Nikon ZF - It’s ALMOST perfect

[@TerryWarfield]

I have been using this Nikon ZF, and let me tell you, what a freakin beauty this thing is. But, I think with a few changes, it could literally be the perfect retro camera. In this video, I am going to give you my long term review of the Nikon ZF, from a photographers perspective. 📌 Save $50 on an annual subscription and start creating your best videos yet with Motion Array! - geni.us/oWu1CK0 📌 ALL of my music, sound effects, and other assets from ARTLIST! SIGN UP NOW AND GET TWO MONTHS FREE HERE! - geni.us/3LKUXfW 📌 BEST PLUGINS FOR FINAL CUT PRO AND DAVINCI RESOLVE! : geni.us/ObN2 📌 GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO: CAMERAS: Sony ZV-E1 - geni.us/vUyt Sony A7RV - geni.us/QWg5FxG Nikon ZF - geni.us/zaJMe Nikon ZF Neewer Grip - geni.us/eAqzB4 Soft shutter for Nikon ZF - geni.us/Z9fAAL Lenses - Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II - geni.us/NjqBb8l Sony 50mm f1.2 GM - geni.us/vcd4 Microphones DJI MIC 2 SYSTEM - geni.us/I2DVSs Freewell K2 filter system - geni.us/k2FHW 📌 ADD ME!! linktr.ee/terrywarfield

[@intrinsicimagery]

I bought this as the every day carry option to compliment my Z8 and Z9. It is a fantastic daily option. And you need to try it for video. When I do solo weddings, I lock the ZF off on a tripod with either the 85 or 135 to get the long video shot of the ceremony. It is amazing. Autofocus is very good. Uses the same batteries as my Z8.

[@visionz_n_media]

The Zf does come in at an amazing price, especially when compared to the Fujifilm X-T5. I’m a long time Fujifilm and Nikon shooter and Applaud Nikon for making the full frame retro camera that Fujifilm never gave us.

[@j.f.1979]

Same here! In the end I sold all of my Fuji-gear (including the X-T5 and X-S20) and bought an Zf. So far no regrets!

[@AlienSasquatch14]

100% agree on the screen. Wanting this for a travel photography camera the flip out screen is not ideal for that.

[@MrKILLIANSMITH]

I have a ZF .... I bought one, sold it because I could not get my head round the lack of non-plastic matching Nikkor Z lenses ... finally bought another one and now use it with the 50mm and 85mm F1.8 Nikkor Z lenses and the output is seriously good. I may even pick up a low shot used one to put it away as a "just in case" replacement. I do think that the sensor from the Z7ii would be amazing in this camera ... I love the ease of access to the B & W mode ... and the manual focusing with the likes of the Voigtlander 40mm F1.2 lens is amazing ... have to say it, my a7r5 and Q3 are getting very little use these days and those are amazing cameras also ...

[@ghostgums]

As someone who switched from Fuji to the ZF, I agree with everything you've said! I love the camera even with these quirks. The 10 bit N-log is also beautiful and easy to edit, perfect for the traveler having a ZF slung over their shoulder.

[@Jgheiler]

How do you record nlog in the camera?

[@ghostgums]

@@Jgheiler Select N Log instead of SDR

[@Jgheiler]

@@ghostgums in Video fiule type? I only see H265 options

[@cammackey]

I can’t believe you would say that about Chris and me!!!

[@TerryWarfield]

😂😂😂

[@paulboskerphotography]

Great video! I almost agree. Perfect for me! I love my Zf, especially with my Voigtlander 50mm f/1.0 and 35mm f/2.0. It just slows me down to really enjoy photography again.

[@DSG0805]

Got my 50 f1 on the zf this week. Amazing lens and got it for a bargain 1200

[@MHeadroom]

Nikon ‘pushed’ me to the ZF after I got a service quote to replace the sensor on my trusted and 10 year old Df ($3600 repair cost😳). Wow! I mean WOW!!. What a step up and everything the Df should have been. I have AF-S glass and with the adapter I have no complaints with output using my selection of 12-24 f2.8, 24-70f2.8 or 85mm f1.4 glass. Only miss is that my 50mm f1.4 AF-D doesn’t auto focus on the ZF body. So my AF-D lenses are now on eBay. But really, this is truly next-Gen for me and I’m loving it! The viewfinder is soooooo much better than the DSLR Df, particularly in low light. My Df, well, she’s a lovely paperweight and ornament that I will never toss. Nikon 100% hit it out of the ball park with the ZF and at a total bang for buck price!👍👍👍😊

[@TXTundra-ex8bw]

I'm a Sony shooter but I think Nikon did a great job with this camera it's beautifully designed and has a lot going for it. Great video, sub

[@just_inhawaii]

No script needed. 💪🏽

[@TheArtistisIrrelevant]

Great review, very comprehensive and straightforward! 👍 I really liked your SOOC jpgs, which profile did you use? did you make any custom changes?

[@sentralent1850]

Nikon ZF with no video specs for $1,300 would sell like crazy.

[@PaulPadoan]

I agree, I have virtually zero interest in video.

