Anyone order a Nikon DF?

[Bille]

So obviously, you are repeating what you have read on the internet without regard to what actual users have to report.


Status Normal - actual experience and eye witnesses are of no value.

I dont have to be a user to find the design awkward. The camera is much bulkier than a manual film Nikon and it is missing a manual focusing aid (split screen or similar).

If you like the camera, thats good for you, but dont expect everyone else to ignore the obvious (see above).

 

[x-ray]

I order one via NPS this week. I wasn't going to order one till I read more about it and finally decided to buy. I'm selling my heavy equipment and this will be a nice addition to my D800 system and will allow me to use my vintage lenses as well. I'm retiring next year and moving to Arizona but will still be doing a few commercial and magazine jobs for a while (can't stop too suddenly) and this will be nice and light and also be a nice travel camera for pleasure.

 

[P. Lynn Miller]

I dont have to be a user to find the design awkward. The camera is much bulkier than a manual film Nikon and it is missing a manual focusing aid (split screen or similar).

If you like the camera, thats good for you, but dont expect everyone else to ignore the obvious (see above).

It is OK for me to ignore the obvious, but not you!!!

The Df is smaller and less bulky than my FM2n with a MD12, and is no where near the weight and heft of a F3 with a MD4, smaller than a F4 or F5 by a country mile.

Of course, it is thicker than a plain-jane FM2 or FE2, but in the hand there is not practical difference. Feels and operates just like any of the 3rd generation Nikons, FM2, FE2, F3. I own and have used all of these cameras in the past 30 years. My workhorse camera has been the plain prism Nikon F. For all practical intents and purposes, I cannot tell the difference in use between my Nikon F and the Df, with exception of the flashing lights in the viewfinder and the obvious difference of not needing film.

As for missing a manual focusing aid, it is not... I have never used a split image or etc in any of my film Nikons. I have always used the 'E-type' screen, I even went so far as to have my old Nikkormat FTn modified by having a camera technician install an 'E-type' screen from a FM2, to get rid of the split image. The Df focuses manual lenses as well as my Nikon F, maybe not better, but as well, which is important since I do not own an AF lens.

If you enjoyed using an F3, FM2, FE2, you will find the Df very easy to use. Different, but equally easy and comfortable to use.

My criteria for the Nikon Df was that it had to be able to focus as well as my Nikon F and allow me to shoot just as if I were using the F. It did. If the Df had not passed this test by 100%, I would have not bought it, just like I have not bought a D3, D700, D4, D600, or D800, all very good cameras, but not for me and my way of being a photographer.

The Df is obviously not the camera for you, but I am very glad that Nikon finally made a DSLR for me.

 

[P. Lynn Miller]

Some good news in this review for me 😀

The Df has one of the best viewfinders I have seen on any new camera in a very long time.

Sitting on my desk is the Df, FM2n, Nikon F... all with the equivalent of an 'E-type' screen. Here is how my 3 cameras stack up... viewfinder wise... with a Nikkor 50mm f1.2 lenses mounted...

Nikon Df - best viewfinder for using spectacles... I can easily see the entire screen and the display around without putting any pressure on my spectacles. Is equally bright as the Nikon F and while the focus seems to snap just abit less than the F, my ability to focus accurately is not impaired, I am able to focus any where on the screen with equal accuracy to the F or FM2n. The Df viewfinder is the smallest of the three, only slightly small than the F, while noticeably smaller than the FM2. The Df has the brightest viewfinder of the 3.

Nikon FM2n - while the viewfinder is only slightly darker than the Df, it is much bigger, but even pushing my spectacles hard against the eyepiece I cannot see the whole screen and I subconsciously move the camera around so I can see the corners of the screen. I cannot see any of the display without moving the camera around. The focus snaps more sharply due to increased viewfinder magnification, but in practice does not produce better accuracy. I find the FM2 finder the least user friendly for me and would be my last choice of the 3.

Nikon F - what can I say... I am completely biased... so no objectivity here... the F viewfinder is probably the darkest of the 3, not by much , but you can see it if you look close. I can see the entire screen with my spectacles on and no pressure on the eyepiece, just but it is all there. As for the display... what display... there is nothing to see except the view... I like that... interesting the F viewfinder is more or less the same size as the Df, maybe just a touch bigger, hardly noticeable. The focus on the F is less snappy than the FM2, and slightly more snappy than the Df. If I must be honest, the F viewfinder comes in at a tie or maybe even a runner up to the Df... did I just write that?

