Zf Logic vs. Passion

Suntan said:

MrHollywood said:

Hmmmm...

The Zf sure looks sweet. It's hard not to like it. The retro design means nothing negative in practical terms. You can play with dials or use it as you would any "modern" design. You get both options.

But I've got a Z9 and Zfc. I really LOVE the Zfc and crop sensor approach, which makes it a different kind of camera. It's also super lightweight, which is why I often take it hiking and sailing.

So what would the Zf add to my kit? I want it, but it adds nothing to what I already own. It's not very expensive, but I feel like I'll always grab the Zfc or Z9 first and the Zf will be a monkey-in-the-middle.

Sure is pretty though and I bet they sell like hotcakes. It's a fully realized camera that appears to score all the right points and it will dig into Fuji's market share for sure.

I have absolutely no reason to buy the Zf. I'll hold my breath for a while and may get one anyway because passion tends to beat up on my logic on a regular basis. ;-)

Robert

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I disagree with the idea that there is nothing negative in practical terms to the old design. It is not comfortable to hold for long periods, and the dials do not lend themselves to quick changes with your eye up to the viewfinder.

The retro style is great when you have the time to leisurely take a frame at a time. (And I do enjoy the controls on my old Panny LX100) But severely less usable when you are interested in shooting as the predominant action for an extended period of time.

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Ultimately, my Zfc is more comfortable to hold than my Z9 or previous Z7II. I put on the smallrig grip and it's delightfully compact and lightweight. I can use the dials or operate it as I would any other camera.

The shape of the camera with the little grip added works perfectly fine. Perhaps the only issue is that it's a tad small for my bigger hands, but nothing can be a perfect fit for everyone.

Ergonomics are part design and part adaptation. The Sony's have some of the worst ergonomics (for me) I've experienced. But after a few days my hands and brain adapt and it's all good. It just requires a bit more time to adapt.

The Zf will handle just fine. And there will likely be accessories to customize the handling as there always is.

Robert

I'm in a slightly similar position to OP, but I don't have a Zfc.

I've been thinking about what second body I want to pair with my Z9, and this one is definitely in the running. I want something smaller, but still something capable enough that if it's my second body on safari or something that I will still be happy. I didn't want to pick up the existing Z6 or Z7 because I didn't want to downgrade from the AF system in the Z9. The Z8 is obviously great, but it seems like a waste for me to buy another expensive camera that is hardly any smaller.

Still, I prefer the ergonomics of the modern DSLR. I appreciate the retro dials, but I like the deep grip, function buttons, and shutter button placement on the modern style cameras. However, the only retro style camera I've owned is a Fuji, so I really need to hold a Zf for a while and see how it feels.

I really don't have an urgent need for another body, but unless we get some info on the Z6/Z7 updates soon, I'll have a hard time holding off the Zf.

if offered in a trade-in, then yes, I'll swap my Z6 for this and pair it with Voigtlander 40 f/1.2

Twinion said:

I'm in a slightly similar position to OP, but I don't have a Zfc.

I've been thinking about what second body I want to pair with my Z9, and this one is definitely in the running. I want something smaller, but still something capable enough that if it's my second body on safari or something that I will still be happy. I didn't want to pick up the existing Z6 or Z7 because I didn't want to downgrade from the AF system in the Z9. The Z8 is obviously great, but it seems like a waste for me to buy another expensive camera that is hardly any smaller.

Still, I prefer the ergonomics of the modern DSLR. I appreciate the retro dials, but I like the deep grip, function buttons, and shutter button placement on the modern style cameras. However, the only retro style camera I've owned is a Fuji, so I really need to hold a Zf for a while and see how it feels.

I really don't have an urgent need for another body, but unless we get some info on the Z6/Z7 updates soon, I'll have a hard time holding off the Zf.

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I am looking forward to the testing so we can see how much the AF has improved.

I really hope Nikon does sell a shed load of these - I want Nikon to continue to grow market and revenue. Looks a step up from the Z6ii

These retro designs I have mixed feelings about ( Nikon or Fujifilm ) and they are not for me. I did enjoy using an A7 mk 1 for the minimalist grip and just for legacy lenses ( Contax ) until the Z6 came out. The A7 had something of the feel of my Contax film cameras - ie OM1 style ( or FM2 though I didn't use Nikon film cameras ).

I think that old style of SLR body/grip does "fit" WA to moderate tele compact lenses.

So, on the aesthetics, what lenses will people use with the Zf. Yes there is the 28/2.8 and the 40/2 which might retain something of that "look" but things have changed since the DF days when there were scores of very good ( for the time ) both ai and AF D compact lenses. I still use some of the manual focus ai-s on my Z6 but they do look a little odd sticking out from the FTZ. There are a lot of MF glass that would sit well with it from the peerless apo-lanthars to many good chinese MF lenses. Or, is this just a body with old style controls to use with standard Z lenses ?

