Nikon ZF - In A Nutshell

[@haihophan]

AF is where the Zf really kicking ass here (compare to Fuji), even with Manual Focus, what Nikon is doing with its subject detect is phenomenal.

[@danielschmaderer]

I used to shoot with Nikon. I honestly really like the images straight out of camera. If I wasn’t so invested in Fuji, I would go back to Nikon.

[@DigiDriftZone]

Don't let that limit you, I was very invested in Fuji but I recently sold all my Fuji cameras and lenses, I even made some money as Fuji second hand holds value very well. Fuji was great fun, but I felt it a bit limiting in autofocus and poor light conditions.

[@danielschmaderer]

@ I’m aware. But the cost to replace everything right now is just not in my budget at the moment.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@danielschmaderer I actually ended up saving money moving to full frame.

[@danielschmaderer]

@ I’m not a professional, so I would be losing money. It’s all hobby.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@danielschmaderer hobby for me too, e mount second hand lenses are much cheaper than x mount ones so you save money and get better quality :)

[@artsilva]

Off the bat; I find it funny by the fuji bias comment that this is Nikon's "attempt" to make a retro camera like Fuji, when it was Fuji that emulated the Nikon F cameras of old in the first place. Nikon is the retro everyone is trying to copy in form and operation. Yes Fujifilm and Fujica had their 35mm cameras back in the 70s/80s but all were competing with Nikon back then who lead the market in "retro" design and ergonomics since the 60's. All Nikon is doing with the Zf, Zfc, even the Df (remember that one?) is going back to their own roots, their own designs. Fuji is just doing what nikon wouldn't do during the DSLR period (except for the Df) coming out with Nikon looking mirrorless cameras along side the Rangefinder style designs Ala a poor-mans Leica with the X-Pro, X100, and to a certain extent the X-E line... I Know, I own all those fuji design bodies but I am also a 45 year Nikon shooter. Oh and btw, Grips are NOT retro, that came from the DSLRs. So complaining that a retro camera doesn't have a grip by default is not knowing what Retro actually is, otherwise it would be a Part retro, Part modern SLR/DLSR design.

[@sonderbass]

Also considering selling my XT4/primes and moving to Nikon. Torn between the z6iii and the zf, but since I’m shooting more concerts, I think the AF from the z6iii would be slightly better. But retro styling is so good on the zf

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

Consider renting each. Or even at least touch them in a store. I find the Zf autofocus a jump over the Z6ii. Can’t say about the Z6iii for sure. Buy people react differently when you point a Zf at them. I think they perceive it as film and seem more welcoming to having their photo taken.

[@brusselssprout1]

@@adamaufdencamp5080I keep reading this. My belief (and personal experience) is that 99% of non-photographers do not react that way, as they have no interest in the intricacies of the black picture taking devices you are pointing at them. However, the retro design camera owner himself/herself might feel more confident and less detached from the crowd, believing he/she has suddenly been given some sort of invisibility cloak or social pass, and behave accordingly, in turn decreasing defensive stances and potential antagonism. And that is OK. Things might be more as you say with silver chrome versions of retro bodies (Zfc, X100, M10/11, etc) .

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

@ yes, you make a point. It’s totally possible. My personal experience, after decades of digital camera use, is that the Zf causes camera conversations I’ve not had since starting with a coolpix in the late 90’s. There are better cameras for sure. And yet it’s still my favorite.

[@sonderbass]

@@adamaufdencamp5080 any suggestions where I should rent from? My local store unfortunately closed a few months ago! :(

[@solandio92]

I bought a Zf after testing the XT-5 I was sure I wanted the fujifilm and although the grip is much better, it doesn't feel as solid and robust as my new ZF I'm very happy with it. The only thing I don't like is the sound of the ibis when the camera is off, everything else is perfect for me, if I bought the Smallring grip.

[@awake780]

Neewer and Small Rig both make aftermarket grips. With smaller lenses, the grip is fine or you can just add a small stick on thumb grip for extra assurance.

[@ThomasBusbyPhotography]

Yeah those are good solutions for sure!

