Nikon Zf: Phenomenal - With A Few Quirks!

[@annarakannan6620]

I never thought I will be a nikon shooter. I was eyeing a canon for a while. Then came the Zf reviews. It was the perfect camera for me. I ordered it. I am in the system now. I love the 40mmf2. My search is over. Thank you Nikon.

[@apostraffstudio]

This is exactly the case when I read these lines and realize that I have the same opinion. And yes, 40mmf2 is exactly what I need for every day.

[@papafrita96]

I'm very tempted to follow suit my friend.

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

I received my Zf in October and wasn’t in love with it initially. But the more I used it, the happier I got with it. There are two instances where I realized that Nikon got it right. The first time was over Thanksgiving when I showed it to my daughter, who was home from college, and she thought it was a film camera. The second time was when I used it after shooting with my FM2 the day before and I caught myself trying to use my thumb to advance the film lever. I have the 40mm f/2 although it’s not the SE. that stays on it 90% of the time. I’d really love to put a native mount manual focus lens on it at some point because I think this camera is meant for manual focus lenses. And you are correct. We really need a lens with the aperture ring on the lens

[@3BMEP]

😊👊🏻

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

How does that heavy brick without a grip feels after an hour of shooting?

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

@@ElementaryWatson-123 I lift weights so its not a problem at all. Plus it has a neck strap so I'm not holding it when I'm not shooting it. And its a lot lighter than my Z9.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

@@jeffselfphotography3066 it's like saying I don't mind carrying a two pound cell phone in the pocket because I lift weights 🤪

[@bsc001]

Hi Jeff, if you haven’t already, grab yourself the Voigtländer 40mm F1.2 native z-mount lens. It has a manual aperture ring, fully unlocking the true manual nature of the Zf, and has a wonderful split personality, wide-open gives an ethereal render to portrait shots, stop down to F2 for wonderfully sharp street-photo rendering.

[@Anon-zl4ne]

I am a former Fujifilm shooter and now have a Nikon Zf that I use exclusively with small M mount Voigtlander Nokton lenses (21mm f/1.8, 35mm f/1.2, 50mm f/1.2 and 75mm f/1.5). Nikon really hit this one out of the park, and I absolutely love the Zf. It really is a shame that Fujifilm took the "we're never going full frame" stance. I suspect that I am just one of many former Fujifilm users that are switching to Nikon now because Fujifilm refuses to release full frame cameras and lenses.

[@3BMEP]

It will be interesting to look at the sales stats a year from now!

[@weiyang6417]

I'm in the same boat as you, except I wanted to move to GFX. Nikon really caught me by surprise.

[@raunlohry4000]

I am glad to hear that. I was considering Fujifilm but didn't want to spend a bunch of money on a new system when I had a pretty robust Nikon Z lineup. I was hoping the Zf would be close enough to satisfy my desire for a more retro feel. Having the Zf for a while now has curbed my interest in Fujifilm. Thanks for sharing!

[@bbasleigh6149]

Disagree. Fuji XT with their lenses with aperture ring perform to very high standard. For example Fuji 16mm f1,4 top of the class. My XT-2 and XT-3 cameras easy to use and never disappoint. Check price of Nikon Zf and Fuji XT-5 for difference. APS-C as good as full-frame in the right hands. Nikon prices out of my league

[@doogieham]

Fuji GFX cameras can be used in 35mm crop mode so they are inherently full frame as well as providing the medium format experience. You might counter by stating that the GFX cameras and lenses are too expensive but prices for a GFX 100S are very good these days and Canon EF and Nikon F adapters allow you to use cheaper and lighter full frame lenses on GFX bodies. So, as a result, it doesn’t make any business sense for Fuji to enter an already-crowded FF market.

[@johnfromconnecticut]

Great review! I started shooting with Nikons in 1980 with an F2AS and FM film duo. Progressed through the digital era, always with Nikons, leading up to my Z9 which is phenomenal. Wanted a smaller walkaround full-featured, full-frame body and the Zf hit all the right notes. I don't know how many other distinct measures of a product's success there are, but here is the one that matters most to me: THIS CAMERA IS PURE JOY. I now take my Zf and 40 f/2 or 28 f/2.8 everywhere, every single day, and take tons of pictures every time. I have loads of fun using it and when I am staring at the images on my computer I am repeatedly astonished. Yes, there are times when nothing can top the Z9 with the 135 f/1.8. Yes, it is hard to describe viewing a set of beautiful B&W 8x10's taken with my F2AS on Tri-X. But the Zf is in another realm of photographic experience, at least for me. Using it with my vintage Nikkors (28 f/2, 50 f/1.2, 85 f/2, 105 f/2.5 as well as the incredible 50 f1/2 S-line Z almost brings tears to my eyes. I have been returned to the days of my youth, where thoughtful consideration and planning were part of the process. All I can say is Wow, Nikon, Wow!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for such a lovely contribution!

[@Rutero81]

This made me cry of pride!!! I think Nikon is King!!! And what's coming is fire... D850, Z8, Zf owner here!!!

