Nikon Z FC - An Open Thread

THIRTYFIVEMILL

THIRTYFIVEMILL

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,911
Name
Duncan
Edit My Images
No
I bought this camera new from SC a few days ago and I have to say I'm blown away by its handling, feel, look and image quality. It's a stunning little camera and the 16-50mm VR kit lens is a gem. The top plate exactly matches my first camera, a Nikon FM2-N. Don't know how many members here have one but if you're on the fence just go for it. Are there enough members here to have a dedicated thread? Let's start one and see!

ZFC.jpeg.
 
Was looking at these last weekend. Very nice indeed! I look forward to seeing some images :)
 
I bought one recently just to test out but im
Not convinced. Was to replace my Nikon DF I had.. but not that impressed I have to say. Back to MPB I think..
 
I've been tempted by one of these for a while now. I really miss the fun factor from the Fuji gear I used to have, although I'm glad I bought into the Nikon Z-mount. This seems to have the best of both worlds. Nikon should make a full frame version, I'd be on it like a tramp on a bag of chips.
 
That does look nice. My 1st SLR was a Nikon but I can't remember what model. I think I kept it for 20 years, maybe more.
 
JasonPC said:
I've been tempted by one of these for a while now. I really miss the fun factor from the Fuji gear I used to have, although I'm glad I bought into the Nikon Z-mount. This seems to have the best of both worlds. Nikon should make a full frame version, I'd be on it like a tramp on a bag of chips.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry about FF. The image quality with the kit 16-50mm IMO is on a par with my previous Z6 and 24-70 F/4 S. I'm guessing @Phiggys will chime in soon.
 
Last edited:
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
What are you not convinced by, ST?
Click to expand...
Seems super plasticky mainly, and the buttons have a bit of a weird feel when you press them.. and the lack of any decent grip, would be excusable if it were not for the plastic front of it. Just not for me, would pick the LUMIX G9 or even my old old kodaks over it I think
 
stickytape said:
Seems super plasticky mainly, and the buttons have a bit of a weird feel when you press them.. and the lack of any decent grip, would be excusable if it were not for the plastic front of it. Just not for me, would pick the LUMIX G9 or even my old old kodaks over it I think
Click to expand...

That's fair enough. I think they're trying to get the weight down on this one. It's not the tank my FM2-N was but for be it's close enough. Once you add the SmallRig grip it all works well for me. Gone are the days when camera are built like tanks.
 
True that’s a good point. I did like the DF you know - that’s really a nice machine. For me, it was just a bit fancy to kind of have sitting there with minimal use - my R5 is the best you can buy, and I don’t even use that much. So kinda felt I’d get rid of it and just test out a modern version of it.. but just not for me I feel!
 
This is one of those cameras where they've nailed the styling, however for me it's form over function. Yes I used to use cameras in this style in the past (such as the OM1) but I wouldn't choose to now, a good grip is paramount for me. I still fancy one though to have sat on my shelf :lol:
 
snerkler said:
This is one of those cameras where they've nailed the styling, however for me it's form over function. Yes I used to use cameras in this style in the past (such as the OM1) but I wouldn't choose to now, a good grip is paramount for me. I still fancy one though to have sat on my shelf :LOL:
Click to expand...

The SmallRig grip solves that problem. I have it on mine. A thumb rest works well together with the grip, too. For me, the ability to be able to change most of the settings I need via dials instead of menus makes it a real joy to use.
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
The SmallRig grip solves that problem. I have it on mine. A thumb rest works well together with the grip, too. For me, the ability to be able to change most of the settings I need via dials instead of menus makes it a real joy to use.
Click to expand...
Yeah it's fine for the smaller lenses and it would make a good street camera etc, but when putting longer heavier lenses on the smallrig's still not substantial enough for me YMMV.

Also, I like the idea of manual controls more than actually using them. I swapped to Fuji as I thought I'd love going back to the manual dials, but I didn't and just found they slowed me down. Again, YMMV (y)
 
snerkler said:
Yeah it's fine for the smaller lenses and it would make a good street camera etc, but when putting longer heavier lenses on the smallrig's still not substantial enough for me YMMV.

