The new full frame Nikon DF is coming…

October 28, 2013 News, Nikon, rumors 195

nikondflarge

Above: The new Nikon DF. Looks quite large to me so I expect a D800 reshaped into a square with no bells and whistles and solid manual controls. 

So Nikon is creating all kinds of hype with their new “pure photography” campaign and it is going to be a big one my friends. It seems Nikon has been busy creating a “Pure” camera..for those of us who want just that. A camera without all of the bells and whistles and gimmicks. No video, no panorama, no-nonsense. In fact, a very old school Nikon F vibe in a square solidly made body. At least that is what early rumors and reports have been saying.

A camera made for photographers. Pure. 

When I first heard of the Nikon DF a coupe of weeks ago I was excited. Another Full Frame camera built just like the old Nikon F bodies? I LOVED the look and feel and design of those bodies and having a simple full frame digital camera in 2013 that takes me back to those retro times would be incredible.

nikon-teaser-550x392

But…my dreams were sort of squashed some when I realized what it most likely is.

Now, I know this will be a killer IQ camera and the DSLR crowd will cling to it because it appears that it will basically be a stripped down reshaped DSLR without any gimmick modes or video. It will not take small Nikon Rangefinder lenses and it will not be a rangefinder. The new DF is basically a full frame DSLR reshaped into a square body, but is still a DSLR that uses Nikon DSLR lenses.

I was really hoping for a 2013 digital Nikon S2 sort of camera.  Then I would be all kinds of excited. But in many ways I still am because of what this camera stands for.

The old beautiful Nikon S2 Rangefinder was small and light and a special camera

pub_nikon_S2

Reports are saying it will have a mirror and normal viewfinder and from the looks of it, it will be as large and heavy as a DSLR, maybe thinner due to shape and lack of a large grip. But it will take standard modern-day Nikon DSLR lenses which means that this will be a larger than expected camera. Plop on a 24-70 and you might as well shoot a D800.

Even so, the design always gets me and if this thing is as cool looking as I think it will be then I will WANT one but I will not BUY one just due to the fact that I will never go back to large DSLR lenses! I have been free of that for four years and when I gave it a go a few weeks ago with the Canon 6D I knew..never again, not for me! The camera was superb in IQ though. I suppose if you wanted to shoot the Nikon and just a 50, you could buy the camera and the affordable 50 1.4 and be done with it.

I am super excited that Nikon will have another full frame alternative to the D800 and D4 monstrosities and the D600 series which are still big and bubbly. The DF will take gorgeous quality photos without question and of course I will give it a full and long detailed real world review 🙂 I just hope it is up to the build and feel standard of the old Nikon film bodies. If it is, then I may have to give in.

I predict the DF will outsell the D800 and will be in high demand with a wait list just due to the fact that many Nikon users and lens owners will be super excited to own a camera such as the “DF”. If it is solid and well made, has fast AF and sublime IQ, I expect it will do VERY well. I also like what it is all about..simple and pure photography.

As for killing a Leica? Not really because again, it is basically a DSLR in a new shape using the same old DSLR lenses. I always shot Leica not only for the image quality and RF experience but the smaller size AND tiny amazing lenses. I have no doubt Nikon will beat the M 240 for overall IQ but for size no. Mojo? Maybe 🙂 It is going to be an exciting rest of the year!

Steve

 

 

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195 Comments

  2. So video #5 is available on Nikon Rumors. This is a big camera. Yes more dials and such, but still, assuming the actor in the video is normal size, this is still big in the hands. Guess I keep my A7r order in for now.

  5. I want it.done.I don’t care if it’s small or large, if it looks beautiful I’ll carry it everywhere + a lot of nikon native lens, from classic to modern from cheap to expensive..something that Sony A7/r don’t have, their native lens cost a lot

    • You might b disappointed with some of your older “cheaper” lenses. When we went to HD, Standard Def lenses didn’t cut it unless one wanted a softer look, portraits, “nostalgic” look. Wasn’t that borne out with the D800

      • The D800 has 36mp…the Df will have 16mp if the rumors are true …. It won’t be as hard on lenses as the D800…. I had no issue with older lenses on my D3S…. 12MP to 16MP isn’t much of a jump….

  6. “The new Nikon DF. Looks quite large to me so I expect a D800 reshaped into a square with no bells and whistles and solid manual controls.”

    100% fact. How we all learn.

  7. My primary film camera is a Nikon FM2 and I absolutely love the size (and even the weight). I think SLRs started to get very ugly (and too big) in the late 80s in order to accommodate all of the extra features being worked into the cameras. So I really look forward to an actual DSLR with old-school SLR dimensions. Though it’s important to remember that old lenses such as AI and AI-S were usually very soft wide-open. It’s no wonder you seldom see them on DSLRs today. We take for granted modern mirrorless and DSLR lenses that are tack-sharp wide open or one-stop down.

    • Then there’s the colour fringing that some of these older lenses give. Coatings have come a long way.

  8. I don’t need that much pixels and i don’t like those big raw files. Besides that, i own a couple of great ai and ai-s lenses.
    My understanding is that if you want to get the most out of your D800, you need the “better glass”. And I don’t know if my old lenses can keep up with the D800’s sensor.
    And at this moment i don’t want to buy all G-nano-coated-whatever-lenses and throw my 20-24-28-85-105 ai and ai-s in the garbage…

    A lot of my pictures are made under less favorable lightconditions, and as i understand (but maybe i’m wrong), i need to up my shutterspeed by at least by 1 stop (compared to my D700), to be certain that my pictures are going to be sharp. Now i’m not a pixelpeeper, but for portraits it does matter to me.

    The D4’s 16MP is just not enough for my Landscape’s (beside the fact i can’t afford a D4), but i would like something like the Mark III’s 22MP.

    • any recommendations when it comes to older lenses? I have AF-D 60 f/2.8 and AF-D 50 f/1.4 but would like some manual glass, my wish list is 28, 50 and 85 – just not sure which ones to chase.

      • I like my 28 ai-s a lot, but when i compared it to my 28 ai, i found the differences not that big. Wide open and at f4, i found the 28 ai-s better then the ai.
        The 105 2.5 ai is also a great lens.
        For the fun factor, i’ve got a 20mm 3.5 UD (1968 – 1971), not bad at all!

          • Although the ai-s is great, sometimes AF is a must. When photographing my kids, sometimes they listen to me and stop for a second so i can focus 😉
            But more often, the AF is just quick enough the catch them in the action…
            I used to work with a Rolleiflex twin lens, one lens only, zooming with your feet, 12 shots on a roll of film, it was great. You really have to think first, shoot later. That, for me, was pure photography….
            But i’m pretty happy with my D700!

          • yep, I know what you mean. I shoot mostly these days Hassy V, Mamiya 6 and Leica M6 – so all ‘zooming’ is by feet and focusing with that old method called hand. Digital is used when the speed of film isn’t enough for given light.

