ByThom's Zf review.

skyrunr said:

You have to wonder how much of the success of the ZF is the more reliable Expeed7 AF ,and it being a relatively affordable FX body. Not to mention the first FX Nikon ML with a fully articulating screen. I'm not really on a budget, but the Z8 wasn't ideal for my needs either.

I prefer the compensation button because it can be setup to reset on power off/on. Nothing worse than forgetting compensation was changed. I also prefer user modes and one recall settings (at the very least.) I was already short 1-2 Fn buttons short on a ZII.

The retro designs don't solve any problems I had with the prior ones, and even creates some. I didn't like the Zfc's limited buttons and bulkier design over the Z50/Z30 either. The ZF feels A LOT nicer than the Zfc, and the grip isn't a big deal with the Smallrig option. I need an arca mount at all times, but I also need L-bracket support.

My A7C bridged the gap between the Z50 and Z7II, and my A7CII does just about everything better than the ZF. There is something to be said for the e-mount compact fast (enough) primes with 2-way aperture rings too.

I still own Nikon glass just in case the Z6III or Z50II are all they can be, but so far the rumors aren't very optimistic for my needs. I'm glad so many here are so happy with the Z lineup though. It just needs some further ironing out.

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MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

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SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

Nikon's grip does not have that issue because it was designed correctly for using the front wheel.

It is strange to require Nikon to design the camera so that some third-party accessories can fit optimally.

I wonder if the NEEWER grip will work better.

Click to expand...

MCLV said:

skyrunr said:

You have to wonder how much of the success of the ZF is the more reliable Expeed7 AF ,and it being a relatively affordable FX body. Not to mention the first FX Nikon ML with a fully articulating screen. I'm not really on a budget, but the Z8 wasn't ideal for my needs either.

I prefer the compensation button because it can be setup to reset on power off/on. Nothing worse than forgetting compensation was changed. I also prefer user modes and one recall settings (at the very least.) I was already short 1-2 Fn buttons short on a ZII.

The retro designs don't solve any problems I had with the prior ones, and even creates some. I didn't like the Zfc's limited buttons and bulkier design over the Z50/Z30 either. The ZF feels A LOT nicer than the Zfc, and the grip isn't a big deal with the Smallrig option. I need an arca mount at all times, but I also need L-bracket support.

My A7C bridged the gap between the Z50 and Z7II, and my A7CII does just about everything better than the ZF. There is something to be said for the e-mount compact fast (enough) primes with 2-way aperture rings too.

I still own Nikon glass just in case the Z6III or Z50II are all they can be, but so far the rumors aren't very optimistic for my needs. I'm glad so many here are so happy with the Z lineup though. It just needs some further ironing out.

Click to expand...

I would also prefer a small FF camera but A7C doesn't have full mechanical shutter (it's EFCS only) and it has maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 s. Just this alone can be a showstopper if you want to shoot with fast primes. Unfortunately, there are is no perfect camera on the market.

Click to expand...

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

PanameraTurbo said:

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

Strange, my smallrig grip extends 1/2 of an inch out from the body of my Zf. I can carry it all day, by my fingers, with just a wrist strap attached.

Click to expand...

ChallengerLastCall said:

I do agree that the position of the front command wheel could be better placed. But, since I don't use it much, not a huge issue for me.

Click to expand...

MCLV said:

PanameraTurbo said:

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

Strange, my smallrig grip extends 1/2 of an inch out from the body of my Zf. I can carry it all day, by my fingers, with just a wrist strap attached.

Click to expand...

I meant that it doesn't extend above the ridge vertically, so it doesn't restrict a placement of my index finger on the front command dial in vertical direction.

Member said:

I do agree that the position of the front command wheel could be better placed. But, since I don't use it much, not a huge issue for me.

Click to expand...

I just find it quite strange that Nikon did not pay more attention to it since it's the only way how to control an aperture on native lenses.

Click to expand...

KnightPhoto2 said:

MCLV said:

PanameraTurbo said:

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

Strange, my smallrig grip extends 1/2 of an inch out from the body of my Zf. I can carry it all day, by my fingers, with just a wrist strap attached.

Click to expand...

