To clarify, all of the photos shot in this video were JPEG, which was the reference for my comment on converting b&w to color. However, I misspoke, if you shoot in RAW, you can convert the B&W photos to color in post. Nikon has made it possible to remap/reassign button functions, in my opinion it seems to be one more hurdle to keeping someone from picking up this camera to be creative. True, you can purchase a grip to add to the camera. Which implies that the ergonomics of the grip was a known concern, and the add on was a solution to rectify the problem. Rather than the additional grip being an add on, Nikon could have simply made the body that way and not made it one more ticket item for the consumer.
Re The grip. If its a problem you can get a grip but I use mine with big lenses like the 80-400 with the FTZ adapter without the grip. I probably don't find it an issue because I am a used to holding the gear with my left hand. In your video you commented about the playback button on the top left being inconvenient .. yes it is ! but I realised that I don't have to press it with my left hand ;-) I have started to press it with my right hand while still holding the camera with my left hand. Yes I love the Zf .. and Have been using my old F-Mount lenses(with the FTZ adapter) with it even the Manual focus ones like the 50mm F1.4 AIS. the IBIS also gives new life to my old Sigma 150mm f2.8.
Hi Tilly, I think this video is more of a first impression than a review. A number of things you talk about shows you didn't spend a lot of time with the camera to fully understand it. I would recommend you rent it for longer, check out the reference guide to get a better handle on how to best use the Zf. Further, it seems you are relatively new to Nikon cameras, welcome. It's great that today someone chooses to start photography shooting film and not dgital. The Z Mount has been out since 2018 when the Z6 and Z7 were introduced, at that time they released an FTZ (and later the FTZ II) adapter to allow you to use older Nikon glass on their newer mirrorless system, if you aren't ready to get Z glass. If the Zf is your first use of a Z Mount camera, it is a great way to get started however, I recommend you get the Small Rig grip to allow more comfort with those larger lens. As far as the controls up top, they are more for suited manual use but, depending on the mode, you can use them in other modes as well. The sub command dials works similarly to other Nikon digital cameras allowing for seasoned Nikon digital shooters and those that started with film to feel comfortable with it. In addition, it also blends functions for those new to Nikon to gain experience and get comfortable with it. It is good to see younger shooters checking out this camera and posting about it however, this "review" left out a lot of info that other new shooters or those considering this camera would find useful. Hopefully you will get an opportunity to spend more time with it to offer an in depth review for your audience in a follow up video.
Yep, Nikon ZF manual focus viewfinder zoom with eye detect on manual lens is a bit of a game changer. It makes using vintage Nikon manual lens even better on the ZF than original Nikon cameras. Their are also 7 stop of VR etc, which are a first in any Nikon camera.
@@danielvilliers612 Oh yeah, they put some great stuff in this camera. It’s actually 8 stops of IBIS, which bums me out as my A7R V that I traded for the Z8 had the same 8 stops but, the Z8 is 5.5. If only they could tweak the Z8 to make it better.
You can go into the control settings and remap the image review button to your liking. You should try that. Also, with a lens as big as that you need to use two hands.
I’ve just bought a Z6 & the thing that surprised me was just how well the chipped AF-D screw-drive lenses work on the adapter. Nobody talks about that, so I didn’t know. Manual focusing them is much easier than I expected because the CPU connections supply focus data and you get a red square around your focus point in the viewfinder that turns green when it’s in focus. It’s very accurate and easy to use. On the down side, I’m not so taken with focus peeking for non-CPU lenses. It’s harder work, focusing those. I actually bought some more AF-D lenses as there are some great bargains out there.
It is extremely important that they went with the Z mount vs old F mount. The FTZ adapters works very well even with my F mount 3rd party lenses. They should make a prettier FTZ for the ZF though lol.
yeah they should !! maybe even a AF version that moves the mount so that we can AF with the old manual lenses !! Currently there is a way but you need 2 different third party adapters !! ..
I do feel your pain about having a new mount and replacing the F-mount. However, this change was highly necessary. The F-mount had become outdated and wasn't particularly suitable for video. Given the current trend where cameras are expected to be hybrid, catering to both photo and video needs, this transition was inevitable. I've personally been upgrading my old F-mounts to their new Z-mount counterparts, and I must say, I have no regrets. The Z-mount lenses, particularly those from the S-line, deliver stellar performance. Nice review, by the way. :)
Look at the cost of replacing a system. Even for new users buying into a system, F mount is a huge bargain right now. Nobody needs to do anything, plenty of capable F mount stuff lenses and bodies. Z mount is hit and miss, the lower end bodies are not ideal (this one is better but the design is a no go for many users). They have some sharp lenses, but there are plenty of sharp lenses on DSLR systems too. Some people feel pressured by marketing, it's quite easy to ignore.
@@MrBazReviews I understand your point, and I agree to a certain extent because it all depends on your use. Very often I hike (long hikes by the way) with a ton of equipment on my back. In my case, replacing my older and heavier lenses makes a LOT of sense. I really don't mind paying more for my comfort. If someone else only does studio work, what you're saying is unquestionable.
@@LucianoStabel Yes some of the zooms can be heavy, a little less so MILC mounts. But you can just as easily use the F1.8 G primes quite light and still good optically, much lower weight. I don't think DSLR users are confined to studio use, yes some of the bodies are not that light, but then the Z8 isn't that light either. Some also still prefer an optical finder, this is an important point some overlook.
