Nikon Df review: A classic remade?

You can replace the focusing screen with a split prism (been done only a year or 2 after this review). While the method isn't official it's incredibly easy to upgrade. You can look to Richard Haw website to upgrade to a split prism.

I really like my Df, with 4 complaints - exposure control changes I think most people would want Nikon to make. The ideal arrangement exists on the Fujifilm X100F. What I hate specifically about the DF:
1. The 'pull-to-change' buttons should be changed to 'push' or maybe just have spring-detents; whichever and wherever they are.
2. Setting the F-stop manually is a complete failure, should be a separate control like the shutter-speed control.
3. The concentric dials for ISO/exposure compensation should be reversed; the ISO on top, the compensation on bottom.
4. The mode setting dial is too small, and is one of the 'pull' controls that is hard to pull.

[Edit] Change my opening statement to read: The PERFECT arrangement exists on the Fujifilm X100F, which would be even more perfect if it had interchangeable lenses. Never mind that the X100F is not an SLR; its complete optical viewfinder/LCD system is a very VERY satisfactory replacement for the SLR system.

I dream with new Nikon Df2 with hybrid viewfinder and 24 mpx sensor

Got a used Df, with less than 30.000 shots, for a very good price. Sold my D700 to pay for it.
I mostly shoot on aperture priority, with manual ISO setting.
Handling: the Gariz half case is good improvement.
Autofocus: I disagree it does not work well in low light. So far, so good, I cannot notice problems in low light. Lenses used: AF-S 24-70 2.8 mainly, AF85mm1.4D Haven't tried my Sigma 100-300 f/4 HSM yet. (Get that lens if you can find one, it is awesome!).
Controls: I used for many years a Canon F1n and prime lenses (not L...). I found my way very quickly with the Df, quicker than with the D700. How would it slow one down? Maybe if you are a sport photographer...
I can change ISO with one hand, using two fingers, very quickly. Easier for me than with the D700.
Strangely enough, I find that the sensor renders colours, and overall tones differently, maybe more like "old" slides would. It is trickier to work with when the light isn't uniform, or comes from the back of the scene.

After reading this review and all these comments, I'm very excited to purchase the Df as my first full frame camera. D4 sensor for half the price for great low light performance, manual dials which to me are a huge selling point as I've been waiting for a true digital/analog fusion, excellent AF performance, amazing lens versatility (I can finally bring my old Nikkor lenses out of retirement!). Not having Video functionality is a little troubling, although I rarely use the video function on my current camera anyway so not much of a loss there. This seems to be one of the only full frame cameras in my price range that doesn't have a "make or break" feature (or lack there-of) that turns me off from purchasing. Thanks Nikon, you've Successfully converted this Canon shooter with the creation of this beautiful camera!

Right now i can't help to keep coming back to the design, of the DF, i had a brief chance to handle one! at first not a fan but as time has passed i keep thinking, maybe that wasn't as bad of a feel as i thought, I've got to say I'm still in the ball park to get one many features impress me and some don't?
I loved many years ago shooting my FE2 w/wo grip, and DF keeps taking me back.

Just returned from a two week trip to Malaysia to try-out a new Df that I bought for myself for Christmas. Took over 6,000 shots of resorts, beaches, in-laws, general scenery and people shots at markets and the streets of Kuala Lumpur. My % of "keepers" rose to over 75% versus previous trips where I used a Nikon D7000 or Nikon D80, where the % of keepers was considerably lower. Also, for the first time in my photography experience, several people actually expressed curiosity about my camera and complimented me on the look of my Nikon Df... including several millennial types who probably never saw a film SLR. 'Nuff said... I love it.

I think we are getting fed up with these hugely overpriced retro styled cameras.
I would never buy one.
Personally, I think Nikon need to bring a new D300s to the market. I would buy one of them.

