Nikon has unveiled its new Nikon Zf, a camera inspired by the design of FM cameras from the 70s and 80s, without sacrificing performance.
In June 2021, Nikon hit hard with its Nikon Zfc, an interchangeable lens digital camera equipped with an APS-C sensor, but with a decidedly retro look. If the components were largely inspired by the Nikon Z50, the camera nevertheless evoked the lines of the Nikon FM2 released in 1982.
Ultimately, we didn’t have to wait long for the Japanese manufacturer to try to adapt the formula to its range of full-frame hybrid cameras. The manufacturer has just officially announced its Nikon Zf.
Here again, the camera is largely based on the design of the film Nikon FM and Nikon FM2 from the 70s and 80s. However, this time it features a sensor full frame in 24 x 36 mm format of 24.5 megapixels, close to that of the Nikon Z6 II.
In terms of ergonomics, although the device lacks any real grip on the handle – retro format requires – it does however include some well-thought-out functions. Thus, like the film SLRs of yesteryear or recent models from Fujifilm or Leica, the Nikon Zf is equipped with dials allowing fine adjustment of the parameters of the exposure triangle. We therefore have a dial for sensitivity (from 100 to 64,000 ISO), another for shutter speed (up to 1/8000 s in both mechanical and electronic settings) and a last one for exposure correction. For the aperture, it will be adjusted directly on the lens, although a small monochrome LCD screen allows you to indicate the focal aperture value.
The Nikon Zf // Source: Geoffroy Husson – Frandroid
The Nikon Zf // Source: Geoffroy Husson – Frandroid
Still in terms of ergonomics, the Nikon Zf is equipped with a screen on a ball joint which can therefore be used for selfies or vlogging. A dial dedicated to black and white modes (classic monochrome, less contrast or deep tones) is also available directly on the case, without having to navigate through the menus. We will also find a dedicated video recording button, in addition to the retro-looking trigger. On the storage side, the device has two slots with a first for an SD card and a second for a microSD card. A way to ensure you always have storage with you.
The same autofocus as on the Nikon Z8 and Z9
Contrary to what one might think at first glance, the Nikon Zf is however a high-end body with suitable characteristics. It is therefore equipped with the same Expeed 7 processor as the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9. Enough to allow effective 3D autofocus up to a brightness of -10 stops with 299 autofocus points. For burst mode, however, since the sensor is not stacked, you will have to be satisfied with 7.8 images per second in RAW + JPG (14 fps in high extended) and up to 30 images per second in JPG alone. Note also that pretriggering is offered in bursts with 1 or 0.5 seconds recorded before pressing the button. On the other hand, the camera trap function of the Nikon Z9 is not integrated into the Zf.
Video is not left out since the box is capable of shooting sequences in 4K 30p based on 6K oversampling, in 4K 60p with a 1.5x crop or in Full HD up to 120p. The Nikon Zf is also capable of recording for 125 minutes thanks to a “high temperature“.
Nikon Zf price and availability
The Nikon Zf will be available at the start of the school year. Unlike the Zfc, available in black or silver, it will however only be offered in black color at a price of 2449 euros. For comparison, the Nikon Z8 is priced at 4,599 euros and the Nikon Z6 II at 2,199 euros. The Nikon Zf will also be offered as a kit with a 24-70 mm lens (constant f/4.0) at 3079 euros.