[@noradius4744]

Been using it with 40mm kit lens, so far it feels pretty pretty good. I really like the metering in this camera beside the mad AF and clean high iso. Once set up, I dont think about the operational part of the camera, I just shoot. It doesnt come in the way between what Im seeing and act of capturing. A spare battery in my pocket, and Im ready to start the day.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

That Nikon 40mm lens is quite mediocre. If you like 40mm, check the recently released Viltrox 40/2.5 lens, it should be much better optically.

[@Abc1987]

Seeing the green box lighting up while in manual eye- defect focus is almost as much fun as nailing focus with a rangefinder. There is a TT artisans 6bit adapter which allows you to use completely analog lenses and get the focus assist features

[@LarsSteenhoff]

Yes just ordered this adapter, I will also attach a EF to M mount adapter on top of the TT artisan, This should give me focus confirmation with my EF Adapted Contax Zeiss lenses, what a round trip ! but super cool

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

Not really, when I was shooting real rangefinder cameras in the past there wasn't much difficulty focusing because we never had that much resolution with film, so rangefinder parallax system giving approximate focus was good enough. With digital cameras focusing needs to be very precise if you don't want to look at blurry pictures on 4k screen. It becomes very difficult to achieve precise focusing, even a very small move of the subject, or camera, or focusing ring will cause a misfocus.

[@castrojub]

The Techart TZM-02 also offers this functionality alongside AF when needed as well. Really enjoying the ZF with my M glass.

[@Abc1987]

@@castrojub that’s good to know. I’ve been having a hard time finding the tech art AF adapter though

[@oc2phish07]

Thanks for a very interesting video, Hugh. From the mid 1970s until 2018 I was a staunch Nikon user with film and digital cameras in my collection. Then Fuji announced the X-Pro2 and I was hooked. I became a real Fuji fan and currently have my pre-ordered X-Pro2 plus X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-T5 and X-H2. But suddenly Nikon stepped up to the plate and announced the Zf. I pre-ordered 2 of them, which I now have, and have been blown away by them. The main thing that has impressed me was the absolute ease that I can get great SOOC photos without any real effort thus freeing me up to concentrate on the image I am after. I took one of the Zfs to Strasbourg in France about 4 weeks ago for the Christmas Markets and the results I got, both day and night-time shots, are stunning. I fear my Fuji kit will start collecting dust now, at least for a while, as I continue having fun back with Nikon.

[@3BMEP]

Thank YOU for sharing your real-world experience and take-aways!

[@kentkochheiser911]

Thanks Hugh, well said. I've had mine since the initial launch and as a Leica M shooter I really enjoy it. I have a pretty good suite of Z lenses since I also shoot a Z9 and a Z8 for sports. The big discovery for me was the Zf with the Z mount Voigtlander 50 Nocton! The manual focus on the Zf makes even f/1.0 almost foolproof even with my 71 year old eyes. The most fun camera since my M10 Monocrom!

[@andikunar7183]

I totally agree re. the "killer" Zf+Nokton 50/1.0 combo, I love it too. Also as a secondary body to my primary Z8 - similar enough, but still different enough to get more use than just as a normal backup. OK, unlike you, I don't do sports, I just do people/beauty.

[@MB-dq2gz]

I haven't had a reason to remove that combo from my ZF.

[@ansgarbook712]

I wonder if there is somebody doing a review comparison between the Zf and the Z mount Nokton 1.0 and the FTZII Nokton VM 1.0 (that I have)

[@chilecayenne]

@@ansgarbook712 I was reading this and wondering how well the M mount Nokton 50 1.0 would work on this Nikon Zf camera....I'd like to see that. I assume the Z mount Nokton version would have closer focusing...but would there be any other differences?

[@3BMEP]

@chilecayenne hold that thought: working on it!

[@karengrigoryan1375]

Well said Hugh! I switched from Nikon D3s bodies 7 years ago to Fujifilm X and GFX but this little Zf marvel was enough to bring me back to Nikon from Fujifilm X-T5 bodies (keeping GFX100s though for studio work). It is indeed a remarkable camera!

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy, Karen! 😊🖖🏻

[@andyadler]

Your journey parallels mine (Nikon D3 to Fuji system (X-HTs). My entire Fuji system was destroyed in an apartment fire last month, and with insurance pending I'm now looking at which camera system to buy into. I've pretty much settled on the Canon R6ii, but the ZF intrigues me. I handled one briefly the other day at a local (Louisville, Ky) camera shop. Liked it, and I have a bunch of "ancient" Nikon glass, which could be put to use. Any thoughts?

[@karengrigoryan1375]

​​@@andyadlerWell, I think you should get Zf... Works great with old Nikon glass. I tried it with bunch of old Nikon MF and even M42 Soviet Zenit/Helios MF glass with cheap (not Nikon FTZ) adapters and it works flawlessly! With grip it balances well with bigger modern Z lenses, so it's like 2 in one camera.

[@montycraig5659]

Hugh, you are by far, my favorite KZbin gear reviewer. Your concise description, and insights are by far way superior to most. Thank you for the work you do on here.

