Nikon Z fc Unboxing by Ken Rockwell

[@artmaltman]

Ken’s unboxing are the only unboxing that I really enjoy.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Art! I hope I keep it to the point.

[@JosephMind1]

As reported in a couple of different places, it's believed that the top plate is, indeed, a light gauge magnesium alloy. I haven't gotten mine yet to check, but you might trying placing the camera in a nicely air conditioned room, then compare the 'touch temperature' of the bottom plate to the top.

[@KenRockwellTV]

That will all be in my review which is developing at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm w!

[@dangerpowers123]

Love your videos Ken, been running my own little KZbin channel for a while on film cameras etc.. but your knocking it out of the park! Keep up the great work. Feeling inspired by your channel. If the Zfc was full frame I'd buy it. Hmm not sure about the crop sensor. I got a D750 instead last month

[@KenRockwellTV]

The full frame z fc is the df www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/df.htm , a real DSLR.

[@dangerpowers123]

@@KenRockwellTV I was thinking the same. I just wish the Df was a little slimmer and lighter. Maybe with mirror less Nikon will follow up the Zfc with a full frame version. Love it to look like the Nikon F with eye level meter less prism

[@koolkutz7]

Great unboxing ken. You made me want to buy the FM3a now! Forget the Z fc, do a review of those beautiful film cameras! Z fc camera strap-made in Bangladesh, c'mon man really!

[@KenRockwellTV]

All the 35mm cameras are already reviewed at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm#35mm one day maybe on KZbin, but there’s so much new today. Thanks!

[@randallbrander8157]

That empty packing used to be a charging cable. USB A to Micro or in your case USB C. It is missing out of all of the Z fc boxes.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Probably airspace for optional lens. Thanks!

[@chriscaarnold]

Fm3a So easy to get distracted when theres one of those around. I bought a mint one as and investment to keep in the box. Once it was out the box it never went back in. I have a lot of vintage F mount glass and the fm3a for the last few months has been my default everyday camera.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Awesome, eh, and never goes obsolete. Thanks!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Thank you Ken

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!

[@ytr8989]

It’s the same looking charger as the one with my D3300. I wish I could see one up close before ordering one. Honestly, my D3300 looks sturdier than this Zfc. I think the Z50 is better. Not sure if those dials will last a long time. What you think?

[@KenRockwellTV]

See the full review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm for detailed photos of the charger and so much more. Thanks!

[@mmofoto]

Looking forward to your full review of this! Although, i want to say i’m leaning more towards getting something like the fuji xt30. Any advice/thoughts so far?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Fuji has awful color for anything but people, and awful ergonomics. Go Nikon or Canon. I just added a lot more to the review today www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm#top

[@mmofoto]

Thanks for the advice! Nikon it is then lol After years of novice/amateur photography, I’ve sold all my lenses and kept my 24, 50 and 85 primes =)) Been following your website since i bought my first Nikon back in 2007. So thank you for such awesome service!

[@koolkutz7]

I just bought the Fujifilm X-S10 + 18-55mm f2.8-4 lens and so far it's great (and I am a Nikon user too; I have the D7500 + 9 F-Mount lenses).

[@mmofoto]

Nice! I actually also still have a D750 that i've had for 2 years now. So I'm not looking for another bulky cam since the one have have still has a bit of life left. Just want something to fill the void (as opposed to upgrading slightly to the same sized D780), something much simpler to carry around for everyday stuff. I'll probably wait for more full/extensive reviews on the Z-fc before I make my final choice or nless something even better comes along hehe.

[@petepete8556]

Love your reviews Ken! Any chance you'll review the Tamron 35/1.4? Everyone reviews it against the Canon 35/1.4L ii, but not the 35/1.4L i. I'd love to see a comparison to the first-gen Canon 35/1.4 because it's much closer to the price of the Tamron!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Probably no time. Eve if the Tamron has passable optics (and it probably does) built quality and durability and long-term compatibility are always questionable with the junk brands. Thanks!

[@petepete8556]

@@KenRockwellTV Fair enough--cheers!

[@livejames9374]

The tamron 35 1.4 is amazing. Sharper than the 35 1.4L ii and just as smooth bokeh.

[@petepete8556]

@@livejames9374 What about compared to the 35 1.4L i?

[@livejames9374]

@@petepete8556 the 35 1.5L i is not corrected for chromatic aberration. There’s much less on the Tamron and it’s also quite a bit sharper. I think the Tamron is better in every regard and one of the best 35mm made for DSLR.

