Nikon Df Discussion: I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in March 2015. While this camera is small and looks cool, the Nikon Df is not a toy. The camera is now my workhorse -...

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in March 2015. While this camera is small and looks cool, the Nikon Df is not a toy. The camera is now my workhorse - a camera that shoots 1400 images between battery charges, and has a rated shutter count of at least 150,000. Although this camera is weatherproofed and dust-proofed, it performs as well as its larger siblings in the studio. One point of this post is that I want to share my thoughts on the physical construction of my Nikon Df. Nikon didn't cut corners in construction. The Df is pleasing to hold and feels sturdy in its build quality. The first time I held the camera, I was taken back to the first time I held a Nikon F 35mm SLR - it has a similar feel and touch of film SLRs so many years ago.

This is Nikon's smallest full frame DSLR - but again it is not a toy. ISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode and EV dials are all placed at the top of the body - along with the shutter (which has screw to insert a manual cable release - that were used with film SLRs). Aperture control is on the front of the camera. The hand grip on the right is subtle, not chunky like many pro DSLRs I have handled. If you are used to taking a Nikon right out of the box and shooting, this is not a quick fire camera. This is a camera that requires patience and understanding. At first I had to get used to the location of control dials - they are not easily adjustable while looking through the viewfinder; on most occasions I found myself having to lift my head, adjust ISO or shutter speed settings and then compose an image. I became familiar enough with the Df after a few days of use I now always adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO through the viewfinder.

In my opinion, I have to agree with this statement I heard;the Nikon Df is pure photography at its best. I have also read complaints that the camera should have had video for this price. I, on the other hand, appreciate the engineers at Nikon designing the device for those of us who specialize in still photography (The other FX in my camera bag is a Nikon D700). There are others who question why the Df has the same sensor as the D4 but not its 51 AF points. And there are others who wonder why Nikon did not provide at least 24 megapixels for this price. Despite the naysayers, my Nikon has Df produced incredible images frame after frame.

Greg

(Download)

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

dhelix33 wrote:

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in March 2015. While this camera is small and looks cool, the Nikon Df is not a toy. The camera is now my workhorse - a camera that shoots 1400 images between battery charges, and has a rated shutter count of at least 150,000. Although this camera is weatherproofed and dust-proofed, it performs as well as its larger siblings in the studio. One point of this post is that I want to share my thoughts on the physical construction of my Nikon Df. Nikon didn't cut corners in construction. The Df is pleasing to hold and feels sturdy in its build quality. The first time I held the camera, I was taken back to the first time I held a Nikon F 35mm SLR - it has a similar feel and touch of film SLRs so many years ago.

This is Nikon's smallest full frame DSLR - but again it is not a toy. ISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode and EV dials are all placed at the top of the body - along with the shutter (which has screw to insert a manual cable release - that were used with film SLRs). Aperture control is on the front of the camera. The hand grip on the right is subtle, not chunky like many pro DSLRs I have handled. If you are used to taking a Nikon right out of the box and shooting, this is not a quick fire camera. This is a camera that requires patience and understanding. At first I had to get used to the location of control dials - they are not easily adjustable while looking through the viewfinder; on most occasions I found myself having to lift my head, adjust ISO or shutter speed settings and then compose an image. I became familiar enough with the Df after a few days of use I now always adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO through the viewfinder.

In my opinion, I have to agree with this statement I heard;the Nikon Df is pure photography at its best. I have also read complaints that the camera should have had video for this price. I, on the other hand, appreciate the engineers at Nikon designing the device for those of us who specialize in still photography (The other FX in my camera bag is a Nikon D700). There are others who question why the Df has the same sensor as the D4 but not its 51 AF points. And there are others who wonder why Nikon did not provide at least 24 megapixels for this price. Despite the naysayers, my Nikon has Df produced incredible images frame after frame.

Greg

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in Ma... (show quote)

I'm not a Nikon user - long time Canon - but if I were a Nikon user I would be tempted by it. It appears to be a purist's camera, well engineered and well regarded by its users such as yourself. On the other hand, my wife and I still have film cameras as well as digital - mine a Canon AE-1 and T90, my wife's a Nikon FM2n which she used photographing the sunrise on Monday morning.

Glad you like it, Sir!

