Nikon Zf - Elevating Your Manual Focus Game

[@Gobekadam]

Finally, a review of Nikon ZF with manual focus lenses - especially with the Voigtlander lenses. Thank you so much! I was really wondering how well ZF would pair with the Voigtlander lenses, given that aperture ring is on these lenses, making them a great combo for retro style shooting.

[@btonelli]

Indeed. They pair beautifully

[@12barko]

is the manual focous assist wit hthe eyes closeup apply also for the zfc?@@btonelli

[@SkandaTejasw]

Your video is impactful and delightful. Inspiring enough that I went ahead and got myself a 50mm APO Lanthar right after watching this! Also, thumbs up on the funky background music. Totally loved it.

[@btonelli]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the lens!

[@Photojouralist123]

Used my ZF with my 35 Sumilux and Voitlander 50 f1.0 Nikon did it again!!!! Thanks for your video

[@btonelli]

I saw your posts!! Awesome combos

[@Photojouralist123]

@@btonelli you and I think alike Bobby

[@AbbeyRoadDuluth]

Your video was the inspiration for me to order the 50/2 APO for the Zf. It is simply exquisite. The native Z-mount 50 1.8s is also great, but clinically so. The APO brings with it unbelievable sharpness, but with meaningful character the Nikon doesn't grab. The manual focus capability of the Zf, with the luxurious feeling of the APO's manual focus is such a great combination that makes you WANT to take pictures. Thanks for the video and the tip!

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching and glad you found the lens review helpful. It’s a fantastic lens and pairs beautifully together with the Zf.

[@domtomas1178]

Yessss!!! Thank you for this brilliant walk around with the Zf and some fantastic Voigtlander lenses. Exactly what I’ve been wanting to see since Nikon’s announcement. Been using Fuji and some legacy lenses, but this looks like an even better full frame option. And the Voigtlander lenses do match the Zf beautifully!

[@btonelli]

Glad you enjoyed it! They are a great combo especially for manual focus.

[@jorsetti]

Thanks Bobby! love these older Nikkor glass lens reviews, kudos!

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching! More of these lens reviews coming

[@vincent7603]

Mate subscribed! Love how active you are with your community!

[@btonelli]

Thank you!! That’s why I like doing this is to answer questions and learn from everyone and share my experiences

[@Patrice48h]

Bobby, another great video on the beautiful camera. Hats off to Nikon for bringing this project to the market. Also very much appreciate your street photography style and how you are not afraid (as I am) to interact with your subject and ask for pictures!!! Please keep pushing your own style!!! Love it!!!

[@btonelli]

Thanks!! Honestly this approaching method is something I’ve gotten the courage to do lately. I was a bit fearful before, but if I approach kindly and they say no I say thank you and move on. There were a few times this happened while filming but also because I had a camera man with me so it’s a bit more intimidating. Kindness with strangers can sometimes bring to light special moments especially with street photography 😊

[@Patrice48h]

@@btonelli I am leaving for 3 weeks in Spain this week and will definitely try your approach it with my Leica Q2-M!!! Thanks Bobby and keep inspiring us!!!

[@btonelli]

@@Patrice48h be safe. Also if you go to the street markets and you see the Nigerian sellers just don’t even ask for photos. They are quite paranoid and can be easily agitated when it comes to photography. I’m speaking first hand :)

[@dakotaxu4792]

You really bring a lot of adventure and excitement in your videos! I really love this particular video !

[@btonelli]

Thank you 🙏

[@nespressoman]

I am so glad I found your channel after buying my Zf. You are f**king brilliant. Thank you.

[@btonelli]

🙏 thank you

[@antoniog8276]

Ah man, that is just such a fantastic idea and implementation of subject detect!

[@btonelli]

Agree!! It’s a feature that just makes so much sense

[@enshongmiranda]

There's even a better "hack" that many miss out with Nikon Z cameras. Buy the TTArtisan M-Z 6bit adapter, get a Leica M-mount lens or vintage lens mounted on an M-mount adapter, set the AF-S and AF-C priority selection to "Focus" and set the AF Activation to "AF-ON only" with "Out of focus release" disabled. You now have a Trap Focus enabled AND eye/face detection works with it. Press the shutter button the whole way but it will not take a photo if the eye/face is not in focus yet. Turn the focus manually and if the eye/face is already in focus, the camera will take a shot (or shots). You need the TTArtisan adapter as it is chipped and makes trap focus enabled. Basically any lens that you can adapt to a Leica M-mount can now be used with trap focus. The adapter will also let you add focal length and aperture data on the EXIF.

[@btonelli]

This sounds a bit complicated haha and pricey. So you need to get two adapters to make it work?

[@enshongmiranda]

@@btonelli I agree, it can be a bit confusing the way Nikon hid it around the menus. I could make a video about it but I can't be bothered right now. Haha. But there are old videos on it as "trap focus" works on many Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless. And Nikon could've just made trap focus work on all manual lenses but they limit it to AF lenses (F or Z) that for some reason. 😅 The only way to make it work is if the lens has a particular chip or with the said TTArtisan 6bit adapter. If you use M-mount lenses, you just need the M-Z 6bit adapter. But if you want to mount other vintage or DSLR lenses and have trap focus work, you need to adapt it to M-mount. The adapters themselves aren't really that expensive. If you have a collection of old F-mount lenses or any other vintage lens, it could be a worthwhile investment in time and $50-75. Haha. If you have any connection with Nikon, please let them know that they should capitalize on the trap focus function and make it simpler and work on all manual lenses especially for the retro-styled bodies like the Zf.

[@enshongmiranda]

@@btonelli One thing I'm not sure of though is if it works with the Voigtlander Z-mount lenses. I think they're chipped? If it does work then that would really make the Voigts even more appealing. Imagine having not to punch in all the time if you want to make quick street shots whether with face/af detection or manual subject tracking.

