Clearly my next camera

STM

Senior Member
This is more of what I am used to when it comes to a camera. I don't like menus, never have, I like dials. And 16MP is plenty. Nikon does not offer any additional focusing screens but focusingscreen.com offers about 8 of them. The shutter speed only goes to 1/4000. I don't think if I have ever used anything higher than that on my D700 to be honest.

I can't believe this is the first I have heard of this camera!

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Krs_2007

Senior Member
I like the DF, nothing wrong with it that camera. Really like the way it looks and gets pretty good reviews. Haven't held one yet, but look at them from time to time.
 

AC016

Senior Member
This is more of what I am used to when it comes to a camera. I don't like menus, never have, I like dials. And 16MP is plenty. Nikon does not offer any additional focusing screens but focusingscreen.com offers about 8 of them. The shutter speed only goes to 1/4000. I don't think if I have ever used anything higher than that on my D700 to be honest.

I can't believe this is the first I have heard of this camera!

bk-right.jpg

There was a recent price drop on them. I posted a link about it in the DF thread.
 

STM

Senior Member
When I looked at it I immediately noticed it looked like a hybrid between my beloved FE2 and the Canon F-1N with the tall pentaprism. Nikon does not make a grip for it but there are aftermarket ones available. Even though my hands are on the smallish side, I still prefer the bulkiness of my F2/MD1 and the FE2/MD12. A "bare" camera just feels strange in my hands.

No video? Who cares, the D700 doesn't have it either. You don't miss what you have never had and would never use anyway!
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
They just look so damn cool! I'll always like the styling of a classic SLR It's what I grew up with. I'm always going to like a '65 Mustang better than the modern ones, too. Even my own '99. :)
 

STM

Senior Member
Gotta agree it does look very nice.
Did they make 2? I want one.

I like the styling to be sure, but the attraction to me is that all of the major controls are in in a place where I am used to and expect them to be. And since my D700 is on manual 99.9% of the time and is for all intents and purposes a digital F2 or FE-2/F4S (which I never use on auto either), having the controls where I expect them to be is a big bonus.

From an ergonomic standpoint, my Nikkormat FT3 is STILL the best. The shutter speed dial was around the lens mount so you can adjust shutter speed and aperture with the left hand only. The speed was displayed in the finder (no aperture) but it great. And the thing was a tank. The film rewind was actually smoother on the FT3 than on the F2 or FE-2. It was smooth as butter, but was not ratcheted like the F2 and FE-2
 
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STM

Senior Member
Honestly, if I were to pick one camera which would be my dream camera, at leas as far as digital was concerned, it would be a totally one-off customized job where an F4S was converted from film to digital. I love my F2's but they are getting long in the tooth and the F4 would be a better fit.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Finances aside, for a dream shooter I'd have a tough time between this one and some kinda Leica, but in practicality I too would love a Df one day. Silver one to have a proper vintage look and match the 45P. Realistically though, dropping that much on whats in the shell vs say 810 and all it can offer is a very tough choice.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
I just noticed that it uses good old 14 batteries though. I'm thoroughly used to how forever-and-a-day 15s last, so going back to like 2-3 of those instead of just one could be a possible pain.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I would love to have a silver Df. The retro styling is a bit selling point for me

Agree and I want one too. Sales reps at my LCS don't like it tho.....they push the bells and whistles.

Got to play with one a few days ago... Old school with a D4 sensor? What s not to like? I too have Zero interest in video!
 

Rob Bye

Senior Member
These sorts of camera dials and controls really suit someone like me, who shoots in manual almost all the time. I like the looks of the Df, but I think Fujifilm got closer to the ideal styling.
 

johncook

Senior Member
I went into my local camera shop and they had a Df in. I had a play with it and had an SD card on me, so was allowed to shoot some photos in RAW mode to take home and process / review the files.

first impressions - camera looks great, feels quite light and not as compact as expected. It handles really well, dials feel nice, great shutter noise and feel. It was simply a pleasure to shoot on. LCD at the back is nice and big / crisp to look at.

RAW files - had a play with the RAW files in lightroom 5.3. very impressive. I was testing ISO 3200, 6400, 12800 out mainly and I have to say the noise was pretty good at 12800, definitely usable files.

I'm tempted to buy one to replace my D700,

only worries are the AF system (from the D610) and the 1/4000th shutter speed limit. sometimes use 1/8000 on a really bright sunny day (rarely tho)

I am trying to decide between a new Df and a used D4. also would buy it NEW.

Df looks cooler, smaller, less intimidating to others.

D4 has the superior autofocus system, but bigger / bulkier. also higher FPS and video. Price wise used D4 vs new Df, not much in it.
 

cadomniel

Senior Member
I would love to have a silver Df. The retro styling is a bit selling point for me

I love the retro styling of it as well. But not enough to buy one new even after the $400 price drop :D Maybe one the secondary market, I would pick one up and pick up a 35mm/1.8G FX. If I got one I would probably only use prime lenses on the DF.

Hopefully the prices keep going down :D
 

aroy

Senior Member
Even I like the DF. Ideal if you want to use all those AIS lenses. I am waiting for two things
1. Price drop to below $2K
2. 24MP sensor, similar to that on D750

I have used video only once and that too to see what goes, so no video is a bonus to me. I have started using my SB800, so no inbuilt flash does not make any difference.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
The sensor alone is worth the price. It's just wonderful to use and the files are just so nice to work with, not too big and yet big enough for larger prints. Color rendition is just great. Here's a shot I did just yesterday morning in the freezing Canadian cold.

winter_in_north_hatley-4926.jpg
 
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