Nikon ZF Review | Retro Design With Great Performance

In today's video I will review the popular Nikon ZF, the first full frame mirrorless camera with a retro design and great features. Did Nikon manage to live up to the hype with this camera? Let's find out in this review!
Gear I use, US links:
NIKON ZF: amzn.to/3TpSuAQ
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8: amzn.to/47Psqn3
Soft shutter button: amzn.to/47VTely
Fujifilm 35mm f2: amzn.to/3pvUoU6
Fujifilm X-H2S: amzn.to/3rMFkif
Fujifilm 27mm f2.8 WR: amzn.to/3MGvABf
Viltrox 27mm f1.2 Pro: amzn.to/3M3X1Vc
Fujifilm 23mm f2 WR: amzn.to/3MnIUKt
Fujifilm 16mm f2.8 WR: amzn.to/3s4jvyG
Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 LM WR: amzn.to/3RZQRZO
Fujifilm 35mm f1.4: amzn.to/3UhcF0z
Fujifilm X-T5 US link: amzn.to/3GEip1a
Fujifilm X-T5 UK link: amzn.to/3AzzYvC
Tamron 17-70mm f2.8: amzn.to/3TSPOrY
7Artinsans 25mm T1.05 amzn.to/3CrGogt
Fujifilm X-H2S: amzn.to/3rMFkif
Fujifilm 16mm F/1.4 WR: Gear I use, US links:
Samyang 12mm F2 AF Fujifilm X: amzn.to/31Yezyi
Nikon 24-70 F4 S (600$): amzn.to/3DwdwCk
Nikon Z7 II: amzn.to/31FimzU
Nikon Z7 II + 24-70 F4 S: amzn.to/3rP39HE
Fujifilm X-T4: amzn.to/32fPps7
Fujifilm 18-55 OIS F2.8-4: amzn.to/2ZoP0lv
Backpack Lowepro Pro Tactic 350 AW: amzn.to/35p6jqe
Backpack Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II: amzn.to/3ij8aQT
Cards, Sandisk extreme pro: amzn.to/3mmTZwD
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#nikonzf #nikon #fujifilmxt5

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I hope Sigma releases the "i" DG DN series for the Nikon Z mount. Those lenses would fit perfectly on the Niko ZF, they also have aperture rings.

[@ZZ.91]

i hope so too !

[@doogieham]

Totally agree. It makes perfect sense and I don’t think the Sigma “I’ Series directly competes with Nikon’s Z lenses. I’ve held on to my Sony camera principally to use the DG DN lenses. I actually might buy a ETZ adapter if Sigma doesn’t go in that direction.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

@@doogieham I was thinking about the ETZ adapter. If Sigma doesn't release these lenses in the next 4 months I will get the adapter.

[@jovis3084]

@@AndreiDimaReviews did you get the Adapter?

[@matthewjamesmartin]

I sold my X100V and purchased the ZF. Very happy with my decision. I thought I’d miss the Fuji simulations, but the files out of the ZF are so good I don’t miss them at all.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Cool, I hope you enjoy your new camera!

[@danjd97]

I’ve just done the same

[@Reno_T]

Matt, what lenses did you buy with the ZF ?

[@matthewjamesmartin]

@@Reno_T 28 f2.8 and 40 f2 both SE versions. They were both on offer in the U.K. - haven’t actually touched the 28 yet

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

Same here. I switched from Sony and Fuji back to Nikon with this camera. Same reasons. Excellent color, dynamic range and autofocus system but in the nice looking/feeling/handling retro body and controls. Best of both worlds. 😉

[@kgeo753]

I applaud your dust management skills. No one has cleaner gear shots. 👏👏👏

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thanks 👍

[@d2mini]

I had the Z6ii and XT5 side by side. Shot with both on a tripod, inside and outside, with a couple different lenses on the Fuji, and it was immediately apparent the nikon was the one to keep. Much sharper and less noise. I really wanted the Fujij to come out on top but had to return it and keep the Nikon. Now I'm going to buy the ZF... best of both worlds, IMO. Nikon just needs more lenses designed specifically for this body... smaller, more retro stying, and with aperture rings.