I never understand the complain about the lack of a good grip on these cameras. I think many photographers are not holding their camera correctly. The correct way is to hold the camera by the throat of the lens with your left hand. The right hand is only for adjusting the settings and releasing the shutter. You don't need a grip/
Exactly! Your right hand is just to balance the camera and press the shutter button, and turn the dials, that is all. Who the hell holds the camera with the grip? For many decades of film photography even sport phtographers with heavier lenses on the olympics or anywhere used Nikon F1, F2 and similar of that era without any grip. Leica ene today doesn't make any grip and they sell brutally expensive cameras like hot cake and noone is complaining.
I didn't land on your channel because of Rhett Shull. I'm a sincere organic subscriber follower of yours. I didn't cross reference it until you showed pictures of him, It took a couple of seconds, and then! oh! OMG> I finally have the opportunity to see Tilly in front of the camera (I'm a Rhett Shull fan also). Excellent! Nikon Zf It's my dream next camera. I'm a Df enthusiast and for me is a no-discussion topic. These cameras are not only beautiful, they are those types of cameras that have Souls in them. The photos that come out of that Full Frame sensor are genuinely inspiring. Awesome! Thank you for your channel, and thank you for this good quality, balanced source of information. I'm a subscriber now! Thanks
Um I like the review but a few points are a bit misleading. Get the additional grip. Shoot raw + jpeg to retain color. Remap buttons accordingly, get the ftz adapter. Most importantly, watch other reviews and plan accordingly!
I upgraded to this from a D7100. For me it's perfect. Excellent in low light, great image stabilisation, small form factor. I do not want a camera the size and weight of a Besser block even if it could shoot the far side of the moon. Does it have some quirks and a learning curve? Sure, what camera doesn't? I'm happy with it.
As a commercial photogpraher for over 35 yrs - I was intrigued by this little oddity so I bought one - I usually use MF - I now also have the Hasselblad 907x and CFV100c - thanks to Clifton Cameras UK and Hasselblad I was the 1st in the Uk to have one - however so far out of the two new cameras I already know I will take more pictures with the little Nikon than the Hasselblad - although to be fair the Hass is for commercial work and the Nikon more for 'quick, there's a shot!' - I absolutley love it - its a sweet little thing and they really should make a proper battery grip for it like the original F cameras had - now if I can just find a way turn off that silly button at the front where my third finger sits all will be well with the world!!!!! Oh and the Black And White switch is delightful
Try the Z 26mm F2.8. It's a true pancake. It's half the size of the small 28mm & 40mm lenses. But it has a metal mount, more weather sealing and it's built better.
Just got the 26mm f2.8 lens with the Zf a week ago. Only tested a little bit so far but really seems like a perfect match for a compact travel powerhouse. Also got the 24-200mm f4-6.3 and wow does that cover a lot of ground and yields beautiful results. Still balances well with a neck strap with the 24-200mm. For me it’s definitely going to be worth carrying that second lens around. Haven’t tried the extended grip yet.
Thank you for the nice, useful and highly enjoyable review. Let me refer to one statement of yours: namely, that the b&w photos cannot be turned back into color. My personal experience (with RAW image files): the photos taken in b&w with the Nikon Z F show up as b&w thumbnails in both Adobe PS and e.g. windows picture viewer, but when opening the photos they "become" color photos and you can process them as such in Adobe PS. On the other hand in Nikon's NX Studio the thumbnails are b&w and they also open as b&w... but if you open the b&w image file from NX Studio with Adobe PS (opting for "original image file, no adjustment applied), it opens as color image in PS... seemingly having preserved the color information. As for myself i rather make b&w as part of post-process... though it is not only fun but quite helpful to create b&w photos so, that you can see the world ab ovo in b&w (then later the image, with all the color information, can be turned back into b&w, the way (whatever) you like).
I just got Nik Silver Efex (Black Friday sale, yay!) and I'm really liking it. My Fuji has film emulation modes, including B&W, and my Leica Q2m is a b&w-only camera, but I like messing around with the b&w conversion in post, like you, when I want b&w out of the color camera.
@@mgscheue Plus, as you certainly are aware of, the majority of reviews state that Nik Silver Efex is one of if not the best b&w converting/editing software. I use DXO Nik Collection as an Adobe PS plugin. By the way, the original team started the NIK Collection in 1995., in 2012. the collection was repackaged by Google, around 2016. the whole package was legally freely downloadable for quite a while... it was the time i started using it... then in 2017. DXO purchased it... it was the time when my legal, free copy magically disappeared from my pc... so i purchased it from DXO... and i do not regret it... i even keep paying for the upgrades... though i mostly use only the NIK (now 6) Silver Efex. So, have a great time with this software. Regards.
5:30 not true - come on if you do a review you should prepare.. people are watching and making decision based on what you say… People who buy FX body for this $ they do photos in RAW and RAW only. And it means you can shoot in BW and Raw retain the color anyways. If you want to shoot in JPG at least do RAW+JPG…. But still… JPG… come on. If for what ever reason you decide to do jpg it is pretty obvious it is post processed file so no getting back to raw data after it is saved.
Exactly right. All she had to do is watch other Zf reviews on TH-cam to learn that color is retained in RAW files. Also, there are other reasons besides the ability to develop wider aperture lenses for the Z vs F mount. For instance, less vignetting and distortion. I hope she goes back and corrects her mistakes. I hope no one bases their decision whether to buy the Nikon Zf based solely on her review.
