First impressions on Nikon DF

[Monochrom]

Yesterday saw this first impressions review on dpreview.com

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-df

The writer says the cmaera is large and heavy....

And i keep thinking on what a great machine the epson rd1s is!

Makers should copy that spirit...keeping things simple and manual...

I wonder if leica would make a digital RF with cloth shutter and slim body like film M´s or if epson VC would upgrade the sensor of the rd1s...would be nice.

🙂

 

[noimmunity]

I think Leica sold as many M9s in a couple of years as Nikon sold of D700s in a month.

The only thing that might save us niche feeders is the decline in camera sales that is currently sending manufacturers into a panic and consumers into flame wars.

 

[LucemTempore]

Interesting...this is the first I've heard of the DF. I like the spirit of the design - the quality of old with the technology of new. I was just thinking the other day, I wish a manufacturer would make something like my Canonet 28, but in a digital mirror-less form. I love shooting with the 28. It's compact, aesthetically pleasing, and built like a little tank. It will still be taking pictures long after my digital cameras are kaput. Would be so happy to see some kind of a digital equivalent.

 

[rivercityrocker]

You need to take those review sites with a grain of salt. I don't think the Dƒ is heavy at all. It's smaller and lighter than the D610 which isn't much larger than the D7100.

It's noticeably smaller and lighter than my D700/800 without a grip.

For some reason people keep trying to compare it to the Sony A7 which isn't a DSLR, so of course compared to that it's large and heavy. But for what it is; a professional spec'd, full-frame, weather sealed, magnesium body DSLR, the size is as small and light as it can be.

 

[cosmonaut]

Well I have the D800 with a grip. I guess I am old school as the D800 is heavy for most cameras out there I have no problems carrying it all day. I like having a smaller camera for hiking or using my time lapse slider.
I covered a big event last year and most pros were carrying two full frames and they were all older gents. It didn't slow them down. So I wouldn't consider the DF heavy either.

 

[archeophoto]

They do! It's called the Fuji X100s.

...I was just thinking the other day, I wish a manufacturer would make something like my Canonet 28, but in a digital mirror-less form. I love shooting with the 28. It's compact, aesthetically pleasing, and built like a little tank. It will still be taking pictures long after my digital cameras are kaput. Would be so happy to see some kind of a digital equivalent.

 

[Frontman]

I was shooting the DF last weekend alongside an old F, and the DF is certainly no heavier. I wish I could say the same about the other Nikon DSLR's.

 

[lam]

Held one in the store and it was quite light. It also had the bespoke 50/1.8G on it too..... Would be dandy for travel, maybe not so much for big heavy lenses. Then again I have a 35/1.2 Nokton on my Zeiss Ikon .. soo..

 

[ray*j*gun]

Well I have the D800 with a grip. I guess I am old school as the D800 is heavy for most cameras out there I have no problems carrying it all day. I like having a smaller camera for hiking or using my time lapse slider.
I covered a big event last year and most pros were carrying two full frames and they were all older gents. It didn't slow them down. So I wouldn't consider the DF heavy either.

For years I carried a NIkon F Photomic and a bunch of lenses.... so most of todays gear feels light. But if your coming off cell phone camera sure a Df will feel heavy.

 

[Rogier]

My wife and I went to Keeble & Shuchat in Palo Alto CA. Not knowing there was a special event going on where all main brands had their reps and most recent gear on display.

We wanted to check out the following cameras:

1. Fuji X-E2
2. Fuji X-Pro1
3. Leica X Vario
4. Sony R7A
5. Nikon Df

Fuji
We both love our Fuji X-100 but did not like any of the other Fuji's the main thing that deterred us was the EVF.

Leica X Vario
Is an expensive but very nice p&s and the optional EVF was acceptable. The ease of use and great form factor made it a top contender.

Sony A7
The moment we picker it up we were disappointed by the build quality and shape. The EVF did not convince us at all. Of the 3 test shots I took with the AF locked into a static subject. Non were in focus. I did not even get to the Nintento like UI. As we had put the A7 back on the counter while the sales rep was droning on about al kind of spec's and technologies that have little to do with taking a picture...

