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A couple of weeks in: loves the image quality and speed, hates the ergonomics, the screen and the lack of lenses matching its look, but enjoys the shooting experience overall.
“I've had the ZF for a couple of weeks and you nailed all my thoughts on it. It's such a weird camera for me. I love the image quality. I love the speed.”
Moved from a Z7 and loves it: usable autofocus, big dynamic range and amazing images in almost no light, and shooting feels magical again like on their old FE2.
“This camera made shooting magical again for me. Like I was in high school again shooting on my Nikon FE2.”
Bought it after giving up waiting for a Fujifilm X100VI and is glad they did; loves it, especially the image quality.
“Got the ZF because my patience ran out on the availability of the Fuji X100v6 .. boy am I glad the Fuji wasn’t available.. I love my ZF especially the image quality”
An advanced amateur who documents family life and the odd wedding; a few months in and loves the Zf, recommending it to anyone who likes mixing retro and modern.
“My main goal in photography is to document my everyday life and my family. Sometimes I photograph small jobs like weddings etc.”
Sold their X100F for a Zf and has not regretted it; carries it daily in a 6L sling.
“I sold my X100f to get the Zf.”
Finds the Zf too big for EDC and would swap for a Zfc II.
“The Zf is just too damn big for a "edc" camera.”
Owns both and, after an X100F and X100V, doesn't love the X100VI; considers selling it for the Zf.
“I also have the Zf and the x100VI and I really WANT to love the Fuji, but….i just don’t.”
Loves the Zf's IBIS, AF and image quality after leaving Fujifilm.
“I love finally having a camera with IBIS and I’m impressed by both the AF and image quality of the Zf.”
Moved from the X-E4 to the Zf, finding AF leagues better and manual focus aids excellent.
“I also transitioned from Fuji to a Nikon Zf.”
Switched to a Z8 and Zf and finds the Zf amazing.
“The ZF is amazing and now with the grain firmware update”
Finds Zf AF a night-and-day improvement over their old X-T3; it doesn't miss.
“Zf doesn’t miss at all. I don’t even think about it.”
Owns both and finds the Zf much better than the X-T5 at high ISO.
“for low light, high ISO images, the Nikon ZF is much better than the Fuji X-T5.”
Finds the Zf's AF far more reliable than the X-T5's, and ISO 6400 cleaner than the X-T5 at 1600.
“In real life Zf has much much better AF performance and reliability than X-T5, even in the newest firmware.”
Sold their X-T5 for the Zf: unbelievable build, IBIS to 1/2s, fast AF and great low light.
“The build quality is unbelievable, IBIS is mind blowing ( can easily shoot down to 1/2 sec), auto focus is super fast”
The Zf is now their main camera: great build and insane low light; gripes are few custom modes and no cable release.
“Great build quality, insane low light performance, and I love the images it can produce.”
Finds Zf AF game changing and low light great, but lenses are few and the ISO dial annoying.
“The ZF autofocus is game changing.”
Traded Fujifilm for the Zf when AF failed with a toddler, with zero regrets.
“Traded it all in for a Zf about a month ago and haven’t looked back. Zero regrets.”
Delivered Zf images from ISO 12,800 to 32,000 at a cocktail bar gig.
“I delivered images from ISO 12,800 to 16,000, 25,600 and even 32,000.”
Absolutely loves their Zf as a fun, stylish carry camera after five years of Sony.
“absolutely love my zf, shot sony full frame for 5 years, wanted something fun to carry”
Switched to the Zf for their twins; its AF tripled their keeper rate over their Fujifilm X-T.
“for toddlers Zf increased my hit rate from 20-30% to 60-70%.”
Finds the Zf chunky but worth it with Voigtländer lenses and its manual-focus aids.
“The Zf is truly a bit chonky boy. But for me it's worth with the Voigtländers.”
Finds the Nikon Zf's build significantly better than recent Fujis.
