Nikon Zf Review: Retro Dials on the Outside, Z8-Class Autofocus on the Inside

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Nikon Zf looks like a film camera from the early 1980s. It’s styled after the Nikon FM2, with brass-topped dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation and a little window showing the shutter speed. People stop you in the street to ask about it.

Underneath the costume, it’s thoroughly modern. Nikon put the Expeed 7 processor and subject-detection autofocus from the Z8 and Z9 in it, plus the best stabilization Nikon had shipped at the time. That combination made it one of the surprise hits of 2023, and it’s still a favorite with photographers who want a camera that feels good to use.

Retro Camera on Photo Video Gear

Nikon Zf Review: Retro Dials on the Outside, Z8-Class Autofocus on the Inside