Nikon Zf Impressions from a Fujifilm Guy

[@oc2phish07]

Very nice video indeed. I am in a similar position, I was a Nikon user for a long time, both film and digital, with an F401, F801, D90 and D7100. Then I found Fuji and now own an X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-T5 and X-H2. I have also pre-ordered an X100VI. Then a few months ago I saw the Nikon Zf announced and pre-ordered two of them. Since the Zf arrived it has become my Go-to camera and I love it. It is so nice to hold and use, and produces such great images that I really have re-discovered my love of photography, especially here in London where I do a lot of street stuff. The main thing for me is that it is so easy to use that I can now concentrate 100% on the shot and not on the settings. I am not going to get rid of any of my Fuji gear but for the moment it is all taking a back seat.

[@JerredZ]

Absolutely! I love Fuji cameras... but the Zf just allows me to create so effortlessly! Thanks for the comment!

[@johnbanks9392]

I suggest you sell your Fuji stuff now before it becomes worthless.

[@JET-Photo]

The Z8 got me. I hated saying goodbye to Fuji but the AF pushed me away. I was heavily invested too. My Z8 is phenomenal at shooting sports, and I have a Zf on the way to replace my Zfc for street stuff. Subject detection in manual focus is brilliant and I just needed the FF capability. Can’t wait to bring it up to Iowa in November!

[@bespokecustomstudio1565]

I think you need a middle child in your life. That’s the Nikon z6iii. 😂

[@JET-Photo]

@@bespokecustomstudio1565 that may happen lol.

[@JerredZ]

Awesome man! I didn't even go over subject detection in manual focus! I kind of forgot about that (bad youtuber) - but it's AWESOME. I didn't know how helpful it would be until I used it, and I smiled really big!

[@JET-Photo]

@@bespokecustomstudio1565 update: that did happen 🤣

[@duncanwallace7760]

The Z8 was the one I wanted to buy, but I ran out of patience and bought the Z9 a fair while before the Z8 was released / announced. I now barely use any other camera.

[@HoLeeChit11]

Forget any spec any performance figures, when Nikon’s colour science gets you, there’s no going back.

[@JerredZ]

So why isn't this more of a "thing" for Nikon? I was sharing some photos with a friend and he pointed to several and said "WOW, those colors." And we kept going through more and he just kept picking the Nikon colors as being amazing!

[@HoLeeChit11]

@@JerredZyep, don’t know why but Sony supply the sensors to Nikon and yet, Sony,s colours are probably the worst (in my opinion) out of all the brands. Nikon obviously do a bit of jiggery pokery with their algorithms to produce these beautiful colours, but I must say I also like Fuji’s, Canon’s and Panasonic’s colours as well.

[@gordonyoung1970]

yet its generally recognised that Canon has the best colours

[@HoLeeChit11]

@@gordonyoung1970 yes canon also has beautiful colours

[@jakilahmoulien9070]

brooooo >>>>>>>>>>>

[@sebastianschneider2881]

Camera differences do not matter that much these days, as long as the fotographer is as gifted as you. Awesome!

[@johnmccarthy12]

I'm finally convinced after watching this. From D750 to zf. Thanks.

[@JerredZ]

Wow - I'm honored, and hope you're loving it!

[@alessandro911]

Good choice. I would like to advise you to check the Z lenses as well. For example the 50 and 85 f 1.2 and the 70-200 f 2.8. It is from another world....greetings from an zf user from the Netherlands

[@JerredZ]

@@alessandro911 The 85 and 50 1.2s are incredible (I worked at a camera shop, so I tried a bunch of stuff out back when there was no Zf or even Z8!). These two lenses: amazing. The 70-200 is one I haven't used yet. I'm going to be renting it though for an event I have upcoming, so I can't wait to try it out!

[@iScoopyPal]

I went through many junk reviews but stopped at your Take. I Like it. Your images demonstrate the Zf colors which are fantastic. Your composition is excellent. The colors are rich but still natural. I particularly like the blueish and grey scale rendering. It would be even better when paired with all the classic F lenses.

[@lifter035]

Regarding picture controls, starting with Z6III and soon coming to Zf is new Flexible Color Picture Control where you have proper color mixer and grading wheels. It’s already available to play with in NX studio but you can’t transfer it yet to Zf. It’s much more powerful than fuji sims and recipes

[@JerredZ]

Can't wait to use it!

[@technodronesogxl9783]

Traded my XH2 for the Z8 for lens selection mostly. That 70-200mm F2.8 VR S is butter baby. That Viltrox 16mm 1.8 lens and the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 G2 lens are awesome, too. I originally wanted the XH2S and settled for the XH2. With the Nikon Z8, I have both in 1 camera with better lenses and low light performance. You are one of my favorite youtube reviewers, and I am glad you are with me on the Nikon journey. I'm looking at the 180 600mm to shoot wildlife. Fuji color science and cameras are great, but my Z8 is superior in most every way. Once you get use to how to setup the autofocus, it's seamless. You can assign your shooting styles to banks that have them stored as presets, which you can assign to function buttons for on the fly settings changes to wildlife, people, landscapes, or birds. Fuji is sharp but the Z8 is sharper, and when I shoot the same picture with the Z8, when I zoom in on the picture to crop a scene, it's sharper still than Fuji. I'm not taking anything away from Fuji, but the Z8 is an XH2 and XH2S in 1 without the open Gate, sadly.

[@JerredZ]

This is a great perspective! First, thanks for your comment - I'm truly thankful you like what I do! And honestly the Z8 is a wild machine. It can do so much effortlessly... once I got it I saw a marked and total improvement in what I was using my X-system for. It was like night and day!!! And yes, the 180-600 is AMAZING for wildlife! Combining it with the Z8/9 is amazing - I feel like I'm cheating for only $1700 and getting stuff I could never get previously with Fuji. At least more consistently! (also, if you look into the 180-600, I think it performs better than many other lenses with the 1.4TC - barely slows down autofocus and the image quality hit is very minor! Let's rock this thing together man!

