On page 49 of the "Reference Manual" it states that rotating the monitor to the self-portrait position triggers self-portrait mode. Page 706 of the manual explains how to turn it off. It is in the "Setup Menu"
Thanks John. But this is the "problem" as I see it, as per p.50: "self portrait mode disables all controls other than the power switch, the shutter release and video record button ... etc." Cancelling self portrait does enable the menu, i menu, etc. but then disables autofocus, etc. So then the camera is essentially unusable.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Can't you set the auto-focus to AF-F? That is what I did with my Z30. I disabled the self-portrait mode and then set it to AF-F, so I could use my Z30 as a "webcam". What else is disabled besides autofocus when you turn off self-portrait mode? I guess I'm not sure I understand what is going wrong.
Great video Ray, and yes we must be twins, love the Zf, love our orange, both left eye shooters ... and so much more. Can't wait to see what more you create with the Zf. Cheers Matt
I’ve been shooting with Nikon cameras for over 50 years, they’ve made a living for me, art, and pure enjoyment. I was super excited when Zf body was available and bought one with the 40 mm for an everyday carry. Not to mention all the other great options and features on the Z f, but it felt awkward to me to handle so I ordered the Smallrigs grip from Amazon, better, but still felt awkward, a friend suggested the actual Nikon grip, but has to be ordered from Japan, so I did. That grip was no better, maybe a little worse. I really wanted this camera to work, but in the end I sent it back and I’ll continue to use my Z6. Bummer for me, but I know it’s my problem.
Thanks for your perspective. It's not a camera for everyone. I wouldn't choose it as a standalone camera (if I didn't have Z6, Z8, Z9) but it is a fun camera, if not ergonomically the best.
Enjoyed the first thoughts and the excellent low light captures you've taken with it. What a perfect holiday to review a camera, especially a pumpkin colored one.
I bought a sunset orange Zf too. It’s bigger and heavier than expected, feel like a mirrorless in DSLR body, a comfort zone for Nikon. There are not too many retro looking Nikkor z lenses, so I use Voightlander 40mm f1.2 manual focus lens for the look, built and classic image. The manual focusing with object tracking is wonderful, and only complains are the LCD screen shuts down in seconds and it doesn’t switch back to auto focus after replacing to a 28mm f2.8 SE. it’s a lot bigger and heavier than my Sony and Leica, a squeeze into most of my camera bags, so it won’t be my travel choice.
Yes, not as light as some but rugged build. If I follow, you can extend shutdown in CUSTOM SETTINGS C3 Standby Timer. I'm not having the auto-focus return issue with my manual lenses. Don't know why that would be with the Voitlander.
Nice to see you got camera already. Disappointed they disabled screen controls with flip screen. Hopefully will fix in firmware update. I’m on fence to buy since I believe Z6 iiii should show by Spring with 33 megapixel.. maybe more plus, all the features this has and more. Still retro looks great and added z8 focus features hard to resist. Look forward to your experiences with it. Thanks
Hi Jon. Yeah, I'll have to look into it more but I think my observations are correct (NOT. See below) Hopefully, a firmware update can rectify. I have to say--and I'll add my thoughts in a future video--there's something different than the Z6, even though the sensor is purportedly the same. The Expeed 7 really is supercharging the camera.
I don't think it would have been difficult to fit in a joystick, the Info button could have been placed elsewhere. Please feedback this to Nikon reps in the future, if you are in contact. Yes, there are workarounds but it's a must for a modern, performant camera.
Would love to see how far you can push that ISO and still have a workable photo. Please if you could add that when you make a full review on the camera, that would be great. Thank you in advance.
When you say the IBIS has 6 stops of stabilization, is that including what's in the lens or is that just in camera not counting what the lens has? I bought the 40mm lens the day after Thanksgiving last year for setter l street photography. It's one of my favorite lenses now. It's a good compromise between the 35mm and a 50mm. And it's a sharp lens. It has an extremely shallow depth of field at f/2 when at the minimum focus distance. It's almost like a macro lens. I occasionally use it as a portrait lens. I'm hoping my next camera will be the z8. But I am interested in what the next z6/z7 will have in them. I may seek my z6 II and get the z6 III in a couple of years.
Hi Carl. I totally misspoke. The Zf has *8.0 stops* of 5-axis VR image stabilization, "based on CIPA standards; when using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S." I'm not sure how that translates with the 40mm f/2 (an excellent budget lens) What I can say, from my experience so far, is that I'm able to use some pretty slow shutter speeds and get sharp results.