[@btonelli]

@@enshongmiranda I’ll need to ask Nikon Singapore on this. The voigtlander lenses are chipped so they should perform and react like a native lens.

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Video pls ​@@enshongmiranda

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Loved the pictures and a very nice review of the capabilities.

[@DoubleB13]

Thanks for sharing this. Really useful video and love that combo with Voigtlander lenses

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. Yes the combo is fantastic

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I went down the Leica route a few years back, but the new Nikon changes the equation. A fantastic review.

[@btonelli]

Thank you. Leica has something similar in the SL3

[@chouandsherrie]

Kinda life changing when I tried it with the noct and combined with that shutter noise was amazing. Thanks for highlighting the focus aspect

[@btonelli]

It’s awesome right! Thanks for watching

[@kjltube]

Lovely, just the kind of video I was looking for. I’ve got a Z mount Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 waiting for my Zf which should be somewhere between the apo 35mm and the Noct you used 😛

[@btonelli]

Thanks! Yes that’s a good lens! Tried that. Not as modern rendering as the APO and not as soft as the 1.2 but sits beautifully in between

[@VizionZine]

Nice! I recently pre-ordered the ZF to mostly shoot manual focus lenses and I do portraits so the eye detect punch in zoom is definitely a nice feature. I have the Biotar 58mm f1.5 II from Meyer Optik Gorlitz and want to try it out on the ZF. You should do a review of that lens and the new 75mm when you get the chance.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Hey, that sounds like an awesome set-up! I've also pre‐ordered the zf and I'm looking forwards to manual focus assists for my meostigmat 70/1.4 (biotar rendering). I'm also considering the techart‐art tzm-2 AF adaptor, have you seen that? With the zf AI tracking, it may enable me to shoot street photography from the hip with 70/1.4, that would be amazing!

[@btonelli]

That sounds like a fantastic setup. Would love to try those lenses, hard to find here in Singapore though

[@Teledible]

I was just thinking about this lens on that set up. Waiting on that set up too. Please do a write up or a video if you do pair it up! I wonder how that would compare to the Voigtlaender Nokton 50mm f/1.0 z mount set up.

[@VizionZine]

@@Teledible I actually mostly use the CV 50mm f1 on the ZF now. It's great!

[@Teledible]

@@VizionZine ah! I just got the 50mm f1 too. Wonder how does that stack up to the gorlitz biotar 58mm ii and the 75mm! deciding which lens I should get next to use with the ZF really, a wide angle or telephoto lens hmm

[@RobertFalconer1967]

There's the Zf with the Voigtländer! Boy, that APO-Lanthar on the Zf ain't giving up much, if anything, to an M10 with a Summicron. What a great combo for street and travel. No cow detection...or you could argue that the Zf was smart enough to recognize that it wasn't a real animal, lol. The Zf checks off so many boxes. And honestly, I would rather have 24 ultra clean MP (and phenomenal low light performance) over 45 native MPs most of the time. Lots of great software programs now that enable you to upscale images in post if you really need to. And speaking of low light, I hope you get a chance to try the Zf with the Voigtländer Nokton Z 50mm f/1.0 on the Zf. My guess is that's gonna be the world's reigning low light combo right there. Quick questions, Bobby: Do we actually know yet how many stops of effective IBIS are available on the Zf with those coded Voigtländer Z mount lenses? Also wonder if that 'focus point stabilization' feature remains engaged while one is using a manual lens? Finally, did you determine if you can move the focus points around with the D-Pad (even in autofocus), instead of the LCD screen? Cheers...

[@btonelli]

Hi Robert yes these Voigtlander lenses are fantastic to use. They pull out a lot of detail with nice colours. Haha yes the camera might be smarter on the cows I give it credit for 😂 I’m not sure if the f1 is available yet for the Z mount. I’ve tried it when it first came out and it’s a fantastic lens. Agree will be a low light beast. In terms of IBIS I believe it’s 7 stops with these lenses attached. Only 8 stops with certain lenses. Yes you can move the AF point with the D pad and not the screen if you choose to. On the Zf it gives you the option to choose which you would like.

[@chewblogger]

Thanks Bobby for this video. This is highly interesting as I use Voigtlander lenses too and have paired them with Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony and Leica. So would love to try them on Zf.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. This will be a fun camera to adapt lenses too. I see this aspect of the camera being a go to for vintage lens owners

[@ofeykalakar1]

@@btonellialready do this with vintage LTM, M and F mount lenses with the Z8 and a Fotodiox Propronto MtoZ AF adapter. If I want F lenses to AF, I add a static M to F mount adapter onto the Propronto. A really magical lens is the Voigtlander 50 f1 Nokt at f1 and the 58 f1.4 Nokt. With this adapter the MFD of these vintage lenses is shockingly small. The Canon 35 f2.8 Serenar (1951) goes from 1 meter down to 20 cm!

[@settingofthesuns]

Manual focus is much easier if you assign 200% zoom to the AE/AF-L button or the video button for super fast zoom in/zoom out. // Note: Zf is 8 stops of IBIS not 7.

[@btonelli]

Yes you can do 200. I also assign the the AE/AF-L Button. Actually the camera is 7 stops. 8 stops with selected lenses.

[@settingofthesuns]

Thank you, I missed the "up to" part in "up to 8 stops" marketing.

