If it's as good as the Zf, that's good enough for most people. What Nikon is missing is compact prime lenses. I would love a Zs with a vintage feeling (not just looking) 35mm prime lens.
Haha yep I talk a big game but if it was just a rehoused Zf in a rangefinder box I would preorder on day one! Lenses are a mixed bag, Nikon don’t seem to want aperture rings on any of their lenses? Keen to try out the new 35mm f1.4 but that is quite big too
I'd love to see a modern version of the Zs, but personally I would sacrifice a few things: no IBIS, no video, no fully articulated LCD. I know this may sound extreme, but personally, I think that for a good rangefinder experience, bulkiness and size need to stay contained, or else, it's another hefty camera that only "hints" at being something different disguised under the usual outfit. I also realize this would be a camera for too strict of a niche. But then again, with compromise trying to please everyone, it's difficult to reach uniqueness. Just my 2 c.
I'd take a fixed 40f2.8 if they really want to keep the size down. If it were upto me I'd be happy with a nice 24mp sensor, IBIS, and a flip up (not out) screen for family holiday selfies. From a versatility perspective though, maybe plmarket it with their 26 pancake and a 40mp sensor to let us crop with not much loss if we want a different focal range. I'd probably just be happy if it had IBIS actually. 😂
You’ve articulated why most manufacturers aren’t in this segment - to keep the body small and light compromises have to be made on the feature set, and it becomes too niche to sell well? IBIS mechanisms are pretty small these days though, and anything with an EVF can do some video. Let’s see what they come up with
ZS would be an almost instant buy for me! While I would accept a good EVF, the dream for me would be the same thing I'm hoping for in an X-Pro4, which is an OVF with enhanced manual focus confirmation. Imagine an OVF that not only had the basic green box for focus confirmation, but eye tracking like the ZF? Heaven.
I would love an OVF only camera with digital overlays…! Haha that sounds too good to be true. We might be too small of a market for that type of camera to sell like hotcakes, we can only dream!!
I look forward to every episode. It isn't just the photography topics - which are great. It is also the reflections on life and the introspection that really make one think. It is comforting to know that we all face these issues together.
I’d agree with your stated need for a decent EVF. As currently now just a Nikon user, I recently bought a Z30 hoping it’d work as my smallish EDC option. But i found that even when the LCD was set to maximum brightness it was just to hard to compose on it in daylight. An even more compact ZF with rangefinder layout? Yes please! But i suspect we may get a Fuji XPro4 before we get a rangefinder from Nikon.
The Z30 looks very sleek - add an offset viewfinder and some extra dials and we are almost there! Haha not sure I will be able to resist the pull of the XPro4 is it’s announced before then
Dude, you should be blowing up on RU-vid. I have found the same thing- finding time and inspiration for writing at random times. I use AirPods and voice record to get it all down. Funny how nowadays people just think you are on a call, not insane talking to yourself. Just cuz you have a little thing in your ear.😂 Another great video Jack!🤙
Voice memos! Thanks for the tip, will need to try that out. People don’t look at me weird vlogging on the street, must be the same phenomenon haha. Don’t need to blowup on RU-vid, just need to build a great community! Thanks for watching, more next week
This is my first of your videos that I've seen and I love what you've made here, combining an examination of the history of Nikon and ideas for the future.
Love your ZS (or Zr) rangefinder concept and wish Nikon had come out with it instead of the "humpy" Zf. My last film camera was a Leica M6, for which I purchased a number of Leica M lenses that I'm now using, via an adapter, on a Fujifilm XPro3. I love that camera's truly retro features, including the simple flip down panel to reveal the LED screen. I hate fully articulating "narcissism" screens that stick out awkwardly, preventing easy low or waist level shooting. However, I'm not really pleased with its APS-C sensor, its 0.5x EVF and compromised optical viewfinder. I had been waiting expectantly for an XPro4, but no longer, and I really doubt Nikon will produce such a niche item as a "ZS", especially when Zf sales are doing so well. So I'll probably end up purchasing the Nikon Zf along with a Techart autofocusing adapter to use with my compact Leica (and Voigtlander) lenses, bypassing altogether the bulky Nikon lenses that lack a manual aperture ring. I've seen demonstrations of that adapter on a Nikon Z8 camera, and its auto focusing performance is outstanding.