[@technodronesogxl9783]

@JerredZ I always came back for all of your reviews. Now, I feel that I can learn a bit more since I consider myself an amateur. That 70-200mm F2.8 VR S is a beast. It's fast and sharp to boot. When I shoot, it doesn't reach like my Tamron 150-500 fujifilm X mount lens, but when I crop in, it's sharper. I need the 180 600mm because although that 150-500 was awesome for wildlife and landscapes, I always felt that I needed a little more reach. Thanks for your resolve with what you are doing. Sub for life!

[@hunterhart1]

Fantastic photos and great review ✌🏼

[@JerredZ]

Thanks my man!

[@csc-photo]

I picked up the Zf last fall, admittedly it was a FOMO purchase during holiday promos. Figured I'd unbox it, admire it for a day, and return it in favor of the Z6III, as a secondary body to my Z8. Fast-forward 8 months later, the Zf rarely leaves my side. It's an ideal companion to the Z8, because they're both so different (I do iunderstand why some people see this is a negative though - muscle memory etc). Hard to explain but the tactile experience of the Zf's dials, the simplicity of minimal buttons, how everything feels and sounds - it's just FUN and relaxing to use. In addition to amazing colors and lower light / lower noise results of the 24mp full frame sensor. Wish list items - I'd love to see Exposure Delay and Cycle AF modes come to the Zf. And this one might be reaching, but a retro-style vertical / battery grip (perhaps inspired by F3's motor drive) would be a welcome addition!

[@thomascoulton]

Love the images. Always jealous of the subjects you have by you, especially the old cars and buildings. This is a camera that has popped up on my radar, the Z6III too.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks my man! Always appreciate you, you know that! And yeah, Nikon is on a little bit of a comeback lately, eh?

[@WesKriesel]

Great video! I love that you are able to use those old lenses and it makes sense to use them with the full frame system to get the best out of them. Great photos as always! Nikon colors are terrific. I think I'm drawn to Fuji because their colors are not quite as contrasty and saturated or something. Hard to say what' the draw is but definitely just a matter of personal preference, not one being better than the other.

[@kevindiossi]

Seriously awesome photos, Jarred. I'm about to go on a trip later this month and I am STRONGLY considering renting a Nikon Xf....the more and more I begin to think about it, the more I'm considering just buying it as a retro lens camera. How absolutely wild that you made this video that directly correlates to my frustrations with Fujifilm. What keeps bringing me back down to reality is the weight of the Xf and the compact, quality lenses I have for the Fujifilm. Maybe I'll try to find a used one so I can easily flip it without losing money.

[@dennisjones5579]

Great video and excellent photos! Just bought the Zf yesterday to upgrade from Nikon D500. Have always shot with Nikon and excited to use the Zf. As an aside, I have the x100v, which I like, but don't love as much as Nikon.

[@JerredZ]

I get it! The Zf is fantastic in this ability, as you know. The Zf is NOT a perfect solution... but it's the right one for me right now!!! Trust me... I miss Fujifilm in some respects. I mean... the lenses are awesome, and they are relatively affordable compared to Nikon and the other big camera makers... smaller on whole and lighter in general. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything in photography, which is why it's such a wonderful but agonizing art form!

[@POVwithRC]

A very excited volunteer. Good look into the ZF. I particularly like the ability to just use the PC software to make profiles then export. I'm big on Fuji film sims but I'd consider giving it up to just custom tailor something I can export to the camera for consistent results

[@JerredZ]

LOL! I'll tell him you appreciated his effort!

[@MrCopper4]

I have been shooting Nikon since the film days. Tried fuji 3 yrs ago then sold it just didn’t work for me. Have a zf and z9 all I will ever need I hope. Thanx for the review.

[@airdailyx]

You can assign any black-and-white profile to the B&W switch. also, nikon is bringing recipes to the system, which will come in an update. If I understand correctly, you will input the recipes via an app on your phone and then transfer it to the camera.

[@JerredZ]

Are you sure? I even asked the Nikon rep at a local event, and he just said it would use whatever of the 3 main "BW" profiles that you last used. Maybe I need to look into it more. Thanks! (I am new to Nikon, so this is one of those learning curve things)

[@airdailyx]

@@JerredZ in B&W mode you can select any B&W profile

[@JerredZ]

@@airdailyx Can you apply it to the BW switch though? I only show three options for the BW switch,, none of the other creative profiles work on the switch… at least from what I can see.

[@RileyJohnson37]

⁠@@JerredZyou can create a profile using the picture control you like with no changes, and put it as a custom profile. The switch will select the last used profile that was used for color and black and white. I have the Tmax100 profile from NikonPC and it goes to it. Just make a profile that turns on your favorite in camera Picture Control at 100 percent and save to a slot between c1-c9.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

The ZF has continued to astonish me for what it is its great. I even went to laguna seca recently and got some fantastic photos on the track with it. The tracking and auto focus is incredible as its got the better processor with the smaller MP sensor making it incredibly quick. Taking it with me to car week in Monterey as my main camera this year.

[@vpr5562]

Loved the video, loved the photos. Greetings from Bulgaria.

[@412foto]

definitely tempted to get one as I have been wanting a new Nikon mirrorless to go with my Fujifilm setup (or maybe end up replacing). The ZF is appealing but deterred by the fact that I have heard it is quite heavy and really needs and after market grip. the speed of processing and focus system is appealing for the price though.

[@DanFarrar]

Excited volunteer 😂😂😂😂. Dude, really great comparison. Sweet setup with that 50!

[@DanFarrar]

Oh man, stick around to the end for dessert. Nice work Z!

