Z fc - the thread

[Bern]

 Is it recommended that I update the latest firmware  version? My Zfc still has the V1.0 firmware in it

[Birna Rørslett]

Yes, definitively.

[Kenneth Rich]

Well, since I only use Manual lenses, and since my inheritors have stated that they only have interest in photographic equipment called iPhones, I have to take a "What ,me worry. . . . " attitude and gift my Df and all the f lenses to my grand daughter, in the hope it will spark an interest in the best camera ever created. I doubt there will be any interest in the little ZfC except for my  newish Voigtlander f1.2 lens.

[Kenneth Rich]

Birna, if you can forgive my Q crashing, in late June you said,"As a consequence, the aperture ring on the lens should be locked to the minimum value.(toothpick technology) Does this apply to users of the Voigtlander Z f1.2 lens also?

[Birna Rørslett]

No. None of the "native" Z lenses require this. The Voigtländer 35mm f/1.2 and the Viltrox lenses will set aperture directly if you rotate the aperture ring. They *can* be set to the minimum value (labelled A on the Viltrox) if you really insist  to use the camera dial, though.

However, all F-mount lenses mounted via the FTZ/FTZ II  require setting aperture to the minimum otherwise the camera will indicate an error. That is, unless you 'fool' the camera using the 'toothpick' technology described earlier.

[Kenneth Rich]

Thank you, Birna; I presumed that, but we users just do not know what market share struggles are going on behind the scenes.

[Bern]

After a few days using the Zfc, it feels substantially lighter than my D600. I now see the reason behind reviewers mentioning it as "too plasticky"

The Nikon Zfc-GR1/ grip has a thumb rest at the back making handling better than a bare Zfc. Its not as substantial as DSLR design though but good enough to improve handling. Third party grip (JJC or Smallrig) does not seem to have this thumb rest.

A non-Panda Z fc -- nice

 However, you do need to handle the camera differently from the now ubiquitous DSLR designs based on a protruding thumb rest, which the Z fc lacks. As hands differ between people, each has to find their best way of interfacing hands and camera. I feel very comfortable using the Z fc and in that respect it reminds of the Df.

[mxbianco]

A few days ago, the v.1.30 firmware update was published

Anyone interested, look here: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/472.html

What has been added and/or corrected is (I copy/paste from the above indicated page):

    • [Save focus position] and [Recall focus position] have been added to the roles that can be assigned using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. As of November 29, 2022, these options were supported with the following lenses:
        - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
        - NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
        - NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
        - NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
        - NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
    • The behavior of autofocus during memory recall has been improved to ensure that the focus position will not change in any focus mode even if the shutter-release button is pressed halfway while focus recall is in progress.
    • During remote photography with the ML-L7, the camera will now focus with every shot taken with [AF-C] selected for [Focus mode] if [Release] is chosen for Custom Setting a1 [AF-C priority selection] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
    • Fixed an issue that sometimes resulted in the settings selected for Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] not performing as expected in user settings modes.

[Wannabebetter]

If I may, I want to thank you all for a very informative, indeed enjoyable, discussion thus far. (Yes, I've read all of it to this point.)

Like many others, I, too, have been exploring small-ish alternatives to my geriatric Dx bodies and relatively younger Fx camera. For no more reason, then there are occasions I desire something less conspicuous or intrusive. I'm not too concerned about scuffing the cathedral floor and weight is not an issue. But space can be, especially if trying to squeeze a laptop and a "weekend" into the same, unobtrusive, bag. Admittedly, I am also charmed by the retro "panda" designs, not least of all for how well they (or it) purportedly behave with vintage lenses as well as some of the newer purpose-built "glass" coming out of Asia. (And bulls-eye on that point, Birna!)

Again, thanks to all of you for aiding me in keeping my head on my shoulders; my wallet in my pocket.

[Gerhard2006]

I have heard that the ZFC although not having a dial with U1and U2 built into it has these settings buried in the menus? Is this true? Does the Z FC still have these functions available although night with a dial? This is a great thread. Thanks for the all the information regards Gerry.