Nikon retro-inspired camera

[Leica0Series]

What we have to remind ourselves here is that the creator of this image states it is a mock-up, not a real camera. He has posted several other images, some showing the full top, and some with lenses mounted for comparison (Z and F/FTZ). Even a couple with rewind cranks (miniature generator for when the battery dies?).

His later images delete the crank, but it shows he is just putting things together to get an idea of what Nikon might come out with. None of it is official, but is generating a lot of comments which hopefully Nikon will take into consideration.

PF

Like many others on the Nikonrumors thread, you are confusing the initial leaked image, from an anonymous source who says it is real, with the later mock-ups showing what such a camera might look like with Z mount and F mount lenses attached (pretty clunky). The initial image is purported to be real.

 

[shawn]

Yet Fuji makes a few lenses with a manual focus clutch which you can’t really say about anyone else...

Nikon used to make lenses with a MF clutch but once they went to AF-S it wasn't really needed any more since you could over ride it directly. Sigma put clutches on some of their lenses too. Definitely fading away though to focus by wire. And really, some focus by wire implementations are very very goodl. The absolutely antique Panasonic DMC-LC1 is focus by wire but acts just like a MF lens. Shame more companies don't put that kind of system in place, it would be killer on the X100 series.

Shawn

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

I have no issue with it being APSC, but then they have to make lenses for it. As far as video, how could they not add it? It’s in every single camera these days that’s not a Leica. It’s standard...

Precisely. The whole point of makings a retro camera is to make something that is NOT like every other camera made today.

 

[gavinlg]

But also looking at the exposure compensation dial the face doesn't look like it is centered in the chrome ring. More scrunched on the + side and too far from the side on the - side.

Shawn

I reckon this is just perspective distortion as a result of taking the photo of it with a smartphone camera up close and with an electronic shutter.

 

[Pál_K]

I have no issue with it being APSC, but then they have to make lenses for it. As far as video, how could they not add it? It’s in every single camera these days that’s not a Leica. It’s standard...

Precisely. The whole point of makings a retro camera is to make something that is NOT like every other camera made today.

To me, the point of a “retro” camera is neither style nor unique features, but an appeal to the functionality offered by explicit dials and switches: to see at a glance what your settings are and to change them quickly.

As for video, I know I’m in the extreme minority, but if I want video, then I’ll use a dedicated video camera. To me, it is almost vulgar to use a DSLR or MILC for video. Yes, I know I can ignore it. Yes, I know that manufacturers put the firmware for video in there to appeal to the mass market and it would be an expensive manufacturing step to have separate SKU’s for a camera (one with video, one without). Even so, I think I’d actually pay more not to have the feature.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

<snip>

As for video, I know I’m in the extreme minority, but if I want video, then I’ll use a dedicated video camera. <snip>

You might be in the minority, but I'd doubt you are in the "extreme" minority.

Would be interesting if someone did a poll of every owner of every mid to upper level digicam. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the few videos taken by those cameras were taken accidentally, because the red button got in the way of something else. Short camera swinging videos of feet walking along as people talk in the background. Most average "photographer" videos are probably camera versions of butt dialing.
But, until someone does some huge polling, we'll never know.
I don't think the facility takes up a great deal of internal real estate, though I'm just guessing.

 

[hap]

You might be in the minority, but I'd doubt you are in the "extreme" minority.

Would be interesting if someone did a poll of every owner of every mid to upper level digicam. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the few videos taken by those cameras were taken accidentally, because the red button got in the way of something else. Short camera swinging videos of feet walking along as people talk in the background. Most average "photographer" videos are probably camera versions of butt dialing.
But, until someone does some huge polling, we'll never know.
I don't think the facility takes up a great deal of internal real estate, though I'm just guessing.

I think not long ago I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you. However, while watching the news and other TV shows, I see "videographers" moving around with digicams using Cine type apparatus, clearly making video. I think documentaries are now made with some digicams, especiallly Panasonic....and Sony. For me the video is a gimmick like capability. However, pros seem to use non dedicated cameras for complex video applications. Most videos are made with phones and that's just going to get better and better.

 

[Doug]

...I wouldn't be surprised if most of the few videos taken by those cameras were taken accidentally, because the red button got in the way of something else. Short camera swinging videos of feet walking along as people talk in the background....

Yep, exactly! Triggers a memory of a day in Flagstaff accidentally shooting brief videos (and one long one) thinking I was taking stills with the Leica Q... Irritating!

