You are correct about Nikon lenses, a 35mm F2 or 50mm 1,4 with aperture ring would be very welcome for the ZF. But it should be made of metal mostly. Most people (like me) use the superb Voigtländer MF lenses. They are quite expensive, but worth the money. Most people don't complain because the Z lenses generally offer superb value for money and the ZF is often the second camera they use with their Z7 or Z8 or Z9 with the brilliant Z AF glass they can use on both cameras. I use the 26mm 2.8 as well, which is an incredible performer for its size for street.
I just bought the Zf in blue. It handles well and I agree about the aperture ring. I ordered a Voigtlander 50 from Japan. It should be here in a few days. I look forward to it!
Congrats! Have fun and enjoy your new camera :) I don’t own Voigtländer Glas for the Zf, but I do own them for my Leica M cameras and in my opinion they are amazing if you like manual focusing. Thank you for your time watching and commenting!
I have CV 50mm f1 in Z mount for my Zf and I absolutely love it. Manual focus on Zf is a joy and whole reason why I bought a Zf. The rendering at f1 is truly unique and quite special IMO.
I just got this camera. I’m really excited to put it through its paces. I’m a headshot and portrait photographer. I moved to the Zf from the Fuji XT5. Still have my X100V, but excited to go back to Nikon. I’m 53, and I trained on film (Nikon FE, FM2, etc.) so this camera feels like an old friend. I got the 85 1.8 S and the 50 1.8 A as well as the 40mm F2 (got the 40 mm kit). The Nikon lenses are amazing! Great review!!!! Subscribed! 😊
love the design language of both cameras. reminds me of my nikon fm2. its the perfect symbiosis between a vintage nikon slr and a modern digital leica m (with video feature of course)
Very valid remarks from your side - like so many times before. My personal feelings are similar, but not exactly the same. Let me explain. I currently use two Nikon mirrorless bodies. The Z8 and the Zf. Both are wonderful cameras.They are sharing the burden as follows: if I want to be quick, precise and want to avoid being held up by fumbling around with dials etc. I'm using the Z8 and variety of native Nikon glass. If I want to play around with depth of field, have no fear of missing crucial moments and simpy want to enjoy photograpy, I'm using the Zf with some phantastic manual Voigtländer lenses. Lenses, which are tremendous value for money (35, 40, 50 [f1.0!), 75). This is, when I want a bit more wriggle-room than what I have with my Leica Qs. The Qs (28 and 43) have the advantage of compact size and exzellent optics but the disadvantage of mediocre AF and - compared to the Zf - the fixed focal length. Do I need native vintage-type lenses for the Nikon Zf? No, I don't. For me there is no application for it. If I want to go AF, I'm taking the Z8. If I want to indulge in a retro-feeling, taking it slow and easy, I'm taking the Zf with a couple of Voigtländers. I don't need more options than I already have. Do I understand your point? Absolutely. It is just that I don't need them.
I do not mind you focusing on the Zf. That is how I found your channel. I do not think that Nikon will abandon the Zf line. I am pretty sure it is a hit for them. I can see them doing another version in the future but higher megapixel like maybe 45. They really should focus making vintage/retro styled lenses for sure. They are leaving a lot of money on the table. For me I am happy to mostly purchase Voigtlander lenses in Z mount as I do not mind manual focus especially on the Zf. I think if other companies like Viltrox, TT Artisans, etc decide to release even more lenses in Z mount FF (not APSC) and make them metal with clicky aperture rings as well as compact size then they will also do well.
Thank you very much for your time watching and commenting. As you said I also think they are leaving money on the table, since there is a potential to motivate Fuji users to switch.
@@StarrysLostandFound Thank you very much as usually :) Btw I think you are leading by far for commenting first on my videos and I love and appreciate that! 🙃
I use Fujifilm X and GFX cameras. I picked up a Nikon Zf with the 40mm lens last week but returned the kit a couple of days ago. The lens issue was one of my primary reasons. If Nikon, or a third party, releases weather resistant metal prime lenses with aperture rings/auto-focus in Z mount, I would consider the camera again. Also, I didn't think the image quality from the 40mm when wide open was very good. It was decent in the center, but the edges/corners didn't look great to me. Nikon should go all in with the lenses. I think many users of the non-retro Z series bodies would also like the option to use aperture rings.
I should have mentioned that, but unfortunately forgot. It exactly customers like you from Fuji where I think Nikon is leaving money on the table. Thank you very much for your time watching and sharing your experience!
If you want true retro feeling feeling with aperture rings buy yourself a M42 adapter and be happy with TONS of great favourable vintage lenses. With the E-Mount to Z Adapter you even get the focus assists.
Love the Nikon ZF. It would be nice to have more stylized lenses to match the ZF. Though is not my priority. I wish they would made more “pancake” style lenses. Personally I don’t care much about the aperture ring but would be nice if they have lenses with it so more people would buy the ZF
I completely agree that if Nikon had offered lenses with an aperture ring, many of us would have switched from Fuji. Feels like a missed opportunity. Hopefully, they release one soon! do you still have those Fuji bodies even if you have the ZF?
Nikon definitely missed with their first party lenses, but Thypoch and Voigtlander have native Z mount lenses which are beautiful and have aperture rings.
Thank you Fred! :) That's what I think where Nikon missed the opportunity to convert Fuji users to Nikon. And looking at the comments of this video alone it seems like a there is a potential of sales, which Nikon is leaving on the table right now. I have sold almost all if my Fuji cameras, but to be fair it was only the XT4, X100V and now the X100VI because of the Q3 43. The only Fuji camera to be honest lately got because of good price and condition is the XT1 because of that sensor :)
I absolutely want an aperture ring, and I won't buy plastic lenses. The other thing that annoys me: the fully-articulated screen. I will not buy any camera with that... please Nikon, give us retro-styled with tilting option. Or just leave it fixed tbh. Maybe I'm weird, but that's just how I feel.
