This Retro Nikon DF They're Talking About

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
So, Nikon Rumors and Photography Life have been buzzing on and off for the last couple weeks about the "Retro" bodied DF that's supposedly being announced next week. Seems like it will be part D4 and part D600/610, with no video capability and an FM2 styled body in black or the classic silver & black. For giggles I pulled out my old FM today and held it in my hand and immediately thought, "Nope. This just doesn't feel right any more." I'm trying to think who this might appeal to. The specs appeal to me for sure, but not in that kind of body.

Wasn't a total loss, though. The 20 year old battery in the FM still works, and there's an unused roll of Fujicolor film in the bag, so I may just go old school and shoot those 24 frames with my old 50mm f2.0 like each one means something.
 

Bob Blaylock

Senior Member
So, Nikon Rumors and Photography Life have been buzzing on and off for the last couple weeks about the "Retro" bodied DF that's supposedly being announced next week. Seems like it will be part D4 and part D600/610, with no video capability and an FM2 styled body in black or the classic silver & black. For giggles I pulled out my old FM today and held it in my hand and immediately thought, "Nope. This just doesn't feel right any more." I'm trying to think who this might appeal to. The specs appeal to me for sure, but not in that kind of body.

I suppose it's a matter of individual taste and preference.

Inspired by your posting, I got out my F2, and handled it as if I were going to take pictures with it. It now feels big and heavy, compared to my D3200, but in a good way. Though it's been many years since I've actually taken any pictures with it, I find that my hands instinctively know how to use it, how to find and use the controls.

I have to say that if I were in the market for a new camera, any size, weight or shape anywhere between my F2 and my D3200 would be fine with me, and no significant disadvantage compared to whatever technical specifications and capabilities the camera had to offer.

About the only obvious way I see for the DF to go wrong is if they decide that the “retro” aspect is worth enough of a luxury premium that the camera ends up being priced very much above that of a “non-retro” camera of similar capability. If I were in the market for a camera in whatever price point the DF ends up taking, and Nikon had another model with similar capabilities but at a lower price, or one at the same price, with greater capabilities, I would buy one of those other models rather than the DF.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
That's the thing, an F2 has some substance while the FM feels small in my hands compared to even the D7000 - and it still has its leather case on the body. My understanding is that the price will be comparable to the D610, but that remains to be seen.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Wasn't a total loss, though. The 20 year old battery in the FM still works, and there's an unused roll of Fujicolor film in the bag, so I may just go old school and shoot those 24 frames with my old 50mm f2.0 like each one means something.

I hope your film isn't fogged. Have fun with it.

​WM
 

Rick M

Senior Member
When I first saw the mock up of the new "retro" I thought it looked uncomfortable compared to my D600. It will be interesting to see how the controls work. I don't think it will be as easy as the current models. With my front dial set to aperture and the back dial set to ISO, I can't imagine a better setup or going retro control wise.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I hope your film isn't fogged. Have fun with it.

​WM

It's been in the plastic tube in the bottom of the bag, in a dark and dry corner of my office for at least 15 years, so I'm hoping it's OK. If not, and I don't get great photos, I still get the exercise of 24 frames of full dedication to subject and focal length that the exercise is meant to inspire.
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
When I first saw the mock up of the new "retro" I thought it looked uncomfortable compared to my D600. It will be interesting to see how the controls work. I don't think it will be as easy as the current models. With my front dial set to aperture and the back dial set to ISO, I can't imagine a better setup or going retro control wise.

I'm not going to judge it until I get enough feedback from the early adapters. I'm hoping to get a taste of lower noise at higher ISO. A taste of D4 is what I am hoping for.


Sent from my iPhone.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
It's been in the plastic tube in the bottom of the bag, in a dark and dry corner of my office for at least 15 years, so I'm hoping it's OK. If not, and I don't get great photos, I still get the exercise of 24 frames of full dedication to subject and focal length that the exercise is meant to inspire.

So now you have the opportunity to find the limits of fixed low iso on film.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
The retro that would suit me would be the D4 sensor and processing software to make the best of it without loads of bells and whistles,simple, cheap, basic if you like but outstanding results in the right hands.
 

dmc

Senior Member
So long as I can manually set the aperture, shutter speed, and focus I would buy this camera. If it is just another DSLR, I'll save my money for a D4 or an M. Price, for me, would not be a concern.

Non the less, it would take a lot to switch me from film. :)
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Looks like we have an image of the Df thanks to the 4th teaser video:

Nikon-DF-camera-teaser-4.jpg

Nikon-Df-controls.jpg

Some size comparisons:

Nikon-D4-vs-D610-vs-Df-vs-Sony-a7-size-comparison.jpg

Nikon-D610-vs-Nikon-Df-vs-Sony-a7-size-comparison.jpg

via: Nikon Df camera size comparisons | Nikon Rumors
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
The one that's just below the Leica retro that wants a cool camera, but doesn't care about photography... ??? The ones that have disposable money and just like looking cool...
 

Geoffc

Senior Member
When I first saw the mock up of the new "retro" I thought it looked uncomfortable compared to my D600. It will be interesting to see how the controls work. I don't think it will be as easy as the current models. With my front dial set to aperture and the back dial set to ISO, I can't imagine a better setup or going retro control wise.

Tut tut Rick. Surely front dial is aperture and the rear is shutter speed unless you've ventured out of manual mode!!
 

Sambr

Senior Member
Frankly they can have it. I love the size & feel of my D4 & D800. Whenever I use my F3 I feel like a duck out of water.
 
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