[@JerredZ]

Thanks as always, Dan. That 50 is so beautiful... I'm sometimes stunned by the photos that come from it!

[@DanFarrar]

@@JerredZ oh, and I’m glad you kept the GFX!

[@shuabshungne8043]

Great introduction of the Nikon Zf, fantastic photos!

[@erichramone7812]

Wow thanks for sharing your experience. I love Nikon too..

[@dustydewey]

hey Jarred . Answered my indecisions of which way to go! Primarily a Nikon user since early days of film cam. and Fuji film , im currently with Z8 , I also own an X100v and love the camera and Fuji features being retro function dials and dial in recipes ! Have been on the fence about buying XT 4 or 5 but after some thought, im so heavily into Nikon lenses now it only makes sense to have Xf . Great vid ! Thanks

[@HaiNguyen-mj5pd]

Love the video with great info. Love that grip just like the F3! Your photos are great as well. I’m still shooting with the DF but will add the ZF to my work flow.

[@duncanwallace7760]

Nikon took a while to get into mirrorless and then some more time to get the AF to be really good, but now their cameras are amazing. I'm sure Fujifilm will fix up their AF eventually (and Panasonic as well hopefully). Glad you're enjoying it and getting some great shots with those nice old lenses!

[@fistfulloflenses]

Great video,Love the film camera looks, love using vintage lenses , look forward to your next video

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Left fuji for ZF. havent looked back. Kickass camera

[@jaydeepjaria8696]

Beautiful pictures in the end.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you very much!

[@thisisbenji90]

Honestly Nikon's Rich Tone Portrait profile looks closer to film than most of what Fuji has. Fuji's film sims seem to be gunning for the lomo crowd. This is from someone who shoots mostly with a Nikon F6 and Fuji X100V.

[@JerredZ]

I do like that profile!

[@AnonGoogleuser]

None of the Fuji film simulations really matched the respective film. Especially not Velvia, Provia and Acros.

[@laurelb8372]

Had been with Fuji around 8 yrs, loved them but disappointed with focusing for wildlife. Also had Nikons and never disappointed, happy with Zf it is heavier yes, but love the shots I get. Love your photos, great character 👏

[@RWAquariumPages]

As a canon shooter, love this video. Was thinking of getting a fuji for street and candids of my family, but hoping canon would come out with a retro like camera. Zf looks so sexy

[@JerredZ]

Thanks! I used Canon for many years. I almos went back to them for the 28-70 f/2. A bag of full frame primes in one lens... fantastic.

[@jrs73d11]

Amazing photos brother ✊🏼

[@JerredZ]

Thanks my man!!! 🤜

[@bespokecustomstudio1565]

Nikon has a 35 focal length one like the 40 f2 in the grapevine. I haven’t played with one my self but would be eager to see

[@MickBenjamins]

I was a Fuji user with the X-Pro3 and X-H2s. Their main draw for me was the film recipes. I love getting an amazing look straight out of the camera, no editing required. But the Zf is just a better camera over all, I’m happy I made the switch, though I wish Nikon would upgrade their own “recipe” system

[@JerredZ]

They are going to do this soon with something soon. Look up what the Z6iii is doing - it will be much more in line with Fujifilm if/when they update the Zf to do it!

[@MickBenjamins]

@@JerredZ they better bring it to the Zf too, haha

[@smkunder1]

Great video, would love to see you showcase different vintage lenses

[@JerredZ]

Thanks my man. I might do that! It's funny, but I haven't even considered that. The vintage lens stuff would be fun to do videos about!

[@liamleech4748]

Nikon has really nice colours, they just used to have so much noise it was hard to justify using them.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Exactly! They didn't care much about ergos back in the film days. Not everything retro is good. But having dials so you can change settings was good from my POV of course. Much prefer that to scroll wheels and LCD screens. I like the old Nikon lenses with aperture settings on the lens barrel. It would be nice to have this on Nikon AF lenses but we don't. Fuji absolutely got it right here again only IMHO of course. The dials on the X100F I used to have were perfect. I agree I think only Fuji can do film sims properly. I love my ZF but I don't do wildlife or sports so don't need fast AF or FPS

[@arneheeringa96]

My advice: hold the camera by the lens with the bottom plate resting in the ball of your hand. I do with my film cameras and even with digital cameras if lenses aren't too big (strangely lenses get bigger, but cameras smaller)

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

The ZF is such a fun camera!

[@JerredZ]

It totally is. BTW - great channel, Andrei. Love your work.

[@Mixer000999]

Came here to hear about ZF, but mostly enjoyed the photos. WOW.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you very much, sir!

[@quite1enough]

x-t3 owner here, cannot agree more with on autofocus, I missed so many good shots because of it 😭 looking currently on two models - Nikon ZF or Lumix S5 IIx, ZF because my main set of lens is for Nikon F and as I've heard even totally manual old lenses with FTZ adapter works with focusing assist tools on ZF like highlighting the eyes of people and whatnot, also autofocus up to -8 ev as advertised and I like to take pics in total darkness lol; but I'm a 50/50 photo-video shooter so Lumix S5 IIx seems to me pretty attractive choice as well, but Idk when I'll be able to afford switching the systems if at all ;c

[@philipsutton8921]

So correct about Fujifilm. I hung in there with them for a decade, buying each iteration and hoping that it would finally deliver in the AFC department. I missed so many shots over the years and their dynamic range for high ISO was woeful - anything over ISO 1,600 turned to custard (if you tried to pull up the shadows). For a pro shooting gigs and events, it was such a pain for so long. I swapped over two years ago to two Z6ii's and have never looked back. I love Nikon so much and their images are just gorgeous from the sensor and I have 6 of their wonderful Z lenses. I am so filthy at myself for scabbing it with Fuji for so long. wasting all the money on countless bodies and new lenses. I could have saved myself so much agony.