          • A friend, who has bought at least a dozen older Nikkors off of eBay with great success, got a 28/2 AI Nikkor. Looked absolutely pristine. We were surprised at how very flarey it was?! I guess coatings have come a long way …

          • I have two friends with the 2.8 versions … that love them. One on his D800 and the other on his X-E1

          • there’s also a hood for it I believe. and optically, which one is better 24 or 28 f/2.8? reading mixed comments where people are praising older (AI) 28 not so much AF-D version and all are praising 24mm lens. confused I am, haven’t read or researched Nikon for few years.

    • Frits, the D4 sensor is wonderful for landscapes. You really have to go large to show it, and ther’s always stitching. If you haven’t seen a D4 image you’re in for a surprise…

      • Oh boy, let’s hope they stick it in the Df!
        I made a couple of enlargements on 120 cm x 70 cm (50 x 30 inch?), and on viewing distance it’s ok, but when you come in a bit closer, it shows the pixel. Not too annoying but a bit less would be great.
        Maybe i wan’t to go it bit bigger, but not by much. The 16MP (or 22 from the Mark) from the D4 would do the trick!

        • I hope the rumors about the 39 focus points are false.
          I understand that they don’t want to cannibalize on their D4-D800 sales, but if they gonna drop too many things, it’s gonna be a (expensive) fashionable gimmick.
          Then i have to start saving for a D4 🙁

      • I hope the rumors about the 39 focus points are false….
        I do understand they don’t want to cannibalize on D4-D800 sales, but if they drop to many things, it’s gonna be a (expensive) gimmick. Then i have to start saving for a D4 🙁

  11. Now they just need to have a damn good focusing screen in it, for ridiculously good manual focusing. Then this will be a real killer.. think the new Zeiss 55mm F1.4 attached to such camera 🙂 Only bad side on that would be the zeiss being bigger than the camera!

    • Lot of work arounds in the market like the Catzeyes, etc. I personally used Leica and F3 focusing screen in D700 and 5DM2, and I can tell you having a good focusing screen isn’t good enough. For some reasons those older viewfinders in F series film cameras are MUCH comfortable and easier to the eyes than a D700 with a Catzeye screen. Besides, an anticipation of a near-to FM2 form factor is what made the noise so far.

  12. SOO excited for this… also great article as always Steve. I think the deal breaker for me which breaks my heart is Auto Focus. If this was a true “pure photography” camera like my old school nikon FE I could over look the DSLR aspect that you mention Steve. Yeah, I know I could just turn the AF off, but its just not the same.

  13. Nikon Rumors says the confirmed Nikon DF announcement date is November 5th, 2013 (next Tuesday).

  14. I will buy this camera without hesitation if it is a FM2 look-and-feel alike, period. But it doesn’t quite seem to be so from the teasers.

  15. if what Steve anticipates is correct Nikon has not heard from the users. We want digital functions in a body of FM2, but not manual functions in a D600 or D5700 whatsoever.

  16. A few points.

    I wonder if Steve has noticed how much enthusiasm (and traffic) the news of a new DSLR has generated? Just wondering.

    Anyway. I got my D800 (really wonderful camera; difficult to beat in lots of ways) really wishing for 200 instead of 100 grs less than the D700, and slightly worried about the 36 MP. Like the snob I am, I found the D600 too consumerlike, IQ notwithstanding.

    Now we’ve got this coming, with the D4 sensor, and F3/FM3a like controls?

    I find all this extremely worrying.

    • I’m not surprised by the enthusiasm . I went from nikon to olympus because of the weight and the primes not because of IQ, this is the opportunity for all who did it to return to Nikon.

  17. I don’t know why you hang the decision to not buy this camera on the size of the lenses, Steve – for the couple of focal length primes that Sony has announced for their system, the Nikon primes are actually smaller. As a poster mentioned earlier – if you go voigtlander pancakes (or nikon), you’re talking MUCH smaller.

    FF sensor = FF size lenses. Even for Sony, no?

    If Nikon trims the edges on their existing DSLRs – as they seem to be doing here, and you use legacy lenses (many decades worth), the size difference goes away for all practical purposes.

    You’re not slipping that Sony with the 55/1.8 or 35 into your jeans’ pocket.

    And many of us really, really prefer looking through a real viewfinder instead of a tiny tv screen, even a nice one. Don’t you?
    (D700 guy)

    • Trey, the absence of a mirror (box) as in the A7/r allows for more compact bodies and lenses. But you’re right, looking at the size comparisons floating around the internet (where the hot shoe is taken as equal sized) the Df is not that much bigger than an M-E1.

  18. @stevehuff : based on the Nikon Df rumors and your personal A7 experience, which one would you pick, and why (must be between those 2, not Leica M)

    • No clue as I would have to use the Nikon. But seeing that I could not mount a Leica M mount lens to the Nikon, probably Sony. I love small and HQ. Sadly, there is nothing in the Nikon lens world, new or old that can compete with the size and quality of a Zeiss 50 Planar f/2 or a Zeiss 50 Sonnar 1.5 or a Leica 50 cron, etc.

      • And what about R lenses (I haven’t got any experience with them) – are they inferior to Ms? they don’t look that big. I believe I’ve seen somewhere Leica R to Nikon F adaptor.

  19. Digital F3. Interchangeable screens and finders. Solid, dependable and just keeps on working. Well, I can hope, can’t I?

  20. This has the potential to be a real winner in the market for those of us that aren’t interested in “special
    effects”, video, or other bells or whistles. All I want is a camera that allows a superior lens to work with
    a sensor that can capture an excellent image. Anything else I can do in photoshop or other software package. I’m not that concerned about weight or bulk, but a camera in a Nikon FE or Canon AE1 form
    factor would be wonderful and add to that the ability to use legacy lenses makes this idea a winner.

  21. Like I’ve stated before. Nikon needs to capitolize on their legacy and run with it. They started the SLR revolution and crushed the rangefinder market. There is a TON of excellent F-mount lenses availble and coupled with the D4 sensor, you’ve got a great match. I’m ready to pull my A7R preorder as soon as more info becomes available.

  22. Nikon DF specs:
    Dimensions – 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm
    Weight – 765g

    Nikon F3HP specs:
    Dimensions – 148.5 x 101.5 x 69 mm
    Weight – 760g

    FM2 specs:
    Dimensions – 142.5 x 90 x 60 mm
    Weight – 540G

  23. This DF surely looks interesting but the latest image leak (also the one you feature here) has something I’ve seen on the Coolpix P7100 – look at that dial on the left front, there’s exactly the same one on P7100. I just hope this won’t end up as FF P7100 🙂

    What’s also confusing is that apparently it should have proper manual controls, but the ‘matched’ lens is ‘G’ lens which means no aperture ring – a lot of mixed messages there.

