The 58mm f1.4g was controversial at the time because of the emphasis on technical performance taking over the lens market at the time, oh and the price lol. It is timeless, a monster bokeh machine, and utterly beautiful in BnW.
Had the pleasure to test an old copy of Nikon Df and I must say that there was something special about it but it was too modern on the back. However it was a nice experience and I've always wanted to test one. Now I have my Zf and Zfc with Z8 for morencommercial work and I feel complete 🙂 Ok... maybe I would prefer a ZfcII with expeed7 😁
Czyli nie jestem jedyny oglądający z PL :P btw., fajne wideo o Zf ostatnio, miłego użytkowania, meega jest ;) Ciekawie też wysłuchać opinię kogoś kto dopiero "wchodzi" w system (Jack).
Great video as always. I too was at Fujiya in Nakano a month ago and bought the 58f1.4g for my black Df. My favourite camera this far. The colours and rendering are just different.
Yes! We may have overlapped haha. The DF is fantastic, I am amazed how complete the shooting experience was, used it for most of my trip despite having a few other cameras to choose from. Thanks for sharing!
If I can suggest another Nikon F mount lens which is probably just as underrated as the 28mm f/1.8G : the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G When talking about portrait lenses on the F mount system, most of the time people refer to the 58mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.4 gold ring lenses. Sometimes even the 135mm f/2 DC and 105mm f/2 DC. The 85mm f/1.8G is raealy mentioned, yet, it's probably the sharpest out of the entire list. It's basically the same size as the 58mm f/1.4, is weather sealed and cost something like... 200 bucks used? It's a real underrated gem and it's really the kind of lens that makes me love the F mount system for its affordability. My DSLR camera of choice, I chose it with the exact same reason as you : older flagship sensor that took place in a smaller body, known for its great low light performance and its unmatched color rendition and look with older lenses, except my camera is from the previous generation, it's the D700, taking the sensor from the D3. TO this day, I still haven't been able to find any camera (Df included) that would match the colors out of the D700, and it's not for a lack of searching (I tried the D600, Canon 5D and 6D... none of them matched it). In my opinion the D700 is a little bit of a more "approachable" camera, having a large grip, super good autofocus (when the Df is just "meh" getting the D610's AF system while the D700 has the same as the D3 and very close to the one used in the D4) and the cherry on top : you can get it for super cheap, finding one for 200 bucks isn't a hard task nowadays (although a clean one like the one I bought will be more in the 300 range) As for the "Leica M experience", I have long tried to replicate it, and to me it's not only about the OVF and manual focus experience. It's also about the form factor and the "quietness" of a camera devoid of a mirrorbox. And to me, to this day, the only "real" alternative to a Leica M body (and in my opinion, is even better) is the Fujifilm X-Pro series and specifically the X-Pro2. You have the ability to use any adapter lens and still be able to manual focus it with the "electronic rangefinder" in the OVF, regardless if it was made for the mount or not (while on M bodies, you need a lens made for the M mount to use the rangefinder, otherwise you're down to zone focusing), and if you want to have the creature comforts of modern mirrorless cameras you just have to flich a switch to have a full EVF, and use an AF lens. Only compromise is that it's an APS-C camera, but that's one I'm willing to live with. Especially considering the fact that I could maybe afford a Leica M8, but definitely not an M9 or later ! Great video about the Df ! That made me want to buy one even though I already tested it and still prefer my D700, that's when you know it's a good video !
Yes I still love rangefinders, and have a M monochrom that i will talk about in the next video. Funny you mentioned color, how consistent I have found the color across Nikon cameras is one of the reasons I stopped shooting as much with the M10R. A simpler workflow is what I’m aiming for this year, color with Nikon, black and white with Leica. Thanks for sharing!
@@BokehTherapy Yes, Nikon cameras are pretty consistent in that regard. My D7000 has similar color rendering as my Z6 even though they're almost a decade apart. But my guess is that it's because it's all Sony sensors in Nikon cameras starting with the D600 and D7000. The D3, D700 and D3S all have a variant of the very first full frame sensor Nikon used, made by Panasonic rather than Sony. It would be the first and last sensor as Nikon reverted back to Sony as soon as the D600 and D800 dropped. As such, the D3, D3S and D700 all have a bit of a different rendering compared to later Nikon cameras, closer to what you would find in what they released before (back when they were only making APS-C cameras, like the D2X or D200). If like me you like the rendering of those old Nikon's the full frame 12MPs are as good as it gets when it comes to image quality. I wish the D3X would be like that too but I think it had a Sony sensor inside it (it's also about as expensive as a D4S or Df even today)
Why get the 85mm 1.8g when you can get the older 1.8d for half the price, with amazing IQ, faster AF, and you can use it on Nikon's manual film cameras
@@JPCl I mean, that's a fair thing. The problem is that AF-D glass doesn't work with Z cameras as there is no AF motor in the FTZ adapter. As someone who shots both D and Z cameras like Jack (with a D700 and Z6 instead of Df and Zf), this is pretty important. If I was shooting only D cameras, I would probably own a bunch of AF-D and AF lenses. (It's also worth mentionning that wile the IQ is good, it's not as good as the G version, that the lens lacks the weatehr sealing and it's not that much less expensive considering the G version is already at rock bottom for prices. A better question would be "why get the D when you can get the G?". Outside of the film camera compatibility (which doesn't matter to me since I'm not fond in paying 2 bucks each time I press the shutter), I only see benefits to the G version.
I still have my first DSLR, the D50, lying around in the corner of my startup. Every time friends come over, they can take a few snapshots to add to our photo wall. There’s just something about the mechanical clunk when pressing the shutter that makes it so much fun. Having so many memories with a camera makes it hard to let go, but I couldn’t agree more that letting it become just a collectible isn’t a great fate for such awesome gear. Thank you for this bokeh therapy!
Congrats on the new pick up. Would love a video of you detailing how you view each of your cameras as a tool for specific purposes. Why do you reach for the ZF vs the DF vs the Z8 and why you let other cameras go etc. I know you go into it in each respective video, but would be kind of informative to see how you see your set of tools (cameras) from a broader perspective. Also what you would like to acquire next (or if you GAS has been quenched...for now). Other than that big fan, and great photos. Also like the addition of why you like the photos you took. I am sure this takes a lot of extra effort, I appreciate it.
Hello! I promise I am not buying new cameras every other week haha. I streamlined all my setup last month so a few videos to come about what I use for which purpose. Monochrome shooting is next, but more to come still. Thanks for the feedback!
It appears Jack, that you and I both have similar taste in cameras. I acquired a low shutter count Df a while ago; for a great price in silver with the SE 50mm f1.8, a great combo. Also own a D4 and a Zf, they're all amazing cameras to use. I only wish the Df had the same shutter sound as my D4, it's just an iconic clunk! Another cracking video mate, love the work as always. Inspiring me to visit Japan, again!
Hi Tex! I desperately wanted a SE 50mm f1.8, but couldn't track one down. Perhaps a gold edition DF next time if I see one in Tokyo haha. Thanks for watching!
You videos are so pleasant to watch. Thank you for your relaxed and informative style. I especially appreciate the written blurbs that you put onto your images to express what interested you in those images. I'm also a big fan of nice colors against dark backgrounds, especially when those colors are reflected off of other objects/surfaces.
Hello thanks for the feedback! The little labels on POV footage is a bit of an experiment. Might make a series on composition if it works out. I love night shooting in Japan because of that reflection of light in those big cities - it’s really beautiful
Great discussion about being into the performance and not the instruments of photography. I studied the comments on the 58mm f/1.4 for 3 years before succumbing. Best lens that I ever owned; best photos I ever took. I think that none of the negative reviewers studied its design goals or used it for any time. I'm all digital (z7s), now, but my 58mm is sitting on an FTZ II and will be with me always ... it's magical.
I got more keepers on the 58mm than any other lens this trip despite its flawed AF on the DF. FTZii and mirrorless fixed a lot of these issues. Thanks for watching!
I bought a Df a few months ago and absolutely love it, though I'm coming to the conclusion that the focus module needs to be recalibrated. I prefer AF-D lenses on it to G lenses because they have aperture rings. I'm using a 35mm f/2 AF-D as my "default" lens but my favourite shot so far was with a dirt cheap 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D ancient kit lens.
@BokehTherapy the small primes are fantastic because you can throw a few in each coat pocket and not need a kit bag, but the one that feels right on the camera is definitely the 35mm f/2.
I took on quite some risk when I bought a df right before starting my Bachelor Project in photography wth it... especially because in the mountains with some Turkish nomads there was no way of getting another camera. But truly I did not regret it a second. The camera is reliable, durable has great battery capacity and especially paired with an analogue Nikon to swap lenses its truly a great companion! Got a zf in addition to it 3 months ago , even if the df has a great sensor 16mp still has its limits in printing, especially when it comes to exhibiting...congrats to your great purchase !!
One battery lasts me 3 days on the DF… Mirrorless will never beat this I don’t think haha! That sounds like an amazing photography project, and the DF and Zf are great companions. Thanks for watching!
You can actually buy 3rd party split-prism focusing screens for the Df too which enhances the vintage lens experience to another level. Really does feel like a digital F-series camera.
Yes I can see all the points the critics have made - totally valid. Depends on the use case I guess, glad I didn’t have to pay too much for my copy. Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Great video! You should definitely check out the 105mm and 135mm “defocus control” lenses. I feel like they’d be right up your alley. Did you get a chance to check out the Industry Zone in the Nikon museum? As a scientist, I feel like you’d maybe have greater appreciation for that than a majority of visitors.
Also, had you bought the DF when it was new. There was a company selling swappable split shift focusing screens. I think you can still find the website, but I'm pretty sure they don't sell them anymore. However, if you're crafty, you can remove the DF focusing screen and mod up a split shift focusing screen (not for the inexperienced). If you look inside the DF, you can tell that the focus screen was meant to come out. It's not like any other Nikon DSLR body.
@@BokehTherapy you don't need a shop to do it. Look up Nikon DF focusing screen. Should be the first video. The guy swapped his uncut in under 3min and he was going slow.
I bought the Df this past November and I was pleasantly surprised with this camera. The sensor is fantastic for low light shooting. The body was very unique, and the style is great. I used the 85mm f1.4D lens on this camera and I can capture beautiful images with this combination fully manual or use the autofocus. I also have the 58mm f1.4g and love it. The most contraversal camera of its time, the Df, using a 58mm f1.4g contraversal lens of its time, ultimately turned out to be a great combination together.
The AF-D lenses are really appealing to me, that’s my next rabbit hole! Controversy seems to create some unique products, always worth a second look once it dies down. Thanks for sharing!
Oh and the Nikon Df split focusing videos are still up on UA-cam. You should check them out, b/c it'll change your perspective view on the focusing experience potential the Df has, if you actually decide to swap the focusing screen.
I used to own the 58mm f1.4G lens with D850. I loved that lens and I never felt like the autofocus was slow. I hope you get some great pictures with that lens!
Ai yi yi, you may be the single most thought provoking channel on the UA-cam for me. I debated a Df for a long time years ago. A while ago, your posts enticed me to spring for a Zf, which I love. Now you do this to me? I know my future holds a careful re-watch of this, as well as some of your other videos. All my best, sir.
As always, another great video! Just got back from Japan too but got sick so didn't get to shoot as much as I wanted :( Love the quick live breakdown of your photo taking process! Very cool
Oh no, getting sick on holidays is the worst. I got sick towards the end of this trip, thankfully just a cold. Glad the quick breakdown is useful, still playing with the best POV format for the channel. Hope you still got some shots while you were in Japan!
Great video! Loved it for: Japan ( I love Japan), the instructive street fotos (a photographer like you should be on Flickr or some other more professional sharing site, not just on Instagram in my opinion) and the documentation of the shopping experience. The DF is interesting only if one has the time and passion for the old lenses. I used to enjoy my Voigtländer 58mm 1.4 SL F-Mount on the Fuji X-Pro2/T3. And I did fool around with some Takumar lenses (bought them from Japan via ebay). But the fact that I haven't used my cameras and lenses for weeks due to my job means that I have to be selective. I would probably not choose the DF over the ZF and my Voigtländer lenses. And everytime I choose the ZF for street trips, low light and the "retro" experience I do think about the Z8 with the 50 1.2 and the Plena in the cupboard at home-what a waste (a camera which can be used for street just as well, as you have proven).
