NIKON Df
RETRO CAMERA FROM NIKON
In 2013 NIKON released this beautiful digital camera in retro look. Equipped with the technology and the 16.2 MP sensor of the D4, this camera was meant for all those who miss the possibility to adjust the settings manually on the new digital cameras.
Apart from that I only have analogue NIKON cameras. I became aware of this camera through a YouTuber, which I have subscribed to: Mattias Burling from Sweden.
He is an absolute frequent tester and makes short, crisp videos, which always include test photos. No long gibberish, everything to the point, every video a pleasure.
THE BEST IMAGE QUALITY
When he, who has tested hundreds of cameras and lenses including LEICA, SONY, CANON, PENTAX etc., then publishes a video in which he announces his TOP 5 cameras in terms of image quality - I was very curious which camera would be his number 1.
Here is the video:
EXTENTIVE VIDEO ON NIKON Df
Then he also made a video only about the NIKON Df:
BEEN LUCKY . . .
In search of a camera in the best possible condition, I found a dealer on eBay in spring 2020 who had just received a whole range of exhibition cameras from NIKON, in new condition, originally boxed with all accessories, checked again at the NIKON factory before delivery, with a two-year factory warranty and all this at a price for which cameras with visible signs of use were offered on eBay at the same time. What luck!
Here is the NIKKOR 135mm f2 DC telephoto lens on the camera, which has a unique feature that will be discussed separately below.
THE BLACK Df
The Df is also available in black.
The dials for aperture, shutter speed and ISO look best to me in the milled aluminium look and the aluminium-coloured version fits better to the retro look of the Df.
Ken Rockwell, who wrote a very good report about the Df, has confirmed my opinion. Here the link to his very good test report.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f1.8 G (SPECIAL EDITION)
To make sure that the 50mm also fits perfectly to the Df camera, NIKON has created a special edition of this lens. Not in the usual NIKON gold, but with a silver coloured imprint.
Ken Rockwell has also written a test report on this lens, which is highly recommended for those interested in this lens.
NIKKOR 135mm f2 DC - KING OF BOKEH!
In 1990 NIKON introduced this extraordinary telephoto lens to the market. The special feature: It has two aperture rings - one at the bottom and then a second one above, called "DEFOCUS IMAGE CONTROL". Only the lower one regulates light incidence and depth of field in the focus range. The upper aperture ring is exclusively responsible for blur, for the bokeh.
Turning the upper ring towards the "F" changes the bokeh of the foreground (Front), towards the "R" the bokeh of the background (Rear).
When the ring is at the zero position (as shown in the picture), it acts as a normal 135 tele.
This lens is designed for resolutions up to 24 MP, with such sensors it is exceptionally sharp. If you have a NIKON Z7 camera or plan to buy one, you should reconsider the purchase. But for the NIKON Df it is the telephoto lens! Also in terms of design, by the way, the newer NIKON lenses have gold lettering, which doesn't look so good with the aluminium-coloured Df.
If you would like to have more information about this lens, you can find it on the website of Ken Rockwell (test report).