[@btonelli]

@@settingofthesuns no prob. Many reviewers say 8 stops but it’s not quite accurate

[@ajkt208]

Great video as always & yes ! I love it that the Zf can subject detect even when manual focusing even for 3rd party lenses

[@btonelli]

Indeed. Great feature

[@kentjoosten8149]

Good explanation and shoot Bobby. One thing you might mention is the interaction of two of the PHOTO SHOOTING menu items: "AF/MF subject detection options" sets up the auto/people/animal/vehicle/airplane/off option FOR BOTH AF AND MF. As long as this is not off, the "MF subject detection area" sets up All/Wide(L)/Wide(S)/off FOR MF ONLY. The AF-area mode is not affected.

[@btonelli]

Thanks! Yes good point 👍

[@animook1]

I was wondering - do other Nikon cameras have that subject detection mode available in manual focus also? Or is it just Nikon Zf feature? Thanks a lot for clarification.

[@btonelli]

Not that I know of. Z8 and Z9 do not currently.

[@fededuran2523]

Hi Bobby. Is this feature also available in the Z8-9 line? Nice video, as usual. Hug from Spain.

[@btonelli]

Thank you for watching. Unfortunately it’s not at this time. It’s exclusively for the Zf

[@hyrenfabregas5913]

Wooo Singapore!! Excellent video, audio was absolutely perfect. What mic did you use for this?

[@btonelli]

Thank you! Used a countryman mic, Sennheiser AVX setup and used Auphonic for post processing

[@bubuli]

I hope this feature makes its way to the Z8/Z9. I use manual focus a lot and this feature would make MF even less tedious (in conjunction with focus peaking).

[@btonelli]

I agree. In time it probably will but having it exclusive to the Zf does give it some advantages

[@dicekolev5360]

My z6ii already has this feature. Not sure if that's normal as nobody said it will be on z6ii 😅

[@yesrbiradar]

I already preordered it and am eagerly waiting to shoot with my favorite Nikon 105mm F2.8 and Voightlander 58mm 1.4mm .

[@btonelli]

Great lenses!

[@mannurkumar]

how much it cost with grip?

[@btonelli]

@@mannurkumar grip isn’t that much. Probably 100 plus USD

[@yesrbiradar]

*Nikon 105mm F2.5 and Voightlander 58mm F1.4

[@bigboi36]

Fantastic review, bro 🎉 I truly hope to get this camera before the end of the year. I'm trying to hold out for a 180200 and Z500/ Z90. I currently have a Z50 and Z 24-70|2.8S and adapted Voightlander 40|2 and 58|1.4

[@btonelli]

Thanks! Not sure what the APS-C lineup will be like or if there will be more cameras coming out this year. Never know though :)

[@waynerm002]

Great review of the manual subject detection feature. I’m a bit surprised about the screen in the bright sunlight, was hoping it would be like the Z8/9, guess they had to cut corners somewhere. Great looking camera.

[@btonelli]

Thanks Wayne. Yeah the screen wasn’t doing well in the bright sunlight which was a bit surprising

[@whitewalker9622]

Just an idea, do you remember the "fm" focus system? Or how we used to change the glas plates? That is what I have wanted for a manual focus assist. Or at least as a choice

[@btonelli]

Ahh yes. Unfortunately these various option you would get with the FM don’t apply here. I think Fujifilm has something a bit more like that though.

[@dakotaxu4792]

Bobbyyyyyyyy! You just made my life easy because I had no idea that a manual focus lens could be used so easily with the Nikon Z9 that I have. I’m no stranger to using a manual focus lens. I’ve used the Zeiss Otus 85mm on the Canon 1DX Mark II in the past. But now that eye focus us here (it’s still new to me because I JUST bought the Z9 recently) I have been nailing every shot on the Z9 with the Z85, the Z135 PLENA, and the Z50mm f1.8 However I want to buy the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 (on back order at B&H) for the Z mount because I can’t stand the fact that the Nikon Z40mm f2 has a plastic mount and I was griping that I’d have to focus manually……. when I saw your video! 😊😊😊 thank you 🙏

[@markusbuechter3766]

I hope you got your VL 40mm 1.2 Z. I had the M Version and loved it. When I got the Zf I sold the M version and bought the Z Mount version. It is more or less glued to my camera. The VL 75 1.5 Z is wonderful too.

[@okyeabuddyguy]

Do you use the green focus confirmation dot a lot Bobby? That reminds me of manual focusing with DSLRs and it's a way to quickly focus on subjects without focus peaking, focus zooming or subject detection. It might not be perfect for critical focus but at least you'll be in the ball park. Nikon needs to release a 75mm F2 or F2.8 compact retro style autofocus lens to complete the 28/40/75 trilogy. A nice compact retro longer option would be amazing and really sell me on this kit. Unfortunately there's no chipped third party 75mm lens for Z mount yet.

[@btonelli]

I find the green box sometimes a bit difficult to use especially wide open on the lens. One slight movement it goes back to red. So I tend to rely more on focus peaking and my eyes

[@stefan_becker]

I think there's the option that turns the focus point green if the focus is correctl. I like this Zf feature a lot. However it seems to work only for lenses with electrical contacts and while you half depress the shutter...?

[@btonelli]

Actually it works with any adapter and lens as this is from the sensor and processor not the lens in terms of subject detection

[@johnybravo7034]

@@btonelliNope. You only get the green confirmation box with lenses that can communicate with the camera. No green confirmation box with any of my old Minolta lenses adapted with non cpu adapter.

[@AccessiblePhotography]

Hi. I may have missed something and hope you can clarify. With an old lens like your Nikon 58mm, does the camera still provide the eye detection and subject detection that you showed at the start of the video? Like another commenter I have the ZFc and like the look of the ZF but weight is very much an issue. I will also need to have a hands on try some point soon. Thanks. Alastair.

[@btonelli]

Hi. Yes it does still show eye detection. This is from the sensor level not the lens. Yes it’s slightly heavier and larger but feels good in the hands. When you pick up will notice it’s not that bad.