I tend to go with functionality over looks and the standard DSLR and now Z body design is just very easy and fast to use for me. I don't want to go back to dials for eveything.

What I thought would be most useful for me was a very compact system for 'snapping" not so much serious photography and so I just got an FE to Z adapter and use a trio of small Samyang primes - that works for me, if not for others, and complements the Z glass that I use.

Suntan said:

I disagree with the idea that there is nothing negative in practical terms to the old design. It is not comfortable to hold for long periods, and the dials do not lend themselves to quick changes with your eye up to the viewfinder.

The retro style is great when you have the time to leisurely take a frame at a time. (And I do enjoy the controls on my old Panny LX100) But severely less usable when you are interested in shooting as the predominant action for an extended period of time.

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You missed a Nikon trick :-(

If you want to shoot quick it has a front and a rear command dial

Leonard Shepherd said:

Suntan said:

I disagree with the idea that there is nothing negative in practical terms to the old design. It is not comfortable to hold for long periods, and the dials do not lend themselves to quick changes with your eye up to the viewfinder.

The retro style is great when you have the time to leisurely take a frame at a time. (And I do enjoy the controls on my old Panny LX100) But severely less usable when you are interested in shooting as the predominant action for an extended period of time.

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You missed a Nikon trick :-(

If you want to shoot quick it has a front and a rear command dial

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Are you saying the modern styled Z designs are dumbed down, simpler versions of a more sophisticated product?

for sellers to appeal to buyers' passions...

CliveTJ said:

Leonard Shepherd said:

You missed a Nikon trick :-(

If you want to shoot quick it has a front and a rear command dial

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Are you saying the modern styled Z designs are dumbed down, simpler versions of a more sophisticated product?

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I am saying what I said - it has a user choice of top dials - or command dials ;-)

It seems to me to be partially retro outside - and mainly relatively futuristic in what it can do inside - with or without considering the price point.

This new Nikon Zf, I am sure will be a real success like Z fc, I bought and love. The initial impression reviews are also great and similar to initial review by dpreview. Spencer Cox impression: https://photographylife.com/11-things-to-know-about-the-nikon-zf


Now, I am waiting for Mr. Hollywood buying it first and compare the photos taken with it against z fc and post the results here!

Thanks in advance

Mohan

xmldba said:

This new Nikon Zf, I am sure will be a real success like Z fc, I bought and love. The initial impression reviews are also great and similar to initial review by dpreview. Spencer Cox impression: https://photographylife.com/11-things-to-know-about-the-nikon-zf

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/...-inspired-lineup-with-the-full-frame-nikon-zf

Now, I am waiting for Mr. Hollywood buying it first and compare the photos taken with it against z fc and post the results here!

Thanks in advance

Mohan

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I've got a Z9 and Zfc and will be adding a second Z9, so no real reason to pick up a Zf. For $2000 it seems like an awesome deal given that it will easily outperform a Z6II and Z7II on AF and likely be a better tool overall. Better video as well.

The few people crying over "retro" would likely have no issue if they added the smallrig grip that's already available and then you have a camera that also happens to look really sweet while maintaining state-of-the-art functionality.

The Zf is pretty awesome, but my Z9 does everything better, so....I guess I'll buy a Zf to replace my Zfc at some point, but for no good reason beyond the "passion" thing!

I'll pretend to be sensible by not pre-ordering and await some reviews and a few firmware upgrades before succumbing! In the meantime I'm loving my Z9 rig!







;-)



Robert



--
"You're gonna need a bigger boat."

yardcoyote said:

This camera makes me glad I waited to buy any FF camera at all until I saw one I actually like.

That said, I would love to live in your world where a Zf is "not very expensive".

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Love that comment. I almost laugh every time I see a comment about the Zf being cheap or not expensive.

MrHollywood said:

Hmmmm...

The Zf sure looks sweet. It's hard not to like it. The retro design means nothing negative in practical terms. You can play with dials or use it as you would any "modern" design. You get both options.

But I've got a Z9 and Zfc. I really LOVE the Zfc and crop sensor approach, which makes it a different kind of camera. It's also super lightweight, which is why I often take it hiking and sailing.

So what would the Zf add to my kit? I want it, but it adds nothing to what I already own. It's not very expensive, but I feel like I'll always grab the Zfc or Z9 first and the Zf will be a monkey-in-the-middle.

Sure is pretty though and I bet they sell like hotcakes. It's a fully realized camera that appears to score all the right points and it will dig into Fuji's market share for sure.