[@oxeneers]

I don't need another fucking camera, Jerred. Haha, this is great though. You're killing it - the difference between I think someone like myself and you is that you can grab any camera and make stuff look awesome. Your abandoned and "country-ish" landscapes are just so good. The shot at 1:01 is incredible

[@JerredZ]

Oh man. Thanks for making my day Dylan! And seriously - I know the feeling. I don't need anymore fucking cameras either! LOL! I also don't want to be just another guy promoting GAS on KZbin. it's one of the reasons I haven't been posting much lately - I've been thoughtful about things. My needs have changed completely since I started doing photography full time, and my view of what I need out of a camera is different. Maybe THAT should be a video too! THANK YOU!!!!

[@JasonLorette]

Welcome to the Nikon world! Just got my Nikon Z6III (coming from the Z6II)...have fun!

[@JerredZ]

The Z6iii looks amazing! I played with it for a few minutes this weekend and it rocks.

[@JasonLorette]

@@JerredZ it does indeed! 📸😎

[@c3vette47]

I love the simplicity of your photography.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks! I try to find the beautiful in the everyday, so I appreciate this!

[@from.memories]

Made the same switch a few weeks ago. There’s a lot I like about the X-T5 but the focusing is definitely not one of them. The Zf is far more consistent and predictable with focus and I’m really happy with the iso performance as well. I’d definitely like a few more customizable buttons and slightly better ergonomics but all in all I don’t regret the switch at all.

[@willz4reals]

Nice video. I look forward to a vid about all your new nikon gear.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks man, and we'll see!

[@JikoMuskato]

I'd just love a "plain metal" look version of the Nikon Zf instead of the pure black. So a bit more like the Zfc, which isn't feeling as good and only has an APS-C sensor. By the way: Love the shots in the end of the video. Really great ones along them and I also love the colors!

[@PixPete]

I am seriously considering selling my Fujifilm X-T4 and going all in on Nikon with the Zf. You're pushing me harder with this video. The problem I have is having so many nice lenses for my Fuji that I don't want to leave behind :(

[@JerredZ]

Totally get it! I struggle because Nikon glass is so expensive - sometimes rightfully so, but I totally get it!

[@KibbitUpIt]

Nice images! Never thought to use charcoal but you inspired me

[@JerredZ]

Oh man, thanks! I almost didn't either, but after the first week it was my favorite. I still do a couple tweaks to boost contrast a bit...but I dig it so much!

[@syrcular]

I'm considering selling my X-T5 and accompanying lenses for a Zf and 40mm f2 SE kit. I like where Nikon is going, and feel like I want to explore them. How are the ergonomics with that grip for day to day shooting?

[@JerredZ]

For me the grip is (luckily) almost perfect. The ONLY thing that I don't like is that it comes loose sometimes, but it's rare and it can be tightened up in a second or two. I also realize that ergonomics so subjective. I think it feels great, and I can take it around for long periods of time with this grip. But a friend of mine hated this grip and went with another one, so who knows! Let me know if you have questions, my man. I bought and sold TWO x-t5's, so I know the pain!

[@peterparanoid9635]

I own the 40mm F2 and I absolutely love it! It's an amazing lens!

[@JerredZ]

@@peterparanoid9635 Yeah, I’m digging it! For how small, light and cheap it is, it’s definitely a good one!

[@Cotictimmy]

I really didn't like my used Z6 much so I've gone back to my Nikon DSLRs for now. The Zf seems like it will be way better, but it will be another year or two until there are used copies that I can afford. The Z6III and Z8 appeal too, but they are going to be more expensive and the Zf will be enough for me. I shot with an FE & FE2 back in the film days so the design is no problem for me.

[@WidePhotographs]

I’ve been thinking about returning my Zf to grab the Fuji XT5 because of size. But it seems a lot of videos I’ve seen the last 4 days have one thing in common “Fuji AF needs work” I love the Zf and Xt5 model since I shoot manual so I enjoy having to use the dials.

[@JerredZ]

Hey - if you're going to be shooting manual, the Fuji is great!!!! I don't want to say that Fuji sucks - it doesn't! They have amazing cameras, and people are continuing to enjoy and love them. I'm just currently seeing that Fuji doesn't fit for what I need, and that's okay too!

[@WidePhotographs]

@@JerredZ I heard the Fuji firmware update from yesterday improved the AF. But time and multiple users will tell if that is true or still missing 4 out of 10 shots.

[@eberry023]

I programmed the ring on my newer lenses to be aperture so that at least I’m reaching for the same spot on my retro ones.

[@davex2614]

Some very nice photos there at the end.

[@JerredZ]

Thank you!

[@christianwagner6213]

I come from Leica. I bought a ZF and it is more a love-hate thing. Beautiful piece of gear, no doubt. Excellent autofocus, no doubt. Really good output. But man, is it heavy! Looks compact and cute in the pictures, but is quite a brick to schlepp around. And my most important complaint is its way to function. Why so complicated? Millions of options in the menu. Not intuitive how PASM and manual dials work together. And it can't be that I need a doctorate degree to find out how simple things like Auto ISO works. I think Nikon overcomplicated things with this camera. And I can understand why Leica's approach of making things simple and intuitive is so successful. So I'll keep on trying but probably will sell the Z F and stick with a much simpler Q3.

[@21Virtues]

Great review Jerred, I have a sonay a7rv and want a fun daily shoot and street cam. I am seriously thinking on this one.

[@JerredZ]

I love the A7Rv! It's such a powerhouse in a relatively small package. The Zf is a totally different experience though - which can be good. As you can see I like different systems... I think it makes my brain work harder, and all that - which is good!

[@21Virtues]

@@JerredZ Kinda what i am thinking,. Although i would lose the 60mp sensor, I think the 24 would make me think more about my compositions and using my feet more. I am looking at it as a street travel. I was going to get the fuji, but i am right off them now.