As I have written before, if you are like me and have been waiting for a full-frame DSLR to use with all those wonderful old Nikkors sitting on the shelf... this it... Nikon has finally done right thing for all of us loyal Nikon owners.

 

[kxl]

I went the D800E route (should receive it by early next week), bulk, weight and all.

 

[alan davus]

Thanks for the hands on review Lynn, much appreciated...... I've just had a fondle with one at Photographic Wholesalers here in Adelaide. Yes it is bigger and chunkier than my FE2 or FA but in the hand it felt good and certainly no heavier than the film bodies. Lots of buttons, knobs and dials but after all it is a digital camera. Wished I'd taken an AIS lens in to try the manual focussing though. Overall I'm quite positive about it and think it could be the best option for my 7 manual Nikkors. The Nikon rep told me Nikon Australia is completly sold out of the kits. My gut feeling is it's going to be bigger seller than all the pundits of doom are predicting. I want one.

 

[P. Lynn Miller]

Thanks for the hands on review Lynn, much appreciated...... I've just had a fondle with one at Photographic Wholesalers here in Adelaide. Yes it is bigger and chunkier than my FE2 or FA but in the hand it felt good and certainly no heavier than the film bodies. Lots of buttons, knobs and dials but after all it is a digital camera. Wished I'd taken an AIS lens in to try the manual focussing though. Overall I'm quite positive about it and think it could be the best option for my 7 manual Nikkors. The Nikon rep told me Nikon Australia is completly sold out of the kits. My gut feeling is it's going to be bigger seller than all the pundits of doom are predicting. I want one.

I bought my Nikon Df from Nikon on Broadway in Sydney. Walked in the shop with a Nikkor 50mm f1.2, Nikkor-S 5.8cm f1.4 and a Nikkor-N 35mm f1.4 and told them I would only buy the Df if it passed my manual focus test. I supplied my own SD card and the Df passed with flying colors with my lenses. I did not even look through the kit lens. I was not going to buy on the spot, but apparently the Df has been much better received than the naysayers and there were only 3 left. I parted with the cash and left with a black Nikon Df.

I think Nikon has out-maneuvered the competition and silenced the critics with the Df and done what no other camera company has been brave enough to do... design and manufacture a camera that the majority of modern camera users think is a bad idea, over-priced, under-spec'ed, and the death-knell of the company, but provides a real bridge for us old, grumpy MF lenses owners, with a full-frame sensor and a great optical finder, that let's the old MF lenses be used to their potential instead an EVF/crop sensor wannabe concoction.

With the Df, Nikon has released a camera that supports and pays homage to a legion of loyal Nikon and Nikkor owners that still swear by and use or want to use their old Nikkor lenses from past 5 decades. But the Df also allows us manual-focusing, manual-exposure grouches to be able to 'grow' into digital and the new tech by having them 'dially-things' that work with the latest generation of Nikkor lenses if we ever decide to get with the system.

The Df is definitely not for the masses.

To kxl - the D800 is an amazing camera and will serve you well, I am sure.

 

[Bille]

I have not bought a D3, D700, D4, D600, or D800 (...)
As I have written before, if you are like me and have been waiting for a full-frame DSLR to use with all those wonderful old Nikkors sitting on the shelf... this it...

Since you skipped every other full frame DSLR before the Df let me tell you there is no practical difference in using Nikkor AI / AIS lenses between cameras. Except for a few redundant manual dials.

And this is the exact problem with the Df.

 

[Keith]

Since you skipped every other full frame DSLR before the Df let me tell you there is no practical difference in using Nikkor AI / AIS lenses between cameras. Except for a few redundant manual dials.

And this is the exact problem with the Df.

That is true but the attraction of having the D4 sensor in a body that rings your bells for half the cost of a D4 here in Oz is a strong pull IMO.

Life's too short not to have the camera you actually want if you can afford the fare.

 

[Sid836]

That is true but the attraction of having the D4 sensor in a body that rings your bells for half the cost of a D4 here in Oz is a strong pull IMO.

Life's too short not to have the camera you actually want if you can afford the fare.

+1!!!

That thought made order mine!

 

[Keith]

That is true. The Df is more of another marketing gimmick (by no means does it bring something really aimed at MF lenses buffs) than something really different, but it is of course a very capable camera (how couldn't it be with the D4 sensor in it).

When the D700 came out I couldn't buy it because of the price but I could grab one which was in my ballpark price eventually thanks to the second hand market. No doubt this will be also the case for many people wanting a Df, within one year or two.

The DF isn't a camera for the pragmatists out there.