I was not aware of this body until today. This is an answer to my prayers. I HATE menus, always have. I have been using a D700 for the last 4 years and I STILL cannot get used to them. Nor do I like command dials either. I began using Nikon equipment in 1974 with the F2 and I still have it along with the MD2/MB1. I would bet I have put close to a mile of film through it since then. Since then I have added and F4, Nikkormat FT3 and Nikonos V. My D700 is used I manual about 99% of the time. For me it is nothing more than a digital version of my F2 or F4,

All of my Nikkors, from 16mm f/2.8 fisheye to 600mm f/4 are AI/AIS so this fits perfectly. Although Nikon does not offer interchangeable focusing screens, focusingscree.com does. I ordered a microprism screen from them before my D700 ever arrived.

Thank you Nikon for catering to your long time loyal followers!

I'm confused what you're supposed to do with this camera. To use older lenses? But there are sites online (not just dxomark) that show the older lenses are MUCH softer than any of the newer generation of lenses. Less chroma, less distortion, less fringe..

If someone with collection of older lenses buys this camera so he doesn't have to "upgrade" his/her lenses, why not just buy a different camera and newer lenses? I'm curious.

Overall I think owners of the Df, myself included, have an appreication for the camera the younger shooters wont appreciate. The Df has the ergonomics of older 35mm cameras such as the F3, FM, FE and even the F4s. But with the added convienience and quality of digital. Younger shooters were raised on LCD sceens, not that the Df is lacking, but with the added "traditional" dials it adds to the fun. The thing I really took a liking to right away was you can tell exactly what the settings are just by looking down at the top and not have to thumb through menu after menu. Exposure compensation is way easy to adjust and is overall a joy to work with. Not to mention alot of the older lenses can be used. Nikon has really out done themselves on the design, with exception of the strap lugs. I wish they were a little further back, and a but more grip. Perhaps on the Df2, the can add a second SD card slot and make the grip a little beffier. Overall though the Df is a joy to own and shoot.

I think we are getting fed up with these hugely overpriced retro styled cameras.
I would never buy one.
Personally, I think Nikon need to bring a new D300s to the market. I would buy one of them.

To keep this thing going, I'm another Df owner that hopes it lasts forever. It is absolutely my favorite Nikon ever, digital or film, even the beloved FM2n. I have built up a pretty nice set of AI and AI-S lenses. And for seasoning I have a Voigtlander 40mm Ultron II which is fantastic. I still have a few AF lenses, and I use them sometimes. But if I want to do "enjoyment", it has to be one of my MF lenses. I got rid of my longest held lens, a 70-200mm f2.8G, and I replaced it with MF lenses. I have a 200mm f4 that came from an estate sale. It had never been used. The lubricant was so dry I had to send it to Nikon to be cleaned and re-lubed. I now have what is essentially a new 200mm f4 that was built in 1979, and it is probably one of the highest quality lenses on the planet right now. It fits the Df so well and works so well, it is pure pleasure to use.

The Df made this kind of thing possible and even desirable. You take your time, and you just enjoy every moment with it.

My old 50/1.2 AIS lens has got new life with that camera. Perfect combination. I did love Nikon F3 and Df for me is a great camera and perfect companion for my Nikon D3.

Nikon user for 30plus years digital since D100. Very pleased with my Df. I have been using a D700 and love the image quality... but bought a D800 and can say it is the first Nikon I have failed to love it was the first that I could not get good images straight out of the box!.
Logic said that the Df should be good as it uses the D4 sensor etc. and it is. I also like the solid feel, the compact size and lighter weight...... even well balanced with a medium zoom fitted. But it is image quality that really matters and as to be expected from the D4 sensor this is first rate. Most of us tend to develop a set up for controls and settings which we basically stick to so a change to the physical control dials/wheels is not a problem and I can, and do, switch between my D700 and Df easily. So here is one very pleased Df user and one D800 for sale! I have subscribed to the view for awhile that chasing pixels is not important as getting pixels that perform, the Df provides the optimum