[@MarkD3P]

Great video - great photos. With my Fuji gear packed away, waiting for an eventual firmware fix for the AF problems, every video talking about switches from Fuji to Nikon is more intriguing. Nikon has similar color science, better (working) AF and it's full frame. Fuji seems to have lost the plot.

[@JerredZ]

Mark, I think they are swimming in so much X100 money they don't care! :). Thanks for the compliments, friend.

[@cheeseblog]

Outstanding photos! Kept wondering how they would appear on a black background.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks so much! That's interesting - I should try that next time with the black background!

[@hammerheart69]

Welcome to the dark side.

[@intrinsicimagery]

Came here to say that!

[@HoLeeChit11]

@@intrinsicimageryme too, 😬

[@trym2121]

Fuji is the abyss then. Video tracking AF worse than 2014 a6000, x-t1 is released at same year.

[@moustachio334]

I love fujifilm medium format and Nikon will always be the best 35mm cameras.

[@alberto0]

Beautiful photos. They really have a great feel to it. I am considering switching my Leica M10 for a EVF mirrorless. I mainly shoot with a prime 50mm and I am getting tired of the rangefinder. I am very undecided between the Fuji X-H2 and the Nikon Zf. Nikons were my first cameras, so I am attached to them, but the main thing is the full frame vs APS-C. I never liked the cropped sensors (I also shoot medium format digital). My only concerns are - the EVF on the nikon, as I read around that it is not great, while the Fuji X-H2 is top level. - weight and size, but when it does not look that big in photos/videos.

[@JerredZ]

It's NOT that big or heavy... just bigger and heavier than a Fuji counterpart. For me it's not a big deal at all, and the heftiness kind of inspires confidence? It's never as heavy as something like GFX (which I also use), so for me it's kind of light! ... Just heavier than Fuji users are used to. Also, the EVF isn't "bad." It's really weird... the XH2 has an obviously higher resolution one... but I enjoy the Zf one just as much, or a little more. The color and experience of shooting with the EVF is nicer than the specs!

[@weiyang6417]

I can deal with the ergo, but that weight is my only gripe, especially when I love shooting it with manual lenses. Still my dream camera until Nikon releases a RF version. I do miss my Xpro3, but I know nothing Fuji could release that would make me want to go back.

[@Digmen1]

Nice to hear some good comments on Nikon from a Fuji guy

[@JerredZ]

I've seen a few of us migrate over to Nikon and love it, so I know there are others!

[@enshongmiranda]

The BW switch would've been a bit more useful if Nikon allowed us to set the image format separately for the BW mode and regular photo mode so we can set JPEG only on BW and raw on regular photo mode.

[@JerredZ]

Agreed!!!

[@johnmacaspac410]

Can you imagine if Nikon makes a ZS? The modern iteration of the S3? I would sell my Fuji kit so fast. The ZF is already catching my eye

[@weiyang6417]

The only way I'd sell my ZF is if Nikon released a ZS😂

[@AnonGoogleuser]

IMHO Nikon Picture Control has way more flexibility than Fuji. You can adjust tone curves, add filters and I even created a profile which creates positives of my black and white negatives. You can get the crushed black look of charcoal by crushing the blacks in the tone curve in the Picture Control Software and transfer that as a profile.

[@JerredZ]

It seems like it should, but I still think Fuji wins in this regard. Of course to each their own - it’s fantastic that you love the Nikon Picture controls more!

[@Getoffmycloud53]

The ootb profiles and tweaking on Fujifilm is easier than the Nikon tool, including the grain, BUT Nikon color science is good, very good (otoh you need to use your Fujifilm body connected to convert raw images with a recipe - pain in the … I love the B&W on the Nikon as well, I’ve uped the clarity one tick and I just love what it delivers, been trying to replicate on my Fujifilms, but can’t. I really like Fujifilm, lot of fun, but the Zf is something else. Love that camera.

[@obedbrinkman]

love the Zf 😍

[@JerredZ]

🤜 Heck yeah!

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you for your review and thoughts. Beautiful images. Really impressive. Yes, the autofocus is a thing with Fuji, but you can still get great results. The weight and size to image quality ratio still makes me lean towards the X mount. CF Express B (I have the xh2 and XH2s) are much better than SD and CF Express A like Sony uses and that comes in a compact system (the Z8 is quite big). The lens lineup is good and affordable, not like Canon. So I think Fuji still has some valid reasons, but …the autofocus…..😁 Enjoy your camera, sounds like a lot of fun.

[@JerredZ]

ABSOLUTELY! You rock - and you CAN get great results with it. I know pros using Fuji who get incredible images day in and day out... BUT it works for them and how they work. It used to work for me, but now my needs have changed... and that's OK! There's still a place in my heart for Fuji X - and for many photographers it's a fantastic system.

[@seacow2001]

Agreed. I have the xt4 and tried xt5, while its usable the ZF blows it out of the water. I also don't think fuji color science is good. Fuji is like a fun camera. If its just me on a business trip and im walking around taking throwaway shots. Yeah leica m10 or fuji. But on vacation and now for kid sports and event, the nikon zf has everything covered. My biggest pet peeven is the AF-D lenses that have aperture and good manual focus cannot be used autofocus on the zf.

[@johnpap9328]

You're one of the very few people who use the zf the way I do. Full manual with non-CPU lenses. The one thing I'm hoping for is the ability to have focus confirmation with non-CPU lenses. It looks like it'd only need a firmware update for that. Have you heard anything about it?

[@JerredZ]

I don't think it's possible for the focus confirmation to happen without an electronic connection - at least from what I've heard?

[@johnpap9328]

@@JerredZ Yes, true. Some have found ways to work around that with adaptors that fool the camera by sending it focal length data, but then you get problems with ibis as long as the camera doesn't get the correct data. But it looks like the lack of focus confirmation isn't a technical limitation, rather something that could be fixed with a firmware update.

