The Z f’s film-era looks make for an attractive camera, and processing improvements promise performance upgrades too
Nikon is hoping to rekindle the market success it enjoyed with the APS-C sensor Z fc with another retro-inspired model, this time with a full-frame sensor. The Z f is conceptually the same, though. On the outside it looks like an old film camera, with discrete dials to control exposure, but inside it’s got Nikon’s latest processing and autofocus tech, and support for Z-mount mirrorless lenses.FM2 Reimagined
For the Z f, Nikon’s design team looked back to the FM2, a manual focus SLR introduced in 1982. The Z f mirrors the FM2’s line, as well as its all-black finish. However, you can get a version with a colorful leatherette wrap if you buy direct from Nikon. Six different wraps are available: Bordeaux Red, Indigo Blue, Moss Green, Sepia Brown, Stone Gray, and Sunset Orange. Nikon says each is limited in quantity.
The control scheme is more like an older camera too. The Z f doesn’t use a Mode Dial like most mirrorless cameras. Instead it has three separate on-body controls to set exposure: shutter, EV, and ISO, along with a toggle switch to swap between auto, program, aperture, shutter, and manual exposure modes.
The body is built from magnesium alloy components and includes Nikon’s typical level of dust and drip protection. There’s no IP rating, but with a sealed lens the camera is safe to use in inclement weather.