A Most Excellent Camera. THE perfect FX camera for my landscapes. Ergonomically complete. No plastic mold feel, wishing it felt just a little bit better. The best of all worlds---small and tough and great sensor. Nikon, please don't stop developing this class of camera.

exelent camera and good review guys, but why you always changing studio scene - maiking impossible to compare with older cameras?
your scene is only capable to compare with modern cameras only! *cry*

It's not about a 'retro look" for me ... it's what it can do for me. It is simply amazing. -- The low-light capability, the full-manual controls, and so
compact compared to the bloated, plastic hulks that are bigger than the 6x6 and 6x7 cameras of yore.

If something were to happen to mine, I would immediately buy another Df black body for fear Nikon might decide to make it a short-run product.

Got a Df today and shot few pictures, results are amazing particularly in low light...

I have the Df since December 24 and I'm happy with it, has its magic

https://www.flickr.com/photos/migatonegro/11529585884/

Thank you, David. I played with a Df in a store but they knew squat about it, and got edgy, so I walked. Had my AISs to try, but he didn't understand what I wanted to do. I like to use primes wide open in lots of situations, so aperture priority is nice. Can I use the Df like this with old AIS primes? BTW, I did notice how nice the VF was for focusing (I tried it in a dark corner of the store).

Gone off the OMD-E M10. Sony A7 looks like the sole alternative as I can buy an adapter for my Nikkors, and its full-frame also. Don't know of any other non-Nikon that will do that. Kind of sorry I sold my 85, but it always was a bit short and a bit soft. When I get the body nailed, I might look for a 105 - how does yours shoot on the Df? I looked at a D610, but didn't like it much.

2nd post>…have used the Df's for 5 months>variety of assignments…great camera, sold all my zooms and the 28/50/105mm AIS lens work beautifully on the camera…the camera is far quieter, manual focus with 2.8 lenses, one can focus on ground glass….stunning in low light at 1250….changing ISO and shutter speed without going into the menu is so quick and efficient…by far the best digital camera I have owned…the only ugly thing about this camera is Nikon's picture of it….looks big>it isn't….I own 2…thrilled with these cameras….solid, exceptional body

I think the design and looks of the DF makes it a mans camera…not like the poofy/bling/girly looking stuff around today.

Again…great looking camera.

Advice, please. I will replace my FM (28, 35, 50, and 200. What's making me go digital is the demise of Kodachrome.

Do I toss the lot and get an Olympus OM-D E M10 with the pancake zoom and self-closing lens cap (and no bigger than an old OM-1, which is my second favourite camera after my FM). (I've owned and used a few over the years, starting with a box Brownie, then a Kodak folder, a Leica IIIG, other rangefinders, SRT-101, X7, then came a Nikon F with photomic head, then a Nikkormat FTb, and lastly the wonderful FM, to which I have been faithful for 30 years!).

Best is Nikkor f2/35 that delivers every time on the edge, e.g., in a European cathedral in winter when light is low and Kelvin-shifted. The FM body is good because you can shoot for depth of field and focus, change the speed for available light, then frame, all without looking at the camera controls. Seems both the Df and OM-D can do this. It's the compact size of the OM-D with lens retraced that gives it an edge.

Since I have the DF ( April this year) I've hardly touched the D and D800 despite their superior AF, fps (D3) and pixels (D800).

Love the size, weight, image quality and high ISO. Great for discreet shooting, and ideally balanced with my old 1.4/50mm Ais, 2/28mm Ais and pre AI 1.8/85mm

Dials not a problem (just like shooting with my old F2AS and FE), nor is the according to the naysayers 'inferior' AF (works without a problem with all my AF D and AFS lenses), still can shoot catwalk under low light conditions with it

Not a camera for the general public nor for the techies, but if judged on its own merits IMO quite a little gem

I wonder why Nikon has overpriced Df. It should have ideally been in the pricing range of D610

The Df is definitely NOT ugly. I started shooting Nikon back in 1967 with a Nikon F....I still have it, along with a Nikkormat EL, an F2S and a myriad of classic Nikon lenses. The Df is perfect for me. I can use all my lenses, plus the newer digital lenses that I have also purchased for my first digital Nikon.