@@lensman227 Agreed, not the best review on any level, she seems to be troubled by the fact that the ZF isn't exactly the same as a 'standard' Z camera, "it doesn't suit fat, heavy lenses", "it's grip isn't big enough", "it's got dials on the top plate, like a film camera", "it doesn't turn B&W photo's back into color.." "what the hell is going on...."
@@mgscheue Wrong, she complains that it slows the process down and, that some people will have a problem with that. She should just stick to her soulless, robotic Sony's, and stop trashing retro cameras.
@@SaintKimbo Sorry she hurt your feelings and that you’re having trouble I’m understanding what she said. It’s perfectly clear to me. Good luck with that anger.
My worlds collided. I wanted to watch a review on the ZF and you came up in the search. I'm a DSLR and SLR photographer thinking about a Mirrorless. I also play guitar. When I was watching the photo examples I recognized Rhett at the 4:29 mark, but I was, like "naaaah that wasn't him". Then I saw his tag later... then I saw your name... Hi Shulls 👋
It's my understanding that if you have selected Raw/jpeg, when shooting in B&W the jpeg will be in b&w but the raw file can be changed to color if you want to. I subscribed.
I like the traditional controls, but specifically the even more traditional controls on my Fuji X-T5, which doesn't have a PASM dial, and also with my Leica Q2 Monochrom. Set the shutter speed and aperture dial both to A and you're in "P" mode, set the shutter speed to A and manually set the aperture and you're in A mode, etc. No need for a separate mode selection dial. 7:30 Rhett shopping for a classic 911?
This camera couple with Sony lenses works well especially any with a a picture ring. They are smaller lighter and the adapter is really small. The 50mm 1.4 works great. Less so for continuous video but phot is great. Just a thought if you have Sony glass already.😊
Tilly, I appreciated your perspectives about the camera. One thing to note is that the Zf allows you to re-map your Playback button to another button. I know quite a few Z9 and Z8 users who have set up their Zf cameras to have the Playback button in the bottom right-hand corner of the body so that it is in the same location as their other cameras.
True. I do understand that Nikon has made it possible to remap the buttons, however, my comment on the placement is based on the design, as it comes, from Nikon. I appreciate the ability to change the playback to another button, but if it were more ergonomically placed, it would not be necessary to have other options. My goal is to encourage creativity, with as few hurdles as possible.
Thanks for this nice intro to the zf. I also shoot F3s and a few other film Nikons and have hoped they’d offer something similar to Fuji X-T series. By the way, could you (or anyone else here) recommend a repair shop for Nikon F3 - around NC or NYC? Thx again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments....I haven't yet gone to mirrorless gear but I found this video helps me decide...I am a Nikon user so will stick with Nikon.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
I am not brand new to cameras, pretty new to Nikon, have a RP and a 90D. They stay home a lot now. Did the ZF make a ho hum guy better, yep. Being old and resistant to doing things through a menu I appreciate the manual controls. I deeply appreciate the in body stabilization and a sensor that is not so prone to wash out the bright stuff or bury the shadows. I shoot manual focus lenses a lot and the focus assist is top drawer. The camera is compact and I did buy a grip for it, I kept activating the function button on the right side with out a grip. No comment on auto focus because I have no native mount lenses yet. Overall was impressed with the feature set for the price, excellent value. Gear does make a difference. My eye sight is not what it use to be and a ev with a faster refresh rate and sharper flippy screen would be on my wish list, but the ones on the camera are just fine. I am having lots of fun and getting out more with the ZF. I put the iso on auto and adjust the shutter speed or aperature as needed, with my 28mm Ultron the camera is basically point and shoot. it doesn't get much faster or easier than that. It is personal thing though and if you are on the fence go rent one and see if it is a fit.
Larger apertures don’t necessarily deliver more detailed images at those wider apertures. In fact, the opposite is generally true. Now, at more pedestrian aperture settings, because it’s been stopped down by at least two EV, the faster lens should deliver higher quality images.
I bought the ZF a few months ago and I'm mostly do street photography with it and the hit rate is off the hook. the grip I agree was brutal but the 39.00 small rig took care of that. I use the 26 mm most the time but did buy the 24-70 also and it's all I really need for street work. My bigger F lens stay on the D850.
Just in case you didn't mentioned, you will never be able to use a dSLR lens in a mirrorless camera, not only in Nikon, but in any other camera brand but Leica. So, thinking you could use your Nikon vintage lenses isn't the camera's fault :D
I won a Df, and have spent many years lovingly using it - and when the time comes to replace it, I will turn to the Zf, it looks more iconic than my Df.
As a matter of fact, older F mount glass renders better on Nikon mirrorless cameras (ZF) with FTZ adapter than they ever did on F mount cameras. BTW the larger Z mount design has nothing to do with speed, but to actually bring the Z mount lens closer to the camera sensor thereby eliminating lens anomalies like flare and chromatic aberrations. Z mount did produce great S line lenses that are fast and gather more light but the design is more about evolving lens technology as a whole. ZF Rocks!
what about auto iso? everyone complaining about some auto iso limitations where you can’t set it to usual auto, but you have to choose the range for auto iso or something like that.
