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Seeking advice on Nikon DF
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May 19, 2017 11:00:19   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
Mac wrote:
I was probably wrong saying into the menu, I was thinking of ISO and Exposure Compensation. But it's true that all you have to do on other cameras is hold down a button while you turn a command dial and watch the screen so you know when you reach the setting you want.
It's quicker and more convenient with the Df.

Don't know about Nikons, but most settings on modern Canon's can be changed with results in the intelligent viewfinder meaning you don't even have to take your eye away from it to set almost anything. I doubt the DF is quicker and more convenient than that. But the DF is still a pretty great camera with a form factor that will appeal to many.

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May 19, 2017 11:11:49   #
DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA
 
JEVasquez wrote:
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera since 1989. I love that camera. It's pure photography because it's completely manual. I also have five lenses that cover a full range of use. But film is just too cumbersome now and I find myself using a cheap Fuji digital most of the time. Now that the Nikon DF exists, I'm seriously considering moving up. The DF can use the old FE lenses, making the $2,750 price tag a bit more reasonable. I'm not a pro. But I love the art of the manual camera. I'm just nervous. Online reviews for the DF seem fantastic, but I'm not that familiar with professional reviewers. Hell, just about every camera has glowing reviews .... so trust is an issue. I'm hoping to find some "normal" people that have experience with the new DF using the older lenses. Should I make the jump? If not, then I'll end up investing in an entirely new system. Damn.
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera... (show quote)


I just got my 1st Df a few days ago. I wanted one for the same reasons you mention. My first impression is positive. The manual is very detailed (I "graduated" from a corp D5300). I used 4 FM / FE versions in my film days. You will find that the Df is more of a handful than the FE you have been using - both size and weight. I rely a lot on UHH opinions from people who are regulars and who post well thought out opinions and information. Have fun with your Df.

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May 19, 2017 11:29:04   #
wapiti Loc: round rock, texas
 
Love my DF and I think that you will too. I bought mine "refurbished". It had only 71 shutter trips and looked brand new. Check out that option.

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May 19, 2017 11:30:01   #
Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.
 
If your used to using using completely manual film cameras, you'll have no problem getting used to the Df. The Df only looks better with age, in my opinion, the more scratches and nicks you'll get on the camera...the better it looks. The only minor complaint I have is the max. shutter speed is 1/4000.

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May 19, 2017 11:41:16   #
Pilot 6 Loc: Eugene, OR
 
cthahn wrote:
If you have the money, do what you want to do. You writing is not impressive.


Youse writing also not is impressive.

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May 19, 2017 11:41:30   #
BebuLamar
 
DaveyDitzer wrote:
I just got my 1st Df a few days ago. I wanted one for the same reasons you mention. My first impression is positive. The manual is very detailed (I "graduated" from a corp D5300). I used 4 FM / FE versions in my film days. You will find that the Df is more of a handful than the FE you have been using - both size and weight. I rely a lot on UHH opinions from people who are regulars and who post well thought out opinions and information. Have fun with your Df.


The Df is big compared to a film camera. It's big even when you compare it to the F, F2 or F3 and yet it doesn't weight any heavier. I would like the Df to be smaller yet heavier. I wish Nikon could reduce a couple of dimensions on the Df. First the dimension between the bottom of the lens mount to the bottom of the camera. Second the dimension between the sensor plane to the back of the camera.

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May 19, 2017 12:00:39   #
Dan De Lion Loc: Montana
 
Greenmachine wrote:
I know several satisfied DF users who love their camera and its capabilities, but if price is an issue at all (and it usually is for all of us) the Nikon full-frame D750 is going for bargain prices these days, and can
use your old FE lenses and I think the money you save can be used to buy new or refurbished lenses to add to your equipment collection!
Let us know what you decide, OK?
--Greenmachine



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May 19, 2017 12:07:52   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
cjkorb wrote:
If your used to using using completely manual film cameras, you'll have no problem getting used to the Df. The Df only looks better with age, in my opinion, the more scratches and nicks you'll get on the camera...the better it looks. The only minor complaint I have is the max. shutter speed is 1/4000.

Scratches and nick's? You must be rough on you gear. I've got 4 dslr bodies and only one of them has a scuff on it. Our 40 year old Pentax K1000 doesn't have a mark on it.

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May 19, 2017 12:08:19   #
rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA
 
GoofyNewfie wrote:
The FM was all manual, the FE could be manual or aperture preferred. Still, the Df looks like a great way to go. Similar interface, which I think is very important.
I have handled one and...heck, it even looks like the FE.
From what I've read, you won't be disappointed.