Nikon is lagging in market share for the moment so seems to be willing to actually give customers what we want! Fingers crossed the rangefinder form factor is on someone's fullframe roadmap. I've heard good things about the Techart adapter, I love the manual focus experience on the Zf even without AF though. Thanks for watching, let me know what you decide on in the end!
Nikon needs to listen to photographers like you. What is it we want and not give us what they think we want. Another great video Jack. Let's hope Nikon listens to photographers like us and comes out with a version of the rang finder style camera. Only thing I don't like about Nikon fast glass is it's HUGE and heavy. Reminds me of Sigma glass. They do need smaller lenses for the ZF.
Yep... you're right Jack... you will look back and know that little precious hand in yours ... now is the best moment. My 3 girls are all grown up now, and I will forever miss those little feet running down the hall to greet me!
As much as I would love to see something like this, I think Nikon had effectively moved past rangefinders by 1960. What they ultimately became famous for-what they are best known for-are their outstanding SLRs. If there is to be another retro body, I would expect it to be something higher end, perhaps styled more in keeping with Giugiaro's legendary F3 design.
@@BokehTherapy It *would* sell, especially if they could capture the aesthetic essence of the 'S' series rangefinders. Hopefully Nikon is doing some market research as we write this. ;)
I sometimes feel like your parallel narratives don't always work, but I enjoy it none the less. Thanks for a little bit of a different kind of spice on RU-vid! Keep at it, I think you have something special here that you're going to eventually refine into something great.
Hey Jack, good video. I like your style parenting comes first writing or other stuff later. As you get older and you have that closeness with your children, you can take them out shooting with you with your new Nikon ZS or whatever they come up with. I have the Zfc and love it, it’s like shooting with my old FE which it looks more like than the F3.. But without the bulky MD12 motor drive. It would be nice if Nikon came up with a camera or adapter that you could use your old AFD lenses, but that probably won’t happen. Anyways, keep up the good work and keep shooting, regards Gerry.
I'm half way there. I got out of Fujifilm, because of the AF from last decade, and the lack of compact bodies compared to fullframe. Plus, they refuse to update the 18f2.😂
@@-grey I got out of Fujifilm in shooting professional. I switched to Sony. Never looked back. I was once a Fuji fanboy, but not having a reliable brand that can’t get the job done was the deal breaker to continue with them. I still have my XT3 with my 23 f2 and 33. But it’s been catching dust though.
Sony has put out so many cameras and lenses recently it’s hard to keep up! Second half of this year should see another slew of releases I’m sure. Fuji can ride the X100VI wave for a few more years I’m sure but it’s hard to justify at the current prices
@@BokehTherapy Sony aren’t the most exciting cameras, but they are just technically incredible and the image quality is fantastic. I’ve been very happy with them. Sure I’d love it if they had better colors or retro style cameras, but the performance is amazing. If I want to go retro, I’ll just stick with my film cameras. Oh and don’t get me started with Fuji’s constant manufacturing issues. If I can’t get a hold of their camera for more than a month, the hype and excitement is killed and I’m going to move on.
Which is why the Z6III is so interesting - first time a Sony lineup has been out specced at the price point in as long as I can remember. Exciting times ahead for both brands
Great video. I had not heard the story of the Nikon S3 production and found it very interesting. I have inherited a few NikonSP cameras and can certainly understand the draw to a rangefinder for street work. It would certainly be something if Nikon wanted to fill the void that Fuji left when they dropped their rangefinder style cameras. There seems to be a need for a good digital rangefinder camera that is withing the price range that mere mortals can afford. Keep up the good work...
A few Nikon SPs, more than one! Hope you have the time to shoot with them, sounds amazing. Leica shouldn’t have the monopoly on rangefinders, the PixII looks promising but still too expensive. Thanks for watching!
3 месяца назад
My X100V viewfinder curtain getting stuck is what got me out of this system and go the Nikon way. So relatable 😅 Great video! Also, Sigma I-Series would be perfect for such system.
what they have to make is a x100 style fixed lens camera. coolpix a with a vf or 35ti digital. added bonus would be weather seal, anti-dust even its lens gets bigger.
