Nikon would have converted a lot more Fuji users if they had released this with lenses that had marked aperture dials. As a Fuji shooter i am considering this camera purely for adapting vintage lenses and getting the native field of view with a camera that's closer to the film cameras I learned on.

@ianroe1076

9 ай бұрын

This is exactly where I am, I am interested in this camera because I have a number of great vintage LTM lenses that I'd like to adapt to a full-frame mirrorless camera. For me, the autofocus speed and accuracy is kind of unimportant and I imagine that sort of technology does contribute to this camera being priced higher than most modern Fujis. It's almost too much camera for what it is, but it does seem like a very powerful mirrorless option for people who don't want to buy a $4000 camera

@neeravnaik

9 ай бұрын

Agree aperture ring is biggest part of the manual control experience. Generally aperture priority is most used auto mode

@thebitterfig9903

9 ай бұрын

Yup. The thing I love most about how Fuji cameras work is the seamless flow between manual and auto modes. In full manual, PASM works fine, until you want something other than full manual. But with my Fuji, I don’t have to switch from Program to A Priority if I want a specific DOF, I just set my aperture. I don’t have to switch from A Priority to M if I need a specific shutter speed at the cost of cranking the ISO, I can just set the shutter dial. And then switch them back to A if I don’t need it anymore and rely on the camera’s meter and EV comp. No need to fuss with a mode selector, just set the single setting you want, and you get it. If there’s a flaw here, it’s that sometimes you’ll still have to switch the PASM dial. Still looks like a fantastic camera tho, and no doubt it’d be great to shoot with… but if the 40mm retro kit lens had an aperture ring? Aces.

@MiltonGeorges

9 ай бұрын

You can use old lenses with manual apertures with these cameras. You just need the F-mount adapter, but otherwise, you can program the camera settings to work with old lenses all the back to the AI lenses that were sold with the F3 film cameras

@hooked4lifeca

9 ай бұрын

Same here. I'm an old Nikon shooter with F3, F3HP, FE2, blah, blah, blah in my backstory and currently a Fujifilm shooter. My ears perked up on this camera and promptly dropped back down when I realized that Nikon went half way with it. Pity as I would've bought one.

Purchased. Been waiting for a digital version of my F3 for ever. Moving up from the Z6 is a no brainer here. Same price as Z6ii but you get improvements in nearly all areas, latest processor and many features from the flagship Z8 and Z9, all in a retro body!

@MiltonGeorges

9 ай бұрын

I still shoot with my F3, at least monthly! It was my father's camera that has been through travels all over the world and still hasn't failed me. The Zf is _very_ enticing! I'm going to check it out at B&H this week, and I'm concerned that if they have any in stock that I may be walking out with it, 😂

I've been a Fuji X user from day zip, the Nikon ZF has sparked my interest for sure with all of the dials etc. It will be on the shopping in the near future. Great job Nikon.

Thank you for pointing out that this takes on the FE look and NOT the FM2 that every other KZreadr is saying. For those of us who used those cameras for ages, it is frustrating that Nikon reps are telling reviewers this. The Zfc is understandable but the Zf is clearly FE inspired. I for one have waited 12 years for this camera to come out, and in that time [for my mirrorless needs] I had to settle for Fuji... not anymore! Selling off the rest of my Fujis now that my dream mirrorless camera is now a reality. Looking forward to your full review.

@NotatLirs

2 ай бұрын

Do you have one? ;-) I have an FE ... it’s ways smaller ... more compact ... and the type ...? come on ... let’s say FM3a ... no?

@artsilva

2 ай бұрын

@@NotatLirs I have 3 left out of 4, the first one I bought in 1979. I have also owned a couple FM bodies, an FE2 and FM2 and they are identical in size, the only difference is the ISO dial on the FE and not on the FM as well as the prism logo plate or shape of the prism housing WHICH is where you will find the similarities in the FE and Zf and the similarities of the FM with the Zfc. WHY are people not seeing this bit of detail in the Zf and Zfc design cues? If ANYONE here knows raw differences is me since I still own and use these classic 35mm workhorses... heck I'm looking at two of my FEs right next to me as I write this and it look the closest to the Zf than an FM/FM2 or 3

@NotatLirs

2 ай бұрын

@@artsilva Nice! O.k.

Totally agree about your feelings about the SLRs of old. I started with the FM, FM2 and F3 and I missed that interface and simple approach pared things down to the basics: ISO, Aperture and Shutter controls. I fell for the Df (I have a silver one and a limited release Japanese black/gold one) and shoot with them to this day. At the time the Df was panned by people who did not understand what Tetsuro Goto was getting at: that the limitations of the camera: no video, limited focal points, and single card slot were reminiscent of the very cameras I cut my professional teeth on. But it has a brilliant sensor tweaked from the D4 for exceptional low light performance. For me, it turns taking a photo into an occasion, where the process itself is to be savoured. Just like my step-daughter's first boyfriend who asked why I had a turntable and vinyl - because you don't just program it, you select the record, the track and gently place the stylus to get the full, uncompressed gamut of sound. Don't get me wrong, I have stayed up to the moment with my cameras, especially for work, but now I am retired, I take things a bit slower, shoot what makes my eyes smile and don't need to please clients, and never did chase likes! It's very liberating.

@JV-tg2ne

9 ай бұрын

I still use my Df as well - great little rig

@mistergiovanni7183

2 ай бұрын

and can use any F mount lens since 1959 without the need to adapt it to AI bayonet.

Thanks for the great overview. So cool Nikon is making cameras like this for all of us that appreciate the aesthetics of vintage cameras!

WOW, a camera I thought that would never be made before I die- a digital F3. I can still pick up my F3 and all adjustments are so familiar that it takes no time for reacquainting myself with controls. Thank you is and thank you Nikon.

I love that all the functions you need day to day are sat there with visual confirmation in front of you

What i have wanted all along in digital cameras , working just like our film cameras . I took years to master and love the simple nikon f .

I started on FM2 over a decade ago. And this is exactly the camera i needed all my 15 years of Photography. Can't wait to try this beauty

Thanks Ted. A great review. I think those who are looking for a modern / retro camera, will inevitably put this up against the Fujifilm XT5 and pending X-Pro4 whenever it comes. I’d love to see a comparison video from you on those cameras! Thank you.

@cunningham-press

9 ай бұрын

“X-Pro4 whenever it comes”. I think that’s a big if, at the moment. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to see it, but nothing Fuji has said so far leads me to believe it will be in my lifetime!

Thanks Ted. As a Fuji shooter and a very recent convert to Nikon Film cameras and vintage glass…very appreciative of the vintage lens segment. Looking forward to more thoughts and samples that you might have when you get the camera for a full review…and then perhaps some comparison thoughts around switching from a Fuji XT-5 for primarily photography and some video.

All Nikon now have to do is call up Kodak and ask them to make some kodak film simulations for this like Kodachrome and Ektar... then we can start to say our goodbyes to Fuji.

@roadmonger

9 ай бұрын

Rude!

@sin-style

2 ай бұрын

フジフィルムは価格設定を間違えているし生産能力も無い。日本ではフジフィルム離れが起きています。

So excited about this camera. Been waiting for this before jumping into mirorless.

Classic look camera done right! Congratulations Nikon on coming up with such a very well balanced camera!

Cool to see you so excited

Totally enjoyed this review and while I’m already glad I preordered one of the colorful versions, this was just another video who made me glad I did.

Holy crap! I decided to try out the Kodakified Presets. These are by far the best attempt at creating the Kodachrome look that I've seen. Well done!

Just picked up a ZF.... for the same reason you showed. I love my F3 hp and needed something digital to be able to shoot that 50mm f1.2 and get my results. Thank you for the great stuff you've been providing us for many years.

Just ordered mine and I'm stoked. I have been using my iphone for years but I was not enjoying photography as much. I picked this up and know it will get the creative juices flowing again.

Good review Ted. I always like your perspective - especially for a camera like this. Love your choice of the 58mm Noct for testing the Zf. I picked up the Kodak and Fuji preset pack as a way to support you and your work.

Thank you for detailed information I didn't get from other channels !

Thanks for the great overview of this camera! It's good to hear a fact and experience-based take on this camera from a camera nerd. Well done!

Nice first look review. It does look like a gem cosmetically and the specs are pretty good too. Looks well built. Reminds me of my FM (I found a pristine one a couple of years ago) and I owned several black FM2s. It's gonna be hard resisting this.

Had to call NPS to get a preorder as there wasn't a listing for the Z f. Can't wait as I love all of my old Nikon film cameras aesthetics!

As soon as I saw it, all I could think of was I found a match for my Voigtlander lenses outside of my a7RV. I like the a7Cii, but the retro look and performance that was just presented won me over. Besides, its always great to learn a new system to enhance my knowledge of camera gear. Thank for the simple but great review.

@thisisbenji90

9 ай бұрын

Outside of Leica, this is probably the best match for Voigtlander glass.

Thank you for the video. Love the look/proposition of this. ❤

Great review Ted 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I think I'll end up getting one for my event, portraits and corporate work. Thanks and wishing a Happy Festive Season to you and your family. Keep up the great work in 2024 👊🏻

Back in 2017 I sold my entire camera kit (D4, D500), except for my X100S. Mainly because I stopped shooting professionally. I've been using the X100V which I bought at the peak of pandemic (no stock issues back then...), but I was seriously eyeing a Nikon Z a while back. Now I'm considering this.

As soon as I saw the B+W on the mode dial I was sold. I have my digital cameras set to BW, but I have to dig into menus to turn on that setting. Would be nice to be able to just turn a dial to quickly switch to color on the few occasions I use it.

Wow! A clear , concise , informative , enjoyable talk about a camera. Subscription added.

Nice! I'm excited for a full review.

Wow, just wow. This is really living up to the hopes of many of us for a real Nikon brick. Really the only wish I have would have been the Fuji style screen articulation. With other cameras it would be a deal breaker but this one will un-break that deal. Thanks.

@doogieham

9 ай бұрын

I totally agree. If this camera had the three-way tilting screen of the X-T5 or the combo screen of the A7RV, I would've hit that pre-order button in a millisecond.

Love your channel👍🏻 I enjoy thorough content. I will receive Zf tomorrow and have many classic Nikkors but I wish I had a copy of that 58mm f1.2 NOCT, looks fabulous! Thank you sir!

Cool! Thanks for sharing your film recipes!

this will change photography at a fundamental level! Never before has this much power and performance been in a camera! we are at the precipice

@RonK

9 ай бұрын

LOL

Always love your content !!

The day finally arrived! Great video and camera Ted. grew up around my dad's Fm2. Can't wait to get this as a "fun" camera coupled with the 40mm. Super excited. Just wish they had glass with marked aperture ring like Fuji but it is not a deal breaker for me.

Looking forward to the full review😊

Having shot in the 70s-80s this news and initial impressions is most welcome. Thank you also for mentioning the limitations on rapid sports shooting. Looking forward to a full comprehensive review. Have you considered doing presets for the old Agfachrome? It’s blues were incredible and unique, unavailable on any other film.

I sold my a7m4 and pre-ordered the Zf. The reason that made me do this is that I am a 25-year-old young man, and I really like the appearance of early film cameras, such as the FM2 and FM3, and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on buying film. Now with the release of Zf, I finally have the correct answer.

This Nikon looks so good, makes me want to switch back. Imagine if Canon decided to make an RF-Mount version of the F-1/AE-1 or Sony digging through the archives of Konica/Minolta for an E-Mount retro styled camera.

@trevor9934

9 ай бұрын

I've been waiting for a long time for Canon to see the light and make a MILC version of the A-1. I'm still waiting... In the meantime, with the Zf, I have found my next Christmas purchase...

@datdudeinred

9 ай бұрын

Canon even if they make a retro camera they will still be shit as no 3rd party lenses.

@Q1890

9 ай бұрын

Canon P version would be awesome.

@vipEmpire_

9 ай бұрын

Canon's never really had a history of doing "nostalgia cameras". I doubt they see much incentive in starting that now, considering they've always been forward leaning with their designs. Ever since late FD/early EOS, Canons have always had that signature curvy look to them (I personally think they're really ugly).

@satyasohhampradhan8231

9 ай бұрын

​@@datdudeinred Sigma is coming to canon... And if u are that third party stick to Sony... Canon is Canon for a reason....

I shot Nikon for years before switching to Fujifilm but this could tempt me back, thanks for sharing.

I loved using the FE, makes me want to buy this camera.

Very excited for this camera.

Great review, definitely got to get one👍

Very helpful video Ted, I love the look of those pre-sets. Especially as I am very much a Fuji man as well as Nikon. I have just pre-ordered a Nikon Zf from the best dealer here in London.

Wow, beautiful. Even as a fulltime Sony A1 shooter, your video makes me think whether this Nikon ZF could be THE small, retro style secondary camera to use with manual lenses I always was looking for.

This is the camera I have been waiting for for years. Coming from an older dslr with my stock of D lenses, I like the focus indicator can be used with manual lenses, it makes it a lot more viable to use my older lenses in manual focus mode.

Jeez this looks good. Nikon is so back

Thanks a lot for your preview/review on this awesome camera. That could make me switch from Fuji back to Nikon. It looks much like my FM2 that I still love to use, and I did a review of it recently, and that would be awesome to have that kind of look and feel in a digital camera. Although I also use (actually primarily) Hasselblad X2D, I am aware that I dont always need the 100mpx images, 24 is usually enough, so this could be my second choice instead of the crop sensor Fujis.

Thanks Ted, great review. As someone that is only into photography, it is really refreshing that Nikon designed a simple, functional and powerful camera for that purpose. One day, would you consider comparing this camera to the Lumix G9Mkii? Many thanks, Peter.

Nikon is on a TEAR. Semi ditched GFX & X Mount (hanging on to my GFX 100S and some manual lenses for those special projects) this week for Z8s. This is now on my wish list as a camera to use when walking around NYC.

You still do the best reviews online. Hands-down.

Great vid Ted!

Super camera and a wonderful review.

My beloved Leica SL may be up for sale........ I love it because it is the most solidly built, straightforward camera that suits my "old school" style of shooting.... Full manual mode, adapted manual lenses, etc.... Like you, I am a huge vintage nerd. I stopped doing photography in the 90's - retired my Nikon F4s and Minolta XD11. I fell back in love with photography a few years back, and was put off by the computer screens, overcrowded buttons, etc. I only need ISO and Shutter Speed dials, thank you. Aperture is a clicky ring on the lens, and focus is buttery smooth manual. I started with a FujiFilm xPro2 and started acquiring old lenses. This new Nikon may be the perfect match for me. Plus, it'll look awesome on the shelf with my 1979 F2AS and 1986 FM2 😜

i really loved my nikon fm2. this camera looks awesome. the lens looks the part too. i will be buying new gear next year, by then we will know how good it is.

I own Nikon F3 and Z6II for years now and I love both them so much Ever Since. This Nikon ZF looks Awesome, great Retro look. The autofocus system of Z8 got my Attention. Finally Nikon has Responded to Fujifilm XT5 and others...

In the 70s I had an Olympus OM1 which I sold when I got a good deal on a 2nd hand Nikon F2 with Nikor 55mm micro lens. A few years later I bought a Nikon FE when it came out to add to my F2. So, half a lifetime later I'm really excited to see the Nikon ZF. I'm definitely getting one!

Shut up and take my money Nikon. This is a dream for us old-school film shooters. Still waiting for someone to show me the back of the camera with the LCD flipped inward, revealing just the leatherette facing outward, Mmm, Leica M10-D much? Kai W. also mentioned the better build quality compared to the ZfC, noting the engraved rather than painted numbers on the dials.

This is about to be my first Nikon!

love the design, reminds me of my first camera, the nikon fm

This camera brings back memories for me One of my favorite cameras was the FE that I still get it out and shooting every once in a while I love that camera. So to see this camera I am so excited I left the price point that they're selling yeehaw I think I can afford it I can't wait to get my hands on one try it out.

on my wish list soon to be bought!

Great Review, thanks.

I must have a look at your film simulation presets as well.

I pre-ordered mine the first day it was available for pre-order. Probably would have opted for a Z6iii if it had been offered alongside the ZF, for the better grip. But I sold off my Z6ii (big regret) anticipating these upgraded models coming along. Very psyched to get my hands on this ZF. Appreciate your observations on the subtleties of the user experience.

I can’t wait to preorder Zf 😍🤗

This looks a fabulous camera, thank you for your insight. I still have my FE2 and have never enjoyed the menu systems and dials on DSLR cameras, I will have to somehow rustle up the cash to buy one of these 🙂

The B&W switch might just be my favorite feature on the Fz!

Ordered the Zf within minutes of its launch. Love the retro simplicity of it. While my Z9 is phenomenal it’s also a PITA at times having to remember to change banks, etc. The Zf will easily become my go to unless I need the power of the Z9.

still use my Df - looking forward to using this one in the near future

Off topic: I only caught a few glimpses of it, but I love your wristwatch, Ted! On topic: I look forward to trying the ZF out. Great image quality, current digital technology, in a package that looks and feels like my beloved Nikon FE? I'm basically sold! Cheers, //Rick

@f2john

3 ай бұрын

I was wondering what watch that is.

Yes!

Looks like another home run for Nikon. I preordered on the announcement day. It is everything that I wanted the Zfc to be and more. I have been searching for a way to be more engaged in the photograph, to slow down and consider the process. After you talked about your decision to work with a rangefinder camera I have been looking for a Leica like experience without the price tag. Looked into Fuji but never made the jump. Mayde the Zf will fill the gap. My solution has been shooting with manual lenses in manual mode on my Z7 (the Z8 is too big and "in your face" to carry discreetly). My favorite combination has been Z6 & Z7 with my Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 and 50mm f1.0 in the native Z mount. I am looking forward to shooting those on the Zf as an everyday carry. I have other Nikkor glass that I am sure will pair well also but I am very keen on the more tactile approach. I hope it slows me down so I can think about and enjoy the process. BTW - Your tribute to Saul Leiter inspired me. I love the presentations you made on the icons of the art form. I always feel like I am sitting with an art instructor or a museum curator. I ramble too much! Many thanks for all your work and insights.

Z7 user here. I'm buying the Zf for my 58 mm Noct that I have had for 30 years and used to mount on my F2. I had a Df that I used for a long time, but it didn't quite work out, so I traded ti in when I went to the Z7 platform.

hmmm... face detect manual focus - that's actually pretty cool if you're using the old AIS lenses, Cosina Zeiss ZF/2, or the current Cosina Voigtlander ones. I like the manual dial controls, can do with or without the retro styling (they seem to have done it nicely) - it's this focusing aid implementation I didn't expect in the ZF. That's a really nice feature. I had wondered if they might push the Z9/8's electronic shutter system downstream to 24MP and this ZF, but on the other side I was really surprised by the $2k price point - it looks like a lot of value for that. I think they got the specs-to-price right for this. BTW - your F3 looks great! Properly used! Mine still looks like a shelf queen in comparison.