I agree Nikon really needs to show it’s invested in the retro vibes. The 35 and 50 1.4 are a start but they need the SE treatment at the very least. Adapting other lenses was a big selling point though. The ability to get M mount glass to autofocus is amazing (the zf doesn’t even look THAT goofy with my light lens lab attached). I’m also looking forward to adapting some legend EF L lenses and some E mount Zeiss in the future. Would love to hear your thoughts on adapted ‘retro’ AF glass if you start experimenting in that direction 😅
I think we will never get a dedicated retro (manual) lens from Nikon. But I also thought about the 35 and the 50mm f1.4 as being perfect for getting the retro treatment. They don't come with ED glass and are overall more aimed at a vintage look with 3D pop. AND: Contrary to even Nikon's f 1.8 S lenses they both have a "function" ring. So, the lenses are there, all Nikon has to do now is give them a retro design, and paint some numbers around the ring to make it an aperture ring LOL
@@DoctorSoftie Yeah, I was cautious to write it exactly as it is. Those modern rings just are customizable. Otherwise I would have just said aperture ring ;) I just hope - in case they turn those into retro design - that they have the balls to paint the aperture numbers on. It still can be customizable, but they really should deliver something after so many years.
The experience of adapting other lenses on the Zf, specially manual focus lenses is really great :) I'm still crossing fingers like all of you to get something natively from Nikon with AF. I haven't explore that field of adapted AF glas yet, but from what I saw it works quite well. Thanks for your time watching!
ZF plus Z mount Voigjtlander lenses are a fine solution particularly in light of the focusing aids provided. Then keep a Nikon lens (too big and lacking aperture ring of course) for when you need autofocus. Not expecting Nikon to come thru w retro styled lenses with aperture rings.
It must be straightforward for Nikon to offer an SE versions of at least a couple of their existing lenses, I am less fussed about aperture ring. They already have a good 26mm 2.8 pancake lens that could be superficially modified to look retro and perhaps a portrait lens like the existing 85mm with a retro exterior styling or better still release a NIKKOR SE version of the a 75mm 1.8 lens similar to the TT Artisan F2, but that might be asking for too much.
As the only two SE lenses came out with the Zfc some years ago, there is talk online that a mark II might come in 2025. In this regard I am looking at the newly released and very affordable 35 and 50mm f 1.4 lenses. They even come with a function ring! I don't think the 26mm needs tweaking as the existing SE lenses cover 28mm already. Getting 35 and 50mm the SE treatment would make be a good addition to the 28 and 40mm that are already out there. After all those are focal lengths one would associate with a rangefinder or a film camera anyways. The Zf is an allrounder but everyone knows tele lenses fit better to modern camera bodies. Everything between 21 and maybe 75mm is nice and compact. Of course I could be wrong, but if Nikon would ask me, those two new lenses are just perfect for this.;)
@lelandfitz1762 that’s good to know. I hope that turns out to be true. I like the idea of having a 35 and 50 but felt it’s quite close to the existing 28 and 40 SE lenses which I already have. The 75 would be considerably different and the 26 feels much more of a pancake style than the current 28, hence picking those two. I guess I can simply swap out the 28 and 40 if they do release a 35 & 50 1.4 SE versions. Also 1.4 would be a welcome speed over 2.
@@lovecars4182 I only am looking into cameras again since this year. And I had to learn how the SE lenses came to be and that they were launched with an APS-C camera. I guess that's why they are cheaper anyways (+ Nikon hates dedicated APS-C lenses lol). I wondered why the 26mm pancake(!) was so much more expensive than the 28mm. But it really is on a whole other level of built-quality. I agree that it would be competing against itself if those would become new SE lenses. But as I wrote, I just don't see Nikon making a retro telephoto lens or even a retro zoom lens. It has to be in the range of something to hold in one hand. I would love to see a Nikon retro (AF) lens bewteen 20mm and 28mm as Voigtländer doesn't have any lens in that range. I wonder if Nikon prohibits that until now. I still hope there will be Voigtländer pancakes like they already offer for other mounts around 21, 24, 28mm.
I do understand companies have to do their market reseach and check if it is affordable to launch any additional lens, which might seem reduntent at first glance. But I just hope they have something in the pipeline to complete their courage of retro design cameras. Thank you for watching!
That guy made a video out of it, about things which are since the Zf rumours clear. 🙂 I said into DPR forums, just when the Zf was released, that Nikon does need to create a matching prime lens line, like 20, 28, 35, 50, 85 & 135mm at least, a bag of primes. 20/2.8, and the rest should be F1.7 or F2, to keep it handy, 135/2 or F2...also into Nikon AF-(D) lens design....go figure. It'll sell like hotcakes. I am with Nikon since the FM(2), go figure. That's where the Zf inspiration came from. After the FM(2), F90, F90x, F80 & F100....still shooting the last ones, go figure....digital, started with the D100(2002) and up to the D700. Nikon does need a bag of primes for the Zf, but the best lens from design native & also rendering (classic) is the NoNikkor 35/1.4 (mf) from Artralab...go figure!
theyre never gonna give another ****ing SE lens or anything of the sort. they're completely uncommitted to following this incredibly lucrative line. I swear, you'd never know that the Zf was a hit from the last year...
I heard there are tons of production issues with the Nikons. Hot/dead pixels, bits falling off, supply chain issues….etc……I bought a Fuji instead after 20 years of Nikon use. Couldn’t afford to waste over 3K on something that might be defective…love the X series, especially with the manual Voigtlander lenses.
I’ve heard quite a few Fuji owners say that they would switch to Nikon Zf, if they had native primes with aperture rings. I’m in the same camp. I’m on the fence to sell my X-Pro2 and Fuji lenses and go with the Zf. But am still not sure if I want to go with adopted Sony E primes lor with Voigtlander z mount and go full manual. I don’t mind MF, but would like to have both options. Let’s hope Nikon hears our pleas.
