Nikon Zf Tutorial, User's Guide & Pro Tips by Ken Rockwell

[@CoolTatts]

This review starts so negative. Here’s another opinion from a different type of user. One of my favourite features is the ability to close the display and just use the viewfinder. I don’t like LCD displays, presets or automation. I shoot in manual and love this camera. Adjusting settings while I look through the viewfinder means I never take my eye off the subject. One feature I turn on is flash 200FP under custom settings which allow for flash sync beyond X200. Set the AEL-AFL button to control focus, greater control and there’s no delay in firing the shutter. Takes some practice but push to focus and release for lock or hold to continuous follow focus. Lastly, I love mirrorless as what I see is what I get. No depth-of-field preview button of SLRs I see in real time exposure and focus effects. I’m almost always going visually and my photography has improved incredibly. Finally a digital camera which doesn’t force me to change :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! As I say, it all depends on each user.

[@Weezot97]

Great explanation of focus modes and how to set them, also, the tip on what charging cable to use saved me great frustration as the cable supplied with my used Zf from KEH was a USB-C to USB-A, which doesn't work as you point out. Thank you Ken!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!! Takes me a long time to research and write all this, but someone has to do it. 😊

[@oc2phish07]

Thanks Ken. Very useful in helping me set up my new Nikon Zfs (I have two of them).

[@KenRockwellTV]

Happy to help!

[@chrisaugustin9181]

lemme hold one for you

[@giacomogh3238]

Hi Ken! Congratulations for your job here! I'm asking you for a suggestion on the cameras you're talking about in yours video. I am a caver and I am switching from the SLR world to the mirrorless world, more for stabilization ( when I can I try to limit the use of the tripod, for close-up and macro shots ). Also considering that I shoot in pretty extreme environments, with humidity, dust, mud etc, so I need a sort of tank! I use radio flashes and led spotlights, so the shutter speeds are usually 1/30 , 1/10 , 1/8 . I was looking at the ZF just for the construction, ease in changing settings thanks to physical dials. I also saw the Z6iii but I'm not so sure about it for the use I want to make of it. I use wide angle and macro optics with static scenes. Thank you very much and hope to read you! Bye

[@KenRockwellTV]

Why not the Canon R10, which is a much lighter APS-C system? It's not that tough, but its so light and small it's much easier to put away when it's not actually exposing www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm The full frame Nikons are much heavier. I'm lucky enough to work in comfort, so I haven't abused any of these with dirt or crud. They make various claims to crud resistance but I can't say for sure. If you want tough, get a real camera like the D5 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5.htm or D6 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d6.htm , genuinely built to take it. Tell me more; email me from my website www.kenrockwell.com/contact1.htm with more about what's important to you. True toughness begets weight, and I don't trust that any mirrorless from anyone is as tough as a pro DSLR. Also I here OM SYSTEM's OM-1 www.kenrockwell.com/om/om-1-ii.htm is focussed (ha ha) on outdoors and claims really good sealing, and they are smaller than a Z9 or D6

[@geenesama]

Hello Ken! Maybe you can help me understand if it needs to be switched off every time when it's on the neck to go into standby mode? I don't understand how the sleep timer should work versus my dslr. Isn't the eye sensor triggered every time when the camera is close to your body on your neck or on your shoulder preventing it from falling asleep? Thank you for the video! You are Legend!

[@geenesama]

I've just saw another video where you say that indeed it stays on because of the eye sensor and drains battery. Are there solutions? Do you know if it is possible to assign a button to switch it to a sleep mode without turning it off? This question bugs me for a long time, but I think that other manufacturers also don't have such option. Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I cover this at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf-users-guide.htm#charging my Zf is always stating on even when it shouldn’t, so i gotta turn it off manually. That’s why I prefer other brands like Canon

[@geenesama]

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you Ken. Canon goes into sleep mode even if the sensor is triggered?

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@geenesama I have better luck with my Canon here' they seem to be smart enough to know better when to shut off automatically.

[@geenesama]

@@KenRockwellTV Got it, thanks a lot!

