Nikon Retro F-Mount Camera (FM2 Style)

Photobug

Isn't this sad but true:
My paranoia aside, you're undoubtedly correct: a swath of the DF's target audience knows full well about the D600, and will be quietly shuffling to the back of the line.

TaoTeJared

It's interesting to see that the M9 included live view and video and the DF is taking video out. It seems to be more work to remove video than to leave it in honestly.

Just a corrective note - the M9 did not have video. The M-E (which added a CMOS rather than a CCD sensor) which has 18mp as well, does have video.

I'm amazed how so many think everything is just a firmware coding exclusion and companies are just a bunch of deviant pricks looking to remove things just in spite. If something large like video can be in there, they will include it. If it is not, then there is a good reason for it. Something like bracketing, sure that is a firmware, but that is also just a "control" feature. Video is a design goal and physical aspect just as much as firmware. People had to put their jobs on the line to convince executives that even basic video was not possible.

I would wait to see what the sensor is first. Sensors have separate designs for Photo only, Video only, Photo & video - all of which are designed to deal with the heat (or lack there of) generated from video or from continually being powered. Leica did tons of tests and had articles on this (mostly from Kodak research) about how adding video actually compromised what could be achieved from just focusing on still capture. Unfortunately with the chaos of Kodak, I doubt the research was continued. I'm sure that part of Leica's move to CMOS (which added the ability of video due to design) was part of dealing with heat issues generated by CCDs. If it was just firmware, they would include it.

Golf007sd

The final video before the announcement on Nov 5th.



Question: What are the odds that all the videos we have been looking at were shot by this camera? Would it be a welcome sign for those that find this form factor appealing to them?

PB_PM

Does it really matter if it was shot with the camera? There is nothing esthetically special about the video in these teaser trailers.

JakesGT

More than likely they shot it with the D800 again

adamz

I like the mood on the videos ... as for video build in Df, let's firstly see if there's hdmi out, if yes than both EVF and video recording is an option - no matter if I like it or not. as for the top lcd to set aperture ... well you have viewfinder for that, and as much as I will love to have that information on top - maybe in the leica s2 style I don't mind having it inside the viewfinder.

NSXTypeR

The final video before the announcement on Nov 5th.

Question: What are the odds that all the videos we have been looking at were shot by this camera? Would it be a welcome sign for those that find this form factor appealing to them?

I'm not sure how the form factor would help with shooting video with this camera- isn't it a bit unstable with no grip, assuming it's exactly like the FM2?

I wonder if there will be a 2 part optional vertical grip, like the Olympus OM-D EM-5.

Golf007sd

I wonder if there will be a 2 part optional vertical grip, like the Olympus OM-D EM-5.

If Nikon does not offer one, I'm sure RRS will like make one...much like they do for the M9, Fuji or the Olympus.

moreorless

I wonder if there will be a 2 part optional vertical grip, like the Olympus OM-D EM-5. - See more at: http://forum.nikonrumors.com/discussion/1742/nikon-retro-f-mount-camera-fm2-style#Item_284

It certainly seems possible, while the camera does already have a grip unlike the A7 its a fairly straight one that lacks any controls on it.

I'm glad they've gone with a limated top plate LCD, obviously no need for it to display things like exposure comp or ISO if there are dials for them but showing aperture will mean you can view settings from above with modern lenses and shutter speed is still worth having for A mode.

Postman

This and the old 50mm f1.2 AI-S could be fun together.

Gareth

Anyone else kind of meh about this now?

I was excited for a bit, then I realised it doesn't really do anything my D700 can't, now I'm kind of meh.

spraynpray

I am 'meh' as far as the DF doesn't apply to me because I don't have the money to throw at something unnecessary. However, there are plenty that do and they think it is cool. I say cool because that is the only reason to buy it as far as I can see.

proudgeek

Functionality aside, based on the images on the main blog today I'd say this is a work of art, at least from an aesthetics standpoint. For those who find it appealing (probably not a wide swath of photographers), I can imagine this being a much sought-after item.

donaldejose

I agree with spraynpray. I too don't see the NEED for such a camera but I do think it would be fun to play with one on occasion. Using it would remind me of my younger days. I now use my D800 as my primary camera and my D600 as my secondary camera but I don't like switching back and forth between the pro and the prosumer interfaces thus I want a D400 for my second body (if Nikon made a D800 type pro body with the D4 sensor that would work for me also- I do want fewer mp in my second body). I want the same interface on both bodies so I can automatically make the same movements to get the same adjustments without stopping to remember which body I am using. I can convince myself that a second body with the same user interface is a NEED. Using a Df as a second body would just complicate the transition between two bodies even more because its user interface is even more different than using a D600. For example, even the shutter button will fall in a different place and the grip is going to be different so it will not feel the same in your right hand while most current Nikon bodies do have at least the same (or very similar) grip to shutter release ergonomics. If "pure photography" means not letting anything get in the way between the image you see in your mind and image you capture than you want the user interface to operate automatically in your mind and you don't want to be have to interrupt the intent to the capture moment to be interrupted by having to think about which of two very different user interfaces you are using at this moment.

