Recalling the FM2, Nikon’s mechanical workhorse of yesteryear, the Zf’s machined edges, knurled dials, and marbled texture are designed to fully immerse the user in the sensual experience of operating a beautiful machine. Made from precision-carved aluminum, the dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation feature engraved markings for superlative manual control. The mechanical shutter fires with an audible, authoritative click. A dedicated black-and-white mode with two monochrome recipes is available at the tip of a finger as well.
This intuitive, haptic-friendly design doesn’t apply solely to the camera’s retro-styled controls. The camera’s electronic viewfinder, which lies in a prism-shaped housing that is as pleasing to the bony orbit as it is to the eye, can now be manipulated by touching the 3.2″, vari-angle rear LCD screen, allowing the user to move focus points, select a subject to track, and toggle between display modes all while the eye remains resting against viewfinder. The rear screen is also fully articulating and front-facing, allowing for ease of navigation and operation at high and low angles.