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Hey Greg - Looks like a great retro camera to me as a long time Nikon shooter (film & digital). Have you had any problems with the battery door as reported by some others? chase

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

dhelix33 wrote:

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in March 2015. While this camera is small and looks cool, the Nikon Df is not a toy. The camera is now my workhorse - a camera that shoots 1400 images between battery charges, and has a rated shutter count of at least 150,000. Although this camera is weatherproofed and dust-proofed, it performs as well as its larger siblings in the studio. One point of this post is that I want to share my thoughts on the physical construction of my Nikon Df. Nikon didn't cut corners in construction. The Df is pleasing to hold and feels sturdy in its build quality. The first time I held the camera, I was taken back to the first time I held a Nikon F 35mm SLR - it has a similar feel and touch of film SLRs so many years ago.

This is Nikon's smallest full frame DSLR - but again it is not a toy. ISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode and EV dials are all placed at the top of the body - along with the shutter (which has screw to insert a manual cable release - that were used with film SLRs). Aperture control is on the front of the camera. The hand grip on the right is subtle, not chunky like many pro DSLRs I have handled. If you are used to taking a Nikon right out of the box and shooting, this is not a quick fire camera. This is a camera that requires patience and understanding. At first I had to get used to the location of control dials - they are not easily adjustable while looking through the viewfinder; on most occasions I found myself having to lift my head, adjust ISO or shutter speed settings and then compose an image. I became familiar enough with the Df after a few days of use I now always adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO through the viewfinder.

In my opinion, I have to agree with this statement I heard;the Nikon Df is pure photography at its best. I have also read complaints that the camera should have had video for this price. I, on the other hand, appreciate the engineers at Nikon designing the device for those of us who specialize in still photography (The other FX in my camera bag is a Nikon D700). There are others who question why the Df has the same sensor as the D4 but not its 51 AF points. And there are others who wonder why Nikon did not provide at least 24 megapixels for this price. Despite the naysayers, my Nikon has Df produced incredible images frame after frame.

Greg

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in Ma... (show quote)

Nice review Greg, I've had mine for nearly 3 years and my original thought was that it would make a nice street camera. Small, light and not an intimidating camera. I always figured the D7100 would carry the load and the Df would be my back up or novelty camera. I could not have been more wrong, it goes everywhere with me and is by far my work horse. It is the only camera that Nikon makes that is hand assembled, in house, in Japan. I always check out the latest offerings by Nikon, and I'm sure I will buy something just for the fun of it, but I know for sure that if they brought out a Df II I would have one. Do I think it is the best camera going? No, but it is for me, pure fun, and very high quality images! It is the most enjoyable camera that I have owned in the last 45 years.

Phil

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

chase4 wrote:

Hey Greg - Looks like a great retro camera to me as a long time Nikon shooter (film & digital). Have you had any problems with the battery door as reported by some others? chase

I'll jump in with my quick answer to that question, the door is the best built door on any of my camera's, Nikon or otherwise. I suspect that rumor started because it is built to "pop" out if it is bumped hard when open. It simply pops back in and doesn't break. It is made of metal with a rubber gasket around the edge and a machined metal twist latch. I wish all my camera's had one

Phil

IBM

Read Thom Hogan write up on the DF . He had a couple of things to say about,

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

dhelix33 wrote:

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in March 2015. While this camera is small and looks cool, the Nikon Df is not a toy. The camera is now my workhorse - a camera that shoots 1400 images between battery charges, and has a rated shutter count of at least 150,000. Although this camera is weatherproofed and dust-proofed, it performs as well as its larger siblings in the studio. One point of this post is that I want to share my thoughts on the physical construction of my Nikon Df. Nikon didn't cut corners in construction. The Df is pleasing to hold and feels sturdy in its build quality. The first time I held the camera, I was taken back to the first time I held a Nikon F 35mm SLR - it has a similar feel and touch of film SLRs so many years ago.

This is Nikon's smallest full frame DSLR - but again it is not a toy. ISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode and EV dials are all placed at the top of the body - along with the shutter (which has screw to insert a manual cable release - that were used with film SLRs). Aperture control is on the front of the camera. The hand grip on the right is subtle, not chunky like many pro DSLRs I have handled. If you are used to taking a Nikon right out of the box and shooting, this is not a quick fire camera. This is a camera that requires patience and understanding. At first I had to get used to the location of control dials - they are not easily adjustable while looking through the viewfinder; on most occasions I found myself having to lift my head, adjust ISO or shutter speed settings and then compose an image. I became familiar enough with the Df after a few days of use I now always adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO through the viewfinder.