[@3BMEP]

So appreciate the encouragement! 😊🖖🏻

[@Bayonet1809]

Just a little helpful pointer, if you want focus confirmation (e.g. the green square) with manual focus non-electronically communicating lenses then using them on the TTArtisan M-Z 6-Bit Adapter enables that functionality.

[@3BMEP]

That’s great news! I will check it out!

[@rossxjohnson]

It's definitely an interesting product / camera offering. Just wish in an alternate reality, Nikon would make lenses better suited to the Z f or maybe more compact or retro style lenses where no adapter is needed.

[@3BMEP]

Good idea! Something like Sigma’s I series primes!

[@rogernewton7831]

That would be essential for me. Their lenses for street for a camera like this one seem to be restrictive.

[@rogernewton7831]

That would be essential for me. Their lenses for street for a camera like this one seem to be restrictive.

[@andikunar7183]

For me the Z-mount full-frame Voigtländers are perfect for the Zf, I hope that they do more of them in the future. As for Nikon, the 40/2,28/2.8,... are really perfect for the Zf. I don't understand why people insist on an aperture-ring for a fully electronic AF lens. I always program it to be "no function", the cam's dial is OK and less error-prone in this use-case. AF-lens aperture is a fly-by-wire experience anyway (it needs to be open enough for the AF to work reliably, even if you want it stepped down, so you really don't see it in the viewfinder). But I perfectly understand the beauty of an aperture-ring for the manual lenses ike the Voigtländers, there its a totally different experience and it makes complete sense - perfectly combining with the Zf dials.

[@Anon-zl4ne]

I would be shocked if Nikon wasn't working on more clasically styled small primes for the Zf and Zfc.

[@martinandreasson5504]

A liberating review of a camera that definitely deserves it. And as i have said myself since i saw it and after also coming from the Df( that i still own and love), its the only FF camera ( or of any camera for that matter ) that embrace the retro look completely but still manage to bring the advantages of the present. That is one thing that always makes me come back to Nikon even though i shoot leica and fuji both presently and in the past, their bravery to put something out ( like the Df, the Nikon 58mm f1,4, and now Zf ) that they have a vision for and follow that through even though it does not cater to everyone at that point. Very refreshing :) You also summed it up nicely and i could not agree more with the pros and cons of the camera but that it in the end does not really matter, because we have here a package like nothing else. And for someone like myself( and others looking past the things that always could be better with a new camera coming out) that wanted something similar to a Df 2 but in a smaller package this tick almost all the important boxes for me and enough to make me like this camera SO much that i sold my M240 and two Leica lenses to afford it. And thus far i have not regretted it. I also added the grip and 2 lenses, the 40 SE and the 28 SE and like you really like it together with the Zf, even though they are plastic and no ring. Its on my wishlist for the future, to get a Z lens with a ring or get hold of a VL to use with he ZF. But in the meantime im having LOADS of fun using those two AF lenses and adapting a host of nice F lenses i already owned and another host of manual vintage goodness from M42 mount and OM mount and Leica M mount. SO much fun. Well done Nikon. /Martin.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for sharing, Martin! 😊🖖🏻

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

I tested the waters with the little Zfc, and I’ve been so impressed that I’ve packed up my Sony gear to trade in on the Zf Monday. I do wish Nikon had more Z lens choices or more 3rd party options open, but the manual focus assistance on this camera is so good I don’t mind just grabbing a few Voigtlander lenses for it. They are the perfect match anyway. I’m so glad that they didn’t half-a$$ this camera. It could easily have just been a so-so “retro” camera for looks only. Kudos, Nikon! 😉

[@landyshserebristyy2493]

And the kidney, and the house, you gave everything!

[@brochg]

Thank you, Thank you, Hugh! I made in through 2023 with no expendatures on cameras or lenses. Since I have several excellent Z lenses, this seems like a no brainer. I'm a photo-only shooter, and it seems like this is an ideal body. I started shooting on an FM2, and I think I would love the ZF.

[@andikunar7183]

:-) - I'm warning you, the Zf really shines with the Z-mount Voigtländers, so getting a Zf might get more expensive than you thought. These modern, yet enjoyably manual lenses perfectly match the Zf's dials and make it a best-of FM2-days like experience. And yes, you can use your Z lenses too.

[@brochg]

@@andikunar7183 Thank you, I will heed your warning!

[@3BMEP]

You’re so welcome, Broch!

[@JeffDiffner]

The smile on your face while shooting that video is the exact smile on my face when I had the chance to try that camera out in Japan last month. While I am not, nor have I been, a Nikon shooter, the experience (even in the first moments of holding it) was so much like my Canon F-1 that I just fell in love with it. Now as I have way too much gear already, I didn't bring it home but have been giving a lot of the stuff on my shelf the side eye as of late.

[@3BMEP]

I still have an F-1!

