Did anyone buy a NK 1 from Japan?

I have many N1 cameras including 5 J5 bodies. I’ve bought all of them used except 1 refurbished V3. One of my V1 cameras, bought used from a vendor on Amazon, appears to be a Japanese market model as the language choice is only Japanese and English.

I restrict my eBay searches to US only and still see many J5’s available so I don’t think you need to buy one from Japan, but if you do you should still be able to set it to English.

photoholiko said:

I'm thinking of buying a J5, it seems most of them are offered in Japan, can you choose the operation language you want for cameras from Japan? I obviously want access to what the J5 has to offer.

I never considered a Nikon 1 before, I felt why bother with a 1" when there is a varied chose from M34. After happily using the smaller sensor from Pentax Q7, I think a J5 would be good (and fun), it's a good-looking camera, plus it matches closely in specs compared to the expensive Sony RZ100, anyone in agreement?

Click to expand...

I bought my J5 from Japan, I quite like it so far overall.

Haven't used m4/3 although I do have another type of Panasonic camera. Don't have any Sony cameras.

It really depends on what you want to do and what you hope to get out of it.

The lens selection for M4/3 seems a lot better as is image quality. Lot's of people here go to a lot of effort to bump up the IQ before posting I am sure. There seem to be a lot more users and a lot more support than for N1.

The thing that M4/3 lacks is a Panasonic integrated Photo Editing package. For me this makes all the difference, plus I like the predictable Auto-Focus that seemingly never makes any mistakes.

The J5 is a tiny body and it is cute, and not a brick like 'real' cameras. My favourite street lens is the 30-100 VR PD.


My J5 as shot on a Nikon Z30.


Same shot from the J5 with the 'Bleached' updated Picture-Control


Same shot from the J5 with the 'Red' updated Picture-Control


Lastly, same shot with the 'Blue' updated Picture-Control

Ok, Panasonic now have Picture-Controls called 'In Camera LUTS' as does the Z30/Z50 but, for me, it's a Sales gimmick only.

I prefer choosing the Picture-Control/LUT in post-production because it depends on the photo as to what mood adjustment suites best.

So from my viewpoint, the Nikon1s all have enough features and small size to just focus on doing the job of taking the photograph.

And because they support NEF/RAW in camera, and you can change the LUT/Picture-Controls with the built in software, it's hard to justify spending a lot more on some other different camera system.

But numbers of Users all say the grass is greener on the other side, that's fine. I was 50/50 between Nikon and Sony at the time of purchase and think that I would have been happy with either.

Recent changes to Video/Photography are a lot about Colour-Science and not sharpness. And by a strange quirk of fate, the Nikon1 series, through NX Studio has been allowed to keep up. If that floats your boat, then the system might work. Otherwise, there are plenty of other perfectly good alternatives.

Thank you, David, you are giving very logical advice. I am well established in MFT with 2 Panasonic and 2 Olympus cameras that work very well for me, it is just that the N1 caught my attention and I'm debating whether to get a J5, after reading the response from this forum, I'm thinking twice, it is already an effort for me to use all the cameras I own, mostly for the lack of subjects to photograph.

Thank you Rich, I appreciate your response, I would feel safe making the intended purchase especially since it comes with a free return, I must admit that I am hesitating with doubts as to how much I will use it, I'll keep thinking about it though, GAS is always GAS.

photoholiko said:

I think a J5 would be good (and fun), it's a good-looking camera, plus it matches closely in specs compared to the expensive Sony RZ100, anyone in agreement?

Click to expand...

Apparently you mean Sony RX100. There are eight different models in the RX100 series. Some have a 28-100mm equivalent lens, some have a 24-70mm equivalent lens, and some have a 24-200mm equivalent lens.

The 24-70mm eq. lens in my own RX100III seems better than the Nikon 10-100mm (27-270mm eq.) lens in the same range, and is probably better than the Nikon 10-30mm (27-81mm eq.) lens I used to have before it suffered the familiar aperture mechanism failure. The Sony lens is also much faster (f/1.8-2.8).

The way the Sony lens fully retracts when not in use makes a big difference in bulk.

Also, the J5 has no EVF. The RX100 series EVFs aren't great, but they're better than nothing.

The sensor in the J5 is comparable to those in the RX100 series, though, and of course the N1 system offers access to wider and longer lenses if needed.

I'm not usually one to squelch enthusiasm for N1's, but there are very similar cameras in the Lumix line that accept lenses you already have. Those are the GM-1 and the GX850, aka GF-9. Your 12-32 is real close in size and range to the popular Nikon 10-30 PD. Like its sibling with an EVF, the GM-5, the GM-1 is kind of pricey but the GX850 is the opposite.

