Nikon Df
After the much hyped marketing campaign I was disappointed by the size and overload of buttons. While handling the camera in person we were surprised how light the silver body is. And that the UI is very intuitive. Yes its a much bigger camera than I wanted (size) but it felt "right". Of course the D4 FF was a great plus.

At the end we deliberated between the DF and de X-Vario. Both are very different camera's. But our concern is taking pictures with the tools we like.
Final argument for the Nikon Df was that this might be a one time production like they have done in the past. The Leica will always be around in yet an other improved version.

Left the store with a Silver Df with Kit lens and a 85mm F1.8 lens for portraits.

PS my wife hinted that she wanted the Vario her her birthday...🙄

 

[rfaspen]

Rogier (previous post) made a good purchase and some valid points, but...

The Fuji X-Pro has an optical viewfinder. It is a lovely camera as well. I'm not sure why he didn't mention that. The X-E has the electronic viewfinder and I understand it's not for everybody. I'm seriously confused by the consideration of the X-Vario. The X-Vario is a PS camera that has *much* cheaper analogs that are almost certainly with comparable performance. That is a camera aimed at the luxury consumer who wants a typical-performing point and shoot with a luxury price tag and red dot. Sorry, but I just don't see how it can honestly fit in the lineup. Now, the Df is interesting to many of us (yes, myself included), but its still an "SLR" and doesn't really fit the shooting style of many of us who have gravitated toward rangefinders. Is it heavy? Gad no! Unless you compare to an iPhone. Is it large? that's relative. To me, its large for my current needs, but I've been a Nikon F system shooter for decades. Image quality? You bet!! Is it tailored to my needs to make images? I don't think so for me.

In the end, Rogier and his wife chose a perfectly nice outfit for making images. But, the reasons for considering the X-vario leave me scratching my head, and the lack of an optical viewfinder on the Fuji X-Pro really leaves me scratching my head, and the comparison of the A7 interface to the Df interface has me really wondering yet more. Not that all of this isn't stuff to consider, but I'm seriously confused. Personally, I remain most enamored by a shutter speed dial, aperture on my lens, focus on my lens, and a high quality imaging medium (whether that be film choice or sensor performance). Put that simple combination in a package that has the form factor of a "typical" rangefinder and I'm set. All the better my Leica's use the great LTM and M lenses I've spent so much $$ on over the years.

The X-Vario? I'm still reeling with disbelief and confusion.
The X-Pro? Dang nice camera with the wrong sensor size
The A7 and A7r? Still trying to warm to the size and shape, otherwise I'm impressed.
The Df? I have 10s of thousands sunk in the Nikon F system. I'd be lying if I said it didn't have an appeal. But, I have learned my shooting style -- I have my "rangefinder" mode and my "SLR" mode. They're rather different. I have "SLR" covered in terms of gear. Really don't need any more F-style bodies (in fact I need to pare down). So, I'm ambivalent about the Df. I've only held one briefly. I'm pretty sure I'd prefer the X-Pro, or even better, the M9.

So, I leave with my fantasy: If the A7 or A7r had rangefinder shape and size (styling), I would likely have one now. The price and performance make it a serious contender to the M9. Someone in a previous post dreamed of an Epson RD-1 with a FF sensor...yeah, I'd nab one of those too. I know, its a fantasy. That's why I'm looking for a new film scanner to replace my recently deceased one.

 

[x-ray]

My DF arrived Friday and finally had some time to explore it despite the rain today. I went digital in my work when the D1 came out and stayed with Nikon until Canon came out with the 1D and 1Ds. From there I went to the 1DsII and a Hasselblad digital. When the D800 Nikon came out I did the unthinkable and went from Canon back to Nikon. I also purchased an M9 and continue to use it.