Muahahahahaha! Pumpkin colour. Nikon would sell many more of this colour, if they had a sense of humour and called it that colour. Well done Ray. Especially with the matching jacket, on ole hallows eve.
Nikon released a beautiful genuine grip (zf-gr1) for the Zf here in Japan that is compatible with Arcaswiss standard. Probably will be the same with Zfc's grip and won't be released anywhere else though.
Hello Peter, glad that you’ve got the ZF finally and able to tell us from actual usage. I’m most interested to know how well it’s AF is in low light situations, say compared to the first gen Z6. Also, which AF mode would you suggest for the ZF is the most suitable for general street photography with only artificial lighting available? Thanks for your insightful videos👍🙂
Hi. I can tell you that AF and tracking had no problems during this low-to-no-light shoot ... it even grabbed a skeleton's eye!💀😀. Choosing AF mode depends on a number of variables, but I was using AF-C w/ Wide-S mode. Cheers, Ray
@@RaymondParkerPhoto thanks for the quick reply Raymond. Most other reviewers seem to agree that Expeed 7 has endowed the Z8 with enhanced AF abilities, but I want it to be so in as low light as possible - like my D500😄
@@RaymondParkerPhoto just turn selfie mode off and all controls should behave like you expect. The LCD can be set independently on how it behaves like tap to focus and shoot, move the AF point and focus, move the point only, or disabled.
Price and lens selection will decide if Nikon Zf wins hearts and minds. Not so sure about micro SD card. Nikon Zf makes Nikon Zfc obsolete in a stroke. Personally prefer Z6II over Nikon Zf. Or Z6III next year.
The Zf and Zfc are substantially different cameras, similar in their retro design, with different price category too. So there's room for both. I too wasn't excited about the prospect of microSD, but see it as better than no second slot, given primary is SD.
I didn’t here you mention what kind of filter you have on your lens. All you said is you have your filter on the lens. What kind of filter? Polarizer, ND, UV?
Shame Nikon has no adapter for nikon F AF screw lens to Z mount. You might as get any other camera Sony Fuji GFX . Shame Nikon has ditched nikon Af lenes
I tried it out in my local store and I thought the build quality was rubbish. Felt super cheap and plasticky. And the ergonomics were awful. It’s cool looking for sure, but I won’t be switching to Nikon any time soon.
I don't think we're talking about the same camera. The Zf is a pro-build Nikon, with primarily magnesium alloy construction (with some plastic panels to act as a radio window to let the Wi-Fi work). It has brass top dials and is "dust and drip resistant" overall. As I demonstrated in this video, it compares favourably with the classic FM, on which it was patterned. I owned a bunch of FMs over the years, dragging them up mountains, on ski mountaineering expeditions, etc. and never had a single failure or damage beyond cosmetic. Fact is, Nikon cameras as a whole (excepting entry-level) boast some of the best build-quality in the industry. The Z8 and, of course, Z9 are beasts. IMO, only Canon and Leica compete in that regard.
@@mozzman Nonsensical? Have you held it yourself? I ordered one from my local camera store and when I went to pick it up, I decided not to buy it because I genuinely thought it was below average in build quality. The Z8/Z9 are great (and Z6/Z7 for that matter) but I felt this one was not up to those same standards.
@@RandumbTech What are you comparing it to? Certainly not Sony, certainly not Canon, Fuji? My Canon R5 feels far inferior to the Z f and so does every Sony camera I've held in recent memory. The Z fc feels a bit plasticky but that is half the price of the Z f.
If you have any of these cameras Nikon D7000, V1, D600, D800, D800E, D7100, D610, D810, D810A, D750, D7200, D500, you can use the charger. Same battery type EN-EL15 series. Also you can charge the batter in-camera through the USB C port.
As mentioned in the video, I have 4 (actually 5) chargers (from 2 Z6s, Z8 Z9 -- and a dead D600 -- traded my other Nikon DSLRs a while back) and, yes, USB-C charging is possible.
Correction @ 3:22 The Zf provides up to *8 stops of image stabilization.
On page 49 of the "Reference Manual" it states that rotating the monitor to the self-portrait position triggers self-portrait mode. Page 706 of the manual explains how to turn it off. It is in the "Setup Menu"
Thanks John. But this is the "problem" as I see it, as per p.50:
"self portrait mode disables all controls other than the power switch, the shutter release and video record button ... etc."
