Praise for the unique Nikon DF

[ptpdprinter]

It is a chunky camera, but it is not heavy. My Leica M4 seems heavier.

If the internet is to be believed, the Leica M4 weighs 560 grams and the Nikon Df weighs 710 grams (765 grams with battery and memory card). The Fuji XE2 I ended up buying weighs 350 grams. I agree with you that the Nikon Df is chunky. Since it is not a plastic blob camera, it does not qualify as obese. Of course, some people like the Df and couldn't care less about its weight and chunkiness.

 

[oldwino]

If the internet is to be believed, the Leica M4 weighs 560 grams and the Nikon Df weighs 710 grams (765 grams with battery and memory card). The Fuji XE2 I ended up buying weighs 350 grams. I agree with you that the Nikon Df is chunky. Since it is not a plastic blob camera, it does not qualify as obese. Of course, some people like the Df and couldn't care less about its weight and chunkiness.

The Leicas always seem heavy to me - I guess it’s a size/density thing.
I like my Df - it makes very pleasant images. And, it kinda sorta feels like using a film camera, with the optical finder, flapping mirror, and smaller than today’s lenses.

 

[former member]

Might be the last SLR I ever buy.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Reading back thru this thread, I realize I got pretty excited in my defense of the Df. I still think it's a great camera and love how it mates with all my old Nikkor glass, the images are lovely and the files can really be worked.

But I'm not using it as much anymore, as I'm semi-retired, and more importantly, I've gotten a Nikon Zfc. It's the size I wish the Df had been, and mated with a set of Olympus Pen F prime lenses, it's an awesome little manual focus package for traveling around.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Vince Lupo]

Reading back thru this thread, I realize I got pretty excited in my defense of the Df. I still think it's a great camera and love how it mates with all my old Nikkor glass, the images are lovely and the files can really be worked.

But I'm not using it as much anymore, as I'm semi-retired, and more importantly, I've gotten a Nikon Zfc. It's the size I wish the Df had been, and mated with a set of Olympus Pen F prime lenses, it's an awesome little manual focus package for traveling around.

Best,
-Tim

Hey there Tim - How are you finding the smaller sensor size in the Zfc? Did it take some getting used to, going from the full-frame Df to it? I really love the look of the Zfc but somehow wish it were full-frame. I know, guess I’m just stuck in my ways.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Hey there Tim - How are you finding the smaller sensor size in the Zfc? Did it take some getting used to, going from the full-frame Df to it? I really love the look of the Zfc but somehow wish it were full-frame. I know, guess I'm just stuck in my ways.

Totally agree Vince. I wish it were full frame as well. I found using the Df was just instinctual, after decades of shooting film SLR's. The Zfc has taken some getting used to, it's not as good in low light (but I'm learning how to work around this) and the smaller sensor isn't going to give you as shallow depth of field as the Df.

The biggest issue for me, and the reason I finally got one to try, was finding MF lenses that work comfortably with it. Using either of the Nikon adapters for Nikon F lenses completely eliminates the advantage of the Zfc, it's small size. I had been playing with an old Olympus Pen F half-frame camera and had put together a small bevy of original lenses, and thought, "These 1/2 frame lenses might work great on a DX mirrorless." And they do.

Since I got mine, Cosina/Voigtlander has come out with a group of lenses specifically for the camera, and they are sized right for the Zfc. Pick up a set of those and if you can live with the smaller sensor, and lesser low light capabilities, I think you'll find it a great camera to shoot.

Best,
-Tim

 

[jsrockit]

Totally agree Vince. I wish it were full frame as well. I found using the Df was just instinctual, after decades of shooting film SLR's. The Zfc has taken some getting used to, it's not as good in low light (but I'm learning how to work around this) and the smaller sensor isn't going to give you as shallow depth of field as the Df.

The biggest issue for me, and the reason I finally got one to try, was finding MF lenses that work comfortably with it. Using either of the Nikon adapters for Nikon F lenses completely eliminates the advantage of the Zfc, it's small size. I had been playing with an old Olympus Pen F half-frame camera and had put together a small bevy of original lenses, and thought, "These 1/2 frame lenses might work great on a DX mirrorless." And they do.

Since I got mine, Cosina/Voigtlander has come out with a group of lenses specifically for the camera, and they are sized right for the Zfc. Pick up a set of those and if you can live with the smaller sensor, and lesser low light capabilities, I think you'll find it a great camera to shoot.

Best,
-Tim

Well, lesser low light does not mean bad low light... modern APSC does very well in low light.

 

[Ken Ford]

I’ve had a Df for about six years now, but haven’t been using it much since I started moving to Z after the Z6 was introduced. I was planning on selling the Df along with my other digital F mount bodies, but I think I’ll hang onto it as a platform for my MF Nikkors. I’ve even thought about picking up a 58/1.4G for it, I love how that lens renders - but I have the 50/1.2S, so I’m unsure about that.

Question from those that changed focusing screens - did you have any issues? I’m looking at what focusingscreen.com has on offer, unfortunately they don’t seem to have the 45 degree cross with microprism K screen anymore.

 

[Timmyjoe]

You're right, and I have been finding a way to work with the low light performance of the sensor.

One other thing Vince, pick up a SmallRig L-Shape Grip if you go with the Zfc, makes it much more comfortable in the hand.

Best,
-Tim