I meant that it doesn't extend above the ridge vertically, so it doesn't restrict a placement of my index finger on the front command dial in vertical direction.

KnightPhoto2 said:

I do agree that the position of the front command wheel could be better placed. But, since I don't use it much, not a huge issue for me.

Click to expand...

I just find it quite strange that Nikon did not pay more attention to it since it's the only way how to control an aperture on native lenses.

Click to expand...

I always flip my Nikon's so that aperture is controlled by the REAR command dial. You do have that option.

Click to expand...

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

SrMi said:

MCLV said:

His comments regarding command dials are quite interesting. The rear one is completely fine for my hands but the front one is too close to the top of the "grip" in my opinion. It would be better, in my opinion, if it would be placed 1-2 millimeters higher so an index finder wouldn't need to rub against the top part of the grip when turning it.

Click to expand...

Which grip? I find this to be the case with the SmallRig grip, but that is the problem of SmallRig design. It is still better than Nikon’s grip which feels less useful (slippery).

Click to expand...

I use a SmallRig grip but it doesn't really extend above a ridge than forms a "grip" on a bare Zf body. And that ridge is of course smaller but it is still too close to a front command dial. So I see this as something that Nikon could have designed better rather than only SmallRig's fault.

Click to expand...

Nikon's grip does not have that issue because it was designed correctly for using the front wheel.

It is strange to require Nikon to design the camera so that some third-party accessories can fit optimally.

I wonder if the NEEWER grip will work better.

Click to expand...

This suboptimal design already exists on the body without any attached grip. I can't completely pull my finger placed on the centre of front command across the command dial because it hits a ridge on the body. One has to use just the lower edge of index finger to control the dial. It's not the end of the world but it is something that should have been done better in my opinion. However, there might be some reason, for example restrictions in placement of internal components, that forced its current location.

Click to expand...

taildraggin said:

It's technically accurate, but it seems like half the story. For a somewhat unusual camera, Thom doesn't go into the market placement Nikon is targeting, which he normally offers. It seems incomplete.

I'd say Nikon has a "Cadillac Problem." They have gone from being a "Dad Camera" to a "Grandpa Camera". Check the topic threads in this forum versus other brand forums. Nikon needs to shake things up.

Fortunately, the camera is not an empty suit. It really is an outstanding stills and video camera, that also looks great. And, like a Fuji or Sony, makes your hand ache with a large lens (if you use it like grandpa does).

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Jean Daniel Villiers said:

taildraggin said:

It's technically accurate, but it seems like half the story. For a somewhat unusual camera, Thom doesn't go into the market placement Nikon is targeting, which he normally offers. It seems incomplete.

I'd say Nikon has a "Cadillac Problem." They have gone from being a "Dad Camera" to a "Grandpa Camera". Check the topic threads in this forum versus other brand forums. Nikon needs to shake things up.

Fortunately, the camera is not an empty suit. It really is an outstanding stills and video camera, that also looks great. And, like a Fuji or Sony, makes your hand ache with a large lens (if you use it like grandpa does).

Click to expand...

Whaaaat, did you even hear Nikon own account say it is attracting a new younger demographic that they never saw before or did not anticipate. Like it or not, you people like the retro style very much, Fuji which is very popular among young shooters, build their whole line of camera out of retro style models. On Zf facebook channel, their is a ton of people coming from other brands. Some completely switching to others buying it as a standalone system.

Click to expand...

Jean Daniel Villiers said:

taildraggin said:

It's technically accurate, but it seems like half the story. For a somewhat unusual camera, Thom doesn't go into the market placement Nikon is targeting, which he normally offers. It seems incomplete.

I'd say Nikon has a "Cadillac Problem." They have gone from being a "Dad Camera" to a "Grandpa Camera". Check the topic threads in this forum versus other brand forums. Nikon needs to shake things up.

Fortunately, the camera is not an empty suit. It really is an outstanding stills and video camera, that also looks great. And, like a Fuji or Sony, makes your hand ache with a large lens (if you use it like grandpa does).

Click to expand...