[@laurelb8372]

Agree, did same, love the Zf

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Yes, Nikon needs to release some new retro looking lenses to for this camera.

[@n1ngnuo]

I had shot Fuji and it had a lot of issues, so I sold it, and switched to Nikon. Best decision I’ve ever made. The ZF is next on my list.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you for sharing!

[@wm1573]

issues like?

[@debadri]

What issues you faced with fuji?

[@stanleygabrel1045]

Very nice review with beautiful pictures, thanks for posting.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you!

[@mamo4104]

I placed an order for the Zf as soon as it was announced. In my forty years of shooting with many different cameras, the Zf is my absolute favorite. I agree with you on everything you mentioned about the Zf camera's design. Is wrong to compare this with Fuji, two different concepts. I only wish Nikon introduced small Z primes with aperture rings.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I am glad you liked my video! I hope they will release new lenses next year. Maybe Sigma will bring the "I" series for the Nikon Z mount.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Thanks. Very useful. I'm also a Nikon and Fujifilm user so your perspective is very helpful.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Great to hear!

[@eYACTION]

I love the looking of this camera. Nikon made a great job with this one. Great review bro

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

They did! Thank you for watching!

[@silvere36]

That is gorgeous! Beautiful lighting for the video.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you very much!

[@laurelb8372]

Good review. Love the Zf , nice to have the b&w switch. Got the red one, nice for street photography

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you! Enjoy your new camera!

[@beatjh]

Nikon ZF probably is gonna be my next camera if I have to upgrade from x-t4. They made it so much like the film camera, I wish it would've been so much better if it had built-in film simulations.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

You can find some film like simulations online.

[@amermeleitor]

I'm thinking about going full frame with Nikon, Canon or Panasonic. I think it will be with Nikon mostly for the cheap third party lenses, like Viltrox and others.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I think Nikon is the way to go.

[@MarcoMarfia]

Have a look at the Nikon AR-11 soft button, it's a great match on the ZF, though a bit on the expensive side. I also find the mat golden brass soft button I have looks really nice on it.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you, I will check it out!

[@victorlim5077]

Great review, Andrei. Fantastic photos.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Glad you think so!

[@Mamotreco]

Very interesting camera! Thank you for reviewing it

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Yes, it is. Thank you for watching!

[@stanobert3475]

Ii fugured a away around the Zf only having one function button. First I set the main dial to "C" and use the sub command dials. I set the funcrion button to AF mode/area, the video button (I don't shoot video) to Release mode, the AEL/AFL button to Playback, and the Playback button to Metering. This gives me easy access for changing settings for events and action.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you for the tips!

[@stanobert3475]

@@AndreiDimaReviews You are welcome!

[@doogieham]

Darn! Just when I was considering selling my Nikon gear and going only with Fuji, you release a great video on the Xf. 😊 I’ll be interested in your comparison video between Xf and the X-T5 although I realize their markets are somewhat different as you pointed out in your video. In particular, I was quite intrigued by your conclusion that the IBIS on the Xf is the best you’ve experienced. I find the IBIS on the X-T5 to be excellent, especiallly compared to my Z7ii and was very excited to learn about the stabilization improvements in the Xf. I just wished Nikon had upgraded their IBIS in the Z8 to the same standards as the Xf but it looks like I’ll have to wait for the next iteration of the Z6/Z7 to see these improvements in other Nikon bodies.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Once my X-T5 comes back from repair, I will make the comparison video. I think the ZF IBIS is a bit better than that on the X-T5, especially for video.

[@BobZOMG1984]

Legend has it that i m still waiting for the comparison video of zf & x-5

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Legend has it, it's coming soon. I wanted to take my time with the ZF before creating the video; there are already enough lazy videos on the subject.

[@stanobert3475]

I shoot shoot Fuji X and Nikon Z. I really like the Zf, but I wish that it had another function button on the front of the camera. The Fuji X-T5 is so easy to navigate using all of its buttons. I own the Z9 and Z8, but sometimes 45 megapixels on a full frame camera is too much. The 24 megapixel sensor with the EXPEED 7 processor is perfect for the Zf.