“The build quality of the two Sony bodes and the ZF are SIGNIFICANTLY better than any Fuji I have used in the last 10 years.”
Sold an X-T5 for the Nikon Zf and finds its IBIS significantly better.
“I recently sold a Fuji X-T5 to purchase the ZF.”
Swapped an X-Pro3 for the Nikon Zf and prefers its dials.
“I actually prefer the dials on the Zf to the Fuji.”
Thrilled with the Nikon Zf's autofocus after X-T5 issues.
“I bought a Nikok ZF and have been thrilled with the autofocus there.”
Moved from Fuji to the Nikon Zf and finds its AF-C tracking a world of difference.
“I'm really liking the AF-C with 3D tracking and subject detection on and using back button focus. It's a world of difference from my Fuji stuff.”
Sold the Nikon Zf over its weight, auto-ISO workaround and awkward card access.
“This is probably going to get downvoted but I sold the zf and I’m back fully into Fuji.”
Uses the Nikon Zf two-handed and the lack of a real grip hasn't been an issue.
“I used to have an xt30 and now am using a Zf. Both don't have a real grip.”
Glad they switched to the Nikon Zf, which they find better in everything.
“man am I glad i switched to the nikon ZF”
Found the Nikon Zf's dynamic range and handling much better than their Fuji.
“I wasn't aware of its shortcomings until I got a Nikon ZF (full frame sensor). Dynamic range is much better, as is overall handling.”
Couldn't be happier with their Nikon Zf.
“I have a Nikon Zf and couldn't be happier.”
Bought and sold the Nikon Zf three times: great camera, poor execution.
“I bought and sold the ZF 3 times. What a great camera with such a piss poor execution.”
Their Nikon Zf trumps the X-T5, X-T30 and X100VI they had, though chunky.
“Nikon Zf that I have now trumps them all, but it’s a chunky one.”
Finds the Nikon Zf and X-T50 equal in image quality with good glass.
“I have the ZF and the XT50. With good glass both have the same quality in my opinion.”
Finds the Nikon Zf's image quality clearly better than the X100VI.
“Now I have the x100vi and ZF and there is no contest.”
Uses the Nikon Zf professionally in low light and says it never fails, with crazy good AF, a retro look and tank-like build.
“I have used it for professional photography in low light and it has never failed me. AF is crazy good.”
Rented the Nikon Zf and fell in love; it was everything they try to get their X-T5 to be.
“I rented the Zf a couple weeks ago and fell in love.”
Switched to the Nikon Zf and finds it great, with good native and third-party lenses, though FF lenses are bigger and pricier.
“Did the same. Zf is great. Easy to find used for around $1400.”
Just bought the Nikon Zf and finds it really nice; despite its weight it's staying over their X-T5.
“I'm an X-T5 enjoyer who just bought a Zf... And it really is nice.”
Still loves their Nikon Zf and uses it often.
“for now I still love the ZF and use it often.”
Finds the Zf much better than their Z9s in low light.
“Zf is much better than my Z9’s.”
Chose the Zf for night shooting and it hasn't let them down.
“i do a alot of night shooting so i picked the ZF, so far it hasnt really let me down....”
Finds the Zf's ergonomics fine with a SmallRig grip, even with a heavy 180-600.
“I think the bad ergonomics is exaggerated with the Zf. To be able to shoot for hours, all I had to do was add a Smallrig grip.”
Rarely uses a grip on their Zf because they like its smaller form.
“I have a grip for my ZF and it helps. However, I rarely use it because I like the smaller form factor.”
Shot a spotted owlet at ISO 5000 on the Zf; it's not a typical birding camera but works for them.
“However ZF is not a typical birding camera ... As it's buttons are not positioned appropriately”
Owns the Zf and recommends its full-frame sensor for low light.
“Go the Z5II. I have the ZF”
Shoots sports with the Zf, praising 3D tracking, pre-capture and low light.
“Zf owner here. I shoot sports, and with most all of the 3rd party grips I can comfortably use it with my longer teles.”