[@ChrisThe1]

Aftermarket never feels as good as native. Grip is the main thing that put me off the zf (and the xt5) and made me go towards the xh2

[@stayuntilforever]

I'm switching from 6 1/2 years with Fujifilm to ZF next week. I'll keep XE1 & XT2 + 18mmf2 and 35mm1.4

[@kalimarus]

Enjoy, Zf is my favorite camera out of anything I've owned so far. Nikon's JPEG's don't have cool film names but IMO the Standard/Vivid/Rich Tone Portrait and Monochrome/Deep Monochrome/Charcoal JPEG profiles are serious winners for me. Every bit as lovable as Fuji colors for SOOC JPEGs. The auto ISO setup is not straightforward but you'll learn it fast and it has benefits like being able to use the PASM switch to jump to back and forth without having to spin all the dials to and from A like the Fuji's. Auto iso in M is excellent because you can use the ISO dial as the max ISO setting adjuster (just set auto on and max to 200 in the ISO menu). BUT it gets weird if you then go to A as it's now the minimum ISO setting and that goofs things all up. So if you shoot A I recommend spinning it to C and you setting the red record to ISO so you can hold that down and turn auto on/off spinning the front finger wheel and then using the back (while holding down) to adjust auto ISO range) A/P work like that, M/S work like I mentioned for M mode. Confusing but once you get it you're good to go.

[@ThomasBusbyPhotography]

@kalimarus I really appreciate you sharing this advice, thank you!

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

Nice summary. I have been shooting my Nikon FE since I bought it in 1981 and this camera has similar look and layout. Of course I have been shooting more modern cameras over the years and now I have my eyes on this Zf. The grip does not bother me as I am used to my FE so no issues there. The problem I have not just with this camera but all new cameras is the menu complexity. I am an engineer and always been asking myself why don't they use the KISS principle.

[@ThomasBusbyPhotography]

I think part of that issues comes from overlapping photo vs video options. And then trying to come up with short but accurate enough descriptions for titles/menu options. I’m not saying this is a Nikon issue, but from all brands

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

@@ThomasBusbyPhotography I guess packing so much technology for greater functionality for video and stills comes at a price, it is what it is and we have to adjust. As long as we enjoy taking photos everything else is not really an issue.

[@danielkoskinen]

I've often looked at the Zf and thought it would be cool to switch, but the lack of aperture dials on Nikon lenses is a big minus. Unless I'd go fully manual of course, but on Fuji I don't have to.

[@TeddyJi]

There are third party lenses with aperture rings. Problem is, the PASM control scheme just feels like a huge waste of those beautiful dials.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

The grip is what made me fall in love with it! I’m a child of the 80s and grew up with this design and love holding this kind of camera over the modern style. Adding those ugly grips to these cameras is just wrong.

[@brusselssprout1]

The build, finish and haptics of the Zf feel way better than the Fujifilm retro bodies indeed. But this comes with a serious weight penalty, made even worse once you add the compulsory grip. In fact a Zf with grip is noticeably larger and heavier than a Z6/7 and almost as heavy as a Z8. This mitigates a bit my enthusiasm for this body.

[@artsilva]

Brass is usually heavier than "composite" aka; Plastic... oh and it wouldn't be a true "retro" body if there was a DSLR style "grip". Adding one would be like when we added a Motor Drive Battery Pack to our SLRs back in the "retro" days but we are talking about significant added weight from the extra batteries and motor units.

[@brusselssprout1]

@ yes, exactly! That explains why fifties/sixties/seventies designs became "retro". Once you add a MD-12 to that cute FM2, it becomes almost as heavy and cumbersome as a Z9. Beyond production rationalisation and bean counter push, there are very valid reasons why camera designs evolved the way they did. A F6 is infinitely more efficient than a F2. Nostalgia is an odd sales driver indeed. The Zf leverages that, and is pretty well executed, but is also a reminder that the "old ways" were not that rosy. The Fujifilm retro bodies feel like hollow toys in comparison, but still look the part, and that is probably all that matters for many of us. Personally, I think I might be done with retro fakery altogether.

[@WatchmanNiel]

I agree, my ZF is substantially heavier and takes up more room in a bag. Regardless, it did not stop me from using it as my primary body when travelling for 3 weeks in the US. It is such a satisfying and competent camera that I honestly rarely pick up my XT5 and I have sold nearly all my Fuji lenses except the 18mm f/1.4 and 33mm f/1.4. I like my Fuji, but I love my ZF its a worthy DF successor.

[@artsilva]

@@brusselssprout1 It all depends on how one approaches there camera operations. I am comfortable with both designs. For speedy handling I chose my DSLRs, but if I want to slow down and make each frame count I prefer the "retro" layouts like my old F and FE bodies. As far as the Fuji bodies, I would say the later bodies feel uninspiring compared to the first five years of the XF system. My X-Pro 2 is a solid sturdy machine and a brilliant design in how it all works, it is one fuji I will never let go.

