Nikon Df....First images

decigallen said:
Well, that's a well constructed counter-argument. I stated all the reasons how they do, and there's no question that setting your ISO/Aperture/Shutter one handedly while still able to look through a viewfinder is quicker. Nikon intimated as much in their DF literature - that the DF analogue controls are designed to slow you down, make you more purposeful. The very fact that they include a 1/3 setting on the shutter dial is evidence of this - if the analogue dials were quicker, it would negate the need of a jog wheel altogether.

The DF is a good camera, capable of taking great pictures. But it is simply not a perfect camera, and thus open to criticism.
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I don't think anybody said the Df was perfect. Nor am I denying that others may not like it. What you seem to be struggling with is the idea that some users may prefer its way of working to your allegedly 'faster/better' more modern layout. Agreeing to disagree is fine :)
 
And yet I can manage to control my ISO and aperture (and therefore shutter) perfectly well with the camera to my eye. I shoot in Aperture Priority so I'm never touching the shutter dial you keep banging on about.

My counter-argument is based on 9 (so far) complete weddings using only Df's. I'd hazard a guess to say that puts me in a better place to comment on using the camera than you. No?

For someone who doesn't own or want the camera you're spending an awful lot of time telling those of us that do how it works and how it slows us down.

Every camera is a compromise somewhere.
 
No need to get so tetchy, Radiohead.

I was a potential customer, keen to buy one and then didn't after shooting with one. This is the DF thread. I'm discussing the Df. I'm a professional photographer who has used the DF and owns plenty of DSLRs with which I can compare the DF. Should Nikon use websites like this to gauge opinion I think its important that they hear dissent and criticism alongside praise. Ditto for those who, like me, were/are considering purchasing one.

I didn't make the point that you couldn't use the dials 'perfectly well.' I can use them myself. My point was that they're just not the optimum way of controlling a camera with speed and are the product of retro styling/aesthetics moreso than being the product of ergonomics. If they existed for superior ergonomic reasons the flagship D4s would have the same dials. If you shoot aperture priority the dials won't make too much of a difference. To those who shoot manually, they definitely slow things down and its a point worth raising on a Df thread.

You own one, and are happy with it. That's great. I've never felt the need to vehemently defend products that I own that are being criticised. Its no personal slight on me should someone criticise the D4, D800, D610, D3s and D700. I've spent money on all of them and understand that people have criticisms off them that dissuade them from buying. If I add you to the group of Df owners I know then you are 1 of 4 that is completely content while the others use it as the best of a compromised bunch.
 
It's not a question of vehemently defending anything.

It's a tool. Nothing more than that. I'm not really that into the whole discussing the minutiae of camera kit. I buy stuff and I use it. Then when it's a bit knackered I look at what's on the market and get that.
 
decigallen said:
....I didn't make the point that you couldn't use the dials 'perfectly well.' I can use them myself. My point was that they're just not the optimum way of controlling a camera with speed and are the product of retro styling/aesthetics moreso than being the product of ergonomics. If they existed for superior ergonomic reasons the flagship D4s would have the same dials. If you shoot aperture priority the dials won't make too much of a difference. To those who shoot manually, they definitely slow things down and its a point worth raising on a Df thread.....
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Wasn't that the whole point of the camera though and the thrust of ALL of the teaser videos which were released. That this was a camera which you used methodically, though about your images - made your settings - raised the camera and took the shot. It was never pitched as a D4s sports camera, but harking back to the days of film and a more considered approach. It does what is was designed to do, and marketed to do. If it doesn't suit there are more suitable alternatives but it doesn't mean you can blame the Df for being anything other than what it was set out to be.
 
Nikon DF - anyone using this with Samyang 85mm 1.4 ? does the coupling lever need to be up or down ?? my version of the lens has the Nikon coupling attachment so meter works on d600 d7100 and focus comes up as the green dot in the viewfinder but obviously is not auto focus. Just don't want to wreck my new toy !!
 
I recently bought a D750 but it was faulty and is going back for refund and I keep thinking about getting a Df. All this talk of 'slowing things down' is all fine and dandy and I don't mind that at all but sometimes I might want to photograph a football match or a motor race does this 'slowing down' prevent the use of the Df in these situations?
 
ShinySideUp said:
I recently bought a D750 but it was faulty and is going back for refund and I keep thinking about getting a Df. All this talk of 'slowing things down' is all fine and dandy and I don't mind that at all but sometimes I might want to photograph a football match or a motor race does this 'slowing down' prevent the use of the Df in these situations?
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Have you also considered the D810, Martin?
 
Wow, 14 months and no posts !
Has the Df died a death?
Anyone still using one?
 
GHP said:
Wow, 14 months and no posts !
Has the Df died a death?
Anyone still using one?
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I bought one and sent it straight back, the AF system was worse than woeful and in anything other than good light you could forget it
 
Of all the Nikons, this is the only one I haven't tried.
I'm decided on the D810 for my upgrade from my D700, having tried the 750 too.
But somewhere there is a niggle telling me to try the Df,
I know about the low light focussing being a problem, but if I was in that situation, I have an SU-800 commander I could stick on top for focussing aid.
I'm not aiming to use it professionally anyway.
It's purely an ergonomic issue for me.
 
minnnt said:
I never found focusing and issue on my D7000 and it uses the same system doesn't it? Is it really that bad?
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Same here, I never had any problems with the D7000.
It's the same as the D600 AFAIK.
Thing is, I've seen a load of low light pics taken with the Df, and it handles noise so well. But how did they get focus if it's that bad?
OK, I know it's only 39 point, with 9 cross type, so a bit behind the 750 or the 810, but I don't believe it should be compared with those.
It is, after all, meant to be different!
But that sensor ! Yum.
 
GHP said:
Same here, I never had any problems with the D7000.
It's the same as the D600 AFAIK.
Thing is, I've seen a load of low light pics taken with the Df, and it handles noise so well. But how did they get focus if it's that bad?
OK, I know it's only 39 point, with 9 cross type, so a bit behind the 750 or the 810, but I don't believe it should be compared with those.
It is, after all, meant to be different!
But that sensor ! Yum.
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It handles noise as well as .... a D750, so basically your paying for the marmite handling, lack of features, AF and MP the D750 or D810 offer. :thinking:
 
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twist said:
It handles noise as well as .... a D750, so basically your paying for the marmite handling, lack of features, AF and MP the D750 or D810 offer. :thinking:
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Agree, but as with Marmite, some hate it, but others love it.
I don't think it would steer me from a D810, but (if I could afford it) it would make a good addition to use as a mount for my old Ais lenses !
Just for those go slow and take your time days.
 
Well when I bought my pair, the D750 wasn't out and I had no need or desire for 36mp or video in a body.
I love shooting with the Df's and have shot in plenty low light that I'm happy to use them for another year at least.
The image quality is stunning.
 
I've never used video in any DSLR body I've ever had!
 
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