Cancelling self portrait does enable the menu, i menu, etc. but then disables autofocus, etc. So then the camera is essentially unusable.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Can't you set the auto-focus to AF-F? That is what I did with my Z30. I disabled the self-portrait mode and then set it to AF-F, so I could use my Z30 as a "webcam". What else is disabled besides autofocus when you turn off self-portrait mode? I guess I'm not sure I understand what is going wrong.
I always use AF-F for talking head video. When the "Selfie" mode is turned off, autofocus doesn't work, as far as I can tell.
Oh. Maybe a bug then. Works just fine for me in video mode on my Z30.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I see from another comment that it sounds like you figured it out. I hope you did and if so, congratulations! 🙂
Love the colour coordination in this film.
Cheers, Martin!
Wow! Looks fantastic in orange and black.
Yep. Pretty nice.
Great video Ray, and yes we must be twins, love the Zf, love our orange, both left eye shooters ... and so much more. Can't wait to see what more you create with the Zf. Cheers Matt
Yes we are! 😀 Maybe left-eyes see alike! It's a fun camera, eh?
Your zf matches your jacket perfectly. =)
Love your colour co ordination with the camera 😆
Glad you like it!
Love the Zf - Nice matching pumpkin coloured camera ... 🦘
I love it!
I’ve been shooting with Nikon cameras for over 50 years, they’ve made a living for me, art, and pure enjoyment. I was super excited when Zf body was available and bought one with the 40 mm for an everyday carry. Not to mention all the other great options and features on the Z f, but it felt awkward to me to handle so I ordered the Smallrigs grip from Amazon, better, but still felt awkward, a friend suggested the actual Nikon grip, but has to be ordered from Japan, so I did. That grip was no better, maybe a little worse. I really wanted this camera to work, but in the end I sent it back and I’ll continue to use my Z6. Bummer for me, but I know it’s my problem.
Thanks for your perspective. It's not a camera for everyone. I wouldn't choose it as a standalone camera (if I didn't have Z6, Z8, Z9) but it is a fun camera, if not ergonomically the best.
Enjoyed the first thoughts and the excellent low light captures you've taken with it. What a perfect holiday to review a camera, especially a pumpkin colored one.
Glad you enjoyed it, mozzman! Cheers!
Congratulations Ray!! Enjoy in good health!!
Cheers, Guy!
Ray your camera matches the Jacket !!
Part of my evil plan! 😈
That’s a beautiful color! Congratulations!
Thanks, Patricia!
I’m not a flippy screen fan however I love you can completely close it. That’s one thing you can’t do with a tilt screen
Yeah, that's great!
Good morning. Nice box reveal. Lovely orange color,Im hoping they release a silver Zf so I am waiting on ordering 😊
I hope so too!
Nice, now we just need aperture control rings on new lenses to complete the retro experience
That would be nice!
I bought a sunset orange Zf too. It’s bigger and heavier than expected, feel like a mirrorless in DSLR body, a comfort zone for Nikon. There are not too many retro looking Nikkor z lenses, so I use Voightlander 40mm f1.2 manual focus lens for the look, built and classic image. The manual focusing with object tracking is wonderful, and only complains are the LCD screen shuts down in seconds and it doesn’t switch back to auto focus after replacing to a 28mm f2.8 SE. it’s a lot bigger and heavier than my Sony and Leica, a squeeze into most of my camera bags, so it won’t be my travel choice.
Yes, not as light as some but rugged build. If I follow, you can extend shutdown in CUSTOM SETTINGS C3 Standby Timer. I'm not having the auto-focus return issue with my manual lenses. Don't know why that would be with the Voitlander.
Congratulations for receiving your new amazing camera, I love the orange leather color 🧡
Thank you so much!! Me too!
Nikon is yellow themes, it's my favorite color too, it is a missed opportunity not to have yellow color ZF!
They have added colours in the past (Zfc) so you never know.
Nice to see you got camera already. Disappointed they disabled screen controls with flip screen. Hopefully will fix in firmware update. I’m on fence to buy since I believe Z6 iiii should show by Spring with 33 megapixel.. maybe more plus, all the features this has and more. Still retro looks great and added z8 focus features hard to resist. Look forward to your experiences with it. Thanks
Hi Jon. Yeah, I'll have to look into it more but I think my observations are correct (NOT. See below) Hopefully, a firmware update can rectify. I have to say--and I'll add my thoughts in a future video--there's something different than the Z6, even though the sensor is purportedly the same. The Expeed 7 really is supercharging the camera.
