p.67 #1 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Bruce Marriner wrote:
I've read through this whole thread - though, I may have skimmed some posts and I have a bunch of questions.
I recently got a Nikon Zf with the goal of using it with "character" manual focus lenses. I have a handful of other cameras with many "perfect" type lenses so I am wanting something different. I've got the 40f1.2 voigt so far, and I've enjoyed it.
There's been a lot of lenses mentioned, lots of Leica lenses and issues with filter stack sizes when mounting M lenses to Nikon. I don't have a Leica and have no current plans to get one. But I am curious about some of the old Nikon rangefinder lenses and possibly some of the older F mount lenses, though, the adapter for those makes the combo a bit larger than I'd prefer. I'm also not opposed to trying some M mount lenses too, if there's some that work well on the Nikon sensor.
I'd be curious to know what are some of the most loved lenses with character that still adapt well on the Nikon. Sort of as a starting point for things to look for in the buy/sell forums
I'd also like to know what the current best options are for the adapters for any lens recommendations, and it would be nice if that gave me the green focus confirmation but that's not a hard requirement.
I've seen some K&F and Rayqual S-Z mounts then a few combos of mounts for S->M then M->Z. I am not sure how this works but I read the nikon rangefinder lenses have internal vs external mounts and some need the adapters that provide a focus ring. There is a Funmount M-Z that allows editing a text file to set EXIF data and a Shoten that does the same and sounds good from some reports here.
Some lenses that I've read about and am curious about are -
Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8
Nikkor 5cm f/1.4
Nikkor 8.5cm f/2
Nikkor 10.5cm PC f2.5
Older AIS Nikon Lenses?
Also, with the lenses from Voigtlander that mimic older lenses (like the upcoming 35f1.4) does it make more sense to just buy these or would getting these older lenses still have their own unique charm. I know that's a tough question to answer if something is worth it for someone else, but I'm just curious what folks think.
One other question - has anyone tried the Shoten GFX to Z adapter? I know that is perhaps a bit wild to even think of but since I've got some GFX lenses it might be fun to try. ...Show more →
I have the 85/2.0 in LTM, very heavy but also realy good, compared to other lenses of that age it amazes me. Also I have the Nikkor 135/3,5 in LTM, which is also good. Colors are nicer than on my late Elmar 135/4.0, but the Elmar wins on overall sharpness. I'm gone sell the Nikkor 13,5cm, because I cant justify two 135mm for my Leicas
p.67 #2 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Just tried the LLL 75/2.0 SPII, VM 75/1.5 and the VM 90/2.8. All performed just fine.
After doing so, I now cannot get the Techart adapter to obtain fine focus with any lens including the 35 Mandler which was fine before using the longer lenses. And yes I changed the Camera Aperture Value as recommended by Techart for each different FL of lens.
Thought about seeing if there was new FW, but my Apple computer says there is no way to determine if the download contains a Virus and advised against downloading it.
Removed adapter from camera and remounted, but no resolve.
Any suggestions, please. Thanks.
UPDATE-It seems all is again OK with any lens I try. Whew. I was worried it could no longer find focus.
p.67 #3 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Hi
I am a Sony E shooter using a A7CR.
In addition to my sony lenses, I have 2 voigtlander lenses on E-mount that I love so much for their rendering : CV 21 1.4 & CV 40 1.2.
Nevertheless, I don’t like the manual focus experience offered by my sony camera (focus peaking & magnification) shooting my both sons.
I think to buy a Zf or a Z5 II to use these 2 CV E-mount lenses with this incredible « Green box focus confirmation » feature.
Which E to Z mount adaptor will be the best for that please ? Megadap ETZ21 pro+ ?
p.67 #4 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Sylvain_31 wrote:
I think to buy a Zf or a Z5 II to use these 2 CV E-mount lenses with this incredible « Green box focus confirmation » feature.
Which E to Z mount adaptor will be the best for that please ? Megadap ETZ21 pro+ ?
Yes, I highly recommend the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+, it's the one I use with my E-mount Voigtlander lenses on the Zf. The Viltrox adapter is also highly recommended and costs less, but I can't personally confirm if it works as seamlessly since I haven't used it myself.
p.67 #5 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Sylvain_31 wrote:
Hi
I am a Sony E shooter using a A7CR.
In addition to my sony lenses, I have 2 voigtlander lenses on E-mount that I love so much for their rendering : CV 21 1.4 & CV 40 1.2.
Nevertheless, I don’t like the manual focus experience offered by my sony camera (focus peaking & magnification) shooting my both sons.
I think to buy a Zf or a Z5 II to use these 2 CV E-mount lenses with this incredible « Green box focus confirmation » feature.