Who the heck needs video on a DSLR?

isn't it odd that trolls don't give their real names...

I find I'm using my Df for 90% of my professional work - the 800 gathers dust. I can't wait for the Df2, which should have a second SDC slot for backup...

Well done Nikon!

A camera for .... photography??
that looks like .... a camera??

Absolutely beautiful concept and camera in the world of products designed for manufacturability and main stream thoughtlessness, coming from the company known for catering to people who know. Ordering with 85mm 1.4D.

Saw it in the store. Has to be one of ugliest, most ungainly cameras I've seen in several decades of being into photography. I owned the original Nikon FE, FE2, FM and FM2's, which were really attractive cameras in their day, and I still keep my old FE2 as a keepsake, but I have to say this new digital Df looks like a Frankenstein. It's just ugly. The thing is, I really like the design of Nikon's other DSLR's, and I've owned a few Nikon DSLRs over the last few years - but this Df looks like it's made of Lego bricks. I'm curious how many of these Nikon have sold, and whether the people who buy them value the appearance of their cameras?

I have a Df arriving for test tomorrow since I'm looking for a smaller camera than the D3 I currently use but don't want to jump ship nor need the D800 huge RAW files. I loved how the camera felt in my hands at the reveal here in Croatia back in November and now I look forward shooting a wedding with it to see how it performs in the real situations.

Personally, I love the retro appearance (will opt for a full black one, dough) and the possibility of having the D4 sensor for half the price is just great.

Will post about it next week after I finish testing it.

I think I've mastered the dails already. Don't like that the whole batt cover plate can come out.

so much less to worry about. just decide on 3 things and compose.

I don't it's for everyone, only those who think they're special. hahahahahahaha

I still find it laughably ironic on how many reviewers complain about the locked exposure compensation dial...when it was Nikon's standard for over 40 years. And just one of the reasons why I DIDN'T buy a Nikon film SLR.

When the locked exposure dial was Nikon's standard, everyone thought it was "normal"; now that Nikon no longer uses the lock, everything thinks that is "normal" - in other words, everyone accepts what is most commonly handed to them [by Nikon] and learn to frown on the alternative.

Strange world.

I saw this camera in real life a few days ago. The touch and fell and its look reminded me of a Chinese knock off of a Rolex watch you can buy in Canal Street.

I love this camera! It is the best I've had by far. The dials are a bit tricky at first but give a lot more satisfaction when shooting.

It is a camera for people who like to tinker and adjust and play while shooting the perfect shot - not guys who take 5000 shots and then choose 2 out of them.

This is not a professional studio camera, it can be used as such but you can't adjust it as fast real-time as 5D, D3x or D4.

I'd recommend it to anyone who loves to take photos. Just add to it a nice 24-70, f/2 and you are good to go!

The only thing that's "bad" on this faboulous camera is: autofocus in low light.

For my kind of work (aerial photography) I need 3 camera bodies. I have a D3, D3x and a D4. Since I have the Df I never leave home without. It's by far the best camera I ever had. The 50mm 1.8 lens is a perfect match as well.

whenever I read these comments, it seems 99% of the people have never used the Df….I now own two, they are lighter, far quieter, smaller than the D700. I sold my zooms and the best feature is that with fast AIS lenses, I can easily focus on the ground glass…I never use Auto Focus, far faster to focus on the ground glass. I hardly look at my menu and the overall body construction is superb…I have shot for 42 years and this is an exceptional camera for travel, coverage of events, weddings…the high ISO quality is exceptional…use the camera and you will love it...