[@geedee3817]

OMG... love the charcoal look so much! I don't own the ZF (yet)... can you share how you got that look? Is it a profile you can tweak in camera but not readily available as a profile to pick? Or did you tweak that in post?

[@geedee3817]

apart from that... fantastic photos all of them, just stunning!

[@kzr83]

I didn't need to see this, Jerred 😅 I have had thoughts about Nikon FF mirrorless. It's high time Fujifilm gave us a workable AF, and the X-T5 still isn't what I hoped in that department. Also, I have Nikon FF DSLRs and, for me 24MP FF is the sweet spot where the noise is low, the images are still creamy, not crunchy. I find 40MP of the X-T5 a bit crunchy, and even the 45MP of the D850 just a tad too. The D750's 24MP, for me, is perfect. So a FF Nikon mirrorless is on the cards for sometime in the longer term future. But... It's almost impossible for me to think of trading in the Fujifilm lenses. The 33mm, the way it renders backgrounds is delicious, the 56mm WR the same plus ridiculous sharpness perfection all round, the 90mm oh my word the 90mm 🤤 And that's why I didn't need to see this! 😜

[@JerredZ]

Dude I know!!!! Trust me. I had almost every "expensive" prime in the Fuji lineup. Selling the 33, the 90 and the 56 WR was SUPER hard. I mean... I've created incredible images with them, right? I see other people making great stuff with them too... but man... the Zf is just so easy to use. Seriously - the images are gorgeous, the black-and-white jpegs rock, the noise is low... AND the camera hits the focus every time? I mean... we're not asking for a lot from Fuji. We're just asking for what the other cameras are capable of doing! And as for that 90... have you looked at the 135 plena from Nikon? WAY more expensive, (and that's part of the unfortunate equation)... but using the 135 made it easier to part with the 90. I don't have it yet (only borrowed one), but it's on my list! Let me know if you need anything! (and if I don't respond here, just email me... sometimes I lose track of comments!)

[@kzr83]

@@JerredZ you are too kind, thank you for your availability, man ❤️ Yes, you've made stunning images with any camera I've seen you use 👌🏻 But oh yes, I'm very aware of the utterly PERFECT Plena. That lens is pure optical perfection. No cats eye even in the far corners. Witchcraft! It's on my longer term list. One day, used mint :) 🤑 And yes that charcoal jpeg profile looks gorgeous. Looks like you could just take the jpeg (if you're a dad in a rush like me) and add contrast to taste! I would ultimately prefer something like a Z6III, for the grip/ergonomics. I'm a little bummed about the rear command dial not being like the Z8/DSLRs, though. I once tried one on the Z6I and it was way stiff. But I'm not sure if it's been improved, of course.

[@artsilva]

Keep in mind that Nikon has been working with Auto focus tech since the mid-1980s before the digital age. It is why back then almost every photojournalist and pro sports journalist were using Nikon F film bodies, it was the best at the time. So there is history with Nikon AF, is it the best Now?! well Sony took the crown in the digital age but arguably Nikon has caught back up with their latest bodies. I've shot Fuji since 2013, after six bodies and I have to agree that Fuji is always a couple steps behind everyone. The implementation is there but the hit rate is not as good as it should be.

[@JerredZ]

Totaly agree - and Fuji is SO SO SO close... it's why I keep waiting for a new firmware update. "The next one is it, right?" and so far it just hasn't happened for me! BUT - again, fantastic results are still possible, right? You really need to know how to use your camera's autofocus, and probably overshoot a bit in certain situations... just to make sure? I bet you get amazing results with your Fuji's - I see many pros out there getting fantastic stuff too! It all goes back to getting the results you need, right? And if you're doing that with ANY camera, that's awesome!

[@artsilva]

@@JerredZ The other issue is that the AF FW updates always seems incremental and still behind the competition. It's always been that way since my first Fuji X (X-E1) I got when it was released... The key is to work within its limitations and not expect miracles. Fuji's I've learned are NOT action cameras as much as people like to think, I know I've attempted sports shooting like back in my Nikon SLR/DSLR photojournalism days. I quickly found out that Fuji pro bodies can acquire maybe 70-75% of what I would get with a D6 or something, so as long as I understand that I know what I am going to get.

[@Roman.7287]

They speak to me from the soul. I stayed with the Fujifilm X system for over 7 years. But the autofocus has hardly improved during this time. Eye autofocus was so unreliable that it could only be used for portraits. I didn't get the X-T5 anymore, but I tested it extensively against the Zf's autofocus for a day. And then it became the Zf. The Nikon is the better camera in all aspects. The only thing I missed at the beginning were the film simulations and recipes. But now Nikon also comes with the ability to create film simulations and offers even more options than Fujifilm. Nikon is just so much further along while the Fujifilm cameras and firmware feel as old as their retro design.

[@philfuture3549]

Portrait, try THE 105mm f/2.5. It was with a F2, it is now with my D850 (bought new 15 days ago, probably one of the last manufactured, 2 years warranty)( I don't regret at all the A7C and A6600 resold for this new purchase).

[@alansimpson5906]

Good video, concise and interestng. I have been a long time user of the x-pro2 and more recently the XT5, buying a ZF a month or so ago for fun ( when you have been a photographer since 1970 then new gear provides an every now and then interest boost) The Fuji XT5 has much better than the X-pro2 but the X-Pro2 has a similar feeling to the ZF in that it just reliably does what you want it to without the complication and sometimes flakynes of the XT5. I like it very much but you are wrong in a couple of things you say, when I take a photo at iso 3200 with the XT5 and the Zf there is more noise in the shadows in the ZF photos easily seen even on the back screen. Weight..the only S lens I have with the Zf is the 24-70 4.0 and when weighed against the 16-55 2.8 on the XT5 body the Zf is 1.281kg and the Fuji is 1.370 kg I know some people are going to say it's a 2.8 lens but the light transmission converted to FF is about the same from my understanding. Interesting is when our dog got tangled up with the lead and I dropped the ZF about two thirds of a meter onto the wooden floor, the little swinging catch that holds the battery inside the compartment bent and swings loose just with the weight of the battery, no other damage so it's not quite built as well as it seems, luckily closing the battery compartment door keeps it tight enough to work. gotta say that I do love the sound the shutter makes and the looks are similarly attractive as the Nikon Fm2T I still use.