[@jamesjackson4264]

You can get it for $1500 used. Amd I mean slightly used cause it’s a new camera. Thats the route I went.

[@SingleTrack66]

Yes. Slightly smaller. In fact make it an F3 clone

[@AbdonPhirathon]

It would still cost the same regardless. Why are you guys always making the same tire old argument? Video is all but a bonus. You are not going to pay less because the camera doesn’t do video. Not only that, but the Zfc is too close to that price range. Nikon isn’t going to make a FF camera that costs the same as the APS-C one. If you don’t want to use the video features then don’t, or buy a Leica and stop complaining.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Nikon Zf with no video would cost exactly the same. Don't you guys remember the Nikon Df that came out 10 years ago?

[@bsc001]

Hey Terry, cheers for the video. If you really want to have the maximum retro fun, grab yourself the Voigtländer 40 f/1.2 z-mount MF lens. It will blow your mind, and yes, it has the aperture ring.

[@412foto]

very tempted to get one of these, but big and heavy is a deterrent. Why is it so heavy? The metal components vs all composites? Heavier than the Z6ii/iii? Heavy makes me not want to take it out and carry it around all day in the world of modern gear especially with Fujifilm being my main system right now

[@brusselssprout1]

Yeah, weight is my main gripe as well. It feels very much like a F3 rather than like a FM.

[@dominiclester3232]

Heavier than a Z6ii? 5 grams is totally nothing. The Z6iii is 50 grams heavier and you might notice that...

[@gamerw1zz]

LOOOOVE this camera! Best Investment, have to agree though it takes a while with changing my mindset of auto iso on it vs Fuji, that being said it only took me a few times of using it to wrap my mind around it, definitely not a deal breaker.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great job on the video! I wish they would put the internals of this into a normal camera body and call it the Z5 ii with a price to match. We'll see!

[@armanddimeo6575]

This is a nice camera in many ways but I have two Nikon FM2n film cameras. After checking the ZF out, I agree that the ZF is not pleasant to hold, especially compared to the FM2s. It lacks the compact size and low weight of its film camera cousins. I hate to say this but I think the APS-C Zfc is a better execution of this concept. I have not yet moved on to the Nikon Z-mount system but if I did, I would probably choose a Z6 or a Z7 over this camera based on handling.

[@tylerlehren7773]

Great video! Your JPEGs look great, which Picture Control settings are you liking?

[@Telly26]

Great review! This camera has been on my wish list for a while!

[@412foto]

wonder if they will make a ZF2 that will have a few improvements...ie lighter, bigger top lcd, 35-40 mp, an actual grip vs having to buy aftermarket add on, etc

[@jklbd4815]

I really want nikon to make zf-ii with a ~33 mpxl, better grip and design, and do some other good stuffs, that'll be a banger

[@Photomeike]

Well done!

[@Denden-mx9gl]

Wow, other reviewer says that there's only little lenses nikkon have for this camera just shows how this guy really knows and an expert when he said you can use a lot of lenses.

[@mikr0bi]

Hello Terry, thanks the video. I have an X-H1 and I wanna buy a new camera. Because of the bad Fuji AF system unfortunatelly I leave the system and this camera looks similar. As you said it was a Fuji killer and it was perfect phrase. I'd like to ask how this camera for wedding fotography? Can the people use it for professional use?

[@keremgo3d]

Great review... thank you!

[@harpenfluit]

I think photographers fall into two groups when it comes to using a camera grip. The first group uses what I believe is the best method: holding the lens by the throat, with the left hand taking on most of the weight. This technique frees up the right hand for more precise tasks like adjusting settings and releasing the shutter, without it having to support the camera’s weight. The second group, however, tends to carry too much of the camera's weight with their right hand, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. For them, a grip becomes essential to counterbalance this strain and provide additional support. In reality, a grip is only necessary if you're placing too much burden on your right hand, instead of letting the left hand manage the majority of the load.

[@brusselssprout1]

All true, but in 2024 many people instinctively also shoot one handed,via the back screen, at least some of the time. Not "kosher" but a great way to keep eye contact with subjects, mingle better with the phone shooters and make full use of IBIS and 3D AF. A proper Z6/Z7 style grip allows that with any of the Z primes in the "street" focal lengths. The corollary is that you can then comfortably walk around with no cervical pain, with the camera discreetly hanging from your fingers (use wrist strap for security), arm extended along your body, ready to "draw" and shoot. Impossible with a gripless Zf and still uncomfortable with the smallrig or Neewer grips. Ah well, the price we pay for the retro looks (the Zf is currently my only FF body).

[@harpenfluit]

@@brusselssprout1 Ah yes, good argument. But, maybe the Zf is more about vintage style shooting and taking the time to take a picture. The Z6 or Z7 is a better option for modern shooters imho. But, I agree with your argument.

[@arneheeringa96]

Do I need a grip on a Nikkormat? No. Do I need a grip on a Zf? No. Hold your camera by the lens with the bottom plate resting on the ball of your hand. It's actually quite natural if you're focusing manually.