Hello! I am not sure what photo sharing site is worth our time these days, perhaps getting back into Flickr is a good idea. I try to shoot once or twice a week these days, making time for it alongside the job can be tough. Hope 2025 is off to a good start for you!
The Df has always been the camera I have always wanted ever since it released, but alas when it released I had only just graduated high school so I never had the money to buy it, new or used. But yet all these years, the Df has never really left my mind, and even after I left the Nikon ecosystem in favour of the X-T5 (likely will stay with it for a very long time as a primary), I still kept three Nikon F lenses: 20mm, 35mm, 50mm. All D lenses, together with a Nikon film camera, in the vain hope that maybe one day I could dabble in full frame Nikon photography yet again. Don't worry for the Fujifilm. I intentionally chose Fujifilm and its APS-C sensor for a reason.
I am a big Fujifilm fan, especially the XPro line! Waiting for an XPro4 to dive back into the ecosystem. Nikon have got a lot of Fuji users’ attention, if they keep going with this retro line they will gain a lot of fans with a Zfii or a ZS. Thanks for watching!
The only thing that kept me from grabbing a Df instead of an X-Pro3 was the lack of a native split prism viewfinder. I don't want to deal with the jank of changing it for one of the hacked versions, especially since the old go-to vendors are no longer active. Otherwise, I absolutely love the Df and I'd like to pick one up one day as a "fun" camera regardless. The ability to stick on virtually any F mount lens and go is ridiculously appealing. Oh, the other thing is the whole controversy about Nikon refusing to service "grey market" cameras. I didn't want to risk ending up with a grey market used copy and have Nikon refuse to service it, especially given its age now.
Yes I’m not sure what’s going to happen if my DF breaks. I think taking it to Fujiya to see if they have a local contact to fix it might be my best play. Another reason to visit Japan lol
Regarding low light - this is exactly why I love the Leica SL2-S. Best sensor ever. You can push 12.500 iso two stops in Lightroom and you still have a great organic look.
Wow, I must admit, the Df looks like it was made for me! It is so cool to see it so well crafted and considered for photographers who really value and love the legacy of F mount glass. Having been shooting a lot of film on various Nikon cameras, the Df really appeals to me. I admit I would love to try a Leica at some point too. I have been told that they are not ideal for macro work due to the rangefinder and parallax, which is a bit of a deal breaker for me, but as you touch on in the video, I guess it could be a camera that has a more defined purpose of street photography. Regardless, it is great to follow your photography journey, particularly to see you dive into the F mount!
A used Leica is still expensive but more manageable - maybe a film Leica makes more sense than digital for you? But yes the rangefinder and film make macro work a lot harder haha. The DF is great, but a bit too expensive for a 10 year old camera!
@BokehTherapy yeah, I feel if I did get a Leica it would probably be film. Looking over 2024, my best photos are all film. But I admit, when I wanted to be creative or push myself, I usually only took a film camera, so it is not too surprising. When you go out to shoot do you usually take two cameras?
Yes I usually do these days (Zf/Z8 plus DF) but it is usually counter productive. One body and two lenses is enough? One lens on the way there, different lens on the way back gives me the best results, or just one camera one lens
Looks like you made off with some fantastic gear. But for the last several months, my bokeh therapy has been building my Nikon film body collection and shooting film. I also develop my own black and white film now. Still trying to decide which films I prefer but I’m narrowing them down. I will likely be buying a 400’ roll of Eastman 5222 film stock that will give me ~72 rolls of 36 exposures. Just having loads of fun shooting film!
Oh man, shooting film sounds amazing. Haven’t taken that step yet, I’m sure it’s inevitable! What’s your favourite Nikon film body? I’ve had a few recommendations for a F6!
I've been a Df connoisseur since 2014 (more than 10 years, gosh) and still love it to death, it's now my main digital camera for manual F lenses. I just bought it a split & micro prism focus screen last year and the focusing experience is second to none. (I also own a Zf, but use it mainly for adapting M lenses).
@BokehTherapy I have heard about problems with aperture on the adapters, not being able the put it past 5.6. Did you encounter such a problem? I have a EF-F dumb adapter and a M43-F. Guess I should try to find an EFTZ adapter. I think Neewer has one.
@arneheeringa96 I haven’t adapted much EF glass, and adapters on the Zf are all a bit flawed (even FTZii). Neewer makes a great chipped adapter but build quality is not great. Techart is pricy but everyone recommends it as the one to go for?
The DK-17M along with DK-19 is the one to get with a 1,2x magnifier (which actually makes the viewfinder 44% bigger) Unfortunately It's discontinued and pretty expensive on eBay at least. I managed to get one for 25 usd, but I was very lucky! I Love them on my Df and my D3s. Have to find another one to the D700!
@@BokehTherapy Beware, if you wear glasses when shooting, dk17m cuts out some corners (from my own experience, I sometimes wear glasses when shooting).
Congrats on your DSLR! I had a Df for a while when they were new but I was just getting into my original Sony Mirrorless a7R at the time and didn’t use it much I sold it for I don’t remember what but more camera gear. I wish the Zf was that size. Have fun exploring the wide world of F mount lenses!
The 58mm 1.4g and 35mm 1.4g are my favourite lenses. They are also so much better on mirrorless than the DSLR due to on sensor focusing, which is so critical for the 58mm in particular and when used wide open. For me the 58mm needs to be used on mirrorless to get the best at wide apertures.
Hello! Yes I had to fine tune the AF for the 58mm on the DF, tended to back focus a lot til I tweaked the setting. For how many keepers I still got with that lens, very much worth it still lol
@@BokehTherapy yep, on my D850 I had to go to +12 on the AF fine tune. The rendering on the 58 and 35 1.4g's has that special something for me. And of course the great thing about them is you can use them on both F and Z mount bodies. I am not knocking its performance on the original f mount but rather that it becomes even better on Z mount wide open due to improved focus accuracy.
Haha, yes, I found Fujiya camera - a bit of a hidden gem compared to most of the Shinjuku camera shops. It's where I was able to get a 40mm Z f/2 at a good price. Thanks for the video.
Oh mate I was so glad this video popped up for me! Don't have the df but but J have been totally obsessed with df for years. The size, the sensor, the look! Ive got my df saving fund on the side that slowly builds.
My favourite camera of all times is the Nikon Df. I paired it with the manual Lens Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL II and it is an amazing combo. Real photography.
Great that Voigtlander is still making modern F mount lenses! I am trying to track down their manual 58mm f1.4, should have found a copy before leaving Japan lol. Thanks for watching!
I recently bought the Voigtlander 40mm SL-IIS for my Df and it might not ever come off. What a great match. Prior to that I was using AF-D lens: 24, 28, 35, 50mm. Small, light, compact. What else do you need?
happy new year! great video! was a little puzzled about the trade until i finished the video. the DF is prob the best looking dslr i can think of! great job breaking down the street shots. love that effect!
Happy new year! Yes the trade was hard to make, but can’t afford to have a Leica lying around not being used lol. Glad the POV street breakdown makes sense, hope it doesn’t disrupt the video flow too much!
If you like the Plena in the Z Mount, I encourage you to check out the old defocus control 105mm and 135mm lenses. Not sure how many were made, but the quirky DC mechanism screams for your historic contextual treatment. Did anyone ever understand it? If it worked, why didn’t Nikon expand on the concept with new versions?
The DC 105/135 allow you to adjust the correction of spherical aberrations in order to achieve either a smoother background or foreground blur. You adjust the value to the according aperture BEFORE focusing and then take the picture. The DCs are truly incredible in their depiction.
Thanks Juliette! I have retooled my gear quite thoroughly in the last couple of months, hence all these videos about new cameras. I don’t buy new gear all the time, just seems that way haha. Hope you’re well, happy 2025!
@@BokehTherapy well, I love the choice! It's counterintuitive to some but that Df is something I've had my eye on for years. Some bodies you just have to buy for their history apart from their performance or reputation among the masses. I think that's one you'll hang onto for a good while.
Jack - I really love your videos dude - please never stop. Your artistic flare, your scientific mind - a match made in camera heaven. Who would ever think to trade a Leica in on a 'crappy' old Df - oh yes, you did!! Ha, ha!
Haha yep it’s a crackpot trade that’s for sure. Freed up some extra funds in addition to the DF to invest in future videos. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
It is usually the other way around, trading in cameras for a Leica. Nicely done. I love using the Df, great image quality and stunning design, despite it's flaws. Would love to try out some manual lenses.
Haha yes it is isn’t it, can’t predict the cameras we resonate with. There are a lot of manual lenses I want to test and the DF is great for that. Thanks for watching!
Funny, I just sold my M11 and re-bought a camera I had back when it was launched… the Df. With 58/1.4G which I loved from launch even when it was derided by all the pundits. I sold it back in 2015 or thereabouts as I sunk deeper into Leica.. and have missed it since. I love the D4 sensor, and really missed the WYSIWYG of the OVF for some things. Also a factor for me, the massive lens lineup the Df can access. There’s some real gems in there. For my 28, a focal length I adore, I chose the 28/1.4D. And added a 50/1.8G (still sold new here in the USA) for traveling light (and also love that lens on my F6). And added a 105DC for portraiture, that’s a magic lens. I can also use all my old MF Nikkors, of course. Wonderful camera. It’s not perfect, but the Df/58G is one of my favorite pair up’s across decades of photography gear. Funny we just went a similar direction… I’m still keeping my film Leicas, as I still find film B&W better than digital (I haven’t tried the M11M but although I liked my M9M in the end I preferred film), and I have a darkroom for printing which is another aspect to enjoy. Add a F6 to your collection if you don’t have one. It’s a great partner to the Df (although haptics match the D# cameras better than the Df).
Ok I’m not crazy for going this direction! Haven’t gone down the film route yet, will keep your recommendation in mind for when it inevitably happens given how similar our tastes seem to be. Thanks for watching!
@ sell the Leica M and you can buy a F6 for your modern glass, and a F2 and the Noct you had on the Df ;) I just picked up a Noct-haven’t wrapped my head around it yet. Works great on the Df tho. If you want cheap old Nikkor glass with character, try the Nikkor-S 35/2.8, Nikkor-H 28/3.5. Both are very interesting albeit different so check the rendering first. And of course the 50/1.8 pancake. For a little more $ I have enjoyed the 45mm 2.8 GN, and Nikkor-H(C) 85/1.8. Looking forward to following your journey. I don’t regret the move at all. Hopefully you end the same.
Enjoyed the video, and thanks for showing this camera some love. The afd lenses are why I still have the Nikon DSLRs. Both the DF and a D700. A 28/2.8, 35/2, or the nifty 50 paired with the DF makes a light and fun kit with great colours.
Wonderful story, and sounds like a great experience for you. Loved your question at the very end. About whether a dedicated device makes for a better experience with mono. I admit the B&W is the only film sim I use on my Fujifilm X-T5 (which I put up for sale last night), and one thing that draws me to the possibility of the Zf is that dial. (Not a surgeon, so I can't have a Leica yet.) You always make me think, and your videos are always so peaceful, too.
Hi Chris! I was surprised with the difference the monochrome dedicated shooting experience made - looking back at the footage I behaved very differently and picked different subjects knowing I don’t have color. Haha I am no surgeon either, I really shouldnt be a Leica shooter lol. More next week!
Great video Jack. I too am a Leica M10-R shooter but I’m not selling it unless the M12 comes with a built-in EVF. 😂 Seriously, I’m a relatively new Nikon shooter as well. I bought the Zf about 18 months ago, just added the Z6 III to my kit 2 days ago, and I’ve been eyeing the Df for a number of years. This is by far the most balanced overview of this camera I’ve ever seen on UA-cam. I remember when the Df hit the market and the amount of hate it received. It would still cost close to $2.5K USD to buy this camera, 3 lenses, batteries, and any other accessories. If I would ever add the Df to my kit it would be a manual focus camera only for me. But honestly I don’t need it. It makes more sense for me to pick up 3 AI lenses with a couple of adapters and use them on my Zf and Z6 III. We shall see. Be well.
Hello, always great to hear from fellow Leica and Nikon shooters! The two brands give off a very similar vibe so I'm not surprised how many of us there are haha. The DF is a nice to have, but the ZF is everything I need for photography. The two as a combo is fun, thanks for watching!
