Believe the hype, the camera is awesome. Ken just doesn’t like this kind of camera lol

The remote trigger on the shutter might be fake, but the reason the screw hole was kept was to still use a custom soft button, which Nikon even used to sell for the Df.

You can customize the ZF to completely bypass the top dials. I control ISO and shutter speed using the i button menu and never had to use the retro-style dials on top. I am neutral to retro style but I upgraded from Z6 to ZF because of the improved autofocus system: 1 AI tracking of people, pets, cars, planes; 2. new 3D tracking. 3. Autofocus sensitivity under low light (-10EV vs -4EV) and 4. image stabilization (8EV vs. 5EV). ZF uses Expeed 7 processor, which is ~10x faster than Expeed 6 in Z6/Z6II. My only gripe about ZF is that it's difficult to get the SD card out once you put on the smallrig grip. I have to use a USB cable to import photos to my PC. Nikon Wireless Transfer app didn't work for me.

Thanks for the review, although I'm confused about your complaints. Simply put, I think this camera is not for you. It seems that you don't need a retro-style camera at all. Changing the shutter speed dial doesn't make any sense, unless again, what you need is a different camera altogether. The shutter speed dial to me is crucial. When doing street photography, with a flick of the mode selector I'm in manual mode, with the shutter speed dial already set on a lower shutter so I can get the motion trail I need (and, in case, rapidly adjust it thanks to that very dial). With another flick, I'm back right on to the higher shutter speed for a most common shooting experience. The Zf is mainly aimed at street photographer, hence not only the style, but also the dials. There are also other factor that goes into the customization of the body which add a lot to the street shooter needs. All in all, I don't think your review this time around was particularly fair (and I generally like your reviews). Just my 2 c.

Been waiting for this review, Ken. Best body currently for manual focus lenses. Eye tracking with manual focus lenses is amazing.

I own the Zf and love it, but I wanted the top dials experience. I own a Z5 and D750 as well. I honestly never use the U modes on my Z5 but I can see the value. For me this camera reminds me of when I first started with a Nikon N2000 film camera. I enjoy setting up the camera via the top dials in M mode and have the rear LCD flipped so it’s not present most of the time. This isn’t the most efficient way to use a camera in 2024 but I do enjoy it and also use manual lenses still. People also still drive a handful of cars with a manual transmission for that experience or use record players, this is in the same vein for me. For auto ISO users, I use M and set auto on and max to 200. The camera will prioritize low ISO so the dial then becomes an max ISO range adjustment. For example set dial to 800 and you have 100-800 set, with it prioritizing the lowest usable iso. This works great for me. This works in M/S but A/P will have it as min iso so be aware if those are modes you use often. It has a plethora of ways to address certain settings if you take the time to learn. That said the front and rear thumb/finger dials and grip will never be as optimized as the other Z bodies due to its replication of a film era camera. But those bodies won’t tempt you to pick it up off the shelf and use it like the Zf can. Ken thanks for years of reviews and keeping it real for what people actually need in a practical sense for good photography. I love the Zf personally but can’t disagree with any of your review from a practical sense, especially from a professionals viewpoint. But I think this camera was targeted right at the non-professional guy like me. Everyone who wants expeed 7 in a Z6 frame be patient it’ll be here soon. The ergonomics will probably drive you nuts with the ZF if you don’t like the dials experience.

Eye af tracking with manual lenses, I like it alot.

I mostly felt this way, about the ergonomics, when I first got the camera, but after some use I find it’s not bad.

I've always seen your written reviews without realizing you had a KZfaq channel but I gotta say I love your direct/no bullshit review style hahah.

I always appreciate your thoughts Ken. My one question for you is do you think we will see build quality, as far as the metal and brass being used on the zf, ever coming back? I can see the negative on being heavier, but I really miss that feel of the camera. I love the x-t5, but it just doesn't feel like it is going to hold up as well. Maybe that is a me problem where I need to wrap my mind around the fact that heavy doesn't always mean more durable, but there is something I like about the feel of the zf.

Hi Ken, I really enjoyed this review. I appreciate your reviews. Thanks Ken 😊

I find the AF way better than Z6. Please explain your views.

