The Nikon ZF a Retro delight - A Review
Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I’m going to share with you my thoughts on the Nikon ZF, the latest full-frame mirrorless camera from Nikon that pays homage to the classic FM2 film camera. I’ve been using the ZF for a few weeks now, and I’m impressed by its performance, design, and features. Let me tell you why.
First of all, the ZF is a beautiful camera. It has a retro look that reminds me of the FM2, with a textured leatherette body, a pentaprism viewfinder, and mechanical control dials. The black finish on the brass dials reveals a patina over time, making the camera more unique and personal. The ZF is also very comfortable to hold, thanks to its deep grip and ergonomic layout. It feels solid and well-built, yet not too heavy or bulky. It reminded me of the first time I picked up a Fujifilm X-T1, in other words it gave me a real buzz.
Nikon ZF with Z 35mm f1.8
The ZF has a 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor that delivers stunning image quality. The sensor has a wide dynamic range, low noise, and accurate colors. The ZF also has an in-body image stabilization system that compensates up to 8 stops of camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light or with telephoto lenses. The ZF can shoot up to 14fps in JPEG mode, or 11fps in RAW mode, with a buffer of 200 shots. The autofocus system is fast and reliable, with 273 focus points that cover 90% of the frame. The ZF can also track and recognize 9 subject types, including humans, animals, and vehicles.
Nikon ZF with Z 35mm f1.8
The ZF is not only a great stills camera, but also a capable video camera. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps, with a 1.5x crop, or at up to 30fps, with full sensor readout. The ZF also supports 10-bit N-Log recording, which preserves more details and dynamic range for color grading. The ZF has a vari-angle touchscreen monitor that can flip out and rotate, making it easy to compose shots from different angles. The ZF also has a 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder that is bright and clear, with a 0.8x magnification and a 100% coverage.
Nikon ZF with Z 35mm f1.8
One of the most interesting features of the ZF is the dedicated monochrome mode, which lets you shoot in black and white with three different profiles: flat, deep tone, and high contrast. The monochrome mode gives you a live preview of the black and white image on the monitor or the viewfinder, and also applies the effect to the RAW files. The monochrome mode is perfect for creating dramatic and artistic photos, especially with the classic design of the ZF. The dedicated switch is a lovely feature, but it is a little fiddly and it has Mono, Photo and Video modes included which makes it easy to select the wrong setting in a hurry. I found myself in video mode a couple of times.
Nikon ZF Mono mode Dial which is a handy feature.
Nikon ZF with Z 35mm f1.8 with Deep Tone Mono setting.
The ZF uses the Nikon Z mount, which is compatible with a growing range of Z lenses, as well as F lenses with an adapter. The Z mount has a large diameter and a short flange distance, which allows for more light transmission and better optical performance. The Z lenses are also designed to be compact and lightweight, without compromising on quality.
The ZF is a camera that combines the best of both worlds: the charm of the past and the technology of the present. It is a camera that appeals to both nostalgic and modern photographers, who appreciate the craftsmanship and the creativity of photography. The ZF is a camera that inspires me to shoot more and to enjoy the process of making images. If you are looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera that has style, substance, and soul, the ZF might be the one for you.
The Nikon ZF is now available to order.
More sample images.