Looks like you are hitting quite an audience with this video :) Awesome job as usual Jack! I also wanted to take a look at the Df, but in Europe it's too expensive for me to add to my pile of cameras :D. I already have too many cameras I don't regulary use :D That being said I'm excited my 50mm 1.8 G lens will arrive today and then I will be able to shoot with the workhorse Nikon D700 I recently got of a local marketplace. Looking forward for your M11M video and enjoy your new gear my friend :)
I really like the 50mm 1.8 G! Maybe that’s the lens we should collab on haha, nobody would watch in all likelihood. I currently have 4 cameras, seems like a nice round number. Hope it stays that way this year but quite unlikely. Talk soon!
I love this. It’s funny, recently I have started seeing DF’s become available, again. Then, someone just asked me (today) if I have any interest in the DF. Not, I open UA-cam to find that you’ve uploaded this video. Maybe it’s a sign? lol
Have you read about the newly rumored f to Z adapter that will include screw drive for af-d lenses? It was mentioned back call Nickon rumors on the 14th of December. It wouldn't be the first such rumor but we can only hope to it's veracity.
Oh, did you have that Monochrom already? I was wondering what you would do with your M-mount lenses... adapt for Zf? I guess not (just that). Df, I remember its release, a friend of mine at Nikon showed it to me and I was not sure about whether it would work... Years later he showed me the Zf and I was way more convinced this time. I think the Df will remain a bit of a niche classic, but you paired it will some quality glass :) Enjoy!
Hello! Anytime I shot Leica M for the past year it was always monochrom - the Zf was used for all my color work… so it made sense for the M10R to go. The DF is definitely niche, either love it or hate it apparently lol
I always wanted the Df, but was insanely expensive in its time. The Zf has scratched that itch almost fully, but I'm kind of jealous seeing you with the Df! The OVF and native F mount are super desirable!
It’s perfect for all the manual glass we both love, actually a way smaller setup than adapting on the Zf. The pricing is kinda crazy for a 10 year old camera though!
I used to use Flickr and IG a lot, but realised there was not much point. I will update my website with photos later this month hopefully! How about you?
@@BokehTherapyIG but I feel similarly. It’s defeating and I feel indecisive. Also a lot of my best photos are family which I would rather keep private.
Family photos are the most important ones - I print as many as I can and do a photobook every year. Maybe at my daughter’s 21st there will be a 2 hour slideshow I will force all the guests to sit through haha
Loved the video. I own a silver DF and perfectly understand what you mean about “the experience” I’m all about it. That’s actually why I also own a Leica M8, M-D typ262, M10D, Epson RD1x, Hasselblad 500CM with Instax Back. I do own more modern cameras like the Nikon Zf, the Fuji X100vi, Ricoh GRIII, Fuji X70 but it is a lot less of a “experience”.
Oh great collection - the silver DFs I saw all had a lot more use, think the owners loved them more! You have a great collection, hope you keep finding time to shoot. Thanks for watching!
It's kind of kismet that I'm watching this video on a snowy day in the northeastern US -- I was gonna go out later with my D700 to get some snow pics instead of my Zf solely for the tactile experience (and because I don't take out my D700 enough.) You could go further with MF on the Df by installing a split focus screen too
Hello, the D700 is an awesome camera, that sounds super fun! I have looked into the split focus screen, may go down that rabbit hole given enough time lol. Happy shooting!
Fascinating and very well structured and presented video. I've long considered a Df, even as a M9 owner, due to the sensor, manual controls, and access to the huge range of Nikon glass. It does seem crazy to give up a M10 R, but if this gives you joy, then it's worth it.
M10R is probably best value M body right now that is still very modern - glad someone else will get to shoot with my copy. Very happy with the color work on Nikon, and monochrom on Leica. Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate why you did the trade, but I still can't equate a rangefinder vs a SLR - different experiences. But that said, the Zf and the manual focus aids are tempting.... For my retro DSLR experience, I have a very used Canon 5DMk2, which harks back to my old EOS film cameras and lenses.
Nice, the legend 5dmk2!! Just as much if not more EF glass I’d like to try. I haven’t given up on rangefinders, just realised I prefer shooting monochrome on Leica M. More next week!
Always considered getting a Df. I think a big reason it got a lot of flak was just the horrendous video features as it was pretty much a photography only experience. It came out in that time when hybrids were starting to get commonplace.
Another exciting video. I knew you would enjoy the Df which when I had it was a fun camera to shoot with for me. The sensor is amazing as you mentioned. It is fun to see the lenses that you ended up picking up as well. I had that 58mm myself and did enjoy it. I guess we gravitate towards things that intrigue us and less towards items that are "popular" Thanks for doing a video showing the process that you went thru getting a new camera in Japan. I have watched a few videos and purchased things from the used stores there before but never tried to trade anything in. Had wondered what it would take. One of my Leica bodies could be traded this upcoming trip for me. Looking forward to your comments on the M11 Monochrome. This is one body that intrigues me. Keep up the great work..
Hi Dan! We have very similar tastes in gear, tracked down the DF after you and a few other people mentioned it. The trade in process was super smooth at Fujiya camera, really interesting to see how they tested different parts of the rangefinder as part of the trade in. M11 Monochrome vs Zf monochrome is next week!
Nah, the most hated Nikon camera is the oily beast that is the D600 😅 DF is great if you own it and actually learn its economics. Like the ISO dials can actually be turned with just your left thumb. But those who don't or didn't own it don't know that, and just complain about having to press deliberately then turn. The battery door was made flimsy to be removed easily, similar to a film camera. It's also to lower the risk of the little pegs breaking. If you've owned Nikon's long enough, those little pegs snap. But the DF is very likely. I used to just stick the battery door in my mouth when swapping batteries. 😅 As for handling, this is really a two hand camera. My primary hand to hold it was my left hand under the lens, and that made using it comfortable. Once I started doing that, I removed my half leather case b/c I didn't need the extra grip depth anymore, and it made the camera smaller. It's chunky but with a 50mm E series it's very slim, even compared to a Leica 50mm 1.8 Overall dope camera. No video sucks, but you could use an external recorder to record the LV at 30fps. It just had the tiny focus square. Not worth doing even with cropping or using software to remove it. Nikon really dropped the ball by not adding at least 24,25, 30, 60fps in 720p, 1080i & 1080p. I'd buy another one. It still has slightly better colors and noise patterns imo over the ZF. It's like someone turned up the vibrancy slider on the ZF to make up for the little dip in color accuracy.
I looked into a halfcase because of the battery door issues I’ve read about - still holding on for now thankfully. It’s a small package and manual focus makes me use both hands to shoot. Thanks for sharing!
Right now I'm using and loving the Zf. I'm also considering getting the 58mm f1.4 (I've already owned it twice). I'm torn between using the 58mm on the Zf or getting a DF just for the 58mm. Jack, can you compare the the 58mm on both the Zf and DF for both usability and picture quality? Thanks.
The autofocus is a lot better on FTZ - image quality would be comparable, the DF gives great results. It’s just the bulbous form factor when you add the adapter. Hopefully a Z mount version comes soon
@@BokehTherapyThanks for the reply. I never did like the FTZ with the 58mm on my Z7. Although that's smaller/lighter than carrying an extra body around.
Can you please compare the screen size of the Df optical viewfinder against the electronic viewfinder from the Zf? Because the OVF of my D600 looks pretty small now if you are used to the bigger EVF.
Haven’t tested the AI Denoise in too much detail - the extra time it takes isn’t worth it for my work most of the time. If it’s that high an ISO usually something else is wrong with the photo lol
I cherish my (black) Df. it is a magical body with a magical sensor, and I've always liked its rendering more than any digital Leica I've owned (M8, M9, M10 - I've given up on digital Leica M for good). The combo with the 58G is just right. Would recommend you try the Df with a 105mm f/2 DC and 180mm AF-D. Another lens that meshes real well with the Df is the Zeiss ZF2 35mm f/2. On the vintage Nikkor manual focus front, most primes are great fun with the Df. The list is almost infinite, as you have seen at the museum. My only disappointment with the Df was a shutter failure at under 15,000 clicks (was told it was a widespread point of failure). It would have been nice if the Df had gotten the D4 shutter and AF module instead of the D610's, especially at the launch price. Whatever you do, do NOT swap the original focusing screen with a 3d party split screen. That is not a reliable alternative to the integrated electronic rangefinder and introduces calibration issues as well as dust and smudges if you do not get it 100% right at first attempt. I ruined the OVF of my (silver) backup Df fiddling with that stuff. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the experience as much as I do. It still overshadows the Zf in my world.
Amazing tips, thanks for sharing! Will keep an eye on the shutter failure, hoping to keep my DF for a long time to come as there are so many F mount lenses I’d like to try
I didn’t know about the Df being smaller! Are you going to miss the megapixels from your Leica? It was only until last year that my 28 1.8g was my most used lens, the new Z mount isn’t really a replacement. Having shot film in the 80’s the lack of a focusing screen on the Df was the dealbreaker! Excellent video as always, I appreciate your thoughts and your content! 👍🏾🔥
I have a really funny relationship with megapixels - I always think I need more, but I didn’t notice any difference editing 16 versus 40 or 60. Maybe I don’t crop as much as I think I do or my eyesight is getting worse lol. The DF is still very modern, and holds up to other digital cameras but it is not retro enough for most. Thanks for sharing Darryl, hope you’re well!
It seems to me manual focusing fast lenses on this wide open is not fully tenable. The confirmation dot is not accurate at fast apertures, similar to a rangefinder patch. There’s no focus peaking. So you either estimate distance or take a burst moving back and forth and hope one is in focus or shoot at slower apertures for manual focus lenses, it seems. I looked at this camera a long time ago and I’m sticking with my d780 as my one and only Nikon dslr. It is, however, an intriguing camera if you have Nikon F glass still. It’s a nice compact package for the 1.8 lenses that you used.
On the AIS 50mm f1.2 I manage to get enough shots in focus at f1.2 - it is doable, but not that great, just like the rangefinder patch lol. D780 is great! Took a really close look at one in Tokyo too but decided on the Df
@BokehTherapy ON the Canon DSLR side of things I intend to purchase both the Canon 80D and Canon 90D. Also side note I think Pentax Colour science is wonderful. As on any Nikon DSLR and Nikon Mirroless camera you can put the Pentax K20D Camera as a picture profile on your camera. I absolutely love the Pentax colour science it's similar to Canon and Fuji colour science rolled into one. But equally as appealing and then some.
At first I was left confused anyone would ever trade a literal luxury car like a Leica in for the equivalent of the Honda civic of cameras but seeing how you still have a Leica it makes sense. I owned almost every Nikon with the exception of the DF but I do have to admit that I captured some of my best moments with a Nikon. Happy shooting with your new DF.
I am in the process of going the other way, tempted to release my ZF in the hunt for a Leica. However, I am specifically after a -D variety which is its own niche altogether. Perhaps I can just use my ZF with the screen in (which I do), but the EVF is still a thing. I suppose this is the dance.
Love your videos Jack @bokehtherapy. I hope you won’t mind a style comment… something I enjoy about your videos is how you weave a contemplative dimension throughout multiple layers. For me, the text labels on your shots about what you were thinking about compositionally disrupts that. Your shots are great and don’t need any explanation. While It would be great to see a video discussing your composition choices, IMHO this new label thing takes away from the alchemy of your narration, the music, video and stills. All the best for 2025.
Oh thanks for the feedback - was trying out the labels, some people like it others don’t. It takes more work to add them so an easy choice lol. Thanks for sharing!
Hello ! certainly the best trade and purchase you could have done ! The Df is sooo gorgeous. I love mine and won't trade it for sure. regarding your lens choice, selling the M10R could have allowed you to get a better choice. First, the 28mm f/1.4 which I own is a game changer. It's a E version that works also flawlessly on Leica SL... The 50 1.8 is a good choice. I own the special edition version and paired with the Black Df it's marvelous. The 58mm ... well I had 2 but each time I end selling it. Soooo many chromatic aberrations, even worse than the 85 f/1.4. My Trinity is AF-S 28 f/1.4E - ZEISS OTUS 55 F/1.4 ZF2 - AF-S 105 F/1.4E
The one lens I'd recommend if you're into manual focusing. The Voitlander Ultron 40mm F2 👌🏿 Excellent lens that even best the Nikon 50mm f1.8E & D, except it's manual focus only. But, it's a pancake lens. So you could fit the Df in your pocket.