Love the video Jack! recently discovered your channel and I am hooked on your story telling. I did have a question regarding the A7CR's electronic/front Curtin shutter, what about it is the drawback, I was looking at getting this camera, but now I not so convinced. Any feedback on this would be much appreciated.
Thanks so much and welcome to the channel! A7CR is great, a small piece of tape over the speaker (two little gaps on the top) dampens the sound a lot. You can cover it with your fingers and take some sample shots at a camera store to see how loud it sounds to you? All good for everyday photography, just not too discrete on a quiet street
I think if the Zs has a hybrid viewfinder (and costs more as result) I'd stick to my Zf -- I learned with my X-Pro2 that I don't really use the OVF as much to justify it. I also have a Nikon S3 (not the 2000 edition, original from the 50s) and admittedly I don't use it as often as I should. Maybe I should dedicate time to get better acclimated with shooting a rangefinder... You've hit the nail on the head with the Z mount lenses being too big -- it's insane that old F mount primes were half the size.
I love the OVF but the hybrid version breaks often enough to make me hesitate. After researching for this video I did take a little too long looking for S3 bodies online… haha glad you have one, happy shooting!
Another great video! And thanks for bringing up a great topic. Me though personally, I'd like it to be a fixed lens ultra compact rangefinder if it can be more pocketable. I can't agree with you more on a more stills oriented body. I'd like the B&W switch to make a return. I honestly don't care if it's APS C as long as it's smaller and lighter. I don't care for film simulations, I think Nikon shouldn't follow Fuji way. Fuji is so focused on user experience which is nice, but I love Nikon for getting results not experience. For example, I like how Nikon incorporated Auto ISO with the ISO Dial on the Z f, how it still maintains that PASM button for quicker change. Fuji users condemn the Z f for not being old school enough. They hate on it not having those film simulations but as a Nikon user I don't care about filters, what I like are those High efficiency raws with a ton of data. So please Nikon, make something like an X100 but do it the Nikon way.
I’m coming around on the APS-C idea, as long as they have a full frame version in development too. It would give hope that it’s real at least. Thanks as always for watching!
@BokehTherapy with my new love of the 40mm focal length a Pixii with the Voigtlander 28mm 1.5 seems like the perfect slow yourself down set up. There is a new version of the Pixii due out any day now. They update, it seems, yearly and you can send your camera back to them and they will upgrade your camera for a fee.
Nikon is trying to win more market share so maybe they’d be willing to try? I know at least a few thousand photographers who would preorder a ZS on day one haha. Thanks for watching!
Yes, a rangefinder style camera would be a good thing and your spec is pretty right. It would be nice to reduce the size and weight from the Zf a bit, which you’d expect would happen naturally with the different design. To complete the concept, some retro style lenses with clickable aperture rings would be nice from Nikon, but if not, maybe Viltrox will fill that void.
@@BokehTherapy Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that Nikon have allowed Sigma to make native Z mount versions of their lenses. It would be excellent if they did as they have some nice options I’d happily consider, but not holding my breath.
There’s some APS-C Sigma offerings which gives me a bit of hope. Think the Z system is still new to a lot of customers so third party might have to wait.
Nikon could do a fixed lens premium compact camera, like the Fujifilm X100 series. The retro styling would fit better in a fixed lens camera, because the Z- mount is physically large. Just don’t call it a Coolpix.
IMO Nikon, Canon and even Fuji are missing a big opportunity on making a proper rangefinder competitor for the Leica M cameras. Fuji's X100 and Xpro are fun but they're not real rangefinders, Leica is pretty much alone in the game (I know there's Pixii but it's not quite the same and it's aps-c) and people are willing to pay big price tags for M bodies. Other brands can perfectly make a fairly high priced rangefinder and would still sell fine because only alternative is a $9k Leica
@@BokehTherapy all three of them made rangefinders in the past, it shouldn't be too difficult to achieve. And let's not forget that some decades ago there were only rangefinders, everyone made rangefinders back then before the popularization of SLRs in the early 50s, not the other way around. Plus the rangefinder mechanism is relatively easy to make, parallax is very neat and elegant! But they probably don't see any financial benefits
@@BokehTherapy when Nikon release Nikon S, it was actually so good that I could head up toe to toe with Leica. It's a shame that Nikon choose to give 100% of their rnd resources to the SLR line up. Not that it's a bad decision, since it makes Nikon no 1 player in the film slr industry. But if Nikon choose to keep designing and improving the S line up, Leica won't have the monopoly they enjoy right now and the pricing would be more competitive.