I feel shutter through body when shooting with mechanic shutter. Pixel shift don't work on Zf with flash or radio trigger (studio). Auto ISO is not controlled with dials Size still bigger that FM Not ergonomic to use with big lenses (like 50mm 1.2) Nikon has a limited selection of lenses for the ZF mount. Old sensor from Z6 (2018 year)

Do you reckon it's better to go for Nikon Z6 II for just regular Photography when you're shooting Nature, Night, or even Street Photography handheld?

Ken's observations are logical, to the point and very useful to photographers at all levels. Thank you, Ken!

Ken love your reviews no bias and very honest .

I will stick with my Df for the time being then. Thanks for another honest review!

If I want to get the Nikon 28-400mm, is it too big for everyday use on a Zf? Do people use the dedicated shutter and ISO dials on the Zf or just get it for the look and end up just use the front and rear dials more which means the Z6III will make more sense with the better grip and even better EVF even let say you just want to use a small lens on it? Also what camera and lenses you carry or you just use phone while travel and everyday hangout and situations? I shoot for fun, art, contest and gig if possible tho I haven't done yet, my plan is to get that lens with Zf ith the 28-400mm and a Sony Xperia 1 VI phone (26,24,48,85-170, 2X macro) to be always with me waterproof and macro camera, down the line I might get the 14-30 and Voigtländer 50mm F1 if I want to maximize what I can get from wider shots and also when I need boleh which is rare time but that manual lens and aesthetic of the lens is nice! And I love Yellow colour, hope Nikon will make a Yellow colour Zf like they did with the new colour entries on the Zf! 💛

As always, spot on. I shoot Nikon and have constant problems with dust on the sensor. Lack of sensor cover seems like a small problem but its a constant source of annoyance, esp. since the viewinder has potato resolution of ~720p so you wont see the dust specks until you are back home in front of your computer.

Hi Ken. You loved the ZFC but hate the ZF yet the ZF is seems to be basically just a full frame ZFC (or am I wrong) with a slightly more robust body ( Z6 rehoused). What gives my overly learned friend? Btw I have the ZFC with the awesome 16-50 kit lens and the 24mm 1.7 prime with smallrig grip and love it. Just curious.

so… if you compare it with a nikon DF, I mean in functionality and ISO?

I'm renting one right now to evaluate if I want one for travelling for low light days. I'm tempted but the ergonomics as Ken points out aren't great. I prefer using my Fuji X-T5. The image quality is good so while I think I will pass on buying one, I may still rent one for my trip.

Honest and on point! Thx

Totally agree with Ken’s description of this ZF’s ergonomic issues. When it was first announced i was all set to buy this camera. But then i had the chance to actually hold and operate it at a dealer’s promotional event. While it feels very solid (actually, heavy!), it is so uncomfortable to hold and operate. Really do try to hold one of these before you buy one.

Been looking forward to your video review on this - web review was great and had loads of good info. I ended up getting a Zfc after looking at your review of it (among other reviews, of course) - couldn't justify the cost of a Zf since I'm barely dipping my toes into photography (Your site has been a fantastic help with that, very much appreciated!) Myself, I like the shutter speed dial as it kind of helps me more easily visualize and learn the conditions that different shutter speeds, ISO, etc need to be adjusted towards & I also just enjoy the process of figuring it out. I actually use it with some Series E lenses & a Mitakon Zhongyi Turbo Mark II adapter that touts to negate the crop factor, which seems to work well to my untrained eye - I do not use my FTZ adapter with manual lenses for the exact reasons you described - that's reserved for the couple of DX lenses that I've picked up from thrift & pawn shops.

This is a Great Camera! I'm using it professionally since oct'23 and no regret at all! Architecture images that I made with this camera are excellent as well as corporate portraits. AF is perfect for people and all the buttons are customizable. You can't go wrong with this camera! ( just buy a Smallrig grip, to improve the camera ergonomics ).

I really like KR's reviews for saying what he doesn't like. Often reviews say everything is marvellous. I like my Nikon ZF despite all the criticisms which I agree with. Have been using Sony a7riv and find myself drifting back to Nikon. I like trying my Nikon lenses on ZF with adaptor. I am trying to think of a better Z lens which is small.

so the Df might still be the best option to use the old Nikon AI (and even Pre-AI) on digital body? 🤔🤔

Thanks!