[@soholingo]

"Nikon zf is big, wide and heavy ..." Like my women (that's my preference, not yours Terry) 😂 😂😂

[@Behnam_Moghaddam]

Nice! Very intriguing camera Would appreciate to see the Zf besides the S9

[@Funktrainer]

If that thing had a 48 megapixel sensor, and a standard flip up/down screen I would have bought it instantly to go alongside my full quality Leica SL (Typ 601) which is perfectly designed for the use with heavy lenses and manual focus high quality lenses. Now I have to wait another decade for a ZfX or a Leica SL4 with built in GPS.

[@joeyassyrian]

Nice video, I like your style, I would like a 35mm and 50mm with the aperture ring and then I'll sell my Fujis. Tilt screen would be preferred too but like you said it's a hybrid. I think the lens setup is a big miss though.

[@alex-chicago-80]

You only need a grip if you intend to use heavy lenses. I fell down the rabbit hole of grips. I since just reduced to using a 50mm, and 28mm lenses combined with a thumb grip, that's all I need. It really depends how you use it.

[@TerryWarfield]

Gonna disagree with this, but I respect your opinion!

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

Instead of making a camera with a grip, like all other, Nikon decided to make Zf -- a large and heavy camera, which requires an add-on contraption, which is never as good as a native grip while making it even heavier. What were they thinking? So basically I'm stuck with an old Z6ii, because Nikon offered no upgrade path, everything they released since Z6ii is unacceptable one way or another.

[@natedagreat90]

You can steam you just need to download the software from nikon

[@stefanusadrian8398]

with its weight and size, would you recommend it for traveling?

[@TerryWarfield]

I mean it’s not terrible. Slap a strap on it and sling it around the shoulder

[@stevenj2380]

I am small guy. I carry Zf in my hand hanging from Peak Slide strap, for hours walking around. No camera bag. NYC and travel. Z lens and adapted F mount. Yeah, adapting a AFS 24-70 2.8 and F mount Tamron 35-150- 2.8-4.0 are a bit much and take extra effort. Rare to put it over my shoulder.

[@ledafe]

the FM2 didn't have a grip either and it was my favorite camera of all times

[@x4g1706]

How can I get my dials sanded to the brass?

[@andyphotoandfilm]

Love the ZF, the way dials work (in contrast to fuji) is in a way faster and more convenient when using this camera for pro work. I've shot a wedding with it and loved how switching from manual to aperture priority worked... on the Fuji i had to change the shutter dial from A to the specific speed i needed for flash sync, which honestly speaking isnt a pain but it requires me to look down on the dial and check if its where i need it. On the ZF i just let it stay on 1/30 or whatever i need and only flip between A and M beneath. Speaking ergnonomics... a beatuful camera like this deserves to have a leather grip anyways - Small Rig makes an amazing one for the Panasonic S9 which solves all ergonomic downsides i had with it, you got to check it out and please tell small rig they have to make a similar version for the ZF... I found a premium leather grip on aliexpress but its 180$ so iam still not sure if to buy it, but it looks really premium.

[@TerryWarfield]

Nice and I appreciate your take on this

[@ironmonkey1512]

I never look at the screen while I am shooting and it gets oily from my face touching it

[@benjamin.kelley]

The DJI mics might be easy to slap on, but in my opinion the sound quality is not good.

[@TerryWarfield]

They have updated them and they sound much better than they did before

[@nourhanbalian3294]

what a miss not including custom slots for different custom profiles, just why they didn't put it in there?

[@TerryWarfield]

But the point is it should have been. This could have easily been the camera to kill of Fuji cameras but they missed the mark on that part

[@brusselssprout1]

@@TerryWarfieldthe Z6III has those features. Hopefully they'll be in the next Zf firmware update.

[@MsPeterCD]

Be WARNED the Nikon ZF does not support autofocus when using a remote release. A remote release will only trigger the shutter (NO AF), What on earth are Nikon thinking of? I totally get it that this is a retro camera and that old school film cameras did not have autofocus and therefore their cable release only triggered the shutter. However if Nike wanted to truly go retro with the ZF why did they give it AF in the first pace but not allow AF via a remote release which is critical for my needs. WAKE UP NIKKON you have just lost a sale. More people need to be aware of this.

[@blazerbarrel2]

Needs to have a 100 mg sensor .

[@daveinportland]

When in the B&W mode is the RAW captured in full color or B&W? Many thanks.

[@TerryWarfield]

Still caps a raw file

[@gme_to_the_moon-v1p]

Cammacky gets butthurt about everything. Just check out his comment section.

[@robiulahmed]

My issues with this camera: Too light - plastic bottom plate. Feels cheap comepared to a Nikon F2 or FM2. 24 MP - this resolution has been around for over 10 years. Lens is too plastic. Other than that, it's great, it's just not for me.

[@AIP404]

It's too light? So many actually complain about it being too heavy for the size.

[@Jgheiler]

It's a heavy brick when you hold it

[@robiulahmed]

@@Jgheiler If you can, get you hands on a Nikon F2. That’s my go to camera for most things. It makes the Zf feel like a toy. The Zf feels a bit less substantial than a Df, which is meant to be a lightweight camera.