Their Zf holds up above ISO 12800 where the X-S20 tops out at 6400.
“I've also seen the same difference between my Nikon ZF and Fuji XS-20.”
Prefers their Zf's low-light detail over their GFX above ISO 6400.
“I prefer how my Nikon ZF resolves low light detail over my GFX, personally.”
Finds the Zf with the 40mm f/2 about the size of a film camera and good for stills.
“Paired with the 40mm f2 it’s about the same size as an old film camera.”
Owns the Z6, Z8 and Zf and reaches for the Zf with pancake lenses when travelling.
“when I travel I find myself reaching for the Zf more since I bought the 40 f2 and the 26 f2.8 pancake lenses.”
Keeps a 35mm prime on their Zf and is mostly content.
“tbh, after using an x100s for a while, my zf has a 35mm prime on it and i'm mostly content with it...”
Finds their Zf far better in low light than a D700.
“Where the new options, like my Zf, epically demolish it is in low lighting.”
Finds the Zf wonderful to use, with spectacular image quality.
“I have my D700 that I bought new as well as a Zf. They are both wonderful to use”
Bought a Zf and sold it after two months.
“I bought into the greener grass of the Nikon ZF after leaving Nikon for Fuji 10 years ago and instantly sold it after two month”
Uses the Zf as their everyday camera; it feels natural after an FM3a.
“Nikon Zf. If I'm shooting more than my smartphone I'm fine with a camera sling.”
Found the Zf terrible to hold, never used it and sold it at a loss.
“Nikon zf. Utterly useless ergonomics. It is terrible to hold and I never used it bc of that.”
Moved from a Z5 to a refurbished Zf and found the focusing a big difference.
“then got a refurbished ZF from a local store on a whim and what a difference.”
Loves their Zf and finds it totally worth it.
“I love my Zf. It is totally worth it!”
Finds their Zf's image quality equal or better than the GFX100RF apart from megapixels, with clean images and good colours.
“Honestly other than the megapixel count I find mine Nikon ZF to be equal or better in quality in some ways.”
Moved from Sony to Nikon and finds the Zf's 3D tracking AF really bad.
“Zf 3d af is really bad.”
Went from an X-T3 to the Zf and found it night and day.
“I went from XT3 to Zf and it's night and day.”
Nearly a year in, the Zf is the best camera they've owned for both rendering and how it makes them want to shoot.
“I am approaching one year as well with the Zf, and hands down the best one I have owned!”
Bought a Zf after their Z6, praising its AF, sensor and build, but sold it within six days for a Z5II over its user experience.
“Dramatically better in every way. Reliable and precise.”
Was fine with the Zf and small lenses, but handling a 500mm was a pain, so they moved to the Z5II.
“My only problem with the Zf was the handling with large lenses.”
The Zf's autofocus made their Z6II redundant; they now own and love the Zf and Z8.
“As soon as I experienced the Zf autofocus the Z6ii went on the shelf until I traded it in on a Z8.”
Owns the Zf and Z8, uses the Zf more, and finds it fits large hands well with a SmallRig grip.
“I use the Zf more and don't share the OP's complaints.”
Likes how the Zf handles; it feels like a modern FE/FM.
“I purely like how the Zf handles and holds.”
Prefers the Zf's lever for switching shooting modes over turning dials on their X-T5.
“but with Zf it's just the flick of a switch.”
Added a SmallRig wood grip to their Zf, which made it easy to hold.
“I immediately added a smallrig wood grip to my silver Zf and it has made that camera as easy to hold”
Has shot weddings on the Zf with primes for a year; the ergonomics aren't great, but customised it works well.
“I have used the Zf professionally for the last year and I just customized it to my liking.”
Bought a used Zf with two lenses at a great price, and its classic look puts street subjects at ease.
“I got my ZF used on Fred Miranda with the 40mm and 28mm SE lenses for $1650, so I feel the value is great.”