[@AccessiblePhotography]

@@btonelli thanks that’s a great help. Now, how do I get the money for one lol.

[@ria3144]

@@btonelli Are You shure? in the manual of the FTZ is written, that electronic rangefinder in Manual Focus doesn´t work

[@kentjoosten8149]

@@ria3144the range-finder focus does not work with non-chipped lenses. The eye-detection does.

[@vikdaddy]

Hi Bobby. When using third party manual lenses, i.e. lenses without the electronic connection (such as M mount), how do you get the green focus box confirmation? I can't get it to work! Maybe it only works when you use lenses that are Z mount? Thanks!

[@btonelli]

Under photo shooting menu make sure your AF/MF Subject Detection Options are turned on and Also right below MF Subject Detection Area is turned on.

[@vikdaddy]

@@btonelli thanks Bobby! Both are turned on though, still no green detection. Maybe it only works with Z mount lenses with electronic contacts.

[@btonelli]

@@vikdaddy it should work for all lenses

[@kennethlavalle1608]

Bobby I just ordered a Zf to use with my 58mm F1.2 Noct. You always gravitate toward the exact glass that I would pick. Interesting.

[@btonelli]

Awesome! Great combination

[@Pillone94]

Hi Bobby, I read in the forums that Nikon removed the sensor shield. could you tell me if this is true? I thank you and appreciate your work 🙏🏻

[@btonelli]

Yes the sensor shield is not there on this camera. Not sure if they will add this in since in essence it’s the shutter coming down but will see

[@stefaanr8792]

Nice review, thank you for sharing. I'm a Df shooter with some great ai and ai-s lenses. I'm trying to figure out, if an upgrade to the Zf is something for me. Shooting wide open with my 50 mm 1.2 ai-s with the assistance of focus peek seems very tempting, watching you do this so quickly. The only concern I have is the plastic FTZ ring. There you have a vintage looking camera (even more so than the Df), you pair it with vintage ai lenses, but between them is a plastic tube. Maybe irrelevant in a photographic point of view, but if Nikon or some third party could work around that, I would rush to the camera store...

[@btonelli]

Granted the ftz adapter isn’t going to win the best looking adapter contest thus far but it’s robust and works well. I agree aesthetically it takes away from the camera, but if the increased popularity of the Zf holds I’m sure they will come out with something that matches better and hopefully smaller

[@fossilizedlemonade2.0]

Just picked this up recently… getting it in tomorrow… looking forward to shooting some vintage glass on it! Have you got any M42 lenses you’ve tried with it?

[@btonelli]

Congrats! No I don’t have any M42 lenses

[@Whatreally123]

Bobby, a request as you are one who responds to questions. I'm a motorcycle traveller and I was hoping Nikon launches an updated Zfc but I am also interested in the Zf. But I see that the sensor doesn't lock in place when the camera is off. As I will be spending a lot of time on the motorcycle as much as off it, I'm just worried if the sensor being lose and moving around might cause any issue. Would you be able to provide your inputs or maybe get some info from Nikon? India Nikon doesn't have anyone who can answer this for me.

[@btonelli]

Hi! This is a great question. Let me ask the Singapore team and find out for you

[@Whatreally123]

@@btonelli thank you. 👍 Much appreciated.

[@btonelli]

Hi. Here is the response from Nikon Singapore: About your inquiry about the absence of a locking mechanism for the Nikon Z f camera image stabilization system. Nikon's main focus was to create a compact and lightweight camera body, which made it impractical to include a locking mechanism for the sensor-shift vibration reduction mechanism. Although you may feel some movement when the camera is turned off, this is normal and does not cause any negative effects or damage during travel. Our camera bodies are designed to withstand various conditions and handling situations, ensuring the durability and reliability of the image stabilization system. We appreciate your feedback and will consider it for future product developments. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know. Thank you for choosing Nikon. Regards Nikon Singapore Team

[@Whatreally123]

@@btonelli thank you Bobby. Really appreciate you going out of your way to get this information. 👍 Can I ask what you feel about this response from Nikon? It sounds like a well rounded and safe answer from Nikon. From your experience, would you be concerned if the camera is taken out whilst travelling on very rough surfaces where there might be abrupt and intense movement? (Like a war journalist going into hostile situations in a jungle or as I had mentioned of rough roads on my motorcycle).

[@btonelli]

@@Whatreally123 I think you will be fine but consider this is a prosumer camera. If you want to go to war zones etc a Z8 or Z9 may be better suited but if you want to just ride your motorcycle around and take photos the Zf is fine

[@pgulysse1]

Thanks Bobby. I found this camera beautiful. #Nikon nailed it. Good job @nikon. If the features in the #zf are put back in the next #zfc as well later(+ ibis, headphone jack, better biilt), I think will have an interesting pair of retro cameras DX and FX.

[@btonelli]

Indeed. Here is to hoping for these features to come to the Zfc in the future

[@bcheung2943]

What brand of adapters you use for the Nikon F mount and leica M mount to the Zf body ?

[@btonelli]

7 artisans close focusing adapter

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Please do a video with Meyer Optik Görlitz Lens. Can they be used? 😮

[@btonelli]

Hi. I don’t own any of these but any manually focus lenses with an adapter can be used

[@jackkim2522]

Do you get the green box on eye when in focus for manual focus lens? I use voigtlander 50mm apo m mount lens with adapter for my zf, but I never got the green box for things in focus. it is more like you get the white boxes following an eye, and when I press magnification, It is zoomed right to that eye or whatever it is tracking as white boxes. Please confirm if there is any option in menu where I can turn on green box option.

[@btonelli]

Yes you are correct. The green box only shows with lenses that have electronic connections. But you still get subject detection like you experienced.