It certainly does not feel like the FE. The contours are completely different and the size is quite different too. Similar interface? The only significant similarity I can find is the location of the shutter speed dial and perhaps the shape of the viewfinder. What other interface similarities are there?

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May 19, 2017 12:19:57   #
silverwren Loc: Alabama
 
I bought my DF used from KEH, saved a lot of money and got a fantastic camera that looks and performs like new. I started photography with an FM2. The DF looks similar and uses all the old lenses. I also shoot a D3, which I love, but it is much heavier so I tend to grab the DF. The DF is not light but feels very good in the hand. I don't think you can go wrong with it.

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May 19, 2017 12:38:50   #
Greenmachine Loc: Chicago, IL
 
silverwren wrote:
I bought my DF used from KEH, saved a lot of money and got a fantastic camera that looks and performs like new. I started photography with an FM2. The DF looks similar and uses all the old lenses. I also shoot a D3, which I love, but it is much heavier so I tend to grab the DF. The DF is not light but feels very good in the hand. I don't think you can go wrong with it.


Good call! I'm all in favor in getting refurbished/demo cameras and lenses that still have a limited warranty: Often they are like brand new!
To go along with my D750 I have also purchased used Tamron FX 24-70mm and 90mm macro lenses, saved a bundle of $$$ and they are excellent performing lenses...
Use that saved money for more needed equipment!
---Greenmachine

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May 19, 2017 12:46:15   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Bobspez wrote:
My used Nikon D3100 also uses all the old film lenses without modification and I can shoot in manual mode. Plus I can shoot video. Cost me $160 on ebay. I think all the Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx cameras do the same. Maybe that is a way to get your feet wet without spending a lot. Bear in mind that digital and film have a different look. You really can't totally emulate film with digital. I'm not saying it's better or worse, but it is different.


This is the question I too would be asking.
Unless the OP has to have the Df because of the look at $2700 it's a lot of money.
Can he use the lenses in question just as well and spend much less money?
Or can his itch only be scratched by a Df??
SS

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May 19, 2017 16:41:31   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
JEVasquez wrote:
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera since 1989. I love that camera. It's pure photography because it's completely manual. I also have five lenses that cover a full range of use. But film is just too cumbersome now and I find myself using a cheap Fuji digital most of the time. Now that the Nikon DF exists, I'm seriously considering moving up. The DF can use the old FE lenses, making the $2,750 price tag a bit more reasonable. I'm not a pro. But I love the art of the manual camera. I'm just nervous. Online reviews for the DF seem fantastic, but I'm not that familiar with professional reviewers. Hell, just about every camera has glowing reviews .... so trust is an issue. I'm hoping to find some "normal" people that have experience with the new DF using the older lenses. Should I make the jump? If not, then I'll end up investing in an entirely new system. Damn.
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera... (show quote)

I don't have a Df, but I use old Nikon lenses on my D7000, Olympus OMD E-M5ii, Panasonic GX7m and Fujifilm E-X2. The results are just fine.

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May 19, 2017 16:44:52   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
JEVasquez wrote:
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera since 1989. I love that camera. It's pure photography because it's completely manual. I also have five lenses that cover a full range of use. But film is just too cumbersome now and I find myself using a cheap Fuji digital most of the time. Now that the Nikon DF exists, I'm seriously considering moving up. The DF can use the old FE lenses, making the $2,750 price tag a bit more reasonable. I'm not a pro. But I love the art of the manual camera. I'm just nervous. Online reviews for the DF seem fantastic, but I'm not that familiar with professional reviewers. Hell, just about every camera has glowing reviews .... so trust is an issue. I'm hoping to find some "normal" people that have experience with the new DF using the older lenses. Should I make the jump? If not, then I'll end up investing in an entirely new system. Damn.
I've used an early 80's model Nikon FE film camera... (show quote)

Save yourself some money. Nikon refurbs are just like new:

https://www.adorama.com/inkdfbk1r.html?gclid=COzXp6Lp_NMCFc64wAodebkBHg

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May 19, 2017 17:13:46   #
wapiti Loc: round rock, texas
 
Kissel vonKeister wrote:
Save yourself some money. Nikon refurbs are just like new:

https://www.adorama.com/inkdfbk1r.html?gclid=COzXp6Lp_NMCFc64wAodebkBHg



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