@@BokehTherapy If you want a Voigtländer 40/2, go for the first version, which has a chrome ring and is still compact; the new SL Ⅱ version is beautiful but has lost its size advantage. Also if you're impressed by the Nikon 58/1.4G, you might want to give the Voigtlander 58/1.4 a try! They share a lot of similarities while being completely different in terms of experience.
As always interesting and soothing to listen to you. May I ask, if you are processing your voice in any way, because on my audio system it sounds excellent with a rich bass ?
Hello! I do my best to get my audio sounding passable, glad it sounds good to you! Shure SM7B does most of the work, just a compressor and a bit of light EQ. Thanks for watching!
I Have had my DF since it came out in 2013. Bought and sold many cameras since but they only make me appreciate my DF more, and more. It's the one camera I can't part with.
Df will always be the pure photography heart of Nikon. No video, tactical dials and buttons, pre-ai lens capability and the best part is the rich 16mp sensor from the D4.
very interesting. I have both .... df since a long time and now a Nikon zf since some month ..... I love both. Thanks for sharing your nice video !! so great ;))))
I like the Df+58 f1.4 combo. Colors appear pastel to me. The difference between your combo and my combo is about $3k USD. It hurts seeing the prices but it’s not like i had any intention on selling. And i can pick up a few i missed out on
I am only this comfortable buying used in Japan, in Australia it’s a huge gamble. They just take better care of their gear in Japan and Fujiya is amazing. It’s a great combo!
Another excellent video Jack, love the story telling especially the part where you break down your mental process before capturing the shot. I too am a big fan of the Df and 58G combo (to the tune of buying them 3 times over each). A lot of people rip on the 58G for being soft but they don't understand the designers intentions; check out the external link in the DPReview thread titled "Interview with Sato Haruo regarding 58mm f1.4g" (my comment gets deleted if I post an external link). In my mind the 28mm f1.4E, 58mm f1.4G and 105mm f1.4E are the perfect F mount trinity.
Thank you Larry - the f1.4 trinity is amazing, need to try out that 105mm next. I have a mixed relationship with 28mm so the f1.4 version would have been a big commitment! The f1.8G serves me great for now
24/1.4G or 28/1.4E to match the Df/58 rendering? I thought the 24 was by the same designer, and has the same more “vintage” style vs the 28E which was more modern? I wouldn’t say the 105/1.4E renders similarly to the 58G; not to my eyes, at least. I own one and love it, but the 105DC matches better to my eyes. 105E is wickedly killer sharp with a faster falloff into beautiful smooth bokeh, like a Tele version of the Leica fittylux, IMO.
@@Antwort2und40 Yup 24mm f1.4G and 35mm f1.4G both by Haruo Sato as well. I can't comment about the 24mm as I never owned it but I liked the 35mm f1.4 G a lot as well.
@@larryleung9514 thanks, Larry, I haven’t tried any of those yet. Would you say the 28/1.4E is a good match for the 58G? I vastly prefer 28 to 24. Fell in love with 28 on an M4P years ago and never let go. Great 28s are uncommon!! Reality is, I’m not skilled enough for 24 😂 haha
@@Antwort2und40I think you would love the 28 f1.4E, it is a great blend of sharpness, rendering and correction. The only downside is it's size and weight (especially when adapted to Z cameras).
The Df is appealing to me because I have the 35 f2 and 85 f1.4 AF-D lenses. I have no desire to replace those two lenses with new glass. And I have another lens that is a hidden gem released in 1979 and was a cheap lens and still is today - the E-series 50 f1.8. The two AF-D lenses happen to be quite good for IR and the 50 is a good lens for UV. So those three lenses provide even more than just fun in visible light photography. 🙂
35mm f2 Af-D comes highly recommended it seems - that will be my next lens to track down! DF gives access to so many lenses it’s crazy. Thanks for watching!
Hey Jack, odd question and apologies in advance! Can I ask the eyeglasses frame brand you are wearing in the video? the Amber and Green one. Great video as always mate!
Hello! My glasses are from an Australian brand Oscar Wylee. Just normal acetate frames that you can find, I think Warby Parker started the trended a while back? Thanks for watching, lovely to hear from you
@@BokehTherapy Thanks mate, I though they were the local Oscar Wylee ones, looks good! I'm changing frames and thinking of trying them out! cheers mate.
I was about to get the Nikkor 58 1.4, but then I decided to get the F mount Voigtlander 58 1.4 SLII instead. Brilliant lens on the Zf. The subject detection in manual focus mode is so satisfying with that lens. It''s almost cheating.
@ also I didn’t really like having to set the aperture ring on the lens to F16 and controlling it via control wheel, but after using it I really didn’t mind. The initial photos got me past not being able to control aperture on the lens. I plan on Z mount Voigtlander lenses in the future.
Hi Jack, great video, as always. Interesting new perspectives! You think your own thoughts, and what interesting and inspiring thoughts this are. Thank you, please carry on. And I'm looking forward to the monocrome video. A lot. As a colour shooter :-)
Hello Dirk! Yes I have become a big fan of monochrome in the past couple of years, hope to share that process in an interesting way next week. Nice to hear from you!
Hi, great video and I am of a similar mindset but I have not pulled the trigger yet. Can I be a bit critical for a moment ? You explain the virtues of the tactile feel and mf controls and yet you buy afs lenses and use the front and back dials, just like any other dslr. Also you discuss the AF-D lenses and for ‘character’ they beat the current z line up but for any other image quality they will fall way short. Good to see that you are happy with your purchase, however I think you are finding justification for it ( as I am trying to do) rather than focus on practical outcomes and real image differences between say the 58mm and the current z 50 1.4 that for most pictures don’t exist. I enjoy your thoughtful short stories so please keep going.
Hello! Love constructive feedback. I have a small arsenal of AIS lenses that I didn’t bring on the trip. Will be mostly shooting on those but I wanted to try out some used AF lenses too. Not at all focusing on practical outcomes, IQ wise the Zf + S line primes cover everything I need. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy Thanks for the reply. I am concerned that my pursuit of specific lenses and cameras to achieve a 'look and tactile feel during use' is effectively taking away from the time and focus that I should be using to improve the images I can create with the good gear I already have - effectively a GAS side track to nowhere. Seems to be a situation that many photographers find themselves struggling with.
I spent the end of last year streamlining a lot of my gear so I can relate to what you’re saying. Not sure if my photos are better but I have become more consistent. Think an excuse to go out shooting more often will be what drives any improvement in my photography, so I’m trying to make it even more fun with cameras like the DF.
The D850 was amazing in hand, also was in the running… but I bought a Z8 instead for the modern experience. Hope you get the D850, the ergonomics and IQ are second to none
The Df was my first DSLR and it was an intentional choice because of its similarity to Nikon's analog camera bodies like the FM3A. Plus, I could use all old Nikon lenses without limitations. Regarding the sensor: it's more than good enough. Weak is only the Df's AF, but for action a D4 is better and 50% cheaper.
The 58mm f1.4g was controversial at the time because of the emphasis on technical performance taking over the lens market at the time, oh and the price lol. It is timeless, a monster bokeh machine, and utterly beautiful in BnW.
I can’t believe it costs that much new, I paid less than half for a used copy. It is quickly becoming a favourite - thanks for sharing!
I love my 58mm f1.4 too. But I am kind of hoping, that Nikon will bring out a Z version non S-line like the 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4 for Z mount
@Niller-p9w yes! A new Z 58mm and 28mm is what I’m hoping for this year
I am Leica and Df shooter. I had the 58G. Bokeh is no way like Leica glass : no microcontrast in bokeh, curtain like backgroung. Quickly sold it
Oh the 58mm 1.4G is a masterpiece!!
Had the pleasure to test an old copy of Nikon Df and I must say that there was something special about it but it was too modern on the back. However it was a nice experience and I've always wanted to test one. Now I have my Zf and Zfc with Z8 for morencommercial work and I feel complete 🙂
Ok... maybe I would prefer a ZfcII with expeed7 😁
Czyli nie jestem jedyny oglądający z PL :P btw., fajne wideo o Zf ostatnio, miłego użytkowania, meega jest ;) Ciekawie też wysłuchać opinię kogoś kto dopiero "wchodzi" w system (Jack).
@JacekWPhoto haha yes I would love a ZS with expeed7, but wanted to try a DSLR to test vintage lenses. The DF is great, hope you’re well!
@marcinkosowski4807 still new to Nikon but enjoying the whole system, even the back catalogue!
Great video as always. I too was at Fujiya in Nakano a month ago and bought the 58f1.4g for my black Df. My favourite camera this far. The colours and rendering are just different.
Yes! We may have overlapped haha. The DF is fantastic, I am amazed how complete the shooting experience was, used it for most of my trip despite having a few other cameras to choose from. Thanks for sharing!
If I can suggest another Nikon F mount lens which is probably just as underrated as the 28mm f/1.8G : the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G
When talking about portrait lenses on the F mount system, most of the time people refer to the 58mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.4 gold ring lenses. Sometimes even the 135mm f/2 DC and 105mm f/2 DC. The 85mm f/1.8G is raealy mentioned, yet, it's probably the sharpest out of the entire list. It's basically the same size as the 58mm f/1.4, is weather sealed and cost something like... 200 bucks used?
It's a real underrated gem and it's really the kind of lens that makes me love the F mount system for its affordability.
My DSLR camera of choice, I chose it with the exact same reason as you : older flagship sensor that took place in a smaller body, known for its great low light performance and its unmatched color rendition and look with older lenses, except my camera is from the previous generation, it's the D700, taking the sensor from the D3. TO this day, I still haven't been able to find any camera (Df included) that would match the colors out of the D700, and it's not for a lack of searching (I tried the D600, Canon 5D and 6D... none of them matched it). In my opinion the D700 is a little bit of a more "approachable" camera, having a large grip, super good autofocus (when the Df is just "meh" getting the D610's AF system while the D700 has the same as the D3 and very close to the one used in the D4) and the cherry on top : you can get it for super cheap, finding one for 200 bucks isn't a hard task nowadays (although a clean one like the one I bought will be more in the 300 range)
As for the "Leica M experience", I have long tried to replicate it, and to me it's not only about the OVF and manual focus experience. It's also about the form factor and the "quietness" of a camera devoid of a mirrorbox. And to me, to this day, the only "real" alternative to a Leica M body (and in my opinion, is even better) is the Fujifilm X-Pro series and specifically the X-Pro2. You have the ability to use any adapter lens and still be able to manual focus it with the "electronic rangefinder" in the OVF, regardless if it was made for the mount or not (while on M bodies, you need a lens made for the M mount to use the rangefinder, otherwise you're down to zone focusing), and if you want to have the creature comforts of modern mirrorless cameras you just have to flich a switch to have a full EVF, and use an AF lens. Only compromise is that it's an APS-C camera, but that's one I'm willing to live with. Especially considering the fact that I could maybe afford a Leica M8, but definitely not an M9 or later !
Great video about the Df ! That made me want to buy one even though I already tested it and still prefer my D700, that's when you know it's a good video !
Yes I still love rangefinders, and have a M monochrom that i will talk about in the next video. Funny you mentioned color, how consistent I have found the color across Nikon cameras is one of the reasons I stopped shooting as much with the M10R. A simpler workflow is what I’m aiming for this year, color with Nikon, black and white with Leica. Thanks for sharing!
@@BokehTherapy Yes, Nikon cameras are pretty consistent in that regard. My D7000 has similar color rendering as my Z6 even though they're almost a decade apart. But my guess is that it's because it's all Sony sensors in Nikon cameras starting with the D600 and D7000. The D3, D700 and D3S all have a variant of the very first full frame sensor Nikon used, made by Panasonic rather than Sony. It would be the first and last sensor as Nikon reverted back to Sony as soon as the D600 and D800 dropped.
As such, the D3, D3S and D700 all have a bit of a different rendering compared to later Nikon cameras, closer to what you would find in what they released before (back when they were only making APS-C cameras, like the D2X or D200). If like me you like the rendering of those old Nikon's the full frame 12MPs are as good as it gets when it comes to image quality. I wish the D3X would be like that too but I think it had a Sony sensor inside it (it's also about as expensive as a D4S or Df even today)
Good to know!
Why get the 85mm 1.8g when you can get the older 1.8d for half the price, with amazing IQ, faster AF, and you can use it on Nikon's manual film cameras
@@JPCl I mean, that's a fair thing. The problem is that AF-D glass doesn't work with Z cameras as there is no AF motor in the FTZ adapter. As someone who shots both D and Z cameras like Jack (with a D700 and Z6 instead of Df and Zf), this is pretty important.