Which E to Z mount adaptor will be the best for that please ? Megadap ETZ21 pro+ ?
p.67 #6 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
Thank you very much Fred for your feedback !
Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, I highly recommend the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+, it's the one I use with my E-mount Voigtlander lenses on the Zf. The Viltrox adapter is also highly recommended and costs less, but I can't personally confirm if it works as seamlessly since I haven't used it myself.
p.67 #7 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
I recently revisited a box of camera gear I inherited from my father and realized that I could adapt the Takumar lenses to my Z50 II so I bought a Fotasy m42-z adapter. It has a helicoid extension tube enabling closer focus which is essential for the Takumar lenses I own. It all works very well, so well that I bought two more Takumar lenses, one off eBay and one in person at B&H. I have a 28 3.5, 50 1.4 (radioactive), 105 2.8 and added the 135 3.5 and 200 3.5. I am thinking of getting the Zf to have the native field of view with these lenses and also Nikon's best analog simulations (with grain). One issue is that the 200 is quite heavy and difficult enough to shoot with the Z50. Might be tripod dependent with the near gripless Zf. The other lenses are all pretty light and might make excellent partners for the camera. I have considered getting other full frame z cameras, the Z5 II in particular. But, with my loving this heirloom glass, the Zf has raised its profile.
p.67 #10 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
For focus confirmation but no AF, I use one made by "Funmount" that I purchased in Amazon. This one has an helicoid that allows M-mount lenses to focus closer.
I also have the "TTArtisan 6-bit adapter" that is discontinued. This one has the capability of reading Leica's 6-bit code from the lens to automatically identify it. My copy has a damaged reader so no 6-bit code reading is possible, but I can still use it by manually selecting the FL on a control ring that is provided on the adapter.
You can also use a dumb adapter and use the focusing aids provided by the camera. But having focus confirmation makes focusing much faster, and provide a more pleasant experience.
p.67 #12 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
RomanMF wrote:
Is there a preferred Leica M to Z Mount adapter? I watched a video on an AF one that was nifty, but I don’t need all that.
Why "don't you need all that"? Are you saying you just want a dumb adapter?
About one month ago I thought I'd never "need all that" when a friend and Nikon shooter for 50 years showed me what brought life back to his M lenses with his Z5II (he also has a Zf). He was not using his M11 with RF, but wanted to still use his M lenses and if auto focus was also available why not use it.
Over the years I have always used 2 M bodies mainly for people environments. So I like my Z5II with Techart TZM-02 adapter so much that I now have a 2nd body setup.
Even the inexpensive VM APO 50/f3.5 $600 lens wide open. Even here I set follow focus, planted the green (in focus) square where I wanted and recomposed the scene just like with people.
p.67 #13 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
stgrove wrote: Why "don't you need all that"? Are you saying you just want a dumb adapter?
About one month ago I thought I'd never "need all that" when a friend and Nikon shooter for 50 years showed me what brought life back to his M lenses with his Z5II (he also has a Zf). He was not using his M11 with RF, but wanted to still use his M lenses and if auto focus was also available why not use it.
Over the years I have always used 2 M bodies mainly for people environments. So I like my Z5II with Techart TZM-02 adapter so much that I now have a 2nd body setup.
Even the inexpensive VM APO 50/f3.5 $600 lens wide open. Even here I set follow focus, planted the green (in focus) square where I wanted and recomposed the scene just like with people. ...Show more →
More of a "I've spent a ton of money this month, maybe I can cut costs on the adapter." 😅
I guess my real priority is an adapter that isn't monstrously large and can make use of the cool focusing aids the ZF has. The ZF will be the only Nikon mirrorless in the house for a bit.
p.67 #14 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
New newer Techart adapter ($359) is smallish since it now incorporates AF motors within it so there is no big lump on its bottom since it is completely round and not much bigger than a normal Adapter.
p.67 #15 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
stgrove wrote:
New newer Techart adapter ($359) is smallish since it now incorporates AF motors within it so there is no big lump on its bottom since it is completely round and not much bigger than a normal Adapter.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll likely end up going this way then. Their Sony E to Nikon Z adapter looks interesting too...
p.67 #17 · Nikon Zf as a platform for adapted/native manual focus lenses
matoqui wrote:
May I ask what's the weight of the Techart M-Z adapter ver. 2? Thanks!
153 grams or 5.36oz
This friend of mine helped me set up the camera for best use with this AF adapter and it focused instantly wherever I put the focus box.
I have the Z5II so not sure if the setup with the Zf is different.
and I have a bunch of questions.