In the J5's favor is higher MP, 20 vs 16 and the autofocus is probably superior vs the two Lumix.

--
Regards, Paul
Lili's Dad
WSSA Member #450

Thanks, I'm going to stick with my GX85 and G95.

photoholiko said:

I'm thinking of buying a J5, it seems most of them are offered in Japan, can you choose the operation language you want for cameras from Japan? I obviously want access to what the J5 has to offer.

I never considered a Nikon 1 before, I felt why bother with a 1" when there is a varied chose from M34. After happily using the smaller sensor from Pentax Q7, I think a J5 would be good (and fun), it's a good-looking camera, plus it matches closely in specs compared to the expensive Sony RZ100, anyone in agreement?

Click to expand...

My son bought my J5 in Tokyo when they were on sale, and it still works great, although the spring in the on-off lever has given up. I put a bit of foam behind it, and that helps a lot and prevents accidental turn-ons.

The AF is a bit primitive, and I prefer using the single-point AF mode, as that is what it changes to when using F Mount lenses anyway! The FT1 adapter (F-to-1 mount) is an essential part of my kit!

photoholiko said:

Thank you Rich, I appreciate your response, I would feel safe making the intended purchase especially since it comes with a free return, I must admit that I am hesitating with doubts as to how much I will use it, I'll keep thinking about it though, GAS is always GAS.

Click to expand...

I was an avid Pentax user before my wife returned a birthday present I had given her, a V1! That was due to the fact that I also gave her an M-5!

But she rejoined the Nikon 1 gang pretty early, and her Nikon 1 70-300 VR CX was one of the very first that arrived in Europe! It is still mint!

She uses mostly her GX8 with the PL 100-400, but when the light gets dimmer, she often switches to her J5 and the 70-300 CX. The AF-P 70-300 VR is almost as good and costs less, but with the FT1 included, the weight becomes a bit more than the Nikon 1 version.

DavidZihon said:

photoholiko said:

I'm thinking of buying a J5, it seems most of them are offered in Japan, can you choose the operation language you want for cameras from Japan? I obviously want access to what the J5 has to offer.

I never considered a Nikon 1 before, I felt why bother with a 1" when there is a varied chose from M34. After happily using the smaller sensor from Pentax Q7, I think a J5 would be good (and fun), it's a good-looking camera, plus it matches closely in specs compared to the expensive Sony RZ100, anyone in agreement?

Click to expand...

I bought my J5 from Japan, I quite like it so far overall.

Haven't used m4/3 although I do have another type of Panasonic camera. Don't have any Sony cameras.

It really depends on what you want to do and what you hope to get out of it.

The lens selection for M4/3 seems a lot better as is image quality. Lot's of people here go to a lot of effort to bump up the IQ before posting I am sure. There seem to be a lot more users and a lot more support than for N1.

The thing that M4/3 lacks is a Panasonic integrated Photo Editing package. For me this makes all the difference, plus I like the predictable Auto-Focus that seemingly never makes any mistakes.

The J5 is a tiny body and it is cute, and not a brick like 'real' cameras. My favourite street lens is the 30-100 VR PD.

Click to expand...

You mean the 30-110, as there is on 30-100 (but two 10-100)!

DavidZihon said:

My J5 as shot on a Nikon Z30.


Same shot from the J5 with the 'Bleached' updated Picture-Control


Same shot from the J5 with the 'Red' updated Picture-Control


Lastly, same shot with the 'Blue' updated Picture-Control

Ok, Panasonic now have Picture-Controls called 'In Camera LUTS' as does the Z30/Z50 but, for me, it's a Sales gimmick only.

I prefer choosing the Picture-Control/LUT in post-production because it depends on the photo as to what mood adjustment suites best.

So from my viewpoint, the Nikon1s all have enough features and small size to just focus on doing the job of taking the photograph.

And because they support NEF/RAW in camera, and you can change the LUT/Picture-Controls with the built in software, it's hard to justify spending a lot more on some other different camera system.

But numbers of Users all say the grass is greener on the other side, that's fine. I was 50/50 between Nikon and Sony at the time of purchase and think that I would have been happy with either.

Recent changes to Video/Photography are a lot about Colour-Science and not sharpness. And by a strange quirk of fate, the Nikon1 series, through NX Studio has been allowed to keep up. If that floats your boat, then the system might work. Otherwise, there are plenty of other perfectly good alternatives.

Click to expand...