Yes I do, the weight and the more bulky build is for me personally too big for my taste. I prefer more compact camera bodies. I pointed that out I my initial video a year ago when I got the Zf and my opinion hasn’t changed since. That being said I see people commenting using the Zf as a EDC camera and they don’t mind the size and weight. Guess it’s as usual a matter of personal preference. Thank you very much for checking out one of my videos!
I used to shoot Fuji and switched to Nikon. If you like the retro aesthetic, stick with Fuji. They have a much better retro implementation. That said, I feel that the retro style Nikon is dabbling into is a distraction from everything they have done best; modern ergonomics, optical quality, and an eye toward the future, not the past.
@@nickthaskater Primarily, it would be that Fuji has aperture rings on their lenses and that shifting to any sort of auto/priority mode is much more intuitive.
I would be surprised if Nikon made more retro designed lenses. Their lenses either 'match' all their other Z cameras, OR match the ZF. I have not looked at numbers for Nikon (or any company), but I am doubtful the ZF outperformed all of their other Z cameras combined (to make enough sense to create these more expensive to design/make lenses). MAYBE if a ZFii is fast approaching, perhaps they drop a fast 50... but I do not think that is forecasted for at least a few years (and not yet confirmed I do not think). That said, I want a ZF and I want more lenses with retro styling... I am probably going to get a Voigtlander lens to pair with the SE lenses if/when I get a ZF.
There is three reasons why I wouldn't buy this camera even though I think it's a really good camera from Nikon and one of them you mentioned is the aperture ring. It's such a great thing on Fiji film cameras and it has a practical use because you can be in the middle of a shot and change the aperture...... The second is unavoidable is the weight of the camera is quite heavy.... the last one might be slightly controversial but it is just my view 24 megapixels for me is on the lower end of the scale. I tend to be a 35....40 megapixel camera user because I like to crop in and get multiple scenes out of an image, especially when you're shooting a lot. I do think it's a great camera though and congratulations on your channel growing and yes I've hit the subscribe button
if this is your logic, just buy Sony🤦♂️ there is no point on paying €2500 on a crop sensor just because it's lenses have manual focus and aperture. Get Sony because it has a lot of 7 artisans manual focus lenses. Fujifilm doesn't have full frame.
@@nevvanclarke9225 these cameras are way too expensive just to go shooting around with a fully manual lens. You do you i guess. But you can get medium format hasselblads for less than 4000 bucks. Overall I feel like Fujifilm is starting to be like Leica and Sony has become fujifilm...
It's potential customers like you where I believe Nikon is leaving money on the table by not doing anything for the Zf since release. I think if they had at least released one decent retro lens with aperture ring, they would have sold a lot of more Zf. Specially if you look at the current Fuji AF discussion :D The arguments regarding weight and MP I do get. I said on day one the Zf is to heavy and bulky for my taste, but others seem to don't care about that. 24 MP is also enough for me, but having the Q3 with 60MP I also get what cropping can do to simplify your life if you need it. Thank you so much for your time watching and your support! Much appreciated!
I want a redux of the photo-only D f for the Z fII with the D f's aperture lever design for better compatibilty with older Nikkor lenses. In the meantime, Voigtlander, Thypoch and Viltrox all have native Z glass with aperture rings.
There will never be mechanical aperture management linkages on any Z body. That is why I kept my Df, just for the fun of using it natively with any F-mount lens....
@@nickthaskater the z mount design does not provide for any mechanical linkage between body and lens (beyond mounting lock). There is absolutely no reason to fundamentally redesign that mount and introduce the complexities of mechanical aperture links to the aperture ring movements of lenses that do not even exist. That would be tremendously costly to develop, with zero benefit. Regarding old F-mount lenses (such as first gen AF or AI or earlier), those require an adaptor to compensate for flange to sensor distance (F-lenses were designed to focus on the film;plane from the front of the mirror box of SLRs), such as the FTZ adaptor (or "dumb" adaptors from 3d parties). You could in theory imagine a special version of the FTZ that would include motors driving mechanical aperture links as well as the "screwdrive" required to autofocus 1st gen AF lenses, these motors would take their orders from the electronic links that would need to be programmed to do that. I'll let you imagine the complexity, weight and cost of such an adaptor (see the example of the infinitely simpler Techart TZM-02 for m-mount lenses) and the odds of it being "ugly" on the Zf.
I don't have one but want it since it's out. Too expensive for me atm. I also hope they keep this "line" going. But I have my doubts as to what extend Nikon really wants to buid their retro segment. After all Nikon only made 2 retro looking lenses. And those were initially made for the Zfc and they have modern looking sister-models. The retro look even looks a bit cheap. I really hoped they would come out with some new retro lens(es) with the Zf, but I think there is no reason to hope anymore. But: I like that they seemed to have opened their mount early for Voigtländer. I guess if you want retro lenses for the Z-mount and almost all auto-focus capabilities you have to go with them. But as Nikon aims to provide all lenses on their own in any other segment I am a bit dissapointed they didn't even try. Online there is already talk about a new Zf. I don't think that is necessary for a few years now. This camera is perfectly tuned to deliver on everything it promises. So I wouldn't be dissapointed if the Zf runs for a few years as it is. Just like Ricoh GR III or Fuji X 100 V which ran several years.
I agree, I don't think the Zf needs an upgrade for the next 2-3 years and looking at Nikon's lineup it hurt them, if they release a Zf II, which could be on a level of a potential Z7 III, Z8 or dare I say Z9. I'm curious what we will see in 2025 from Nikon. I'm still crossing my fingers :D Thank you for your time watching!
