We’ve updated our Nikon Zf review from its original format in which we first published it. It now includes some of the changes that have come to the camera via firmware updates — and it’s not the same camera that I remember it being. Most importantly, you should also know that I bought one. That means that it’s a fine enough camera that brings me so much joy.
Here’s the updated text from our Nikon Zf review, which you can read in full at this link. This information was also added to our article talking about how we turned the Nikon Zf into a street photography workhorse.
Ease of Use Update December 2024
Here’s a history of the Nikon Zf’s firmware updates according to Nikon’s website:
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.20 to 1.21
| • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused overexposure in the viewfinder and monitor shooting displays (live view) when the standby timer had expired then reactivated. |
Changes from Previous VersionsChanges from “C” Firmware Version 1.10 to 1.20
| • The color temperature for the first shot will now be applied to the rest of the series of photos taken in pixel shift photography when the white balance is set to [Auto] or [Natural light auto].• Changed the default values for the following settings displayed when connecting wirelessly:- Encryption keys- The password displayed after the camera’s default settings are restored• Fixed the following issues:- The camera would sometimes stop responding when [ON] is selected for [Photo flicker reduction] and bursts are taken in the [Continuous H (extended)] release mode.- The camera would sometimes stop responding if connected to an HDMI compatible device while the monitor was in the storage position.- Releasing the shutter with the monitor in the storage position sometimes would not darken the viewfinder if [Silent mode] was set [ON] and an NEF (RAW) or RAW + JPEG/HEIF option was selected for [Image quality].- “Noise” could sometimes be noticeable in the live view display during photography and video recording, as well as in the shadows of pictures taken and videos recorded when:▸ [Set Picture Control] was set to [Deep Tone Monochrome] or [Flat Monochrome]▸ A positive value or [A] (auto) was selected for [Contrast]▸ A negative value was selected for [Brightness]- The camera would sometimes stop responding after a time-lapse video was recorded.- The camera would sometimes stop responding when videos recorded under certain conditions were operated with actions such as rewinding or advancing during playback. |
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.00 to 1.10
| • Added slow-motion video recording.• Fixed an issue, which the viewfinder live view display may not show correctly under some conditions. |
Frankly, none of these have majorly affected the performance for anyone that wants to shoot photos. They’re all very minor. In fact, they’re so minor that I barely even noticed a change with the camera’s performance at all from when I first got it. Instead, those changes came to the way the Nikon Zf focuses.
Focusing Update December 2024
Something odd happened from the time between my first tests with the Nikon Zf to now. First off, you should know that I found the Nikon Zf so charming and appealing that I purchased one in the gray color. So my findings are being reported on using the camera that I bought.
Originally, I reported that the Zeiss Loxia lenses worked just fine with the Nikon Zf when using the Megadap ETZ21 Pro. Unfortunately, that’s not the case anymore. Loxia lenses have a big issue with Sony cameras where the aperture will randomly change for no good reason. That problem now happens with Nikon cameras when using the adapter too. The workaround is to slightly unscrew the lens so the contacts don’t totally meet. But I’d much rather have the aperture information transmitted through to the camera.