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A Gripe About the Nikon Z9 User's Manual
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Jan 13, 2022 00:29:51   #
Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)
 
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).

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Jan 13, 2022 00:34:04   #
User ID
 
Sincerest crocodile tears.


(Download)

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Jan 13, 2022 05:56:44   #
Ctrclckws
 
With a smart phone or tablet, you can have the manual with you.
Granted, there are definitely times to prefer a paper copy.

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Jan 13, 2022 06:09:48   #
george19
 
I purchased a Z7 ii in October and have the same observation and complaint. I think I managed to download the manual, but it took considerable effort, and functionality is horrible. Nikon stopped supporting their Manual Viewer app, which was somewhat useable and useful, but this machine is a beast to learn.

So yeah…I ended up buying a third party book.

Congratulations on your purchase, and I wish you years of enjoyment.

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Jan 13, 2022 06:12:33   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Howard5252 wrote:
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was ... (show quote)


How cool is this, finally I can download the Z9 manual without buying the camera. Now I can see exactly what the Z9 is capable of. HOW COOL IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And then, if I buy one, which I probably will, I will know the camera in and out and I can grab it and go to the field and have a ball. I am psyched!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Nikon, I am proud of you yet again.

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Jan 13, 2022 06:47:06   #
Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown
 
I only print the pages in which I have an interest. I print on three-hole paper and put the pages in a binder.
I do not shoot video so those pages are not printed. I was able to print a reasonable number of pages to meet my needs.
At the Z9 demo evening at my local store I said Nikon should have a personal reference system whereby you would be able to view your chosen pages in a user-designed list. I think split screen would help in those situation where the manual refers to another page. Much could be done with a computer guy to design such a system. My son could do it but I am sure Nikon has all sorts of legalize prohibiting such enhancements.

Ps: Shhh, my Z is being delivered today, hopefully. If I really like the camera, I will be selling down my DSLRs and some lenses.

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Jan 13, 2022 06:48:28   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
Howard5252 wrote:
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was ... (show quote)


Even the printed manuals supplied with the D810 and D850 leave much to be desired. The online manuals are much easier to understand. Even so, I find Darrell Young's books on those cameras to be my best resource. Perhaps third party books on the Z9 will materalize.

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Jan 13, 2022 07:16:35   #
ELNikkor
 
So, it would be preferred to have a 900 page book included with the Z9, oh and for efficiency's sake, in 5 languages, = 4,500 pages. Cost for increased weight, printing etc. =?? Agreed, all that basic stuff is unnecessary to include with the Z9, but in this day and age, getting a 3rd party book, or having the online version, in your language, with no added cost or weight is the way things are going to be. Somehow, I think we can adjust and move on...

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Jan 13, 2022 07:22:11   #
whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque
 
Looks like another good opportunity for Darrell Young and David Busch to make some money.

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Jan 13, 2022 07:44:07   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
Howard5252 wrote:
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was ... (show quote)


I guess they figured if you are buying a camera with that price tag you more or less know how to use it. The cost of pring a user guide for most things are behind us.

Reply
Jan 13, 2022 08:35:28   #
BebuLamar
 
ELNikkor wrote:
So, it would be preferred to have a 900 page book included with the Z9, oh and for efficiency's sake, in 5 languages, = 4,500 pages. Cost for increased weight, printing etc. =?? Agreed, all that basic stuff is unnecessary to include with the Z9, but in this day and age, getting a 3rd party book, or having the online version, in your language, with no added cost or weight is the way things are going to be. Somehow, I think we can adjust and move on...


I prefer to have the 900 page book and in one language. Yes it cost but what is the percentage of the cost out of the $5500? and yes I am willing to pay for it. And no I don't want no third party manual.

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Jan 13, 2022 08:39:08   #
coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA
 
I have to agree with you.
Before looking into it, I decided to print it out. Once printed and going through it, what a waste of paper.
At my age I can’t read that small type on my iPhone. As much as I don’t like wasting paper and agree we don’t need a 900 page manual in 3 languages, I’m finding more and more I’m printing out sections of manuals I want to have a reference to. But the Z9 manual is all basic stuff that anybody buying one, should already know. I don’t think there are many first timers buying this camera.

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Jan 13, 2022 08:39:49   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Save the electronic manual as a PDF to all your computers and phones, download from Nikon.com if needed. If you need help on specific topics, open the PDF and print just the relevant range of pages for hardcopy.

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Jan 13, 2022 08:48:44   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
Howard5252 wrote:
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was ... (show quote)


Deleted.

Reply
Jan 13, 2022 08:59:12   #
cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina
 
Howard5252 wrote:
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was there was no User's Manual ... actually when I looked a bit closer, there WAS a User's manual ... more like a pamphlet. The User's Manual is 70 pages and the first 15 pages are "Notices"; things like the battery may get hot, before taking important pictures, take a test shot " ... to insure that the camera is functioning normally" / "Do not use while walking or using a vehicle". The usual crap that is always written and never actually read. So now we're down to 55 pages. There are 5 pages showing the parts of the camera with no references to what page will give more detailed information (because there are none). Following the parts of the camera are such items as ATTACHING THE STRAP / CHARGING THE BATTERY / INSERTING THE BATTERY / REMOVING THE BATTERY / INSERTING MEMORY CARDS / REMOVING MEMORY CARDS / ATTACHING A LENS .
At page 36, we get to SET UP; at page 38 SET UP is finished. Now we come to "Basic Photography and Playback".
I think I've made my point. I grant that anyone owning the Z9 (myself included) should have a pretty good understanding of setting up a camera BUT with all of the bells and whistles that this camera offers and for the price that is paid, an owner's manual should have been included. In fairness to Nikon, there is a 914 page Reference Guide ON LINE, which is really an Owner's Manual. That's 914 pages ALL IN ENGLISH! Unless you print it, it would be difficult to take on a trip with you. I'm going to guess that there will be "Third Party" manuals soon ... I certainly hope so!! Excuse me, I have to attempt to set the camera up. Please don't write about how lucky I am to have the camera, I know it and that doesn't change the fact that this camera came with virtually no instructions (when compared to say, the D810 or D850).
I just got mine and the first thing I noticed was ... (show quote)


We all have our preferences, personally I prefer downloaded PDF on my tablet. You can adjust font size for easy reading, less to keep up with and saves paper for more important papers like photo paper and toilet paper.

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