[@christopherbgriffith]

I’ve owned it for a little over two weeks, shooting it every day while visiting family for the holidays, and I pretty much agree with all your points! This is the camera I was hoping for and they’ve basically delivered it all. If I could change just one thing, it would be the articulating screen for the three way flip on my Fuji X-T’s. If I could have a second thing, it’d be an A setting on the ISO dial like Fuji has. Other than that, I’ve been blown away. I may very well part with a lot of my Fuji X system gear (though never my X-T3 that reignited my love of photography, nor my X100V 😉) in favor of this system. With the small rig grip in place it handles so well and naturally I can’t wait to pick it up. One of my favorite Nikon and Ricoh only features is the highlight-weighted metering option, and this never disappoints. I’m so excited to shoot with it in 2024.

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@robertoafetian]

Thank you for the excellent video about the Nikon Zf. After working 11years with D800, I bought the Zf, ( in order to feel the mirrorless camera world) and the camera is amazing ( remembers me my old Nikon F3 ) the autofocus is spectacular. I bought that “SmallRig hand grip” which I recommend. I liked every aspect of this camera. This is the better camera you can buy with this budget!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for sharing! 😊🖖🏻

[@RVarrun]

Fantastic review of a Fantastic camera. The photos from the Zf look wonderful without editing straight out of the camera. Just puts a smile on my face every time I see the colors of the photos

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@obedbrinkman]

love my blue Zf - it's a piece of art

[@AH-ds7qx]

Danke!

[@3BMEP]

😊thanks so much! 🖖🏻

[@ephraimki7783]

got mine 3 days ago. already in love with it. immediately got the 50mm 1.8S and the 85mm 1.8S together with the small 28mm 2.8 SE. i only used SLR´s previously and i am already blown away by this cam. guess i will need some time to understand all the new modes and features, but even now after few small sessions i am sooo in love with this thing. wonderful. thank you nikon.

[@jeffwilcox9987]

12:08 I'm a Fuji shooter and I love that this camera is so good. It's good to have choices. Fuji is a humble company and I love them, I'm sure that they are quietly taking notes and working to improve their lineups. As for Nikon: I am so glad that they are out of peril (from a few years ago) and that they are making great things. Keep up the great work.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hi Hugh, love your style, and love this take. My reactions were very similar and equally fast when first having the Zf in hand, there is a certain 'je ne sais quoi' , along with state of the art camera goodness.

[@mikekerouac3452]

Nice review Hugh. I own Nikon and Leica. The Zf has made me go on a buying binge of fast vintage 50's as well as a couple of current VC Z mount lenses (35 APO and 50 f1.0) . As competent as the AF is, the Zf just begs to be used with MF lenses. I like the Zf more and more each time I pick it up.

[@3BMEP]

That 50/1.0 on the Zf is an intriguing combination!

[@andrejkorenc]

Hugh, you simply MUST try using M-mount lenses via the Techart TZM-02 adapter ... I'm currently using the Zf with Voigtlander"s 21/1.4, 28/1.5, 40/1.2 and 75/1.5 Nokton lenses that are AUTOFOCUSING with this adapter! Feel free to have your mind blown!

[@joedoerr]

I know next to nothing about this camera. I've only had it for a few days and am totally new to mirrorless and digital. BUT, you CAN enable glove touch control! Press MENU button, scroll down to SETUP MENU, scroll down to TOUCH controls, select and then turn on Glove mode! You're welcome!!😀

[@smoothlennie]

High praise from you indeed Mr Hugh! I've ownly owned a Zf for a few weeks and I'm extremely pleased with its MF lens assist, indeed that is the reason I opted for it over the Z6 II. I also enjoy the RF experience with my M9 yet I cannot afford an M10 or M11, so this Nikon is my new go-to camera for lots opf legacy lenses. I also took a chance on a Megadap smart adapter that so far has enabled me to shoot Sony FE 24-105, FE28 and Zeiss Batis 18 lenses seamlessly, with full Exif data preserved. I have used a Sony A7R3 for about 5 years and that is now superseded by thie Zf. I'm still bamboozled by the Auto ISO quirks, however I haven't really been out shooting it as much as is necessary to climb the learning curve.

[@charlesmichaud6990]

I'm somewhat biased here ( I've shot Nikon all my life except for a Canon F1 in the 70s ) and I'm also speaking out of turn because I have not (yet) gotten my hands on an actual Zf. However I would just like to say that somehow, on some deep-down underlying level, with zero objective facts to back me up, Nikons have always felt to me that as if they were built by ...photographers. Which makes the Zf great news, but not really that much of a surprise.

[@WingLui-h8w]

I have a Df since 2013, I love it so much, before that I also used a D200. Now I got this Zf to pair with my Df, the Zf will offer me what I have been missing from my Df. This is my dream comes true that I wished that would be a Df-2. Thanks Nikon!

[@faisalee]

Finally got my ZF yestarday, Straight away mounted my Voigtlander 50 1.2 with a Helicoid adapter and have been loving the images every since. I am now thinking of replacing my VM lenses with Nikon native Z Voigtlander ones and be much happier. Thank you for this wonderful review :)

[@GlennMariano]

New Zf shooter here! It feels and handles like my FG. It is the perfect homage!

