself, they are very nice, I would like to wear them, but my Apple watch is the one which motivates me to work out and track my fitness (fell of the wagon regarding health since being a dad since 3 years and only recently restarted my fitness again, Apple watch really helps) - but in the end we are also here on the same boat :D :)
I made the video I needed to see before buying the Zf - hope it is helpful for others! I have to say it is a relief to be out of watch collecting game, more time to obsess over cameras
@@BokehTherapy Amen to that brother 😀😎. Question is, what is on your next watch? You know mine already, and it is your fault I’m still eying on the M10M 😅😀
No other cameras in sight right now - need to test out all the Nikon lenses still. Very rare moment of camera zen for the time being
Wow going all the way to Japan for a grip, I made my own grip with a piece of 3/8” aluminum which I had black powder coated and a piece of Ash hardwood which in the shape of the MD 12 motor drive for my Nikon FE. I didn’t make a cut out for the battery compartment but I can just turn it with the lens off and I can remove the battery. I enjoy your videos and I must admit that when I bought a Nikon grip for my Nikon V1 years ago, it was the best grip that I found. Other manufacturers tried but there was no comparison. But it made the camera so much more enjoyable to shoot with. Ergonomics are very important if you’re working with your camera all day. Nikon DSLR’s were great compared to other manufacturers like Sony which look like a brick with a lump on them.😂Regards Gerry
Gerry I am envious of your craftsmanship to make a grip! I don’t have the skills I’m afraid. Ergonomics on the Zf aren’t great but that’s what the Z6iii is for. Thanks for watching!
Actually I also own a Z5 and a Zfc which is where I use the grip.The grip on the Z5 is great. My old D700 has great ergonomics as well.😊
I've been through these "thrill of the chase" things with a lot of areas of my life too. Thankfully I usually end up at a final destination that balances all the various factors. Been down the GAS train with watches, guitars, keyboards, cameras, lenses, etc. Cameras are the one area of my life that is still in flux I think though.
I've got 4 different bodies (2 full frame, two M43), probably a dozen lenses or so. I have been through a lot of phases and honestly the one thing that's helping more than anything is just getting out and shooting. While I will continue to buy and sell bits (literally have another lens coming in tomorrow), I'm actually starting to make progress by process of elimination. I don't shoot at night, I don't shoot in low light, I've been shooting more and more stopped down and kinda grew out of the bokeh obsession on my end (just now used when it's called for, and not literally every shot as I used to). That's meant f4 lenses are fine with me, especially for landscapes, cityscapes, urban decay, etc.
Anyway, I've already shot more photos in 2024 than the last 6 years combined, and that's really helping me identify all the unnecessary gear in collection. My niche is really taking off, I'm more aware then ever before "what I want, and what I need", and by the end of the year I'll probably have sold off the extra bits (sorta like your watch collection).
It's a process for sure, but the journey has been fun. Sometimes GAS is a good thing = it can help you figure out what you really want...so long as you don't let it bankrupt you in the process. Best of luck my friend.
Guitars and keyboards! Lots of collecting in your past. Turning 40 in a few weeks, hoping to learn as I go. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy I'll be 39 here shortly myself, but yeah I have an office/studio space full of things I probably don't need. But thankfully my GAS is only tied up in a single hobby right now and not 3-4.
I also am the kind of person who almost always sells unused gear so my cycling of gear doesn't lead to hoarding thankfully. Don't feel a camera or lens anymore? Sell it. Buy a new mountain bike? Sell the old one. Etc. When I migrated from Sony APS-C to full frame, selling all my old gear paid for all the new gear...so it's been mostly a wash.
Happy early birthday btw. 39 for me = half dead for an American male (life expectancy is 78) LOL. Live life to the fullest my friend.
Haha oh no, hopefully my second half is better than the first! Selling and reselling is the only way I have managed to keep this hobby afloat with the wife’s permission. I have gotten strangely into product photography as a result - topic for a future video!
I don’t think that the soft silicon Small Grip will last very long…! And how does it perform in hot weather for a long while?
It’ll be interesting to find out. Cheers
I am based in Australia so a very interesting test case for a hot and humid environment most of the year. Will report back with long term use, but for the moment it’s doing great. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy HI…! What a coincidence, I’m also based in Australia, Canberra to be exact where it can be very hot and dry in summer and
extremely cold 🥶 in winter. I currently use Neewar and a Wood (ebony ) grips and I’m quite pleased with them, but as we know always wonder
what the Others are like??? Cheers mate 😂
A fellow Aussie photographer! Nice to connect, I haven’t visited Canberra for a few years, will need to pick your brain for the best photo spots next time I have a trip lined up. Canberra winters were quite brutal from what I can remember!
