After the new Nikon Df and before the lab test of a series model, the opportunity arose to gain first realistic impressions of the retro DSLR by means of a pre-production model. This, however, only once with regard to the camera itself and its operation, but not yet for the picture quality. “No images” make and show, that was the Nikon condition for the transfer of the early camera. Since the Nikon Df comes with the 16-megapixel sensor of the Nikon D4 (test) and Expeed-3 processor, a similar picture quality is expected.
Specialist for old lenses
Unquestioned - the new Nikon Df is an eye-catcher, the classic silver-black variant even more than the all black. This was shown by the first photos, and even more so by her physical appearance. A massive log in the traditional SLR design is in front of you, in its size felt more like a Pentax 67 than a KB-SLR. After I have photographed for the time in the next ColorFoto issue 1/2014 just a while with the cute Micro-Four-Thirds system Panasonic Lumix GM1, the Nikon Df was a real culture shock. And Sony A7 and A7R have also recently proved that even a system camera with a full-size sensor does not have to be as big as it is. "
Picture gallery
With its extravagant appearance, the Nikon Df appeals to convictors, who also make a personal statement with the purchase. If the retro Nikon should be successful, then certainly not least as an image-forming, photographic ambitions demonstrating action with many more cash-paying buyers. Already at analogue times photographed dentists, study councils and lawyers gladly with a large Nikon before the belly.
Practical handling
A special feature of the Nikon Df that is suitable for the retro look is the possibility to use older Nikon F lenses from the pre-Ai era also with open-lens measurement such as Ai lenses. In order to avoid problems with the set-up, the small diaphragm slide lever on the bayonet ring, which could otherwise be damaged by the aperture ring of the non-Ai lenses, can be folded in at the Df
Also interesting is
When using Ai lenses, the drive lever is used on the bayonet of the aperture transmission for the open-beam measurement. It is moved by a small nose at the aperture ring to inform the Nikon Df so the aperture value selected at the lens. For aperture exposure with non-Ai lenses, the aperture value must be set at the front dial of the Nikon Df and then selected manually on the aperture ring of the lens. The focal length and light intensity of the old lenses must be specified manually in the camera menu. Then, in the exposure mode A (automatic aperture with aperture priority) or M (manual time and aperture selection), photographing with the aperture value is possible. To avoid re-entering aperture and focal length for each lens, the Df allows you to store the values of a maximum of nine Non-Ai lenses (see picture below). In total, you can use more than 400 Nikon lenses at the Df - with a different range of functions.
However, if owners of older MF-Nikon lenses because of this possibility in appreciable number to the Nikon Df will grab, still has to show. The most important question will be in any case, which of the old MF Nikkors can indeed visually exploit the potential of the full-format sensor. Really interesting is the option less for common allergen lenses than for older, expensive special lenses with high light intensity and / or extreme angles or micro-Nikkore. Anyway, it was already wise from Nikon to limit itself with the Df to the 16-megapixel resolution of the D4.
In terms of practical photography with the Nikon Df, the digital part with its menu settings and the offered variation and design possibilities up to Active-Lighting, HDR and specifications for distortion and vignetting correction correspond to what is known from current Nikon DSLR- Such as the D610, D800 and D4.
Nikon Df, however, does not look for motif programs in vain. Also the back of the Nikon Df looks like from Nikon DSLRs accustomed, and the AF with its 39 measuring fields is known from the D610. These points are not intended to be a topic here, but above all the features of the new Nikon Df.
Taking the Nikon Df into the hand, the first thing you notice is how surprisingly light it is. The powerful Df body weighs only 760 g. That has its reason. Even if Nikon has in its own words placed great emphasis on the touch quality of the Df, the camera does not seem to be all metal, which shines with the silver variant metallic. Parts of the case sound like plastic when tapping, and the beautiful setting rings do not convey the metal-like cold.
Thanks to the size and shape of the handgrip, the Nikon Df is well in the hand. Nikon's secret remains, however, why there is not the same, good grip-resistant rubber reinforcement for the front fingers on the handle as the right thumb. With the numerous drifters, buttons and levers on the top of the camera, not only "old hares" can be found quickly. The generation of modern touch screen acrobats also quickly gains the advantage of direct access to functions which they otherwise only know from the menu.
The overall operation is good. The whole wheels are self-explanatory and as good to use as they look. Only the narrow on / off switch ring around the trigger could be more gripping. The mechanical elements are easier to see than the Nikon menu structure in some places. The unusual option "1/3 STEP" on the time dial allows the setting over the entire time range to be finer than the time wheel itself. However, it took me a while before I found the entry into the "Dynamic AF-field-control" with the illuminated display of the active AF field in the viewfinder (press the button in the middle of the AF / MF switch and turn it on the front dial ).
The 100% viewfinder of the Nikon Df enjoys the great, relaxed view. For manual focusing, however, you would want a replaceable focusing lens with the good, old, central sectional viewfinder instead of just one LED light balance with two arrows and one point in the lower left corner of the viewfinder image. For the most precise manual focusing possible, we recommend using the live view mode with its large electronic search magnifier. The Nikon Df does not have a focus peak display in the form of bright, sharp edges, which would be a practical aid when photographing with MF lenses. The Nikon Df photographer also has to do without a video function and an integrated flash. Image stabilization is Nikon-typical only with appropriate current AF-VR lenses.
Remains the big question, for whom the Nikon Df - similar picture quality as the D4 times adopted - is the right camera. This is where the price question comes into play. Compared to the D4, which cost around 5,500 euros, one gets the 16-megapixel sensor (and probably synonymous with the associated picture quality) with the Nikon Df offered for nearly 3.000 Euro including 1.8 / 50mm lens relatively cheaply. However, you have to be ready to take some cuts in the equipment such as the AF system, the serial picture frequency or the video function. Compared to the full-format models Nikon D800 for 2,100 euros and Nikon D610 for around 1,700 euros (market prices), the Nikon Df is no longer a special offer. The more affordable full-format models are superior to the D4 sensor in image quality, especially resolution. In addition, the D800 and D610 are better suited to current multimedial requirements thanks to their HD video function.
The right camera for who?
Overview: All Nikon DSLRs in the test
Thus, the retro-DSLR Nikon Df proves to be less than a rational, but rather as a luxury product. It will be exciting to see how the Df will hit the market and how many photographers will be willing, whether for love of classic SLR feeling, simply from nostalgia or because of existing old lens babies, the Df Prize too
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