    I’ve always preferred traditional controls, aperture on the lens and shutter speed dial so I can see what my settings are. If Nikon nails it with this one (I still have 2 AF-D lenses and old manual glass is cheap) I will switch. The only question I need answered is if I will see much difference in IQ in comparison with Fuji X-Pro1 – both sensors are 16mp, I don’t need to shoot grey squares at night so not that interested in ISO1000000000. It’s more about DR, perceived sharpness and look. Any owners of both?

    • hear hear on the traditional controls. I absolutely dislike the scrolling wheels for aperture control..

  24. I agree It’s not a rangefinder but if Nikon play this right it will a great move: I still think my FM2 is a fine camera for travel and street, they can use 50 years of Nikon F mount to their advantage (specially the smaller non AF-S lenses) and the rumored D4 sensor would be great for low-light street photography.
    A digital Nikon S2 would be great but also had a higher risk of having to create a new lens mount (or even reuse the nikon 1 mount).

    If Nikon plays it right I’ll get one for myself. Nowadays I have 2 DSLRs, 1 is enough for me.

  25. The point for Nikon is to continue the F-mount legacy. It is a real strength: why sell retro-looking lenses when you can build a camera that supports the real deal, the originals, of which many are still on the market…

    $300 – Nikon 50mm f/1.4 D
    $300 – Nikon 35mm f/2 D
    $400 – Nikon 24mm f/2.8 D

    From a lens-size perspective, micro four thirds is the only compact system that makes sense. Don’t be fooled by the odd pancake: if you put together an APS-C or full frame kit, many lenses in your kit will be quite large.

    Many useful full frame lenses will inevitably be large in size. It makes a lot of sense to have a larger body with those lenses. Especially if the shape of the camera is less clumsy than your typical Canon 6D. I’m definitely interested in this Nikon.

  26. Nice move. An already existing sensor in a body stripped-down of a big part of what Nikon DSLR offers now, offered at an hefty price tag.
    Nikon, I see what you are doing here.
    As Mr. Burns from the Simpsons would say, “Excellent…”.

  27. Give me +/- 20MP, dynamic range & ISO behaviour of the D800 and i’m done. Couldn’t care less about the rest of the features. That’s everything i need. THAT would be the replacement of my D700.

  29. Sounds less than “earth shaking” changes to me. I used to be #1 Nikon fan-boy. Then all the quality problems with D800/E and D600. Waiting patiently for D400 that never materialized.

    Earlier in the year I Ebayed all my Nikon gear and went mirrorless (Sigma & Fuji). Big step forward in terms of ergonomics and image IQ.

    Nikon would need big, earth shaking changes to get me back. A simplied and restyled DSLR with the same-old same-old sensor frankly leaves me yawning….

    • Ironic.

      Had a D4 a the same time as a X-Pro and you will have to tell me outside of weight where the Fuji was “better” in any situation Direct comparison of IQ and color was no contest, the Fuji was lifeless next to the D4. ISO… forget it

      Currently use the DP-2M and 3M for many things with an RX-1 on the bottom and think it’s an amazing solution. While the RX cannot quite match the D4 it comes very very close but cannot do the hi ISO-thing nearly as good. The Merrills are insanely good of course, but very limited.

      A “lightweight” D4 is going to be a very tough camera to beat!

      • Thank you, this is important piece of info for me when it comes to comparison of IQ between X-Pro1 and D4 – hard to find owners of both.

  30. D4 sensor is all it took… this camera will take fantastic pictures. I know the D800 has more pixels and I guess some focal-length limited situation the D800 will finally win the 4:1 IQ test.

    But the richness and color, coupled with the ability to actually take pics in the 25000 – 50000 range and make great clean ups in PP (204K isn’t serious).

    Why not an “F” for the 21st cent? I started in ’68-69 with an FTn that I picked up with a huge clunky 58mm 1.4 for $125 at a pawn shop.

    Wow… just WOW…

    Though interchangeable chips and prisms… sound like some pretty wild engineering in that. Not sure I want the first gen… but dang it, this thing is more fun that anything less than an M-system’s new flexibility. Maybe more

    Isn’t that inspirational…?

  31. The D610 is 141 x 113 x 82 mm and weighs 760g

    This DF is 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm and weighs 765g

    This just seems like a repackaging of the D600 guts around the D4 sensor…really just a little plastic surgery…. still if the low light IQ is similar to D4 with a price somewhere between the D610 and D800… it should sell well…

    But my guess is that Nikon will make us pay for our nostalgia though… might be a camera to wait a while to buy….

    • I did say “sizable grip” …. It does seem to have a grip…but it looks small…and even with this small grip its slightly heavier then the D610…. If the rumors are to be believed.

  32. I’ve been watching this closely and ready to pull my preorder on the A7R. I really love the A7R and its capabilities, but the rumored specs for the DF are exactly what I’ve wanted. Add to that, the ability to use my older AI and Auto lenses makes the deal even better.

  33. I still have and shoot the Nikon FG and FE2 with the Nikon 24mm F2.8 , 35mm F2 and 50mm F1.8 lenses as well as the wonderful Voigtlander SI II lenses in 20mm, 40mm, 58mm and 90mm …. all of these are small and relatively lite …. and would all work FANTASTICALLY with this DF camera with the D4 sensor…. No need to slap on a 24-70 or 70-200… though might be nice to have that option if you really need it…. though frankly I’ll leave those for my D800E…..

    My only concern is Size and Weight of the body itself… if the rumors are true that this DF is around 764g then its 300g more then the Sony A7r…and only 140g less then a D800… and that is damned heavy for the HIGH IQ travel camera that I seek.

    Waiting to see what this camera is all about, but for now I’ll leave my A7r order alone…. I could always use a nice high quality Metabones adapter with all the same lenses on the A7r…

    I gotta say I’m loving all this FF choice….and…ah…I’m really hating it at the same time…. 🙂

  35. ” So why not just use Nikkor AI/AIS lenses? They aren’t much bigger than M lenses. ”

    My manual AIS lenses are much much bigger than my equivalent M lenses. Much bigger. By a lot. Andre The Giant vs The Sicilian.
    That much bigger. Seriously.

    • It’s true, AIS lenses are a lot bigger than the Leica M glass.

      But by the same order of magnitude at least, they’re also much smaller than the current Nikon D and G series AF lenses. For me, that’s small enough to make a very big difference.

      Leica M lenses are tiny. Always have been. Of course, they don’t make M lenses with extreme range or zooms of significant focal lengths, either…which helps.

      • I did a number of mixed light (let’s call it daylight) portraits with the D800/50mm f1.2 @f2.0 and f2.8 today in a restaurant, auto ISO, ran up to 1600, only one out of eight with the sharpness I wanted. But boy, that lens really comes through with that very demanding sensor. Sharp, a bit soft, but so malleable in pp. Not all older Nikkors are that good though.