You are right, this rant shows OCD. If you look at Nikon's lens design evolution, you'll notice that they never re-released their AI-S designs with electronic contacts, even for modern F-mount bodies. When they went screwdrive AF, the first generation of lenses had an ultra thin focus ring and a smooth "beer can" barrel finish, reminiscent of the current Z lenses. That evolved a bit with a 2nd generation of screwdrive AF lenses (and a couple of AF-I and AF-S lenses) with a more conventional design for textures and rings. Both kept the aperture ring, but it was - for most lenses - unpleasant to use (grinding plasticky haptics, which I hated) and most people left them on the smallest aperture setting to manage aperture from the body. The next generation (G lenses) dispensed from the aperture ring altogether. So, for the last 25 years, Nikon has not launched a single lens with a dedicated aperture ring (apart from specialised PC lenses). I really do not see them going down that road now just for the sake of one-off retro Z bodies. It will never happen. Use Sony lenses with adapter or manual focus lenses or the new wave of Chinese lenses if you cannot live without a dedicated aperture ring. For the full retro look, modern electronics and hard core ersatz FM2-era haptics , the z-mount Voigtlanders are the best bet.
Not for "every" reviewer feels the Nikon Zfc "plasticy". For me for example not. If you use as professional heavy camera like the flagship models on a daily basis, the zfc and other light cameras feels light. That's a difference. I bought recently the zfc for 400€ with the japanese grip, and it comes on a cold day to me, and I could feel almost everywhere the cold magnesium alloy body under my fingers. Only the battery door was really plasticy, but come on. This door as a reference for the build quality or feelings of this camera? Many bigger reviewers need for the length of their videos filler topics, to gain more money with longer videos, I assume. They want years ago lighter bodys in the mirrorless world, tells us, this is one advantage of the mirrorless world, all should switch. Now some cameras are really lighter than DSLR counterparts, and many criticised the weight? The Zfc is of course with cheaper build quality than the Zf for example, but also with a prize that is way lower. You or reviewers should compare in the same price range, not apples and Birnen. The DX (APS-C) situation (with or without retro design lenses) is or was really more worse than the FX situation. Until one year or so, with many many new chinese brands coming with Z Mount for DX with decent AF lenses, now it's time to get a cheap Zfc or other nikon DX bodys, because now you get a semi professional setup with native Z Mount lenses, u mean, without an adapter. That is the advantage of the Zf, you could adapt almost every lens with AF and retro design from every mount on the Zf, if retro design and aperture ring is essential for you. You are right about critique to Nikons lens strategies, but Nikons Z Mount is more open to third party manufacturers than for example Canon. And with an adapter, the whole world stands open. The case of the Df is a different one, because of the in body AF motor of the Df, every analog AF lens (AF-D) is without an adapter usable. You have no Flansch distance at the DSLR. If you use the FTZ adapter and old Nikon vintage lenses on a Zf, the design looks mostly not so satisfying. Because of the long FTZ Adapter. On a Df, there exist many AF-D lenses with retro vibes, and with an apartue ring. Not the AF speed is of course low, compared to the Zf with his Expeed 7 Monster CPU. I think, all together, with the third party manufacturers, since 2023 (!), it is very possible to have fun with the Zfc and Zf with retro inspired AF (!) lenses (manual lenses anyway) without adapting. We have already min. 10 manufacturers for AF Z Mount lenses. For DX Sigma as the eleventh manufacturer. For AF and manual lenses we have 22 third party lens manufacturers. I thing, most of the reviewers knows only a quarter of them. Because, it's cheaper to operate a review channel, if manufacturer gives you lenses for the reviews, instead of buying all the lenses from your own money. And we all consume this TH-cam review channels, and thinks sometime, it exist only 5 manufacturers. 50% of the possibilities are often not in our mind, time to look at the hole picture of the third party market.
You kids love the retro design but put that ugly grip on it. Don’t get it🤔? But will more than likely get a second ZF I like this ZF so much. I don’t even use Nikon glass just voigtlander. I bought Nikon glass but don’t like it.
I don't like the grip either, but it does help regarding ergonomics and since I usually film my videos on the Zf the integrates arca swiss mount is very handy to mount on a tripod. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Nikon got 2.5K USD out of us and then left us to dry lmao. The 40/2.0 is nice but despite being 55 years younger than the Minolta 6/4 planar formula 40mm or the current 50mm summicron (formulated 1979) or even Zeiss' Contax 45mm, designed in the 1990s and having an aspherical element, is saved from its bad sharpness/contrast by its pleasant rendering. I despise the 28mm. It's my favorite focal length but the 28/2.8 I can just find nothing to like about it. Sony has the 2.4G lenses, why can't Nikon just copy their homework? Leica may charge me out the ass but at least they offer a real set of choices AND allow Voigtlander to use the mount. Adapting on the Zf gives up one of the absolute best and most important features of this camera; it is weather sealed. Overall I'm just really disappointed because I like the camera itself.
@@nickthaskater manual focus on the Zf is ass just because it's one step better than the worst doesn't do much for me. It's not an M11 that's for sure.
@@TCMx3 you're literally the only person I've ever seen dislike MF on the Zf. The manual focusing assists on the Zf are fantastic so long as you've got a lens that communicates with the camera to enable them.
Nikon has SUCH a huge hit here on their hands! They NEED to go all out and release some METAL retro lenses with Aperture rings!
You are correct about Nikon lenses, a 35mm F2 or 50mm 1,4 with aperture ring would be very welcome for the ZF. But it should be made of metal mostly. Most people (like me) use the superb Voigtländer MF lenses. They are quite expensive, but worth the money. Most people don't complain because the Z lenses generally offer superb value for money and the ZF is often the second camera they use with their Z7 or Z8 or Z9 with the brilliant Z AF glass they can use on both cameras. I use the 26mm 2.8 as well, which is an incredible performer for its size for street.
I just bought the Zf in blue. It handles well and I agree about the aperture ring. I ordered a Voigtlander 50 from Japan. It should be here in a few days. I look forward to it!
Congrats! Have fun and enjoy your new camera :)
I don’t own Voigtländer Glas for the Zf, but I do own them for my Leica M cameras and in my opinion they are amazing if you like manual focusing.
Thank you for your time watching and commenting!
I have CV 50mm f1 in Z mount for my Zf and I absolutely love it. Manual focus on Zf is a joy and whole reason why I bought a Zf. The rendering at f1 is truly unique and quite special IMO.
