Fujifilm’s Past, Present, Future: Nikon Zf?

I've never shot Fuji.... but am adding a ZF to my Z9/Z8 stable. By the way,, check out the Viiltrox 28mm 1.8. Stunned by this lens.

I hope Fuji can get the AF up to speed with the others. I loved my X-Pro2 back in the day and would love to get an X-Pro4

My Nikon ZF came in yesterday. Your channel convinced me to get this camera. So thank you!! I also was a previous Fuji shooter. I had the XT3, and still holding the x100vi. Love Fuji, however, they have their cons… slow af and low light performance. I needed something more mature and the ZF fits my needs. Not to mention the vintage charm. Maybe someday I will return if the Xpro4 ever returns or if they dabble with full frame.

another great video Jack. My favorite of all time is the 90mm F2. Super sharp and fast. I love the 100mm-135mm focal length so I'm being bias. If I ever got rid of all my fuji gear. I would keep just one body to keep on using this lens. It's that good. The more and more Fuji forgets us the more I have stop investing in Fuji gear. Shifting my money into Sony and Nikon ZF system. I hope Fuji doesn't forget all of us that have been there from the start.

Man, I relate to this video on another level. I am deep on OG gear as I've been shooting with it since 2016. I also own an xt3, which I never felt the need to upgrade. Since, I've owned the xpro3 and have owned and upgraded on the x100 series since the T. However, I've always had to supplement with nikon for my wedding photography. Owned a D850 for a long while and jumped over at the ZF on it's announcement selling my beloved D850 and lenses in the process. Do not regret it one bit! Wow, I am in love with the ZF and the 1.8 trio. Got a 40mm f2 and it's amazing for travel and street. I might just end up selling my older fuji gear except for one body. Problem is, the mental struggle of losing so much invested $ in the process makes me just wanna keep it all.
Anyway, love your content and the format in which you present it. Very refreshing and inspiring. Hope you keep creating ZF content as the community is growing and those who keep the camera enjoy the experience. It also seems as if the ZF crowd is more respectful than other communities I've been part of (x100v/vi users,... geesh). Anyway, thanks for the vids!
What are your thoughts on the z6iii coming up?

I realized in 2019, that I had to move away from Fujifilm. I no longer fitted in the demographic they were starting to reach out to. Went with Sony and now with Nikon and m43.

you tell the truth. Nikon 15 years then got the A7M3 in 2018, A7R4 in 2020, A7R5 in 2023.

But Sony cameras as technologically advanced as they are and really do their job amazingly well are just not fun cameras to walk around with.

So I started toying with Fuji in 2020. Got the X100V, XE4, and XPro3. Not all at the same time. but with each of those cameras, I found that the drawbacks of those cameras overweighed the benefits. So I sold them off. Bought a Zfc and was instantly happier shooting 3rd party and vintage glass as well as my sony glass. The Zf arrives and boom.

This is the camera I wanted from Fuji. It’s bigger and heavier than I would like, but my hope is they will reduce it back into the Zfc body with the Full Frame sensor and brass top & bottom plates.

that would be perfection.

Hello Jack and thank you for this video and the perspective you’ve shared. I’m a LONGTIME Fujifilm shooter, since 2015. That said, I left the brand 2 years ago. I still own a Fujifilm camera, the best one the ever made for street and travel photography in my opinion. The X-Pro3. I’ve owned a LOT of Fujfilm cameras and it was the first one I own that felt right from the moment I picked it up. I jokingly refer to my X-Pro3 as the Leica M-D because my LCD and sub monitor no longer work and I still shoot with it because everything else does work.

But I’ve moved on to other systems. I bought the Nikon Zf in December 2023. I’ve loved that camera ever since I purchased it. Like others have stated, I too was waiting on the X-Pro4 in hopes that Fujifilm made a great update to the X-Pro3. Instead of doing that they’ve abandoned the X-Pro line in lieu of the X100, X-T, X-H, and GFX line of cameras. It’s a mistake but it’s theirs to make.