Great review and you have a lovely voice. I tested on a store just before was on sell and was really nice to hold and had very fast focus with a few lens I tried zoom and prime lens. I may consider going back to Nikon, I have Fuji system as well Sony. Fuji after I tried the sony a few years ago it's on my self more and more lacking the fine detail I have on Sony and the high dynamic range Sony it's underfull on a lot a things but lacks on color. Sony is getting to expensive on every lens and new cameras. I Subscribed
Thanks for an excellent review Tilly! I love your honest, unbiased perspective! BTW - Canon changed their mount as well - so as you mentioned - you need to use an adapter on both systems. The good thing about the older lenses - they're significantly less expensive - and a huge variety of lenses. The new glass has very limited choices! Plus as a general rule - the new glass is considerably slower than older lenses - and often they have a variable aperture (slow to slower LOL) which seems CRAZY to me!
There are plenty of lens options for Z mount, including fast primes. There are a handful of fixed-aperture zooms too. Variable aperture (not shutter speed) lenses are not a new thing either.
@@SaintKimbo Some great Z mount lenses from other companies, too, like Voigtlander. (Don't have a Z Nikon but I do have some Voigtlander lenses for my other cameras.)
@@SaintKimbo - you're right there are lots of Z series lenses - but there are exponentially more AFS/AFD lenses. The premium Z series lenses are sometimes double the price of a comparible AFS. That was my point...not bashing Z series lenses here LOL!
You can move the Playback button to the Display button. In my opinion, you should of checked all of the ends and out of the camera before you post a video. If i was looking to buy this camera based on a persons review, i would buy this based on your review. 😢 Next time do a thorough job before putting out a video. Thanks ❤
The mount critique is not a worthwhile critique, because they had to change the mount because these are mirrorless cameras. The f mount lenses have to be so far from the sensor because they were designed to work on cameras with mirrors. So they can't just make it f mount and magically have the old lenses work without an adapter, unless people want a lot of empty space in their mirrorless camera.
Why talk about the Z mount as an 'issue?" That was 6 years ago for heavens's sake!! And it had to be changed from F mount - too many restrictions for the latter.
This body is not meant for that particular lens. I own this camera and all I use are small primes. It’s treated like a Leica and no one slaps a heavy lens on rangefinders.
This lens on your Zf looks terribly awkward :D ZF is meaningless without lenses matching the aesthetics. Unfortunately, Nikon is not willing to make a motorized adapter for the brilliant AF-D lenses, shame on Nikon. Nikon forces you to buy new lenses. When I had the Df that was absolutely brilliant in this sense since it revitalized all AF-D lenses. Nikon made big mistakes with Df, and completely dropped the line, but it was excellent for stills photography.
it looks nothing like a classic F-series Nikon camera. Too big, too ugly, too many useless features. Not in the same league as an FE2 or FM2 loaded with Tri 400 and never will be.
Beautiful camera, but they lost me with the ridiculous gigantic Z mount. If I can't use my collection of F mount Nikkor manual film camera lenses natively, then it doesn’t "shoot like a film camera". No sale, sorry Nikon. I really don't understand who this camera is made for.
@StapediusReflex I meant to say "natively", sorry. I edited my comment. I owned the Z6ii and the ftz adapter, it's big and ugly, and turns tiny film era lenses into large cumbersome things. The "fz" body may look like a Nikon FM2, but I guarantee it doesn't handle like one with an AiS lens + adapter.
@@D.Trider nothing with the Z mount is tiny. The opening itself is literally medium format size. E mount has beautiful and small Zeiss Loxia manual focus glass, with no adapter.
To clarify, all of the photos shot in this video were JPEG, which was the reference for my comment on converting b&w to color. However, I misspoke, if you shoot in RAW, you can convert the B&W photos to color in post.
Nikon has made it possible to remap/reassign button functions, in my opinion it seems to be one more hurdle to keeping someone from picking up this camera to be creative.
True, you can purchase a grip to add to the camera. Which implies that the ergonomics of the grip was a known concern, and the add on was a solution to rectify the problem. Rather than the additional grip being an add on, Nikon could have simply made the body that way and not made it one more ticket item for the consumer.
Re The grip. If its a problem you can get a grip but I use mine with big lenses like the 80-400 with the FTZ adapter without the grip. I probably don't find it an issue because I am a used to holding the gear with my left hand. In your video you commented about the playback button on the top left being inconvenient .. yes it is ! but I realised that I don't have to press it with my left hand ;-) I have started to press it with my right hand while still holding the camera with my left hand. Yes I love the Zf .. and Have been using my old F-Mount lenses(with the FTZ adapter) with it even the Manual focus ones like the 50mm F1.4 AIS. the IBIS also gives new life to my old Sigma 150mm f2.8.
You can turn the black and white to color if you’re shooting raw. In lightroom
Hi Tilly, I think this video is more of a first impression than a review. A number of things you talk about shows you didn't spend a lot of time with the camera to fully understand it. I would recommend you rent it for longer, check out the reference guide to get a better handle on how to best use the Zf. Further, it seems you are relatively new to Nikon cameras, welcome. It's great that today someone chooses to start photography shooting film and not dgital. The Z Mount has been out since 2018 when the Z6 and Z7 were introduced, at that time they released an FTZ (and later the FTZ II) adapter to allow you to use older Nikon glass on their newer mirrorless system, if you aren't ready to get Z glass. If the Zf is your first use of a Z Mount camera, it is a great way to get started however, I recommend you get the Small Rig grip to allow more comfort with those larger lens. As far as the controls up top, they are more for suited manual use but, depending on the mode, you can use them in other modes as well. The sub command dials works similarly to other Nikon digital cameras allowing for seasoned Nikon digital shooters and those that started with film to feel comfortable with it. In addition, it also blends functions for those new to Nikon to gain experience and get comfortable with it.
