Just a newbe, asking questions.

[dog house riley]

I only have the ZFC, I'm fighting this thought? do I continue with the ZFC, or get turned around? 1st, thinking get FTZ II, use my exsisting f mount DX lenses. These are Nikon 10 20 WA, 1680 2.8 4.0, I really like this lens, plus Tamron 18 400, and Tamron 70 210 f 4.0. Also in my inventory is Nikon 18 140, and 18 55 AFP [my often used carry along], for going to store, w/the D3400.

I also have several Nikon 1.8 g primes.

The reason for this is in fact I don't have the funds to start a new selection of Nikon "Z" equipment. Think with the FTZ, I can get full use of my current gear? at a later date sell the ZFC and buy the Z50 II.

Is this sound thinking, or am I ready for the "funny farm" The Z is fun, but i don't see much differant than my D5300. I bought it because it reminded me of my FM2, back in 1993?

At 79 I running out of time, just want to make the most of remaining time.

"dog house riley"

 

[Satyaa]

I would say, don't worry about building a collection of Z lenses.

You have a decent set of DX lenses and the D7500 to go with them.

Get a FTZ ii (or a third-party adapter if you want cheaper). Use the lenses with your Z body and D7500. Other than the size and shooting experience, the D7500 will get you the same images IQ-wise.

In due course, get some small primes that go well with the Zfc design. Some third-party fast primes suit well in my opinion.

All the best.

 

[madecov]

Since you have the Zfc (fun camera). And the lenses you currently own, i would get a used FTZII ( the ll has better ergonomics) . Later you could pick up a Z50ll or some native Z mount lenses. Your F mount lenses will undoubtedly focus more accurately on a Z body.

 

[cubivore]

since your collection is all apsc getting an ftz might be a good, cheap solution. that's what i thought i'd do since i moved from d7000 to z6. but it didn't take long after trying a couple z mount lenses that i moved over totally to z mount. let me know if you decide to adapt your old lenses. i have a barely used ftz1 just sitting here.

 

[cutterpup]

I only have the ZFC, I'm fighting this thought? do I continue with the ZFC, or get turned around? 1st, thinking get FTZ II, use my exsisting f mount DX lenses.

Speaking as someone who somewhat started this road four years ago, I would get the FTZ and start by using the lenses you already own. I had bought a D3XXX and 2 lens kit as a lightweight addition to the 7200 and 810. Hoping to get into full frame Z, and having not enough spare change I sold the 3XXX and got a Z50 w/ 2 lens kit and FTZ as a way to learn the system.

The reason for this is in fact I don't have the funds to start a new selection of Nikon "Z" equipment. Think with the FTZ, I can get full use of my current gear? at a later date sell the ZFC and buy the Z50 II.

Early this past winter I realized that a FX Z camera and set of lenses is not going to happen, So I bought the Z mount 18-140dx and really started using my z50 with both z and F mount lenses. A few weeks ago I splurged and bought the Z50ii and the 12-28 zoom. I kind of regret buying the 12-28 as my 10-20 works fine, but the 12-28 is so much smaller. I sold the Z50 and finally let go of my Tamron 70-200 2.8 in Pentax mount to fund the purchase.

Is this sound thinking, or am I ready for the "funny farm" The Z is fun, but i don't see much differant than my D5300. I bought it because it reminded me of my FM2, back in 1993?

I'm finding a world of difference in the auto focus with the Z50ii.

At 79 I running out of time, just want to make the most of remaining time.

"dog house riley"

 

[dog house riley]

Sorry, i forgot to mention I purchased the ZFC, with the 28 2.8 SE, I forgot to mention getting the 16 50 Z kit lens with the 28,should be plenty for me.

I'd hate to get away from the 16 80, it works so well for me. And a thing i live by! no plastic on the counter at camera store, i save my weekly allowance since retired, receive SS checks, plus a pension and small investments.

What I'm saying no Z8 is in my future, at most if I get lucky and sell a lot of gear, maybe a Z50II,

Just a PO boy trying to stay active. But so far the FTZ II, sounds the better move. Thanks very much.

DHR

 

[Plankowner110]

Dog House Riley, your Nikon Zfc with leather case looks great! I went a different route and sold all my F-mount gear and got a Z5 with just a couple of basic Z-mount lenses. I'm a gear minimalist, so what I have is sufficient for the shooting I do at age 76.

I bought a little Z30 body and attached the Z DX 24mm f1.7 lens for a super small and light easy-carry outfit.

--
Bill
Nikon since 1969

 

[skyrunr]

Even though I much prefer the 12-28DX and 24-200VR (or 50-250DXVR) on DX bodies, the FTZ will get you by with what you have.

Start saving up and trade everything in towards a Z5II and the 24-200VR and your favorite prime lens. With a few more megapixels and software you can crop that 200mm to the 300mm field of view. Watch for a good Nikon refurbished sale and black Friday sales, this or next year.

 

[Bob A L]

You will be fine with the FTZ and your present lenses. You just have to understand that you are going to add one inch of length and a few ounces to the weight, but then your lenses will work fine with the only difference being a slight increase in sharpness and detail over what they give you on your D7500, and possibly a bit better high iso quality. And as to later getting a Z50ii, that's fine, but I have both and prefer the Zfc. I originally planned to do as you are contemplating, but have ended up with the Z mount 16-50 original, 18-140, 50-250, and 28-400, which wasn't my original plan, but I have no regrets. Enjoy your Zfc.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

I think you should go with the one that is the most fun for you.

