I am a longstanding fan of the Leica Q series of cameras. I owned the original, Q2, and Q2 Monochrom. The 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens is fantastically sharp, the body is compact, and the overall ergonomics are exceptional. I was particularly intrigued when Leica released a 43mm Q3—enough to consider trading both Q2 models against the purchase price.
But the newer Q3 is perennially out of stock, being a fairly recent release, and it’s quite expensive. I instead sold both cameras locally and used the funds to buy the Nikon Zf and 40mm lens kit and two additional lenses: NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (for focal length, low-light capability, macro shooting, and portraits) and NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR.
The NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) was close enough focal length to 43mm, and I moved back to an interchangeable lens system, which greatly increases focal length options. I also wasn’t sure about the change, after regarding the world at 28mm for nearly 10 years.
Where did I learn to read? For reasons incompressible, I misunderstood the 40mm lens to be f/4, which is why I opted for the 50mm f/1.8. Otherwise, I would have purchased either an 85mm prime or 135mm prime.
Why Nikon, by the way? Firstly, the D70 was my second-owned digital SLR, and I loved it. That 5-megapixel sensor shooter produced super sharp photos, even with cheaper lenses—and the color closely matched what my eyes saw. I hoped for something similar an experience.
Secondly, the Zf’s design and ergonomics appealed to me—except for the center-placed viewfinder. I prefer the rangefinder-style left placement, which better suits my dominant eye. So far, I find that the Nikon handles well. Balance in the hand is comfortable. Controls are well laid out, although no aperture ring around the lens nor easily set Auto ISO are irksome.
Thirdly, price and value were irresistible. I purchased the Zf and three lenses for less than someone paid to buy my Q2 Monochrom. Stacking up the total list of benefits, I expected similar or superior overall user experience to either of the Q2 models (the latter is it).
Fourthly, I am convinced, rightly or wrongly, that 24 megapixels is the sweet spot with respect to image quality and file size. More MP isn’t necessarily better, and larger means more disk space consumed when shooting RAW.
Finally, and perhaps oddly, the Zf comes with a well-placed switch that lets the photographer easily and quickly toggle between color and black-and-white shooting.
Someday in the future, I will formally review Nikon Zf. But many days of usage must come first.
The Featured Image is a simple shot of a Black-Eyed Susan. The bokeh is a bit heavy, but that’s deliberate. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/2. ISO 100, 1/2000 sec, 40mm; 2:31 p.m. PST, Jan. 14, 2025;