[@bishopchilton5736]

I have a D810 and I was looking at this camera for my photography. And I’m looking at the z8 as well. I’m so stuck between the both.

[@JerredZ]

Z8 is overall a much better camera that can do a lot more. If you can afford it, and you don’t need/want something retro, the Z8 is incredible. I use it all the time and would choose the Z8 over the Zf if I had to only keep one.

[@silviocaravelli3567]

Impressive camera, yet I think no brand can compete with Fujifilm colour science right now.

[@eortizfoto]

No distance scale and DOF indicator in camera was a deal breaker for me. 😢 Really enjoyed the zf tho and image quality was miles better

[@alanderinligi9672]

I used to have XT5 but I have switched to Nikon ZF.

[@jackjericho]

I shoot Fuji X-T5 for family/travel and a Nikon Z8 for birds. It’s no contest, the Nikon AF is better, but the Fuji kit has a charm and is way more fun to use than the Nikon ever will be. Add to that, the Nikon FF gear is monstrously huge, I can’t fathom why anyone thinks it’s fun or necessary to carry that chunker around for casual shooting and travel.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks my man! And again, my use case is in older, lighter manual lenses, so they are pretty small and light. Old manual lenses with Nikon (or other full frame cameras) just work like they are supposed to... so for me, manual lenses on Nikon is far more enjoyable. And Nikon does have a few like the 40/28/26 that are smaller and lighter - add in the adapter for Sony, and there's a ton more options there too. AND - it's not all huge. The 100-400 is about the same with Nikon and Fuji, and the 24-120 f/4 is small, light, and pretty incredible. Nikon prices are kind of nuts on their lenses though... that 100-400 is quite a bit more $$ than Fuji... all good though!

[@liciniooliveira-becas3618]

Great photos you got! Not all is bad at Fuji! Have an X-T5 and had others before, even Nikon D750. I almost bought a ZF but after getting one at my hands I got confused. Why so big and heavy? Honestly... You have the Z6 from same manufacturer. And the controls on the ZF are really bad. You have 7 custom updatable banks on the X-T5 with very easy access. If you don't use M on the ZF, the controls do not make any sense. Why PSAM that removes the priority of the external dials? Flip out screen also difficult to understand on a mostly photo centric camera with great aids for manual lenses. Great looking and very well built. But it is like Nikon didn't want to get it right on their first iteration.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Also have some Duh on the BW. It would be better to do it in post where you can control RGB highligths in bw.

[@JerredZ]

True! I just like "seeing" it in the viewfinder and can edit later!

[@craigcarlson4022]

Some very nice photos here. Takes me back to my midwest roots. Still wavering on the ZF… The grip is just so….horrible. Am considering the Z6ii or iii just for a better grip and button placement.

[@JerredZ]

Yes, holding this thing without a grip isn't great!! But the Neewer plate helps - and I've heard others like other grips too. The Z6ii and iii are pretty great too! The Z6 ii just doesn't have great autofocus either...

[@Christo_glenn]

Okay, hear me out... How sick would it be to have film sims on Nikon based off of Kodak film stocks? If they obtained the rights to do so, that would be awesome and really pull people from Fuji.

[@lumberjack3008]

Great video. Annoyed by Fujifilms AF and slow motion development for lenses too, I bought a Z8, selecting the lens first (105/1.4, adapted and 70-200/2.8), coming from a XH2 and XH2s. Sold the XH2 and some lenses immediately. Fujifilm doesn't care. Their CEO looks only on things damaging the reputation of the brand. Nobody is buying a Fujifilm expecting standard or even state of the art AF and tracking performance. So being years behind doesn't harm the brand. And: Investing 80% on the last 20% AF performance is then a waste of money and only stresses their crippled development ressources. As they don't care if customers are waiting months after ordering a new camera.

[@JerredZ]

It's frustrating. I really, honestly thought 2023 would be the year Fujifilm caught up. They made is seem like they were so confident... but it was more about putting "specs" on the box than actually making it happen. So then through 2023 we were waiting for "fixes" and then here we are halfway through this year and... it's still problematic! I'm NOT saying Fuji can't do really great things. Fantastic artists and photographers of all kinds do incredible work with them, including autofocusing in difficult situations... but I have talked to some of these photographers after they switch from Fuji, and they'll tell you they SHOULD have switched many years ago! It's really about "fighting" to make the autofocus work when, with other brands, it's about working WITH the autofocus!

[@winc06]

Long time Nikon user here that switched to Fuji. Nikon is very slow to iterate. Reason I left was that they and I drifted along for years with the D300 while digital was progressing everywhere. Shifted to the X-T1 and it was an upgrade.

[@JerredZ]

Awesome! Fuji is great too, and I know Nikon almost buckled under their response to mirrorless... but they are coming around now in a big way. It's good to keep pushing competition!

[@charliejg]

As I've been contemplating what camera I might want to buy for after my X-T3, this one keeps coming up. The first reason is the same as you....the vintage lens issue. The second is a way to move up to FF. One of my concerns is not having the Fuji film simulations. I love to set the camera to Acros to shoot so I see BNW in the EVF. BUT, the bigger issue for me would be editing software. I WAS using Capture One Express until the jerks deprecated it. Now, I'm relegated to the Fuji raw converter. But, If I go to Nikon that means I need to buy software. Not sure I want to do that. Thanks for the good overview. Love the images too! Take care....