It is a z6ii sensor but the processor and AF is all z8/z9

Hi Ken, I found your channel after reading the article explaining LV & EV on your website. I think if you did a good video explaining that concept, it would easily become one of the most viewed photography videos on KZfaq. It’s the single most impactful basic lesson on photography that I’ve learned. Thanks

Zf is a gateway to nikon for me. So far I used fujifilm and considered going leica or gfx to get better quality. ZF is great middle ground. Compact, great AF and quality. I hope they will keep working on ZF line, bring more lenses and improve design without loosing vintage vibe. Thanks for review!

As poser as it is, I would still take this camera 1000X over the FujiFilm X100VI. That is ultimate poser hipster youngling. This Zf at least has the option to switch lenses and is full frame.

Thanks for the valuable review. I would prefer a Nikon Df II (support of AI-S and pre-AI lenses) that comes with IBIS, an improved AF (from the D780). Regarding usability I like knobs and buttons that allow changing a very limited number of settings. The remaining settings can stay in the menu forever.

Thanks Ken , my thoughts exactly. If Nikon had put the guts of this camera (particularly the auto focus system) in a Z6 like body , I would be a Nikon shooter today . Maybe the Z6iii will do it for me . Please stop bashing Thai production . I have visited a number of hitech Thai production facilities , and I personally know several Thai engineers. They are world class . I'm old enough to remember when "Made in Japan" was synonymous with garbage

The only issue I have with the Zf is the shutter release. It's much too sensitive. Quite often I take two pictures instead of one.

I have moved to back to a d500 as it is for price used IMHO the best bird camera if you do not want to spend for a Z9 or 8. As for the ZF I like the retro look and always added a arcaswiss grip plate to my XT fujis and that helps ...have not shot the ZF to see how the AF is ....I am told it has good tracking .....in the end we can get used to anything as I have shot Fuji Nikon Canon Sony and Olympus all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Honest and on point as always. Most reviewers do not have the audacity to say things that you've said in the video.

Thanks Ken! In a moment of weakness, I bought a broken FE for $30 and took a chance that my local repair tech could fix it, cheap. New mirror and repaired shutter release/film advance (must’ve taken a really hard hit) $85 later (including shipping) and I’ve got a nice FE! A Zf? No thanks, I’ll stick with my D700, but it’s great to see what’s new! Have a great day!

Thank you Ken! I knew you'd shoot us the real deal, uniquely qualified to talk about a vintage styled camera. I think I'll try to track down a Df, lack of IBIS be damned.

Another good one! Ken - been following you since 2004! 20 years ! Thank you for everything 🙏🏻

They should have put in a larger grip for full size battery and also have 2 SD slots. While the camera has higher tech inside with Expeed 7, great AF in video, the operation of camera could have been better thought out. Still lots of great features though including the screen. This camera is mostly aimed at the advanced enthusiast and vlogger/content creator, less so for the daily pro image photographer. Z6iii is coming out soon this year to address any issues.

Wait, which Sony doesn't lock the mirror when you turn it off? And hard disagree on the AF. I've only owned Sonys and this Nikon and it matches them very well

I prefer these ergonomics vs the Canon R3 and Z6ii. Why? Because I don't use the controls that much. Back button focus, aperture on the lens ring, shutter on the front dial, and ISO on auto. I have the dial on top to force the ISO out of auto if I'm not looking at the viewfinder/screen, ditto for the shutter dial. I never change the exposure mode... do you really change modes often? I guess you're a jpg shooter so maybe the in-camera settings matter more to you. RE: the camera specs - what the? It has the same processor as the Z8/Z9, not the Z6/7s. I find it is a big improvement for autofocus and video modes. I don't know, it just seems like a lot of fuss over relatively unimportant details.

Thanks for this. My experience with it has been positive overall. Had it since release. But it's a 70s-80s styled camera and it's mostly supposed to be used as one. I've been using it with AIS lenses and works perfectly fine. I wouldn't care much about trivia such as the cable release (and yes i tried it too, it doesn't work). The hole is there for those who prefer to add those soft release buttons. And to be honest I'm uncertain of what you'd expect: you're annoyed that something as obsolete as the release cable isn't compatible yet at the same time you'd rather have the shutter dial removed 😂 For me, it's a near perfect replacement of my old FM3A although in terms of weight and size it's, I feel, closer to the Nikon F.