  37. Not sure about that.
    My M3 with 50mm Lux outperforms my F2as with Nikkor 50mm 1.2 (using same film)
    We’ll see how my ME with 50mm Lux compares against the DF with 50mm 1.2

    (The F2 is more versatile in some situations. The M3 is much quieter and has far less vibration (no mirror slap) so I can hand hold it to lower shutter speeds.
    Funny thing is I can hand hold my F2as to lower shutter speeds than my FM2n, as the larger body absorbs/muffles vibrations better.

    • What I mean by more versatile is that you can shoot with the Nikon under a wider array of various conditions … and a wider array of subjects.

      There are good reasons the arrival of the Nikon F in 1959 signaled the diminishment of the rangefinder’s popularity amongst both professional photographers and hobbyists alike.

      As to “outperforming”, that’s a complicated and loaded subject and depends on the comparisons being made. Nikon’s Repro-Nikkors, for example, could outperform almost anything made from Leica.

    • Huss, you’re comparing two quite dissimilar lenses; the f1.2 is a different beast from the 1.4’s (Summilux and AiS), though I don’t doubt the Summilux outperforms the f1.4 Nikkor. The f1.2 (on my D800 today) has a different purpose.

      As for the slower shutterspeeds, it’s more the mass than the size. The RTSIII with the incomparable 1.4/35 Distagon weighs over 1200 grs; 1/8 sec is not a real problem. This is one of the reasons I find the compact F series (FM2n etc) almost too light; F3 weight feels ideal, F2AS slightly too heavy.

      Compromises, compromises… 😉

      (formerly known as MikeD800)

  38. Weird promo. The actor moves like a robot. When he put the lens on it sounded like he was cocking a gun. The lens he was cleaning showed it was a screw drive motor focus. Based on how he was holding the camera it looks like the size of an F4. Wait two years and they’ll be selling the DF kits at half price. Ry

    • Rocket Man sounds like a sanctimonious twerp. Imagine having the luck to come across that bundle of joy in the wilderness. No doubt he models himself on the Marlborough Man as he flicks another ash onto the sensor. Creepy. Keep up the meds, RM. 🙂

    • Not if your DSLR is a D3s. 😉

      But I know what you’re saying. The Leica Ms are heavy cameras for their size; as well they should be because they are built to a very traditional standard. So I’ve no doubt an M9 outweighs an entry-level Nikon or Canon DSLR.

  40. Well, i really enjoyed the F3HP… But Nikon is a little Late: since Leica introduced their gamechangers, M9 and M – Look at the System, including primes, the DF is Four years late!!!

    • Leica doesn’t compete with Nikon … Nikon doesn’t compete with Leica … two different groups. This new Nikon will out sell ALL digital Leica’s in no time ….

    • I also loved the F3 and have owned many Nikons over the years. A digital F3 would stir up my GAS big time. It would never replace my M9 but would be very useful for macro (micro) and long lens work. Hell, the 50/1.2 is sure a lot less money than a 50 Lux. If the new Nikon with a nice 50 comes in under $3,000, I might not be able to resist.

  41. Just so we clear it up right now, there is no truth to the scurrilous rumour that DF stands for Doesn’t Focus.

    p.s. I have a few old AIS lenses, and the 50 1.4 is not one to get. It is not that sharp and has back focus issues. Yep, not just rangefinders! The 50 2.0, 1.8, and my favourite, 1.2, are all better picks.

    Also, no way the DF is going to be tougher than The Mallet aka Nikon F2as… I love my Mallet…

  42. I loved the FE2 and found the F3HP already a little bit on the bulky side. Please Nikon get it right with a quite shutter, decent autofocus and a small well shaped vertical grip for a good balance. Is that asked to much?

      • You are right Robert. At the time the F3HP was overkill for me and times have changed, now I find my D700 and D7000 just the perfect size for a DSLR, from the pure handling the D300 was best. ( I am just talking for nikon bodies, there are other great camera makers too). I can’t wait for testing the a7 and DF myself 😉

  43. Myths vs Reality:

    Nikon DF weighs >>765g
    Nikon F3 weighs >> 705g

    So the DF is a bit heavier than the F3; no surprise considering that it contains more electronic innards, an LCD screen on the back, etc, etc.

    Nikon DF dimensions (W x H x D) >> 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm
    Nikon F3 dimensions (W x H x D) >> 148.5 x 96.5 x 65.5 mm
    Sony A7 dimensions (W x H x D) >> 127 x 94 x 48 mm

    The DF is a bit less wide, a bit taller, and ― near as makes no difference ― the same depth as the F3. Call them the same size for all intents and purposes.

    And it’s notably wider, a little lower, and deeper than the Sony A7.

    But by today’s DSLR standards, it’s small, light, but very solid for its size.

    Yes, it will be bigger and heavier than an Olympus OM-D E-M1. But guess what? The Olympus OM-1 and OM-2 were smaller than the Nikon F3 back in the day as well.

    I think this may well be Nikon’s answer to the Leica M. The ‘M’-Series has always been Leica’s seminal camera, largely unchanged over the past 60 years. The ‘F’ series was Nikon’s seminal camera (much more than the S rangefinders ever were; good as they were) and this machine appears to harken back to that design and engineering ethos (‘F’, ‘F2’, ‘F3’) and bring it forward into the current era…much in the same way as the ‘M’.

    Nikon says DF stands for Digital Fusion…but I suspect that privately it also stands for Digital ‘F’.

    There’s also some debate online right now about whether that pentaprism is actually a large, very high res, removable EVF … making the DF a sort of ‘DF Photomic’ … and that there could be other surprises in connection with this.

    Whether at the same time it also offers some DNA that ushers in a new mirrorless lineup for Nikon ― to gradually replace a significant number of their aging low-to-medium-level DSLRs ― remains to be seen.

    • I’ve just grabbed a screen shot of the final camera end pack-shot from the commercial and pushed up the luminance in PS as bright as possible and it seems that the prism housing is “missing” in that end shot of the camera making the theory that it could be an exchangeable “photomic head” as we had with the F2 and F3 models very possible. I loved the F3 form factor in the 80’s. An intriguing camera it could be indeed.

      • Someone postulated the theory (and I’m guessing it was just a theory and not someone in the “know”) that on the DF you can change your sensor and pentaprism; it will come in different formats and you choose the one you want.

        I sincerely doubt Nikon has taken a modular approach like this, but being able to change both a “Photomic” EVF along with a corresponding sensor size would be a fascinating development.

        What I AM hearing, though, is that there may be more to that pentaprism than we realize so far. Yes, the final image does, indeed, show the camera without it attached, but there’s no way to know if it’s just been photoshopped out to tease the remainder of the camera (like a strip tease)…or if it really is removable.