[@stavros.fourfourianakis]

Nikon has a free software as well Nikon NX Studio.

[@JerredZ]

Yeah, I get it! Nikon does have a free RAW converter - if you're used to the Fuji one, you'd probably do fine with that. I tested it a few weeks ago and it was fine - just kind of a touch slow like Fuji's!

[@stavros.fourfourianakis]

@@JerredZ I know. As long as you are starting changing brands, you have that issue that you need to pay a universal RAW converter. I am using Lightroom. I have RAW files from Panasonic, Sony, Ricoh and mainly Nikon (I currently own 2 Nikons and 2 Ricohs)..

[@quagmire321able]

Glad to know you have finally decided to move to another system, nothing against the Fuji cameras but the AF is just bad.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks! I think Fuji is too drunk off TikTok fame to care!

[@gaprofitt]

The problem is for the non professional yet advanced photographer it’s just too heavy for a travel camera. The whole best camera is the one with you is why I couldn’t go for it.

[@JerredZ]

@@gaprofitt Understood! Totally get it… I’ve been lugging around GFX for years… so the Nikon is like a feather compared!

[@aliskandari]

"excited volunteer" 😂😂😂 Really like your photography style. And looking forward for more Zf + various retro lenses combinations. (Wildlife would be nice too) Allow me to support (albeit with a very humble gesture😅) a new fellow nikon user by subscribing to this promising and positive channel. Best of luck!

[@JerredZ]

My man! Thanks so much for your comment! I'll be doing more Nikon stuff in the future when I get more time! This fall I should be done traveling and all of that for the year, so I should be able to get back on a schedule. Thank you!

[@frameswithtomasz]

Nothing bad with Fujifilm autofocus. Hmm? :)

[@Iamtongue]

Ya kick fujifilm down while praising Nikon 😂😂 fujifilm needs to get their shit together

[@JerredZ]

I know! This was supposed to be their time...

[@SummersSnaps]

Love 9:20! Yeh a lot of people are leaving Fuji rn over AF, and Fuji are kinda recognizing this fact with some lame fixes, but by and large they are undoubtedly years behind the competition and that gap likely to grow. The issue is mainly z axis problems and especially on the near to mid range. X and Y action and far away z axis, it does ok, but really people want the closer action shots in focus and this is where it is blatantly behind the competition. I am finding it hard to justify any more coin being invested in this platform. I think they have hit a genuine hurdle with AF now and it really could be hardware based limitations combined with inept software devs. Aperture stepping bla bla, they just can't overcome it regardless of time given. For my line of work I am kinda trapped with stacked sensors or cameras with decent read out speeds in ES mode, so the Z6III is a contender. Maybe I will let one of my XH2S's go, but I really can't afford to spend too much here on switching systems or going cross brand hybrid, it's just bad business for me. I try to remind myself that my line of work I don't have too many AF gripes. I want better AF because better AF is cool, but I don't really know how much I NEED it. Thanks for the impressions Jerred, appreciated.

[@JerredZ]

Thanks for the comment, and I totally get where you're coming from! The price/pain/gain decision is tough, right? I mean... I did hundreds of weddings with the 5D, 5D markII and even the X-T1 and X-t2. I had a LOT of missed shots, but I knew that... and I also knew how to nail the focus 99% of the time when I REALLY needed to. You know what I mean? But man...I had to work it. I had to put a percentage of my brain into constantly thinking about autofocus. It's kind of a revelation to do an even and have almost every shot in focus. Peace of mind comes into play - the camera is one I can trust. I tend to shoot a little less, so there's less to sort. And finally, I can put some brain horsepower into just thinking about positioning, composition, working the scene, my next move in space, etc.... that's nice too! Thanks again!.

[@toddm6999]

I own a Fujifilm and I cannot stand the menu..as well its kind of easy to bump the settings .

[@montycraig5659]

Question… I’m looking at the Zf. I am curious, could my raft of Takumar lenses be used on it?

[@JerredZ]

Not sure, Monty - I bet some forums have your answer though!

[@marketguy2]

You are a really good photographer. The photo gallery was beautiful. Of course, as a Fuji user, your discussion on the Zf vs the Fuji messed my head up. We'll see what happens. If I buy a Zf, I 'll tell my wife it's all your fault. Lol.

[@JerredZ]

Hey, tell her I MADE YOU! :). Ha! I'm honored by your compliments, friend. Appreciated.

[@marketguy2]

@@JerredZ It's coming Sunday You definitely played a role in this. Ordered two lens (26mm and 50 1.8) to start, grip, SD cards. Holding back from purchasing filters, step up rings, leica m lens and adapter, etc till I see how this camera works for me. Still, very excited on this new journey.

[@rockartistet]

I use a focal length reducer in my fujifilm and use my retro nikon lenes

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

They just released 35 f1.4 with a ring on a lens. My issue as Fuji user on Zf is number of buttons and number of operations you have to do in order to swirch settings. Yes there are dials there but often they make you crazy since camera PASM dial does not belong on this body ( read as if PASM is not in M mode your top dials not doing anything). Wonder which people decided to put dedicated iso dial but you have to go into the menu to disable auto iso ?Btw Nikon colors do have magenta shift and then everywhere in green and blue also. Color is nothing to write home about it .

[@wwjjss33]

At 10:13 there is a boy about to skip a rock; is that a Nikon color profile? Or did you color-grade it? If a profile-which one? Thank you for this review I am still an xt-2 user who also loves vintage lenses and havee been toying with a jump to the Zf …you’ve made a good case 👍

[@JerredZ]

That’s just a RAW file processed in Lightroom. Profile is neutral with one of my presets (I don’t remember which one!).