Enjoyed your critical review Ken! Had a few good laughs!😅

Great review Ken as always , apparently Nikon uses the same tiny rear LCD screen from the tiny toy like ZFC on this ZF. It's really like a parts bin camera made to look cool with compromises and still too expensive , probably will be good value when discounted I see value at around $1499 USD as its basically the guts of the old Z6II and bits off the ZFC.

Hey all, is this camera good enough to shoot street style photography, especially during fashion week. Looking to invest in it. Thank you

This cam is my dream cam.

this gentleman is an honest man

What I wouldn't give to have a consistent UI across all modern Nikons!

I had no idea about the fake threaded cable release! Also, my almost 10 year old D5600 lets you use the rear touch screen to move the focus point too (although the setting is buried in the menus), I've always thought they should include that feature in everything including their pro bodies, it seems like a no-brainer! Either way, thanks again for a great run down!

I agree with your critique of the body, You did not even get to the compromised grip and memory card slots. Got Zf in March. Traded away D750 + 2 lenses I seldom used, and a SONY a6300 and lenses I had for it. Personal use, mostly NYC walking around (+ 14-30 S f/4, 24-70 f/4 S, cheap TTArtiaan f11mm f/2.8 fisheye and for use on DSLR and with FTZii the Voightlander Ultron 40 f/2) Keeping for now D810, D7200 and D7500 and various FX and DX lenses. So I still don't have a body with joystick.

Hmm. Been looking at this camera for a while. Maybe better to wait for the z6iii? The problem with this and the 6 and 7 is the small size. Only the z8 feels comfortable in my hands. But $4,000? Not comfortable in my wallet.

I wanted to get back into nikon system with this camera but they went with this horrible vlog style LCD screen sadly.

Well at least it's not a cannon plastic fantastic. This is a great camera and I carry one everywhere I go as an everyday shooter. I could see where others are a little jealous...

I just want a D600 😢

The more I see reviews of Nikon mirrorless cameras, the more I want to keep my Nikon D500. It's a shame that Nikon killed serious cameras with APS-C sensors. Poser camera: I didn’t know that term. Great review. Greetings from Brazil!

When you want the real review, wait for Ken! Always the best! Thanks Ken.

Real shame they did not make an adapter for af and afd

Great review. Finally someone actually talks about the usability of the camera. Everyone else just talks mostly about technical stuff. Tony from Tony & Chelsea Northrup talked about the horrible UX design on Fujifilm X100VI. We actually need more reviews pointing out things like this so camera manufacturers can work on improvement in this area.

You close the shutter when changing lenses by removing the battery while the camera is powered on.

The thing is SO HEAVY though!! But I have tiny T-Rex arms so perhaps I'm not the best judge.....

Re D40, I meant just as a fun look through history. Have a great day.

Honestly, I have a bit of Arthritis in the fingers I could hold a Nikon Z 6 II with 24-70 2.8 s lens with no issue, but the ZF I tried it with the Grip and the 24-70s 2.8 s lens and it was very difficult to hold and the shutter button is awkwardly placed it was difficult for me. This is my opinion and how I felt. I suggest to anyone who wants to buy the ZF to hold the camera first. I am not sure why Nikon could not take the technology inside the ZF and put it into the Z6 2 body to make it the Z6 3. I think Nikon should have released the Z6 3 first or together with the ZF. And, if Nikon wanted to go all out Retro they should have made it a camera for Photo's only no video since they went all out on the ergonomics because you have to buy a grip in addition to the camera to make it more usable, and the grip may or may not work for everyone. This is my own opinion and constructive feedback.

i hear you ken. many valid points. however i used to shoot medium format. 12 shots per roll. if you cant do it in 12, don't shoot. you're just hoping for a win, not planning for a win. even we used to look down on the 36 shot 35mm boys. now with digital you can bracket the hell out of all shots. you literally cant miss unless you are blind. even then you probably got a good chance. i find myself these days shooting manual with fixed shutter & fixed aperture and auto iso as the iso on modern cameras is amazing. photography is always about lighting. that does not matter what body you have. recently i was impressed with the throw in the bag at all times fugi XS20 & im looking at the nikon ZF as a 2nd. for me i want durable. less buttons. less distraction. longer firmware updates and OEM support. i also like the organic feel of the classic bodied nikons. if you want the ultimate in DSP and auto everything. buy an iphone 15 max ultra pro +. will even smooth out the wrinkles on the fly ;)

the one good thing is that the "Nikon" letters don't lean.