It is good to see younger shooters checking out this camera and posting about it however, this "review" left out a lot of info that other new shooters or those considering this camera would find useful. Hopefully you will get an opportunity to spend more time with it to offer an in depth review for your audience in a follow up video.
Yep, Nikon ZF manual focus viewfinder zoom with eye detect on manual lens is a bit of a game changer. It makes using vintage Nikon manual lens even better on the ZF than original Nikon cameras. Their are also 7 stop of VR etc, which are a first in any Nikon camera.
@@danielvilliers612 Oh yeah, they put some great stuff in this camera. It’s actually 8 stops of IBIS, which bums me out as my A7R V that I traded for the Z8 had the same 8 stops but, the Z8 is 5.5. If only they could tweak the Z8 to make it better.
If you shoot raw using the B&W button you can go back to colour in post.
That’s great to know! Thank you.
You can go into the control settings and remap the image review button to your liking. You should try that. Also, with a lens as big as that you need to use two hands.
I’ve just bought a Z6 & the thing that surprised me was just how well the chipped AF-D screw-drive lenses work on the adapter. Nobody talks about that, so I didn’t know. Manual focusing them is much easier than I expected because the CPU connections supply focus data and you get a red square around your focus point in the viewfinder that turns green when it’s in focus. It’s very accurate and easy to use. On the down side, I’m not so taken with focus peeking for non-CPU lenses. It’s harder work, focusing those. I actually bought some more AF-D lenses as there are some great bargains out there.
There is the FTZ/FTZ II adapter to allow for f mount lens compatibility with the Z f.
That FTZ II adapter will not give you autofocus capability with screw driven D series lenses, you will have to manually focus them.
@@jb-xc4oh true
I dont shoot as much film on my F3 anymore, but it is so much fun using all my old glass on the ZF!
I also like the ability to use the front and back dials as a modern camera bypassing the top dials.
It is extremely important that they went with the Z mount vs old F mount. The FTZ adapters works very well even with my F mount 3rd party lenses. They should make a prettier FTZ for the ZF though lol.
yeah they should !! maybe even a AF version that moves the mount so that we can AF with the old manual lenses !! Currently there is a way but you need 2 different third party adapters !! ..
You can program DISPLAY button for PLAYBACK. Then program playback button as Display.
I do feel your pain about having a new mount and replacing the F-mount. However, this change was highly necessary. The F-mount had become outdated and wasn't particularly suitable for video. Given the current trend where cameras are expected to be hybrid, catering to both photo and video needs, this transition was inevitable. I've personally been upgrading my old F-mounts to their new Z-mount counterparts, and I must say, I have no regrets. The Z-mount lenses, particularly those from the S-line, deliver stellar performance. Nice review, by the way. :)
The 85mm was beautiful! In hindsight I realize that a shorter focal length was the way to go. I will save it for next time. Thanks for watching!
Look at the cost of replacing a system. Even for new users buying into a system, F mount is a huge bargain right now.
Nobody needs to do anything, plenty of capable F mount stuff lenses and bodies.
Z mount is hit and miss, the lower end bodies are not ideal (this one is better but the design is a no go for many users). They have some sharp lenses, but there are plenty of sharp lenses on DSLR systems too. Some people feel pressured by marketing, it's quite easy to ignore.
@@MrBazReviews I understand your point, and I agree to a certain extent because it all depends on your use. Very often I hike (long hikes by the way) with a ton of equipment on my back. In my case, replacing my older and heavier lenses makes a LOT of sense. I really don't mind paying more for my comfort. If someone else only does studio work, what you're saying is unquestionable.
@@LucianoStabel Yes some of the zooms can be heavy, a little less so MILC mounts. But you can just as easily use the F1.8 G primes quite light and still good optically, much lower weight.
I don't think DSLR users are confined to studio use, yes some of the bodies are not that light, but then the Z8 isn't that light either. Some also still prefer an optical finder, this is an important point some overlook.
I never understand the complain about the lack of a good grip on these cameras. I think many photographers are not holding their camera correctly. The correct way is to hold the camera by the throat of the lens with your left hand. The right hand is only for adjusting the settings and releasing the shutter. You don't need a grip/
💯 percent correct
I agree, my F2 doesn't have a grip and it never caused me any problems.
Exactly! Your right hand is just to balance the camera and press the shutter button, and turn the dials, that is all. Who the hell holds the camera with the grip? For many decades of film photography even sport phtographers with heavier lenses on the olympics or anywhere used Nikon F1, F2 and similar of that era without any grip. Leica ene today doesn't make any grip and they sell brutally expensive cameras like hot cake and noone is complaining.
You also know what you're buying It's a retro styled camera you can't go out in the rain and complain about getting wet
After taking the picture does it show play back instantly and be able to zoom your image without having to press the playback button?
I'm not sure about the zooming but the image does show for a few seconds at least after shooting.
That’s one of the few reasons I will still use DSLR 's for pictures, and mirrorless for video. @@mindymcbride151
Great review thanks a lot, I have since many years the D810 is the fx great for me the have now?