        Time will tell…

  44. I think this is cool news – even though the videos are a bit too much… I just hope it will be only black & white and for only a few bucks…what a nice gimmick it would be to sell this for about $500…it would certainly draw attention to the Nikon corporation and maybe even customers…

    I used to be all Nikon before when it came to slr´s – but I made the jump from D300 to Canon EOS 5D and then the leap to OM-D…this might just be the one thing that could get me to buy another Nikon – besides the really nice 50mm f1.4 that is just screaming to be put to use again…;-) (And I wish Leica could lower their prices too…;-))

  45. Ford made the new Explorer bigger(wider) so they won’t flipped over. You can design a camera as big as a tank if you can operate it. Or as small as possible so it’s pockectable.

  46. I hope the DF is “retro” to the point of having a lock-up meter coupling tab like the early AI cameras. The ability to mount pre-AI lenses would be a wonderful feature on the camera, especially since those old Nikkors can be picked up for a song.

    • Not only can you mount pre-AI lenses, but you can meter with them at full aperture, if the reports are correct. Full access to the entire F-mount Nikkor lens catalogue going back to 1959 … and everything works!

      How cool is that?

      What I’m hoping for (though I doubt Nikon has done it) is onboard algorithmic processing that takes into account whatever older lens you have mounted and is able to adjust — as far as could be possible — for any optical shortfalls those older lenses might have and maximize their potential once again … similar to what Olympus has done with the OM-D E-M1. But that would be a big operation and I doubt Nikon have done that.

    • Or anyone who has the desire to shoot with one. 75% of photography is passion and getting motivated to shoot. If you do not have those, you have nothing. For many, A leica gives them just that. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa, but so what? Everyone has the right to do what they want and for some, that is to buy, shoot and own a Leica. It is a beautiful thing.

      • True, Steve. I didn’t (and still don’t) have the cash for a 240 or M-E, but my X2 is always with me. Fully manual control, rangefinder-like, great IQ… I just love it. The photo’s I took in Tunisia two weeks ago, where I was on holidays, are really satisfactory. As far as all the cameras that are being released are concerned… it’s hard to keep up. The A7R looks fantastic, but so does this new Nikon. Next year a FF “pocketable” Canon? It wouldn’t surprise me. Cheers, Ron.

    • Well, I am not a member of that mentioned groups above, but I still have AND use Leicas…. and btw I am not rich :-)) it’ just passion, as also Steve said….

  48. Steve, please keep us up-to-the-minute as you learn more about the new Nikon. I am excited by the concept, but they haven’t provided details and they need to allow hands-on testing too. If similar in size to the old S3/SP etc, with manual/analog controls, then GREAT! However, so far the body looks somewhat large based on the fuzzy videos.

    I already ordered the Sony A7r through your website and still lean heavily toward it, because of its small size, adaptability to 3rd party lenses including manual focus models, HD video, tilt-able LCD, state-of-the-art Sony sensors, high quality build as proven in the RX1/r, etc.

    However, gotta say that the large pixel size of that 16MP D4 sensor intrigues me, as it seems to promise great low-light performance and minimal noise. Hope the shutter can offer some sort of silent mode.

    Hey, what’s taking them so long? Come on, Nikon, spill the beans already!

  49. Hi Steve,

    while I really like your site and the stuff thats going on here I think you got your post complete wrong.

    This DF – while standing for Digital Fusion – all about a Digital F /FM and not the typical DSLR. Its more of a (D)SLR with the D in brackets.

    The body while look like an F or FM and will have all the right stuff according to the rumors, videos, photos and site notes available:

    – F / FM Style Body
    – Metall Casing
    – Full set of Manual controls
    – Pentraprism
    – Hybrid Viewfinder
    – 16MP D4 Sensor
    – F Mount
    – Takes all the great Nikkor Stuff, which means screw-motor as well
    – A Special old-style 50mm 1.8 Kit Lens
    – No Video

    Basically all what has been stated in those videos so far:

    „Its in my hands again“
    „One great shot rewards everything“
    „No clutter, no distractions, this is my world”

    Here is also a great overview:
    http://nikonrumors.com/2013/10/28/nikon-df-camera-rumors-recap.aspx/

    While I have the M9P (no desire for the M240), the OMD EM1 (well waiting for as the EM5 is sold), the Oly E1 (not for sale) and no need for another digital camera this rumor and marketing campaign really gets me excited. It basically ticks all the right boxes so far!

    In contrast to the Sony A7(R). While I was excited at first – after testing one on Saturday I’m not anymore. The 36MP 35mm mirrorless was something – a bang for the buck! But the camera while being small and actually nice looking left me cold. It has no soul, no feel, no touch and its not inspiring and somewhat left the impression of a toy compared to the OMD EM1. In addition some buttons are horrible placed like the front wheel, the software is awkward and the shutter – well its loud but not just that. It does not sound mechanical loud like the old stuff or the M9. Its more of Bang Bang DSLR loud sound.

    So, yeah I can’t wait for the final release of the Nikon DF. And if it really thicks the right boxes and does take all the old stuf and is useful for MF I might get one.

    By the Way the 24-70mm Nikkor is not meat to be for this DF

    B

    • Not sure how I got it wrong when I said just about everything you said, but in my own words. 🙂

      BTW, the DF will use the same mount as the D4, D800..so yes, the 24-70 will be for the DF. Mark my words..it will be large. A reshaped DSLR, which should look wickedly cool, but still a DSLR at heart.

      • Well, don’t think so.

        Size and weight based on the rumor:

        Nikon DF: 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm – 765g
        OMD EM1: 130.4 x 93.5 x 63.1mm – 443g
        Sony A7r: 126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2mm – 407g

        and:

        Leica M: 139 x 80 x 42 mm – 680g

        I would count that as very similar. The DF has a pentaprisim while the two other won’t

        You might be able to attach one 24-70mm but it won’t make a lot of sense and will make you look stupid. This DF will be for the old Nikkor crowd: 20mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm 135mm at speeds from 1.4 to 2.8. 🙂

        B

        • I have a good collection of AIS lenses, this camera could be a good alternative to heavy dslr’s while accepting all Nikon Lenses. I have tons of Nikon Glass as well, I had Nikon cameras for more than 40 years. What impresses me is that it has no video, it’s a camera for photographers. Now, I shoot Sony mirrorless as well, but I am in seek of a camera with a bit more weight for handheld makro shots. Nikon and Canon Dslr’s are just too bulky depite ok in weight for shots where a quiet hand is a must, and light mirroless cameras do not leave your hand quiet, you need weight for that. All is now about what Nikon offers us for manual focusing assistance, stigmo screen or fresnel, or just a MF assist in digital, and that would be a problem with an OVF, you can’t see the assistance, and doing that on live view is an otion to forget about. So, again, let’s wait and see. One option would be A7 with battery grip, it gives that more weight one needs. Only bad point, that A7 cameras look so tasteless, cold, and without character, but, no one sees that on a shot anyway. When I saw A7 the first time, I siad to myself, “geeeh, the Nikon V2 ugly duckling in black and a bit bigger”.