[@AndySnap]

Eco packaging, all camera manufacturers are trying their best not to use moulded plastic or 'styrene these days, but the Zfc packaging does look very cheap too. A shame about Nikon's cost-cutting of recent, off-shoring all production, but I hope the quality of their cameras is maintained.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@mozzman]

Keep in mind these are not normal times for manufacturing or shipping. This is the only Nikon product that is being packaged this way so there must be a reason for it. Also, Nikon is shipping everything via air due to major delays in the shipping industry so every ounce is most likely accounted for.

[@Alexrocks1253]

Ken, what are your opinions on the Peakdesign straps? I like them a lot and find them the most comfortable but I want to know what you think!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Never tried them. I think they grab the camera from the tripod socket; I’ve never trusted that. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/straps.htm Thanks!

[@Alexrocks1253]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the link! I personally never use the tripod mount that they gave me cause I never trust it either, just the standard two strap lugs.

[@Rajdeep_Pandit]

Hi Ken, Can you please include in your ZFC review on how the camera performs with M Mount lenses such as Voigtlander, TTartisans, 7 artisans etc. using the adapters.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Gag. Adapters are always a pain. The 16-50 is probably better optically, that’s a great idea to compare. I just adddd a picture with a 1967 NIKKOR-S Auto lens at my review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm thanks!

[@BoRisMc]

King of camera review’s back 👌🏻

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@neklamp2431]

When I bought the Nikon D90 it came with a lot of gifts and the box was full of stuff! Now you only get a box and when you open it is like they are telling you "you are lucky we included the battery and the charger". Plus no hot shoe cover! How much does it cost to include it? A fortune? The unboxing experience of the zfc wasn't that exiting. I hope it's not like that with the other Nikon cameras. As for the camera itself, I'm missing that deep grip of the D90, but it's so lightweight and I'm starting to get use to it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Actually the charger is a gift. I never use it; the battery charges in camera via USB-C. I’ll bet the airspace is for an optional lens.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Hey Ken Nice to compare the family history The packaging for this new camera is very cheaply done but then again if it arrives to the purchaser in tact, I suppose that’s all that matters I look forward to your review All the very best

[@KenRockwellTV]

Review developing at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm as in shooting with it. Give me about a week. W!

[@ronaldsand3000]

@@KenRockwellTV hopefully soon! I’m actually waiting for review before pulling the trigger on this camera purchase All the very best

[@KenRockwellTV]

It’s great. I addd a lot to the review today with photos I shot yesterday www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm#top

[@ronaldsand3000]

@@KenRockwellTV 👍

[@RM-hy4so]

Looking forward to your review on the just announced Nikon Zf.

[@KenRockwellTV]

It’s already up at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf.htm. I’ll be updating that when I get more time with my own sample I have on order. Thanks!

[@RM-hy4so]

@@KenRockwellTV appreciate it. Thanks!

[@lynelljansen8057]

Is there a utube review of the ZF?

[@davidcollins4227]

Hi Ken, you must have tons of cameras. Quick question, I have a D610-D700-D300S and I store them in a Pelicase with desiccant. I don’t use them much , but can they go wrong and stop working etc , if they don’t get any use and are store this way? Do these cameras go wrong with age if not used much or at all? Thanks and great review 👍

[@KenRockwellTV]

Mechanical cameras like some exercise now and then. Your cameras are so new I doubt it matters, but I prefer open dust free areas over locked in a case with degrading foam. Foam often turns to goo over the decades

[@davidcollins4227]

@@KenRockwellTV awsome thanks Ken much appreciated. In my Pelicase I use the nylon inserts as (like you said) I have heard about foam degrading and causing dust, so I binned the foam 😊 love your videos btw ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Digmen1]

Hi Ken You said the box is cheap but not necessary as people don't buy from camera shops. And then you ask us to buy from B&H

[@KenRockwellTV]

B&H is online and so much more than a store even if you do go to Manhattan.

[@joelsmith3473]

FWIW, my made in Thailand Nikon camera sold in China was sealed in its box with tamper-evident stickers. Not sure why this is different in the US.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Clearly the Chinese demand much more from Nikon than Americans do. Thanks for the local update!

[@paulo7200]

What does B&H do with the cameras you (and others) return??

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good stores bite the bullet and put them in their used department. Other stores, especially chain stores without used departments and local stores sometimes fraudulently resell returns as new - I don’t use those places. Some may push the products back to the manufacturer for refurbishment. I’ve had people who were silly enough to buy at locally owned or chain retail call me wondering why my personal phone number was embedded into their EXIF data. At first they were very confused until I explained that they obviously were defrauded by a store that sold a camera, someone loaddd my settings file into it and then returned it - and then that store resold this used item as new for full price to the victim! NEVER buy local; with unsealed boxes you just can’t take the chance. Worst part is whoever returned those cameras to chains or local stores likely paid a restocking fee, which was pure profit for those stores when they resold the items at full price.