I didn't land on your channel because of Rhett Shull. I'm a sincere organic subscriber follower of yours. I didn't cross reference it until you showed pictures of him, It took a couple of seconds, and then! oh! OMG> I finally have the opportunity to see Tilly in front of the camera (I'm a Rhett Shull fan also). Excellent! Nikon Zf It's my dream next camera. I'm a Df enthusiast and for me is a no-discussion topic. These cameras are not only beautiful, they are those types of cameras that have Souls in them. The photos that come out of that Full Frame sensor are genuinely inspiring. Awesome! Thank you for your channel, and thank you for this good quality, balanced source of information. I'm a subscriber now! Thanks
I use a lot of F mount glass with an adapter, love the ability to use both Z and F glass
Um I like the review but a few points are a bit misleading. Get the additional grip. Shoot raw + jpeg to retain color. Remap buttons accordingly, get the ftz adapter. Most importantly, watch other reviews and plan accordingly!
I upgraded to this from a D7100. For me it's perfect. Excellent in low light, great image stabilisation, small form factor. I do not want a camera the size and weight of a Besser block even if it could shoot the far side of the moon. Does it have some quirks and a learning curve? Sure, what camera doesn't? I'm happy with it.
I have the 85 1.8, nice lens. 40 and 26 are my other two Z lenses.
Nice video! Was it shot on zf?
As a commercial photogpraher for over 35 yrs - I was intrigued by this little oddity so I bought one - I usually use MF - I now also have the Hasselblad 907x and CFV100c - thanks to Clifton Cameras UK and Hasselblad I was the 1st in the Uk to have one - however so far out of the two new cameras I already know I will take more pictures with the little Nikon than the Hasselblad - although to be fair the Hass is for commercial work and the Nikon more for 'quick, there's a shot!' - I absolutley love it - its a sweet little thing and they really should make a proper battery grip for it like the original F cameras had - now if I can just find a way turn off that silly button at the front where my third finger sits all will be well with the world!!!!! Oh and the Black And White switch is delightful
Also addendum the 40mm F2 shown here can be swapped for the retro looking 40mm F2 SE designed for the ZF
Try the Z 26mm F2.8. It's a true pancake. It's half the size of the small 28mm & 40mm lenses. But it has a metal mount, more weather sealing and it's built better.
Just got the 26mm f2.8 lens with the Zf a week ago. Only tested a little bit so far but really seems like a perfect match for a compact travel powerhouse. Also got the 24-200mm f4-6.3 and wow does that cover a lot of ground and yields beautiful results. Still balances well with a neck strap with the 24-200mm. For me it’s definitely going to be worth carrying that second lens around. Haven’t tried the extended grip yet.
is it made in japan or thailand?
Thank you for the nice, useful and highly enjoyable review. Let me refer to one statement of yours: namely, that the b&w photos cannot be turned back into color. My personal experience (with RAW image files): the photos taken in b&w with the Nikon Z F show up as b&w thumbnails in both Adobe PS and e.g. windows picture viewer, but when opening the photos they "become" color photos and you can process them as such in Adobe PS. On the other hand in Nikon's NX Studio the thumbnails are b&w and they also open as b&w... but if you open the b&w image file from NX Studio with Adobe PS (opting for "original image file, no adjustment applied), it opens as color image in PS... seemingly having preserved the color information. As for myself i rather make b&w as part of post-process... though it is not only fun but quite helpful to create b&w photos so, that you can see the world ab ovo in b&w (then later the image, with all the color information, can be turned back into b&w, the way (whatever) you like).
I just got Nik Silver Efex (Black Friday sale, yay!) and I'm really liking it. My Fuji has film emulation modes, including B&W, and my Leica Q2m is a b&w-only camera, but I like messing around with the b&w conversion in post, like you, when I want b&w out of the color camera.
@@mgscheue Plus, as you certainly are aware of, the majority of reviews state that Nik Silver Efex is one of if not the best b&w converting/editing software. I use DXO Nik Collection as an Adobe PS plugin. By the way, the original team started the NIK Collection in 1995., in 2012. the collection was repackaged by Google, around 2016. the whole package was legally freely downloadable for quite a while... it was the time i started using it... then in 2017. DXO purchased it... it was the time when my legal, free copy magically disappeared from my pc... so i purchased it from DXO... and i do not regret it... i even keep paying for the upgrades... though i mostly use only the NIK (now 6) Silver Efex. So, have a great time with this software. Regards.
5:30 not true - come on if you do a review you should prepare.. people are watching and making decision based on what you say… People who buy FX body for this $ they do photos in RAW and RAW only. And it means you can shoot in BW and Raw retain the color anyways. If you want to shoot in JPG at least do RAW+JPG…. But still… JPG… come on. If for what ever reason you decide to do jpg it is pretty obvious it is post processed file so no getting back to raw data after it is saved.
Exactly right. All she had to do is watch other Zf reviews on TH-cam to learn that color is retained in RAW files. Also, there are other reasons besides the ability to develop wider aperture lenses for the Z vs F mount. For instance, less vignetting and distortion. I hope she goes back and corrects her mistakes. I hope no one bases their decision whether to buy the Nikon Zf based solely on her review.
@@lensman227
Agreed, not the best review on any level, she seems to be troubled by the fact that the ZF isn't exactly the same as a 'standard' Z camera, "it doesn't suit fat, heavy lenses", "it's grip isn't big enough", "it's got dials on the top plate, like a film camera", "it doesn't turn B&W photo's back into color.." "what the hell is going on...."
