Why I Like the Nikon Zf in 2026
The Nikon Zf is just… easy. It's the camera equivalent of throwing on your favourite jacket and heading out the door without a plan. No pressure, no "right, I'm going to make some serious images today" energy.
You just grab it, it feels good in your hand, and you start shooting whatever's in front of you. Your coffee. A badly parked car. The light coming through a window.
That kind of camera. It's the sort of thing you want on a proper leather camera strap — something that feels as considered as the camera itself.
It's just nice to have around
Some cameras make you feel like you should be doing something worthy with them. The Zf doesn't. It's got the retro dials and the slim body, but it doesn't take itself too seriously — and that makes it easier to use. I end up taking it places I wouldn't bother with a bigger kit. And then I end up shooting. Every time.
The Nikon "Potato" thing
If you spend any time around Nikon shooters online, you'll know the meme. People call Nikon Potatos — mostly thanks to certain creators who roast the brand with obvious affection. It's not mean-spirited. It's just part of the culture, the same way Leica people get ribbed for spending £8k on a camera with no autofocus.
What I like about it is that Nikon shooters lean into it. They know the images are good. They don't need to defend it. The Zf files do the talking.
The photos look good without trying
There's a naturalness to the Zf's output that I find hard to put my finger on. Colours feel honest. Shadows don't block up.
It handles colour grading well if that's your thing but it's equally happy just producing clean, neutral files you can do whatever you want with.
It's not trying to flatter you. It's just trying to make decent photos — and it does. The kind of camera you want slung over your shoulder on a slim leather camera strap and carried all day without thinking about it.
Imperfect in the right ways
It's not the fastest camera. The menu system is classic Nikon, which is to say: fine once you know it, baffling at first. The battery life isn't going to win any awards.
And I know some people take issue with the ergonomics — the slim body isn't the most grippy thing in the world, and a few people find it heavier than they expected for something this size. Honestly, neither of those things bother me.
I've never found it uncomfortable to carry, and the weight feels solid rather than excessive. But worth knowing if you're coming from something lighter.
Why I keep reaching for it
Honestly? It just gets out of the way. I'm not thinking about the camera — I'm thinking about what I'm shooting. And that's the whole point, isn't it. Whether it's your lunch, a street corner you've walked past a hundred times, or nothing in particular — you just shoot it. No justification needed.
If that makes me a Nikon fan, I'm absolutely fine with it. My Zf spends most of its time on one of our handmade leather camera straps — if you're picking up a Zf, it's worth treating it to one.