If I was shooting only D cameras, I would probably own a bunch of AF-D and AF lenses. (It's also worth mentionning that wile the IQ is good, it's not as good as the G version, that the lens lacks the weatehr sealing and it's not that much less expensive considering the G version is already at rock bottom for prices. A better question would be "why get the D when you can get the G?". Outside of the film camera compatibility (which doesn't matter to me since I'm not fond in paying 2 bucks each time I press the shutter), I only see benefits to the G version.
I still have my first DSLR, the D50, lying around in the corner of my startup. Every time friends come over, they can take a few snapshots to add to our photo wall. There’s just something about the mechanical clunk when pressing the shutter that makes it so much fun.
Having so many memories with a camera makes it hard to let go, but I couldn’t agree more that letting it become just a collectible isn’t a great fate for such awesome gear. Thank you for this bokeh therapy!
That’s a great idea, DSLR in the corner haha. Sounds fun! Thanks for watching and sharing!
Congrats on the new pick up. Would love a video of you detailing how you view each of your cameras as a tool for specific purposes. Why do you reach for the ZF vs the DF vs the Z8 and why you let other cameras go etc. I know you go into it in each respective video, but would be kind of informative to see how you see your set of tools (cameras) from a broader perspective. Also what you would like to acquire next (or if you GAS has been quenched...for now). Other than that big fan, and great photos. Also like the addition of why you like the photos you took. I am sure this takes a lot of extra effort, I appreciate it.
Hello! I promise I am not buying new cameras every other week haha. I streamlined all my setup last month so a few videos to come about what I use for which purpose. Monochrome shooting is next, but more to come still. Thanks for the feedback!
I'm so happy for the growth of your channel. Always refreshing!
hello, thanks so much! Viewers like yourself make all the difference for smaller channels starting out like mine.
I don't know Nikon DSLRs from Adam, but: beautiful photos. I enjoy the unique and instant way you explain your subjects.
Hello! Trying a new format for POV, glad the labels don’t disrupt from the flow of the video. Thanks for watching!
It appears Jack, that you and I both have similar taste in cameras. I acquired a low shutter count Df a while ago; for a great price in silver with the SE 50mm f1.8, a great combo. Also own a D4 and a Zf, they're all amazing cameras to use.
I only wish the Df had the same shutter sound as my D4, it's just an iconic clunk!
Another cracking video mate, love the work as always.
Inspiring me to visit Japan, again!
Hi Tex! I desperately wanted a SE 50mm f1.8, but couldn't track one down. Perhaps a gold edition DF next time if I see one in Tokyo haha. Thanks for watching!
You videos are so pleasant to watch. Thank you for your relaxed and informative style. I especially appreciate the written blurbs that you put onto your images to express what interested you in those images. I'm also a big fan of nice colors against dark backgrounds, especially when those colors are reflected off of other objects/surfaces.
Hello thanks for the feedback! The little labels on POV footage is a bit of an experiment. Might make a series on composition if it works out. I love night shooting in Japan because of that reflection of light in those big cities - it’s really beautiful
@@BokehTherapy Thank you BokehTherapyJack for your speedy reply and comment!
My pleasure - I love reading comments and it helps UA-cam figure out which videos to recommend. Thank you!
Great discussion about being into the performance and not the instruments of photography. I studied the comments on the 58mm f/1.4 for 3 years before succumbing. Best lens that I ever owned; best photos I ever took. I think that none of the negative reviewers studied its design goals or used it for any time. I'm all digital (z7s), now, but my 58mm is sitting on an FTZ II and will be with me always ... it's magical.
I got more keepers on the 58mm than any other lens this trip despite its flawed AF on the DF. FTZii and mirrorless fixed a lot of these issues. Thanks for watching!
I bought a Df a few months ago and absolutely love it, though I'm coming to the conclusion that the focus module needs to be recalibrated. I prefer AF-D lenses on it to G lenses because they have aperture rings. I'm using a 35mm f/2 AF-D as my "default" lens but my favourite shot so far was with a dirt cheap 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D ancient kit lens.
Oh AF-D is a rabbit hole I haven’t jumped down yet. The aperture ring would be nice !
@BokehTherapy the small primes are fantastic because you can throw a few in each coat pocket and not need a kit bag, but the one that feels right on the camera is definitely the 35mm f/2.
Another vote for the 35mm! Really need to try that next
I took on quite some risk when I bought a df right before starting my Bachelor Project in photography wth it... especially because in the mountains with some Turkish nomads there was no way of getting another camera. But truly I did not regret it a second. The camera is reliable, durable has great battery capacity and especially paired with an analogue Nikon to swap lenses its truly a great companion! Got a zf in addition to it 3 months ago , even if the df has a great sensor 16mp still has its limits in printing, especially when it comes to exhibiting...congrats to your great purchase !!
One battery lasts me 3 days on the DF… Mirrorless will never beat this I don’t think haha! That sounds like an amazing photography project, and the DF and Zf are great companions. Thanks for watching!
You are quickly becoming my favorite reviewer. Do what makes you happy! That camera looks amazing. It has my initials! 😜
Haha the DF is a lot of fun - thanks for watching as always!
You can actually buy 3rd party split-prism focusing screens for the Df too which enhances the vintage lens experience to another level. Really does feel like a digital F-series camera.
A lot of viewers have told me to track one down, thanks for watching and sharing your feedback!
Enjoy your Df Jack! I had one and didn't quite fully gel with it. Beautiful camera though!
Yes I can see all the points the critics have made - totally valid. Depends on the use case I guess, glad I didn’t have to pay too much for my copy. Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Great video! You should definitely check out the 105mm and 135mm “defocus control” lenses. I feel like they’d be right up your alley.
Did you get a chance to check out the Industry Zone in the Nikon museum? As a scientist, I feel like you’d maybe have greater appreciation for that than a majority of visitors.
Hello! Yes I spent a little too long staring at microscopes haha. A lot of B roll I filmed there may never make its way onto the channel
Also, had you bought the DF when it was new. There was a company selling swappable split shift focusing screens. I think you can still find the website, but I'm pretty sure they don't sell them anymore. However, if you're crafty, you can remove the DF focusing screen and mod up a split shift focusing screen (not for the inexperienced).
If you look inside the DF, you can tell that the focus screen was meant to come out. It's not like any other Nikon DSLR body.
Ohhh thanks for the tip. Lots of people suggesting the focus screen replacement
@@BokehTherapylet us know if you try that
Will do, camera service and repair is pretty limited in Australia sadly
@@BokehTherapy you don't need a shop to do it. Look up Nikon DF focusing screen. Should be the first video. The guy swapped his uncut in under 3min and he was going slow.
I bought the Df this past November and I was pleasantly surprised with this camera. The sensor is fantastic for low light shooting. The body was very unique, and the style is great. I used the 85mm f1.4D lens on this camera and I can capture beautiful images with this combination fully manual or use the autofocus.
I also have the 58mm f1.4g and love it. The most contraversal camera of its time, the Df, using a 58mm f1.4g contraversal lens of its time, ultimately turned out to be a great combination together.
The AF-D lenses are really appealing to me, that’s my next rabbit hole! Controversy seems to create some unique products, always worth a second look once it dies down. Thanks for sharing!
Oh and the Nikon Df split focusing videos are still up on UA-cam. You should check them out, b/c it'll change your perspective view on the focusing experience potential the Df has, if you actually decide to swap the focusing screen.
I'll give it a look, thanks for the tip!
Great video to start 2025. Shocked to see you traded in your M10-R. Enjoy the Df, looking forward to the next video
Thanks man - just wasn’t getting enough use out of the M10R, always wanted to shoot monochrom only when I picked up a M body. More in the next video!
58mm 1.4g is my workhorse for weddings for years.. When it comes for documenting people that lens is very hard to beat
It really is beautiful - 58mm is a wonderful working focal length and distance too. Thanks for sharing!
I used to own the 58mm f1.4G lens with D850. I loved that lens and I never felt like the autofocus was slow. I hope you get some great pictures with that lens!
Thank you - it has a very unique look that’s for sure!
Ai yi yi, you may be the single most thought provoking channel on the UA-cam for me. I debated a Df for a long time years ago. A while ago, your posts enticed me to spring for a Zf, which I love. Now you do this to me? I know my future holds a careful re-watch of this, as well as some of your other videos. All my best, sir.
Hello! DF is beautiful, might not be a good option for most but for me it made a lot of sense. Hope you’re doing well!
As always, another great video! Just got back from Japan too but got sick so didn't get to shoot as much as I wanted :( Love the quick live breakdown of your photo taking process! Very cool
Oh no, getting sick on holidays is the worst. I got sick towards the end of this trip, thankfully just a cold. Glad the quick breakdown is useful, still playing with the best POV format for the channel. Hope you still got some shots while you were in Japan!
Great video! Loved it for: Japan ( I love Japan), the instructive street fotos (a photographer like you should be on Flickr or some other more professional sharing site, not just on Instagram in my opinion) and the documentation of the shopping experience. The DF is interesting only if one has the time and passion for the old lenses. I used to enjoy my Voigtländer 58mm 1.4 SL F-Mount on the Fuji X-Pro2/T3. And I did fool around with some Takumar lenses (bought them from Japan via ebay). But the fact that I haven't used my cameras and lenses for weeks due to my job means that I have to be selective. I would probably not choose the DF over the ZF and my Voigtländer lenses. And everytime I choose the ZF for street trips, low light and the "retro" experience I do think about the Z8 with the 50 1.2 and the Plena in the cupboard at home-what a waste (a camera which can be used for street just as well, as you have proven).
Hello! I am not sure what photo sharing site is worth our time these days, perhaps getting back into Flickr is a good idea. I try to shoot once or twice a week these days, making time for it alongside the job can be tough. Hope 2025 is off to a good start for you!
You also definitely should invest in one of those lens tuning grids b/c there's plenty of lenses that will back or front focus on you.
Yes I’ve noticed that on the 58mm. Lots more testing to come
The Df has always been the camera I have always wanted ever since it released, but alas when it released I had only just graduated high school so I never had the money to buy it, new or used.
But yet all these years, the Df has never really left my mind, and even after I left the Nikon ecosystem in favour of the X-T5 (likely will stay with it for a very long time as a primary), I still kept three Nikon F lenses: 20mm, 35mm, 50mm. All D lenses, together with a Nikon film camera, in the vain hope that maybe one day I could dabble in full frame Nikon photography yet again.
Don't worry for the Fujifilm. I intentionally chose Fujifilm and its APS-C sensor for a reason.
I am a big Fujifilm fan, especially the XPro line! Waiting for an XPro4 to dive back into the ecosystem. Nikon have got a lot of Fuji users’ attention, if they keep going with this retro line they will gain a lot of fans with a Zfii or a ZS. Thanks for watching!
The only thing that kept me from grabbing a Df instead of an X-Pro3 was the lack of a native split prism viewfinder. I don't want to deal with the jank of changing it for one of the hacked versions, especially since the old go-to vendors are no longer active. Otherwise, I absolutely love the Df and I'd like to pick one up one day as a "fun" camera regardless. The ability to stick on virtually any F mount lens and go is ridiculously appealing.
Oh, the other thing is the whole controversy about Nikon refusing to service "grey market" cameras. I didn't want to risk ending up with a grey market used copy and have Nikon refuse to service it, especially given its age now.
Yes I’m not sure what’s going to happen if my DF breaks. I think taking it to Fujiya to see if they have a local contact to fix it might be my best play. Another reason to visit Japan lol
Regarding low light - this is exactly why I love the Leica SL2-S. Best sensor ever. You can push 12.500 iso two stops in Lightroom and you still have a great organic look.
Oh I’ve never used the SL2-S - beautiful camera!
Wow, I must admit, the Df looks like it was made for me! It is so cool to see it so well crafted and considered for photographers who really value and love the legacy of F mount glass. Having been shooting a lot of film on various Nikon cameras, the Df really appeals to me. I admit I would love to try a Leica at some point too. I have been told that they are not ideal for macro work due to the rangefinder and parallax, which is a bit of a deal breaker for me, but as you touch on in the video, I guess it could be a camera that has a more defined purpose of street photography.
Regardless, it is great to follow your photography journey, particularly to see you dive into the F mount!
