One year later, the DF: any comment?

[robert blu]

It's more or less one year since Nikon put on the market the DF.
A very dividing, controversial camera. Someone loves it, others hate it.
We are all different, with different needs and desires.

I'm just curious to know from real user after one year comments about their experience.

As for myself I have not yet decided and still have many doubts. Thanks

robert
PS: unfortunately I have not in the real world any friend owning that camera, therefore my question, thanks.

 

[judsonzhao]

I once owned a black Df, but didn't shoot a lot. It's a nice one, nothing to complain. Probably the AF system, not comparable to Nikon's top notch one.

Definitely go for D750 if I were in market now: ) I won't pay for the look if I buy modern DSLR. Last year you only have the chance to buy D600 or D610, not even close to Df, now things change.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Fine. No regrets. Dunno about the AF. It's good with the 50mm (the only AF lens I use on it) but I mostly use real (MF) lenses. It's a lot too easy to move the autofocus point, though -- another good reason to stick with MF.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Out to Lunch]

A Nikon Division Chief went after his staff: "why don't I have the Nikon equivalent of the Fuji x-100"! If Nikon is lucky, it won't go down in history as Nikon's 'Edsel'... but instead just gently float into oblivion where it rightfully belongs...

 

[Sparrow]

A Nikon Division Chief went after his staff: "why don't I have the Nikon equivalent of the Fuji x-100"! If Nikon is lucky, it won't go down in history as Nikon's 'Edsel'... but instead just gently float into oblivion where it rightfully belongs...

.. if you're selling yours cheaply I could well be interested ... I think that sensor makes some really nice photographs

 

[jsrockit]

Seems to be a perfectly fine camera... I would love to have one and might eventually get one.

 

[Highway 61]

We were probably expecting too much from Nikon when it was about to be released. It's clear that the "FM3D" we were thinking this camera might be won't be manufactured by Nikon ever.

So - now that one year has elapsed since that "pure photography" teasing campaign, what's left ?

The D4 sensor in a relatively small DSLR body, with an odd design, and lots of buttons everywhere.

The sensor is fantastic and is a significant improvement over the D700 one. As for the rest (no interchangeable focusing screens, body design and build quality, price), it's up to the potential buyer (I'm not in yet - we'll see how things will turn out on the 2nd hand market in a while onwards from now).

 

[x-ray]

I bought one just after it came out and love it. I has rapidly become my favorite digital camera. I also have a D800 and sold my Hasselblad digital system because the D800 is so good but in some respects the DF is better than the D800. The D800 has the best dynamic range of any camera I've used which is important in my work. I do a lot of architectural work especially interiors and a wide dynamic range is very important. On the other hand the DF has amazing high ISO and is better than any DSLR I've used. The size of the DF and the way it fits in my hand is excellent. It just feels good in the hand.

I have no complaint about the AF. It doesn't have as many AF points as the D800 but how many do you need. AF is positive and fast and I find it to be as accurate as the D800. It's simple to setup and adjust for every AF lens and is exactly like the D800 in that respect. When I use AF lenses I use new G series zooms and primes.

My preference with my DF is using manual focus AIs lenses. My kit that I carry on the job consists of all manual focus AIs glass with the exception of my 85 1.4 AF D. I really love the rendering of this glass, it's very sharp but smooth in tone.

There were a lot of complaints about the focusing screen. I swapped screens that i bought from an aftermarket supplier and it was fine. I put a micro prism / split image modified Canon screen in it and found it no more accurate than my stock screen so I swapped it back. I've not found manual focusing a problem.

My only complaint and it's minor is I wish Nikon would offer screen options and have designed a separate SD card slot on the side. When the camera is on a tripod I have to remove it to get the SD card out. Neither are a big deal but if I could change something this would be it.

EDIT: As an old analog shooter I love the dials of the DF. I have mine setup to function just like an F. I use the shutter speed dial and aperture ring and have the LCD turned off. It's a real pleasure to shoot.

 

[Addy101]

A Nikon Division Chief went after his staff: "why don't I have the Nikon equivalent of the Fuji x-100"! If Nikon is lucky, it won't go down in history as Nikon's 'Edsel'... but instead just gently float into oblivion where it rightfully belongs...