[@gozellalai6711]

Hi Bobby, can share what the cost of the Voigtlander 35mm f2 APO-Lanthar or where to get the lens? Cheers

[@btonelli]

Here in Singapore it’s around 1k plus SGD and Riceball Photography are the distributors

[@gozellalai6711]

Thank you, Mr Bobby. Hope to see more of your review soon. Cheers

[@ghas4151]

That eye manual focus is genius!

[@btonelli]

Agree. More camera manufacturers should add this in

[@sergeynikitin9321]

​@@btonelliI sent such feature request to Leica for the SL2-S camera 2 years ago. Not such feature to date.

[@philippdiers4853]

Great video! Does focus confirmation / eye detect in manual focus mode work with any adapted lens (e.g. Leica M glas with a mechanical adapter) or does this require electronical communication with the lens?

[@btonelli]

Thanks! Works with any adapter or lens. It’s from the sensor. You won’t get the green box but you will get the white box over the eye. Use focus peaking and magnification to nail focus

[@philippdiers4853]

Thank you! 👍

[@GabrieleLopez]

Let's see if I got it right: the "trap focus" way is only available with lenses that have electronic contacts right? otherwise it's only focus peaking option... Focus peaking is what I am using on the zfc right now....thanks for any help to understand...

[@sundawg911]

I got a zf and waiting for it to arrive. got a kit but judging how i like it will save to grab this one eventually. it is gorgeous.

[@btonelli]

Congrats!

[@thomasfox5476]

Thanks for the update.👍

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching

[@ALWH1314]

Interesting, I use Leica, Hasselblad and just got this Zf, try it with Voightlander 40mm f1.2, I don’t understand how Leica or Hasselblad has better manual focus?

[@btonelli]

The focus peaking is more precise. With the Zf you need to really zoom in to hit critical focus on wide aperture lenses. The other two are more exact. When it’s red or whatever color you have, the focus is dead on. With the Nikon, sometimes not quite

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Hey Bobby - Finally laid hands on the Zf yesterday. A question even the Nikon rep couldn't seem to answer, however, was can you control the aperture from the manual aperture ring on the Voigtländer Z mount lenses, while in Aperture Priority or Manual mode? You spent lots of time with that combo, so I assume you'd have figured that out pretty quick.

[@vikdaddy]

Of course you can, how else would you

[@btonelli]

Yes you can control the aperture ring on the Voigtlander in both modes.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@btonelli Cheers. Nikon themselves seem a bit confused about this, hence my question.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@vikdaddy I asked the question because even Nikon seem confused about this question. Here is an exact quote from a Nikon tech rep in North America when asked the same question > "The Z f reacts to manual focus lenses the same way as any other Z body. So you have to lock the aperture ring and use the command dials on the body."

[@vikdaddy]

But they're Voigtlander lenses with an aperture ring made for Z mount?! @@RobertFalconer1967

[@Pembers357]

Really informative video. Is it a single button push to punch in/zoom to get critical focus?

[@btonelli]

Yes. You can assign or use the dedicated button on the back to do this

[@stefansipl6736]

Thank you! One question: You mentioned the Leica SL2(S?). I want to buy a camera for manual focusing. Did I get you correctly: The Leica SL2(S) is a bit better for manual focusing? If yes, what exactly is better?

[@btonelli]

I mentioned the focus peaking is more accurate but the Nikon Zf has subject detection in manual focus which is better

[@MZEBLUE]

Does subject detection work with adapted manual focus lenses, or F-mount manual lenses only?

[@btonelli]

Yes it works with any adapted lenses

[@AnonGoogleuser]

I just wished it had a higher resolution sensor. Hoped it would be the Z7 sensor or even a 60+MP.

[@btonelli]

Agree. Perhaps a new version will come with higher res

[@LarsSteenhoff]

Also would be nice if it could zoom in on half press shutter to confirm focus

[@btonelli]

Not available yet but perhaps in a future firmware update? I’m sure more features will come to this camera over time

[@thdbird83]

I'm not recalling clearly, but it has this kind of feature using the back screen function. so when we tap, it will zoom in to the focus box. gotta rewatch earlier rather the earliest ZF review. If no wrong it is on Ricci's KZbin reivew.

[@btonelli]

@@thdbird83 I as well. There are a lot of small features that are hidden in the quite extensive menu.

[@KibbitUpIt]

Nice review! Bobby, do you know if the ZF has focus trap? That’s my go to for manual lenses

[@btonelli]

I asked and not that we are aware of but it has been brought up to the product team so perhaps in a future firmware release? Don’t know what they will improve, but Nikon is constantly updating the newer Z cameras with more features

[@KibbitUpIt]

@@btonelli thanks!

[@LarsSteenhoff]

It has focus trap for autofocus lenses for sure because thats what the z8 has, but its mostly needed for manual focus lenses, the ones with a cpu chip should be easy for nikon to allow it to have this function. In AFC and AFS mode you can set shutter to release only when in focus, but in MF mode its not an option, what nikon needs to add is the same option in FM mode. a2: AF-S priority selection = Focus a7: AF activation = AF-ON only / Out-of-focus release = Disable Nikon needs to add MF priority selection = Focus

[@KibbitUpIt]

@@LarsSteenhoff thanks! I have a few Leica M lenses that I plan to use with the TTartisan MTZ 6bit adapter

[@_rhapsodist]

Does the subject detection in MF only work with lenses that have electronic contacts?

[@btonelli]

Works with both

[@energydw8260]

thanks for the video. Newbie q: why would a manual focus lens benefit from the subject detection feature? Even if it detects the subject, you still have to manually adjust the lens to focus, right?