[@SébastienMOUSSEL]

« And a wide angle lens that I cannot talk about juste yet » ??? Teaser alert ! 😅 i’m intrigued 😀

[@JET-Photo]

I bet you’re excited about that new XF to Z lens adapter. That’s gonna be a huge deal if it works well.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Yes, I am looking forward to testing that.

[@strippedlist]

Felicitari, foarte fain video si explicatii

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Multumesc!

[@laika25]

7:21 Exit sign 😊

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Si

[@MeilikPepper]

I respect your channel and reviews. You don’t seem to worry about following other youtubers’ trends. I’m curious, how did your XT-5 shutter dial break?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you! I noticed that when I had the dial set to a certain option, the aperture started to shift from 8000 to 400 and then to another value. I showed this problem in my Fujifilm X-T5 review after heavy usage.

[@MeilikPepper]

@@AndreiDimaReviews thank you for your reply :) will check that video out

[@DBOYNJ8]

I wanted to like this camera. But I wasn't sold on it after trying it out in a store. The main reason was the weight. It was so heavy, and holding it with a small grip was difficult. You can put an additional grip, but I can't imagine how much bulk and weight it will add. Secondly was the lenses. The lenses lack an aperture ring, and the small lenses, which are ideal for the retro body, are non-existent. The good lenses from Nikon are huge! (they have the largest diameter mount). As a person who travels a lot, the weight is definitely an issue for me. Packing a ZF body + Z lenses is a heavy and bulky setup. For those who have only seen this in videos and photos, I suggest picking it up in a store. You'll know what I mean, especially if you're used to a light setup from Fuji.

[@d2mini]

Yep... m4/3 --> APSC --> FF.... you trade size/weight for increased IQ. All depends what you need. I went to Europe once with nothing but an M9 and 35mm f/2. Although larger, I could see doing the same with the Zf and 40 (and might as well take the 28 too). Even with Fuji I personally wouldn't want to take something like the Xt5 and several large lenses. But that's just me. Everyone has different needs. As a long time Fuji shooter who recently went back to Nikon for the FF, I'll be getting one of these. Also interested in some manual lenses like the Voigtlander 40mm nokton. That focus trick that works with manual lenses is pretty sweet. Not as easy as focusing a Leica, but still nice.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

The grip adds almost no weight. Best camera I've ever had

[@Mixer000999]

I would like to buy ZF very much but yes, weight makes me reluctant. I recently returned back from Japan where I used my old Nikon D5500 and 18-140mm lens. And no matter how light the setup was, I still felt tired after several weeks with the weight over my shoulder. Zf with 24-120mm would be significantly heavier.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Yes, the camera is a bit heavy compared to Fujifilm cameras. As I said in the video, this camera is not for everyone, people should test it before buying. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@bigd7696]

Grip adds 100g, give or take 3g depending on which one. The ZF, grip, and 50mm f1.8 S isn't much more weight than an XH camera and 33mm f1.4. I have the X-H2S and crunched the numbers. The ZF and SOME lenses can be almost as light as SOME Fuji.

[@JackieDElia]

Excellent review, Andrei 🎉

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PasionMovil]

The secret wide-angle lens is the Laowa 10mm Full-Frame AF for Z Mount ñ_ñ Im sorry, I could help it :P

[@kzr83]

Hi Andrei, great to hear your thoughts on this one. And, man... the product footage is a feast for the eyes! I think you had the lighting and exposure (and editing probably - I'm not a video guy) absolutely perfectly for a black product. Well done! For the shutter soft button, in my opinion it really is either red as you have it, or gold/brass coloured! Especially if/when you ever start seeing some brassing. If you take requests 😅, even though I know JPEG profiles can be customised of course, I'd love to see a comparison of the standard profiles between the X-T5 and the ZF - just for fun, to see them side by side. Merry xmas!

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I am glad you like my video! I was thinking gold as well. I will add your request in the comparison video. Merry Christmas!

[@Weider63]

I’d like to see a more in depth video comparison with a sony a7 iv if it’s possible, didn’t find any of them on yet, wanna see how the autofocus performs against Sony. Great video tbh! One of the best zf reviews out there.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you! Regarding the comparison I will see what I can do.