That is an extremely American comparison for somebody with a Dutch name... and no, it won't be comparable to the Edsel, as I think Nikon selled enough of them. Apart from it being too expensive and a bit too much form over function, there seems not a lot wrong with that camera.

 

[robert blu]

Thanks for all comments so far. One point I didn't understand from what I read in the net: when using lens with an aperture ring can you use the ring on the lens or you have to use the wheels on the camera body? I'm an old analog shooter and that what I'm used to do!
robert

 

[shadowfox]

Seems to be a perfectly fine camera... I would love to have one and might eventually get one.

+1

I no longer "need" a D700. But the full-frame and the dials on the Df beckons to me.

 

[De_Corday]

I know that even my D700 has the option to use the lens' aperture ring, so I imagine the same functionality exists on the Df

 

[Calzone]

I bought one just after it came out and love it. I has rapidly become my favorite digital camera. I also have a D800 and sold my Hasselblad digital system because the D800 is so good but in some respects the DF is better than the D800. The D800 has the best dynamic range of any camera I've used which is important in my work. I do a lot of architectural work especially interiors and a wide dynamic range is very important. On the other hand the DF has amazing high ISO and is better than any DSLR I've used. The size of the DF and the way it fits in my hand is excellent. It just feels good in the hand.

I have no complaint about the AF. It doesn't have as many AF points as the D800 but how many do you need. AF is positive and fast and I find it to be as accurate as the D800. It's simple to setup and adjust for every AF lens and is exactly like the D800 in that respect. When I use AF lenses I use new G series zooms and primes.

My preference with my DF is using manual focus AIs lenses. My kit that I carry on the job consists of all manual focus AIs glass with the exception of my 85 1.4 AF D. I really love the rendering of this glass, it's very sharp but smooth in tone.

There were a lot of complaints about the focusing screen. I swapped screens that i bought from an aftermarket supplier and it was fine. I put a micro prism / split image modified Canon screen in it and found it no more accurate than my stock screen so I swapped it back. I've not found manual focusing a problem.

My only complaint and it's minor is I wish Nikon would offer screen options and have designed a separate SD card slot on the side. When the camera is on a tripod I have to remove it to get the SD card out. Neither are a big deal but if I could change something this would be it.

EDIT: As an old analog shooter I love the dials of the DF. I have mine setup to function just like an F. I use the shutter speed dial and aperture ring and have the LCD turned off. It's a real pleasure to shoot.

Xray,

Thanks for the detailed post. I found it very helpful.

I'm not sure I need to shoot color (own a MM), but having a digital SLR is a posibility, and the DF is one candidate. I was wondering if I would miss the more advanced autofocus of the D4, and like you I would mostly use MF AIS glass. BTW I think my black 45/2.8P AIS would make for a very compact rig.

Cal

 

[VertovSvilova]

fwiw, I rented one to find out if it was something I'd want to own. The D4 sensor is stellar. But the ergonomics of the Df didn't work for me. It's not shaped to where it's comfortable to carry for a long time. There's no grip to it and with any large lenses (like current AF-S G lenses), it's not that well balanced at all. Even with smaller Nikkor AIS lenses, it just didn't feel comfortable after time. Personally, I think this is where they failed with the camera. And also they could have topped it out with the best AF, dual slots (and in a proper place), high speed processor, full metal weather sealed body (like the D4), etc.. In other words, go all out with it. It's already a fairly expensive specialty camera so why not make it a truly premium camera.

I own and use the F3 a lot and it (without the MD-4) is much more comfortable to use. And with the MD-4 it's almost perfect for my hands. I guess I probably have now become just so used to the Nikon digital body paradigm (which started with the F4) and honestly prefer a really good grip, some heft (more stability) and the front and rear dials which I have to admit make for much quicker and efficient use. The D3/D3s/D3x/D4/D4s body style, while larger and heavier, are ergonomic dreams for me especially when using all day long.

After trying out the Df I think I'll just stick to the true 'old school' style with only film Nikons (e.g., F2 and F3) and go with the current Nikon DSLR style for digital. And the Df isn't as small as the F3, it's much fatter, taller, and 'bulkier' feeling. And it isn't that much lighter or smaller than the D600/610/750 bodies (the new 750 is pretty compact overall.)