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@Trichopterafly]

My go to camera for decades is my Nikon FE. I’m accustomed to looking around, setting shutter speed & f stop then look for photos. Thank you Nikon. Jim

[@boriskrstic]

Just when I am looking into selling my Q2 and go to Zf. Sometimes you just miss a longer focal length... However, I would primarily use SE 40mm & 28mm combo. I will not miss mpx from Q2, but how the files look, well, I am not sure about that. I am still in the "thinking box". I would probably use some manual lenses on it, and it seems that is a good camera for that kind of stuff.

[@3BMEP]

Keep me posted!

[@marchelfter5856]

I have one since December, this is an extraordinary piece of camera. I love it!

[@jorsetti]

I bought the Zf to replace my Z6II and I am over the moon happy shooting with it! When you pair it with the Voigtlander 50mm F1 Nokton Z mount? Mind blowing images and a true game changer! Pixel shift is awesome as well! I’m able to use a workflow into Lightroom handling NEX file output from Nikon NX Studio output. ZF definitely has some secret sauce color science. I recently had a paying gig where I took my Z9 and Zf to use. I ended up shooting with Zf all night because of a minor issue with Z9. The low light capability and dynamic range was so great to have and my images were more than acceptable and client loved them which was the important part. Hard to see difference after post processing between Z9 and Zf given that you’re giving client file resolution suitable for web. Both are sharp, clean and vibrant.

[@babyboy1971]

Thanks to your review, I’m happy to say I just got the Nikon Zf last month. I traded my Fuji XT5 (which was great but I craved a change) for a mint + condition Zf, in the box with the 40mm f2. The camera only had 500 shutter actuations. I’m thrilled with the Zf. I also got the incredible 50mm 1.8 S Nikkor and the very capable 85mm 1.8S. The Z mount S lenses are astounding. Now I’m saving for a 35mm lens. I’m so sold on Nikon that I’m considering getting a Z5 for my girlfriend who frequently second shoots with me. Nikon is crushing it. I still have my X100V, but for my daily carry it’s the Zf. I’m 53, trained on film (Nikon FE and FM2) so it’s a homecoming. The ergonomics aren’t perfect and I wish it had a joystick but these are minor issues. I hope Nikon makes more small and affordable retro primes like the 40 and 28. And I do miss the Fuji aperture rings. Hoping Nikon makes that a reality. The Zf is as fun as it is capable. The files from it are gorgeous and it just feels good to hold and shoot. It’s the best of the old and new. I call it my “Back To The Future” camera. Thanks for convincing me to get it. It’s a killer camera.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Glad to see you finally got one. I have to say, I love this camera. It combines so many of my favorite elements into one instrument. Yet at the same time it has feature sets that outperform every other camera on the market right now, too. Throw on one of those lovely Voigtländer native Z-Mount lenses and you have a superb manual focus experience. I would have preferred a tilt-out screen on the back, too, as opposed to the flippy-screen; I think it would have suited this camera's street and travel raison d'être better, but it's far from a deal-breaker. Nikon are definitely on a roll right now. I hope we'll see an even higher-end retro camera from them in the near future. A 60+ MP, triple resolution variant that's styled closely after the F3 would be amazing - on the other hand, the high ISO performance of Nikon's current 24MP sensors is exceptional...which is a nice benefit of sticking with it, especially for street and travel. The Zf with the Voigtländer Z 50mm f/1.0 Nokton will make an insane nighttime street rig.

[@3BMEP]

I use Voigtländer APOs in my M11 - they would be my first port of call for the Zf too!

[@MarkLewis-l3f]

This video made me pine for my old FM2, a roll of Pan-X25 & my dark room. This looks like the perfect Z9 backup. Well played.

[@Gauravonomics]

Hi Hugh. Fujifilm XT4 and Leica Q3 user. Tempted by the Nikon Zf with the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO Lanthar. Hoping for a Zf variant of the Z7 with the following changes in 2024 before I pull the trigger: 1. At least a couple of good native or third party autofocus prime lenses with aperture rings, maybe the Sigma I series 2. A higher resolution sensor with 40+ megapixels 3. A tilting screen 4. Dual card slots 5. The PASM dial replaced by the A positions on the three dials Plus, hoping that Fujifilm will see the Nikon Zf as a wake up call on the build quality front. 🤞🏼

[@TCinSoCal]

16:08 truth. I actually returned my Z 50 1.8 as it just sat in a drawer. 40 f2 is fun and plenty sharp… with tons of character.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

I was waiting for this video.

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@andretim75]

There is an amazing workflow with all Z cameras using the TTArtisan 6bit coded adapter when using m-mount lenses for manual focusing ! You can use a setting where the camera will automatically take a photo when you turn the focusing ring and as soon as it will reach the focusing point it will take the photo -- and of course you can just leave the focus at this position and take more shots as you like to ! ( Almost working like a focusing trap function. ( Richard Wong has shown this in a video describing the TTArtisan Adapter and it`s use on Nikon Z cameras ! )

[@papercut1987]

My worst move was to sold my FM3a in 2009 in exchange of a D700. I think now it's finally the time to upgrade with the touch of FM I needed.