The PP software that is essential if you use Nikon 1 cameras is the DxO PhotoLab, as its denoising ability is amazing (Nikon 1 shots always have some noise present, as do all cameras with small sensors, even at base ISO. Thus is true, for instance, for all m4/3 cameras).

--
tordseriksson (at) gmail.....
Owner of a handful of Nikon cameras. And a few lenses. DxO PhotoLab 8 user.
WSSA #456

photoholiko said:

Thank you, David, you are giving very logical advice. I am well established in MFT with 2 Panasonic and 2 Olympus cameras that work very well for me, it is just that the N1 caught my attention and I'm debating whether to get a J5, after reading the response from this forum, I'm thinking twice, it is already an effort for me to use all the cameras I own, mostly for the lack of subjects to photograph.

Click to expand...

The really strong side with the Nikon 1 cameras is street photography, macro, and long lenses. Sadly, the macro lens was never issued, so I use the Nikon AF-S 85mm micro and the AF-S 40mm micro, together with the FT1 adapter.

Using a Sigma 100-400 C (and the FT1), you get the equivalent of a 270-1080mm lens on an FX body! Not to mention longer lenses.

A lovely combination is the Sigma 135/1.8 Art and the J5, as it gives you a 365/1.8 lens (in FX terms) with superb sharpness. And superbly compact, if not the lightest lens around.

ishwanu said:

photoholiko said:

I think a J5 would be good (and fun), it's a good-looking camera, plus it matches closely in specs compared to the expensive Sony RZ100, anyone in agreement?

Click to expand...

Apparently you mean Sony RX100. There are eight different models in the RX100 series. Some have a 28-100mm equivalent lens, some have a 24-70mm equivalent lens, and some have a 24-200mm equivalent lens.

The 24-70mm eq. lens in my own RX100III seems better than the Nikon 10-100mm (27-270mm eq.) lens in the same range, and is probably better than the Nikon 10-30mm (27-81mm eq.) lens I used to have before it suffered the familiar aperture mechanism failure. The Sony lens is also much faster (f/1.8-2.8).

The way the Sony lens fully retracts when not in use makes a big difference in bulk.

Also, the J5 has no EVF. The RX100 series EVFs aren't great, but they're better than nothing.

The sensor in the J5 is comparable to those in the RX100 series, though, and of course the N1 system offers access to wider and longer lenses if needed.

Click to expand...

I use a loupe attached to the display, and someone here uses a slip-on loupe, an even better solution! A small HDMI monitor would be ideal, but those around are expensive!

Paul Pasco said:

I'm not usually one to squelch enthusiasm for N1's, but there are very similar cameras in the Lumix line that accept lenses you already have. Those are the GM-1 and the GX850, aka GF-9. Your 12-32 is real close in size and range to the popular Nikon 10-30 PD. Like its sibling with an EVF, the GM-5, the GM-1 is kind of pricey but the GX850 is the opposite.









In the J5's favor is higher MP, 20 vs 16 and the autofocus is probably superior vs the two Lumix.

Click to expand...

The far bigger GX8 is my wife's favorite by far, and although it is big, it's light, and has a lovely EVF!

--
tordseriksson (at) gmail.....
Owner of a handful of Nikon cameras. And a few lenses. DxO PhotoLab 8 user.
WSSA #456

photoholiko said:

Thanks, I'm going to stick with my GX85 and G95.

Click to expand...

For macro, I think the J5 will beat your GX85 and 95, but I don't blame you if you are opting out!

Thank you Tord, for all the answers you have given me, they were helpful to bring me back to my senses, I'm sure I would have enjoyed the N1.

photoholiko said:

Thank you Tord, for all the answers you have given me, they were helpful to bring me back to my senses, I'm sure I would have enjoyed the N1.

Click to expand...

The two problems, as I see it, with the Nikon 1 system:

Noise, even at base ISO (easily fixed with modern PP programs, like DxO PL8).

The failure-prone lenses (notorious are 10-30, 30-110, and the two 10-100). But here we have Mr. Huang, who is a help to us all!

I prefer the EN-EL 15 as my power source, so the V1 is my favourite! But my best one is the J5, but the battery is too small and fragile!

Tord S Eriksson said:

photoholiko said:

Thank you Tord, for all the answers you have given me, they were helpful to bring me back to my senses, I'm sure I would have enjoyed the N1.

Click to expand...

The two problems, as I see it, with the Nikon 1 system:

Noise, even at base ISO (easily fixed with modern PP programs, like DxO PL8).

The failure-prone lenses (notorious are 10-30, 30-110, and the two 10-100). But here we have Mr. Huang, who is a help to us all!