I just got this camera. I’m really excited to put it through its paces. I’m a headshot and portrait photographer. I moved to the Zf from the Fuji XT5. Still have my X100V, but excited to go back to Nikon. I’m 53, and I trained on film (Nikon FE, FM2, etc.) so this camera feels like an old friend. I got the 85 1.8 S and the 50 1.8 A as well as the 40mm F2 (got the 40 mm kit). The Nikon lenses are amazing! Great review!!!! Subscribed! 😊
love the design language of both cameras. reminds me of my nikon fm2. its the perfect symbiosis between a vintage nikon slr and a modern digital leica m (with video feature of course)
Very valid remarks from your side - like so many times before. My personal feelings are similar, but not exactly the same. Let me explain. I currently use two Nikon mirrorless bodies. The Z8 and the Zf. Both are wonderful cameras.They are sharing the burden as follows: if I want to be quick, precise and want to avoid being held up by fumbling around with dials etc. I'm using the Z8 and variety of native Nikon glass. If I want to play around with depth of field, have no fear of missing crucial moments and simpy want to enjoy photograpy, I'm using the Zf with some phantastic manual Voigtländer lenses. Lenses, which are tremendous value for money (35, 40, 50 [f1.0!), 75). This is, when I want a bit more wriggle-room than what I have with my Leica Qs. The Qs (28 and 43) have the advantage of compact size and exzellent optics but the disadvantage of mediocre AF and - compared to the Zf - the fixed focal length. Do I need native vintage-type lenses for the Nikon Zf? No, I don't. For me there is no application for it. If I want to go AF, I'm taking the Z8. If I want to indulge in a retro-feeling, taking it slow and easy, I'm taking the Zf with a couple of Voigtländers. I don't need more options than I already have. Do I understand your point? Absolutely. It is just that I don't need them.
I do not mind you focusing on the Zf. That is how I found your channel. I do not think that Nikon will abandon the Zf line. I am pretty sure it is a hit for them. I can see them doing another version in the future but higher megapixel like maybe 45. They really should focus making vintage/retro styled lenses for sure. They are leaving a lot of money on the table. For me I am happy to mostly purchase Voigtlander lenses in Z mount as I do not mind manual focus especially on the Zf. I think if other companies like Viltrox, TT Artisans, etc decide to release even more lenses in Z mount FF (not APSC) and make them metal with clicky aperture rings as well as compact size then they will also do well.
Thank you very much for your time watching and commenting. As you said I also think they are leaving money on the table, since there is a potential to motivate Fuji users to switch.
I agree with your lens assesment. All the best for you and your family
@@StarrysLostandFound Thank you very much as usually :)
Btw I think you are leading by far for commenting first on my videos and I love and appreciate that! 🙃
I use Fujifilm X and GFX cameras. I picked up a Nikon Zf with the 40mm lens last week but returned the kit a couple of days ago. The lens issue was one of my primary reasons. If Nikon, or a third party, releases weather resistant metal prime lenses with aperture rings/auto-focus in Z mount, I would consider the camera again. Also, I didn't think the image quality from the 40mm when wide open was very good. It was decent in the center, but the edges/corners didn't look great to me. Nikon should go all in with the lenses. I think many users of the non-retro Z series bodies would also like the option to use aperture rings.
I should have mentioned that, but unfortunately forgot. It exactly customers like you from Fuji where I think Nikon is leaving money on the table. Thank you very much for your time watching and sharing your experience!
I’d love to see some classic Nikkor manual lenses reimagined for the z mount.
Me too :)
Thank you for watching!
1: get Nikon ZF
2: get Sony E to Nikon Z mount adapter (it exists, it works and it is flawless)
3: buy Minolta MC to Sony E adapter
4: profit.
If you want true retro feeling feeling with aperture rings buy yourself a M42 adapter and be happy with TONS of great favourable vintage lenses. With the E-Mount to Z Adapter you even get the focus assists.
Love the Nikon ZF. It would be nice to have more stylized lenses to match the ZF. Though is not my priority. I wish they would made more “pancake” style lenses. Personally I don’t care much about the aperture ring but would be nice if they have lenses with it so more people would buy the ZF
Totally agree and my small little dream combo would be pancake X aperture ring of a 50mm 1.8 lens :)
Thanks for your time watching!
Your usual interesting video, Phil. Many thanks.
Thank you so much John! Always appreciated your loyal support!
I completely agree that if Nikon had offered lenses with an aperture ring, many of us would have switched from Fuji. Feels like a missed opportunity. Hopefully, they release one soon! do you still have those Fuji bodies even if you have the ZF?
Nikon definitely missed with their first party lenses, but Thypoch and Voigtlander have native Z mount lenses which are beautiful and have aperture rings.
7 artisan and other third party lenses have aperture ring. They are good also.
Thank you Fred! :)
That's what I think where Nikon missed the opportunity to convert Fuji users to Nikon. And looking at the comments of this video alone it seems like a there is a potential of sales, which Nikon is leaving on the table right now.
I have sold almost all if my Fuji cameras, but to be fair it was only the XT4, X100V and now the X100VI because of the Q3 43. The only Fuji camera to be honest lately got because of good price and condition is the XT1 because of that sensor :)
Just got one with the megadap and a bunch of e mount lenses with aperture rings, like the Sigma i series.
Agree on lenses. Nikon didn't show any new "retro" inspired lenses since 28f2.8 and 40f2 is a hint. Hope they plan to keep Zf line alive.
I absolutely want an aperture ring, and I won't buy plastic lenses.
The other thing that annoys me: the fully-articulated screen.
I will not buy any camera with that... please Nikon, give us
retro-styled with tilting option. Or just leave it fixed tbh.
Maybe I'm weird, but that's just how I feel.
I agree Nikon really needs to show it’s invested in the retro vibes. The 35 and 50 1.4 are a start but they need the SE treatment at the very least.
