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Retro FF Nikon?

poll retro full-frame

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Poll: At what price is the Retro Nikon attractive to you?

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At what price is the Retro Nikon attractive to you?

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#41
uzimakiroar

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Which lenses are you referring too because I believe it does allow you to use the old lenses...
http://reviews.cnet....7-35831279.html

"...but also full support for the company's pre-1977 non-AI (Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing, in other words, automatic metering) lenses without fiddling. "


What I think he means is a way to focus manually with a split screen instead of just an AF POINT. I currently shoot a D800 with a Leica lens and have to use the AF confirmation along with manually focusing the lens to use it. It would be significantly easier if I had a split screen patch inside for me to manually focus the camera.

I'm wishing for that too.


#42
rocknrumble

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Interesting read on the camera...

 

There is a new "Lord of Darkness" (Nikon Df DxOMark test scores, low light ISO comparison with D800, 6D) - Nikon Rumors



#43
Martin Young

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I was interested in this "Retro" camera until I saw the price. My first Nikon was a Nikkormat FTN, back in 1972,  and I still have it plus the 50mm f1.4, and the 85mm f1.8, so I would love to be able to use these lenses, but they won't work with my D90. I'm getting old now, and sometimes find the D90 a bit too complicated, and the Speedlight SB900 also has a huge manual to learn. So having the physical manual controls for aperture and shutter speed would suit me better.



#44
MistyPine

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for me, there is no interest in it...

#45
Guy

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I've had a chance to shoot the Df for a few days ( a friends camera).  I really like it.  It's not much different than a regular DSLR.  It's light and feels confortable.  I shoot mostly aperture priority in auto ISO and hardly touched the dials on top at all. 

 

It was the black version and with some G-lenses on it, they look fine and not like a modern lens on a old body.  Lenses that weigh more than the camera are not too confortable.  So it shooting primes up to about 85mm is most reasonable.   It makes for a great candid and walking around camera.   I think Nikon should knock off about $500 or so on the price.   The 16MP is easier to shoot handhold in the 1/60th shutter speed range without VR and get sharp shots compared to my D800. 

 

I've heard some say it feels plastic.  For me it feels solid and light.  I'd like to replace my mirrorless with it as my walking around camera since it is pretty close to the same size and has way, way better focus for fast, spontaneous candid shots.   But one design mistake is giving you a killer low light camera without killer low light auto focus module.   A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. And for the price of the Df, it should have one of Nikon's best and lowest light focusing ability.



#46
Nesster

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Thanks for that mini-review, very descriptive indeed.



#47
rocknrumble

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Thanks for the Review Guy. Very interesting. As the price is close to the D800 I wonder which camera would be a better choice.



#48
Guy

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 As the price is close to the D800 I wonder which camera would be a better choice.

 

That answer varies from one person to the next.  If you are a one-camera person and that camera has to be as versitle as possible, clearly there are better choices than the Df since it costs so much.  



#49
Nesster

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That answer varies from one person to the next.  If you are a one-camera person and that camera has to be as versitle as possible, clearly there are better choices than the Df since it costs so much.  

 

Funny enough, I would come to the opposite conclusion. But then video has no interest for me, but vintage lenses do.



#50
Guy

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Funny enough, I would come to the opposite conclusion. But then video has no interest for me, but vintage lenses do.

 

But Nester, you are not a one-camera person and likes vintage gear!  ;)   I was trying to be more general for the check list types that need the most features for their money.



#51
dubiousone

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I had an opportunity to handle one; street price at that shop was $2,699. I liked the big, bright viewfinder, wasn't crazy about the display but I could get used to it, liked the retro shutter button, liked the rear LCD and controls and it didn't feel that clunky. It focused VERY fast and was quiet.

 

I didn't like the top LCD...I mean, why bother? I'm not sure I like the hotshoe, but...

 

I found the dials, though there was some obvious thought into them, I found the overall look to be...busy. Just a bit too much.

 

I like the fact that it will work (better) with the older lenses, at least Nikon listened to that.

 

This same day I also got my hot little hands on a Pentax K5IIs; just like its 'little brother' the K100DS which was sitting in my camera bag with my D50 and the Mamiya-of-the-day the moment I picked THAT up I fell in lust...

 

Needless to say I bought neither, even at $2,699 that's way too much camera for something I wasn't thrilled with in the first place. That I didn't buy the K-5IIs was simpler; I'd rather have a D7100. (but I'm trying to talk myself out of it)



#52
K-9

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For me, streamlined and chunky grip DSLRs are vintage to me. I've used brick shaped cameras before, like Ricoh and the K1000, but have always preferred modern DSLR ergonomics since first using them in the 1990s. You'd probably have to be 45 or older to truly remember using only "brick" shaped retro cameras. I just don't see this camera appealing to the younger buyers who are used to chunky grips. They began phasing out this style camera (other than Leicas) for a reason. The modern designs are easier to hold and more preferred.

I think after the small market this camera will appeal to all get their fill, you will see a substantial price drop. The only way it sustains its price is if quantities remain limited.

#53
dubiousone

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If you want chunky, try a Mamiya SLR! A 1000DTL was my first and of course now...I have four purely for nostalgia....riiiggghhhttt! LOL







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