A casual shooter who moved from the Z8 to the Zf; a grip and custom controls made it work.
“I went from the z8 to the Zf and I'm happy.”
Rarely used their Z8 after getting the Zf, which they really liked before selling it.
“I got the zf, and rarely used my z8. Then sold the zf which I really like”
Is selling their Zf for a Z5II because switching between video and photo settings is a headache.
“I'm tired of Zf as a hybrid shooter. switching between video (with my specific settings) and photo is a headache.”
Dislikes the Zf's grip bump but would still take it over their old X-Pro3.
“That being said, I'd still take my Zf over my old X-pro3”
Shoots a Z9 and Z8 professionally and picked up the Zf a month ago as a daily carry, shooting a lot with it.
“I picked up the ZF around a month ago and have been shooting a lot on that, only personal stuff as a more daily carry”
Moved from a D750 to the Zf and finds it more compact, using it two-handed with a grip.
“I found the mirrorless camera to be more compact to use for my hobbyist ass.”
Loved the Zf's look, but it didn't fit their hands, so they regret buying it.
“So I bought one but it definitely didn't fit my hands. I regret it as I really loved it”
Loves the Zf's dials, which make photography more fun.
“I love the camera's dials; they make photography more fun.”
Found the Zf too big, heavy and uncomfortable, with too few custom settings, and sold it.
“Found it too big, heavy and uncomfortable.”
Loves the Zf with lenses up to an 85mm, though its grip is seriously lacking.
“I have the ZF and love it. The largest lens I have is the 85s, so nothing too big and I don’t plan to go bigger. The grip is seriously lacking”
Their finger joint pain makes the Zf with a small grip easier to hold than a deep-gripped body.
“The Zf with a small grip attached is better for me because I can reposition my grip with less fingers for temporary relief.”
Loves the Zf's handling without a grip, using primes and adapted lenses.
“I love the handling with zf without a grip.”
Shoots the Zf with a grip and manual Nikon AI-S lenses, loves it, and finds the images incredible.
“I fucking love it and the images are incredible.”
Went from Fuji to the Zf and loves its dial controls, with bigger lenses the only downside.
“I went for the Zf, love the dial control and only down side is bigger lens.”
Is slowly selling their Fuji gear and loves the Zf, though they still use the Z5 when running around.
“I love the Zf, but when I’m out at Disneyland or something where I’m running around, I still will give the Z5 some love.”
Would always pick their Zf over a digicam for its quality and flexibility.
“if I were to choose between it and my Zf, the Zf will always be my top pick.”
Their first serious gig on the Zf with the 24-70 f/4 was glorious; they've loved it since February for being reliable and convenient.
“This is my first “serious” work with the Zf and it was glorious working with it.”
Enjoys using the 180-600 on their Zf, though they'd like more pixels for small subjects.
“I use the 180-600 with my ZF with much pleasure.”
Moved from an a7 III to the Zf and likes it a lot, finding Nikon's in-camera JPEG processing much better than Sony's.
“I switched from Sony A7iii to Nikon Zf couple of months ago and I am very much liking it.”
Moved from a D850 to the Zf for the indie concert scene and can get usable images in extremely low light.
“I switched from a D850 to the Zf, and agree with all of your reasons.”
Removed the add-on grip from their Zf after a few months and is happy without it, with the 40mm f/2 serving them well.
“I unscrewed the grip and just wear a neck strap with it and I'm happy.”
Their first camera is the Zf, and even with a 90mm lens they rarely feel it needs a grip.
“As someone who's first camera is a Zf I see so many people say this. I have a 90mm lens on it and rarely have felt that a grip would make it a night and day experience.”
Shoots the Zf for fun, loves its dials, and would recommend it to hobbyists, though larger lenses made them want a grip.
“I also just shoot for fun, so the Zf with its dials is just fun for me to shoot.”
Finds the Zf's gripless ergonomics fine even with the 24-120 f/4, and rarely uses their add-on grip.