      • Yes, large only if you absolutely must have AF. We use Leica, CV, and Zeiss lenses perfectly fine as MF lenses. So why not just use Nikkor AI/AIS lenses? They aren’t much bigger than M lenses. And there are some outstanding Nikkor lenses out there (a few are even still being made by Nikon), and at very decent prices.

        The Nikon F/F2/F3 is not a large camera at all. Especially by today’s standards. And of course neither is the FM2. With MF Nikkor lenses, they are a pretty small package overall. A single lens reflex design does offer some advantages and which is why we owned/own both rangefinders and SLRs (or mirrorless and DSLRs.) Nobody is being forced to attach a large AFS-G lens with internal motor and AF to this new DF. In fact, just the opposite. People are interested because they can use small MF legacy lenses.

        SLRs, TLRs, rangefinders, mirrorless, view cameras. Analog and digital. Just all part of the tool kit, imho. None better or worse but specific to specific purposes, Nothing’s really changed in that respect.

        • I saw somewhere the dimensions of the “DF” the body is slightly smaller then the D600, so still big. I have a FM2n and if they could make it that small, I would seriously consider getting one over the A7.

          The other problem is the price; I can only guess but to me it will be somewhere between the D600 and D800, a bit pricey for a striped down camera.

          My two cents.

      • Just to clarify:

        Stated Nikon DF dimensions (W x H x D) >> 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm
        Leica M240 dimensions (W x H x D) >> 139 x 42 x 80 mm

        So the width difference is minuscule, the Nikon is a lot higher (only because the pentaprism is being factored in there), and the Leica is actually deeper.

        DF is nowhere near traditional DSLR size.

        • think depth and height might be the wrong way round on the leica there!. but if that’s right otherwise then the Nikon isn’t quite as wide as many would expect, presumably the flange distance creates the fat…

          not for me, no Nikon glass, but I can see the appeal

        • I think you are reading the dimensions wrong (Leica is 42m deep, 66mm high). Nikon still has a mirror box and deeper registration distance. Volume-wise the df is twice as large: 1050cc vs 467cc

          • not entirely fair to calculate volume based on the dimensions. the leica is pretty much brick shaped, but the Nikon will likely, forgive my technical language, have stickyouty bits and sunkendown bits and so be much less volume than if it were a brick.

            if it suits the buyer of course then it’s just the right size…..for them, even if it’s bigger than you or I might like.

          • Yes, that must be a mistake — I guess Leica measures as WxDxH. My oversight, sorry.

            Even so, the DF is a very small camera, comparatively with Nikon’s DSLRs … and very close to the Leica, overall, once again baring in mind the height differential is mostly a function of the DF pentaprism.

            Shoulder height may be an entirely different matter.

          • The D610 is 141 x 113 x 82 mm and weighs 760g

            This DF is 143.5 x 110 x 66.5mm and weighs 765g

            Except for thickness not much difference here… and that is likely the absence of sizable grip… arguably making the DF a bit more of a pain for long term use….

            I think Nikon should have tried hard to shrink this package… as it is, it sounds like cosmetics ….

          • Those numbers are a bit misleading. Remember that a big chunk of Nikon’s DSLR mass is taken up by the forward grip…which is a sizable part of the camera’s structure.

            The D610 measurements don’t account for that in the depth of the camera. If they did, it would probably be more like 141 x 113 x 135.

            No weight reduction, though, no.

    • Somewhere in the wild. Telescope on tripod, campfire, jeep-a-like car with some lights turned on, illuminated tent, mini-air-pump to clean a lens from desert-dust, classic piano – WHAT a mix! …

      The nikon-(marlboro)-man loads a dark cam-body (lovely weapon-clock-sounds from lens and body) – and he is ready to hunt down those birds.

      Nice touch of humor, they sell the emotion and laugh about at the same time.

    • DLSR shooters complain about trying to manually focus not realizing that one of the attractions of a higher end DSLR is being able to change out the focusing screen that is optimized for focusing rather the just viewing!

      • It’s all a bit of a faff – Nikon don’t make that many and it’s only for the higher end stuff. The rest are third party ones. You missed my point anyway – this is fitting that a pure camera, as Nikon are marketing it should have one from the off. Especially if it’s a f type shape & size. That’s the whole appeal of it!

        • I can’t imagine this new Nikon NOT having AF … so it will have a viewing optimized ground glass. We can only hope it will have interchangeable screens.

  53. I hope Nikon improves the ergonomics of the shutter release buttons. The overwhelming majority of Nikon bodies have the shutter release poorly placed which requires an awkward and unnatural hand position and contributed to camera movement when releasing the shutter. The D4 is a step in the right direction in both regards and is probably worth about a half stop of shutter speed because of the better positioning which results in a more stable shutter release.

  54. I can just hear the Nikon conversation: “Hey, let’s disable some of the features on the D600 [or whatever], put it in a heavier, more-angular, less-comfortable body, and market it to the get-off-my-lawn types who like to think of themselves as ‘purists.’ We’ll clean up!”

    • “Get off my lawn types”, that’s funny!
      (Jokes aside- not everyone who likes squared off design is “get off my lawn types”. Infact, it’s probably more loved by younger, creative people than grumpy old mr. Wilson types.)

  56. I find it super interesting that camera companies are returning to the styling and size of their older film cameras. I feel like lately its kind of like what you’ve been sing with cars. If you look at a 90s Ford Explorer its vastly smaller than the one available today. A Nikon F was a pro’s camera decades ago and it is so much smaller than the D’s of today. This is good news 🙂

    • Square & boxy is timeless design. Rounded off edges in design really took off in all products, right around 1996. Compare a 1995 pathfinder vs 1996, or a 1995 bmw 5 series to 1996. Some companies started earlier, some later. And now companies are starting to come back to it.

      Myself- I looooooove square/boxy. LOVE. It’s like Helvetica- no matter how many thousands of type/font designs you come up with, no matter how good they are, Helvetica will always be beautiful, timeless & relevant.

      Nikon got the squared off part right with this new camera. Lets hope the next version embrasses boxy, ala Nikon sp, s2.

    • Nah. It’s retro. Camera manufacturers are starting to try to appeal to an older crowd with money who they hope remember their greatest hits. How old do you have to be to have seen a PEN or an OM used when they were new? So why did Olympus design their “new” cameras to look like their 40+ year old designs.

  57. Steve, I think you are playing hard to get. Surely, this will be different enough that you can’t resist. Most the time I preferred using my M6 over my FM3a, but I don’t have an M digital, and for me a nice bright SLR optical viewfinder in a small package can be pretty nice, but we haven’t seen that since the FMs. Frankly, I always felt if they put an FM3a viewfinder in the D40, I would have bought one (and allowed it to meter ais properly of course). This doesn’t mean using giant dslr lenses. It means using the 105 2.5 again, a 20 2.8, 50 1.4 etc…

      • If Nikon has made the camera even slightly biggish, then they still have no clue, and I agree; forget it.