[@kalistratov_photos]

The design difference beween Nikon and Fuji seems that Nikon is a truly retro-looking camera, and Fuji is a modern camera with some retro control elements. Therefore it seems an x-t5 is a better choice as a workhorse camera, and the zf is in competition with x-pro3.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

You are totally right.

[@kalistratov_photos]

@@AndreiDimaReviews thank you!

[@jirihardos5154]

I also think the target groups of Nikon Zf and Fujifilm are different. I have an X-T5 and if I wanted full frame, I would get a different model than the Zf. Although the Zf is a really beautiful camera.

[@cosmaracorosu]

What camera would you get? Seems this one is the only one with classical looks and dials.

[@jirihardos5154]

@@cosmaracorosu Appearance and style are not essential for me. So I guess it doesn't matter, it would depend on what I would use the device for. The range of full frame devices is huge. But you're right, I don't see an alternative among FF devices when it comes to restro style.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I used film cameras for many years before going to digital photography, l had Minolta camera bodies and my uncle had a full manual Nikon, both are camera bodies were similar in the fact that they had absolutely no grip so when they released the ZF it mirrors the old film cameras,many photographers today might not come from a film camera so a camera like the ZF is out of place for them. I purchased this camera when it was released and passed on the kit lens as they have a plastic lens mount. I purchased the 5omm f1.8 S and 28-75 f2.8 Nikon. From Viltrox I have a 28mm & 35mm, from Voightlander the 4omm f1.2 and the 15mm f4.5 to round out the glass for this camera.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you for sharing! Viltrox lenses are a good fit for this camera because they have an aperture ring.

[@Rios278]

I am currently looking for the Nikon DF 😂 as a Fujifilm shooter and a D700 owner I dont want to invest in the zmount. Had the z5, but there was no spark. But the looks of the ZF is just amazing.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

In my opinion, the ZF and Z8 are some of the best cameras Nikon has made since the D850. I have used most full-frame Nikon cameras since the release of the D700, and while the D850 is perhaps my all-time favorite camera, the ZF is getting there day by day.

[@torb-no]

I think it's interesting to see which Fuji shooters that seem fascinated by this, because it does *not* seem to be X-T4 and X-T5 fans, but X-Pro3 fans (myself included). I wonder if X-Pro3 is the only camera from Fuji that really emphasise the film *feel* still (people say X-T3 is the last camera that truly captured that). I do agree that there's a different value proposition though. I think where Fujifilm really shines is with compactness (the Fujicrons are so great), but sometimes I miss the full frame look (and Nikon's tonality and colors, as much as I like Fujifilm), and this one seem like the ticket to that. That said, not in financial position to splurge on something like this now, so that'll have to for later, maybe when the used price of Zf have come down.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Atomicgherkin]

A yellow soft shutter button would suit your ZF.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Cool, thx!

[@Atomicgherkin]

@@AndreiDimaReviews you’re welcome. Look at the older Nikon logos.

[@bowl0noodles]

Nikon yellow for the shutter button. Of course.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Of course. I think Nikon should've keep the gold branding on the Z lenses, the new lenses look boring.

[@shred3005]

It’s the only Nikon I’ve been interested in since the end of the Classic SLR era. Seriously. I’ve never been interested in Nikon but this is tempting me. Full frame retro. And I like the idea of a B&W switch setting. Yes I know all digital cameras have a B&W option but this puts to right there. Actually I love B&W so much I’m also seriously thinking about the Pentax K-3 Monochrome. I’ve seen a lot of image files from that camera and it’s B&W on totally other level

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I love the B&W switch. Pentax really needs to make a retro looking camera.