“The gripless ergonomics aren't that bad even with something like the Z 24-120 f/4 on it.”
Sold their Zfc for the Zf; the Zf is amazing and worth every penny, though they miss the Zfc's size and weight.
“The Zf is an AMAZING camera but i miss the zfc‘s size and weight a lot lol.”
Carried the Zf everywhere for a 365 project, about 6,000 images; it never failed to impress, firmware updates added a lot, and they came to love their Z9 a little less.
“I shot the vast majority of my 2025 color work with the Zf and it never failed to impress me. It's the little camera that can”
Bought the Zf last year and absolutely loves it.
“I just picked up a Zf last year and absolutely love it.”
Their Zf has frozen several times, always with the same Lexar Gold SD card.
“I've also had my Zf freeze various times, always with the only SD Card I have, which is a Lexar Gold 1800x.”
Loves the Zf but finds only three small lenses that really suit it.
“I love the ZF but there are basically only three lenses for it (the 26, the 28 and the 40).”
Owns the X100VI and Zf and loves both; the Zf's AF and low-light performance are considerably better, while the Fuji is smaller.
“The Nikons AF and low-light performance is considerabl”
Got a Zf a couple of weeks ago and calls it an amazing camera.
“I got a Zf a couple of weeks ago, and it is a reskinned retro version of the Z 5II. It’s an amazing camera.”
Pairs the 24-70 f/4 S with their Zf; the f/4 rarely matters because the Zf handles low light so well.
“The F4 doesn’t really hurt on my Zf because of its really good low light capability.”
Now on the Zf and Z lenses, which are far better in performance and quality, but it doesn't feel as fun as their old D3s.
“I’m on the Zf and mirrorless lenses now, they’re 10 times better in terms of performance and quality, but it just doesn’t feel fun.”
Finds the Zf quite good but still misses their D750.
“Zf is quite good but still miss the D750 and some old prime lens I had.”
Owned the Zf for 1.5 years but kept trying to make it more compact, then switched to the X-E5, which they take out far more often.
“I spent my 1.5 years of Nikon ZF ownership trying to make the setup as compact as possible before switching to the X-E5.”
Sold an X-T50 for the Zf and prefers it on everything except size, still shooting JPEGs with recipes.
“As someone who sold the XT50 for the ZF, absolutely the ZF.”
Sold most of their Fuji gear for the Zf: built like a tank, clean files, far better AF and great manual-focus aids, but heavy with few custom buttons.
“Its built like a tank. Far superior build quality than even an X-H2 (Fuji’s flagship).”
Owns several Fujis and the Zf; the Zf has superb build, better AF and the best manual-focus assistance, but is heavier and awkward with big zooms.
“The Zf is by far a much better camera imo. The built quality is superb. The autofocus is better.”
Owns the Zf and the X-E5; the Zf is their favourite camera ever, carrying the telephotos for shots where focus and detail matter.
“The ZF is my favorite camera that I've ever owned.”
Happily uses their Zf daily without a grip with vintage and modern lenses; would like a second Fn button.
“Apart from that I happily use it on a daily basis (mostly without a grip) with vintage and modern lenses.”
Their biggest gripe with the Zf is the flip-out screen instead of a three-way tilt.
“My biggest gripe is that I’d prefer a three way tilting screen like the Z8 instead of a flip out screen.”
Finds the Zf great for video but misses a tilting screen after Fujifilm.
“The ZF is great for video but the body is styled for photo so should have a tilting screen.”
The Zf is beautiful and a joy to shoot, their favourite camera, despite small design choices like the screen and missing joystick.
“all in all the ZF is beautiful and a joy to shoot. My favorite camera I’ve owned.”
Moved from Fujifilm to the Zf and only misses the tilting screen; they've got used to the lack of a joystick.
“Came from Fuji to the ZF. Really only miss the tilting screen from the X-T2.”