[@CAMSMORE]

Hi Hugh from Spain! I’ve watched several reviews on the Zf and yours is, as always, the most interesting! Keep up this good work!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@3BMEP]

So glad you enjoyed it! 😊🖖🏻

[@RecordProduction]

I really love using my Zf and occasionally take it in preference to the Z9 but the one thing I wish it did better is the electronic shutter - so used to using my Z9 to shoot silently but in artificial light banding is an issue on the Zf at slow shutter speeds. In addition to the 40 f/2 I got the Voigtlander 40 /1.2 and that's a brilliant pairing, makes photography fun 🙂

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

I have a Nikon FE2 and a bunch of AI and AI-s Nikkors from the late 79s-mid 80s. Will they work on the ZF with an f mount adapter?

[@fabianunternaehrer7402]

Just bought one, returning to Nikon since ten years. :)

[@JochenHeyd]

Great video, thanks. I have the ZF since 6 weeks and I absolutely love it. I already use Nikon Z and Fuji Cameras and I always wanted the Fuji experience with Nikon technology. And here it is :) 30-35 Megapixels woud have been very nice but in real world, I don't care. I love taking this camera with me. It's heavier than I thought but it's well balanced. Without the large grip - which most Nikon users seem to love and miss on the ZF - it is very unobtrusive and also manageable for large hands. In german Nikon forum, the camera gets much hate and I don't know why.

[@chriase1]

Because the Germans complain about almost everything first. ;-)

[@chris-murray]

oh no, now I want a Zf :) The Z8 also has the same manual focus abilities, with the eye detect and the focus box turning green when in focus. In the bottom left of the view finder it also features the same focus indicator > o < display to show if you are front/back focused or if you have the subject.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for that!

[@ves14]

I’m not a Nikon shooter but going by the available reviews online about chromatic abberation and sharpness, I’m absolutely blown away. I wish lumix and sigma would step up their game.

[@Scooter_123_abc]

I just checked with my Zf and if you hold down the Preview Button (assignable to the front FN button) the lens will stop down to it's smallest aperture. It will also do the same with the Z7 II but in low light the viewfinder image will get very noisy where on the Zf it stays clear and noise free even down to f22. The difference is that Nikon stops closing the aperture in shooting mode at f5.6 where Panasonic closes the aperture to it's setting throughout the range. I suspect the reason for this is a carryover due to viewfinder noise in low light in the early Z cameras or even the D series SLR's where the aperture is wide open for focusing and only closes for taking a picture or if the DOF Preview button in held down. Push the DOF Preview button on any Z series camera and you WILL see the aperture close to it's set value and with the Zf and it's low noise sensor the DOF is very clear to see.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Cotictimmy]

My used Z6 mk. 1 does excellent manual focus with the chipped AF-D lenses (and off brand versions - like the Tokina 100mm macro) as it gives the red square around the focus point that turns green when in focus. Yes - I might prefer to have the Zf guts in one of my D3 bodies, but that would cost $5500 instead of $2000 (& I really loved my black FE back in the day) so I'll take it.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for that information! 😊🖖🏻

[@ruibeusterdeloyola9086]

Por ok😊

[@1bozina]

Wonderful review! As a Nikon and Fuji shooter I'm am patiently and optimistically waiting to see what Nikon brings to market next... Will they release a Z6/7 "iii"? Will they only release a Z6iii (without a higher resolution "7" model that could impact the Z8 & 9)? Will the rumored Z6iii be a ZF in a Z6 body, without the "manual" controls and with a functional grip, full sized SD and CF Express? Unfortunately for Fuji, I suspect that you may be right @23:20 in that Nikon will be having a "pile of new ZF shooters". That could be exacerbated too by Fuji's aging X mount lens options. Hopefully they can remedy that soon for their own sake. Personally, I don't own a ZF (yet). I'm holding out to see what the rumored Z6iii will offer. In the mean time, I'm also "looking" at some of my Fuji gear... I know what I'll keep and I know what I'll let go of. It's a great time to be a photographer

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@doogieham]

My situation exactly! I’m really hoping that we’ll see a Z7iii with the Z8/9 three-way LCD screen which, like Hugh, I wish the Zf had.

[@4mooncheese]

As a Nikon owner (Df included) it is nice to see Nikon improve significantly with their mirrorless cameras. May have to check this one out.

[@3BMEP]

👍🏻

[@akira8576]

12:15 you said this OUT LOUD! I was waiting for that comparison. I'm a former Nikon shooter, now a Fujifilm photographer. Is this my way back into the Nikon universe?

[@robmcd]

I find it so hard to look past the size and weight of the Fuji gear.

[@karengrigoryan1375]

It happened to me... LOL

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@mikelyon5595]

That is the most in-depth coverage of the feature that suits me: the manual focus aids. Thank you!

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure!

[@Ricardo-cl3dl]

Great review as always, and delicious tunes to accompany this. What was that at 2:58?