Whaaaat, did you even hear Nikon own account say it is attracting a new younger demographic that they never saw before or did not anticipate. Like it or not, you people like the retro style very much, Fuji which is very popular among young shooters, build their whole line of camera out of retro style models. On Zf facebook channel, their is a ton of people coming from other brands. Some completely switching to others buying it as a standalone system.

Click to expand...

Jean Daniel Villiers said:

taildraggin said:

It's technically accurate, but it seems like half the story. For a somewhat unusual camera, Thom doesn't go into the market placement Nikon is targeting, which he normally offers. It seems incomplete.

I'd say Nikon has a "Cadillac Problem." They have gone from being a "Dad Camera" to a "Grandpa Camera". Check the topic threads in this forum versus other brand forums. Nikon needs to shake things up.

Fortunately, the camera is not an empty suit. It really is an outstanding stills and video camera, that also looks great. And, like a Fuji or Sony, makes your hand ache with a large lens (if you use it like grandpa does).

Click to expand...

Whaaaat, did you even hear Nikon own account say it is attracting a new younger demographic that they never saw before or did not anticipate.

Click to expand...

jtr27 said:

I feel much the same about the Zf. First and foremost, it is an absolutely beautiful thing, and who can blame anyone, whether they are a "hipster" or a well-heeled Nikon "gear collector," who is smitten with it for that reason alone. I am glad Nikon has made it, and I hope they sell a zillion of them, and I am happy for the many obviously happy owners on this forum.

Secondly though, it seems like a "function follows form" design to me vs "form follows function." The top dials are gorgeous, yet quite a few Zf owners have said they are not using them. That is to say, they are superfluous.

I shoot aperture priority 90% of the time, and so personally would have little use for dedicated ISO or shutter speed dials. I do use exposure compensation, but really don't need a dedicated dial for that either.

What's more, it does not have a proper grip, and I personally see that as a problem.

Function follows form!

I come from Fuji land, where dials are also beautiful and numerous, or they were on the Fujis that I used. I found myself rarely using them though. At some point I had to wonder if the camera design was working for me, or if I was working for the camera design? Fuji answered that question for me, by moving away from the retro knobs and dials, as beautiful as they are.

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MrHollywood said:

I really can't pay much attention to folks who spent a short period of time holding a Zf in a store and listen to them cry over ergonomics.

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MrHollywood said:

Somehow, over 40 years of shooting, I've been able to shoot comfortably with pretty much every camera except for the tiny ones. Hiring pro's and working with them over the years, I see and hear the same.

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MrHollywood said:

Do people complain about Leica ergonomics?

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MrHollywood said:

My time with the q2 and Q3 was pretty awesome and I never had an issue holding them once I had a day or two of usage. Same for every other camera, including the Sony stuff, which was always knocked, but actually handles fine ONCE YOU ADAPT.

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MrHollywood said:

But the Zf is a smashing success. Mine is being used professionally. My DP bought one for pro use as did his AC.

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MrHollywood said:

And I don't buy that the grip is ugly, which I've only heard one person here say.

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MrHollywood said:

This balance thing is nonsense. The Zf with my 70-200 is a LOT lighter than my Z9 with the same lens and will be less fatiguing if you have weak arms.

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Thom Hogan said:

Jean Daniel Villiers said:

taildraggin said:

It's technically accurate, but it seems like half the story. For a somewhat unusual camera, Thom doesn't go into the market placement Nikon is targeting, which he normally offers. It seems incomplete.

I'd say Nikon has a "Cadillac Problem." They have gone from being a "Dad Camera" to a "Grandpa Camera". Check the topic threads in this forum versus other brand forums. Nikon needs to shake things up.

Fortunately, the camera is not an empty suit. It really is an outstanding stills and video camera, that also looks great. And, like a Fuji or Sony, makes your hand ache with a large lens (if you use it like grandpa does).

Click to expand...

Whaaaat, did you even hear Nikon own account say it is attracting a new younger demographic that they never saw before or did not anticipate.

Click to expand...

That's a bit of a misquote. If things were as you suggest here, that would be an indictment of product management (not knowing what the response would be).

As for marketing, you'll note that Nikon's top level marketing for the Zf is "Make it iconic. Performance to inspire." That's the dual nature of the product right there. Nikon seems to be unsure of which side to emphasize.

Click to expand...