 

[dog house riley]

Well, i did it different, I had asked about the FTZ? well i changed to the "Kit lens" 16 50 with Nikon lens hood, all my lenses have hoods.

Don't rave at me, I wanted to make this ZFC camera more effective, with the 28 2.8 SE, it was my street rig, but left me short elsewhere. With the zoom lens i can do both street and casual photos.

I'm not a photographer any longer just a snap shooter, I think this will extend my time longer, I'll have my F mount for some things but the ZFC, will take first place. I'll be starting to sell some F mount gear, I don't use anymore.

I'll keep my Nikon N80 film body [2 N80's] sell my F100, plus my D800, I want to get down to only 3-4 cameras, I will always have a Nikon film camera, just me it represents my start into photography.

I'll post a pic or two here on ML site, don't worry I'm not threat to anyone I just like to get out and shoot pics.

Thanks, you 'all helped me really see both sides. Lens be here Wed the 29th. Then the scary photos begin, laugh, I just want some fun these last days.

You'll be seeing me out behind my red roadster,[ walker] puttering around most likely making a pest of myself.

"dog house riley"

 

[madecov]

Well, i did it different, I had asked about the FTZ? well i changed to the "Kit lens" 16 50 with Nikon lens hood, all my lenses have hoods.

Don't rave at me, I wanted to make this ZFC camera more effective, with the 28 2.8 SE, it was my street rig, but left me short elsewhere. With the zoom lens i can do both street and casual photos.

I'm not a photographer any longer just a snap shooter, I think this will extend my time longer, I'll have my F mount for some things but the ZFC, will take first place. I'll be starting to sell some F mount gear, I don't use anymore.

I'll keep my Nikon N80 film body [2 N80's] sell my F100, plus my D800, I want to get down to only 3-4 cameras, I will always have a Nikon film camera, just me it represents my start into photography.

I'll post a pic or two here on ML site, don't worry I'm not threat to anyone I just like to get out and shoot pics.

Thanks, you 'all helped me really see both sides. Lens be here Wed the 29th. Then the scary photos begin, laugh, I just want some fun these last days.

You'll be seeing me out behind my red roadster,[ walker] puttering around most likely making a pest of myself.

"dog house riley"

Good luck and enjoy yourself

 

[Plankowner110]

There's a lot to like about the Zfc. Enjoy and best wishes!

 

[Poldersnapper]

Well, i did it different, I had asked about the FTZ? well i changed to the "Kit lens" 16 50 with Nikon lens hood, all my lenses have hoods.

Don't rave at me, I wanted to make this ZFC camera more effective, with the 28 2.8 SE, it was my street rig, but left me short elsewhere. With the zoom lens i can do both street and casual photos.

I'm not a photographer any longer just a snap shooter, I think this will extend my time longer, I'll have my F mount for some things but the ZFC, will take first place. I'll be starting to sell some F mount gear, I don't use anymore.

I'll keep my Nikon N80 film body [2 N80's] sell my F100, plus my D800, I want to get down to only 3-4 cameras, I will always have a Nikon film camera, just me it represents my start into photography.

I'll post a pic or two here on ML site, don't worry I'm not threat to anyone I just like to get out and shoot pics.

Thanks, you 'all helped me really see both sides. Lens be here Wed the 29th. Then the scary photos begin, laugh, I just want some fun these last days.

You'll be seeing me out behind my red roadster,[ walker] puttering around most likely making a pest of myself.

"dog house riley"

The main thing is going out with a favourite camera plus lens and have some fun .

It is quite liberating to sell all the stuff you don't really need and concentrate on a limited but good quality set.

I've had Nikon cameras from the good old Nikkormat FTn, F2, F3, to the FE-2.
Digital Nikons from D70, D300, D7100, to the D700.
Nowadays (at 70 y/o) I have the Z5 plus Z 2.8 28mm SE and some AI/AIS lenses.
Also a Fuji X-T3 because it reminds me so much of the Nikon FE.
At our age photography is a great way to keep our mind busy and active .

Regards,
André

 

[Rene Gr]

I used the 5500 myself. It was a fine camera back then. The ZFC has mainly a much better AF, a faster frame rate, much better video options, is a mirrorless with all the gimmicks, and can use the modern Z lenses. Moreover, it uses the retro interface with the dials.

For all that you have no use, it seems. Why not simply continue with the 5300 and enjoy its longer battery life and the optical viewfinder?

I have to admit that I switched to the Z5 some time ago, wanting to be closer to the edge of technology. Have my photos necessarily gotten better? No. If anything, they got better because I used the modern technology, like the eye AF which makes portraits much easier and other gimmicks. And, because I learned so much more about photography now.

 

[CJAM]

At 66 and about to take a significant drop in income when I become a pensioner, I received yesterday a used Zfc as I've been an F-mount used for just under 20 years and am sad that Nikon no longer supports us. Z-mount is the way to go. Yes, just get the FTZ or FTZ II adapter and continue using your older lenses. My used Z fc came with the SmallRig grip which I find invaluable, BTW. First thing I need to do this evening, I think, is to look at updating the camera firmware from 1.2 to 1.8. I'd also suggest that you look at getting a SmallRig battery EN-EL25 with built-in USB-C port to make charging a lot less hassle, although at least the Z fc came with a battery charger unlike the Z30 I bought a few months ago. Really hoping that the Z-mount cameras kick-start my interest in taking photos again, which got significantly depressed (like me) during The Lockdown Years.

Have fun, and enjoy !