[@shred3005]

@@AndreiDimaReviews yes Pentax should make a retro camera. They have chosen DSLR as their niche market and make a couple of very good full frame and APS-C bodies with great IQ but retro style would cement that niche given the Pentax history as one of the leaders in the classic SLRs of that era. And so many wonderful old lenses still in circulation that would look perfect on a retro body. In fact their retro Limited series of lenses with aperture rings were updated with digital suitable coatings a number of years ago

[@adoctas]

Hi Andrei I like your reviews and I was hoping you're going to present Zf also. I saw you have a custom and cool looking red button on your Zf. May I ask from where you bought it? Many thanks.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you! I got it from Amazon: amzn.to/47VTely

[@louissanti7277]

Hi Andrei many thanks for your video, i was thinking about buy it and its really convincing me. Maybe the 20mm z nikon for the wide angle ? Have a nice day

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you for watching! Viltrox is going to release a 20mm f2.8, it is smaller and would fit the Nikon ZF better. They already released it for Sony.

[@Psiwt]

They should've included an area where the thumb can rest like how it is on X-T bodies. I can't imagine holding the Zf for longer periods of time without an add-on grip. "But it's a retro camera!" Yes, but retro cameras didn't weigh as much as the Zf nor were the lenses as large and heavy. The 50mm F1.4 Ai-S is around 250g for example and the Z 50mm F1.8 S is over 400g and significantly larger. Which brings up another point; no lenses that fit the camera styling except the plastic fantastic 28mm F2.8 and 40mm F2. Where are the small well built F2 primes befitting of a camera like the Zf?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Regarding lenses, yes, they need to release some new primes with a decent size. You cannot compare a film camera with a modern retro-looking camera when it comes to weight; a film camera is much simpler in design, while modern cameras have a lot more features and technology. I hope Sigma releases the "i" DG DN series for the Nikon Z mount. Those lenses would fit perfectly on the Niko ZF, they also have aperture rings.

[@Psiwt]

@@AndreiDimaReviews "You cannot compare a film camera with a modern retro-looking camera when it comes to weight; a film camera is much simpler in design, while modern cameras have a lot more features and technology." Which is my point! The Zf is a retro styled camera. It isn't a retro camera. Hence they should've included things that are necessary from an ergo perspective. The grip(s) solve the ergo issues but adds a bit of bulk. And yes, if they can't put out lenses themselves they should really allow Sigma to adapt their "i" primes for Z mount. Great review btw!

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

@@Psiwt I hope Sigma will release those lenses soon. Thank you! The SmallRig grip could be a bit deeper.

[@Psiwt]

@@davidgfisher It's not available in most markets.

[@kamilpotato3764]

As much as it looks great, I went with S5 II as my modern FF mirrorless camera. Great addition to my Fuji xt4. The main reason was price. It's simply too expensive in the UK. S5 II with 50mm and 20mm-60mm zoom works itself about £1900 after Panasonic cashback offer. If Nikon had a similar deal...

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

True, Panasonic has some great prices.

[@sundaydr1ve]

hey nice video! may i know where you got that metallic red shutter button?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Thank you! From Amazon, there is a link in the description.

[@RahulVangani-o6v]

Considering this camera as an EDC, bored of a7iv which I use for work!

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

It is a great camera.

[@DessieTots]

Your Nikon FM2 has a plastic pentaprism where the ‘Nikon’ name is. I always thought this camera was mostly metal until I dropped one. 😮

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Ok, thx for the info.

[@laika25]

I wouldn't necessarily call the 40mm f2 "cheap"

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Ok, budget.

[@jonfletcher147]

Which soft shutter button is that please?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Soft shutter button: amzn.to/47VTely

[@jonfletcher147]

@@AndreiDimaReviews Thanks Andrei! :D

[@MustafaSheikh]

I love this camera but why did nikon make it with SD Card I don’t know and not xqd or cf

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I believe it's due to space constraints, and SD cards being highly efficient for video these days, they are also excellent for fast-paced photography, such as capturing sports and wildlife.

[@sramabadran]

Is there a link to get the red shutter release accessory?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

- Soft shutter button: amzn.to/47VTely

[@thespookymulder28]

could I mount the pick design plate to the grip?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Yes.

[@MaxP374]

What do you think about ibis not locking while camera is off? Is that something that could impact on damaging ibis over shorter period of time?

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Hello, I don't think it can damage the IBIS over a short period of time. I think they've tested this before realising the camera and it has 5 years warranty.

[@jackslater8688]

Damn, I wish it was 1000 bucls