I prefer the EN-EL 15 as my power source, so the V1 is my favourite! But my best one is the J5, but the battery is too small and fragile!

Click to expand...

ok, I admit that I have a messy desk, and that I have too many Panasonic cameras.


Nikon1 equipment for sale in Japan from HardOff

But I am wondering when your last trip to Japan was and when you last bought Nikon1 gear there?

I say that because I think things have changed since you were there last.

There are some things that you may have missed because of well, 'language barriers'? maybe.

Anyway, the jist of my story is that HardOff stores give you a six month warranty on all Nikon1 products bought at their stores.

So they will typically repair them or replace them for free with their inhouse staff.

Yes, it is true that not everywhere you go will give you a six-month warranty on Nikon1 products, but HardOff do. Just check on their website if you are not sure.

So I suggest you make another trip trip there, and perhaps check your facts for 2025 because things have changed.

Also, maybe you need to buy a new battery? I took quite a few photos in my trip to Japan on a single battery charge. I'm sure that it was close to 100 shots but I know that I could have done more. I suggest that you get an expert to check your battery. I bought my battery second-hand with my camera from Japan and it has been faultless even though it is over ten years old.

And whilst I acknowledge that the lens are prone to fail due to moisture, I have never had one that has actually fail. And when they do get to a worrying point of moisture ingress, they go for a rest in a warm rice cooker to dry out.

So I really think that your old fears may no longer be so well placed now.

DavidZihon said:

Tord S Eriksson said:

photoholiko said:

Thank you Tord, for all the answers you have given me, they were helpful to bring me back to my senses, I'm sure I would have enjoyed the N1.

Click to expand...

The two problems, as I see it, with the Nikon 1 system:

Noise, even at base ISO (easily fixed with modern PP programs, like DxO PL8).

The failure-prone lenses (notorious are 10-30, 30-110, and the two 10-100). But here we have Mr. Huang, who is a help to us all!

I prefer the EN-EL 15 as my power source, so the V1 is my favourite! But my best one is the J5, but the battery is too small and fragile!

Click to expand...

ok, I admit that I have a messy desk, and that I have too many Panasonic cameras.


Nikon1 equipment for sale in Japan from HardOff

But I am wondering when your last trip to Japan was and when you last bought Nikon1 gear there?

Click to expand...

It was my son who was there, on his way to his employer in Florida.

DavidZihon said:

I say that because I think things have changed since you were there last.

There are some things that you may have missed because of well, 'language barriers'? maybe.

Anyway, the jist of my story is that HardOff stores give you a six month warranty on all Nikon1 products bought at their stores.

So they will typically repair them or replace them for free with their inhouse staff.

Yes, it is true that not everywhere you go will give you a six-month warranty on Nikon1 products, but HardOff do. Just check on their website if you are not sure.

So I suggest you make another trip trip there, and perhaps check your facts for 2025 because things have changed.

Also, maybe you need to buy a new battery? I took quite a few photos in my trip to Japan on a single battery charge. I'm sure that it was close to 100 shots but I know that I could have done more. I suggest that you get an expert to check your battery. I bought my battery second-hand with my camera from Japan and it has been faultless even though it is over ten years old.

Click to expand...

I have the equipment needed, as I am pretty well-versed in batteries, specifically LiPos. I think I was the first that built twin-powered Zagis (all-electric, of course). Zagi is a famous flying wing made in California (still operational, last time I checked. And even mounted fans on them. Great fun! Some 20 years ago!

DavidZihon said:

And whilst I acknowledge that the lens are prone to fail due to moisture, I have never had one that has actually fail. And when they do get to a worrying point of moisture ingress, they go for a rest in a warm rice cooker to dry out.

So I really think that your old fears may no longer be so well placed now.

Click to expand...

--
tordseriksson (at) gmail.....
Owner of a handful of Nikon cameras. And a few lenses. DxO PhotoLab 8 user.
WSSA #456

Tord S Eriksson said:

It was my son who was there, on his way to his employer in Florida.

Click to expand...

Did he visit Ikea in Japan?

(apologies for having to use the backup camera)


Just walking along, and there it was, one of our favourite lunch stops.


The foyer


Queue for lunch. Apologies for Z30 image quality

It's a fun place to stop for lunch.

Tord S Eriksson said:

I have the equipment needed, as I am pretty well-versed in batteries, specifically LiPos. I think I was the first that built twin-powered Zagis (all-electric, of course). Zagi is a famous flying wing made in California (still operational, last time I checked. And even mounted fans on them. Great fun! Some 20 years ago!

Click to expand...

I'd love to see some more of your photos then.