A used Leica is still expensive but more manageable - maybe a film Leica makes more sense than digital for you? But yes the rangefinder and film make macro work a lot harder haha. The DF is great, but a bit too expensive for a 10 year old camera!
@BokehTherapy yeah, I feel if I did get a Leica it would probably be film. Looking over 2024, my best photos are all film. But I admit, when I wanted to be creative or push myself, I usually only took a film camera, so it is not too surprising. When you go out to shoot do you usually take two cameras?
Yes I usually do these days (Zf/Z8 plus DF) but it is usually counter productive. One body and two lenses is enough? One lens on the way there, different lens on the way back gives me the best results, or just one camera one lens
Looks like you made off with some fantastic gear. But for the last several months, my bokeh therapy has been building my Nikon film body collection and shooting film. I also develop my own black and white film now. Still trying to decide which films I prefer but I’m narrowing them down. I will likely be buying a 400’ roll of Eastman 5222 film stock that will give me ~72 rolls of 36 exposures. Just having loads of fun shooting film!
Oh man, shooting film sounds amazing. Haven’t taken that step yet, I’m sure it’s inevitable! What’s your favourite Nikon film body? I’ve had a few recommendations for a F6!
I've been a Df connoisseur since 2014 (more than 10 years, gosh) and still love it to death, it's now my main digital camera for manual F lenses. I just bought it a split & micro prism focus screen last year and the focusing experience is second to none. (I also own a Zf, but use it mainly for adapting M lenses).
Oh thanks for the tip, a few viewers have recommended the split screen prism. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting! For my non-Ai lenses I am doubting between Df and Zf.
@arneheeringa96 both work well, Zf is probably the better buy in 2025. The Z lenses are amazing
@BokehTherapy I have heard about problems with aperture on the adapters, not being able the put it past 5.6. Did you encounter such a problem? I have a EF-F dumb adapter and a M43-F. Guess I should try to find an EFTZ adapter. I think Neewer has one.
@arneheeringa96 I haven’t adapted much EF glass, and adapters on the Zf are all a bit flawed (even FTZii). Neewer makes a great chipped adapter but build quality is not great. Techart is pricy but everyone recommends it as the one to go for?
Get yourself a Nikon dk17 eyepiece for the Df. Makes the viewfinder way bigger. Absolute game changer.
Great tip - will see what I can find. Thanks for sharing
The DK-17M along with DK-19 is the one to get with a 1,2x magnifier (which actually makes the viewfinder 44% bigger) Unfortunately It's discontinued and pretty expensive on eBay at least. I managed to get one for 25 usd, but I was very lucky! I Love them on my Df and my D3s. Have to find another one to the D700!
@@BokehTherapy Beware, if you wear glasses when shooting, dk17m cuts out some corners (from my own experience, I sometimes wear glasses when shooting).
I don’t mind the current eyepiece - minimal and stays out of the way at least
@@BokehTherapy the default eyepiece is great, I use dk17m mostly for nailing critical focus with manual glass
I've been shooting on my DF for 9 years. I mostly shoot manual lenses. I've taken it all over the world and I still love it after all these years.
Glad to hear it! Hope my DF can go the distance. Did you need to have it serviced at any point? Thanks for watching!
@ Nope. It's always run perfect. And I've shot it in seriously extreme situations.
Great to hear!
Fantastic video on your journey as usual sir. Love your set-up and reasoning. Keep up the great work
Thanks, will do! I was unsure about the DF until trying it in person. Immediately gravitated towards the experience
Congrats on your DSLR! I had a Df for a while when they were new but I was just getting into my original Sony Mirrorless a7R at the time and didn’t use it much I sold it for I don’t remember what but more camera gear. I wish the Zf was that size. Have fun exploring the wide world of F mount lenses!
Hello I love my DF! The DSLR world is a lot of fun, what’s old is new again. Will look forward to your feedback on future videos!
@@BokehTherapy Your videos are so well crafted. I cut above 99% of the photo vloggers. Keep up the good work! Cheers!
Thank you!
The 58mm 1.4g and 35mm 1.4g are my favourite lenses. They are also so much better on mirrorless than the DSLR due to on sensor focusing, which is so critical for the 58mm in particular and when used wide open. For me the 58mm needs to be used on mirrorless to get the best at wide apertures.
Hello! Yes I had to fine tune the AF for the 58mm on the DF, tended to back focus a lot til I tweaked the setting. For how many keepers I still got with that lens, very much worth it still lol
@@BokehTherapy yep, on my D850 I had to go to +12 on the AF fine tune. The rendering on the 58 and 35 1.4g's has that special something for me. And of course the great thing about them is you can use them on both F and Z mount bodies. I am not knocking its performance on the original f mount but rather that it becomes even better on Z mount wide open due to improved focus accuracy.
@@ianmcpartland9306 Hope there's a native Z mount version coming soon too!
Haha, yes, I found Fujiya camera - a bit of a hidden gem compared to most of the Shinjuku camera shops. It's where I was able to get a 40mm Z f/2 at a good price. Thanks for the video.
Nice! The staff at Fujiya were curious how I found out about them, it’s not a common tourist spot apparently. A deep cut for those in the know lol
Oh mate I was so glad this video popped up for me! Don't have the df but but J have been totally obsessed with df for years. The size, the sensor, the look! Ive got my df saving fund on the side that slowly builds.
It’s worth saving up for, still quite a few floating around. Heaps in Tokyo for what it’s worth, it’s become very popular again. Thanks for watching!
My favourite camera of all times is the Nikon Df. I paired it with the manual Lens Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL II and it is an amazing combo. Real photography.
Great that Voigtlander is still making modern F mount lenses! I am trying to track down their manual 58mm f1.4, should have found a copy before leaving Japan lol. Thanks for watching!
I recently bought the Voigtlander 40mm SL-IIS for my Df and it might not ever come off. What a great match. Prior to that I was using AF-D lens: 24, 28, 35, 50mm. Small, light, compact. What else do you need?
@fairwayfrank another vote for that 40mm. Ok next on the list!
happy new year! great video! was a little puzzled about the trade until i finished the video. the DF is prob the best looking dslr i can think of! great job breaking down the street shots. love that effect!
Happy new year! Yes the trade was hard to make, but can’t afford to have a Leica lying around not being used lol. Glad the POV street breakdown makes sense, hope it doesn’t disrupt the video flow too much!
If you like the Plena in the Z Mount, I encourage you to check out the old defocus control 105mm and 135mm lenses. Not sure how many were made, but the quirky DC mechanism screams for your historic contextual treatment. Did anyone ever understand it? If it worked, why didn’t Nikon expand on the concept with new versions?
Oh thanks for the tip! I’ve been meaning to track down a copy of the 105 with DC mechanism, I don’t know its applications but very keen to find out
@ I think it also has an aperture ring. 👀
The other lens you may love is the AF-D version of the 28mm f/1.4. Not many copies made IIRC. Also, has an aperture ring!
The DC 105/135 allow you to adjust the correction of spherical aberrations in order to achieve either a smoother background or foreground blur. You adjust the value to the according aperture BEFORE focusing and then take the picture. The DCs are truly incredible in their depiction.
@adamaufdencamp5080 someone else recommended that 28mm to me - time for a deep dive I think
Congratulations Jack! 🎉 I think you made a purposeful and intentional choice. Beautiful DF! The lens gallery and that camera shop makes me drool! 😂
Thanks Juliette! I have retooled my gear quite thoroughly in the last couple of months, hence all these videos about new cameras. I don’t buy new gear all the time, just seems that way haha. Hope you’re well, happy 2025!
@@BokehTherapy well, I love the choice! It's counterintuitive to some but that Df is something I've had my eye on for years. Some bodies you just have to buy for their history apart from their performance or reputation among the masses. I think that's one you'll hang onto for a good while.
It would make a lot of sense for your collection of vintage glass too. I am surprised at how much I like it!
@@BokehTherapy it's on my look out list!
Jack - I really love your videos dude - please never stop. Your artistic flare, your scientific mind - a match made in camera heaven. Who would ever think to trade a Leica in on a 'crappy' old Df - oh yes, you did!! Ha, ha!
Haha yep it’s a crackpot trade that’s for sure. Freed up some extra funds in addition to the DF to invest in future videos. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
It is usually the other way around, trading in cameras for a Leica. Nicely done. I love using the Df, great image quality and stunning design, despite it's flaws. Would love to try out some manual lenses.
Haha yes it is isn’t it, can’t predict the cameras we resonate with. There are a lot of manual lenses I want to test and the DF is great for that. Thanks for watching!
Funny, I just sold my M11 and re-bought a camera I had back when it was launched… the Df. With 58/1.4G which I loved from launch even when it was derided by all the pundits. I sold it back in 2015 or thereabouts as I sunk deeper into Leica.. and have missed it since. I love the D4 sensor, and really missed the WYSIWYG of the OVF for some things.
Also a factor for me, the massive lens lineup the Df can access. There’s some real gems in there.
For my 28, a focal length I adore, I chose the 28/1.4D. And added a 50/1.8G (still sold new here in the USA) for traveling light (and also love that lens on my F6). And added a 105DC for portraiture, that’s a magic lens.
I can also use all my old MF Nikkors, of course.
Wonderful camera. It’s not perfect, but the Df/58G is one of my favorite pair up’s across decades of photography gear.
Funny we just went a similar direction…
I’m still keeping my film Leicas, as I still find film B&W better than digital (I haven’t tried the M11M but although I liked my M9M in the end I preferred film), and I have a darkroom for printing which is another aspect to enjoy.
Add a F6 to your collection if you don’t have one. It’s a great partner to the Df (although haptics match the D# cameras better than the Df).
Ok I’m not crazy for going this direction! Haven’t gone down the film route yet, will keep your recommendation in mind for when it inevitably happens given how similar our tastes seem to be. Thanks for watching!
@ sell the Leica M and you can buy a F6 for your modern glass, and a F2 and the Noct you had on the Df ;)
I just picked up a Noct-haven’t wrapped my head around it yet. Works great on the Df tho.
If you want cheap old Nikkor glass with character, try the Nikkor-S 35/2.8, Nikkor-H 28/3.5. Both are very interesting albeit different so check the rendering first. And of course the 50/1.8 pancake. For a little more $ I have enjoyed the 45mm 2.8 GN, and Nikkor-H(C) 85/1.8.
Looking forward to following your journey. I don’t regret the move at all. Hopefully you end the same.
Mmmm the Noct sounds amazing… worth saving up for I think
@@BokehTherapy my hot first take is if you like the 58G you’ll like it. 😎
Haha from the sounds of things if you like it I will love it too!
Enjoyed the video, and thanks for showing this camera some love. The afd lenses are why I still have the Nikon DSLRs. Both the DF and a D700. A 28/2.8, 35/2, or the nifty 50 paired with the DF makes a light and fun kit with great colours.
The D700 is a legend! Thanks for watching!
Wonderful story, and sounds like a great experience for you. Loved your question at the very end. About whether a dedicated device makes for a better experience with mono. I admit the B&W is the only film sim I use on my Fujifilm X-T5 (which I put up for sale last night), and one thing that draws me to the possibility of the Zf is that dial. (Not a surgeon, so I can't have a Leica yet.)
You always make me think, and your videos are always so peaceful, too.
Hi Chris! I was surprised with the difference the monochrome dedicated shooting experience made - looking back at the footage I behaved very differently and picked different subjects knowing I don’t have color. Haha I am no surgeon either, I really shouldnt be a Leica shooter lol. More next week!
Great video Jack. I too am a Leica M10-R shooter but I’m not selling it unless the M12 comes with a built-in EVF. 😂 Seriously, I’m a relatively new Nikon shooter as well. I bought the Zf about 18 months ago, just added the Z6 III to my kit 2 days ago, and I’ve been eyeing the Df for a number of years. This is by far the most balanced overview of this camera I’ve ever seen on UA-cam.
I remember when the Df hit the market and the amount of hate it received. It would still cost close to $2.5K USD to buy this camera, 3 lenses, batteries, and any other accessories. If I would ever add the Df to my kit it would be a manual focus camera only for me. But honestly I don’t need it. It makes more sense for me to pick up 3 AI lenses with a couple of adapters and use them on my Zf and Z6 III.
We shall see. Be well.
Hello, always great to hear from fellow Leica and Nikon shooters! The two brands give off a very similar vibe so I'm not surprised how many of us there are haha. The DF is a nice to have, but the ZF is everything I need for photography. The two as a combo is fun, thanks for watching!