Adapting other lenses was a big selling point though. The ability to get M mount glass to autofocus is amazing (the zf doesn’t even look THAT goofy with my light lens lab attached). I’m also looking forward to adapting some legend EF L lenses and some E mount Zeiss in the future. Would love to hear your thoughts on adapted ‘retro’ AF glass if you start experimenting in that direction 😅
I think we will never get a dedicated retro (manual) lens from Nikon. But I also thought about the 35 and the 50mm f1.4 as being perfect for getting the retro treatment. They don't come with ED glass and are overall more aimed at a vintage look with 3D pop. AND: Contrary to even Nikon's f 1.8 S lenses they both have a "function" ring. So, the lenses are there, all Nikon has to do now is give them a retro design, and paint some numbers around the ring to make it an aperture ring LOL
All I need are some clicks! Wtf else is anyone using the function ring for? Lol
@@DoctorSoftie Yeah, I was cautious to write it exactly as it is. Those modern rings just are customizable. Otherwise I would have just said aperture ring ;) I just hope - in case they turn those into retro design - that they have the balls to paint the aperture numbers on. It still can be customizable, but they really should deliver something after so many years.
The experience of adapting other lenses on the Zf, specially manual focus lenses is really great :)
I'm still crossing fingers like all of you to get something natively from Nikon with AF.
I haven't explore that field of adapted AF glas yet, but from what I saw it works quite well.
Thanks for your time watching!
Just bought one, my first ever camera, big learning curve for an old fart noob but I'm happy with it.
ZF plus Z mount Voigjtlander lenses are a fine solution particularly in light of the focusing aids provided. Then keep a Nikon lens (too big and lacking aperture ring of course) for when you need autofocus. Not expecting Nikon to come thru w retro styled lenses with aperture rings.
It must be straightforward for Nikon to offer an SE versions of at least a couple of their existing lenses, I am less fussed about aperture ring. They already have a good 26mm 2.8 pancake lens that could be superficially modified to look retro and perhaps a portrait lens like the existing 85mm with a retro exterior styling or better still release a NIKKOR SE version of the a 75mm 1.8 lens similar to the TT Artisan F2, but that might be asking for too much.
As the only two SE lenses came out with the Zfc some years ago, there is talk online that a mark II might come in 2025. In this regard I am looking at the newly released and very affordable 35 and 50mm f 1.4 lenses. They even come with a function ring! I don't think the 26mm needs tweaking as the existing SE lenses cover 28mm already. Getting 35 and 50mm the SE treatment would make be a good addition to the 28 and 40mm that are already out there. After all those are focal lengths one would associate with a rangefinder or a film camera anyways. The Zf is an allrounder but everyone knows tele lenses fit better to modern camera bodies. Everything between 21 and maybe 75mm is nice and compact.
Of course I could be wrong, but if Nikon would ask me, those two new lenses are just perfect for this.;)
@lelandfitz1762 that’s good to know. I hope that turns out to be true. I like the idea of having a 35 and 50 but felt it’s quite close to the existing 28 and 40 SE lenses which I already have. The 75 would be considerably different and the 26 feels much more of a pancake style than the current 28, hence picking those two. I guess I can simply swap out the 28 and 40 if they do release a 35 & 50 1.4 SE versions. Also 1.4 would be a welcome speed over 2.
@@lovecars4182 I only am looking into cameras again since this year. And I had to learn how the SE lenses came to be and that they were launched with an APS-C camera. I guess that's why they are cheaper anyways (+ Nikon hates dedicated APS-C lenses lol). I wondered why the 26mm pancake(!) was so much more expensive than the 28mm. But it really is on a whole other level of built-quality. I agree that it would be competing against itself if those would become new SE lenses. But as I wrote, I just don't see Nikon making a retro telephoto lens or even a retro zoom lens. It has to be in the range of something to hold in one hand. I would love to see a Nikon retro (AF) lens bewteen 20mm and 28mm as Voigtländer doesn't have any lens in that range. I wonder if Nikon prohibits that until now. I still hope there will be Voigtländer pancakes like they already offer for other mounts around 21, 24, 28mm.
I do understand companies have to do their market reseach and check if it is affordable to launch any additional lens, which might seem reduntent at first glance. But I just hope they have something in the pipeline to complete their courage of retro design cameras. Thank you for watching!
I am fine with the V40mm 1.2 Z mount for manual and if AF is needed I take the 40mm SE basta
That guy made a video out of it, about things which are since the Zf rumours clear. 🙂 I said into DPR forums, just when the Zf was released, that Nikon does need to create a matching prime lens line, like 20, 28, 35, 50, 85 & 135mm at least, a bag of primes. 20/2.8, and the rest should be F1.7 or F2, to keep it handy, 135/2 or F2...also into Nikon AF-(D) lens design....go figure. It'll sell like hotcakes.
I am with Nikon since the FM(2), go figure. That's where the Zf inspiration came from. After the FM(2), F90, F90x, F80 & F100....still shooting the last ones, go figure....digital, started with the D100(2002) and up to the D700. Nikon does need a bag of primes for the Zf, but the best lens from design native & also rendering (classic) is the NoNikkor 35/1.4 (mf) from Artralab...go figure!
theyre never gonna give another ****ing SE lens or anything of the sort. they're completely uncommitted to following this incredibly lucrative line. I swear, you'd never know that the Zf was a hit from the last year...
I heard there are tons of production issues with the Nikons. Hot/dead pixels, bits falling off, supply chain issues….etc……I bought a Fuji instead after 20 years of Nikon use. Couldn’t afford to waste over 3K on something that might be defective…love the X series, especially with the manual Voigtlander lenses.
I’ve heard quite a few Fuji owners say that they would switch to Nikon Zf, if they had native primes with aperture rings. I’m in the same camp. I’m on the fence to sell my X-Pro2 and Fuji lenses and go with the Zf. But am still not sure if I want to go with adopted Sony E primes lor with Voigtlander z mount and go full manual. I don’t mind MF, but would like to have both options. Let’s hope Nikon hears our pleas.