I've been with the D800 for a year and a half and have been extremely pleased with every aspect of the camera. Now after spending some time with the DF I believe I'll be equally happy with it as well. Everything in the analog side feels familiar. Placement if the release and other features are a throwback to the F film cameras. The digital side, buttons and menues are basically the same as the D800 and even the D3100 I bought to carry on vacation. Hats off to nikon for their consistency across their range of cameras.

Image quality is stunning as expected and high ISO is amazing. Fit and finish and silky smooth operation is what I expect from Nikon. I have to say I think Nikon got it right with this camera.

The only thing I feel could have been improved is interchangeable screens and the razor wheel. Nikon give us a choice with user interchangeable screens. As to the razor wheel it's a bit awkward to adjust because the strap lugs are forward on the body and the strap gets in the way. Neither are big deals but were the only things I felt could be improved.

On yes, the ease of using non AI and AI lenses is what I've wanted for a long time.

My wish list, a DF monochrom that's mNual focus only, no AF at all, interchangeable screens, shoots raw only with only ISO, exposure comp, dof preview and aperture ring on AI manual focus lenses. Of course a meter is good. No LCD on the back either. Absolutely no buttons.

Nikon let's have a true retro b&w machine.

 

[VertovSvilova]

Reading this thread makes it apparent as to why there are so many different brands, models, and colors of cars out on the road. 😀

 

[rivercityrocker]

As to the razor wheel it's a bit awkward to adjust because the strap lugs are forward on the body and the strap gets in the way.

The way to get around this is to use your index finger for the shutter-release and the middle finger to adjust the razor dial, with the strap in between your fingers.

It takes a little getting used to, but I've actually noticed it increased the speed and ease with which I can change apertures especially in fast shooting conditions. I often need to close down or open up in a split second when shooting music and that slight delay in moving the finger from shutter-release to aperture dial really makes a difference.

Give it a try.

 

[Rogier]

I agree that the Leica X-Vario is a very strange duck in this row. But its all about finding the right tool to take a picture. The X-Vario raised a lot of controversy. The question is how manny bloggers actually held the camera in their hands let alone took it out for a day (we did along with a M9).

The X-Pro has indeed the optical viewfinder but its usefulness is rather limited. Viewfinder aside the overall feel of the body did not appeal. Please note that this camera has been topping my ranks for a long time.

Its all about finding a tool that works. Its very personal.

Then again many of my best shots are taken with a Holga..

Rogier (previous post) made a good purchase and some valid points, but...

The Fuji X-Pro has an optical viewfinder. It is a lovely camera as well. I'm not sure why he didn't mention that. The X-E has the electronic viewfinder and I understand it's not for everybody. I'm seriously confused by the consideration of the X-Vario. The X-Vario is a PS camera that has *much* cheaper analogs that are almost certainly with comparable performance. That is a camera aimed at the luxury consumer who wants a typical-performing point and shoot with a luxury price tag and red dot. Sorry, but I just don't see how it can honestly fit in the lineup. Now, the Df is interesting to many of us (yes, myself included), but its still an "SLR" and doesn't really fit the shooting style of many of us who have gravitated toward rangefinders. Is it heavy? Gad no! Unless you compare to an iPhone. Is it large? that's relative. To me, its large for my current needs, but I've been a Nikon F system shooter for decades. Image quality? You bet!! Is it tailored to my needs to make images? I don't think so for me.

In the end, Rogier and his wife chose a perfectly nice outfit for making images. But, the reasons for considering the X-vario leave me scratching my head, and the lack of an optical viewfinder on the Fuji X-Pro really leaves me scratching my head, and the comparison of the A7 interface to the Df interface has me really wondering yet more. Not that all of this isn't stuff to consider, but I'm seriously confused. Personally, I remain most enamored by a shutter speed dial, aperture on my lens, focus on my lens, and a high quality imaging medium (whether that be film choice or sensor performance). Put that simple combination in a package that has the form factor of a "typical" rangefinder and I'm set. All the better my Leica's use the great LTM and M lenses I've spent so much $$ on over the years.