Looks like you are hitting quite an audience with this video :)
Awesome job as usual Jack! I also wanted to take a look at the Df, but in Europe it's too expensive for me to add to my pile of cameras :D. I already have too many cameras I don't regulary use :D
That being said I'm excited my 50mm 1.8 G lens will arrive today and then I will be able to shoot with the workhorse Nikon D700 I recently got of a local marketplace.
Looking forward for your M11M video and enjoy your new gear my friend :)
I really like the 50mm 1.8 G! Maybe that’s the lens we should collab on haha, nobody would watch in all likelihood. I currently have 4 cameras, seems like a nice round number. Hope it stays that way this year but quite unlikely. Talk soon!
@@BokehTherapy I have still way too many cameras, but really have a lot of fun with them 😀
I just have an idea and send you a DM 👍
Sounds great - another collab to start 2025!
I love this. It’s funny, recently I have started seeing DF’s become available, again. Then, someone just asked me (today) if I have any interest in the DF. Not, I open UA-cam to find that you’ve uploaded this video. Maybe it’s a sign? lol
Hi Skyler! Love your recent setup video, I have fallen back in love with DSLRs of late. Glad to see yours are still going strong
Basically the same camera as the D700 which is also popular for its 16MP sensor. I would love a 16MP sensor even in APS-C again like the D7000.
16MP is totally fine for my editing workflow I’ve found. Or maybe my eyesight is going earlier than I thought lol
Have you read about the newly rumored f to Z adapter that will include screw drive for af-d lenses? It was mentioned back call Nickon rumors on the 14th of December. It wouldn't be the first such rumor but we can only hope to it's veracity.
I read the rumour, was very excited by it, then came back to Earth haha. Really skeptical it will come out but excited if it does!
Oh, did you have that Monochrom already? I was wondering what you would do with your M-mount lenses... adapt for Zf? I guess not (just that). Df, I remember its release, a friend of mine at Nikon showed it to me and I was not sure about whether it would work... Years later he showed me the Zf and I was way more convinced this time. I think the Df will remain a bit of a niche classic, but you paired it will some quality glass :) Enjoy!
Hello! Anytime I shot Leica M for the past year it was always monochrom - the Zf was used for all my color work… so it made sense for the M10R to go. The DF is definitely niche, either love it or hate it apparently lol
I always wanted the Df, but was insanely expensive in its time. The Zf has scratched that itch almost fully, but I'm kind of jealous seeing you with the Df! The OVF and native F mount are super desirable!
It’s perfect for all the manual glass we both love, actually a way smaller setup than adapting on the Zf. The pricing is kinda crazy for a 10 year old camera though!
@ Do you post your photography anywhere?
I used to use Flickr and IG a lot, but realised there was not much point. I will update my website with photos later this month hopefully! How about you?
@@BokehTherapyIG but I feel similarly. It’s defeating and I feel indecisive. Also a lot of my best photos are family which I would rather keep private.
Family photos are the most important ones - I print as many as I can and do a photobook every year. Maybe at my daughter’s 21st there will be a 2 hour slideshow I will force all the guests to sit through haha
Loved the video. I own a silver DF and perfectly understand what you mean about “the experience” I’m all about it. That’s actually why I also own a Leica M8, M-D typ262, M10D, Epson RD1x, Hasselblad 500CM with Instax Back. I do own more modern cameras like the Nikon Zf, the Fuji X100vi, Ricoh GRIII, Fuji X70 but it is a lot less of a “experience”.
Oh great collection - the silver DFs I saw all had a lot more use, think the owners loved them more! You have a great collection, hope you keep finding time to shoot. Thanks for watching!
lovely YT vid. thanks for the effort and sharing. i just picked up a Z6 and wanted to pair the 58/1.4 via the FTZ. i like your vibe. thumbs up.
There was some AF finetuning I had to do on the DF with this lens, it works better AF wise via FTZ for sure. Happy shooting!
It's kind of kismet that I'm watching this video on a snowy day in the northeastern US -- I was gonna go out later with my D700 to get some snow pics instead of my Zf solely for the tactile experience (and because I don't take out my D700 enough.)
You could go further with MF on the Df by installing a split focus screen too
Hello, the D700 is an awesome camera, that sounds super fun! I have looked into the split focus screen, may go down that rabbit hole given enough time lol. Happy shooting!
Fascinating and very well structured and presented video. I've long considered a Df, even as a M9 owner, due to the sensor, manual controls, and access to the huge range of Nikon glass. It does seem crazy to give up a M10 R, but if this gives you joy, then it's worth it.
M10R is probably best value M body right now that is still very modern - glad someone else will get to shoot with my copy. Very happy with the color work on Nikon, and monochrom on Leica. Thanks for sharing!
Even though I mainly use the Z8 these days, the D700 and the Df are my two favorite DSLRs.
I hope to use the DF for fun, Z8 for fun + work. A great combo!
Appreciate why you did the trade, but I still can't equate a rangefinder vs a SLR - different experiences. But that said, the Zf and the manual focus aids are tempting.... For my retro DSLR experience, I have a very used Canon 5DMk2, which harks back to my old EOS film cameras and lenses.
Nice, the legend 5dmk2!! Just as much if not more EF glass I’d like to try. I haven’t given up on rangefinders, just realised I prefer shooting monochrome on Leica M. More next week!
Thnx Jack, for making this video.
My pleasure- thanks for watching!
Always considered getting a Df. I think a big reason it got a lot of flak was just the horrendous video features as it was pretty much a photography only experience. It came out in that time when hybrids were starting to get commonplace.
Yes not retro enough, but not modern enough either. Today it seems fine, way wackier releases out on the market haha
Another exciting video. I knew you would enjoy the Df which when I had it was a fun camera to shoot with for me. The sensor is amazing as you mentioned. It is fun to see the lenses that you ended up picking up as well. I had that 58mm myself and did enjoy it. I guess we gravitate towards things that intrigue us and less towards items that are "popular"
Thanks for doing a video showing the process that you went thru getting a new camera in Japan. I have watched a few videos and purchased things from the used stores there before but never tried to trade anything in. Had wondered what it would take. One of my Leica bodies could be traded this upcoming trip for me.
Looking forward to your comments on the M11 Monochrome. This is one body that intrigues me. Keep up the great work..
Hi Dan! We have very similar tastes in gear, tracked down the DF after you and a few other people mentioned it. The trade in process was super smooth at Fujiya camera, really interesting to see how they tested different parts of the rangefinder as part of the trade in. M11 Monochrome vs Zf monochrome is next week!
Nah, the most hated Nikon camera is the oily beast that is the D600 😅
DF is great if you own it and actually learn its economics. Like the ISO dials can actually be turned with just your left thumb. But those who don't or didn't own it don't know that, and just complain about having to press deliberately then turn.
The battery door was made flimsy to be removed easily, similar to a film camera. It's also to lower the risk of the little pegs breaking. If you've owned Nikon's long enough, those little pegs snap. But the DF is very likely. I used to just stick the battery door in my mouth when swapping batteries. 😅
As for handling, this is really a two hand camera. My primary hand to hold it was my left hand under the lens, and that made using it comfortable. Once I started doing that, I removed my half leather case b/c I didn't need the extra grip depth anymore, and it made the camera smaller. It's chunky but with a 50mm E series it's very slim, even compared to a Leica 50mm 1.8
Overall dope camera. No video sucks, but you could use an external recorder to record the LV at 30fps. It just had the tiny focus square. Not worth doing even with cropping or using software to remove it. Nikon really dropped the ball by not adding at least 24,25, 30, 60fps in 720p, 1080i & 1080p.
I'd buy another one. It still has slightly better colors and noise patterns imo over the ZF. It's like someone turned up the vibrancy slider on the ZF to make up for the little dip in color accuracy.
I looked into a halfcase because of the battery door issues I’ve read about - still holding on for now thankfully. It’s a small package and manual focus makes me use both hands to shoot. Thanks for sharing!
Right now I'm using and loving the Zf. I'm also considering getting the 58mm f1.4 (I've already owned it twice).
I'm torn between using the 58mm on the Zf or getting a DF just for the 58mm. Jack, can you compare the the 58mm on both the Zf and DF for both usability and picture quality? Thanks.
The autofocus is a lot better on FTZ - image quality would be comparable, the DF gives great results. It’s just the bulbous form factor when you add the adapter. Hopefully a Z mount version comes soon
@@BokehTherapyThanks for the reply. I never did like the FTZ with the 58mm on my Z7. Although that's smaller/lighter than carrying an extra body around.
Yes for sure - adapters are not perfect but it gives old lenses new life
Can you please compare the screen size of the Df optical viewfinder against the electronic viewfinder from the Zf? Because the OVF of my D600 looks pretty small now if you are used to the bigger EVF.
Mmm I find the experience quite comparable? Not as big as the D850 but it’s the same eye cup and very comfortable to use on the DF
I do wonder how the new Photoshop camera raw denoise works on the DF at ISO 12,800 b/c LR still blurs everything.
Haven’t tested the AI Denoise in too much detail - the extra time it takes isn’t worth it for my work most of the time. If it’s that high an ISO usually something else is wrong with the photo lol
Hi Jack I had 2 Dfs over the time one had a split screen which was great fun to use
Ohhh I would be very tempted by a second DF if I find another good copy. It ticks all the boxes for a fun camera to use.
I cherish my (black) Df. it is a magical body with a magical sensor, and I've always liked its rendering more than any digital Leica I've owned (M8, M9, M10 - I've given up on digital Leica M for good). The combo with the 58G is just right. Would recommend you try the Df with a 105mm f/2 DC and 180mm AF-D. Another lens that meshes real well with the Df is the Zeiss ZF2 35mm f/2. On the vintage Nikkor manual focus front, most primes are great fun with the Df. The list is almost infinite, as you have seen at the museum. My only disappointment with the Df was a shutter failure at under 15,000 clicks (was told it was a widespread point of failure). It would have been nice if the Df had gotten the D4 shutter and AF module instead of the D610's, especially at the launch price. Whatever you do, do NOT swap the original focusing screen with a 3d party split screen. That is not a reliable alternative to the integrated electronic rangefinder and introduces calibration issues as well as dust and smudges if you do not get it 100% right at first attempt. I ruined the OVF of my (silver) backup Df fiddling with that stuff. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the experience as much as I do. It still overshadows the Zf in my world.
Amazing tips, thanks for sharing! Will keep an eye on the shutter failure, hoping to keep my DF for a long time to come as there are so many F mount lenses I’d like to try
I've been also thinking of that DF to get along my ZF.
You did the right thing.
Yes it is a great combo! Work wonderfully together for AF and MF lenses
I didn’t know about the Df being smaller! Are you going to miss the megapixels from your Leica? It was only until last year that my 28 1.8g was my most used lens, the new Z mount isn’t really a replacement. Having shot film in the 80’s the lack of a focusing screen on the Df was the dealbreaker! Excellent video as always, I appreciate your thoughts and your content! 👍🏾🔥
I have a really funny relationship with megapixels - I always think I need more, but I didn’t notice any difference editing 16 versus 40 or 60. Maybe I don’t crop as much as I think I do or my eyesight is getting worse lol. The DF is still very modern, and holds up to other digital cameras but it is not retro enough for most. Thanks for sharing Darryl, hope you’re well!
It seems to me manual focusing fast lenses on this wide open is not fully tenable. The confirmation dot is not accurate at fast apertures, similar to a rangefinder patch. There’s no focus peaking. So you either estimate distance or take a burst moving back and forth and hope one is in focus or shoot at slower apertures for manual focus lenses, it seems. I looked at this camera a long time ago and I’m sticking with my d780 as my one and only Nikon dslr. It is, however, an intriguing camera if you have Nikon F glass still. It’s a nice compact package for the 1.8 lenses that you used.
On the AIS 50mm f1.2 I manage to get enough shots in focus at f1.2 - it is doable, but not that great, just like the rangefinder patch lol. D780 is great! Took a really close look at one in Tokyo too but decided on the Df
On the Nikon DSLR side of things I am looking to purchase both the Nikon D750 and Nikon D780
I took a really close look at a D780…. It looks fantastic! Opted for the DF this time around
@BokehTherapy Both are great cameras I think the Nikon DF has the Nikon D750 sensor just like the Nikon Z5 does
The D750 is a legend, should be some great deals around
@BokehTherapy ON the Canon DSLR side of things I intend to purchase both the Canon 80D and Canon 90D. Also side note I think Pentax Colour science is wonderful. As on any Nikon DSLR and Nikon Mirroless camera you can put the Pentax K20D Camera as a picture profile on your camera. I absolutely love the Pentax colour science it's similar to Canon and Fuji colour science rolled into one. But equally as appealing and then some.
