BebuLamar wrote:
It's true that only you can answer the question.
The reason to buy the Df are:
1. You like its look.
2. You like its controls (if you don't like its control by all mean don't buy it. This is critical).
3. It has good low light capability.
4. You don't like video.
5. You do want a DSLR and not a mirrorless.
6. You consider no built in flash as a plus.
No. 2 and no. 3 were the reasons I have my Df for almost 8 years, and never look back. I don't really care about it's 16mp sensor, that is enough for my need. Of course, I don't do video.
I got the similar leather case.
even though more advanced similar (retro) cameras such as the fuji xt4 are much cheaper, the df is still a great camera if you use only prime lenses as nikon does not offer a good consumer zoom lens.
i bought mine when it first came out as i loved the retro look, and as an added bonus, it takes great pictures. compared to a mirrorless camera, it is a pleasure to use. the dials, viewfinder, and momentary mirror backout when taking a photo are a large part of the pleasure.
i had mine refurbished by nikon after the finish got worn down by a "sling" type bag that i mistakenly bought to protect this treasure.
lyja17 wrote:
even though more advanced similar (retro) cameras such as the fuji xt4 are much cheaper, the df is still a great camera if you use only prime lenses as nikon does not offer a good consumer zoom lens.
i bought mine when it first came out as i loved the retro look, and as an added bonus, it takes great pictures. compared to a mirrorless camera, it is a pleasure to use. the dials, viewfinder, and momentary mirror backout when taking a photo are a large part of the pleasure.
i had mine refurbished by nikon after the finish got worn down by a "sling" type bag that i mistakenly bought to protect this treasure.
even though more advanced similar (retro) cameras ... (
show quote)
Suggest if you want a thread on pros and cons of Nikon zoom lenses you start a separate one. The DF has worked perfectly with every Nikon lens I have used on it from pre AI to the 200-500 zoom. In the whole production of F Mount lenses, I think there are only two or three which cannot be used on the camera.
lyja17 wrote:
even though more advanced similar (retro) cameras such as the fuji xt4 are much cheaper, the df is still a great camera if you use only prime lenses as nikon does not offer a good consumer zoom lens.
i bought mine when it first came out as i loved the retro look, and as an added bonus, it takes great pictures. compared to a mirrorless camera, it is a pleasure to use. the dials, viewfinder, and momentary mirror backout when taking a photo are a large part of the pleasure.
i had mine refurbished by nikon after the finish got worn down by a "sling" type bag that i mistakenly bought to protect this treasure.
even though more advanced similar (retro) cameras ... (
show quote)
That is why I listed reason #5. The Df is for you if you must have a DSLR and not mirrorless.
I like mine. I like the way it handles and looks. I once had two but sold one to finance a D850 - not sorry about that either. I admit, I'm a sucker for looks. That's why I bought a Zfc - looks and more manual controls.
My experience with the Df as well. Another reason I have stayed with Nikon is the lens mount compatibility.
DaveyDitzer wrote:
My experience with the Df as well. Another reason I have stayed with Nikon is the lens mount compatibility.
Not sure about this.
I believe the Z mount does not work on the DF and a huge portion of F mount lenses do not work on the Z cameras with the adapter.
All Canon SLR's had the exact same mount (CA 1959) until the brilliant EF mount of 1987. Then the RF mount arrived and guess what? All your EF and EFs mount lenses are 100% compatible and all features work on the RF cameras. Add to that ALL your pre 1987 manual focus lenses mount and work on the RF mount cameras (Except 1 or 2 I have heard but not verified) Additionally ALL your old rangefinder Canon and Leica lenses can be mounted with an adapter and fully work as designed on RF cameras. Now that is a huge universe of millions of compatible lenses.
Now THAT is what I call compatibility from the mid 1950's to present.
The 8 year old df can still go head to head with many of today's newer models, it's a special purpose camera. If you like the looks of a well restored 56 Thunderbird, you'll love the df.
Ched49 wrote:
The 8 year old df can still go head to head with many of today's newer models, it's a special purpose camera. If you like the looks of a well restored 56 Thunderbird, you'll love the df.
I agree, and the fact that the Df has a D4s sensor & processor (and remember that the D4 was the flagship of the fleet and sold for 6500.00). It is also hand built from machined parts in house, in Japan and each camera was tested and inspected before being shipped. It is interesting that the most negative statements always seem to come from the crowed that never owned one or used on to any degree. I always had a special love//lust for the Canon 5DMIII but never popped my mouth off about the good/bad characteristics of the camera because I was never blessed with one. I have had the Df since July of 2014 and can testify that it has been a true joy to own and use.
GPS Phil wrote:
I agree, and the fact that the Df has a D4s sensor & processor (and remember that the D4 was the flagship of the fleet and sold for 6500.00). It is also hand built from machined parts in house, in Japan and each camera was tested and inspected before being shipped. It is interesting that the most negative statements always seem to come from the crowed that never owned one or used on to any degree. I always had a special love//lust for the Canon 5DMIII but never popped my mouth off about the good/bad characteristics of the camera because I was never blessed with one. I have had the Df since July of 2014 and can testify that it has been a true joy to own and use.
I agree, and the fact that the Df has a D4s sensor... (
show quote)
Personally, I passed on it because I was looking for a high megapixel camera and bought a D810. But I didn't say anything bad about the Df. I used Nikon film cameras for decades from the F, all of the Nikkormats and through the FA before going digital. I can appreciate the ergonomics compared with the many buttons and menus on something like the D810. The Df brings some of that back.
quixdraw wrote:
Suggest if you want a thread on pros and cons of Nikon zoom lenses you start a separate one. The DF has worked perfectly with every Nikon lens I have used on it from pre AI to the 200-500 zoom. In the whole production of F Mount lenses, I think there are only two or three which cannot be used on the camera.
sorry that I wasn't clear, my bad. the df is very light and relatively compact for a full-frame camera and I took for granted that anyone who tried a long or heavy lens on it would find it unbalanced, making for a less than ideal shooting experience. for myself, it's the tactile experience that makes it so great.
it's the ideal platform for prime lenses <90 mm while maintaining that balance. nuff said.
Ched49 wrote:
The 8 year old df can still go head to head with many of today's newer models, it's a special purpose camera. If you like the looks of a well restored 56 Thunderbird, you'll love the df.
What is so "Special Purpose" about it that it has no other camera has?
And appearance has nothing to do with "Special Purpose".
Low resolution, slow fps, no video etc.
Not too sure what special purpose feature(s) it has to make it "Special Purpose".
wingclui44 wrote:
I got the similar leather case.
Beautiful; and also, a very decent image maker.
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