First a Z50 then a Z5

[Bike Tourist]

I've always had a Leica, even now (an M type 262). But recently I bought a Z50 to test the waters and was surprised how much I like it. I was using it in preference to my M. Then I took it a step farther and got a Z5. So, I now have a Z50 for bike trips and vacations (if that ever happens). I have the Z50 for all other occasions.

Either camera can do more than I demand but they fit my specifications since I only use AF-S single point, still much faster than RF, at least for me. Aperture priority with an occasional return to Manual and let auto ISO deal with it.

I still have the Leica and get it out to fondle every now and then.

 

[kshapero]

What lenses are you using with the Nikon's?

 

[Bike Tourist]

The Z50 has the 16-50 kit lens. The Z5 is fitted with a 24-70 f4. There will, no doubt, be others to follow.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have M220 and after getting of Canon RP, I'm only using it if I want this sharp FF CCD, thin cover glass rendering. Or just a Leica joy. But recently joy part was taken by GRD III 🙂
I got GRD III partially because of bicycle rides.

 

[farlymac]

I've kind of gone the same route, only no Leica digital M was involved, just an M4-P. I got the two-lens-kit for the Z50, but just a refurb body for the Z5 as budgetary concerns and lack of product kept me from getting the lens I want for it (24-200). However I plan on getting more use out of it with adapted lenses, mainly from my rangefinders. What I like about the two is how very similar they are in all aspects except button placement. I haven't used the 50-250 on the Z50 yet only because I've not yet been where it would come in handy. Waiting on the 18-140 that's been announced as that is in the range I'd most likely be shooting in. In the meantime the FTZ adapter will get some use on the Z5.

PF

 

[kshapero]

I have M220 and after getting of Canon RP, I'm only using it if I want this sharp FF CCD, thin cover glass rendering. Or just a Leica joy. But recently joy part was taken by GRD III 🙂
I got GRD III partially because of bicycle rides.

What's an M220?

 

[Doug]

What's an M220?

The M-E typ220 is Leica's entry-level rangefinder model, with a feature set that's nearly identical to the Leica M-Nine, and based around the same 18MP full frame CCD sensor.

 

[Out to Lunch]

The Leica M-E.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

What's an M220?

Apparently it is Leica microscope. 😉
https://www.google.com/search?q=lei...hUKEwjQo5CBq4H0AhWUSvEDHW4mCMcQ4dUDCA4&uact=5

 

[farlymac]

Apparently it is Leica microscope. 😉
https://www.google.com/search?q=lei...hUKEwjQo5CBq4H0AhWUSvEDHW4mCMcQ4dUDCA4&uact=5

They use Zeiss down at the VA. 😎

PF

 

[Ray Vonn 2023]

I’ve got a used Z6 and a native 85mm Z lens for for capturing events such as marathons, firework displays, squirrels etc, that demand AF. It is amazing. I did worry about the AA filter but in this day and age it’s really not an issue. Aside from the said 85mm, I don’t think I’ll be getting any native AF lenses for the purpose of the camera is for it to be used as a body to utilise legacy MD lenses and in that regard, it’s fantastic in use and output. I really am getting proper use out of my Takumar, Nikkor Ai-s and OM lenses and in that regard, it is recommended.

 

[Range-rover]

I was thinking of getting one of those as well, but the arm chair reviewers on youtube said it's slow is your view on the camera
that's it's fast?

 

[Ray Vonn 2023]

I was thinking of getting one of those as well, but the arm chair reviewers on youtube said it's slow is your view on the camera
that's it's fast?

Haha, it’s extremely fast. If, like me you’ve been used to a D800e and rangefinder of course, very much a new experience.

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

I’ve got a used Z6 and a native 85mm Z lens for for capturing events such as marathons, firework displays, squirrels etc, that demand AF. It is amazing. I did worry about the AA filter but in this day and age it’s really not an issue. Aside from the said 85mm, I don’t think I’ll be getting any native AF lenses for the purpose of the camera is for it to be used as a body to utilise legacy MD lenses and in that regard, it’s fantastic in use and output. I really am getting proper use out of my Takumar, Nikkor Ai-s and OM lenses and in that regard, it is recommended.

Sounds awesome. What adapters are you using?

 

[Ray Vonn 2023]

Sounds awesome. What adapters are you using?

It is. If one didn't have a rangefinder, you'd have to think long and hard about getting one after seeing how the classic/vintage lenses render on a Z camera (that's if we're solely judging image quality/ rendering) and seeing how comfortable the haptics are. Adapters as follows:

1) Pixco OM to Z Adapter
2) No name Ai to Z Adapter
3) Fotasy M42 to Z Adapter

They all work great but the important one to note is 3), I got that after learning the hard way about initially buying the thin adapters which do not work on the Takumars with the pin at the back of those lenses (are there any without the pin? One for another thread probably). There's no need for me to get an adapter for M lenses when they already work fine on a rangefinder but Contax and Yashica lenses and adapters are next in line.

 

[farlymac]

The 18-140 DX finally is in stock, and mine arrived last week. It's heavier than I anticipated, but not in a bad way, though it comes without a hood (HB-101) which Nikon decided not to stock with the lens so no one has them yet. The 24-200 FX lens hit the shelves last Friday, and I should have mine Wednesday. At least it has a hood in the box. The K&F LTM-to-Z and M-to-Z adapters arrived Saturday (so I can toss that Fotasy M-to-Z), and once these storm fronts get through here I should have a nice day or two to try things out. I have to adjust the register on the LTM-to-Z as it's about 8° off to the right. Been liking what I see while pointing the camera at things in the apartment.

PF

 

[Darthfeeble]

I did something of the same nature. I wanted a more compact ~50mp FF camera, I got a Z7. While not as compact as I would have liked, it's better than the GFX I had. Somewhere I got the idea that a Crop sensor version to go with my old 70-300 was a good idea, I should have gotten the Z50 but instead chose a used Zfc. My only real complaint is the size of the Z mount lenses. I've used my M mount on both and like them but my failing vision makes getting the focus. I, like you, got the 16-50 lens for the Zfc and am pretty impressed by it. Some day they will find a way to make the lenses smaller to compliment the mirrorless form.

 

[kshapero]

The Nikon Z's do look attractive, no doubt, but the native Nikon Z lenses seem like monsters to my eye. What gives?

 

[huddy]

I bought a Z6 after 10 years with my beloved D700's as the upgrades makes image capture easier/better, even if the camera is slightly less perfect in fitting my hand. I mostly shoot the same manual focus F mount lenses, 58 1.4 G, and the 24-70 zoom. It's remarkable how good the 24-70 is. I haven't gotten into any further adapters yet, but it's a great camera to take on outings/vacation with excellent IQ and makes a good platform if you like adapted lenses too.

 

[farlymac]

The Nikon Z's do look attractive, no doubt, but the native Nikon Z lenses seem like monsters to my eye. What gives?

It's a combination of the larger diameter Z mount, and having the focus motors built into the lenses. Plus the new element designs sometimes require more space than the older ones. At least Nikon is now making lenses based on operational requirements instead of mainly aesthetics or convenience. Everyone used to think it was so nice that most Nikkors used the same filter size, but just think of the constraints that put on the lens designers. It was done mainly to satisfy the wants of the photojournalists who needed to change lenses often while covering a story, and didn't want to have to deal with carrying extra filters.

PF