@@SaintKimbo She presented the film camera-like dials as a plus, not a negative, and I agree with her on that.
@@mgscheue
Wrong, she complains that it slows the process down and, that some people will have a problem with that.
She should just stick to her soulless, robotic Sony's, and stop trashing retro cameras.
@@SaintKimbo Sorry she hurt your feelings and that you’re having trouble I’m understanding what she said. It’s perfectly clear to me.
Good luck with that anger.
I think it's great you went w/ the big boy lens b/c... that's kind of Nikon's strongest feature from a "which system to go with" POV.
My worlds collided.
I wanted to watch a review on the ZF and you came up in the search. I'm a DSLR and SLR photographer thinking about a Mirrorless. I also play guitar. When I was watching the photo examples I recognized Rhett at the 4:29 mark, but I was, like "naaaah that wasn't him". Then I saw his tag later... then I saw your name... Hi Shulls 👋
It just feels like a film camera. I’ve been shooting since the 80’s and I just got a Zf. It’s incredible.
It's my understanding that if you have selected Raw/jpeg, when shooting in B&W the jpeg will be in b&w but the raw file can be changed to color if you want to. I subscribed.
I like the traditional controls, but specifically the even more traditional controls on my Fuji X-T5, which doesn't have a PASM dial, and also with my Leica Q2 Monochrom. Set the shutter speed and aperture dial both to A and you're in "P" mode, set the shutter speed to A and manually set the aperture and you're in A mode, etc. No need for a separate mode selection dial.
7:30 Rhett shopping for a classic 911?
Always love your reviews
and wicked t-shirt too!
This camera couple with Sony lenses works well especially any with a a picture ring. They are smaller lighter and the adapter is really small. The 50mm 1.4 works great. Less so for continuous video but phot is great. Just a thought if you have Sony glass already.😊
This is hands down the most compelling and informative review I've seen. Thanks so much for this outstanding review Tilly. Now I want one.
Tilly, I appreciated your perspectives about the camera. One thing to note is that the Zf allows you to re-map your Playback button to another button. I know quite a few Z9 and Z8 users who have set up their Zf cameras to have the Playback button in the bottom right-hand corner of the body so that it is in the same location as their other cameras.
True. I do understand that Nikon has made it possible to remap the buttons, however, my comment on the placement is based on the design, as it comes, from Nikon. I appreciate the ability to change the playback to another button, but if it were more ergonomically placed, it would not be necessary to have other options. My goal is to encourage creativity, with as few hurdles as possible.
@@tillyshull Thanks. My comment was also intended for people who might be considering the camera and aren’t aware of the button re-mapping options.
Thanks for this nice intro to the zf. I also shoot F3s and a few other film Nikons and have hoped they’d offer something similar to Fuji X-T series. By the way, could you (or anyone else here) recommend a repair shop for Nikon F3 - around NC or NYC? Thx again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments....I haven't yet gone to mirrorless gear but I found this video helps me decide...I am a Nikon user so will stick with Nikon.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
I am not brand new to cameras, pretty new to Nikon, have a RP and a 90D. They stay home a lot now. Did the ZF make a ho hum guy better, yep. Being old and resistant to doing things through a menu I appreciate the manual controls. I deeply appreciate the in body stabilization and a sensor that is not so prone to wash out the bright stuff or bury the shadows. I shoot manual focus lenses a lot and the focus assist is top drawer. The camera is compact and I did buy a grip for it, I kept activating the function button on the right side with out a grip. No comment on auto focus because I have no native mount lenses yet. Overall was impressed with the feature set for the price, excellent value. Gear does make a difference. My eye sight is not what it use to be and a ev with a faster refresh rate and sharper flippy screen would be on my wish list, but the ones on the camera are just fine. I am having lots of fun and getting out more with the ZF. I put the iso on auto and adjust the shutter speed or aperature as needed, with my 28mm Ultron the camera is basically point and shoot. it doesn't get much faster or easier than that. It is personal thing though and if you are on the fence go rent one and see if it is a fit.
awesome video. and great results
fyi: if you shoot in both raw and jpg in B&W mode, the raw photos are still in color.
I love your B&W cinematic images.
Larger apertures don’t necessarily deliver more detailed images at those wider apertures. In fact, the opposite is generally true. Now, at more pedestrian aperture settings, because it’s been stopped down by at least two EV, the faster lens should deliver higher quality images.
I bought the ZF a few months ago and I'm mostly do street photography with it and the hit rate is off the hook. the grip I agree was brutal but the 39.00 small rig took care of that. I use the 26 mm most the time but did buy the 24-70 also and it's all I really need for street work. My bigger F lens stay on the D850.
انا على وشك شراء هذي الكاميرا ونفس العدسة 85mm لكن أجد 135mm اقل ثمن وبفارق £300 وهذا يجعلني محتار 😢
The 85 mm is f/1.2, the 135 mm is f/1.8.
@@mgscheue Oh, that makes a big difference
Just in case you didn't mentioned, you will never be able to use a dSLR lens in a mirrorless camera, not only in Nikon, but in any other camera brand but Leica. So, thinking you could use your Nikon vintage lenses isn't the camera's fault :D
I have adapted my F lenses - 500mm f/5.6 PF & 70-200mm f/2.8 - to new Z mount. Both lenses actually perform better than on beloved d850.
Great review! Thank you.