Also, I like the idea of manual controls more than actually using them. I swapped to Fuji as I thought I'd love going back to the manual dials, but I didn't and just found they slowed me down. Again, YMMV (y)
Click to expand...

Yeah, this probably wouldn’t be the camera I’d choose for long telephotos but I don’t shoot those anyway or rarely at least. It may be what we first learnt on. I learnt on an FM2-N and the top plate controls on the ZFC are identical so I find it very intuitive time saving.
 
Isn't the z fc just the same as the z50 but with a different body? The kit lens is a great walk-around lens, both camera and lens being very small its a great travel or street camera set up
 
Sharps said:
Isn't the z fc just the same as the z50 but with a different body? The kit lens is a great walk-around lens, both camera and lens being very small its a great travel or street camera set up
Click to expand...

Pretty much, yes.

photographylife.com

Nikon Zfc vs Nikon Z50

Now that Nikon has announced the retro-themed Zfc mirrorless camera, a number of photographers may be wondering how it compares to Nikon's other DX mirrorless camera, the Z50. The two have very different designs but many similar specifications. This article covers what you need to know.
photographylife.com photographylife.com
 
Last edited:
Sharps said:
Isn't the z fc just the same as the z50 but with a different body? The kit lens is a great walk-around lens, both camera and lens being very small its a great travel or street camera set up
Click to expand...
More or less. I've owned the Z50 from when it was first launched. I'm a fan, especially with the diminutive 16-50 lens.
I too started with an FM2n but I prefer the Z50 form factor. No need to add a grip.
The 50-250 lens is also very good IMO.
 
Peter123 said:
More or less. I've owned the Z50 from when it was first launched. I'm a fan, especially with the diminutive 16-50 lens.
I too started with an FM2n but I prefer the Z50 form factor. No need to add a grip.
The 50-250 lens is also very good IMO.
Click to expand...

The 16-50 seems spot on. Tack sharp and covers most of the focal range I tend to use.
 
I'm tempted by one of these. I've always fancied a df and still thinking about getting one, but a Zfc is a cheaper option these days.
 
I am tempted also
not really getting the ‘feeling’ with my Z5
Keep thinking back to my Fuji days but can’t afford to change everything again
 
gjhill said:
I am tempted also
not really getting the ‘feeling’ with my Z5
Keep thinking back to my Fuji days but can’t afford to change everything again
Click to expand...

What is it you're not feeling with the Z5?
 
PeteStewardson said:
What is it you're not feeling with the Z5?
Click to expand...
Not sure
i seem to spend a lot of time faffing with settings but never seem to hit the right ones
usually end up switching to P just to get the shot
may set to M this weekend and try that way
its probably an age thing too many settings for what should be a simple task
 
Last edited:
gjhill said:
Not sure
i seem to spend a lot of time faffing with settings but never seem to hit the right ones
usually end up switching to P just to get the shot
may set to M this weekend and try that way
its probably an age thing too many settings for what should be a simple task
Click to expand...

I had the Z6 and whilst I loved the IQ I found it bulky and no smaller than a DSLR with a 24-70 f/4 or 14-30mm attached. My favourite body was undoubtedly an FM-2N, which was my first camera and the Z FC is literally an FM-2N in digital format. I love it!
 
I'm stuck between getting a Z5 or a zfc at the minute. I'm going to hate the AF on either I bet lol
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
I had the Z6 and whilst I loved the IQ I found it bulky and no smaller than a DSLR with a 24-70 f/4 or 14-30mm attached. My favourite body was undoubtedly an FM-2N, which was my first camera and the Z FC is literally an FM-2N in digital format. I love it!
Click to expand...
The iq on the z5 is good but like you I find it bulky for a mirrorless
my main interests are street,urban landscapes and woodland so in most cases the bulk doesn’t help
 
PeteStewardson said:
I'm stuck between getting a Z5 or a zfc at the minute. I'm going to hate the AF on either I bet lol
Click to expand...
Got a quote from mpb would effectively be a straight swap 5 for zfc thinking seriously about going for it
 
gjhill said:
Got a quote from mpb would effectively be a straight swap 5 for zfc thinking seriously about going for it
Click to expand...
I’d snap their hands off if you want a Zfc. The new prices of the Z5 I think are on the way down so trade in will drop too in the near future I think.
 
