New Light on the DF

globeglimpser

Senior Member
Don't get so excited by the title. It's more, a new light was shed on the DF for me personally.First I heard about the camera and got excited!Then I saw the camera and got more excited!And then the specs came out and I was really excited!But the price popped my bubble and I went back to my Full Frame D610 saving plan.But recently, after seeing and feeling and playing with a Nikon DF, I have a need for the camera. It is unreasonable and one I can't justify on paper and with specs. It's more knowing that with that camera, my 28mm and a 50mm, I wouldn't need anything else for my street photography. With a D610, I will always think about the next upgrade, the next step...And for that piece of mind, I would definitely save the extra $1000 AUD. Wonder what I could get for my Kidney...Anyway, it was this that made me realise that the DF is really well priced. The price is not about manufacturing costs or specifications, it's about making a luxury product for those who see benefits beyond the specifications. Sure it is not for anyone, but if you find the DF appealing despite the price tag, then it is not something you are going to regret.

I will end with a quote from a review I read by Tom Grill:"From the viewpoint of a non-professional but serious photographer I could easily see myself making this the only camera I own and be very happy with it."Nikon Df retro elegance - a hands on review by Tom Grill | Nikon Rumors So with that I will buy the DF. How it will fare for wildlife photography I do not know for street and travel, it will be a dream!
 

Brian

Senior Member
First DSLR that I've ever liked picking up and using, rather than just needing a digital image. I bought my first DSLR 20 years ago.

Got back from a 2 mile walk on this Winter morning, made a point of changing ISO with gloves on. Thumb to hold down the ISO release, index finger to turn the dial. ISO reads out in the finder. If you've ever used a Nikon aperture-preferred Auto camera, it's natural.
 

atleo

Senior Member
It's lighter weight than my d700. It's faster which is odd because the ergonomics really aren't better. But darn it just works well. It's a genuinely fun camera. Best of luck whichever way you go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Iansky

Senior Member
I love my DF that I picked up used with just 13,000 shutter actuations and not a mark on it (boxed as mint), there are some good deals via MPB and for me the camera is a favourite street shooter with 50mm lens.

It's looks tend to make people think it is an "old film camera" rather than a digital machine and the tactile dials add to that - it is not a camera I would use for sport as the AF is not good enough for fast moving items but for general documentary / street work it is a small and powerful camera.

Loving it and these are a few images with it.

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nzswift

Senior Member
To me my Df is just like using my F3. All dials and no command mode. Small and easy to hold in one hand. It doesn't scream out " I've got a camera".
I have no focusing trouble with race cars at my local track. Couldn't be happier
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
I bought the DF for one reason only, the sensor inside. The DF in one review was referred to as the Lord of Darkness because of it's ability to gather light and handling of high ISO noise. When I shot the proposal photo (on another thread) at 12,500 ISO I know that none of my other camera's could have pulled it off so well.

As for the dials and look, does nothing for me, although it does intimidate people.
 
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