It was marketed for an emotional response ... cost and practicality go by the wayside for these types of purchases and rightly so IMO! 😀

 

[rbsinto]

Whether it was the result of an emotional response, marketing gimmickry, or because someone at Nikon lost a bet is hardly the point.
If it fills a need (as it seemingly will in my case) then why should it matter to those for whom it doesn't?
If you don't like or want it, then don't buy it. Those of us who do, will, and we'll all be happy.

 

[alan davus]

Whether it was the result of an emotional response, marketing gimmickry, or because someone at Nikon lost a bet is hardly the point.
If it fills a need (as it seemingly will in my case) then why should it matter to those for whom it doesn't?
If you don't like or want it, then don't buy it. Those of us who do, will, and we'll all be happy.

Spot on mate. Why others who it doesn't appeal to want to be killjoys to those whom it does makes me shake my head in wonder.

 

[Harry S.]

I played with one at Yodobashi Camera for about 10 minutes a few days ago. I liked it. Pretty quiet shutter/mirror for a FF DSLR, looks pretty cool, felt good in the hand etc.

The back of the camera looks a little ugly, like a similar design language to an RD-1 or something like that. Not a deal breaker.

Probably something Id usually want to buy but Ive found new joy in colour medium format. 🙂

 

[Frank Petronio]

So people spend $3000 in order to use $1000 of old lenses thanks to a top mounted shutter speed dial. Nikon instantly made back 20 years of lost profits from those togs who never bought AF lenses....

It's a triumph of marketing, I'll give you that.

 

[jsrockit]

So people spend $3000 in order to use $1000 of old lenses thanks to a top mounted shutter speed dial.

And what is wrong with that if that is what someone wants to do with their cash?

 

[rivercityrocker]

as an example : what the hell will you do with the HDMI port on a camera which doesn't shoot video ???

I guess you weren't aware Nikon had AV and HDMI outs before they ever had video. It can be used to hook up an HDMI monitor or TV when shooting studio type stuff for Live View or large instant review to check for sharpness.

The camera I have hooked up to my HDTV in this photo is a D700. No video. Great for checking sharpness.



Just because you can't think of a way to use a feature doesn't render it pointless.

* photo taken with M8 😀

 

[noimmunity]

In another world, what is sharp is related to what is flat. Nice collection of guitars!

 

[css9450]

If you don't like or want it, then don't buy it. Those of us who do, will, and we'll all be happy.

I agree. The way some here carry on and on about what is wrong with the DF, it makes me wonder if somehow the DF killed their dog, or something.

 

[rbsinto]

Of course.

Yet #1 : Nikon marketed this camera a very special way. The marketing target is obviously the long-time Nikonians (I am one of them) not wanting to depart from their MF Nikkors, never having been seduced by the FF DSLRs Nikon produced so far, and having all claimed a minimalist and small DSLR with a 12-16 MP sensor, aimed towards MF lenses (at the very least thanks to a split-image focusing screen), and stripped-down menus and functions. All in all, a simple, reliable, and highly capable photographic tool with no useless options, menus, sub-menus, and external ports (as an example : what the hell will you do with the HDMI port on a camera which doesn't shoot video ???). Exactly what Nikon called "Pure photography" in their teasing videos. Hence quite an excitation when the teasers were getting released one after another.

On the arrival, what we have is a D4 with no video, cast into a half-metal, half plastic body, with a retro-design top cover but still all the DSLR-like buttons, ports, menus, joysticks everywhere on the camera body. Hence a huge deception when the body specs. were uncovered on last 11/05 eventually.

So : this is absolutely not what "we" were expecting. The marketing can be poisonous sometimes : all of us "joykillers" probably wouldn't even mind what the Df is, or isn't, if Nikon hadn't teased us like that with their "Pure photography" concept. Don't make people hope with something you hide if you don't want them to be disappointed with what you unveil - which will of course happen if what you say about the hidden thing differs a lot from what it is.

Yet #2 : this is a forum and we can discuss. Discussing isn't joykilling.

Ahhh. I get it. You feel you've been deceived by Nikon's market campaign for the camera.
Well perhaps you were. I really can't say because I never watch all the advertising bull**** anyway regardless of whose it is, so I missed the campaign.
I always have a "first we'll see. And then we'll know" attitude, and based on that, when it came out, I determined there were more things about it I liked than disliked, so I might just buy one.
I isn't exactly what I'd like, but when one spends much of their life pissing into the Jetstream, one comes to realize that their wants and desires usually don't jibe with what a manufacturer's marketing research tells them many or most of the people will like and buy. So it is probably as close as I'll get to my ideal digital camera and that will likely have to do.