Z f

This is my second Zf, not sure why I sold the first one, but I didn't last long without a Zf! I have been shooting with Nikon cameras since 1974, including the F, F2, F3, FM, and the Nikkormat, both professionally and for fun! I love the simplicity of the Zf. Back to the basics of the exposure triangle that I can physically see and touch. It literally takes me back to my days of shooting with Tri-X and Kodachrome, but I can choose which without carrying 2 bodies! It seems most of the complaints are about the ergonomics, but hey it's a retro body and that's part of the beauty of the Zf for me! This is the camera I'll keep!

I purchased the retro style Zf with fun in mind. I needed something to spark creativity and I also wanted to get back to the basics. The Zf camera filled the niche. I set up the camera for only manual functions and disabled autofocus. I only use the exposure control dials on this camera. I expanded a set of classic Nikkor manual focus lenses and new Voigtlander Z mount lenses to be only used with the Zf. I made custom picture controls for the B&W mode and color modes, which now include a custom sepia B&W option. The goal was to produce great jpeg images straight out of the camera with zero post processing. Basically, I turned the Zf into a manually operated camera that mimics film cameras from childhood. Everything about this camera screams street photography and artistic snapshots. Manual focus lenses are perfect for this retro camera. That is what I use it for. The Zf definitely fills a big niche and has rekindled my interests!

There is truth in the statement that there really isn't a bad modern camera. So what sets cameras apart from their competitors is usability and how the user feels connected to them. Is the Zf the perfect camera? No. Can you make it the perfect camera for you? Yes! No other modern camera allows you to customize it to fit your hands as the Zf does. I added a Small Rig grip, a thumb rest for the back, and a soft shutter button. I close the back screen and use the ISO and Shutter Speed dials and the EVF to control the camera. I shoot mainly vintage manual focus lenses, so the manual focus assist it game changing. So glad I switched from the sterile colors and ergonomics of Sony.

Great camera and retro design. For areas of improvement: wished it would have AF-On button, but was able to remap AE-L button as AF-On button as work around. Also, dont like the clunk you get due to IBIS not self locking while powered off. Also, wished the LCD screen was flush with the body. Despite these 3 minor gripes, it is such a great camera that inspires you.

Ok, so I’m giving the Nikon ZF 5 out of 5 stars. I never gave a camera a perfect score because no camera is perfect until you find that perfect camera that fits you. I am 52 and started photography when I was 18 (34 years of photography). I have been a professional photographer for 17 years as of 2026. I have done video and photography for TV networks, product photography, events, weddings and fashion magazines. I have been an avid street photographer for the past 4 years and also travel photography. I have had about 26 plus cameras ranging from point and shoots Micro four Thirds, APSC, and full frame. From Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Black Magic and Sony. And in those brands had multiple models. So it’s safe to say, at least for me that this Nikon ZF gets a 5 out of 5. From build quality, functionality, size and weight, image and video quality. If you read or watched any reviews of this camera you will see all the positives about this camera and I agree with all those. The only negative I see come up over and over are the lack of a grip. For me I love and was in search for thin bodied cameras, I don’t like the modern grips on new cameras. I love the fact that I can add a grip to the Nikon Zf if I am doing a long photo shoot but keep the grip of for travel and street photography. If you wear a neck or shoulder strap while walking the streets I see no need for a grip on this camera. At least this camera gives you the option to have a grip or not while on other cameras you’re stuck with the big ugly grip that can’t come off. So I see the grip as plus not a negative. Great job Nikon for making my perfect camera. Thank you.

I have been a Nikon owner and semi-professional user for over 65 years, I owned a D80 for 17 years, then it died. I wanted a replacement Nikon that felt like the film Nikons I have used and still shoot with, and I wanted full-frame. The Zf appeared to offer all this. So far, I have not been disappointed. The camera handles well, The instructions are difficult to research in the manual, but the menus seem to work. I can set controls which I never managed in the D80. I love the finder and exposure control. I like the sharpness of results. It does need a handle most of the time. I immediately purchased one. I can use almost all the lenses I already own, which allows me to put off buying expensive new gear for now. I went through some confusion setting the image storage options, tried to download NX studio only to find out that the program will not work with my Mac due to its older system. The supplied strap is too thin and hard to take off-and-on, I have ordered a replacement. They say that this is the lightest full-frame Z camera, but it has to be the heaviest Nikon I have ever shot with, but I do like the solid, non-plastic feel. All-in-all I am satisfied and feel I made the best choice of features and price that match my needs and interests.

I came from Nikon D5500 and I still have it with me in the Philippines, auto focus is really improved, this is more faster now and you can easily get beautiful stunning photos effortlessly. The retro design makes me inspire to take more photos every single day, though I have been eyeing Fujifilm X-T5 but I made further review from reddit to youtube, all are praising the performance to Zf, so I did made a smart choice and where my heart is.

You can get great photos, for sure. But it’s not comfortable. You’ll need a grip or a half case. I have a SmallRig. Folks love it but if you want retro consider the Fuji X-T5.

Love the Zf. I shot Nikon most of my career. The F3hp with MD4 and Nikon FM2 with MD11 were the best film cameras ever made. Several years ago I switched to Sony. Great, but soulless, cameras. Over Christmas break I saw an ad for the Zf on B&H website. I looked at it, researched it and decided "What the H..., I will get one to play with. Love using my old AiS lenses on it. With the Megadapt adapter I get focus confirmation, plus my Sony lenses work extremely well on the camera.I love the ability to make my own color profiles for the camera using Nikon NX Studio. All around this is an amazing camera in a "retro" style that does not get int he way of making photos.