After my tumultuous journey with the Leica SL2-S, marked by repeated hardware failures and frustrating customer service experiences, I had decided to move on. Prerequisite was to get another full frame camera, as the larger sensors ensure better low light capabilities, greater dynamic range and more depth-of-field-separation (bokeh) when shooting wide open. And I was looking for a camera that is (like the Leica from its design and haptics doubtless also was) a joy to pick up and makes me want to go out and shoot. Only reliable.
Going through all the current full frame models on the market, I quickly set my eyes on a particular model. The brand I knew well from my early DSLR shooting days. These cameras never failed me and were reliable work horses. I knew I needed to look no further. There was a camera I instantly fell in love with. Enter the Nikon Zf – a retro beauty with modern power….and my new baby since a couple of weeks now….
A Nostalgic Design with Modern Precision
The Nikon Zf pays homage to the iconic Nikon FM2 from the 1980s, enveloping advanced digital capabilities within a body that radiates vintage charm. The tactile satisfaction of its dials (the have an awesome click-sound) and buttons offers a refreshing departure from the menu-driven interfaces of most other contemporary full frame cameras. I love this retro design, know it well from two of my favorite cameras, the Olympus PEN-F (Micro4/3) and my beloved Fuji X-T2 (APS-C). This design not only pleases the eye, but also fosters an intuitive shooting experience, allowing me to focus on the moment rather than fumbling through settings. Just perfect for Street Photography.
Aside from its awesome design, the Zf is a pure joy to pick up and take to the streets for street photography. Its compact yet solid build, responsive controls, and fast autofocus make it an ideal companion for capturing life as it unfolds. The camera feels just right in my hands—light enough to carry all day but substantial enough to inspire confidence to be able to handle all photographic tasks at hand.
Technical Mastery Beneath the Surface
Beyond its truly alluring exterior, the Zf is equipped with a 24.5-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, delivering images with remarkable clarity and dynamic range. The EXPEED 7 image processor (the same as in Nikon’s current High End full frame cameras Z8 and Z9) ensures swift performance, enabling continuous shooting at up to 14 frames per second—perfect for capturing fleeting moments with precision. The in-body image stabilization, rated up to 8 stops, is awesome, allowing for sharp handheld shots even in challenging lighting conditions. Perfect for me who likes to roam around and shoot in the streets after dark.
The autofocus system, featuring 273 points with subject recognition and 3D tracking, has consistently impressed me with its accuracy and speed. So very much better than the Leica SL2-S, where the autofocus was one of the greatest weaknesses. Whether I’m photographing bustling street scenes or tranquil landscapes, the Zf autofocus performs flawlessly, ensuring my subjects are always in sharp focus. The hit rate for sharp images is far better than in any camera I ever owned.
The Zf has a fully articulating screen and I absolutely love it, especially when photographing something low to the ground. And that it allows to flip it completely closed, so you don’t see the results of pressing the shutter, allowing for an almost full analogue shooting experience.
What I also really love, the Zf has a monochrome mode that can be turned on by flipping a switch, allowing me to instantly dive into by beloved black-and-white photography that produces jpgs with a depth and richness that harks back to traditional film aesthetics and can be easily used straight out of camera without any further post-production
A Reliable Companion
Re-investing the funds from selling the Leica SL2-S into the Nikon Zf proved to be the right decision. After using it for a couple of weeks now, the Nikon has proven to be the dependable partner the Leica never was. Its equally robust build quality, combined with beautiful design and advanced features, has restored my confidence in my equipment. I no longer find myself second-guessing whether my workhorse camera will perform when it matters most. It’s a camera that makes me want to get out and photograph—a beautiful tool that feels just as good to use as the images it produces. The results you will be seeing on this blog.
And somehow it also feels good to be a Nikon Shooter again. With the Nikon Zf – A retro beauty with modern power.
All photos in this post taken with my iPhone 14 Pro, post-processing in Lightroom Classic
Have a great Friday!
Marcus
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