          • I don’t know if the dimensions are ‘official’ though, are they Robert?

            The rumoured dimensions are 143.5 x 110 x 66.5 @ 765g

            by comparison:
            Nikon D700 147 x 123 x 77 1095g
            Original F3 148.5 x 96.5 x 65.5 715g

            Olympus OMD EM1 130 x 94 x 63 496g
            Sony A7 127 x 94.4 x 48.2 474g

            Sony NEX-6 119.9 x 66.9 x 42.6 345g

            In order to get a better ‘feel’ for the size and visualize it better, I stuck together some of my son’s Lego blocks to match the dimension of both the DM, and Sony A7 (yes, I’m such a geek) 🙂

          • Nothing absolutely official at this point, no. But those are the unofficially confirmed leaked specs…and they would seem to jive with the other info that’s being released.

            We’ll know for sure soon. 🙂

  58. I’ve long considered the Nikon FM3a to be the ideal camera — at least for me. I appreciated the clean design and the way it functioned in adverse conditions. It was compact, easy to handle, and durable. This new product (DF?) appears to promise the same attributes. We’re hearing it will offer 16 mp capture — probably not enough res to let us do much crop composing — and not enough to totally replace my film 6×7 system. Maybe it’ll be a complementary or bridge system, freeing me from being a MF sherpa on my landscape jaunts, leading to more spontaneity and imagination. In any case, I’m looking forward to the announcement with great interest..

      • I agree — no camera provides the user with imagination. My point was probably stated too briefly to be clear. I shoot 67 film and every frame I expose has a dollar sign attached — first, for processing, and then for drum scanning. In the field, I tend to look for the “safe” or “sure” traditional image that I can sell. The attraction of a little digital like the new Nikon is, I can use spontaneity or imagination without incurring expense, and if the shot is successful, it’s a bonus.

    • Lajo, it’ll be more F3 like (785 grs and size to match) than FM3a like (which I find just slightly too light and small, otherwise ideal). My big question is will it be “modern” DSLR like in appearance (it will have a grip) and finish, or really go the retro, F3, way?

      Then ther’s that D4 sensor…

      Exciting times!

  60. 785 grs body, retro style, grip, D4 sensor, good viewfinder, D600 AF, manual, AE priority, dials, what’s not to like?

    • I’m still not fully decided between the DF and A7 (need some ‘real’ info on the DF). Pros and cons of each, but here’s the main disadvantages of the DF compared to the A7 to me:
      – bigger and heavier (the A7 might be jacket-pocketable, doesn’t seem like the DF would be)
      – doesn’t shoot video (sure, I don’t shoot a lot of video but it would be nice to have the option, especially if it take it as my only travel camera)
      – non tilting LCD (I really find tilting LCD’s pretty handy)
      – not mirrorlless so can’t shoot rangefinder lenses etc (not a big deal for me, but for other I’m sure it is)
      – possibly the cost… though I hope it’s not over-priced

      There’s definitely lots of pro’s too (which is why I’m still debating it) but you asked what’s not not like 🙂

      • It’s a different concept from the A7/r Mars. A real viewfinder, only 16MP, only the basic controls, not all that stuff I don’t use anyway (but doesn’t get in my way either) on the D800.

        I suppose it depends on the size of your coat, but I really don’t think the A7 is pocketable in the normal sense.

        • Hmmm… the size is an important consideration for me. The NEX 6 is small enough to fit in my leather bomber jacket poket. If the A7 is much larger and won’t find, and requires a pouch or pack to carry then there’s really no ‘practical’ size advantage over the Nikon for me.

          • I use a wriststrap, one prime, for walkabouts with the D800, or a Tumi (business) messenger bag with a Billingham insert that would even take an extra AFS lems and an iPad. Or newspaper. Or some documents.. Doesn’t really get in the way.

  61. It amazes me how many folks parade around with full size or at least APS sensor DSLR’s. Just visit a National park or amusement park. I guess they still think Big is Better …

    • I find it hysterical people still judge others based on the size of their gear; except now it’s flipped 180 degrees, and it’s the “Napoleon Complex”.

      Maybe the people you saw sporting the DSLR already bought into a system: a couple of bodies, several lenses and flash guns, and don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of selling off their gear to buy into a new one – or they’re hobbyists and simply can’t afford a two systems. There’s all sorts of variables as to why one buys a camera.

      A camera is nothing more than an imaging tool. Use what get the job done for your client, or use what floats your boat if it’s simply for personal enjoyment. I took my D3 and a 50mm prime out for a walk in London because I didn’t have a tiny X100s, much less a Leica M with a 50 Lux. …REALLY wish I had the latter. But I had my D3 along because I was shooting my cousin’s wedding. …something I wouldn’t do with an X100s, as it’s not for me. Even though it’s a GINORMOUS camera body, the D3 did just fine in London, and it had nothing to do with the belief “Bigger is better”. It was merely “what I had with me for that particular trip”.

      Cheers,

      c

      • The very interesting thing (“call it coincidence”) is that Japaneese motorcycles are built on the same principle. 1100 cc “touristic motorcycle”. Obviously too heavy to be friendly but… they promote those heavy machines very, very, very well.

      • ? I’m not talking about photo enthusiast … I’m talking about “soccer moms” who don’t know better.

        • If they’re soccer moms (people who aren’t photo enthusiasts), why would you expect them to know about this stuff?

          At the end of the day, if they’re having fun and capturing family memories, who cares what they’re using?

          • No, it’s cool that Canon sells so much relatively high end gear … not many Nikon’s to be seen … it’s just that a lot of folks equate DSLR’s with being automatically great cameras. Well yes, with the larger sensor they will typically get better quality then with their phone or P/S … but myself, with years of pro work … don’t typically carry an awkwardly heavy camera when I’m hiking. I’ve got a damaged shoulder from years of that!

          • I think the DSLR is probably the best camera choice for someone shooting soccer. 🙂 Got to admit the tracking focus modes are the most capable when trying to get shots of fast-moving kids.

          • I don’t know where you live, but the places I visit and trips I’ve taken, you see a lot of consumer Nikons and enthusiasts with Nikons.

    • This comment is offensive. How do you know why every person uses a DSLR and how well it works for her just by seeing her? What should she use if she wants some top quality photos and doesn’t have “years of pro work” experience or the money to buy multiple cameras? A DSLR is a real camera with top image quality and the fastest autofocus. If I want to photograph my grandson playing soccer I always take my Canon D5III with 70-200 zoom. Only it can focus fast enough to get the really sharp shots that I want. If I were a soccer mom and only occasionally went to a national park I would be carrying a DSLR too because it is the best camera to meet all my needs. As a “pro”, you should know that.