I shoot Leica and LUMIX as well, the M10-R and SII. This rounds out my toolkit of cameras which are nothing more than tools for different use cases. I share all my M mount lenses across these systems and only own two autofocus zooms, the 24-105mm f4 for the LUMIX and the 24-120mm f4 for the Zf. There’s nothing I can shoot with the lenses I have across all of my digital cameras.

I really tried sticking with Fujifilm for all of my cameras but I couldn’t wait for them to get the X-Pro line back on track. Keep making good, reasoned, and meaningful content. Just know it’s appreciated.

Fantastic content, keep it going, coming from a Nikon and Fuji fan!

Hey man, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, are you interested to have a logo for your channel to improve your branding? I would love to have the honor to design a photography themed monogram logo together with your needs! Let me know if you interested to make it happen! :-)

Nicely thought out video! If Canon or Nikon comes out with a FF retro rangefinder with matching rangefinder lenses, the X-series is pretty much dead without an absolute banging X-Pro 4/5 release. All the better if all manufacturers facilitate LUT-loading like Panny is doing with the S9. The thing I think we don't know is the size of the retro camera market versus, say, wedding shooters, that don't care about looks, so not sure if any other manufacturer will really invest in these kinds of cameras. Fuji has always been the kind of quirky, unique cameras (X-Pan, GA645, etc.), so not sure if it's history or market size-driven.

What makes the X-Pro line more "pro" then the X-T (single digit) line? I don't use Fujifilm cameras, so I'm probably missing something

Zf is a powerhouse and Nikon glass is amazing. It’s not even about APS-C vs Full frame for me. Zf is just an amazing camera that you can take to the trenches and will serve you for years. Fuji have a bit of a fragile feeling in my hands.

I have both systems. Xt5 and nikon zf. Both are exceptional. The fuji glass is outstanding and the film simulations give a unique look without post processing. You cant go wrong with either but the fuji is still smaller and lighter all around.

Wow, that's exactly how fuji has me feeling at this point but you said it much better than I could. As I wait for a replacement to the xpro3, I acknowledge that it will probably never come to light. Lately I find myself looking at FF Sony and Nikon cameras. Like they say, things change and it's not always for the better, at least for some of us.

The 1.2 voigtlander lenses keep me with Fuji. They’re probably some of the softest lenses on the market lol but I feel they have a magic look that can’t be replicated. Basically gets me to that retro look I like with the least amount of editing.

I’m probably the only person in the world that thinks the xpro3 is the best camera ever. The ribbon issue is worrying but never had that problem with the dura silver version.

I love that screen too that everyone hates. My favorite screen ever. The fastest flip down, and that’s really the only ‘flip’ I need. I don’t really review photos until I took a number of them so I prefer the no chimping.

In fact I own a Zf and keep that screen closed about 85% of the time

I feel the Zf is a the best option to replace an XT user. For an x100, xe, or xpro user I don’t think there’s anything that competes with them in overall package (for photo) other than Leica, which isn’t a very accessible option

my favorite fuji lens is the 18-55mm f2.8-4 kit lens that came with my XT2. Has to be the best kit lens I've ever had in my life.

FYI Viltrox lenses are not repairable. If under warranty the shop will give you. a new lens, if not youu're SOL

so never been a range finder guy, and really dont want the weight or cost of nikon lenses. I totally get the af issues, but for how i shoot ( not a street guy) not been a problem. I most use zooms or 3rd party primes for portrait, so im perfectly happy. Use early nikon and canon, not going back now. The af of everyone was shocking then.

I’m a gen 1 Fuji lens person and for that reason I won’t switch to Nikon or any other brand for my personal stuff. I already switched to Sony for my event work lol

Another great video mate! I’m a Fuji shooter and still love what they have and do. It works for me.