[@yetsuhfrank]

I have a Fuji X-T2. My only hesitation moving to a Zf is all the 40+ MP options out there. But it occurs to me that despite the MP being similar this FF, and much newer sensor, is going to produce far better image quality, right?

[@panino.c]

This is a camera that pleases the soul.❤

[@FotosyMas.]

Hugh, about your comment about AF, I own both the Zf and the Canon R8. The Canon autofocus is significantly better, especially when it comes to subject detection. The R8 also nails pupil focus every time, while the Zf tends to grab onto eyelashes more often than not.

[@3BMEP]

Hmmm… thanks for sharing your take!

[@TerryWarfield]

Can’t wait to get mine! And I love how this is all monochrome

[@chiftele08]

Very nice review! Never saw you so often smiling in your videos. I hope, Nikon is now really back in the business with no turbulence in the financial way. This weather sealed metal work horse in a beautiful case is a good bang for the bucks. Thx.

[@jrarsenault1937]

A highly anticipated review, this Zf is an amazing camera. 40mm f2.0 only dialating down to f5.6? Congrats - no other reviews caught that ...

[@stavros.fourfourianakis]

Nikon works this way for Live View and AF. When you set at the lest smaller aperture that 5.6 (eg 6.3, 8, 11 etc) it remains at 5.6 and it closes the aperture to the actual value when you shoot.

[@AlanGreenberg-i8p]

On the Z9 when you make an exposure you get a frame(?) that indicates an exposure has been made without blacking out the screen. Can you do that with the Zf?

[@georgefinch8160]

Bravo, well done review!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, George!

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I assigned the ISO/auto-ISO to the video button on my D750 so I am used to that. Do I care that the only way to remotely trigger the shutter release is with blue tooth (phone or $44 remote)? Oh yeah, that bugs the hell out of me. Especially with the threads right there on that shutter button! And yeah, the front sub-command dial is ridiculously hard to find and use. But the auto focus, manual focus, IBIS, and ISO performance make up for it. I do have to stop and think when I pick it up. I could make it pretty much work like my Z9, but what would be the fun in that? I seriously considered the Sony A7cII, but glad I waited for a far superior camera for $300 less, with an EVF that you can actually use.

[@gvz1538]

Hugh, Thank you for the (as always) very honest review!! I love my S5II and X-T5, although I had challenges connecting with the Z8 (in spite of the specs and glass). I should keep the Z glass and give the Zf a try as I also have some M lenses that are in need of a body that can do justice to them. Have a great 2024!!

[@3BMEP]

Right back at you, Gerald!

[@jaapkamstra9343]

Sounds like a cool camera! Any news if Nikon will make lenses for it with an aperture ring?

[@americosequeira8670]

It was a delightful moment to watch and ear this video. The way you expose your information and arguments is both captivating and brilliant and also rarely seen and heard. I’m far from being a photographer, I’m a PE teacher and a Coach incapable of drawing and that found in photography a way to give expression to a recently discovered “artistic” side. Besides expressing my admiration for your work and letting you know something about myself, the point I address you is the following…Are Nikon Zf and Leica Q3 the best combo for the best experience in street, travel and documentary photography in our days by giving wonderful user experience, image quality and versatility to everything we find in this scenarios? I wish all the best and an amazing 2024!

[@3BMEP]

They just may be! Thanks for your encouragement. But: I’d bet you ARE a photographer. Just do your thing and don’t worry about labels! 😊👊🏻

[@americosequeira8670]

@@3BMEP Thank you for your kind words 😊 I’ll keep taking photos of my travels and walkabouts, that give me such a pleasure 😊 Hope to see a next video of your tryout of the Nikon Zf in the streets of NY. Have a great 2024 and put Lisbon in your radar for street photography 😀

[@carlweiderick]

Good video! I agree with much of what you said. This is a must have for me. Fortunately I am already in the Nikon system.

[@j_g123]

I'm deep in the Canon ecosystem but I've always liked shooting Nikon. Great review! Track ID at 3:20 please! 🙏

[@jonbarnard7186]

This problem with depth of field preview limitations is common with Nikon cameras. I don't get it. If Panasonic can give you previews to F22, why are the Z cameras limited?

[@3BMEP]

Great question!

[@Captn_Slow]

A simple ‘A’ stop for auto ISO on the ISO dial would have prevented all the confusion and makes it easy for everyone. I just don’t understand why they didn’t do it.

[@bradl2636]

Hopefully the Zf II will fix this and the stupid flippy screen.

[@fernandoarluna2395]

Gracias por esta reseña y tu tiempo es lo que esperaba para poder tomar la decisión e ir por esa ZF!

[@3BMEP]

El gusto es mio! 😊🖖🏻

[@jatpg]

So will my old Mamiya 645 lenses with dumb adapter make use of focus assist on the zF?

[@ryankwan1934]

The Zf is such a bizarre camera. It feels like they were building a feature set for the Z6 III, but realised people were all hot and bothered by the Zfc and wanted a full frame version. Here's to hoping they do a true stills version with the Z7 or Z9 sensor.