[@donlitos]

Ken, I've enjoyed your videos for years. If you had to choose between the Nikon Z f or the Nikon Z fc with a 16-50mm lens for shooting a professional-quality wedding, event, or street photography, which would you pick? Additionally, what percentage of your overall shots or videos would you take with your iPhone Pro Plus 15 vs the Nikon? Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I shoot Canon. I usually return the Nikons. I have a Z8 now. I prefer the Canon R6 II for all this www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm. I would not buy Nikon. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm. If stuck with Nikon, I prefer the little Zfc with its 16-50 for fun and street (prefer the EOS R10 and 18-150mm or 18-45mm however) and I’d go Zf for weddings if I couldn’t use my EOS R6 II. Does this help? Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I love my iPhone!!! www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-15-pro-max.htm

[@donlitos]

@@KenRockwellTV This is a joke? I Assume you are joking. Anyway, speaking of Canon, I have a like-new L39 35mm f/2 ltm rangefinder lens I use occasionally on my R-d1. It still sometimes creates images I can not replicate with my other fancy rigs. LOL. We are proud nerds standing together no mtter what! Thank you Ken for your dedication to excellence sir 🫡

[@donlitos]

@@KenRockwellTV You are joking Ken right? Of course! 🤣🤣 Your whole channel is Nikon and stories of your cars. Speaking of cars, what was / is your favorite you've owned Ken? Mine is my Porsche 1973 9lls and Alfa Romeo 1967 Julia Sprint GT. Not appropriate discussion for a film channel! be well

[@donlitos]

@@KenRockwellTV Hey Ken. Sorry to bother you. I use the iPhone 13 Pro Plus I bought it for the camera. It would be very valuable from a photographer's perspective to neophytes et all to compare the last 5 or 3 pro series apple iPhone cameras. That might be your biggest video of all time.

[@Blakefan2520]

Great video. I was wondering if you could help me with a problem? I am an amateur photographer who just purchased a Nikon Zf. It will arrive tomorrow. I am wondering how to transfer the images from the camera to a Mac Book Pro running Sonoma 14.5. The Nikon manual (which I downloaded from their site) said to download NX Studio from the Nikon web site. I tried to download it, but get an error message from Mac saying it will not allow me to download NX Studio and that I have to download it from the Mac App Store. Well, the Mac App Store does not have NX Studio. They have something else called NX-V. Do you know if NX-V will work the same as NX Studio or is there another way to download the images from the camera to the MBP? Will any SD card reader work? The manual says I can do it wirelessly, but I don't know. How do the Pro's do it? Thank you, Adam

[@KenRockwellTV]

We never use any Nikon software. It never works on current operating systems and has always been loaded with bugs. I use a card reader plugged in to my Mac and just drag the files where I need them in Finder. Easy! You also probably can plug the camera into your Mac and use it as a card reader. You’ll have to make some settings in the camera’s menu system to let it do this. You’ll save so much time and effort by never bothering with Nikons software. Does this help?Thanks.

[@Blakefan2520]

@@KenRockwellTV Great help. Thanks Ken

[@jamesmgreen15]

Thanks so much again. As a non-pro this camera intrigues but I think the lack of User Presets does seem an oversight?? OK for a pro needing a tool but it could so easily have been even better with those, and thus would appeal more widely??? I will look at your website.

[@G91YS]

I'm a beginner too, the Zf is my second camera after the D5600. The Zf is awesome. Just a quick set up of the buttons for shutter speed, aperture, continuous mode or so. And set.

[@KenRockwellTV]

All depends on you. If you only shoot the same thing all the time then you’re good with the Zf. I shoot many different things for different clients everyday and need a camera that gets out of the way and is nimble on its feet. Thanks.

[@ericemerick5065]

Nice guide, thanks. I had to send back 2 of these for faulty LCD, just FYI. I like it when it works, fun camera!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I sent mine back. I much prefer the Canon system. Thanks!

[@Jgheiler]

​@KenRockwellTV which canon do you use?

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@Jgheiler​​⁠R6 II or R10

[@ele4853]

Thanks for sharing. I have 2 questions not shown on the Zf manual. Is the max electronic shutter speed 1/8000 of a second? also, what are the FPS speeds that the pre-capture release offers? I've heard is 30, 60, and 120 FPS on Jpeg files?

[@KenRockwellTV]

See my written review which explains top speed is 1/8000 regardless. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf.htm#spex

[@KenRockwellTV]

Here’s the restrictions on 30fps and above www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf-users-guide.htm#30fps

[@Thisisme918]

Can you tell how to connect a remote shutter release to Zf? I cant find it anywhere. I used MCDC2 cable release for nikon D750.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Use the app via Bluetooth, there is no socket. My full review at the link in the description covers that. Thanks!

[@greenthumbpinoy3799]

Wow very helpful always.. Thank you so much ken Rockwell

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!

[@ChndnStorageAcc]

Thank you for the helpful video.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!