I have it all figured now. I had focus turned off on touch the screen! LOL!
Ok. Been there …good to hear it’s working.
Great first impressions definitely a good retro camera
It really is!
I don't think it would have been difficult to fit in a joystick, the Info button could have been placed elsewhere. Please feedback this to Nikon reps in the future, if you are in contact. Yes, there are workarounds but it's a must for a modern, performant camera.
Would love to see how far you can push that ISO and still have a workable photo. Please if you could add that when you make a full review on the camera, that would be great. Thank you in advance.
Great idea! Will do.
Did you also feel the ibis moving around When you picked it up. that kind of threw me off I thought it was broken
Yes. There is no lock in this camera. No problems though.
When you say the IBIS has 6 stops of stabilization, is that including what's in the lens or is that just in camera not counting what the lens has? I bought the 40mm lens the day after Thanksgiving last year for setter l street photography. It's one of my favorite lenses now. It's a good compromise between the 35mm and a 50mm. And it's a sharp lens. It has an extremely shallow depth of field at f/2 when at the minimum focus distance. It's almost like a macro lens. I occasionally use it as a portrait lens. I'm hoping my next camera will be the z8. But I am interested in what the next z6/z7 will have in them. I may seek my z6 II and get the z6 III in a couple of years.
Hi Carl. I totally misspoke. The Zf has *8.0 stops* of 5-axis VR image stabilization, "based on CIPA standards; when using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S."
I'm not sure how that translates with the 40mm f/2 (an excellent budget lens) What I can say, from my experience so far, is that I'm able to use some pretty slow shutter speeds and get sharp results.
Muahahahahaha!
Pumpkin colour. Nikon would sell many more of this colour, if they had a sense of humour and called it that colour.
Well done Ray.
Especially with the matching jacket, on ole hallows eve.
😀 Thanks!
Love your review. Would love to know the af and ibis demos
Noted!
Nikon released a beautiful genuine grip (zf-gr1) for the Zf here in Japan that is compatible with Arcaswiss standard. Probably will be the same with Zfc's grip and won't be released anywhere else though.
Yes, just noticed. Wish it was available here.
Hello Peter, glad that you’ve got the ZF finally and able to tell us from actual usage. I’m most interested to know how well it’s AF is in low light situations, say compared to the first gen Z6. Also, which AF mode would you suggest for the ZF is the most suitable for general street photography with only artificial lighting available? Thanks for your insightful videos👍🙂
Hi. I can tell you that AF and tracking had no problems during this low-to-no-light shoot ... it even grabbed a skeleton's eye!💀😀. Choosing AF mode depends on a number of variables, but I was using AF-C w/ Wide-S mode.
Cheers, Ray
@@RaymondParkerPhoto thanks for the quick reply Raymond. Most other reviewers seem to agree that Expeed 7 has endowed the Z8 with enhanced AF abilities, but I want it to be so in as low light as possible - like my D500😄
When did you order, Ray? In Toronto and waiting for my Burgundy Red one to ship!
Ordered from Nikon Canada on Sept 25. So many great colours; hard to choose!
No vignetting with the HS-9 hood on that 40mm f/2 lens...?
I haven't seen any, but since you asked, I just tested with a white reflector in the studio. No vignetting.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Good to hear. Thanks!
You have to turn the Selfie mode off to get any buttons or controls to work.
Yes, but then it seems nothing else works.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto just turn selfie mode off and all controls should behave like you expect. The LCD can be set independently on how it behaves like tap to focus and shoot, move the AF point and focus, move the point only, or disabled.
@@yophotodude7693 Have you succeeded in getting all the functions -- focus, etc. -- to work with Selfie mode off?
@@RaymondParkerPhoto every thing I’ve tried works.
Thanks for your help. I have it all figured now. I had focus turned off on touch the screen! LOL!
I wouldn’t be amazed if in another year there is a zf-r resolution mode and a zf-m monochrome version
I'm happy this has built-in monochrome with the flip of a switch. Example in the video.
Ray Parker Jr. it is time to play ghost busters 😀😀 you spooked me with 6 stops of IBIS. The documentation says otherwise. Please check.