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. Good question and the reason is with manual focus subject detection nailing focus on the subject is easier because when it detects the face, eye or subject when you magnify in it goes right to the face or eye etc so it speeds up the process of manual focusing. Also the IBIS in the system adjusts itself to stabilise the subject in focus vs the center of the frame

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Nice video! Punching in on the eye is a great feature. I'm thinking of getting the tech-art tzm-2 AF adaptor for manual lenses. Combined with the zf AI tracking it could be amazing!

[@btonelli]

Indeed! I would love to try the techart with this camera. I’ll see if I can source an adapter

[@jliang70]

@@btonelli I use the Sony version of the techart and eye autofocus does work but it can mess up focusing sometimes, manual focus is a bit more reliable in most cases. Light Lens lab Elcan for example I had to reset it a few times before the motor on the adapter can kick in to start focusing.

[@btonelli]

@@jliang70yeah the adapters aren’t 100 percent. I see this on the m to Z version as well. I find when I’m normal distances turn the lens focus ring to infinity and it will lock on. Close up I turn it to minimal focus and the adapter will work. So it varies a bit in terms of how to maximise it

[@dakotaxu4792]

Just a question Bobby: do you think this camera would have been a bigger hit if it had a higher megapixel count?

[@btonelli]

It’s a big hit already but yes I do think if it was higher it would be even more so

[@SAI_N_SAI]

Is the Lens ARTRALAB NONIKKOR-MC 35mm F1.4 (Full Frame) 1960's? So Cool Manual Focus Lens

[@btonelli]

Hi! Are you referring to the vintage lens? It’s the Nikkor 58mm f1.2 Noct

[@6hr0n05]

I have an otus 55 and a d850, I find that at 1.4 my portraits can be sometimes off unless I take the time to really double check my focus. When using the ZF do you find a difference in speed when manually focusing ? Sometimes i miss the shot on my current setup

[@btonelli]

Yes I do. Especially with the eye detection and focus peaking. All I need to do it zoom into the eye and nail focus. This will be a big step for you from the D850 for sure

[@Cleverconveyence]

​@@btonelliWhat button do you use to activate zooming in for critical focus?

[@6hr0n05]

thanks@@btonelli

[@btonelli]

I assigned the AE-L AF-L button or I can use the dedicated magnification button on the lower back part of the Zf

[@Whatreally123]

Nice. Now nust waiting for Nikon to add 35/50 pancake lenses with the retro design. Thatll complete the street kit with the 26, 28 and 40mm lenses.

[@btonelli]

Agree. That would be ideal

[@mekore]

I'm a zf user too, just want to point out that Canon R5 also provide subject detection and focus confirmation when used with voiglander lenses

[@btonelli]

Yes because it has the electronic contacts. But it doesn’t have when you don’t have the contacts

[@alexg.6259]

Did you get the green confirmation windows also with the Nikkor?

[@stefannantz]

Woul love the to see the Voigtländer 50mm f1 on it

[@btonelli]

They didn’t have one to test for this at the time of recording

[@perseuslegend8580]

@btonelli I hope you can shed some light on a delicate topic about the ZF. There's some confusion about how to clean the sensor. It seems that if the automatic cleaning doesn't get rid of the dust, you're not supposed to use any sensor cleaning kit to clean it by yourself. Nikon wants the customer to send the camera to a Nikon repair center to get the dust cleaned, which sounds like quite a stretch! Dust on the sensor is very common on mirrorless cameras. Even though this might be a policy with every other manufacturer, it's somewhat accepted that the customer, if he/she feels so, can do the cleaning by themselves. On top of that, is not clear what the right procedure would be, as with the ZF the IBIS doesn't lock off when the camera is switched off. Some say the camera has to be on when cleaning the sensor. It's all quite confusing, and a bit surprising that Nikon it making this confusion even worse. Do you have any insights on this? I would greatly appreciate it!

[@btonelli]

There are sensor cleaning kits that one can purchase to clean sensors. However if someone has not done this before then best to have a professional or someone experienced to do it. I clean my own sensors but also understand how to do this. Nikon is right to be overly cautious because if someone takes a cloth and rubs the sensor too hard etc it can damage it so to alleviate such cases they recommend to send it in. Using a hand blower to a sensor is fine but again nothing too powerful. One needs to think of the less informed or careless individuals who will accidentally damage something because they think they know but don’t really. Hence Nikon’s overly cautious wording.

[@perseuslegend8580]

Thanks @@btonelli ! You're right, I understand Nikon being extra cautious about this aspect. What it's not clear is whether the camera needs to be on or off during the cleaning. I assumed it should be off, but someone is saying that because the IBIS doesn't lock off, the camera needs to be on to keep the IBIS still. I'm rather confused about this last point.

[@btonelli]

@@perseuslegend8580 every camera I clean I turn it off

[@perseuslegend8580]

Thanks, @@btonelli , I really appreciated that you took the time to confirm!

[@PatrickSmeaton]

I have the Zf and the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 and also love it. It's as though they were made for each other. I also have the Nikon Z 50 f/1.8 and never use it. I'll be selling it soon. It does give me a bit of anxiety watching you walk on sidewalks and such without using a camera strap.

[@btonelli]

They are a great combo. I will sometimes do this when the strap gets in the way of my mic etc. I’m extremely careful with gear and when I’m not using the camera goes right in my bag

[@Iamtongue]

How's the eye tracking and hit rate? I doubt it's at sony's level? But do you have a gauge or a baseline? Is it more in line with Fuji's?

[@northofbrandon]

Eye tracking... we're talking about manual focus here. Think Leica not Sony.

[@Iamtongue]

@@northofbrandon he has a Nikon ZF so I wanna ask him about AF as well Tf. Didn’t know that was off topic.

