It may look like a Nikon FM from the 1970s but the Df is Nikon's latest full frame DSLR
Nikon is the latest camera manufacturer to employ nostalgia in the design and marketing of its cameras with the launch of the Nikon Df, which resembles what many would say is one of Nikon's iconic film SLRs, the FM series launched in 1977. Despite its retro-style, the Df borrows much from the Nikon D4 professional flagship DSLR, including its 16 megapixel full frame sensor and pentaprism viewfinder system. The Df (f for 'fusion) will be available in black or silver and only with a special edition 50mm f/1.8 AF-S standard lens. Nikon says the Df is aimed at enthusiast photographers, style-seekers and fans of older Nikkor F-mount lenses dating back to 1959.
The Nikon Df has a curious mix of specifications. While it has the D4's sensor, it makes do with the cheaper D610's MultiCAM 4800AF autofocus system. Expeed 3 image processing is under the hood and you can choose from an extended ISO 50 (Nominal 100) to an extended 204800. Nikon has developed a new focal plane shutter for the Df but it is limited to 1/4000th second, although it is rated for 150,000 shots. Maximum sequential shooting rate is 5.5 frames per second. There is no sign of video recording functionality although an HDMI port is provided for displaying stills on an external monitor or TV.
Magnesium alloy construction combined with splash and dust proof sealing is featured with the Df. Nikon has opted for a 1970s-style shutter speed dial as well as more up to date command dials. You can set one third EV adjustment via the more modern command dial if the one stop adjustment via the shutter speed dial is too coarse for your needs. The same pentaprism viewfinder system as the D4 and D800 is employed but the viewfinder eyepiece is a more traditional circular type. A small top-plate status LCD has been fitted around the plethora of dials and knobs. The rear screen is a more conventional type supporting live view.
Nikon has worked hard on the electronic efficiency of the Df and its EM-EL14a battery is goof for up to 1400 shots (single frame mode), which is just as well because there is no battery grip option, even though the original FM had the option of a motor drive. The Df has a single SD memory card slot.
As with top-end Nikon DSLRs, you can use AI and non-AI lenses, although you will only get stop-down metering with the latter. A small number of retro-focus Nikkor lenses are not compatible with the Df as you can't lock the mirror up.
Nikon UK's general manager, Imaging, John Walshe, at the London press launch for the Df.
Nikon is unashamedly aiming the Df at photographers who can remember the 1970s and 80s and who may have owned an FM or FM2 all those years ago. It's a tactic already successfully used by Leica, Olympus, Fuji, and even Samsung, Sony and Epson. I wonder when we'll see a digital Canon FTb...
Pictures
Below is a picture gallery of official Nikon Df product shots and menu screen grabs supplied in the Nikon press pack.
To see a larger view of the thumbnail, just click on the thumbnail image you are interested in to open a new page with the full-size view.
To return to the thumbnail gallery, click the home arrow at the bottom of the page, or navigate forwards or backwards through the gallery using the backwards/forwards arrow buttons.
Reader feedback:
Discuss this story:
