I might be the only person on the internet who did not buy a grip for ZF ;) I love the camera just as it is, the old-time aesthetics is spot on. I do not use large lens attached to it and I do keep it cross-body on a strap. Yes I use two hands when I shoot and 99% of the time the screen is closed, turned inwards. That said, I would have never bought it if The ZF did not have the technology behind the pretty face. I love that with minimal customization, I can take a shot of anything and it will be properly exposed and in focus. All that said, this is not a camera meant for professional all-day gig type of use, obviously, since it lacks proper grip. But literally all other cameras have grips. In terms of practicality, I feel that Z8 and Z9 are the minivans you use to transport your family, and the ZF is a convertible you drive for pure joy!
I love that analogy. The workhorses Vs the pleasure buy. But I have used it as my main camera for everything and it’s certainly capable. Z6iii interest you?
@@russandlozNot at all. I don't actually need workhorse cameras since photography for me is a purely personal passion. I use a Z7 for landscapes and digitizing some of the old film stash (I shot on an F2 ). It has a wonderful sensor and a nice grip ;) but lacks in the grin-factor arena, which the ZF provides.
@@russandloz I would, but I also realized it would be a very difficult endeavor, they would have to add in port extensions for the micro SD and SD cards, which is perfectly do able, but would add cost and more failure spots, as well as they don't have contacts for additional button use with a grip, I currently use a really good 3d printed grip from Etsy, it's more beefy then the smallrig grip and the neewer grip, with more of a ridge where your fingers curl, had I not found it I think I would have been happy with the neewer grip
@@russandloz I can see that. Part of me wants to hold on to the old mechanical feel of things, digital or not. Something very satisfying about the clack of a DSLR. I'd love to see Nikon do some sort of retro camera and implement the hybrid viewfinder that is in their xpro and 100 series. I'll just keep dreaming though lol
I loved my old Nikon film cameras like the F2. It´s design was all about function. It did not need a grip because you held it by the lens with your left hand when you constantly operated the aperture ring and the focus ring. Now you don´t operate a digital camera that way anymore so the weight carrying task has passed from your left hand to your right hand and it needs a grip to do it´s job.
I bought a Small Rig grip/plate within a few days of buying the Zf. As a mostly alt-lens user I definitely wanted a better grip and even now I would be happier with more depth than the Small Rig grip provides.
The ZF looks like fun. I do want a second body which is simple and fun. My Z9 is lovely for action and does everything I need BUT sometimes I want a compact no fuss, dedicated reduced feature set and simple to use bit of nostalgia to play with. At the moment I have a Z6ii but the Zf is probably closer to the retro line I would really like. Sometimes I want a couple of ultra sharp prime lenses and a retro body as a different sort of walk around relaxed set up. I think that’s where the ZF fits in. You have a small light camera bag and two primes and one camera body with street photography or night photography in mind. I would never take it birding or try to capture action shots with it. I can only justify two camera bodies, so I want the second one to be one which is very different in appearance and operational controls. It does need to use the same lens mount and have the same operating menu system.
Love mine, mostly used without a grip. Grip goes on when I use a tripod (SmallRig just to make it quicker. Video button can be re-purposed (mine is used for bracket setting) Shutter can be set to electronic which gives similar response to Z8 / Z9
I bought one and am very happy with it. I was waiting and waiting for the Z6 iii and the Zf seemed to tic the boxes that I wanted for a modern mirrorless camera. I may change my mind when the Z6 iii arrives, but I kind of doubt it.
Talking about manual lenses, I’ve been trying out the TTArtisan 11mm fisheye, I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea and it’s something that comes out of the bag only occasionally, but it’s quite a fun little lens for the price
Nikon sells a grip for the Zf in some markets. They sell it in Japan and the grip is amazing!! Works perfectly, take cares very well of details such as using the back of the camera to extend the grip and making also place for the indicator finger to rest, while also fitting the camera design perfectly.
Love my Zf! Wish list - one more Fn button, and IBIS Lock. They NEED to re-work the ISO dial and Auto-ISO configuration but that’s easily addressed via firmware. A retro vertical grip would be amazing but I’m probably overstepping there 🙂 Nikon’s best? Gotta go with the Z8 at this point in time. Currently has an edge over the Z9 with firmware 2.0 but the Z9 will get these new features too, likely soon.
Hi, I have the same setup: Nikon Z8 and Nikon Zf - only that bought the Zf even BEFORE the Z8 (both in November 2023 though). The Zf was the one which won me over from the DSLR age - my D850 is now doing duty with my wife. Shortly after investing in Z8 and Zf I invested int Z glass too, so the transition to mirrorless is complete now. As for a Z6: what should I use it for? There is no place in my ecosystem for a third mirrorless Nikon. PS: I find myself quite often now walking around with the Z8 with the "sensible" lens (24-70 f2.8 for instance) and the Zf with the Voigtlander 50mm f1.0 - a fancy one.
I bought a 2nd hand Z6 II from a local shop (online), then without using it, traded it for a new Z f after reading some more of the reviews. I have no native Z lenses and only one old Nikon 135 prime, having moved across from a Sony A7R3. I now use Sony FE 24-105, FE 28 and Zeiss Batis 18 on the Zf with a Megadap adapter and I have many other manual focus lenses that I love. For me, its about the camera's ability to facilitate using those mf lenses, as well as its upgraded AF system that's there if I splurge on further AF lenses. The Sony lenses work really well with the Megadap.
I wanted a Z6III and bought Z f in its place. The camera took two months to arrive and the 40mm f2 SE took four. After finally picking it up and using it I did miss the functionality of more modern ergonomics. But the Z f is really starting grow on me. I'm starting to looking at using adapter M mount adapted Voigtlander and Thypoch lenses. Things I wouldn't have considered. It's just such a fun camera (!)
I want a second body next to my Z9. Wanted to buy the Z f but it felt big and heavy in my hands compared to the Z6II. I learned from my X100V that I will not use the dials. I am very attracted to the active eye af indication during MF. But it might be smart to buy a 2nd hand Z6II and save some cash for glass…
I’m holding off on the ZF until I can compare it to the Z6iii and see what can fit my use case best for a second body for my Z9. The Z6iii ergonomics are a large selling point but I do like the look of the ZF. I’m also waiting to get money up 😂
I have the Zf and it is an amazing camera. Yes, the ergonomics are not on par with the other Z bodies but it is a vintage body after all. The thing that bothers me is that the sensor stabilization doesn't lock when the camera is turned off. It might be a minor thing and maybe it is just me (and I am sure Nikon have thought long and hard about this) but I am worried that with time it might affect the mechanism.
Same... i worry about the internal clunk that comes with moving the (turned off) camera too quickly. Can't be great in the long run. My guess is that the engineers wanted to immobilize the IBIS when the camera is turned off, but the bean counters looked at the budget and said "No".
wanted the zf straight away but they sold out of black ones so ordered blue one from nikon uk this is what the z611 should have been, very happy with camera and will keep this for a long time . in the old days 1980s lol f3 had no grip so I guess nikon are trying to bring the vintage vibe back like fuji and Leica also just got 26mm f2.8 pancake lens to go with it and like the lens a lot
I currently shoot Sony but shot Nikon DSLR before that. Great to see all the attention Nikon is generating, like everyone I await the Z6iii. Please can you guys make a video exploring the manual focus assist on the Zf further? My friends Z6 gives focus confirmation through the FTZ adaptor for D lenses, but not for manual lenses without any electrical contacts - does the Zf somehow do better?
Pixel-shift. To appreciate it, we must understand the Bayer paradigm first. Then we know Bayer's problems. So we would be motivated to use it when it improves results. And we should call it "photosite shift" because the photocells (photodiodes, with their individual circuitry called photosite) in the sensor are not "picture elements" and these photosites cannot register RGB. And RGB we would expect in "pixels". Landscape? Maybe. Architecture and product photography? Probably works out well. The best use-case? Shooting digital copies of negatives or positives. Scanners would allow for multipass and hence would register red, green, and blue values with each coordinate in the subject. Plain Bayer shooting only has one colour per photosite and the two missing ones must be guessed in raw processing. A Z f or now Z 8 with FW version 2 will do that convenient variant of multipass for you. This is not about "sharpness" or more pixels in the resulting image, but about removing uncertainty about missing colours and about colour space and contrast envelope.
Does the silent shutter function on the Zf measure up to the Z8 and Z9! Earlier Z cameras created a banding effect on images when using silent shutter indoors.
I almost want one just because of the IBIS. I hate the tedium of tripods; I dream of a world where they are extinct. Only its lack of Mpixels is holding me back although I wish it had a shutter to protect the sensor like the Z8. I love the styling and could live with the retro handling drawbacks it recapitulates! Nikon has until the Olympics to put this IBIS in a higher Mpixel camera or it will be Zf for me -probably classic black.
@@russandlozmajor bummer about your Z8 hopefully that's a very low frequency occurance -any idea on that? However frequent sensor cleaning especially on Zf (in one user video) is common every day for many and presumably will be much less on your Z8 when it is returned. Why do you say 5 stop ibis (Z8) is as good as 8 (Zf)or is Nikon just overhyping? Thanks for your reply
There is no verticle grip/shutter release, and then there's a flippy screen; those are the negatives. If the Z 6-3 has the ZF's manual focus aids? Then I will buy the Z 6-3!
I went on a small spending spree this year for me and my wife. Got the 70-200 f2.8 the 24-70 f2.8 the Zf and a 24-70 f4. The Zf for the money punches way way above its weight in my opinion. I'm still holding out for a z6iii for my upgrade but my wife is using the Zf with the 24-70 f4 and loves it. Only issue I have is getting the sd card out with the grip on, it's a little fussy. I would be happy if the Z6iii was like the Zf with maybe slightly faster fps. I don't know if its the best but it sure is a jack of all trades type of camera.
I don't think it's as nefarious as that. I bet they saw the sales of the Z8 for pro's and the Zfc did well lets give them this while we finish the Z6iii to release in our first quarter to boost sales projections for the next fiscal year. If you think about it what other body is more anticipated? @@russandloz
I think they know how anticipated the Z6iii is and want it to show up on their next fiscal year. I doubt they expected the Zf to be as popular to be honest.
I love my ZF works beautifully with my old F mount glass, the grip came free when I Purchased the camera from WEX , my biggest gripe with the grip, try and get the SD card out when its attached to the camera body its a nightmare 😡😡
Iamlovingmy ZF.The Z9 has been relegated for wildlife only now. I am very impressed with the low light capability. I am getting acceptable files shooting at 28,200 ISO now. They look about like 3200 ISO looked on my D4.
From what ive researched, about the Zf, it's an absolute powerhouse, absolutely incredible, it's perfect internally, I would honestly have one, unfortunately it doesnt have a CF express type b slot and that level of speed is a must
@russandloz Honestly, I wouldn't know without using it in my scenario, My Z6II lags so hard when that moves to an SD card. Obviously, Zf is newer, faster tech, better in most ways, so I don't know.
The Zf is a placeholder for the Z6III. Needing a SmallRig grip depends on a person's hand size. Why do we assume everyone has the same size hand as us?
It lacks small lenses, I am thinking about the Voigtländer 35mm F2 and the 50mm f2. Otherwise it is a great body. Would have liked more MP so am still thinking about it. But if the Z6iII doesn't have the 33mp I will buy this.
Yes Nikon missed a trick by not making a retro style grip like the one for the FM , FE the MD12 winder, would fit in with the design and help with the ergonomics with some lager lenses, shutter button on top of grip win win the would have sold a shed load of them.
Not all cameras are made for wedding photographers. Wedding photographers are not the only professionals. While there are numerous options for wedding photography, some people complain about the only different camera in recent years. I believe Nikon made a great decision to create a camera like this. Otherwise, it's a nice video.
I did mention that its perfect for street and travel, also I've used it for wildlife and filming. But sure I did get this camera as I needed it for wedding photography while my z8 is being repaired.
@@russandloz True. It wasn't a remark about what you said necessarily; it's something I noticed most people complain about when it comes to this camera.
Just ordered. I need to spend money before April or the taxman will steal it, but would have liked to look at the z6 iii. I am using it for video for a UA-cam channel, it's that articulating screen but would have preferred a proper grip. I figure it will be on a tripod mostly, I won't be holding it all day.
@@UnconventionalReasoning A UK one, tax year runs from the 6th of April to the 5th. All UK companies will be taxed based on the tax year regardless of their accounting period from April 2024. Its not ideal as the business I'm trying to build is based around a UA-cam channel teaching outdoor skills and adventures, the plan was to fund it using work from data annotation over the winter months when I'm less active outdoors. In the early years that would mean the plan would be for most income to come during late Autumn and Winter and most costs (travel and other expenses) coming over the warmer months.
@@russandloz ergonomic is not great objectively, but reminds me of my FM2, FM2, FE… So I don’t really care. Also it gives this camera a “personality”. My R6II was cool, but I never used it because it felt like a machine. The ZF, I keep the rear screen hidden, the shutter button triggers a single shot… And I basically use it like I would use a film camera. Except for the amazing autofocus!
Surely the point about the Zf is that it is 2 Grand and NOT 4 Grand? As I shot with the FE/FE2/FA back in the day, I don't see the size a problem, & I'd get the £40 grip anyway (cos Why wouldn't you?) I have a Z6 mk1 & I still have my D3x & D3s. TBH I still really like shooting with the D3 bodies.
@@russandloz I am very unhappy about this situation for you!!! for 45years I had shot Nikon professionally exclusively and never had need of a repair (I am very careful and never dropped a camera to this day)always a neck strap, recently also a cuff(knock on wood) ,,, I am 72yo. But in the last years since the mirrorless cameras I have been retired but still shoot a lot, doing personal projects... I now have a 2-Z50, Z6II, Z7, Z8... I am now a bit paranoid,,, Good Luck, Try to be happy My Friend :) :) :)
I had pre-ordered the ZF. But then i had the chance to hold and briefly use it. I found the ergonomics and button placement so off-putting i cancelled my order. So i’m waiting on the Z6iii. Don’t really appreciate Nikon making us wait so long for it.
They have sold a lot of ZF's with people making do until the z6iii, then they'll buy that too. Maybe there will be a lot of ZF's on the used market making them very cheap?
The grip isn’t that bad if you actually use the finger hold method. For people trying to shoot one handed, which is ridiculous, obviously not comfortable. But the many grip options pretty quickly solve that problem.
If you like that sort of thing. It is 3 times a charm for Nikon. However, those of you that bought the ZFc must be feeling rather silly. And so you should.
The zfc is a good camera and the lightest option. I got a very good deal and enjoyed it. But with my z8 being repaired I needed something more powerful. Don’t feel silly at all. 😊
I have love-hate relationship with Zf. Without a grip it's unusable for me, but after attaching the grip I'm asking myself, why do I need this kludge if Z6ii (I have now) already has a grip and even weighs less.
@@russandloz I have Z6ii, not Z6. Yes, Zf AF is better, primarily because of subject recognition. That may be important for some and not important for others. I discard for technical reasons about 5% of pictures taken with Z6ii (according to Lightroom), some due to AF failure. Will even 2x improvement in AF make a noticeable impact? -- Absolutely not. As to the other features of Zf, I personally don't find anything compelling.
I agree about the grip but if you’re going retro then sticking a blinking great big grip on it is pointless as is a stupid big lens. IMO these cameras need to be small and portable and the lenses need to be small the same as the D lenses so if and when I buy one then I’ll probably buy a Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 and go proper retro. Hey that’s just my opinion. Fujifilm and Leica have the right idea and if Nikon are going to do this seriously then there needs to be a selection of smaller options with aperture rings. As for the Zf itself I think Nikon have it spot on and love what they’ve achieved but we just need the lenses now to complete the picture. No pun intended!
I think adding a grip or battery grip makes it a multi-tool which is great. But sure Nikon has done very very making a retro modern camera but yeah they need to make or allow others to make nice little fast lenses to go with it. I'd love a 1.4 range
@@russandlozme too I’d love some 1.4 glass and a smaller form factor for that beautiful retro body. Who knows but would really make the Zf very appealing. 🤞
I did have to laugh guys at your joke at the start I'm not a fan of shutter curtains. Honestly, you don't put one into create another problem it doesn't protect the sensor. The sensor is fine. There's three filters on top of the sensor anyway, and if you use the dust blower each time you change your lens, you got no problem and changing your lens Point in the camera down, I don't think a curtains are needed I really think it's a stupid idea. You must go back to a DSLR.....LOL. My one beef with this camera is the stupid, and I'll say it stupid flip out screen. If you are designing a Photography camera, you do not put a flip out screen you go with the tilt down screen photographer, eight flip out screens head over to the Fujifilm page and look at how many people complained about the XT4 screen thing was so annoying so when they made the XT5, they went back to the tilt screen. You can't take a low shot or a high shot with those without screens. You have to flip it all the way out and turn it around. It's a pain in the butt. The camera itself is probably fantastic with great auto focus and great image quality. I do think 24 megapixels today's world probably not enough in my view, but I know people will say megapixels aren't everything but if you're doing product of landscape, Photography you certainly want some more
Flip screens really do divide people. We love it. Really handy for making these videos and much prefer it over the weird z8 one. But each to their own. If only they could incorporate the two
Give me a break. I have a fully articulating screen and only shoot photography. I've had tilting screens. This takes 0.1 extra seconds and about the same amount of time to get used to it. You may have a preference but a deal breaker this is not.
@@russandloz I am/was really unaware you guys have other than bla... eh.. discussion videos. Only stuff I get in my recommendation video's is you guys talking.
I might be the only person on the internet who did not buy a grip for ZF ;) I love the camera just as it is, the old-time aesthetics is spot on. I do not use large lens attached to it and I do keep it cross-body on a strap. Yes I use two hands when I shoot and 99% of the time the screen is closed, turned inwards. That said, I would have never bought it if The ZF did not have the technology behind the pretty face. I love that with minimal customization, I can take a shot of anything and it will be properly exposed and in focus. All that said, this is not a camera meant for professional all-day gig type of use, obviously, since it lacks proper grip. But literally all other cameras have grips. In terms of practicality, I feel that Z8 and Z9 are the minivans you use to transport your family, and the ZF is a convertible you drive for pure joy!
I love that analogy. The workhorses Vs the pleasure buy. But I have used it as my main camera for everything and it’s certainly capable. Z6iii interest you?
@@russandlozNot at all. I don't actually need workhorse cameras since photography for me is a purely personal passion. I use a Z7 for landscapes and digitizing some of the old film stash (I shot on an F2 ). It has a wonderful sensor and a nice grip ;) but lacks in the grin-factor arena, which the ZF provides.
You’re not alone. I do agree with you
❤❤❤
ZF is a beast, great camera. 10000% worth every penny.
Yes I agree. Would you like it if they designed a battery grip?
@@russandloz I would, but I also realized it would be a very difficult endeavor, they would have to add in port extensions for the micro SD and SD cards, which is perfectly do able, but would add cost and more failure spots, as well as they don't have contacts for additional button use with a grip, I currently use a really good 3d printed grip from Etsy, it's more beefy then the smallrig grip and the neewer grip, with more of a ridge where your fingers curl, had I not found it I think I would have been happy with the neewer grip
@@deathspawn54 oh really. I’d like to see that, is it more like the z6 grip?
I like that there is a mechanical shutter. I love that sound and tactile feel when you press the shutter button. Great video though!
Yeah I can understand that. But it does slow things down maybe
@@russandloz I can see that. Part of me wants to hold on to the old mechanical feel of things, digital or not. Something very satisfying about the clack of a DSLR. I'd love to see Nikon do some sort of retro camera and implement the hybrid viewfinder that is in their xpro and 100 series. I'll just keep dreaming though lol
I loved my old Nikon film cameras like the F2. It´s design was all about function. It did not need a grip because you held it by the lens with your left hand when you constantly operated the aperture ring and the focus ring. Now you don´t operate a digital camera that way anymore so the weight carrying task has passed from your left hand to your right hand and it needs a grip to do it´s job.
Yes good point. The zfc was released to fit the retro purpose but seems silly in a full body version when we don’t have a z6iii available
I bought a Small Rig grip/plate within a few days of buying the Zf. As a mostly alt-lens user I definitely wanted a better grip and even now I would be happier with more depth than the Small Rig grip provides.
Voigtländer native z-mounts gives you that same old shooting-style option again. It’s wonderful.
The ZF looks like fun. I do want a second body which is simple and fun. My Z9 is lovely for action and does everything I need BUT sometimes I want a compact no fuss, dedicated reduced feature set and simple to use bit of nostalgia to play with. At the moment I have a Z6ii but the Zf is probably closer to the retro line I would really like. Sometimes I want a couple of ultra sharp prime lenses and a retro body as a different sort of walk around relaxed set up. I think that’s where the ZF fits in. You have a small light camera bag and two primes and one camera body with street photography or night photography in mind. I would never take it birding or try to capture action shots with it.
I can only justify two camera bodies, so I want the second one to be one which is very different in appearance and operational controls. It does need to use the same lens mount and have the same operating menu system.
Love mine, mostly used without a grip. Grip goes on when I use a tripod (SmallRig just to make it quicker. Video button can be re-purposed (mine is used for bracket setting) Shutter can be set to electronic which gives similar response to Z8 / Z9
I bought one and am very happy with it. I was waiting and waiting for the Z6 iii and the Zf seemed to tic the boxes that I wanted for a modern mirrorless camera. I may change my mind when the Z6 iii arrives, but I kind of doubt it.
Same for me. Though I’ll have my z8 for my main camera. If it wasn’t a z6iii would be good.
Talking about manual lenses, I’ve been trying out the TTArtisan 11mm fisheye, I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea and it’s something that comes out of the bag only occasionally, but it’s quite a fun little lens for the price
Yeah I’m looking st interesting manual lenses now it should be a better experience. Maybe a 35 or 50mm 0.95!
Nikon sells a grip for the Zf in some markets. They sell it in Japan and the grip is amazing!!
Works perfectly, take cares very well of details such as using the back of the camera to extend the grip and making also place for the indicator finger to rest, while also fitting the camera design perfectly.
Isn’t that the Smallrig one I have?
The model is Zf-GR1.
It is Nikon made, not third party. Please try to search by the model above and you will find the official page.
Love my Zf. Good job guys.
Love my Zf! Wish list - one more Fn button, and IBIS Lock. They NEED to re-work the ISO dial and Auto-ISO configuration but that’s easily addressed via firmware. A retro vertical grip would be amazing but I’m probably overstepping there 🙂
Nikon’s best? Gotta go with the Z8 at this point in time. Currently has an edge over the Z9 with firmware 2.0 but the Z9 will get these new features too, likely soon.
The rattling of the ibis is concerning, one big knock from disaster. Surely it could be fixed when off.
Hi, I have the same setup: Nikon Z8 and Nikon Zf - only that bought the Zf even BEFORE the Z8 (both in November 2023 though). The Zf was the one which won me over from the DSLR age - my D850 is now doing duty with my wife. Shortly after investing in Z8 and Zf I invested int Z glass too, so the transition to mirrorless is complete now. As for a Z6: what should I use it for? There is no place in my ecosystem for a third mirrorless Nikon. PS: I find myself quite often now walking around with the Z8 with the "sensible" lens (24-70 f2.8 for instance) and the Zf with the Voigtlander 50mm f1.0 - a fancy one.
I use a third camera for filming setups. But that’s why the z6i will suffice. How easy is it to focus at f1 with the 50?
I bought a 2nd hand Z6 II from a local shop (online), then without using it, traded it for a new Z f after reading some more of the reviews. I have no native Z lenses and only one old Nikon 135 prime, having moved across from a Sony A7R3. I now use Sony FE 24-105, FE 28 and Zeiss Batis 18 on the Zf with a Megadap adapter and I have many other manual focus lenses that I love. For me, its about the camera's ability to facilitate using those mf lenses, as well as its upgraded AF system that's there if I splurge on further AF lenses. The Sony lenses work really well with the Megadap.
Waiting to see what the Z6iii brings
Yes I feel we won’t be disappointed. Based on the over speced ZF?
Z6 has to have better burst, more FPS and almost guarantee it'll have 6k NOT CROPPED,
@@451greenwood the grip will be a winner for me
I wanted a Z6III and bought Z f in its place. The camera took two months to arrive and the 40mm f2 SE took four. After finally picking it up and using it I did miss the functionality of more modern ergonomics. But the Z f is really starting grow on me. I'm starting to looking at using adapter M mount adapted Voigtlander and Thypoch lenses. Things I wouldn't have considered. It's just such a fun camera (!)
Yes I agree. I have to admit I haven’t used the retro dials yet but nice to know they are there lol. Do you?
I've even splashed out on a Novoflex LM-Z adapter because of my prime reason for buying the Zf.
@@smoothlennie How are you getting on with that?
Love this channel ❤
Thanks Jeffrey!
I have the ZF and I like it . I wish it had a thumb rest, joystick and the ability to customize more buttons. Other than that I’m happy with it .
Guess there isn’t much room. But a thumb rest might be good. I’m sure there is a third party one out there?
I want a second body next to my Z9. Wanted to buy the Z f but it felt big and heavy in my hands compared to the Z6II. I learned from my X100V that I will not use the dials. I am very attracted to the active eye af indication during MF. But it might be smart to buy a 2nd hand Z6II and save some cash for glass…
I would say a z6ii is a very different camera and wouldn’t recommend it if you use autofocus.
I’m holding off on the ZF until I can compare it to the Z6iii and see what can fit my use case best for a second body for my Z9. The Z6iii ergonomics are a large selling point but I do like the look of the ZF. I’m also waiting to get money up 😂
I can’t help think Nikon released the ZF first to sell it to people wanting the z6iii like me. Then they can double profits once it’s released
I have the Zf and it is an amazing camera. Yes, the ergonomics are not on par with the other Z bodies but it is a vintage body after all. The thing that bothers me is that the sensor stabilization doesn't lock when the camera is turned off. It might be a minor thing and maybe it is just me (and I am sure Nikon have thought long and hard about this) but I am worried that with time it might affect the mechanism.
Same... i worry about the internal clunk that comes with moving the (turned off) camera too quickly.
Can't be great in the long run.
My guess is that the engineers wanted to immobilize the IBIS when the camera is turned off, but the bean counters looked at the budget and said "No".
wanted the zf straight away but they sold out of black ones so ordered blue one from nikon uk this is what the z611 should have been, very happy with camera and will keep this for a long time . in the old days 1980s lol f3 had no grip so I guess nikon are trying to bring the vintage vibe back like fuji and Leica also just got 26mm f2.8 pancake lens to go with it and like the lens a lot
I wanted something different from my current cameras so went for a colour and glad I did.
I currently shoot Sony but shot Nikon DSLR before that. Great to see all the attention Nikon is generating, like everyone I await the Z6iii. Please can you guys make a video exploring the manual focus assist on the Zf further? My friends Z6 gives focus confirmation through the FTZ adaptor for D lenses, but not for manual lenses without any electrical contacts - does the Zf somehow do better?
Yes we will as this really interests me, I love the idea of using unusual lenses like 0.95's!
Pixel-shift. To appreciate it, we must understand the Bayer paradigm first. Then we know Bayer's problems. So we would be motivated to use it when it improves results.
And we should call it "photosite shift" because the photocells (photodiodes, with their individual circuitry called photosite) in the sensor are not "picture elements" and these photosites cannot register RGB. And RGB we would expect in "pixels".
Landscape? Maybe. Architecture and product photography? Probably works out well.
The best use-case? Shooting digital copies of negatives or positives.
Scanners would allow for multipass and hence would register red, green, and blue values with each coordinate in the subject. Plain Bayer shooting only has one colour per photosite and the two missing ones must be guessed in raw processing.
A Z f or now Z 8 with FW version 2 will do that convenient variant of multipass for you.
This is not about "sharpness" or more pixels in the resulting image, but about removing uncertainty about missing colours and about colour space and contrast envelope.
Right ok, no one else on my research has mentioned that before, I guess it's what Nikon promotes it as.
Does the silent shutter function on the Zf measure up to the Z8 and Z9! Earlier Z cameras created a banding effect on images when using silent shutter indoors.
That’s a good question I’ll have to look into. I haven’t come across it but I use it for wedding ceremonies and it’s quiet enough
The Zf is tempting, as was the Df, but I'm waiting for the Z6III. My Z6 is currently my go-to body.
Fair enough. Is it the grip?
I almost want one just because of the IBIS. I hate the tedium of tripods; I dream of a world where they are extinct. Only its lack of Mpixels is holding me back although I wish it had a shutter to protect the sensor like the Z8. I love the styling and could live with the retro handling drawbacks it recapitulates! Nikon has until the Olympics to put this IBIS in a higher Mpixel camera or it will be Zf for me -probably classic black.
My sensor guard damaged my z8 sensor when I turned it on and it hasn’t been fixed for 14 weeks. But the ibis on the z8 is just as good in reality
@@russandlozmajor bummer about your Z8 hopefully that's a very low frequency occurance -any idea on that? However frequent sensor cleaning especially on Zf (in one user video) is common every day for many and presumably will be much less on your Z8 when it is returned.
Why do you say 5 stop ibis (Z8) is as good as 8 (Zf)or is Nikon just overhyping?
Thanks for your reply
@@helmutsassenfeld8002 it’s difficult to measure. But they are both good ok my experiences. It makes a big difference if the lens has it too
There is no verticle grip/shutter release, and then there's a flippy screen; those are the negatives. If the Z 6-3 has the ZF's manual focus aids? Then I will buy the Z 6-3!
The Z63 is now announced. And it’s basically a freaking video camera. There is almost nothing in it. That makes me excited as a photographer.
Officially announced?
I went on a small spending spree this year for me and my wife. Got the 70-200 f2.8 the 24-70 f2.8 the Zf and a 24-70 f4. The Zf for the money punches way way above its weight in my opinion. I'm still holding out for a z6iii for my upgrade but my wife is using the Zf with the 24-70 f4 and loves it. Only issue I have is getting the sd card out with the grip on, it's a little fussy. I would be happy if the Z6iii was like the Zf with maybe slightly faster fps. I don't know if its the best but it sure is a jack of all trades type of camera.
Do you think Nikon released the zf first to sell those wanting a z6iii? Then sell the z6iii to everyone again doubling profits?
I don't think it's as nefarious as that. I bet they saw the sales of the Z8 for pro's and the Zfc did well lets give them this while we finish the Z6iii to release in our first quarter to boost sales projections for the next fiscal year. If you think about it what other body is more anticipated?
@@russandloz
I think they know how anticipated the Z6iii is and want it to show up on their next fiscal year. I doubt they expected the Zf to be as popular to be honest.
I love my ZF works beautifully with my old F mount glass, the grip came free when I Purchased the camera from WEX , my biggest gripe with the grip, try and get the SD card out when its attached to the camera body its a nightmare 😡😡
Iamlovingmy ZF.The Z9 has been relegated for wildlife only now. I am very impressed with the low light capability. I am getting acceptable files shooting at 28,200 ISO now. They look about like 3200 ISO looked on my D4.
The z8 battery isn’t very good so a z9 solves that. But sure the z8 has many of the same attributes
I have the camera. Love it. Now I'm dreaming of the 50 1.2
It’s quite heavy on this body. But we have a review on our YT worth seeing
From what ive researched, about the Zf, it's an absolute powerhouse, absolutely incredible, it's perfect internally, I would honestly have one, unfortunately it doesnt have a CF express type b slot and that level of speed is a must
Won’t a SD card be fast enough?
@russandloz Honestly, I wouldn't know without using it in my scenario, My Z6II lags so hard when that moves to an SD card. Obviously, Zf is newer, faster tech, better in most ways, so I don't know.
Is this filmed with ZFC 75MM 1.2?
Z6’s with 105 1.4 and z 50 1.2. The old f mount sure does have a good look
The Zf is a placeholder for the Z6III.
Needing a SmallRig grip depends on a person's hand size. Why do we assume everyone has the same size hand as us?
True. Although the retro design is cool for street and travel.
I’ve never seen anyone say the grip is right for them. But yes could be true
What is the update on your Z8?
They said it’d be complete in 2/3 days. 2 weeks ago…
It lacks small lenses, I am thinking about the Voigtländer 35mm F2 and the 50mm f2. Otherwise it is a great body. Would have liked more MP so am still thinking about it. But if the Z6iII doesn't have the 33mp I will buy this.
It seems the grip is more of an issue than MP for most commenters. Is this the case for you to?
Not at all. I would use smaller lenses, probably mostly manual. Maybe I would get the Nikon grip later.@@russandloz
I like the ZF but it's borderline not usable for me with the lack of grip. Can't wait for the Z6III
Yes I’m used to it more now but when I use my z6 it feels great in hand.
Yes Nikon missed a trick by not making a retro style grip like the one for the FM , FE the MD12 winder, would fit in with the design and help with the ergonomics with some lager lenses, shutter button on top of grip win win the would have sold a shed load of them.
Let’s hope they do make one
Love mine and when the iii comes; goodbye ii.
Yes I've just traded my z6ii, no remorse. But it'll be interesting to see how the z6iii will be different
Not all cameras are made for wedding photographers. Wedding photographers are not the only professionals. While there are numerous options for wedding photography, some people complain about the only different camera in recent years. I believe Nikon made a great decision to create a camera like this. Otherwise, it's a nice video.
I did mention that its perfect for street and travel, also I've used it for wildlife and filming. But sure I did get this camera as I needed it for wedding photography while my z8 is being repaired.
@@russandloz True. It wasn't a remark about what you said necessarily; it's something I noticed most people complain about when it comes to this camera.
@@AndreiDimaReviews Yeah I do see that too, I think as people are trying to make it fit every purpose when it's really a niche design
@@russandloz I think this camera will be looked at differently once the Z6 MkIII comes out.
@@AndreiDimaReviews yes so do I. Then it’ll become a retro style not trying to be a z6 anymore. But who knows what the price will be
Just ordered. I need to spend money before April or the taxman will steal it, but would have liked to look at the z6 iii. I am using it for video for a UA-cam channel, it's that articulating screen but would have preferred a proper grip. I figure it will be on a tripod mostly, I won't be holding it all day.
What business are you in that March 31 is the best end date for your fiscal year? I'm most familiar with companies using Sept 30.
@@UnconventionalReasoning A UK one, tax year runs from the 6th of April to the 5th. All UK companies will be taxed based on the tax year regardless of their accounting period from April 2024.
Its not ideal as the business I'm trying to build is based around a UA-cam channel teaching outdoor skills and adventures, the plan was to fund it using work from data annotation over the winter months when I'm less active outdoors. In the early years that would mean the plan would be for most income to come during late Autumn and Winter and most costs (travel and other expenses) coming over the warmer months.
@@BrianParkes Interesting, thanks.
The Zf does have an electronic shutter by the way.
True. But it’s not stacked so will have issues unlike z8?
Have had ricoh, nikon, fujifilm ans canon cameras… I have never been as excited by a camera as I am by my ZF.
Cool. Why is that?
@@russandloz ergonomic is not great objectively, but reminds me of my FM2, FM2, FE… So I don’t really care. Also it gives this camera a “personality”. My R6II was cool, but I never used it because it felt like a machine.
The ZF, I keep the rear screen hidden, the shutter button triggers a single shot… And I basically use it like I would use a film camera. Except for the amazing autofocus!
Surely the point about the Zf is that it is 2 Grand and NOT 4 Grand? As I shot with the FE/FE2/FA back in the day, I don't see the size a problem, & I'd get the £40 grip anyway (cos Why wouldn't you?) I have a Z6 mk1 & I still have my D3x & D3s. TBH I still really like shooting with the D3 bodies.
Yes we did say that towards the end, great value for money!
I am waiting for the Z6III.. Update on Z8??
They said it would be ready in 2/3 days. 2 weeks ago…
@@russandloz I am very unhappy about this situation for you!!! for 45years I had shot Nikon professionally exclusively and never had need of a repair (I am very careful and never dropped a camera to this day)always a neck strap, recently also a cuff(knock on wood) ,,, I am 72yo. But in the last years since the mirrorless cameras I have been retired but still shoot a lot, doing personal projects... I now have a 2-Z50, Z6II, Z7, Z8... I am now a bit paranoid,,, Good Luck, Try to be happy My Friend :) :) :)
@@johnyoung1606 Thanks John, hopefully it was a freak occurrence. My concern is with Nikon's lack of customer care
I had pre-ordered the ZF. But then i had the chance to hold and briefly use it. I found the ergonomics and button placement so off-putting i cancelled my order. So i’m waiting on the Z6iii. Don’t really appreciate Nikon making us wait so long for it.
They have sold a lot of ZF's with people making do until the z6iii, then they'll buy that too. Maybe there will be a lot of ZF's on the used market making them very cheap?
@@russandloz Yes, that’s a good point.
The grip isn’t that bad if you actually use the finger hold method. For people trying to shoot one handed, which is ridiculous, obviously not comfortable. But the many grip options pretty quickly solve that problem.
If you like that sort of thing. It is 3 times a charm for Nikon. However, those of you that bought the ZFc must be feeling rather silly. And so you should.
The zfc is a good camera and the lightest option. I got a very good deal and enjoyed it. But with my z8 being repaired I needed something more powerful. Don’t feel silly at all. 😊
@@russandloz i thought zfc was a sub par camera. however, as a despiration camera, it might be applicable.
I have love-hate relationship with Zf. Without a grip it's unusable for me, but after attaching the grip I'm asking myself, why do I need this kludge if Z6ii (I have now) already has a grip and even weighs less.
Z6 autofocus is a league behind and had many less features I use 🤷♂️
@@russandloz I have Z6ii, not Z6. Yes, Zf AF is better, primarily because of subject recognition. That may be important for some and not important for others. I discard for technical reasons about 5% of pictures taken with Z6ii (according to Lightroom), some due to AF failure. Will even 2x improvement in AF make a noticeable impact? -- Absolutely not.
As to the other features of Zf, I personally don't find anything compelling.
I agree about the grip but if you’re going retro then sticking a blinking great big grip on it is pointless as is a stupid big lens. IMO these cameras need to be small and portable and the lenses need to be small the same as the D lenses so if and when I buy one then I’ll probably buy a Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 and go proper retro. Hey that’s just my opinion. Fujifilm and Leica have the right idea and if Nikon are going to do this seriously then there needs to be a selection of smaller options with aperture rings. As for the Zf itself I think Nikon have it spot on and love what they’ve achieved but we just need the lenses now to complete the picture. No pun intended!
I think adding a grip or battery grip makes it a multi-tool which is great. But sure Nikon has done very very making a retro modern camera but yeah they need to make or allow others to make nice little fast lenses to go with it. I'd love a 1.4 range
@@russandlozme too I’d love some 1.4 glass and a smaller form factor for that beautiful retro body. Who knows but would really make the Zf very appealing. 🤞
Q grip from RRS and IDS are the best for these cameras
The Zf cant compare to the Z8 or the Z9 >> dont belong on the same planet but Ido love the Nikon FM look
Are they that much different?
I did have to laugh guys at your joke at the start I'm not a fan of shutter curtains. Honestly, you don't put one into create another problem it doesn't protect the sensor. The sensor is fine. There's three filters on top of the sensor anyway, and if you use the dust blower each time you change your lens, you got no problem and changing your lens Point in the camera down, I don't think a curtains are needed I really think it's a stupid idea. You must go back to a DSLR.....LOL. My one beef with this camera is the stupid, and I'll say it stupid flip out screen. If you are designing a Photography camera, you do not put a flip out screen you go with the tilt down screen photographer, eight flip out screens head over to the Fujifilm page and look at how many people complained about the XT4 screen thing was so annoying so when they made the XT5, they went back to the tilt screen. You can't take a low shot or a high shot with those without screens. You have to flip it all the way out and turn it around. It's a pain in the butt. The camera itself is probably fantastic with great auto focus and great image quality. I do think 24 megapixels today's world probably not enough in my view, but I know people will say megapixels aren't everything but if you're doing product of landscape, Photography you certainly want some more
Flip screens really do divide people. We love it. Really handy for making these videos and much prefer it over the weird z8 one. But each to their own. If only they could incorporate the two
Give me a break. I have a fully articulating screen and only shoot photography. I've had tilting screens. This takes 0.1 extra seconds and about the same amount of time to get used to it. You may have a preference but a deal breaker this is not.
These two are a lot of blah blah blah but not a lot of click click click...
lol, thanks Luc, this was a discussion review. I wish our click click videos got more views.
@@russandloz I really like the discussion videos and hearing what you have to say. Appreciate your hard work
@@just_A_Hack Thanks, really appreciate that
@@russandloz I am/was really unaware you guys have other than bla... eh.. discussion videos. Only stuff I get in my recommendation video's is you guys talking.
@@Luc-N-scale A lot of viewers subscribe for our chat. Maybe it’s not for you then.