Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Seeking advice on Nikon DF
Page 1 of 6 next> last>>
May 18, 2017 16:19:26   #
JEVasquez
 
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.

Reply
May 18, 2017 17:54:37   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
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 have had my Df for several years now and absolutely love it. I was first attracted to it because of the look, but once I started using it was when I fell in love. I really like having the controls at my finger tips without needing to go in to the menu. It is excellent at low light/high ISO.
There are a number of Df users here on UHH.

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:52:18   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
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.

Reply
 
 
May 18, 2017 19:05:41   #
BebuLamar
 
Mac wrote:
I have had my Df for several years now and absolutely love it. I was first attracted to it because of the look, but once I started using it was when I fell in love. I really like having the controls at my finger tips without needing to go in to the menu. It is excellent at low light/high ISO.
There are a number of Df users here on UHH.


Mac with all due respect which controls can you perform on the Df without going into menu yet you have to go into menu on other camera?

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:36:52   #
Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida
 
BebuLamar wrote:
Mac with all due respect which controls can you perform on the Df without going into menu yet you have to go into menu on other camera?


I use a 700, an 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpose, but the Df is the camera that I carry everyday.
When changing settings, even though one doesn't have to go into the menus on the 800E; I much prefer, and it is easier for me to use the knobs and dials on the Df, rather than pressing buttons and spinning wheels on the 700 or 800E.

In response to the OP, I don't use the "older" Nikon lenses on the Df. Notwithstanding, the Df is a great looking and great performing piece of machinery.
You will not regret owning the Df; silver, black or both.

Reply
May 18, 2017 21:02:05   #
BebuLamar
 
Kmgw9v wrote:
I use a 700, an 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpose, but the Df is the camera that I carry everyday.
When changing settings, even though one doesn't have to go into the menus on the 800E; I much prefer, and it is easier for me to use the knobs and dials on the Df, rather than pressing buttons and spinning wheels on the 700 or 800E.

In response to the OP, I don't use the "older" Nikon lenses on the Df. Notwithstanding, the Df is a great looking and great performing piece of machinery.
You will not regret owning the Df; silver, black or both.
I use a 700, an 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpos... (show quote)


That's what I want to say. It's not about not going thru menu but the dial on the Df is a lot better than the wheels and buttons on typical DSLR. I hate the wheels and so I almost never use the wheels on the Df. I use the aperture ring on lens that has it (I only have 1 lens without the aperture ring). I adjust shutter speed only in full stop. I use the aperture ing to set the aperture in between click stop for the exposure I need.

Reply
May 18, 2017 22:03:37   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
BebuLamar wrote:
Mac with all due respect which controls can you perform on the Df without going into menu yet you have to go into menu on other camera?


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.

Reply
 
 
May 19, 2017 01:39:15   #
BebuLamar
 
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)


Lenses for the FE works on other camera besides the Df for example the D610, D750, D810 and the D5. Among them except for the Df they are all less expensive than the Df right now because Nikon is having a big sale on the D750 and D810. You said reviews for the Df seem fantastic but in fact the Df is one camera that has the most negative reviews. I can't speak for others but I am as an owner of the Df for more than 3 years is one who isn't so "normal". If you search the this forum or other photo forum you will see so many negative comments about the Df.
With that said, to me the Df which has the fewest MP of all current Nikon DSLR's, the only one that doesn't do video and its price is only second to the flagship D5. However, it's worth every penny I paid for it because it cures both NAS and GAS which are considered incurable.

Reply
May 19, 2017 07:08:50   #
cthahn
 
If you have the money, do what you want to do. You writing is not impressive.

Reply
May 19, 2017 07:12:55   #
lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
 
I agree, I love my DF.as well....
Kmgw9v wrote:
I use a 700, an 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpose, but the Df is the camera that I carry everyday.
When changing settings, even though one doesn't have to go into the menus on the 800E; I much prefer, and it is easier for me to use the knobs and dials on the Df, rather than pressing buttons and spinning wheels on the 700 or 800E.

In response to the OP, I don't use the "older" Nikon lenses on the Df. Notwithstanding, the Df is a great looking and great performing piece of machinery.
You will not regret owning the Df; silver, black or both.
I use a 700, an 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpos... (show quote)

Reply
May 19, 2017 07:58:37   #
wingclui44 Loc: CT USA
 
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)


Yes, make the jump and will land safely and happy!

I have my Df since it came out on the market and been very happy! Six of my ten lenses for the Df are old non-AI; AI; & AIS MF lens, the other AF lenses are 'D' type with aperture ring, that I can control the aperture directly, this is the function I love the most plus the high ISO capability of this camera! I set the AUTO ISO with manual mode at most of the time! I need not to mention the rest of all the manual functioning of the camera, because I believe you have already known from your reviews. Good Luck!

Reply
 
 
May 19, 2017 09:06:17   #
kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC
 
My first Df was damaged in an accident. It is still useful under some circumstances. So, what did I do? I got another one. If something happened to it, I would immediately get another. I like the looks, the size, the manual controls, the variety of lenses I can use, etcetera. I have some lenses over fifty years old and they like the Df as much as I do. It is just a great camera, period.

Reply
May 19, 2017 09:42:05   #
JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco
 
cthahn wrote:
If you have the money, do what you want to do. You writing is not impressive.


I don't see anything wrong with the OP's writing. On the other hand, you made an error in yours. It's "Your writing", not "you writing". I normally refrain from grammar policing, but when you call out someone else's writing, you should watch your own.

Reply
May 19, 2017 09:57:04   #
Greenmachine Loc: Chicago, IL
 
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 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

Reply
May 19, 2017 10:03:24   #
Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA
 
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.

Reply
Page 1 of 6 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.