    • Mako,

      What’s amazing is when someone bellyaches about the gear choice of someone else. Live and let live. Chill.

      • Looks like I didn’t present my case very well! 🙂 It’s a GOOD thing that so many folks are using higher end gear, especially in this age of phone cameras. But for someone that spent a large part of his life lugging around pro gear, and as a sports photographer that means heavy long lenses (Nikon for the most part btw), it surprises me that folks want to drag around heavy cameras on their vacations. Yes I get what you all are saying …. it will just be nice for THEM when they discover they can get the same quality with the cameras that we are now discovering. And yes, as a sports shooter, I get that these lovely little cameras aren’t the right choice for soccer. WHAT is cool is my new Canon 70D’s LiveView/Video phase detection AF … that makes shooting long lens video clips so much easier! It’s not just about stills anymore in my world.

    • Bingo. Nikon s2, sp, etc, but with af option ala contax G
      . That would’ve been a beautiful thing.

      • Well, you took me back. My first camera was a Leiica IIIf. Someone stole it by cutting into my duffel bag at night it so I went to the Army PX and replaced it with a Nikon S2. I remember it being called a Nikon SP but it was a long time ago. A sweet rangefinder with a very fast lens and automatic viewfinder frames for every focal length. It was a time when Japanese cameras were all but unknown but just as today’s Japanese digital cameras are doing the SP blew the Leica out of the water. I had two SP’s before the love affair was over but these days it’s Sony all the way.

    • Agreed a digital S2 was what I was hoping for. Kind of how Zeiss brought back the Ikon (shame they never put a digital sensor in that camera)

  63. It is my impression that this will be a fully manual camera, therefore no G lenses. The lens being dusted in the video appears to be a 20mm D lens with aperture ring and obviously the lens being mounted is manual. I cut my photographic teeth on a FM, still own it and my beloved 105 2.5 Anxiously awaiting more info on this camera 🙂

    • Nope, The videos all show a new retro looking 50mm f/1.8g. If you look close you’ll see the MF switch on the side as well. All the specs I’ve seen indicate it will take AF-S G all the way back to even pre-AI.

    • …. but yes, you are correct about the lens he is cleaning next to the fire. it looks like it could be a 20mm AF-D. The one he attaches is the new lens though. It has a chrome ring around it like the AIS lenses had.

    • Just like Nikon DSLRs today, it will probably be compatible with F-mount lenses of the last forty years. This means you can use manual lenses from the 1980s or the latest autofocus lenses. The Nikon FE (I have one here) is almost exactly the same dimensions, when using the 50/1.8 pancake, as the Leica M2 with the 50mm Summicron — this chosen on purpose I believe. And, of course the M2 is smaller than the M240. So, a Nikon camera the size of an FE is certainly not “too large” unless you mount a 70-200/2.8 on it.

  64. Will it be mirrorless, it looks as if it is not. The thing the Nikon has going for it is a whole lot of less from the get go. I think one should wait and see, have these camera tested and then make a judgement. No camera is going to sell out.

      • Dear Steve,
        I am not so optimistic. Most Nikon lenses are rather medium in quality.
        You also say that you are pretty sure it will beat the Leica M 240 in image quality.
        Hmmm…how can you know at this early stage?

        • Does the m 240 beat any of the current Nikon FF cameras in image quality? I could be wrong, but I think the answer is no. I hope it has the D4 sensor as rumored. That’s a badass sensor.

  65. I’m excited to see what the new Nikon DF has to offer as well. It’s rumoured to weigh in at 675g, somewhat heavier than the A7r’s 465g weight, but still much smaller and lighter than my 1075g D700. Ultimately I guess that’s around the same weight of the original, film F3…

    Personally, I’m OK with DSLR lenses – the Nikon ‘D’ lenses aren’t too large (my 35mm f2.0 and 50mm f1.8 are pretty small), and I sure love autofocus! For those looking for AF, rather than MF, I guess the Nikkor lenses would be the same size (or maybe even smaller) than the Sony or Zeiss FF emount lenses?

    It would certainly be nice to use my existing Nikkor lenses, and have access to a whole bunch of great, fast lenses (though really, with Sony’s 35mm f2.8 and 55mm f1.8 the only thing I’d really miss with an A7 system is the long, 80-200 f2.8 type lens).

    But how much is the Nikon DF going to cost?? What does it really look like, and what features does it have, or not have? Lots of speculation at the moment… but no answers yet. The wait is agonizing! 🙂

    • “But it will take standard modern-day Nikon DSLR lenses which means that this will be a larger than expected camera.” I suppose this will be great for folks who want a coolish retro-like camera that is big, but the reason I am considering the A7 over my Canon 6D is to decrease the size of photography ventures. I don’t doubt this new Nikon will sell well, but I would be surprised if the target audience for the A7 and the target audience for this new Nikon have a lot of overlap.

      • The voigtlander pancakes are smaller than almost all APS-C mirrorless lenses and will be compatible with this camera. I use them regularly on my FM3A. Certainly I’m moving towards the idea that I will get this over a A7, if the size of body is right (something like an FM3A or F3 would do). The rumour sites also say the weight includes the kit lens (a version of the 50 F1.8G, which is excellent).

        • I doubt if the weight includes the kit lens. But I do agree that this camera announcement is bound to suck some of the wind out of Sony’s sails … and the timing was intentional, I’m sure.

          It’s important to remember that this camera will not only take all of the lenses in Nikon’s current stable, but also AIS, AI, and pre-AI lenses, and meter them at full-aperture. Many of those lenses are quite small (provided you don’t mind focusing manually). Got a 50mm f/1.4 from your old FTn circa 1969 just sitting around? Throw it on and enjoy full use.

          Just like Leica’s M series, this has always been one of the hallmarks of the ‘F’ system cameras — full compatibility.

          I also think you’ll see Nikon come out with a new range of smaller lenses to match this camera … which may be the first in a series that helps Nikon transition to some serious mirrorless entries.

  67. I really do not like their videos and don’t find them intriguing. Video #3 -that guy seem so out of place in the environment and using that little rocket to clean the lens by the fire…I am still laughing out loud as I type this.

      • ““Rocket” … what do you use? ”

        A brain and not sit next to the fire where it’s blowing ash….

        How about you?

        • Never dry clean a lens, blow off surface grit and then wet clean using a clean microfiber cloth and lens fluid that we “dilute” with Panchro front surface cleaner, very volatile … for a faster dry off. My work lenses can cost $100k and our work conditions are sometimes less then ideal.

          Darn … won’t let me post a link to a photo of shooting a Lambo screaming across a dry lake bed with a Angeniuex 24/290 T2.8 zoom on an Arri Alexa, or the motocross bike taking off and filling the matte box with dirt, at 120 fps

    • Yeah, the guy in the video blows his lens and looks dreamy into the fire and then he shoots birds at night with his normal prime lens. Hope Nikon knows what they do^^

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