I think the sensor is the best thing about the Df. If you're really interested in the Df I highly recommend renting one or trying to borrow one to use for a few days before you decide.

 

[Calzone]

fwiw, I rented one to find out if it was something I'd want to own. The D4 sensor is stellar. But the ergonomics of the Df didn't work for me. It's not shaped to where it's comfortable to carry for a long time. There's no grip to it and with any large lenses (like current AF-S G lenses), it's not that well balanced at all. Even with smaller Nikkor AIS lenses, it just didn't feel comfortable after time. Personally, I think this is where they failed with the camera. And also they could have topped it out with the best AF, dual slots (and in a proper place), high speed processor, full metal weather sealed body (like the D4), etc.. In other words, go all out with it. It's already a fairly expensive specialty camera so why not make it a truly premium camera.

I own and use the F3 a lot and it (without the MD-4) is much more comfortable to use. And with the MD-4 it's almost perfect for my hands. I guess I probably have now become just so used to the Nikon digital body paradigm (which started with the F4) and honestly prefer a really good grip, some heft (more stability) and the front and rear dials which I have to admit make for much quicker and efficient use. The D3/D3s/D3x/D4/D4s body style, while larger and heavier, are ergonomic dreams for me especially when using all day long.

After trying out the Df I think I'll just stick to the true 'old school' style with only film Nikons (e.g., F2 and F3) and go with the current Nikon DSLR style for digital. And the Df isn't as small as the F3, it's much fatter, taller, and 'bulkier' feeling. And it isn't that much lighter or smaller than the D600/610/750 bodies (the new 750 is pretty compact overall.)

I think the sensor is the best thing about the Df. If you're really interested in the Df I highly recommend renting one or trying to borrow one to use for a few days before you decide.

Thanks for the post. I'm a big fan of the F3 and own a F3 HP and a F3P/MD-4.

I share your sentiments, and I'm leaning towards the D4/D4S.

Cal

 

[jsrockit]

Most should know why the Df appeals to many here... those of us that don't use DSLRs. It's the classic controls...

If one likes the way modern DSLRs work / feel (ergonomically speaking), then this may be lost on those users.

 

[Monz]

I have had a Df for about a month and like it very much, especially when paired with a smallish prime lens. I have used it mainly with a 50mm F1.4 AFD (but also with 28mm f1.8, 85mm 1.4 AFD and 100 F2 DC). The sensor is excellent as one would expect. The high ISO performance is extraordinary. I have customised the camera so that only one focus point is active (usually the central one). I then lock on focus by half pressing the shutter, recompose and then press the shutter fully. This method works well for me. I have not had any problem focussing in lowish light. The electronic rangefinder ie >0< has proved useful when focussing manually.

The many dials and quirky shutter speed control didn't take long to get used to. The manual white balance control using live view proved useful in difficult light.

All in all, I am very happy with this camera.

 

[kxl]

Just curious... if one plans to use AF lenses most of the time, does that make the Df significantly less desirable?

 

[Highway 61]

If one likes the way modern DSLRs work / feel (ergonomically speaking), then this may be lost on those users.

It is lost on long time Nikon users too, because it's not difficult to see that the classic dials are a marketing trick set up on a DSLR which is by no means "different".

I have to admit - my hat is off to Leica for the M240.

There is no technical reason why Nikon couldn't make a DSLR with such a clean design, as few buttons, in a really compact body.

The reason is only commercial : they want to sell their AF-S G lenses now, and making a DSLR which would perfectly match a lenses line they have abandoned so far (the Ai-S) doesn't make the least sense for their marketing dept.

 

[jsrockit]

It is lost on long time Nikon users too, because it's not difficult to see that the classic dials are a marketing trick set up on a DSLR which is by no means "different".

Well, you can change the shutter speed with a vintage style dial with shutter speed markings... so it is different. It may not be what we all wanted, and it may not satisfy the manual focus lens users, but it isn't the same as a D750 ergonomically.

There is no technical reason why Nikon couldn't make a DSLR with such a clean design, as few buttons, in a really compact body.

But would it be too niche for Nikon?

The reason is only commercial : they want to sell their AF-S G lenses now, and making a DSLR which would perfectly match a lenses line they have abandoned so far (the Ai-S) doesn't make the least sense for their marketing dept.

True, and you cannot blame them for that.