[@dgorenc66]

Also I handled the ZFC .. Not for me ..this camera is just a retro Z50

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly. It’s all personal taste. I like the look of the Z fc but miss the flash and mode dial of the Z50 - which costs less. Thanks!

[@gosman949]

and the Z50 is a great camera. But the ZFC has better focusing.

[@WhittyPics]

I would like it better if it has a FX sensor

[@KenRockwellTV]

That’s the Nikon df www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/df.htm

[@gimaru1]

So on this little camera they put more dials than actually needed but on the Z7ii they decided not to put enough..

[@ronaldsand3000]

????????

[@KenRockwellTV]

Aha! Thanks.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I just don't get it. Why doesn't Nikon USA seal their products? It's not like that elsewhere.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I suspect they don’t seal them so that unscrupulous old retail dealers can take them out and use them as demonstrators, and then resell them as if they were new to less savvy customers without having to give a discount. Thanks!

[@mneedes2]

Unboxing videos are silly. Really, are we reviewing boxes that most people throw away in the first 24 hours of ownership?

[@gosman949]

@@mneedes2 don't throw away your boxes! Your used gear will sell better and higher if you sell with the box!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I always do!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed, but thousand of people have already watched this video. Some people are curious about what you get with it. Thanks!

[@totallytransparent]

Great 👍

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks, Harry!

[@andre1987eph]

I’m done with DX size sensors tho.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@destinyangel5]

Great review Ken ,honest and reliable and straight shooting as always ! Well done Nikon with ZFC ,reminds me of my FM2 and is a very clever and much needed camera now for Nikon faithful ! I want to buy this ! The Z 6's and Z7 II's are still not up to scratch compared to state or art focusing and tech capabilities of Canon R5 R6 or the state of art but difficult to use menus of Sony's. I hoped and wanted the Z6 and Z7 V2's to be killer cameras but they are not ! they are old tech . Nikon are so far behind . Is it just me or surly we all getting fed up and getting sick and tired of the many wanna be , uncool ,fake it until you make it photographers who morph into sales people being U Tube Influencers who need to sell silly hats/ t-shirts and coffee cups relying on clicks To make a dime and continue brainwashing the gullible how great Z' camera are nonsense knowing they are really expensive /overpriced, limited with silly the useless older tech styled DSLR aka d850,500,7500 flipy screens, made in Thailand, coupled with the disappointing made in China or Thailand S lens line up. Hopefully Nikon will give us the much anticipated Z9 soon? it seems to be a proper mirrorless made In Japan with the high performance focus acquisition and features we look forward to and it must be like like holding a classic Nikon precision Made in Japan FM2 masterpiece to be successful especially when you spend thousands and thousands of dollars . Mr Nikon must lift his game to stay alive or they will end up like Olympus -the writing is on the wall.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks, but this is just opening the box. The review is at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm and in a few weeks also I’ll have a video review here. Thanks!

[@philfyphil]

No varnish is good, probably very green and recyclable materials.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I try not to make trash; I save my boxes for resale. Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

It’s just cardboard.

[@philfyphil]

@@KenRockwellTV Yes, I know, I was just remarking on when you said it wasn’t coated, and looked a bit cheap. You are right but I think all manufacturers should be getting away from all this coated rubbish and just using cardboard that can be put in the compost. Everyone’s a winner :-)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Coated stock is classy. Uncoated stock is trashy. I really like it when they use selective varnish for emphasis.

[@JakeTheBear1]

Kinda sad tho, should have been at least been Made in Japan to keep that 'made in the same place' as where their legendary mechanical cameras were born vibe. Kinda falls short on that.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Way short. Too bad, they are spitting on their heritage and their own bloodline. Not every company makes it over 1,000 years as quite a few have in Japan.

[@pinkfatcap]

The camera is actually made of metal, and not plastic nor plated plastic.

[@KenRockwellTV]

The precise materials are all listed in that section of my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z-fc.htm#mex

[@sauravbasu8805]

Though Ken has so many high-end cameras , he prefers to do this video with a mobile phone cam :-)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Because the iPhone makes the best video, especially for autofocus macro ranges like this. Try yours and see.

[@sauravbasu8805]

@@KenRockwellTV I am following your blog for over a decade and sent the links of many of your articles to my photography-loving friends. It's a real pleasure getting a response from you. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@EtaCarinae230]

The package is eco friendly.. Styrofoam wasn't..

[@KenRockwellTV]

Camera boxes are saved for resale, fewer of them enter the waste stream. I don’t buy with an eye to disposal; I buy long term. Thanks!

[@1946bike]

Good reviews...but dislike dirty digs on local camera stores...you have not changed in years! A know it all from Southern Calif. No need to follow further!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I stopped buying at retail back in the 70s when I found B&H. No love lost here on little stores with big prices on accessories. Thanks!