Do you get annoyed by how heavy it is?
Yes I do, the weight and the more bulky build is for me personally too big for my taste. I prefer more compact camera bodies. I pointed that out I my initial video a year ago when I got the Zf and my opinion hasn’t changed since. That being said I see people commenting using the Zf as a EDC camera and they don’t mind the size and weight. Guess it’s as usual a matter of personal preference.
Thank you very much for checking out one of my videos!
I used to shoot Fuji and switched to Nikon. If you like the retro aesthetic, stick with Fuji. They have a much better retro implementation. That said, I feel that the retro style Nikon is dabbling into is a distraction from everything they have done best; modern ergonomics, optical quality, and an eye toward the future, not the past.
What makes Fuji's much better?
@@nickthaskater Primarily, it would be that Fuji has aperture rings on their lenses and that shifting to any sort of auto/priority mode is much more intuitive.
I would be surprised if Nikon made more retro designed lenses. Their lenses either 'match' all their other Z cameras, OR match the ZF. I have not looked at numbers for Nikon (or any company), but I am doubtful the ZF outperformed all of their other Z cameras combined (to make enough sense to create these more expensive to design/make lenses). MAYBE if a ZFii is fast approaching, perhaps they drop a fast 50... but I do not think that is forecasted for at least a few years (and not yet confirmed I do not think). That said, I want a ZF and I want more lenses with retro styling... I am probably going to get a Voigtlander lens to pair with the SE lenses if/when I get a ZF.
There is three reasons why I wouldn't buy this camera even though I think it's a really good camera from Nikon and one of them you mentioned is the aperture ring. It's such a great thing on Fiji film cameras and it has a practical use because you can be in the middle of a shot and change the aperture...... The second is unavoidable is the weight of the camera is quite heavy.... the last one might be slightly controversial but it is just my view 24 megapixels for me is on the lower end of the scale. I tend to be a 35....40 megapixel camera user because I like to crop in and get multiple scenes out of an image, especially when you're shooting a lot. I do think it's a great camera though and congratulations on your channel growing and yes I've hit the subscribe button
if this is your logic, just buy Sony🤦♂️ there is no point on paying €2500 on a crop sensor just because it's lenses have manual focus and aperture. Get Sony because it has a lot of 7 artisans manual focus lenses. Fujifilm doesn't have full frame.
@kingghidorah8106 I have a Fujifilm GFX 100s ii ...I have an XT5
If this camera had 40 mps I'd buy it
@@nevvanclarke9225 these cameras are way too expensive just to go shooting around with a fully manual lens. You do you i guess. But you can get medium format hasselblads for less than 4000 bucks.
Overall I feel like Fujifilm is starting to be like Leica and Sony has become fujifilm...
It's potential customers like you where I believe Nikon is leaving money on the table by not doing anything for the Zf since release. I think if they had at least released one decent retro lens with aperture ring, they would have sold a lot of more Zf. Specially if you look at the current Fuji AF discussion :D
The arguments regarding weight and MP I do get. I said on day one the Zf is to heavy and bulky for my taste, but others seem to don't care about that. 24 MP is also enough for me, but having the Q3 with 60MP I also get what cropping can do to simplify your life if you need it.
Thank you so much for your time watching and your support! Much appreciated!
I want a redux of the photo-only D f for the Z fII with the D f's aperture lever design for better compatibilty with older Nikkor lenses. In the meantime, Voigtlander, Thypoch and Viltrox all have native Z glass with aperture rings.
There will never be mechanical aperture management linkages on any Z body. That is why I kept my Df, just for the fun of using it natively with any F-mount lens....
@brusselssprout1 is there an actual technical reason I'm missing or are you just speculating?
@@nickthaskater the z mount design does not provide for any mechanical linkage between body and lens (beyond mounting lock). There is absolutely no reason to fundamentally redesign that mount and introduce the complexities of mechanical aperture links to the aperture ring movements of lenses that do not even exist. That would be tremendously costly to develop, with zero benefit. Regarding old F-mount lenses (such as first gen AF or AI or earlier), those require an adaptor to compensate for flange to sensor distance (F-lenses were designed to focus on the film;plane from the front of the mirror box of SLRs), such as the FTZ adaptor (or "dumb" adaptors from 3d parties). You could in theory imagine a special version of the FTZ that would include motors driving mechanical aperture links as well as the "screwdrive" required to autofocus 1st gen AF lenses, these motors would take their orders from the electronic links that would need to be programmed to do that. I'll let you imagine the complexity, weight and cost of such an adaptor (see the example of the infinitely simpler Techart TZM-02 for m-mount lenses) and the odds of it being "ugly" on the Zf.
@brusselssprout1 thanks for the additional detail. I figured I was missing something.
I don't have one but want it since it's out. Too expensive for me atm. I also hope they keep this "line" going. But I have my doubts as to what extend Nikon really wants to buid their retro segment.
After all Nikon only made 2 retro looking lenses. And those were initially made for the Zfc and they have modern looking sister-models. The retro look even looks a bit cheap. I really hoped they would come out with some new retro lens(es) with the Zf, but I think there is no reason to hope anymore.
But: I like that they seemed to have opened their mount early for Voigtländer. I guess if you want retro lenses for the Z-mount and almost all auto-focus capabilities you have to go with them. But as Nikon aims to provide all lenses on their own in any other segment I am a bit dissapointed they didn't even try.
Online there is already talk about a new Zf. I don't think that is necessary for a few years now. This camera is perfectly tuned to deliver on everything it promises. So I wouldn't be dissapointed if the Zf runs for a few years as it is. Just like Ricoh GR III or Fuji X 100 V which ran several years.
I agree, I don't think the Zf needs an upgrade for the next 2-3 years and looking at Nikon's lineup it hurt them, if they release a Zf II, which could be on a level of a potential Z7 III, Z8 or dare I say Z9.