The X-Vario? I'm still reeling with disbelief and confusion.
The X-Pro? Dang nice camera with the wrong sensor size
The A7 and A7r? Still trying to warm to the size and shape, otherwise I'm impressed.
The Df? I have 10s of thousands sunk in the Nikon F system. I'd be lying if I said it didn't have an appeal. But, I have learned my shooting style -- I have my "rangefinder" mode and my "SLR" mode. They're rather different. I have "SLR" covered in terms of gear. Really don't need any more F-style bodies (in fact I need to pare down). So, I'm ambivalent about the Df. I've only held one briefly. I'm pretty sure I'd prefer the X-Pro, or even better, the M9.

So, I leave with my fantasy: If the A7 or A7r had rangefinder shape and size (styling), I would likely have one now. The price and performance make it a serious contender to the M9. Someone in a previous post dreamed of an Epson RD-1 with a FF sensor...yeah, I'd nab one of those too. I know, its a fantasy. That's why I'm looking for a new film scanner to replace my recently deceased one.

 

[rivercityrocker]

Here is a very good side-by-side Df / D610 article :

http://photographylife.com/nikon-df-vs-d610

The Df is only 50g lighter than the D610 (the weight of five A4 machine paper sheets : given which strap you use on which camera, the weight-watching winner can be different 😉) and it's quite hard to say which is smaller.

Keep in mind that this "comparison" was made on the day the camera was announced and isn't an actual hands on comparison. Just a list of specs and speculations.

 

[rivercityrocker]

If you'll read carefully you'll notice that the comparisons are made with a D4 and a D600. And the Dƒ has had some refinements to the image processing so it's not a D4 and it's not known whether or not the D610 received any tweaks.

So this is a contest between a D4 and a D600 not a Dƒ and a D610. That's speculation.

The person that started that website (Nasim Mansurovs) has been known to make up things to garner hits as well. Look at his Nikon D400 announcement a couple of months back. He's only been shooting for a few years and his reviews and articles are often rife with errors. He's been likened to Ken Rockwell.

 

[sparrow6224]

I found the Df suprisingly light; one reason is that it DOES NOT have a magnesium body as someone described it above; it has magnesium top plate and base plate with a plastic body. It ain't got nothing on an F3 weight wise. Basically it's an amusing plastic replica (ish) body with Nikon's top of the line full frame action sensor in it. Nevertheless it does not have the AF system or the power supply needed to take full advantage of that sensor. Still, it's pretty nice. Me, I'd buy the far heavier D800E for that money.

 

[Rogier]

Is there a review website where one can check/uncheck the features of ones personal interest?

Would be nice if one could personalize the results buy ignoring specs and features that are irrelevant to the prospective buyer. And a great learning tool for marketeers to learn what really matters.... Oh and track if the one who reviews actually goes out and keep the darn thing rather than yakking on the internet.

 

[rivercityrocker]

I found the Df suprisingly light; one reason is that it DOES NOT have a magnesium body as someone described it above; it has magnesium top plate and base plate with a plastic body. It ain't got nothing on an F3 weight wise. Basically it's an amusing plastic replica (ish) body with Nikon's top of the line full frame action sensor in it. Nevertheless it does not have the AF system or the power supply needed to take full advantage of that sensor. Still, it's pretty nice. Me, I'd buy the far heavier D800E for that money.

That's not true. The Dƒ (as well as D600/610) have a 3/4 magnesium frame. The top, bottom, and rear are magnesium. The front where it is less likely to receive impact (as it would be taken by the lens) is polycarbonate.
http://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Nikon-Df-camera-magnesium-alloy-body-frame.jpg

This design is a lot more bullet-proof than than your assertion that it's simply a metal top and bottom on a plastic body. The D7100 has that design.

True the AF system isn't up to snuff, but as far as the power system goes the battery lasts a long time. If you're talking about not having the 10fps capability, well that's not what it was designed for. To keep it small and light they couldn't possibly fit a more powerful battery in it.