An interesting fork in the road moment in photographic history. Nikon needs to win more market share right now so hopefully some aggressive bold moves coming up next
An Apsc would not be that bad. The problem with full frame compact cameras are that there is always a sacrifice. Like short range slower aperture very aperture or carrying multiple lenses which defeats the purpose of being small in the first place while in aps-c lenses are much smaller and lighter. With some support from third party lens manufacturer such as Sigma viltrox ttartisen etc a camera that is small, small light and has a has a new sensor. Maybe with a semi stacked sensor apsc sensor good build like zf and better autofocus than the fujis this could be a fuji alternative everyone would like
Yes but Z mount is huge for rangefinder size body. And they dont have rangefinder lenses. Its more than just aperture ring. Real rangefinder needs a cam on lens.
Yup it will all just be rangefinder “style”. Nothing beats the Leica in that respect, but not many other companies are even trying? Hope the market becomes more competitive
Or adapted from M mount? If nikon makes new lenses for this body they will make more money, hopefully that incentivises them to keep making rangefinders.
@@BokehTherapy Yep. I have one Nokton and two ultrons adapted to Z mount. They are better than I deserve, wish they had electrical contacts. To poor to get the Voights in native Z mount.
I have been asking Nikon for a Zs for awhile. With a big bright EVF and the Z mount. A line of small Primes styled to fit the looks. I am thinking looks design wise something like the Leica Q3 except with the Z mount. No selfie flippy screen. But who am I Nikon doesn't listen to me. :)
@@BokehTherapy I have the Olympus Pen f. It is a beautiful little Range finder styled camera. And was very popular in the MFT world. I think Nikon could do this with FF sensor.
@@BokehTherapy Love it just two things I want better with it. Bigger brighter EVF and much better AF. The 20mp MFT sensor is good until the light goes low.
Yeah it’s slower to change aperture on a command dial isn’t it? The aperture ring is just an electronic readout though on modern lenses, one more mechanical part that might fail (happened on a lot of my Fuji lenses)
I wouldn't mind a zs, but I would rather they remake the classic pre ai, ai or ais lenses in z mount. Don't really care for the AF using the zf. Just make the lenses just like the old ones, metal with all the attention to the details.
Everyone is waiting for a vintage line of lenses - Nikon needs to win market share so they’re the least predictable brand right now. They might do anything to see what sticks, they might even listen to their customers!
@BokehTherapy They could easily make the zfc, zf, and even a zs their own line, a vintage line, imagine that line up of z mount lenses. Could even redo the LTM classics. Seems like a golden opportunity.
Haha yeah Sony doesn’t really know the style that we love hey? Just not quite right. Hoping they see the hype of these cameras and get to work on their design
I’m enjoying the points you are making about this potential camera. but in your videos sometimes you go on these weird tangents and sometimes it feels like it’s all set up around an advertisement for a product you got from a lens manufacturer. The video is a lot longer than it needs to be. i stopped at the viltrox ad.
@@BokehTherapy I hear ya. There’s a lot of potential in your videos because you hit home on some really interesting subjects. I would say maybe do the Reviews as a separate video. But sometimes I get confused when you talk about writing and putting your kids to bed and I’m like what does this have to do with this camera? Did I miss something? 😂 Your subject matter is what keeps me coming back though. I’m like, why is no one else discussing these topics? Keep it coming!
Haha yes I do put a lot about my own life into these videos - I try to connect it to the theme of the video but doesn’t always work. Individual lens review videos just don’t get seen, no point in making them unless I can connect it to an overall story. Thanks for your patience, I am still working out the best format!
