kshapero
South Florida Man
I have heard conflicting reports about manual focusing using the Nikon DF. Can anyone give any real life experiences using trusty classic Nikkor AiS lenses (or any other manual focus lenses) with the DF?
Nikon DF and manual lenses
- Thread starter kshapero
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olakiril
Well-known
I don't have any experience with Df but it all depends on the focusing screen and the magnification of the viewfinder.
As is the Df provides nothing more to the manual focusing experience than what other high end dslr models do.
But what you can do is swap the focusing screen with a type that you prefer. Here is one positive report with a split screen.
Another thing that can improve the manual focusing is a magnification of the viewfinder. I use a DK-17M with my D800 and it helps alot.
Best,
M.
As is the Df provides nothing more to the manual focusing experience than what other high end dslr models do.
But what you can do is swap the focusing screen with a type that you prefer. Here is one positive report with a split screen.
Another thing that can improve the manual focusing is a magnification of the viewfinder. I use a DK-17M with my D800 and it helps alot.
Best,
M.
x-ray
Veteran
I've had my Df for just over a year and use all AIS lenses with the exception of my 85 1.4D.
I use a DK-17M but can still hit focus without much trouble without it. If you have any doubt you have a green confirmation light.
I purchased a microprism screen and liked it but found it didn't provide any more accuracy than the stock screen so I swapped it out. I've come to the conclusion that manually focusing any camera has a lot to do with ones eyes. I also have a D800 and see no difference focusing either camera.
The Df is a fabulous camera. As much as I love my D800 I like the color of the Df and low high ISO noise from the Df. The Df has become my first choice camera Nd I really like the results with MF lenses.
L
I use a DK-17M but can still hit focus without much trouble without it. If you have any doubt you have a green confirmation light.
I purchased a microprism screen and liked it but found it didn't provide any more accuracy than the stock screen so I swapped it out. I've come to the conclusion that manually focusing any camera has a lot to do with ones eyes. I also have a D800 and see no difference focusing either camera.
The Df is a fabulous camera. As much as I love my D800 I like the color of the Df and low high ISO noise from the Df. The Df has become my first choice camera Nd I really like the results with MF lenses.
L
EpicRavenLord
Member
Same as any other DSLR
Same as any other DSLR
I have been manually focusing my Df on purpose and its the same as any other DSLR I've used. I just turn the ring till it looks clear then check the confirmation light, make any tiny adjustment and take the shot. I find that in extreme low light its better than the AF especially if you have the AF set to not fire until it locks focus. The best most accurate focus low light shooting I've ever done, even using a flash has been with a rangefinder camera…. theres just no beating it.
Same as any other DSLR
I have been manually focusing my Df on purpose and its the same as any other DSLR I've used. I just turn the ring till it looks clear then check the confirmation light, make any tiny adjustment and take the shot. I find that in extreme low light its better than the AF especially if you have the AF set to not fire until it locks focus. The best most accurate focus low light shooting I've ever done, even using a flash has been with a rangefinder camera…. theres just no beating it.
olakiril
Well-known
Huss
Veteran
I rented a DF for a week and it was ok manual focussing. With my 105 1.8 AIS it was hit and miss at 1.8.
Interestingly, I tried out a D750 and got much better results which is surprising as it should be harder to get sharp focus on a 24mp sensor vs a 16mp one. It makes me think that there may be significant sample variance and I got a 'bad' DF.
The reality is that while the DF looks vintage, the MF focussing is just the same as any of Nikon's other DSLRs.
Interestingly, I tried out a D750 and got much better results which is surprising as it should be harder to get sharp focus on a 24mp sensor vs a 16mp one. It makes me think that there may be significant sample variance and I got a 'bad' DF.
The reality is that while the DF looks vintage, the MF focussing is just the same as any of Nikon's other DSLRs.
Huss
Veteran
I dunno. I can nail focus at 1.4 and 1.2 with a rangefinder in a second, but with an EVF I need to play with focus peaking/magnification etc to get the best result.
Bille
Well-known
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-An...g-legacy-nikkor-lenses-with-the-nikon-df.html
What´s missing on the DF is a proper screen for manual focusing. In that regard it´s not different to any other Nikon DSLR.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Why would that be so? The sensor size is identical! Sharpness might increase with a higher pixel count, but DOF certainly will not decrease because of it.
To the OP: there's a lengthy debate on whether a manual lens can be focused correctly on a Df in another Df thread on RFF, I'll go find it for you. Get the popcorn ready, it was entertaining to say the least. 🙄 😉
EDIT: here it is, kshapero! http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145079
olakiril
Well-known
In daytime/bright light yes, it is also easier for me with an OVF but as the night falls EVF brings back the missing light.
ray*j*gun
Veteran
I have a D610 and use all my Ai and Ais lenses and have have ZERO problems focusing. That includes a 28, 35, a number of 50's including a 1,2 an 85, and 105 plus a fish eye 12mm. If I have any doubts I use the green dot to confirm. I honestly dont know why so many worry about this issue I dont even care now if Katzeye ever comes out with a screen.
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dasuess
Nikon Freak
Agree 100% with the above; however, for every person who loves the Df you'll find two (or more) that hate it. My advice continues to be - if at all possible try one out and decide for yourself.