[@btonelli]

No prob at all. It’s about on par with Fujifilm, maybe slightly better? Hit rate is good too.

[@btonelli]

Not off topic all good. Af is good. If you used the Z8 and Z9 it’s about on par with them.

[@Iamtongue]

@@btonelli damn.. slightly better than Fuji 😭 I’ll take it thanks 🙏

[@al404]

Does this feature works with MF lens without contacts?

[@btonelli]

Yes it does. Under photo shooting menu make sure your AF/MF Subject Detection Options are turned on and Also right below MF Subject Detection Area is turned on.

[@johnpap9328]

Can one get that focus confirmation green box with old AIS lenses?

[@btonelli]

Yes. With any manual lenses

[@johnpap9328]

@@btonelli thanks man. Any particular setting? For the life of me I just cannot get it to work with any of my AI and AIS lenses adapted via a K&F damp adapter. I only got the camera yesterday and been reading through the manual as fast as I can :)

[@btonelli]

@@johnpap9328 it’s a setting in the menu. Photo shooting menu - AF/MF Subject Detection Option then turn on

[@johnpap9328]

@@btonelli Ah yes, I already have this turned on for all subjects. And indeed the camera detects people. But the box that appears over the eye is always white, sometimes with one or two arrows. It never turns green to confirm focus.

[@btonelli]

@@johnpap9328 it’s not like the manual focus box where it turns green. When you see the white box you can zoom in and it goes directly to the eye.

[@ishanxde]

Does the camera have a digital scale like fuji has for manual focus?

[@btonelli]

Yes there is a scale

[@MrCopealope]

Hey Bobby, what’s your backpack?

[@btonelli]

Wotoncraft Pilot 18L. I actually have a video on it : kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2W1hIhnfsd5bassi=48iA5nvyXLwoqcA2

[@brusselssprout1]

Help needed: can you use trap focus with Z-mount Voigtlander lenses on the Zf? Tried all the recommended settings bur it keeps triggering whether in focus or not.... thanks beforehand!

[@btonelli]

I’m not sure to be honest. Never tried that feature but it’s available for the Z9. Not sure about the Zf

[@brusselssprout1]

@@btonelli thanks. The trap focus feature is available on the Zf but does not seem to work with chipped manual focus lenses such as the Z-mount Voigtlanders. I can get it to work by manually focusing Nikon Z AF lenses and I've seen reports showing it works with chipped M-mount adaptors (such as TTartisan 6-bit and Techart) as those adaptors mimic AF electronics (the camera thinks there is a AF lens attached). The Voigtlanders tell the camera they are MF lenses, and that short-circuits the "focus priority" AF-C and AF-S menu settings it seems (impossible to select those). If that understanding is correct, that would really be a missed opportunity for those Z-mount Voigtlander lenses. One would be better off using their M-mount versions with a chipped adaptor. I might be missing something though....?

[@pgulysse1]

Bobby, i think the #Viltrox AF lenses with aperture ring are an interesting option for a full manual experience. Hope you time to try the viltrox lenses on the #Zf and #Zfc

[@btonelli]

I’ve always wanted to try Viltrox but don’t know anyone at the company to work with

[@Touuraab]

Great video.

[@btonelli]

Thank you much appreciated

[@nwwwbbb]

Can you make one with leica lenses or M mount lenses?

[@btonelli]

I’ll try that out

[@samuelsmith6804]

Of all the cameras ive ever used this may just be the most enjoyable for day to day shooting.If I am using all day or using a larger lens it needs a grip. But for shooting manual focus lenses on a modern camera it's hard to beat. I love everything about this camera. And I am happy with my purchase. However, 11 years ago Nikon released the Df which most people hated. It had some flaws, but the image rendering, tonal gradations, colour rendition, high iso noise on that camera sadly blows this the z6/zf sensor away. Not that the Zf is particularly bad, it's isn't, it's actually a great sensor but it gives that very digital look to images in the same way the sony A7 series cameras do. On paper maybe everything about the Zf sensor is superior, but if you have used a D4/D4s/Df, you know what I'm talking about. Granted the images in this review are excellent quality, but it is with the absolute cream of the crop of lenses, so you would expect fabulous image quality at a minimum.

[@btonelli]

@@samuelsmith6804 yes the enjoyment factor is at a level 10. I also really like this camera

[@Chris-13]

Great video, thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching

[@derekdibrell2067]

Can you get this same eye confirmation in manual focus on the Z8?

[@btonelli]

No only on the Z6III

[@avinashrai11141]

Noct 1.2 images look just special. Colours out of the lens has match in modern lens.

[@btonelli]

Indeed. It’s a master at both wide open and stopped down

[@lamaludwig1470]

nice Campa shirt!

[@btonelli]

Thanks!

[@harrisjon1]

Do you need an adapter or will any lense fit on to the ZF body? Thank you.

[@btonelli]

You need an adapter

[@knab2831]

tried any of the grips by chance?

[@btonelli]

@@knab2831 yes I have the original Nikon grip from Japan and the smallrig grip. Both are good! The Nikon looks perfect on the camera but not the deepest grip for longer lenses

[@knab2831]

@@btonelli thanks for the quick reply! gonna try looking for the nikon

[@bianx817]

May ask what adapter you use with those lenses?

[@btonelli]

The Nikon FTZ 2 adapter for the Nikkor Noct. For the Voigtlander these are native Z mount

[@bianx817]

@@btonelli thank you! If I have voigtlanders for my Nikon film cameras (fm3a), do I use the ftz adapter too?

[@cryptobyt2403]

NIKON SHOULD ADD MICROPRISM like MANUAL FOCUS ASSIST AND ILL BUY THE ZF. Right now i still planned to get z7-2 next year. Im hobbyist z8 is too large for street and travel. Best suited for pro i think or backup z9 cam for pro.