I have a Fuji film XT5 and I really love that camera but I was missing the dynamic range of a full frame camera. I have to admit it. There were certain scenarios where I just needed that lowlight performance that you can only get from a full frame camera but I really liked the Fuji film colours. I liked the menus and I like their community. Yes they FujiFilm Community is an amazing community of people around the world that I really passionate about Photography so the bottom line was I did not want to lose that brotherhood that I created with Fuji film uses so I went medium format hello GFX and it's the best move I made. I now have two brilliant cameras for all sorts of scenarios. One is my main landscape cam which is the GFX camera. I use it mostly for landscape photography and a few other little jobs but I also have an XT5 which I shoot weddings with other bits and pieces. I have the best of both worlds now yes I can afford it because I do make some money professionally from Photography so that's a good thing. But I certainly wouldn't go back to Nikon. In my opinion. Their cameras are very expensive for what they are. You can buy a medium format camera. That's just as good as Z8. That's probably $2000 less so I think a lot of the NikonZ cameras are very overpriced for what they are and canon make great cameras to infect pretty much all of the cameras these days are very good. But there was something special in the source of FujiFilm cameras and I love it. And while I have a GFX camera, I still use my XT5 probably 50% of the time

It may seem surprising or outside the price range, but after being with Fuji since the X100, purchasing the X-Pro1, X-Pro2, and X-Pro3, I’ve seen the brand move in a direction that resonates less with me. I love the close-to-photography feel, the small compact lenses that offered real pleasure in taking photos, and the hybrid viewfinder. However, in recent years, I no longer feel aligned with the Fuji lineup. I made a big decision, sold all my Fuji gear, and finally bought a Leica M11 and a Nikon Zf. Yes not the same budget but it’s exactly what I wanted my Fuji to feel like. And the Zf is truly what Fuji couldn’t achieve. No regrets.

Stumbled over your video. Love it.

It’s the Fuji film simulations to be on Fuji. If that ain’t the thing you are looking for then need to look elsewhere. I have both Sony a7r3 for photo and XH2S for hybrid. My fave Fuji lens is 18-55mm f2.8 and I just use that besides my Viltrox 27mm f1.2.

I am still in the process. Sad to have to sold my xh1 for the xt5 and found the worksmanship dropped so much. If only they would give xh1 kaizen updates... Still hard to let go most of my fuji stuff as i still have hope.... I love and hate them so much now that i have sony nikon fuji hasselblad leica after selling my ricoh gr3.

I feel so overwhelemd by the amount of gears i have and when i only needed my xpro2 before and took it everywhere . That was later replaced by the Q.

My xt5 focus is so bad so i got back into sony but like you ive been told the a7rv to be too professional at several family outings but i just have to have the tilting screen. My only con for my zf is the tilt and the bottom plate. And of course no aperature ring for their SE edition arghhh which i kind of solved with the newer gen Sony lenses, but what the heck Nikon??

Well, at least with the zf i think i can let go of my beloved xe3 and m-p 240.….. Or can i now?

I was tired of waiting for XPro4, got Zf in Dec and it is a fun camera to use! But I’ll still get XPro4 when it comes out to replace my ‘dated’ XT2 😊

Great video! Just found your channel. Looking forward to more. Best of luck.

I picked up a ZF a couple months ago and fell in love. It has all the retro appeal of the old Fuji XT line, with modern tech and speed.
My last Fuji camera I truly felt a connection with was the XT2. I have the sweet of Fuji first generation lenses except the 56mm. I never really liked that focal length, and instead adapted 50mm film era lenses. That is why I wish Nikon would make a 70mm f2 low element lens to compliment their compact/budget 28mm and 40mm. Thanks for another insightful and interesting video.

I currently have the X-T30, and been looking at updating to the x-t5 or the Nikon ZF. My two lens for the Fuji system are the 18-55mm and the 23m f2. If i stick with fuji i was think about picking up the viltrox 75mm f1.2 as my next lens

Fujifilm just went through its Star Wars phases (OG, Prequel and Disney) and each phases has fans that argue with other ones.

Coming back to the part that fuji stopped making products for me, that's why I stopped at xt3. It's funny how it's still being recognized by many including fuji reps at trade shows as the "last great XT" camera.

