Let me preface this article by saying that, in many ways, the newly announced Nikon Zf has far exceeded my expectations. Truth be told, I was expecting nothing more than a full-frame Nikon Zfc. In a slightly bigger size and with a bit less plastic in the body. When I saw the inclusion of the Expeed 7 processor, the focus point-based VR system, and the 8-stop VR abilities, I was pleased as punch. But just as some rumor sites had reported a few weeks ago, the rear of the Nikon Zf was missing a key component I had become accustomed to – the sub-selector, more commonly known as the focus point joystick. Is this going to be a deal breaker for some photographers?
The Rumors came True
Rumor sites often provide a good indication of what to expect from a brand in the near future. I usually take specs information these sites provide with a pinch of salt. However when leaked images turn up there, which aren’t super low in resolution, then you know it’s more likely to be the real deal. When the first set of leaked images was published last month on NikonRumors, editor-in-chief Chris Gampat and I noticed a couple of glaring omissions at the rear of the Nikon Zf. As a back button focus practitioner, I immediately saw that there wasn’t an AF-ON button. Chris pointed out that there was no focus point joystick to be seen. The two of us were kind of bummed that Nikon would leave these features out in a pro-level camera.
The back of the Nikon Zf looks almost identical to that of its APS-C sensor sibling, the Nikon Zfc. As beautiful as the latter is, you could argue it’s aimed more at amateurs. More at people taking their first steps in photography. The Zf is clearly aimed not just at the retro enthusiast but more at professional photographers like myself. Many of the newly announced specifications certainly have us feeling this way. If Nikon was aiming merely to recreate the rear layout of the Zfc in the Nikon Zf, they’ve nailed that. But I hope that it’s not going to be an ergonomically bad experience for users of the Z6/II and Z7/II series of cameras who want to also use this camera for their photography.
The Joystick Alternative
This one is going to take a lot of getting used to. Especially for those who’d be using other Nikon Z cameras alongside the Nikon Zf. One of the newer features announced with this camera, is the Touchscreen control enabling while you’re looking through the EVF. And Nikon wants you to use this new feature as a replacement for the joystick:
“While shooting through the viewfinder, you can simultaneously use the Z f’s touchscreen to move focus points, select a different subject to track, toggle between display modes and more—all without ever taking your eyes off the scene.”
Nikon USA
It’s early days, but I’m still confused how this would work. Will I, while looking through the EVF, be able to place my thumb anywhere on the LCD and slide the focus point relatively across the frame, thereby creating a virtual touch joystick? Or will this be an absolute touch point system. Meaning I’ll sometimes have to navigate my thumb around my nose if I need to move the focus point. Judging from the description on the Nikon Zf site, I feel it’s the former. The latter sounds definitely like an ergonomical nightmare.
If the Multi Selector controls (seen above) could be used as well, that might be something I’d prefer. I’m very touchy about not touching my LCD with my naturally oily fingers. Using the multi selector seems like a good option to avoid smuding the screen. Of course I say this now, but when I get my hands on a Nikon Zf I may just embrace the touchscreen virtual joystick feature and keep an extra microfiber cleaning cloth in my pocket. But I’ll say this with conviction – it is probably going to be difficult to replace the tactile feel of using a joystick for moving AF points.
My Thumb Will Get A Good Workout
As a long term Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z6 II user, I know I’m going to have a real problem switching between these two cameras and the Nikon Zf in daily use. Being a pro sports photographer, I switched to back button focus back in 2008. Every single digital camera I’ve used since then for my photography work has had a dedicated AF-ON button. My thumb even instinctively reaches for this almost every time I grab my camera. The lack of an AF-ON button in the Nikon Zf is something I’m going to have to try and get used to.
I appreciate the fact that the Nikon Zf is not a run-and-gun kind of camera. I know I want to slow down my process while using it for photography. But I don’t think I’ll appreciate switching to half press the shutter button for activating focus. I’ll definitely miss a few shots each time I take the camera out during the first few months of owning it. My muscle memory is going to take a real beating
Use the AE-L AF-L Button Instead?
This is a compromise, but one that I’m happy is available as a last resort. On the Nikon Zfc cameras I’ve used, I remember being able to configure the AE-L AF-L button to perform the non-existent AF-ON button’s functions. Hopefully Nikon doesn’t take this facility away in the Nikon Zf. Still, it will take a fair bit of practice to make using it second nature, as the AE-L AF-L button isn’t located on the Nikon Zf where the AF-ON button would (should) be. It’s a bit more to the left. My thumb will be stretching more than usual to keep the autofocus working around the clock.
There’s one thing I’m happy isn’t making its way to the final design of the Nikon Zf. That’s the tacky plastic base plate that’s on the Zf. Now this we can all agree is something that’s best left out. Much like new car models, new camera models too come with a lot of adjusting to do. I just hope the lack of a joystick and AF-ON button doesn’t dampen the wonderfully nostalgic experience I’m hoping to get out of this camera soon.