We are alike in that way haha. I hope smallrig comes out with a v2 of the grip, providing a comfy thumb grip. I also spotted some third party glue-on tumbrest that I may give a try
Some others have had success with the thumb grip, let me know how you go with yours? I haven’t yet taken that plunge, the Smallrig is comfortable enough for now. Unless I start using 400mm lenses for street lol
@@BokehTherapy i dont think those cold shoe thumb grips are good for the zf. There isn’t a point of contact on the camera so there is a massive pressure on the shoe to break. But the adhesive variants might be good enough
Yup I never understood the camera cages and handles with the cold shoe as the only point of attachment. It’s just two pieces of metal or plastic most of the time!
Loved the video. Still on the fence bout getting the zf and selling everything else (m9,a7s,xt1,em5mk1). Lovely watch collection and I honestly had the apple on my.wrist before I felt it made me wanna look too much. Hence returned it to my wife and am using the watch she bought me. Tag
Nice one! I don’t have a watch collection anymore, out of the game for now. Thanks for watching, the Zf is a great camera!
@@BokehTherapy is it good enough to replace my current setup?
Goodness, you have a big setup with presumably a lot of lenses? Hard to say, but other than the Leica M shooting experience the Zf can do everything else that my other cameras do. It’s become my daily driver that pairs really well with digital M Rangefinders.
Loved this video! I really enjoyed the structure with the watch interludes and the 'making things harder on myself' theme really resonated with me and my hobbies. Subscribed!
Thanks so much for the feedback Sean! Working on this week’s video now
From sneakers to watches, I came to the realization it’s all about the thrill of the chase for me 🤦♂️ I stopped using the Apple Watch to stop being so connected, but that led me to becoming a Hans Wilsdorf fanboy 😂 Thanks for the input on the ZR1, if I go back to the Zf I know I’ll stick with the Smallrig grip. I current quest, finding a Q3 at retail 😅
The thrill of the chase is why we are all here! Good luck with the Q3, I still have not yet seen one out in the wild in Australia
Congratulations Dr Jack!
Thanks Andrew!
Thanks for the video. I had to take a nap and this did the trick.
lol thanks anyway
Hi Jack. Camera manufacturers not having finger print sensors or number pads for pincodes is a big bug bear of mine, grrrrr.
Yes!! We are totally vulnerable, and it’s very easy to implement. Fingerprint sensors for phones are very cheap, can hide it behind the LCD screen
thrill of the chase. amen for this. after finished completing my wishlist, I think I will be full of satisfication but life is felt empty instead.
so in the end do you prefer nikon grip or smallrig grip?
fellow omega lover here.
I think the Smallrig one is best value and comfort over the Nikon. I love how it doesn’t really change the height of the camera. Thanks for watching - I am out of the watch game for now at least!
@@BokehTherapy as for wooden grip, I have it for my a7c. it is very solid, big grip, and heavy. it takes big space between your fingers and lens. with bigger lens like sony 50mm f1.2 gm, my fingers couldnt wrap the grip properly because my middle and ring fingers couldnt slip between grip and lens. So i sold it and get halfcase instead. with bigger camera like Zf maybe the space doesnt matter.
Yes I always go for leather half cases first if possible - style alone means I will use it more than grips probably!
Ha! Glad I got the SmallRig one without looking elsewhere LOL
Yup did the legwork so you don’t have to haha. Lots more grips have been released since I made this video though
1:08 And ladies, do the math!
lol thanks for watching!
Somewhat bizarre how similar our taste is in watches. I only wear an Apple Watch now too - having been through many other expensive brands… I think we all have to go through this process to varying degrees. I find it peaceful to be free of the acquisition drive. I have things my 18 year old self wouldn’t believe and I feel no different. I guess that’s not what was lacking all along.
Photographers tend to have similar tastes in many things but always good to know I’m not alone! The acquisition drive will always be there, I’m just trying to point it in the right direction. Watches don’t seem to fill the void, they just make it bigger somehow
very informative video, one stone kills two birds... intention for best Grip and extra with watch promo in/out, what a bonus again. Thanks
Thanks so much! I’ve received some mixed feedback on watches in this video, it’s getting confused for sponsored content rather than a story telling device. Will work harder on clarity for the next video
Let me see..watch nerd, photography, and “happy wife, happy life” philosophy…subscribed!!!