I’ve had my ZFC for a few weeks now and really like it. OK it’s built to a price and it feels like it in places but the handling and IQ from it are very good.

I got the 28mm lens with mine and also use it with the 40mm or alternately with the 14-30 which works very well with it. I’m tempted to pick up the 16-50 for it as a) it’s cheap and b) it offers VR.

I’m finding myself reaching for it a little bit more than my Z6 at the moment.

But don’t kid yourself - it’s not a ‘replacement for anything such as a Df. It’s the equivalent of a Z Fun Casual camera - exactly how Nikon are marketing it.
 
gjhill said:
The iq on the z5 is good but like you I find it bulky for a mirrorless
my main interests are street,urban landscapes and woodland so in most cases the bulk doesn’t help
Click to expand...

I would say it's spot on for street photography, especially with the little 16-50.
 
I don't understand why this camera (along with the Z50) lacks IBIS. Olympus (and others) fit IBIS into small bodies at a similar price point. Are we, the consumer, really supposed to believe that the entry point into Nikon mirrorless is around £1,000 for a camera with a feature set similar to the D5xxx series DSLR cameras which retail for around half the price?

Cool looking and blurry just isn't worth it. Cool looking and not blurry unless you want it to be might be. Next generation perhaps (plus a couple of hundred quid no doubt)?
 
adrianday said:
I don't understand why this camera (along with the Z50) lacks IBIS. Olympus (and others) fit IBIS into small bodies at a similar price point. Are we, the consumer, really supposed to believe that the entry point into Nikon mirrorless is around £1,000 for a camera with a feature set similar to the D5xxx series DSLR cameras which retail for around half the price?

Cool looking and blurry just isn't worth it. Cool looking and not blurry unless you want it to be might be. Next generation perhaps (plus a couple of hundred quid no doubt)?
Click to expand...

My FM2-N didn't have IBIS either but I didn't get blurry pics then and I don't now.
 
PeteStewardson said:
I’d snap their hands off if you want a Zfc. The new prices of the Z5 I think are on the way down so trade in will drop too in the near future I think.
Click to expand...
Argos had an offer on the Z5 today for around £800 brand new with no lens, MPB is selling second-hand Z5s at a higher price when they have them in stock !
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
My FM2-N didn't have IBIS either but I didn't get blurry pics then and I don't now.
Click to expand...
Neither did my Olympus OM10, Canon A1, Canon F1 or my current Nikon F6. But only within the scope of the media being used and the process by which the image is captured. The point I was trying to make was that modern cameras should afford us a level of additional functionality (eg. improved IQ at lower ISO with slower shutter speeds). Otherwise, what's the point in upgrading? Yearly upgrades aren't a necessity (neither are they for smart-phones) but there seems to be a distinct shift in the market to that specific business model; one where marginal upgrades in performance are seen as must haves. It's arse backwards, innovation and not commercialism should drive demand.
 
adrianday said:
Neither did my Olympus OM10, Canon A1, Canon F1 or my current Nikon F6. But only within the scope of the media being used and the process by which the image is captured. The point I was trying to make was that modern cameras should afford us a level of additional functionality (eg. improved IQ at lower ISO with slower shutter speeds). Otherwise, what's the point in upgrading? Yearly upgrades aren't a necessity (neither are they for smart-phones) but there seems to be a distinct shift in the market to that specific business model; one where marginal upgrades in performance are seen as must haves. It's arse backwards, innovation and not commercialism should drive demand.
Click to expand...

I hear you but I think this particular camera is a slightly different proposition. I didn't "upgrade" to it as my previous body was a Z6 full frame. I purchased the Z FC because of the way I can control the main settings I need to control and the size. For me, the main drawback for most with the Z FC and Z50 is the lack of DX lenses from Nikon. The current line-up consists of just 3 lenses. For me that wasn't a problem as I tend to use the Nikon mirrorless camera with manual focus vintage lenses. The 16-50 covers most of what I need from a modern AF lens and the IQ of that lens is very good. The Z FC is probably quite niche and that's shown by the lack of owners involved in this thread. It will appeal to photographers that learnt to shoot on an old Nikon FM/FE etc.. and who are happy to shoot MF. I fall smack in the middle of that category so IBIS was never going to be a deal breaker for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top