I haven’t gone down the Canon DSLR rabbit hole yet - need more dry storage before then lol
At first I was left confused anyone would ever trade a literal luxury car like a Leica in for the equivalent of the Honda civic of cameras but seeing how you still have a Leica it makes sense. I owned almost every Nikon with the exception of the DF but I do have to admit that I captured some of my best moments with a Nikon. Happy shooting with your new DF.
Haha yes the DF is rather Honda civic like. Way more modern than retro, a decade after release. Thanks for watching!
I think of the Df more like an older civic type R - offered in manual only :)
If Df is old type R, then Zf is the new type R with rev matching.
That’ll make M a 911 and Q a cayman
I am in the process of going the other way, tempted to release my ZF in the hunt for a Leica. However, I am specifically after a -D variety which is its own niche altogether. Perhaps I can just use my ZF with the screen in (which I do), but the EVF is still a thing. I suppose this is the dance.
Ohh the M11D is very nice, had a quick play with one. The M11 mono has enough restrictions for me lol. Thanks for sharing!
Great storytelling! Amazing photos.
Thanks so much - Japan is amazing for street photography!
I recommend trying nikon 20-35mm F2.8 AFD with DF.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Love your videos Jack @bokehtherapy. I hope you won’t mind a style comment… something I enjoy about your videos is how you weave a contemplative dimension throughout multiple layers. For me, the text labels on your shots about what you were thinking about compositionally disrupts that. Your shots are great and don’t need any explanation. While It would be great to see a video discussing your composition choices, IMHO this new label thing takes away from the alchemy of your narration, the music, video and stills. All the best for 2025.
Oh thanks for the feedback - was trying out the labels, some people like it others don’t. It takes more work to add them so an easy choice lol. Thanks for sharing!
Hello !
certainly the best trade and purchase you could have done ! The Df is sooo gorgeous. I love mine and won't trade it for sure.
regarding your lens choice, selling the M10R could have allowed you to get a better choice.
First, the 28mm f/1.4 which I own is a game changer. It's a E version that works also flawlessly on Leica SL...
The 50 1.8 is a good choice. I own the special edition version and paired with the Black Df it's marvelous.
The 58mm ... well I had 2 but each time I end selling it. Soooo many chromatic aberrations, even worse than the 85 f/1.4.
My Trinity is AF-S 28 f/1.4E - ZEISS OTUS 55 F/1.4 ZF2 - AF-S 105 F/1.4E
Nice - there are so many lens choices! Lots of time to hunt down different F mount lenses now that I have the DF. Thanks for the insight!
@ definitively it’s a no end story ! So many choices
Will start with the smaller lenses first on the DF; that 105mm looks very special though
The one lens I'd recommend if you're into manual focusing. The Voitlander Ultron 40mm F2 👌🏿
Excellent lens that even best the Nikon 50mm f1.8E & D, except it's manual focus only. But, it's a pancake lens. So you could fit the Df in your pocket.
Mmm the Voigtlander F mount glass is very appealing. Still making modern F mount glass!
@@BokehTherapy If you want a Voigtländer 40/2, go for the first version, which has a chrome ring and is still compact; the new SL Ⅱ version is beautiful but has lost its size advantage.
Also if you're impressed by the Nikon 58/1.4G, you might want to give the Voigtlander 58/1.4 a try! They share a lot of similarities while being completely different in terms of experience.
@NovaDNG I was going to pick up the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 in Tokyo but sadly ran out of carry on space. Costs 2X in Australia!
As always interesting and soothing to listen to you. May I ask, if you are processing your voice in any way, because on my audio system it sounds excellent with a rich bass ?
Hello! I do my best to get my audio sounding passable, glad it sounds good to you! Shure SM7B does most of the work, just a compressor and a bit of light EQ. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the swift reply.
I was just curious as your audio stands out from the other channels that I follow.
Great to hear, audio is really hard to get right actually. So much effort to make a tiny little difference, similar to photography in many ways
I Have had my DF since it came out in 2013. Bought and sold many cameras since but they only make me appreciate my DF more, and more. It's the one camera I can't part with.
Great to hear - I had that feeling as soon as I started shooting with it. Hope my shutter holds out for the long haul!
Df will always be the pure photography heart of Nikon. No video, tactical dials and buttons, pre-ai lens capability and the best part is the rich 16mp sensor from the D4.
It’s a wonderful experience - hope the Zf line continues for Nikon now that they’ve moved to mirrorless
Excellent video! Absolutely love th Df, would love to see more videos of it.
Great to hear, more to come soon!
very interesting. I have both .... df since a long time and now a Nikon zf since some month ..... I love both. Thanks for sharing your nice video !! so great ;))))
It’s a great combo - I love both cameras!
I like the Df+58 f1.4 combo. Colors appear pastel to me. The difference between your combo and my combo is about $3k USD. It hurts seeing the prices but it’s not like i had any intention on selling. And i can pick up a few i missed out on
I am only this comfortable buying used in Japan, in Australia it’s a huge gamble. They just take better care of their gear in Japan and Fujiya is amazing. It’s a great combo!
go explore some zeiss Zf glasses i am sure your will will love a few of those on your nikon Df for manual experience
Hello thanks for the recommendation! There are so many options, one lens at a time haha. Thank you for watching and commenting
Oh my… i just picked between a used DF or the zf.. Zf arrive tomorrow.But after watching this i need both 🤣 love your vids and Photography!
Haha yes both is a great combo, but the ZF is beautiful. Still my favourite camera! Thanks for watching!
Another excellent video Jack, love the story telling especially the part where you break down your mental process before capturing the shot. I too am a big fan of the Df and 58G combo (to the tune of buying them 3 times over each). A lot of people rip on the 58G for being soft but they don't understand the designers intentions; check out the external link in the DPReview thread titled "Interview with Sato Haruo regarding 58mm f1.4g" (my comment gets deleted if I post an external link).
In my mind the 28mm f1.4E, 58mm f1.4G and 105mm f1.4E are the perfect F mount trinity.
Thank you Larry - the f1.4 trinity is amazing, need to try out that 105mm next. I have a mixed relationship with 28mm so the f1.4 version would have been a big commitment! The f1.8G serves me great for now
24/1.4G or 28/1.4E to match the Df/58 rendering? I thought the 24 was by the same designer, and has the same more “vintage” style vs the 28E which was more modern?
I wouldn’t say the 105/1.4E renders similarly to the 58G; not to my eyes, at least. I own one and love it, but the 105DC matches better to my eyes. 105E is wickedly killer sharp with a faster falloff into beautiful smooth bokeh, like a Tele version of the Leica fittylux, IMO.
@@Antwort2und40 Yup 24mm f1.4G and 35mm f1.4G both by Haruo Sato as well. I can't comment about the 24mm as I never owned it but I liked the 35mm f1.4 G a lot as well.
@@larryleung9514 thanks, Larry, I haven’t tried any of those yet. Would you say the 28/1.4E is a good match for the 58G? I vastly prefer 28 to 24. Fell in love with 28 on an M4P years ago and never let go. Great 28s are uncommon!!
Reality is, I’m not skilled enough for 24 😂 haha
@@Antwort2und40I think you would love the 28 f1.4E, it is a great blend of sharpness, rendering and correction. The only downside is it's size and weight (especially when adapted to Z cameras).
The Df is appealing to me because I have the 35 f2 and 85 f1.4 AF-D lenses. I have no desire to replace those two lenses with new glass. And I have another lens that is a hidden gem released in 1979 and was a cheap lens and still is today - the E-series 50 f1.8. The two AF-D lenses happen to be quite good for IR and the 50 is a good lens for UV. So those three lenses provide even more than just fun in visible light photography. 🙂
35mm f2 Af-D comes highly recommended it seems - that will be my next lens to track down! DF gives access to so many lenses it’s crazy. Thanks for watching!
Love the 50 1.8 E! Great on the Df!
@jfaz I really dig this 50mm - great value and tiny form factor. Smaller than mirrorless options!
Hey Jack, odd question and apologies in advance! Can I ask the eyeglasses frame brand you are wearing in the video? the Amber and Green one. Great video as always mate!
Hello! My glasses are from an Australian brand Oscar Wylee. Just normal acetate frames that you can find, I think Warby Parker started the trended a while back? Thanks for watching, lovely to hear from you
@@BokehTherapy Thanks mate, I though they were the local Oscar Wylee ones, looks good! I'm changing frames and thinking of trying them out! cheers mate.
I have terrible eyesight so the glass always costs more than the frames. Otherwise I’d upgrade every year - hope you find a good pair!
@@BokehTherapy Thanks, mate! My astigmatism’s gotten worse, so I’m getting new glasses!
I was about to get the Nikkor 58 1.4, but then I decided to get the F mount Voigtlander 58 1.4 SLII instead. Brilliant lens on the Zf. The subject detection in manual focus mode is so satisfying with that lens. It''s almost cheating.
I would love to try that lens - do you use it on FTZii?
@ yes. I do wish the FTZ was smaller but the Voigtlander is small enough that it doesn’t affect it too much. The rendering and colors are so good.
@ also I didn’t really like having to set the aperture ring on the lens to F16 and controlling it via control wheel, but after using it I really didn’t mind. The initial photos got me past not being able to control aperture on the lens. I plan on Z mount Voigtlander lenses in the future.
OK thanks - I love voigtlander glass!
Hi Jack, great video, as always. Interesting new perspectives! You think your own thoughts, and what interesting and inspiring thoughts this are. Thank you, please carry on. And I'm looking forward to the monocrome video. A lot. As a colour shooter :-)
Hello Dirk! Yes I have become a big fan of monochrome in the past couple of years, hope to share that process in an interesting way next week. Nice to hear from you!
Hi, great video and I am of a similar mindset but I have not pulled the trigger yet. Can I be a bit critical for a moment ? You explain the virtues of the tactile feel and mf controls and yet you buy afs lenses and use the front and back dials, just like any other dslr. Also you discuss the AF-D lenses and for ‘character’ they beat the current z line up but for any other image quality they will fall way short. Good to see that you are happy with your purchase, however I think you are finding justification for it ( as I am trying to do) rather than focus on practical outcomes and real image differences between say the 58mm and the current z 50 1.4 that for most pictures don’t exist. I enjoy your thoughtful short stories so please keep going.
Hello! Love constructive feedback. I have a small arsenal of AIS lenses that I didn’t bring on the trip. Will be mostly shooting on those but I wanted to try out some used AF lenses too. Not at all focusing on practical outcomes, IQ wise the Zf + S line primes cover everything I need. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy Thanks for the reply. I am concerned that my pursuit of specific lenses and cameras to achieve a 'look and tactile feel during use' is effectively taking away from the time and focus that I should be using to improve the images I can create with the good gear I already have - effectively a GAS side track to nowhere. Seems to be a situation that many photographers find themselves struggling with.
I spent the end of last year streamlining a lot of my gear so I can relate to what you’re saying. Not sure if my photos are better but I have become more consistent. Think an excuse to go out shooting more often will be what drives any improvement in my photography, so I’m trying to make it even more fun with cameras like the DF.
I like the Df, but I really want a new D850. I have the Zeiss Otus lenses to go with it already.
That, with the Zf as a backup, are all I need.
The D850 was amazing in hand, also was in the running… but I bought a Z8 instead for the modern experience. Hope you get the D850, the ergonomics and IQ are second to none
The Df was my first DSLR and it was an intentional choice because of its similarity to Nikon's analog camera bodies like the FM3A. Plus, I could use all old Nikon lenses without limitations. Regarding the sensor: it's more than good enough.
Weak is only the Df's AF, but for action a D4 is better and 50% cheaper.
Yep I found the AF to need quite a bit of fine tuning, but it’s fine on the 50mm 1.8 g. Mostly manual focus glass for me. Thanks for watching!
For a hated dated camera the DF holds its value well.
Cult classic - people either love it or hate it for some reason. Most mirrorless options are bland enough that they depreciate like crazy
Also, it is the smallest Full Frame DSLR.
I wasn’t sure! But yes it’s the smallest one I could find at Fujiya camera