Thanks so much - meeting lots of like minded people via TH-cam - more to come!
Just searched the ZF GR1 Grip, it’s selling for 160€ here in Europe 😂
Yes it’s rather ridiculous! Not worth it unless the ergos work for you, I found it a bit too heavy. Thanks for watching!
The grip issue with the ZF just tells me this social media era is the dumbest ever. Anyone complains about Leica Grip?
You’re right, but Leica rangefinders are two handed manual focus operation all the time and the lenses are smaller. Autofocusing ZF tends to encourage one handed operation, and the f1.8 primes are bigger. I prefer not to use handgrips myself but most people who own the Zf need one it seems
Putting an AirTag in a camera and assuming one can trick the thief is the dumbest idea 😂
Haha yes it needs to be built in to the camera. Fingerprint sensors are pretty cheap right? Should be embedded into the shutter!
@@BokehTherapy yes and face detection technology
Mmm Face ID built into the EVF?
NEEWER, all the way !
I really like their newer version too - CA079. Love the looks, but prefer the Smallrig for comfort in my hands.
Superb video but I must say even though I am a watch lover I find you should maybe not mix camera and watch content in same video
Thanks so much for watching! It is harder than ever to cut through on TH-cam so mixing content is all trial and error. Thanks for the feedback too!
I couldn't find the right grip either so I decided to make my own from wood and attached it to a small rig base. Let me know what you think th-cam.com/users/shortsIJd0RjV53WA?si=mWh46OqwRRFYKSWP
Wow! I wish I had the skills to pull this off, looks great! Is it working well for you?
@@BokehTherapy I needed to make a few variations but this one is perfect 👌
Super impressive - glad to hear. Happy shooting!
I am just as obsessed as u are. Thank you for this video. Enter Islam and success.
Thanks for watching!
Found all those grips made the camera look awful. But I did find a half case that made the camera look fantastic with a nice grip
Yup the symmetrical design of the Zf is beautiful, most grips ruin it for me too. Which halfcase did you go with?
@BokehTherapy it was Ali Express, it was called the Mr. Stone ZF camera case. I just really liked how it has a leather wrap around it but an aluminum bottom. Instead of the annoying flaps that are either magnetic or buttoned. And I liked the buttoned flap that covers the ports because I never use them on any of my cameras. I do photography. I have no use for all those extra ports. Basically, I've been using it with the 26mm 2.8 for almost a month to see if it's compact enough to replace my x100v before I think about possibly selling it. It is and the image quality far beyond the 100v. I got 35mm 1.8 for it also, but I just don't want to take off that pancake lens.
Oh the 26mm! Have to try that one still, will also research the Mr Stone halfcase. Thanks for the tips
Main reason I sold the Zf, were grips, once you added that it was not small and not all that light. Love the watches thrown in there. And soon you will be trying to minimize your camera collection, good luck finding the perfect camera for you!
Thanks for watching! Yes it’s is all the thrill of the chase
I am not against sponsored ads, ppl need to make a living. But can't you do it all together at the beginning or the end, it's interrupting and annoying this way. The content is good otherwise
Thanks for watching - this video isn’t sponsored? But thanks for the feedback, affiliate income keeps the lights on. Edit: just realised you might mean the sections about watches? That was my attempt at story telling, no watch companies sponsor the channel as of yet.
Took me a minute too, but the watches clearly became an obvious analogy for your camera GAS.
As a watch enthusiast, we want all these details and shots of watches mentioned.
Thanks for the feedback - I sold all of them already so didn’t have the chance to get more B-roll!
@@BokehTherapy yes, I was referring the watch part. My apologies for my mistake, I thought those were ads and skip those parts. I personally love watch too. It's just that I personally would be expecting camera info in this vid. But this is just personal opinion. I like your comparison of the grips, keep up the good work
Expensive grip then.
Yup especially if you try to buy it outside Japan
Far too much time talking about watches! However, good review of the grips. Don't know if I'll watch any further videos if they're full of perceived commercials of other products.
Hi Mike, watches are a story telling device, not sponsored (otherwise it needs to be declared). Didn’t get the balance right for this video, will work harder on clarity for future content. Thanks for the feedback
So... you're not wearing any of the watches you described in the video? Wearing something completely different while taking street photos.
I see at least 10 more grips on Google, where will you take us next?
Yes I sold them all because there’s no such thing as a perfect collection! The number of grips have exploded since I made this video, might need to do a follow up. Thanks so much for watching!