Having owned the xpro2 for more than 4 years, I felt it carried the soul/vibes of the xpro2 with some nice quality of life upgrade that none of the later fujis have.

A lot of people are saying the Zf is the camera everyone want Fujifilm to produce, but Fujifilm will never do based on their current focus and strategy on APSc and medium format - and I kinda agree and it is one reason why I got my Zf.
I'm now curious if Nikon will release more retro style glas in the near future, specially the demand for apature rings on the lenses is there.
Since you already have a lot of cameras from Sony, Nikon and Leica: what kind of specs and features must the Xpro4 have to pull you back into the Fuji eco system?
Great work and video as always my friend :)

Totally enjoying your channel. Great stories and compelling content in each. You approach things in way that I have found myself asking the same questions but never quite answering (me that is).

I bought into Nikon Z from Fuji a couple of years ago. I kept a few lenses, along with my X-T10 body, valuing them more than I would get on the used market in Japan. The 35/1.4 is my favourite. The 50/2 is a close second. Surprisingly, the 50-250 is one of my faves for walking around Japanese cities.

Now that I have the Zf, I adore the 26, 40, and 135. The former two are incredibly easy to pocket and give excellent results. The latter is just so good that it’s worth the burden when I have specific human subjects I plan to shoot.
The 50/1.8… I’m afraid it’s often at home. I love the images I get from it, but it’s almost always just due to the lighting and subject more than the rendering or sharpness. Don’t get me wrong, the rendering is beautiful, but the light matters 1000% more. The 40mm in gorgeous light will absolutely destroy the 50mm in mediocre light. In equal light, the 50mm will win.

Edit: I did also own the 16/1.4, 23/1.4, and 56/1.2. All fantastic lenses with which I took some of my favourite photos. However, their new turn for bigger and more-corrected lenses while not paying as much attention to UX caused me to look elsewhere. It seems to be that way; the underdogs listen to advice more intently. Fujifilm must not be feeling like an underdog these days, while Nikon’s early mirrorless missteps took their egos down a few notches.

Sir i have one question is fuji xs20 a good deal for me cause I am getting it around rupees 20000 with the 15-45 mm f3.5 to 5.6 kit lens which in dollar would be around 240 dollars I know it seems unbelieveable but i am getting one ? Can i consider buying it

beautiful video, where do you get those braided camera straps from? any recommendations?

Really like the style of your videos.

Biggest mistake one can make is sell one system to move to another. Why not have both ? I have my X-T3 and a Nikon ZF . Two different systems.

Just got the Zf yesterday. Went shooting this evening. Man, the controls are no where near as intuitive as fuji. Iq is way better. No question. But with all the upgraded AF,i kinda miss handing my fuji because it took me so long to get good at it. Now with the ZF, i just have to trust the AF... not sure how i feel about that yet. Sure i can use the screen as a joystick, but it's not the same.

Have you or will you try the Leica AF adapter for the Nikon Zf? ( Techart PRO Leica M – Nikon Z Autofocus Adapter ver II (TZM-02) )

I've seen a few other people talk about it and it seems like the best option for the Nikon Zf due to having the best of both worlds. Beautiful small M-mount lenses with autofocus and close focusing capabilities.

my favourite one from Fuji is the 35mm f1.4 OG but... it's only nostalgia speaking !
the best value for me is the XF 35mm f2 WR - light, compact and good IQ... the best Fuji who could hold me back before switching completely to Nikon

I've been wondering what website do you use for your comparisons. I was using pxlmag and they haven't been updated for awhile now.

I was using Fuji xe 3, for family and work, 16mm, 23mm, 35mm and 50mm, all F2 lenses, 23mm is my favourite. All sold last two years, just bought the Nikon ZF , can‘t agree more than you, Fuji is not the same manufacturer compare with the first generation x camera .
Very good video series you have here, I rewatch many times to learn your joy of street photography. And thanks for sharing with us..❤❤❤

What's your favourite Fuji lens? I'm biased towards fast primes in this video so haven't used many Fuji telephoto zooms. Would love to hear your thoughts!