Category: Nikon

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 16, 20254:17 pm

Why Nikon Zf?

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.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 15, 20258:59 pm

Where are the Partridges?

A few weeks ago, when walking to Smart & Final for groceries, I observed a woman across the street decorating a utility box. She painted something, but I couldn’t see what. Now I know, and so do you. The motif somewhat reminds me of the Patridge Family bus. And you?

I used Nikon Zf and NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens to capture the Featured Image on Jan. 13, 2025. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/2, ISO 100, 1/6400 sec, 40mm; 1:21 p.m. PDT.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 12, 20259:36 pm

Sunday Cyclists

While walking up Adams Avenue in my neighborhood of University Heights, today, I chatted with one of my sisters over the phone. Suddenly I heard, then saw, a massive pack of bicyclists speed past, turning onto Park Blvd. By the amount of time taken to go by, they numbered in the hundreds.

Caught off guard and fumbling, because of the phone call, I lost precious seconds deciding to pull round Nikon Zf and attached NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens. The Featured Image and companion were captured, quickly, suddenly, with little preparation. Both are composed as captured. Had I more time and not otherwise been distracted, I would have slowed down the shutter speed for blurred motion shot.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 9, 202511:51 pm

Meet Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra

This afternoon, I dropped off Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra at FedEx for its trade-in return. Samsung offered a deal I couldn’t resist—and I nearly did let it pass. During the days leading up to Christmas, I twice ordered—and cancelled—the flagship tablet, finally committing on Dec. 27, 2024. The thing arrived on Jan. 3, 2025.

I waffled because the S10 Ultra is an iterative upgrade that also abandons Qualcomm chips for MediaTek’s—and I was apprehensive about the switch. But Samsung maintained a relentlessly persistent promotion: trade-in that was $200 more than what I paid for the S9 Ulta (after another trade-in) for total $1,000 discount that brought the purchase price down to a few hundred dollars—for a top-tier tablet that few others can match, including those from Apple.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 6, 202510:04 pm

Put Down That Device; Read a Book

I see Little Free Library boxes all over my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. The Mrs. and me passed the one in the Featured Image along Arizona somewhere between Adams and Monroe. That location could be Normal Heights or North Park, depending on who you ask.

The painted motif on the side is what piqued my interest. I used my newly acquired Nikon Zf and NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens to capture the moment. Vitals: f/6.3, ISO 100, 1/160 sec, 40mm; 1:53 p.m. PST.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 1, 20257:50 pm

Happy New Year!

What is the meaning of the Featured Image? Simply stated: 2025 is a gift, and it’s a gift we should share with other people. Opportunity abounds, if we let it. The first, and very vital, step: Embarking from day one with a positive attitude.

We can make this year one of the most remarkable in human history, and honestly—given some of the chaos around the globe—we don’t have much other choice.

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 25, 20249:58 pm

Merry Christmas!

Another Christmas Day is nearly over, but every day should be a celebration of giving. Live for the sake others—give and forget. That’s the spirit of the season, which is instead awash with wanton materialism, rather than celebrating Jesus—or the birth of any child, for that matter.

Around San Diego neighborhood University Heights, the atmosphere was spiritless today. During a morning walk, my wife and I passed numerous residents—many of them walking dogs. I greeted everyone with “Good Morning” and “Merry Christmas”. No one, and I mean no one, returned the greeting or acknowledged our presence. I know that we are old now, but so were some of the non-responders.

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 24, 20249:35 pm

Plaza Bonita’s Christmas Eve Surprise

Heavy morning fog giving way to drab drizzle defined Christmas Eve. My wife and I broke with our normal neighborhood walking protocol and headed off to one of San Diego’s few enclosed malls: Westfield Plaza Bonita. I wanted someplace for warming walking, and we hadn’t gone retail shopping anywhere really this season.

The shoppers were characteristically different from the locals where we live (University Heights). According to U.S. Census data, National City residents are about 66 percent Hispanic, 19.7 percent Asian, 8 percent White, and 4 percent Black. Around ultra-white UH, Hillcrest, and North Park, the population is older and more likely single or childless couples (straight and not). By contrast, Plaza Bonita bustled with families and teenagers. I swear that the average of people dropped 10 or 15 years. I love it! Hello, National City!

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 22, 20249:45 pm

We Found a Rat Rod

This morning, my wife and I walked through Lafayette Hotel, here in University Heights, to see if it was as bustling busy as last Sunday when we looked in to see the holiday decorations. The place was livelier seven days ago.

I had wanted to stroll in with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to capture video of the zillion Christmas trees (some hanging from the ceiling) and raucous crowd (some of whom were hanging from the ceiling—or might as well been). Perhaps Christmas Eve, or better, New Years Eve will bring the right ambiance.

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 21, 202410:00 pm

Nikon Zf First Shots

The new camera proves to be a bit of a bear to handle, simply because the ergonomics surprisingly differ from Leica Q2 and Q2 Monchrom. I expected more obvious manipulation using tactile controls, and I still can’t fathom why the NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens has no obvious aperture ring.

I wouldn’t return the camera for these reasons, though. I will adapt, adopt new habits, and make the best of the Nikon Zf‘s many benefits (and idiosyncrasies). The retro-looker packs plenty of potential.

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 19, 20249:47 pm

Meet Nikon Zf

UPS delivered the Nikon Zf camera kit, with bundled f/4 40mm lens, and separately two others, on December 16, 2024. But, being busy bustling about other responsibilities, I didn’t break out the camera until last night. I want to share some quick first impressions.

The Zf is hefty in the hand, and the small hand grip makes for questionable balance—and I won’t assess that characteristic until spending more time with the thing in the field (I was supposed to also receive, for free, the Zf-GR1 Extension Grip, but it’s backordered). For that reason, I initially mounted the smallish kit lens—Zf 40mm (SE).

Photo by Joe WilcoxDec 12, 20247:19 pm

I Love Leica But…

Yesterday, someone bought my Leica Q2, which I acquired on Dec. 31, 2019. But my Leica journey started in May 2017 with the original Q, which I initially regretted selling. I preferred the smaller sensor (24 megapixels vs 47.3 for the successor), the look of the images produced, and the ability to switch from single to continuous shooting by flicking a switch set around the shutter button. Besides, the Q was my first Leica love—a feeling that didn’t carry forward as I had expected.

Day before yesterday, a doctor and sculptor bought Q2 Monochrom, which I acquired in December 2020. Turns out I don’t have an eye for black-and-white photography. I got good value from the camera but nowhere near what was hoped. Surely the new owners will do better.