[@btonelli]

I hear ya but with magnification and focus peaking the need for a micro prism might not be as necessary as it was before

[@cryptobyt2403]

@@btonellibut experience should be at full not half full right?

[@btonelli]

@@cryptobyt2403 everyone will have their standards of what a full experience will be. I think this is a really full experience but others might not.

[@ngterry9653]

The manual focus tracking in Nikon zf only work with Z mount lens ? how about adapted non-cpu lens ?

[@btonelli]

Works with every lens.

[@ngterry9653]

@btonelli Glad to hear that, but I can't find the right setting to enable the tracking though

[@btonelli]

@@ngterry9653 photo shooting menu > AF/MF Suject Detection Options and MF subject Detection Area

[@zakiradi450]

Does the Display not have sunny weather setting Iike Sony?

[@btonelli]

It can go bright but even then it was a bit hard to see

[@airdailyx]

finally, a useful review of this camera. Everybody else is just walking around with that stupid kit lens while the Nikon representative follows them around.

[@btonelli]

Thanks! I had to do that as well on a previous video I made

[@airdailyx]

@@btonelli well, I appreciate you circling back. The whole reason I bought this camera was to adapt it with vintage glass. Something I always hoped Fuji would deliver. But it seems they are stuck in the crop sensor realm.

[@n1ngnuo]

I own the black Zfc and I have the 26 mm pancake. I really love this combo, because it’s small and light. But I’m so tempted to get the Zf. My only concern is the weight. I’d probably order the Nikon grip from Japan and with that and a (smaller) lens you’re already at a kilo. I need to go to some demo rooms and check it out. Great review.

[@btonelli]

I as well also have a black Zfc. Great looking camera. The Zf definitely has more weight to it and slightly larger but also feels good in the hand. It’s not that heavy though and fits easily in most bags. I enjoy the extra heft especially for stabilisation.

[@n1ngnuo]

@@btonelli I will go to a Nikon shop soon, they have all cameras as demo units. Not sure the Zf is already available here, but will check. Really want to compare the weight. The black Zfc with the original Japanese grip is around half a kilo. And my main lens is the 26 mm or the 16-50, both very small. Now for the Zf I wish there were some small 40-50mm lenses and a compact standard zoom, but I'm afraid I will need to get the 24-120 which is quite big. The 24-70 f4 could be an option, too. Need to try out.

[@Eatmeraw]

​@@n1ngnuo Demo units are usually paired with the compact sized 40mm f2. Your concerns are valid if you are used to having lighter systems, the weight did put me off holding it with one hand paired with the 40mm. It's definitely on the hefty side amongst other FF mirrorless cameras. Definitely built much better than the ZFC in terms of quality and features.

[@n1ngnuo]

@@btonelli I wonder, if you have the chance to test out the ZEISS Planar T* 2/50 ZM (Leica mount) with a dummy adapter (if I get one, it would be the Rayqual LM-NZ, that one makes the lens look like it's Z mount). The reason I am curious to buy this combo is, the Planar weighs 230g only, the adapter, I don't know, but I suspect around 50 g max. That's around 280 g, the Apo Lanthar is 347 g. The Planar (used), costs around 500 USD from eBay Japan. The Apo Lanthar is 899-999 USD (new), so quite more expensive. Sure, there are no contacts on the Planar, but I don't really care about exif data. The Apo probably performs better, but I think the Zeiss has great reviews, too, it could be close. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any video reviews of the Planar on a Nikon Z camera, let alone a comparison with the Apo. If anyone can do it, I was thinking it could be you.

[@Fyr042]

Thx for this usefull video.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching

[@thomas9884]

Just purchased the 50mm APO for my Nikon Zf. Just Wow. 🤩 Best 50mm lens I had. Even compared to the Nikon S-Line 50mm 1.8. Thanks for pushing me to pull the trigger! 😉

[@btonelli]

Congrats!! Enjoy the lens

[@vc6218]

How do I do this with vintage lenses??

[@btonelli]

Get an adapter then attach the lens and set the subject detection in manual focus in the menu and off you go

[@vc6218]

@@btonelli I actually just figured out how to do that now but I see white boxes that point left and right with no focus confirmation. What am I doing wrong? Lol

[@btonelli]

@@vc6218you need to turn the focus ring till everything is in focus and you can also press the magnify button and it will zoom in on the eyes

[@vc6218]

@@btonelli When everything is in focus nothing happens with the boxes? The image is in focus and the boxes don’t turn green nor is there a focus confirmation point.

[@btonelli]

@@vc6218 you need to either use focus peaking or take a photo when the image is sharp

[@stefan_becker]

The 50mm Apo Lanthar might well be the sharpest 50mm lens available for full frame at the moment(!).

[@btonelli]

One of for sure. Will need to test it against the S Line 50 f1.2

[@tonyhayes9827]

Did you find any bugs in general use Bobby. Only ask because I want to trade up to one NOW! Lol!

[@btonelli]

Nothing outside of what I’ve shown here. I’m using the production firmware as well

[@tonyhayes9827]

@@btonelli Cool, great work as always Bobby. Really appreciate your inputs

[@btonelli]

@@tonyhayes9827 thanks for the support

[@walkingmeditation61]

Maybe I'll just keep my original Z6 and get Voightlander lenses ?, same sensor in a different package ! I was considering the ZF really because of the auto focus but with a manual lens I don't need to

[@btonelli]

The sensor I believe is different and the processor, speed and functionality is also different. 24mp isn’t always the same sensor from one camera to another

[@jtes1442]

I wish they had included a joystick to provide more options and customization.

[@btonelli]

Yes agree but the touchscreen does work quite well