[@grain_eyed_photography]

Happy New Year, Hugh!!! Yes, I love my Z f.

[@3BMEP]

And to you - enjoy your Zf!

[@hollowaysteve]

My Nikon dealer in central London pre sells every delivery so far. I’m currently pricing up my Mamiya7, Hasselblad 500CM and Nikon FM3 to finally switch to digital.

[@Just_Me-p9w]

I have been waiting for your take on this camera ... bravo

[@3BMEP]

Thank you!😊 🖖🏻

[@johanperremans3531]

5/: look in the custom menu - you can program a function button to close the aperture all the way.

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Really appreciate the review here-both the likes and the “not” so likes. I’ve been on the fence about this model, already own the others but the capability of the manual focus auto-assist really put me into the buy category. Keep on shooting and posting. Hopefully, see you on the streets of NYC sometime !

[@verbaan19]

I'm in the market for something new and I'm think about either the Nikon Zf or the Leica Q2 or Q3 (and perhaps even the Monochrom Q2 or Q3 when it comes out). The Nikon will be slightly larger, is a probably a bit less in terms of image quality (during the day it won't matter that much but low light conditions do matter to me), but it will have more versatility and for the price difference I can buy a whole slew of lenses for the Nikon... Which do you recommend?

[@seantomlinson3320]

Well done as always. My rental convinced me. I have a kit with the Zf and both SE lenses on the way - 28 and 40 mm. What a terrific camera. Now I'm very curious to add a modern Z MF lens too.

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@keithj30]

Hugh, I love your commentary style its one of the reasons I watch your youtube videos, I was a Nikon Fe user in the last century and loved it. switched to Canon for my journey into digital and now am the proud owner of Fuji XT-5, when the Zf I just thought it was a camera trying to emulate Fuji X series cameras, but when I looked into it found it to be much more and I am currently thinking about purchasing the Zf for a camera for low light. Thanks for a great entertaining video. 😎😎😎

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure!

[@IIIM-or1bq]

Best review!

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻😊🖖🏻

[@sameer_dhingra]

Did you manage to find out why the camera/lens doesn't stop down past F/6.3? Sorry if I missed that in the video.

[@3BMEP]

It stops down past f/6.3, it just doesn’t change the depth of field preview past 6.3. But no, I don’t yet have an answer from Nikon even though I mentioned it to our rep.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thank you Hugh. Watching a few reviews. Your’s is very helpful. Probably going to switch from years of the Fuji XT system to the Nikon Zf. May wait to see the Fuji autofocus announcement this month??? Yikes!

[@3BMEP]

Glad it was helpful! 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@asamcqueen3513]

Your video came out a few minutes before the UPS guy showed up with my blue grip Zf. For me, the camera was the right features, at the right price, to finally get a Nikon newer than my D800 (and go mirrorless at the same time). I'll probably continue to use my Leica M10 for short work at 90mm or less, and while I plan to ge tthe 40mm f2, my intent is to use the Zf as a telephoto rig for the most part, at the focal lengths to wich Leica does not go sadly. As for micro SD... eh, most of my SD cards are micros in full size adapters these days anyway.

[@hikingsteven7665]

Its easy to love your channel And i think i love that camera

[@philby99]

Greetings from Australia. Love the channel, awesome reviews and presentation. Who’re the jazz musicians?

[@cavalloi56]

Good video , I love ZF

[@photominion]

The Megadap ETZ21 Pro will provide Eye AF tracking "focus confirmation" for manual focus vintage (no chips) lenses. It's expensive (like the FTZ II), but you can really adapt ANY lens that can be adapted to sony E. That's why I got the Z F.. to use all my leica R lenses with it.

[@markshirley01]

Hi - does the adapter work ok, I have a 20-40mm Tamron Id like to use

[@raulstef7472]

Hi, I would like to get the ZF and also use Leica M lenses with it. Will my 28mm Elmarit work? Are there any problems with corner smearing etc.? Thank you!

[@chrislekhavanija]

Great video, thank you. I find great joy in using the camera, leading me to add another Zf as my third body. I'll continue to use my Z9 for sports, actions, and tasks that require longer/heavier lenses or high-resolution files, while having the Zf's as my primary choice for all other purposes.

[@3BMEP]

Sounds good to me! 😊🖖🏻

[@D.Trider]

The ttartisans 6 bit adapter is what you’re looking for with m glass that’s either chipped or non chipped.

[@charleswilson8023]

Excellent Video, I got my Nikon zF and I completely agree everything you said. Not perfect. Put Stand Way ahead of Most. I hope Nikon continues to improve on it and brings out a higher resolution version. I will go to my grave having this camera in my kit, right next to my Leica.

[@3BMEP]

😎🖖🏻

[@michaelfedorsha8147]

Top quality content once again!!!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, Michael!

[@alsimoncelli7313]

Bravo Hugh, Nice in-depth review. The ZF has taken the place of my Z6II and Zfc for my fun camera. More serious shoots and the Z8 takes president.