In my opinion, I have to agree with this statement I heard;the Nikon Df is pure photography at its best. I have also read complaints that the camera should have had video for this price. I, on the other hand, appreciate the engineers at Nikon designing the device for those of us who specialize in still photography (The other FX in my camera bag is a Nikon D700). There are others who question why the Df has the same sensor as the D4 but not its 51 AF points. And there are others who wonder why Nikon did not provide at least 24 megapixels for this price. Despite the naysayers, my Nikon has Df produced incredible images frame after frame.

Greg

I do not regret when I purchased my Nikon Df in Ma... (show quote)

I too am a Df user and I love it. I was first attracted to it by the look, but once I started using it, that is when I fell in love with it. I have not had camera G.A.S. since I bought it. There is no need to chase after the latest release once you have a Df. Most of the negative comments about the Df come from those who do not use one, Df users are almost unanimous in their enjoyment in using the Df. If/when Nikon comes out with a Df2 I will probably get one, but if Nikon does not come out with a Df2 I will happily keep on keeping on with my Df.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

GPS Phil wrote:

Nice review Greg, I've had mine for nearly 3 years... (show quote)

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

GPS Phil wrote:

I'll jump in with my quick answer to that question, the door is the best built door on any of my camera's, Nikon or otherwise. I suspect that rumor started because it is built to "pop" out if it is bumped hard when open. It simply pops back in and doesn't break. It is made of metal with a rubber gasket around the edge and a machined metal twist latch. I wish all my camera's had one

Phil

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

Peterff wrote:

I'm not a Nikon user - long time Canon - but if I were a Nikon user I would be tempted by it. It appears to be a purist's camera, well engineered and well regarded by its users such as yourself. On the other hand, my wife and I still have film cameras as well as digital - mine a Canon AE-1 and T90, my wife's a Nikon FM2n which she used photographing the sunrise on Monday morning.

Glad you like it, Sir!

Hi -

In 1977 I was stationed in Berlin, Germany and having my Nikon F cleaned and serviced, I borrowed a Canon EF 35mm SLR camera from a friend. It was the first time I used a Canon - and although the controls locations were not familiar - it got the job done with no complaints. However, after so many years shooting with Nikon systems, when I pick up a superb state-of-the-art Canon today - it has that 'foreign' feel, in terms of handling locations for image exposure control. I have been using Nikon cameras and Nikkor glass so long, I can set exposure during image composition with my eyes closed

. I am not a Canon hater - just stayed with the camera design I cut my teeth on as a young photographer and grew up with.

Have shared images of my Nikon Df - manufactured in 2014, and my Nikon F - manufactured in 1973

(Download)

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

The Df is by far my favorite digital body. When i first got back into photography about 6 years ago, I really did not care for the camera bodies that were being offered and wondered why someone didn't make a digital that was more like tho old Nikons that I was used to. Then the Df came out, and I instantly fell in love. I still shoot film using a Nikkormat FT2, Nikon F, and an FE, which the Df is very similar too, but the Df is my everyday digital driver.

FE and Df

(Download)

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I'm sure the Df is a very capable camera. But if I want to experience "pure photography at its best", I simply pick up my trusty Nikkormat FT.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

rook2c4 wrote:

I'm sure the Df is a very capable camera. But if I want to experience "pure photography at its best", I simply pick up my trusty Nikkormat FT.

To each his own

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

dhelix33 wrote:

Hi - br br In 1977 I was stationed in Berlin, Ger... (show quote)

Thank you. Your reasons for staying with Nikon seem similar to mine for staying with Canon. Both are excellent camera systems. It isn't about the brand but my personal preferences. That said, I agree very strongly about the feel of the system. I really like my AE-1 since it was the camera I did most of my learning with - much better than my first SLR, a Russian Zenit E. The one that really cemented my relationship with Canon was the T90 which has influenced SLR / DSLR design since its introduction in 1986. Most importantly for me is the consistency of the user interface design, my Canon DSLRs are not very different from the T90 except that the level of sophistication has increased, but I can switch from the AE-1 to the T90 to a modern Canon DSLR without having to rethink anything.

I would expect Nikon to be no different, and enjoy the feel of my wife's FM2n. I have too much invested in Canon to switch brands, but I only chose Canon through a random series of events rather than a detailed analysis. Both Nikon and Canon seemed equally positioned contenders back in the mid seventies from my personal perspective.

Once again, the Nikon Df looks like the kind of camera I would strongly consider buying if I wasn't happy with being in the Canon universe.