What a beautiful looking camera

Great Video Thank You

I have not picked up a DSLR or mirrorless camera for 20 years and as simple as simple as an iPhone is as a camera this camera will be The ONE I Will. Bravo Nikon!

I carried the F3 as a photographer in the Marines and loved it. Could take a beating.

Let's get over drooling about the 'retro' bit, it just looks fantastic anyway, and it has dials and switches! I love it.

I love my Nikon F3 and Noct 50mm 1.2 as well! I'm super excited for this camera. Maybe someday we will get a Z mount version of a manual focus Noct 50mm 1.2 to go with this line...I love my Z 50mm 1.2, but it's a beast of a lens.

Great review. I am shooting a Sony Alpha and I like my 60+ mp. Someday I will return to Nikon.

A digital camera that makes it easy to shoot in manual mode is great. That’s one of the reasons I love my Leica digital M cameras.

Looks like the feel of it with the 40mm is nice. I've had 2 FEs in the past and have always missed the look and feel factors ever since. However, my XE3 with 27mm pancake is smaller, lighter, affordable, and above all, discreet. The Zf strikes me as the camera to get if being noticed isn't a problem or, moreover, is desirable.

Excellent vid review as always. How does the size and weight compare, of the ZF vs the Nikon F3?

Great Review

I've been hoping for a rangefinder that would compete with the Leica Q Line but this will work for me too, I'm on a waiting list as of yesterday. thx for the review.

APART FROM ALL I LIKE YOUR SHIRT AND THE OLD LOGO BACK ON ZF ... WOW !

Man I'm so hyped for this. Travel friendly but actually has some horsepower. It's like they made it just for me 😅

I love the camera! Would like to go for it. However, Nikon should produce more compact lenses, that would keep the package small. I don't see that coming, though.

Wish I would have heard the whispers of this camera earlier this year instead of buying the Z5 as my first full frame camera considering the price point on this camera (mind you the reason I went with Nikon was for the ergonomics of the camera body, but I was used to using my old Yashica so I probably wouldn't have complained with the ZF), great review, thanks!

Great review on the camera i will be getting it just wanted ask what watch are you wearing in this video Thanks

Received my sunset orange Zf a couple days ago, I see what you mean by having face detection in manual mode, it works great, better than my Leica and Hasselblad. Agree that there isn’t too many retro looking z lenses to choose from and unfortunately I sold most of my f lenses. So after trying a few, the lens I like the most is Voightlander 40mm f1.2, it has the look, all metal and the image to match Zf’s retro style. Zf now joins my very first camera FG and Df representing the forty plus years of using Nikon camera.

I recently went back to shooting with my older Sony A6000. Have been enjoying it for its smaller size and since most of my photos are just used for web viewing, the lower pixel count is perfectly acceptable as I will end up compressing the photo even more anyway. Been waiting to pick up something in the Fuji line, but this Nikon is beautiful and pairs nicely with my old film cameras!

@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528

9 ай бұрын

The Sony a6000 is a 24mp camera... Unless you're printing bus shelter ads thats more than enough for legit every use case.

@moonlightfilms5279

9 ай бұрын

@@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528you’re talking cold hard facts there!

I shoot film on a Minolta XD7, my main digital camera is a Sony A7C (which design-wise is already a nod to the past). I would really like to meet the Zf in person just to see if it can scratch the vintage itch for me. I’d definitely like to have a camera that lets me shoot mainly like a 70’s/early 80’s film camera, but with a digital sensor. Have also thought about a Fujifilm X-Pro3...

this might well be the camera that makes me switch to nikon! the sonys are technically great, but exactly that simplicity of having physical dials and a simple interface is what i so much crave for!!

@DoubleB13

9 ай бұрын

are you me?

Hi Ted, did you like how the camera works (and looks) with the adapted 58mm f1.2 AIS lens? Maybe you can expand on that in the full review. I am interested in the Zf as a full frame digital FM2/FA to use with my old Nikkor glass.