As an interesting aside, my wife is often asking me for photos she wants to post on facebook or other internet sites. I am tired of taking them with a D800 or D600 and downsizing them for her. Those bodies are "overkill" for the intended use. So I keep a D5100 set to basic jpeg and small size with a 18-70 mm zoom quickly available for such use (even an old D3100 would work fine but I gave mine away).

So for me I see three camera needs. 1. Primary, for work which can be greatly enlarged. The D800 is perfect. 2. Secondary, to replace the primary when need on occasion. The D600 works but a body with the pro user interface would be better and the D300s is just too outdated. 3. Snapshot body for quickly taking a requested photo and being able to give my wife the SD card so she can go post what she wants. Those are my NEEDS. Anything else is a desire.

Symphotic

While looking at the photos I was thinking "I already know how to use this camera."
Let's see about the price, availability, and sensor, but I'm being nudged into giving it a "buy" rating.

Andrewz

O.K. it's interesting. As a guy who shot an FM2 for the better part of 20 years I like the looks of the Df but I'm not sure who's going to buy it. I really would like to see a range finder style retro camera, a smaller carry ever where camera. But who knows, I'd like to see the full specs, a review or two and hold it in my hands. Maybe it will replace my D300?

adamz

as we have now know how the new body will look like, what are your comments. do you like the new cam or nor? I love it. will I buy it? it all depends on the size, sensor and price once again )




for comparison, top cover of FM3a

adamz

what I like:
- top cover, will make my work much easier - no need to go through the menu to change basic settings or push and dial buttons
- viewfinder - looks like a standard D3s/D4/D800 size viewfinder, which is a winer for me
- front look
- top lcd
- easy to set up exposure compensation
what I don't like:
- once again buttons are moved... WHY NIKON, WHY??? WTF is the "i" button on the bottom left, why there's no OK button. why the metering is moved once again?
- new 50/1.8 lens - no aperture control
- screw in sync cover - I don't even remember how many of those I've lost in past
- hdmi out = video possibilities IMHO
- no viewfinder shade

adamz

app size based on the picture:
- width: 13cm (5.1")
- depth: 7cm (2.75")
- height: 10cm (3.94")

sevencrossing

Far too many fiddly controls. I will stick to my Pure D800. thank you

adamz

for comparison:
- Df: 13 x 7 x 10 cm (5.1 x 2.75 x 3.94")
- a7: 12.7 x 4.8 x 9.4 cm (5.00 x 1.89 x 3.70")
- d800: 14.6 x 8.2 x 12.3 cm (5.75 x 3.23 x 4.84")
- d600: 14.1 x 8.2 x 11.3 cm (5.55 x 3.23 x 4.45")
- fm3a: 14.2 × 5.8 × 9.0 cm (5.6 × 2.3 x 3.5")

CEBlueclouds

Looks beautiful and solid....the silver option works...love the top cover controls....would I buy it? ....hmmm....let's see full specs + price....do I need it??....doubt....my 800 presently serves adequately.... Would accept as a gift for Xmas

Elvishefer

it all depends on the size, sensor and price once again )

+1

Vipmediastar_JZ

@adamz i see an ok button there. The I for info? Maybe a quick setting or shortcut to histogram instead of playing the file.

So far I like it. I'm a fan of retro. I liked the olympus OMD and the fuji x series and now this one if it looks like the pics.
Would I buy it. Not at the moment unless I depart with the D800 and still have money left over for the 70-200 fund but I like my 36mp files so we shall see.

NSXTypeR

@adamz i see an ok button there. The I for info? Maybe a quick setting or shortcut to histogram instead of playing the file.

So far I like it. I'm a fan of retro. I liked the olympus OMD and the fuji x series and now this one if it looks like the pics.
Would I buy it. Not at the moment unless I depart with the D800 and still have money left over for the 70-200 fund but I like my 36mp files so we shall see.

I agree- it's a very pretty looking camera. It does not look cheap though- it most probably is more than a D610.

It also does nothing my D7000 can't do already as a DX camera, so I'll definitely say pass on it.

On a side note, it does looks like it still has a HDMI out. It might still have video.