Is going back to a Fujifilm X-H1 after their time with the Zf.
“Im moving back to a H1 from my Z mount experience”
Finds the Zf a great camera when shooting with its dials rather than menus.
“The ZF is a great camera. I stay away from the back screen and menus and just stick to the dials for my settings.”
Wishes their Zf had user banks and finds it somewhat heavy to carry for long periods.
“The main thing I wish the Zf had that it doesn’t are user banks/modes.”
Traded their Zf for a Z5II, hating its ergonomics, lack of thumb grip and 700g weight.
“I had a Nikon Zf but eventually traded it in for a Z5II. I hated the combination of poor ergonomics, no thumb grip, 700g just for the body”
Used a Zf as their first mirrorless for a year but finds the EVF detracts from the experience compared with a DSLR.
“Even a "lifestyle" body like the Zf that leans into being a fun camera, the EVF really detracts from the experience.”
Finds their Zf fun but its ergonomics poor without an aftermarket grip.
“The Zf is fun, but realistically, its ergonomics are piss poor at best”
Bought a Zf with several Z primes to photograph their son, as a tool rather than for social media.
“I do own Nikon Zf with Z20/1.8, Z35/1.8, Z85/1.8 and Z24-120/4.”
Finds their Zf feels much like their old film cameras, though twice the weight of the Zfc.
“The ZF feels very similar to my old film cameras--much closer than the Zfc.”
Uses a Zf with a 40mm f/1.2 Nokton as a side camera and finds it full of personality and fun to use.
“My side camera is a Zf with a 40mm 1.2 Nokton lens and it has personality and is so much fun to use.”
Bought a refurbished Zf for $1,329 and it has worked perfectly for over a year.
“It was like new, and had less than 100 shutter releases, and has worked perfectly since receiving it.”
Got a Zf with the 40mm f/2 as their first mirrorless; a really fun walk-around camera that isn't too big or heavy.
“Really fun camera, and not too big or heavy for walking around.”
Went from a D750 to the Zf; it feels like a toy but the dials help, and they are now going back to a Df.
“D750 -> Zf. definitely feels like toy but the dials help.”
Traded a Z7II for a Zf and really likes it, even with 400mm and 600mm lenses, but the ergonomics differ, there's no joystick, and it's heavier than it looks.
“I traded my Z7ii for a Zf and I really like it. There are some things to keep in mind though. Ergonomics are very different. Using it with bigger lenses”
Uses the Zf daily for professional and personal work around the world; good for travel but heavy and clunky with large lenses.
“Zf is a good travel camera but its metal built and heavy. I use it for all my professional and personal work and carry it daily and taken it all over the world. But its”
Found the Zf's retro form annoying in practice and missed a vertical grip, so switched to the Z5II.
“the form of the Zf is cool in theory but for me I just was annoyed. also no vertical”
Finds the Zf fun to use and unobtrusive, with AF similar to the Z8, cleaner low-light files and a great match for small primes.
“Af performance is fantastic and similar to z8, better low light performance too with larger pixels for cleaner files in low light. Great walk around body for small primes. Definitely”
Their Z8 rarely leaves home; the Zf with the 40mm comes everywhere as a light point-and-shoot that's still a powerhouse, though big lenses need a grip.
“whenever I’m going out to snap a few shots or go travelling it’s the ZF that always comes with me with the 40mm lens. The reality is I want a light, portable camera that can”
Bought the Zf for travel because the Z8 was too bulky, but finds it heavy and bulky too; moved to a Fujifilm X-E5 for travel.
“I bought the Zf for travel because the Z8 was too bulky. Now I’m wide used the Zf for work and I can confirm it’s heavy and also bulky for”
Owns a Z9 and Zf; the Zf is a fun, tank-built grab-and-go camera, their go-to for people, landscapes, travel and low light, at some ergonomic cost.
“The Zf is a fun camera but it’s built like a tank. It’s very performative. You do pay an ergonomic price, but that’s also”