Yes the pancakes are crappy plastic but they also likely didn't cost as much either. I always find it a bit comical that people poke fun at the plastics on these lenses. Yes they're cheap plastic but the optics and price are decent and I think the price is very appropriate (the SE is a little over priced IMO for the extra retro look, but it costs about $30 more than the plain one and neither have an aperture ring). I'd gladly pay say $399 for one that had a conventional aperture ring. As to the button locks on the dials... they only lock in the "C" position for ISO and the 1/3-Step position for shutter speed (but otherwise are unlocked in all other positions). I think that little bit was omitted so I'd partially agree with that complaint as it does apply, but only when the dials are at certain positions. But I do agree that it would be nice if the dial was back farther and perhaps the lever for B+W, Photo and Video was moved to the front or perhaps but on the back of the camera since people are not likely going to need to change back and forth that quickly (maybe between color and B+W mode but not video). But there are other ways they could have done this too. The one feature they SHOULD HAVE included though (that is not retro) would be a focus stick. Even Fuji puts these on their cameras even though they are also going for the sake type of "retro" look and feel. I think it's one exception that most people (even purists) would understand if it was included, and it would be appreciated. The one feature I really do like with the Zf (that I don't think other Z cameras have currently) is the manual focus assist with subject tracking (this is great for when adapting old manual focus lenses). But as usual, I think Ken does the review just so he can complain about the camera. We know it will never be exactly the same as the old FM cameras and that there will be differences. You may be more suited to use one of the other cameras if you find the layout and setup of the Zf to be a concern. I will admit the camera has its quirks but I traded in my Z6 II for this and fel it was a worthwhile upgrade. I always enjoyed shooting film here and there but with the cost of film and development, and the rate I shoot, I would have paid about the same price as a Zf in about 2-3 years so for me, while it's not perfect by any means, it is one step closer and a nice comrpomise to give me a somewhat of a film shooting look/feel but without the added expense of film and processing and will cost less in the long run than using film. I still shoot film but much less now that I have the Zf, maybe 1 or 2 rolls a month versus about 4 or 6 a month.

Nice review.. I guess I have no desires for gear after switching from digital back to film.. it's all about shooting film.. all 'em sony a7r, a93 ,nikon z9, z8 etc... don't intrigue me...

It is true this is a cool looking camera but sucks at the handling. So if u wanna look cool then this is the cam for you. For everyone else go get the Z6 ii or the R6 ii. Both handling are lightyear ahead of the Zf. Keep shooting 👍🏽

Nice to see a real review. Took the ZF to Costa Rica nice photos they looked great. Returned it after I got back for all the reasons you pointed out. Looks cool but did not user experience auto iso is a pain. Got a Canon R5 love the way it just works.

Ken's not wrong at all. But as a person who uses the camera, it really depends on a kind of 'sparking joy' that a camera like this can do for someone like me. The camera looks and feels good to me, so it makes me want to use it - despite clearly sacrificing a lot of ergonomics. The lack of custom settings that he talks about is a real issue though - and Nikon could do a real solid for owners by putting that in a firmware update. And yes, the threaded shutter release that doesn't work with a cable release is shameful. My Fujifilm XE1 from more than 10 years ago and was a lower-end enthusiast camera even then works flawlessly with old releases from the '70s.

still stuck on 24mp...a 33-36mp would have made it more appealing, the r8 at least compensates it with an uncropped 4k 60p which probably would have been more challenging with a higher resolution sensor...

Great work as always Ken. Have a great day! Would be fun for you to do a D40 revisit, showing it will still do a lot. 😊

People don’t like the Fuji 100 V and 100 VI because they look retro. They like them because they take good pictures without going into Photoshop.