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

I'm not saying video in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras isn't useful. I'm just saying it would be nice if at least one camera manufacturer (besides Leica) gave us the option to buy a camera without video features.

I've had a video-capable DSLR for about 5–6 years and I have never once shot a video with it. Just not my thing.

 

[PaulDalex]

I am a videographer and photographer fifty/fifty.
It never happened to me, although I do make stupid errors, to take a video clip when I intended to take a photo and viceversa.
That said, I would have no objections if the next retro Nikon were photo only.
It is like film. When I get out with a film camera I certainly don't take videos with it.
For video I have my GH5. Which incidentally takes excellent photos too.
And this is extremely convenient.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Yet Fuji makes a few lenses with a manual focus clutch which you can’t really say about anyone else...

Olympus...

 

[jsrockit]

Olympus...

Only on long and zoom lenses though right? But true...

 

[Archlich]

Only on long and zoom lenses though right? But true...

These Olympus M43 lenses have the focus clutch mechanism:

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm F2.0
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm F1.2 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 25mm F1.2 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 45mm F1.2 PRO
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO

The earliest Olympus implementation (the 12/2 if memory serves) actually precedes the entire Fuji X system. The focus throw is smoother too, albeit still not ideal.

 

[shawn]

I reckon this is just perspective distortion as a result of taking the photo of it with a smartphone camera up close and with an electronic shutter.

Maybe, but it isn't seen on the shutter dial, but of course the position of it is a little different.

Shawn

 

[farlymac]

Like many others on the Nikonrumors thread, you are confusing the initial leaked image, from an anonymous source who says it is real, with the later mock-ups showing what such a camera might look like with Z mount and F mount lenses attached (pretty clunky). The initial image is purported to be real.

Yeah, I was in another one of my "Write first, think later" moods.:bang:

PF

 

[markjwyatt]

Here is a good take on this retro-inspired Nikon camera:

https://youtu.be/en5z-Q4po4M

 

[farlymac]

Here is a good take on this retro-inspired Nikon camera:

https://youtu.be/en5z-Q4po4M

That was cool. But I'm leaning towards wanting Nikon to address some of the issues with the Z50 before spending more development money on a niche camera. Like upgrading the card slot from UHS-1 to UHS-2, and installing a fully articulated screen.

PF

 

[olakiril]

As much as I hate reposting, I think it is important to not get too crazy about the potential design so here are some additional info from NR:

• Model name: Zfc (or ZFC or Z-Fc) – not sure what the Zfc stands for – “F Classic” maybe? The Zfc will be basically an APS-C-based Z-mount version of the Df camera (maybe it will just be called Nikon Zf – it makes more sense to me). In previous blog posts, I have referred to this camera as the Z30.
• Nikon Z-mount APS-C mirrorless camera.
• The technical specifications will be very close to the Nikon Z50.
• Very thin camera body without a handgrip.
• Nikon Df-inspired design with mechanical dials and articulating screen (“selfie screen”).
• Shape and handling similar to old Nikon FM cameras.
• Three different colors are rumored: silver, black, and brown (leather?)
• Price with kit lens: $999.
• The new APS-C mirrorless lenses for Z-mount could be named “SE”: 28mm f/2.8 and/or 35mm f/1.8 (kit lens).
• The new DX lenses will not be retro, will have the familiar Nikkor Z design.
• Official announcement expected on June 28 (as previously reported: announcement expected in the first half of 2021).
• The other date I heard is July 31 – I think this is the actual shipping date.

I get the low-spec'ed aspect in order for this to be viable, but why not release a manual focus version of the DX lenses with an aperture ring as well? Aren't we part of the target audience at all, or is it just "looks"? 😡

 

[gavinlg]

I'm interested, but the aps-c thing really knocks it down a notch for me. i just sold my Fuji X stuff and bought into the nikon Z system specifically because of the full frame sensor - I don't think I'll ever buy a crop sensored camera again to be honest...

If it were a full frame sensor camera I'd be all over it - the manual dial layout is by far my favoured control system.

 

[Archlich]

I get the low-spec'ed aspect in order for this to be viable, but why not release a manual focus version of the DX lenses with an aperture ring as well? Aren't we part of the target audience at all, or is it just "looks"? 😡

They may. But it will be more expensive than a standard AF lens and people will scream "how dare they" charge more for something that has "less" features than normal? But it has to, due to the (lack of) economies of scale. Which means relatively few sales while being mass ridiculed around. A PR disaster since well, Nikon is not Leica.

Why bother then?