I'm curious what we will see in 2025 from Nikon. I'm still crossing my fingers :D
Thank you for your time watching!
You are right, this rant shows OCD. If you look at Nikon's lens design evolution, you'll notice that they never re-released their AI-S designs with electronic contacts, even for modern F-mount bodies. When they went screwdrive AF, the first generation of lenses had an ultra thin focus ring and a smooth "beer can" barrel finish, reminiscent of the current Z lenses. That evolved a bit with a 2nd generation of screwdrive AF lenses (and a couple of AF-I and AF-S lenses) with a more conventional design for textures and rings. Both kept the aperture ring, but it was - for most lenses - unpleasant to use (grinding plasticky haptics, which I hated) and most people left them on the smallest aperture setting to manage aperture from the body. The next generation (G lenses) dispensed from the aperture ring altogether. So, for the last 25 years, Nikon has not launched a single lens with a dedicated aperture ring (apart from specialised PC lenses). I really do not see them going down that road now just for the sake of one-off retro Z bodies. It will never happen. Use Sony lenses with adapter or manual focus lenses or the new wave of Chinese lenses if you cannot live without a dedicated aperture ring. For the full retro look, modern electronics and hard core ersatz FM2-era haptics , the z-mount Voigtlanders are the best bet.
If nikon is smart they will be working on a line of vintage lenses that have character that might put the fuji xt line of cameras to bed
Not for "every" reviewer feels the Nikon Zfc "plasticy". For me for example not. If you use as professional heavy camera like the flagship models on a daily basis, the zfc and other light cameras feels light. That's a difference. I bought recently the zfc for 400€ with the japanese grip, and it comes on a cold day to me, and I could feel almost everywhere the cold magnesium alloy body under my fingers. Only the battery door was really plasticy, but come on. This door as a reference for the build quality or feelings of this camera? Many bigger reviewers need for the length of their videos filler topics, to gain more money with longer videos, I assume. They want years ago lighter bodys in the mirrorless world, tells us, this is one advantage of the mirrorless world, all should switch. Now some cameras are really lighter than DSLR counterparts, and many criticised the weight? The Zfc is of course with cheaper build quality than the Zf for example, but also with a prize that is way lower. You or reviewers should compare in the same price range, not apples and Birnen.
The DX (APS-C) situation (with or without retro design lenses) is or was really more worse than the FX situation. Until one year or so, with many many new chinese brands coming with Z Mount for DX with decent AF lenses, now it's time to get a cheap Zfc or other nikon DX bodys, because now you get a semi professional setup with native Z Mount lenses, u mean, without an adapter.
That is the advantage of the Zf, you could adapt almost every lens with AF and retro design from every mount on the Zf, if retro design and aperture ring is essential for you. You are right about critique to Nikons lens strategies, but Nikons Z Mount is more open to third party manufacturers than for example Canon. And with an adapter, the whole world stands open.
The case of the Df is a different one, because of the in body AF motor of the Df, every analog AF lens (AF-D) is without an adapter usable. You have no Flansch distance at the DSLR. If you use the FTZ adapter and old Nikon vintage lenses on a Zf, the design looks mostly not so satisfying. Because of the long FTZ Adapter. On a Df, there exist many AF-D lenses with retro vibes, and with an apartue ring. Not the AF speed is of course low, compared to the Zf with his Expeed 7 Monster CPU.
I think, all together, with the third party manufacturers, since 2023 (!), it is very possible to have fun with the Zfc and Zf with retro inspired AF (!) lenses (manual lenses anyway) without adapting. We have already min. 10 manufacturers for AF Z Mount lenses. For DX Sigma as the eleventh manufacturer. For AF and manual lenses we have 22 third party lens manufacturers. I thing, most of the reviewers knows only a quarter of them. Because, it's cheaper to operate a review channel, if manufacturer gives you lenses for the reviews, instead of buying all the lenses from your own money.
And we all consume this TH-cam review channels, and thinks sometime, it exist only 5 manufacturers. 50% of the possibilities are often not in our mind, time to look at the hole picture of the third party market.
You kids love the retro design but put that ugly grip on it. Don’t get it🤔? But will more than likely get a second ZF I like this ZF so much. I don’t even use Nikon glass just voigtlander. I bought Nikon glass but don’t like it.
I don't like the grip either, but it does help regarding ergonomics and since I usually film my videos on the Zf the integrates arca swiss mount is very handy to mount on a tripod.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@IntrovertAmateur hes out of line but there are nicer grips out there that also have function. I personally find the neewer to be a bit tacky.
Not gonna happen. Unfortunately.
I'm still hoping :D
Thanks for watching!
Nikon got 2.5K USD out of us and then left us to dry lmao. The 40/2.0 is nice but despite being 55 years younger than the Minolta 6/4 planar formula 40mm or the current 50mm summicron (formulated 1979) or even Zeiss' Contax 45mm, designed in the 1990s and having an aspherical element, is saved from its bad sharpness/contrast by its pleasant rendering. I despise the 28mm. It's my favorite focal length but the 28/2.8 I can just find nothing to like about it. Sony has the 2.4G lenses, why can't Nikon just copy their homework? Leica may charge me out the ass but at least they offer a real set of choices AND allow Voigtlander to use the mount. Adapting on the Zf gives up one of the absolute best and most important features of this camera; it is weather sealed. Overall I'm just really disappointed because I like the camera itself.
Voigtlander has native Z lenses, as do Thypoch and Viltrox, to name a few.
@@nickthaskater manual focus on the Zf is ass just because it's one step better than the worst doesn't do much for me. It's not an M11 that's for sure.
@@TCMx3 you're literally the only person I've ever seen dislike MF on the Zf. The manual focusing assists on the Zf are fantastic so long as you've got a lens that communicates with the camera to enable them.
@@nickthaskater well how many other people have an M11 and X2D, both cameras that actually do it well?
@@TCMx3 weird flex but ok?