[@tonyhayes9827]

I own a ZF I used to own a Fuji X100F. The dials on the Fuji are much better arranged than the Nikon and Fuji lenses mostly have Aperture rings on them. Both these aspects of the X100F leave the ZF far behind. Apart from that I agree the ZF is a good camera. I bought it because for me dials are more functional

[@rayjermyn4541]

like @danielschmaderer , Im invested several cameras and lenses deep in the Fuji system and do love it. My style of photography is slow - landscapes etc, so the ongoing AF problems do not directly affect me, but the lack of response from Fuji does concern me. My other issue is that Fuji appear to have lost their way - with so many cameras, several systems - clarity is lacking. I suspect there will be a time for me when I will go back to Nikon. Sony drives me crazy as they are menu driven, Nikon and Fuji are dial and tactile centric, which fits my many years of both MF and AF cameras

[@j.f.7509]

I think Nikon emulated their own camera, the Df that is!

[@RichardHadleyPhotography]

Cool man

[@clemfandango9534]

The ZF is a fine camera but the dials and interface are NOT the same as an XT Fuji. And the lack of aperture ring on the lenses is a big problem.

[@SummersSnaps]

And now Fujifilm have fired you. lol... jks. I love competition between brands and Fuji should be grateful the Zf exists, a kick up the arse they need. Canon R7II in 2025 with a stacked APS-C is another kick up their ass they need. What I want ported to the Fuji line more than anything is the punch in zoom to the eye with manual focus glass that the ZF gets, and I don't understand for the life of me why Fuji can't make this happen super easily. The solution is easy, when toggling to Manual Focus mode, don't remove the subject detection features, leave them in, then the punch in zoom jumps straight to those highlighted areas of interest like the eyes. Argh Fuji! Fix this! Make it happen!

[@ThomasBusbyPhotography]

I’ve felt that way about different things from a few brands, but from recently firmware announcements I actually think simple ideas like that can take a 12-18 months to implement. Maybe they run with very limited internal storage for changes like this I am unsure as it blows my mind how long a simple firmware can take

[@_Just_Some1]

Second comment: also complaining about the camera’s handling when it’s inspired by an old design and made to be “retro” is on another level. Gosh you got to love the internet!

[@toughlow6941]

Guess since it’s inspired by retro design everyone’s just gotta love the handling! No personal preferences allowed here!

[@_Just_Some1]

@@toughlow6941like buying a 2 seat sports car and complaining about the lack of space. Very logical 😅 yes you can have an opinion but that’s just a brainless opinion!

[@toughlow6941]

@@_Just_Some1 It’d be more like buying a sports car and complaining about uncomfortable seats, then someone chimes in and says “it’s a sports car, it’s supposed to be uncomfortable” Which of course would be a brainless reply, yet here we are.

[@_Just_Some1]

@@toughlow6941haha no. But anyway, guess you’ll never get the point… peace.

[@felm.974]

one thing is for sure, photographers will complain and nit pick lol

[@MandrakeCigars]

The grip is a must have. Luckily there are plenty of 3rd party options for it because Nikon's solution is overpriced IMO.

[@nickthaskater]

"Petition for Z fII to have an X-Pro3 style screen" button.

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

I will be happy with just a much simpler menu.

[@_Just_Some1]

People complaining about the zf’s size and weight need to grow a pair of balls.

[@Mamo878]

Yawn That flippy screen kills it as a serious stills photography camera and immediately labels it as just another poser camera for the TikTok video crowd. Groan

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

Until you turn it around and the screen is protected.

[@GrandHuevotes]

@@adamaufdencamp5080cop out answer. There’s nothing like flipping up a screen quickly on the fly for a quick street shot. Pulling out a screen then flipping it around takes way too long and throws you off. The shot is gone by then. This camera would be perfect if it had a photographer’s screen.

[@artsilva]

That is the ONLY thing I detest about the Zf/Zfc design. I thought the Zf would use the 2-way tilt... Having updated video feature on it obviously called for the floppy screen. I just wished Nikon made a Photo dedicated Zf with actually a 3-way tilt like my X-T2

[@artsilva]

@@GrandHuevotes I agree, on top of feeling off center looking off to the side at your composition, it feels weird and a bit disorientating with your LCD so far off the side of the camera. Plus it is asking for it being snapped clean off during some unfortunate mishap

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

@ Yes. That’s what you prefer. My first camera was a Minolta 7000i purchased in 1988. Then some crappy digital point and shoots. Then a long line of Nikon DSLRs starting with a D100. Not every photographer uses the screen to compose. Sometimes a photographer uses the viewfinder. It’s only in the last handful of years that autofocus systems are even good enough to rely on what used to be a contrast detection only approach of using the screen. I typically own multiple bodies. At the moment, the Zf is the one I consistently want to carry. I also just replaced the protective cover on my Z6ii after it was damaged clanging around in a bag. YMMV