Wow! Never heard that before! But, you're right; I am the original Ray Parker Jr. 😃 Yes, 8 stops.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto There are very few things in life that can be timed so well. Could not miss the opportunity 😀. Happy Halloween.
Price and lens selection will decide if Nikon Zf wins hearts and minds. Not so sure about micro SD card. Nikon Zf makes Nikon Zfc obsolete in a stroke. Personally prefer Z6II over Nikon Zf. Or Z6III next year.
The Zf and Zfc are substantially different cameras, similar in their retro design, with different price category too. So there's room for both. I too wasn't excited about the prospect of microSD, but see it as better than no second slot, given primary is SD.
I bought one of these over ten days ago and they are out of stock! And no info on when they will be back in stock! What a bummer! Bah! Humbug!
Hopefully in stock soon. It's a very popular camera that's for sure!
I didn’t here you mention what kind of filter you have on your lens.
All you said is you have your filter on the lens.
What kind of filter?
Polarizer, ND, UV?
Neutral protector.
Why nobody is explaining the touchfeld as joystick replacement
Can you test it with the 400 f4.5 & see how it handles & how's the autofocus and viewfinder is for wildlife ?
🙏🏽
Sure thing.
It Matt Irwin Orange now, I believe...
There's 2 different shades: one for northern hemisphere, one for down under. 😀
Absolutely wonderfull camera but i so not a fan of these vlog style lcd screens sadly :(
Fair enough!
Shame Nikon has no adapter for nikon F AF screw lens to Z mount. You might as get any other camera Sony Fuji GFX . Shame Nikon has ditched nikon Af lenes
I tried it out in my local store and I thought the build quality was rubbish. Felt super cheap and plasticky. And the ergonomics were awful. It’s cool looking for sure, but I won’t be switching to Nikon any time soon.
I don't think we're talking about the same camera. The Zf is a pro-build Nikon, with primarily magnesium alloy construction (with some plastic panels to act as a radio window to let the Wi-Fi work). It has brass top dials and is "dust and drip resistant" overall. As I demonstrated in this video, it compares favourably with the classic FM, on which it was patterned. I owned a bunch of FMs over the years, dragging them up mountains, on ski mountaineering expeditions, etc. and never had a single failure or damage beyond cosmetic.
Fact is, Nikon cameras as a whole (excepting entry-level) boast some of the best build-quality in the industry. The Z8 and, of course, Z9 are beasts. IMO, only Canon and Leica compete in that regard.
Strategy: Leave nonsensical comments on others videos so people will hopefully subscribe to you. Did I get it right?
@@mozzman Nonsensical? Have you held it yourself? I ordered one from my local camera store and when I went to pick it up, I decided not to buy it because I genuinely thought it was below average in build quality. The Z8/Z9 are great (and Z6/Z7 for that matter) but I felt this one was not up to those same standards.
@@RandumbTech What are you comparing it to? Certainly not Sony, certainly not Canon, Fuji? My Canon R5 feels far inferior to the Z f and so does every Sony camera I've held in recent memory. The Z fc feels a bit plasticky but that is half the price of the Z f.
Hmmmm can't say that I love that colour. Cheapens the look of the camera. Gimicky looking IMO
It's great we all have different tastes.
No charger 🤯
If you have any of these cameras Nikon D7000, V1, D600, D800, D800E, D7100, D610, D810, D810A, D750, D7200, D500, you can use the charger. Same battery type EN-EL15 series. Also you can charge the batter in-camera through the USB C port.
As mentioned in the video, I have 4 (actually 5) chargers (from 2 Z6s, Z8 Z9 -- and a dead D600 -- traded my other Nikon DSLRs a while back) and, yes, USB-C charging is possible.
Let me guess, you love orange :)
Rather.
If only UK price wasn't ripoff...
How much?
@@RaymondParkerPhoto On average £2229 for body only.
Wow! UK price would = $3755CAD. I paid $2,699.00CAD
@@RaymondParkerPhoto For what we paying here in UK for body only probably you can get kit with 40mm in states or Canada.
For the build... "Like a real camera"? The Zfc was a real camera, and still is. Maybe better put as "More of a professional build than the Zfc"...
Sure. It wasn't meant as a snub to the Zfc. But, as I say, the build of the Zf is in another category. But so is the price.
The ZFc is a toy camera
@@Old-School-Liberal Call it what you want, but it takes better images than you do.