"It's made to look cool rather than work cool" damn Especially when you compare the ergonomic focus of the original FM with the dial and rewind all being accessible in the same area (as you show), the Zf looks like they took that and then just added a bunch more dials and buttons everywhere else without much thought also i gotta say, i always appreciate your details on what's metal. metal is the best. ken is my favorite metallurgist. ALL HAIL METAL i feel i get a good idea of the feel of a product in your reviews that way! another great vid, your attention to detail is awesome!

LOL - trashing the dials at the top because they're not modern when the intent of this camera is to provide a retro feel and look. Sure, it's a niche market and not meant for those who want a modern camera feel. I have a Z8, Z6ii, Z7 and a Zf. I absolutely needed the Smallrig grip, but now I'm off to the races with the Zf and I absolutely love it. It's not a Z8....we know that. But I have absolutely no buyers remorse with the Zf even with the Z6iii now out. Image quality is fantastic, I like having a flippy screen option and the eye autofocus actually works great despite what this video says. Auto - ISO? I just reprogram the video record button to ISO and use the command dials which is very little difference than my other Z cameras. The problem with this review is that it doesn't start with Nikon's intention for this camera. Calling it a poser camera is ridiculous and misses the point of the launch entirely......can't believe Ken would make this comment (poser 40mm f2 lens, sure). In my opinion, Nikon nailed it with this camera.....there's very little difference in my workflow and button assignment with the Zf vs the other Z cameras which makes it easy to switch between. The missing joystick is THE biggest issue I have with this camera. Take this review with a grain of salt. This is a great camera. If you have the funds for a Z8, buy that of course. Want the best ergonomics at a lower price, buy a Z6ii or Z7ii. Want a fun camera that performs better than a Z6ii but not at a Z8 level, the Zf is a fantastic choice. It keeps the same great Z6ii dynamic range (better than Z6iii) with better cAF than the Z6ii at a better price than the Z6iii. It's a pretty sweet option. And that's not to mention the quick B&W switch that I love.

Thanks for the review. I've seen a few from others and no one even mentioned the lack of custom buttons whilst extolling its virtues. You have been way, way, more rounded. It is a nice camera but way too much style over substance at the price, IMO. Others like it that's great................

And Nikon hopes to steal some Fujifilm's marketshare in retro-styled camera, with a full frame sensor (since Fujifilm don't make full frame cameras)

Value for money? Quality of pictures? Quality of video? Handling? All rated 1-5 thank you.

I love the retro styling. But, $2000? I don't love it that much.

The Fuji XT-1 is the camera the Nikon Df should have been... Wait, there's the Zf now!

After the D4S nikon has kicked out junk they are so far behind they should just pack it in..

It's actually a terrific camera. Maybe it's just not for you.

Sadly Nikon is not alone in abandoning Japan. Fuji is dumping production of even their halo X100VI to China - I was surprised when I saw that on mine. It is what it is.

lol brutal! careful nikon doesn’t blacklist you like they did Tony and Chelsea 😂

If its not Canon it's crap

Unless you're a pro, or a Gear Head....... I see it useless to spend a lot of money on this stuff. Ive had my inexpensive D5600 for years now that's still going after 200 clicks on it. It was my backup camera in the day when I shot for a living. Now, the perfect travel camera. Im sorry, but this is a gimmick device. When I want something old, I will reach for my F100, or any other film camera, and shoot film. As a child of the film age, I really appreciate the older stuff, not the newer cameras that look old. Pointless device. Sorry, but my opinion. Id rather have money for travel instead.

I’ll stick to my D750.

If Nikon came out with full frame, ibis, 40mp in a body with size and weight same as the Z50, it would be perfect. I need something like that for hiking. Nikon are you listening??? 😵

Looks likes a Hard Pass

Common Ken Rockwell L

Please, make camera better than talk. Don’t thank me for popularizing this video😊

Nikon's design choices are baffling. I have no use for this camera whatsoever. This looks painful to use.

The fake cable release threading was enough to tell me that Nikon wasn't really serious with this camera and was just trying to pay lip service to the nostalgic crowd.