I have absolutely no reason to buy the Zf. I'll hold my breath for a while and may get one anyway because passion tends to beat up on my logic on a regular basis. ;-)

Robert

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It definitely is. Some of us may consolidate the 2. Easier if you are z6 + zfc like me to wrap head around. But thinking same thing if I had Zf would I ever use zfc for use case? Well maybe. Need to separate it and maybe use it for tele or a smaller pancake like 26.

you can’t really consolidate a z9 and zfc into one though as the z9 is such high performance.

Zfc is nice that it is both small/light AND retro.

Zf is just retro but still as big and heavy as a z6/z7 without the ergonomics or extra features so I’m still thinking what would work logically myself.

rgkjd said:

The price of the Zf is so reasonable that I wonder if the price of the Z8 isn't a bit high? (sensor difference notwithstanding)

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No the z8 is very competitively priced, you’re getting a 5500 dollar z9 without a grip essentially.

Do you need the autofocus capabilities, 8k video, and other specs is the question.



I don’t … do I want it, yeah but I’m not shooting anything that demanding. It’s an incredible camera at a great price point though IMO.

I want to hang out in that patio (back yard?) when the pools open. We already have 40 degree nights in NY. We went from 90 to 40. 70's just isn't something NY does these days. Maybe it was 70 between 2-3pm today. LOL

Bob A L said:

yardcoyote said:

This camera makes me glad I waited to buy any FF camera at all until I saw one I actually like.

That said, I would love to live in your world where a Zf is "not very expensive".

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Love that comment. I almost laugh every time I see a comment about the Zf being cheap or not expensive.

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Because cameras are expensive and relatively speaking, the Zf is a LOT more camera for the old price of the Z6II.

$2000.00 USD for a camera that will easily best the previous models from years ago with no price bump seems like a pretty nice deal to me.

Robert

MrHollywood said:

Because cameras are expensive and relatively speaking, the Zf is a LOT more camera for the old price of the Z6II.

$2000.00 USD for a camera that will easily best the previous models from years ago with no price bump seems like a pretty nice deal to me.

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Especially since the Zf probably costs more to manufacturer than the Z6ii: more expensive processor, more articulated screen, brass knobs with engraved markings, and so on; plus the fact that the development and tooling costs for the Z/Z7/Z6ii/Z7ii are well-amortized by now,

MrHollywood said:

Hmmmm...

The Zf sure looks sweet. It's hard not to like it. The retro design means nothing negative in practical terms. You can play with dials or use it as you would any "modern" design. You get both options.

But I've got a Z9 and Zfc. I really LOVE the Zfc and crop sensor approach, which makes it a different kind of camera. It's also super lightweight, which is why I often take it hiking and sailing.

So what would the Zf add to my kit? I want it, but it adds nothing to what I already own. It's not very expensive, but I feel like I'll always grab the Zfc or Z9 first and the Zf will be a monkey-in-the-middle.

Sure is pretty though and I bet they sell like hotcakes. It's a fully realized camera that appears to score all the right points and it will dig into Fuji's market share for sure.

I have absolutely no reason to buy the Zf. I'll hold my breath for a while and may get one anyway because passion tends to beat up on my logic on a regular basis. ;-)

Robert

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I've held off on buying into ANY full frame mirrorless system until now.

The Z8 and Zf are basically all the camera I need.

Zf as a home for vintage adapted lenses for casual use.

Z8 for autofocus and high spec photo & video work.

I'll probably end up selling all my other gear to fund these two cameras and a trinity of f/1.2 lenses - keeping some vintage and adapted lenses that are quite nice. Maybe I'll keep some micro four thirds gear for travel.

I have no plans to buy a ZFc - it's lighter and smaller but I'd have to buy lightweight lenses to match and I might as well keep some of my Olympus gear for that purpose.

--
"no one should have a camera that can't play Candy Crush Saga."
https://www.instagram.com/sodiumstudio/
Camera JPG Portrait Shootout http://sodium.nyc/blog/2020/05/camera-jpg-portrait

Zf has some features that no other camera offers.

skyrunr said:

I want to hang out in that patio (back yard?) when the pools open. We already have 40 degree nights in NY. We went from 90 to 40. 70's just isn't something NY does these days. Maybe it was 70 between 2-3pm today. LOL

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LOL! We use my house for shoots quite often, but I don't rent it out to other productions because film crews (even mine) are just too destructive.

It's a nice setting....but it gets REALLY hot for a couple of months!





I'll be shooting next week with the Z9 for some outdoor poolside stuff for an actress; always fun. I'm alsojust 20 minutes from Corrigan Park, which is a large area where many movies were shot. It's also an awesome area for all types of shooting. The remains of a massive water tank is still there. Parts of the African Queen and Creature from the Black Lagoon were shot there.

I'm a nut about Hollywood history and locations!



Robert

--
"You're gonna need a bigger boat."