[@PJ-om2wq]

My D780 arrived this morning. Did I buy the wrong camera? 🙂

[@KenRockwellTV]

For what kind of shooting?

[@PJ-om2wq]

@@KenRockwellTV mostly still shooting, mixture of AF-D and AF-S lenses. Landscapes, portraits, events. I might do an occasional video but it doesn't really interest me. What struck me is that a ZF with 24-120f4 Z mount is no smaller or lighter than a D780 with 24-120f4 F mount. The Z bodies are smaller but the lenses seem to be bigger. I think I'll only regret buying the D780 if Nikon suddenly releases an FTZ with a focus motor built in for AF/AF-D lenses.

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@PJ-om2wq Nikon won't be introducing an FTZ that works. I believe it's their plan to have crippled the FTZ so people with AF and AF-D lenses eventually give up and buy all new Z lenses. Therefore, the D780 is PERFECT for use with your AF-D lenses and the Z cameras would have been a bad choice. If you do want mirrorless, I greatly prefer the Canon system today - it's not 1999 anymore when Nikon ruled DSLRs. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm

[@PJ-om2wq]

@@KenRockwellTV I think I'm going to stick with F mount for "serious" work, and look for something really small and light ( X100V or VI maybe ) that could go in a pocket for when I'm just out and about, and it will have to be used because of budget. Completely changing systems because mirrorless can only be justified either if one is a professional photographer or very wealthy. If I have £3k/£4k sitting around for a hobby it will be going into my classic car pot.

[@Skidoo22]

I'm thinking of getting one, now the price has dropped. I have some D lenses that are just sitting idle. Are you enjoying the 780?

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Ken, another great Camera from Nikon. I do like the Large eye piece of the Viewfinder and the Grey colour. Nice presentation, thanks Ken. 😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@seaeagles6025]

Your welcome Ken 😊

[@stevenstoller9547]

Ken, Thanks for the info. Especially the playback voice function button. A dream for me.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes! Thanks!!!

[@Jgheiler]

Hi Ken, what do you set your AFL and rec button to?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I forget, but yo can download my settings files at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf-users-guide.htm#setup if you're that curious. Thanks! I think I set the red dot 🔴 to image area.

[@joudi_pics]

Hello Ken, you are as Pro as it gets, have been watching you for two days and I’m amazed, excellent work 👏, I wanted to ask you if Plena is worth it or if there’s a better F mount lens? I’m ignorant when it comes to older lenses. Thank you in advance ❤

[@KenRockwellTV]

Plena is a good, fast 135mm, but it’s not magical in any way. I prefer the Canon system overall. Thanks!

[@Petrolhead66]

Looked at your site but can't find the bin file

[@KenRockwellTV]

Specifically it's at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf-users-guide.htm#setup in my written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/zf-users-guide.htm Thanks!

[@Petrolhead66]

@@KenRockwellTV brill thanks

[@Petrolhead66]

@@KenRockwellTV brill thanks

[@deanvm9158]

Is this the Nikon model that has no video? I am waiting for Canon to churn one out that is photo only

[@KenRockwellTV]

I think all Nikon's recent cameras have video. This Zf does. Thanks!

[@calebchristensenviolin]

Ken, no worries on your talking speed. I usually watch videos at 2x, but 1.5x works well for your vids!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Heh heh thanks!!!

[@alejandr0680]

Does it have a PC sync port

[@KenRockwellTV]

No. Use a hot shoe to PC adapter

[@ipsofactophoto]

Thanks.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!

[@whitepinephotography5887]

Good review, negative is OK. Nice to see the truth. After all it's a Nikon. It will never be as good as a Canon.

[@KenRockwellTV]

At least to me there’s the case. Just sharing it like it is. Thanks!

[@livejames9374]

Canon is behind Nikon. Good thing the R5ii and R1 are coming. Still need to work on lenses.

[@phkondakov]

[@rvindrapanwarUK]

New firmware 1.20 is out

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yay! Thanks.

[@EJej-z5g]

Idk, that's a good camera of course but I'd rather get D750 for half of the price or even cheaper. Or Canon R8 if mirrorless is absolutely required. I might be wrong because I'm only judging by specs and prices.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks. Specs mean nothing.

[@bisaillion]

Watching Ken Rockwell at 1.5x speed

[@KenRockwellTV]

You’re baaad! My kids watch everything else at 2x speed so it sounds like me!

[@StripedTailz]

this camera should be $100, almost no features at all for how much it cost.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Bravo!