I won a Df, and have spent many years lovingly using it - and when the time comes to replace it, I will turn to the Zf, it looks more iconic than my Df.
As a matter of fact, older F mount glass renders better on Nikon mirrorless cameras (ZF) with FTZ adapter than they ever did on F mount cameras. BTW the larger Z mount design has nothing to do with speed, but to actually bring the Z mount lens closer to the camera sensor thereby eliminating lens anomalies like flare and chromatic aberrations. Z mount did produce great S line lenses that are fast and gather more light but the design is more about evolving lens technology as a whole. ZF Rocks!
A very helful video for me thanks, i suscribed!
Nikon zf silver version with the motor grip/winder ( aka nikon motor md) ;)
I have the cam. I always turn the back and front dials thinking I'm using the Z6 😂
what about auto iso? everyone complaining about some auto iso limitations where you can’t set it to usual auto, but you have to choose the range for auto iso or something like that.
Great review and you have a lovely voice.
I tested on a store just before was on sell and was really nice to hold and had very fast focus with a few lens I tried zoom and prime lens.
I may consider going back to Nikon, I have Fuji system as well Sony.
Fuji after I tried the sony a few years ago it's on my self more and more lacking the fine detail I have on Sony and the high dynamic range
Sony it's underfull on a lot a things but lacks on color.
Sony is getting to expensive on every lens and new cameras.
I Subscribed
Thanks for an excellent review Tilly! I love your honest, unbiased perspective! BTW - Canon changed their mount as well - so as you mentioned - you need to use an adapter on both systems. The good thing about the older lenses - they're significantly less expensive - and a huge variety of lenses. The new glass has very limited choices! Plus as a general rule - the new glass is considerably slower than older lenses - and often they have a variable aperture (slow to slower LOL) which seems CRAZY to me!
There are plenty of lens options for Z mount, including fast primes. There are a handful of fixed-aperture zooms too. Variable aperture (not shutter speed) lenses are not a new thing either.
You obviously haven't looked at the entire range of 'Z' lenses !
The premium 'Z' lenses are just as fast as anything Nikon has ever produced.
@@SaintKimbo Some great Z mount lenses from other companies, too, like Voigtlander. (Don't have a Z Nikon but I do have some Voigtlander lenses for my other cameras.)
@@SaintKimbo - you're right there are lots of Z series lenses - but there are exponentially more AFS/AFD lenses. The premium Z series lenses are sometimes double the price of a comparible AFS. That was my point...not bashing Z series lenses here LOL!
@@StapediusReflex - my brain was thinking aperture - but my fingers typed shutter speed!
You can move the Playback button to the Display button. In my opinion, you should of checked all of the ends and out of the camera before you post a video. If i was looking to buy this camera based on a persons review, i would buy this based on your review. 😢 Next time do a thorough job before putting out a video. Thanks ❤
The mount critique is not a worthwhile critique, because they had to change the mount because these are mirrorless cameras. The f mount lenses have to be so far from the sensor because they were designed to work on cameras with mirrors. So they can't just make it f mount and magically have the old lenses work without an adapter, unless people want a lot of empty space in their mirrorless camera.
More detail at bigger apertures? Hmmmm.....
Why talk about the Z mount as an 'issue?" That was 6 years ago for heavens's sake!! And it had to be changed from F mount - too many restrictions for the latter.
This body is not meant for that particular lens. I own this camera and all I use are small primes. It’s treated like a Leica and no one slaps a heavy lens on rangefinders.
Agreed.
a 39.00 grip solves that problem. :)
The problem is that lens and this is not for your commercial photography business.
That 📷 is not made for a 3 lbs lens
This lens on your Zf looks terribly awkward :D ZF is meaningless without lenses matching the aesthetics. Unfortunately, Nikon is not willing to make a motorized adapter for the brilliant AF-D lenses, shame on Nikon. Nikon forces you to buy new lenses. When I had the Df that was absolutely brilliant in this sense since it revitalized all AF-D lenses. Nikon made big mistakes with Df, and completely dropped the line, but it was excellent for stills photography.
👍
I’d choose an iPhone 15pro over anything Nikon atm. Sony, Canon, Panasonic are where to look now
It must be a Gringo thing, but you do NOT love an object....you like it or not.
it looks nothing like a classic F-series Nikon camera. Too big, too ugly, too many useless features. Not in the same league as an FE2 or FM2 loaded with Tri 400 and never will be.
Not impressed with the image quality, my 500 dollar canon can get that same level of quality. I expected much more from Nikon.
Beautiful camera, but they lost me with the ridiculous gigantic Z mount. If I can't use my collection of F mount Nikkor manual film camera lenses natively, then it doesn’t "shoot like a film camera". No sale, sorry Nikon.
I really don't understand who this camera is made for.
You can easily get the ftzII adapter.
But you can use your manual F mount lenses on the Zf…
@StapediusReflex I meant to say "natively", sorry. I edited my comment.
I owned the Z6ii and the ftz adapter, it's big and ugly, and turns tiny film era lenses into large cumbersome things. The "fz" body may look like a Nikon FM2, but I guarantee it doesn't handle like one with an AiS lens + adapter.
@@joeltunnah that why I use Voigtlander m mount glass. The m mount adapter is tiny.
@@D.Trider nothing with the Z mount is tiny. The opening itself is literally medium format size.
E mount has beautiful and small Zeiss Loxia manual focus glass, with no adapter.