GAS GAS: Please Share your Latest Acquisitions Big and Small

Couldn't truly gel with the Z f, so exchanged it for something more to my liking (I believe).

IMG_3402.jpeg
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(Still pretty much only want to shoot film, though.)
 
phigmov said:
My first Carl Zeiss, waiting on the 28mm too (will be keeping an eye out for the 60mm and possibly 85mm f2.8). Also a m43 and Z mount adapter for CY.
Surprisingly light when I compare with with other nifty-fifties of the era.

View attachment 457050SMD70208 by Walter Kernow, on Flickr
Click to expand...
It’s true, most M42 primes 50mm and wider - they are light aren’t they.
 
The Metro grip John (@mnhoj) introduced us to has arrived.

A few observations:
  • This is by far the most efficient additional grip for a Z mount camera I've handled so far. It's not the easiest to mount on your camera, but that's partly down to desirable aspects like the fact that there's a prominent thumb rest and a generous grip, so you basically have to fit it around the right side of the Z f, not just to the front; for the rest of the mounting part, see below (last point).
  • That said, I wish it felt a tad sturdier - it's all plastic (except for the screw and tripod mount). There are no obvious issues with functionality, security or durability I see, though - it's just something to consider (and get used to).
  • It works very well - but it's made for bigger hands than mine. It's still worlds better than the SmallRig grip - but now it's on the upper limit of what I can comfortably grip. Then again, it's very helpful with bigger lenses and makes carrying the camera a lot more comfortable. If the grip had a rubber cover, it would be even more comfortable, though.
  • There's one quirk I think they should do something about: The mount screw is roughly manufactured (why?) and, more to the point, the flip-up half-ring to tighten it is hard (i.e. near impossible) to reach if you don't have long fingernails. I used a coin instead (and I had to dig up one that worked - different coinage makes for different thickness expectations); I've never had any issues with similar screws on SmallRig grips and attachments because they all allow for sensible access. I'm no engineer, so I'm a bit hesitant to propose a solution - but I think it'd be perfectly possible to widen the diameter of the slot the mount screw sits in by maybe 2mm (or roughly 1/10 of an inch). I though about a couple of other options as well, but this would probably be the simplest one.
All in all: a very well conceived grip that might profit from a slightly more refined build (a metal base plate would be nice; the grip part is fine as-is, but would be even better for a rubber coat (not just a coating)). It's definitely price-worthy (and then some!), and it gets a clear recommendation over the nicely build, but smallish SmallRig grip. If you're into using bigger lenses in general (like some of the bigger zooms) or if the Z f is your only Z body, it's pretty much a no-brainer.

That said, I'm still hoping for Nikon's own additional grip to become available around here (through a dealer I can try it at, not through some anonymous monster warehouse like Amazon) - because it very much resembles the Df's one, has the thumb rest, but also a much smaller front grip. It won't be better than the Metro grip, but it's a lot less bulky and easier for me to keep on the camera at all times. The Metro grip will only be attached if I'm using bigger glass (like my preferred zoom for the Z f, the Z 24-120mm f/4 S).

Thanks again to John for the heads-up!

M.
 
That arrived in good time.
I'm glad you like it. My version 4 had a an under-developed tripod screw channel. It didn't allow the screw to fold in flush. My 4.5 is better but like yours. I figured that it wasn't a finished version, so I didn't mention it. I think I may carefully take a dremel to it. I'll see what Metro-case says. I included your thoughts in my message to them. They should've had you work the prototype. You would be great at it. In fact, I think Nikon could use some of your insight.
An inlay of rubber would be brilliant. With 3M adhesive and replaceable. A slightly shorter front finger grip would suit my hand better too. I didn't mention it because I figured my hands are smaller than average. I actually like the weird feeling I get with the low weight and added volume. It tricks me into thinking the overall weight is less than it is - if that makes any sense. I love the way it feels with the smaller lenses too. Kinda like a D3 with a 50 1.8D.
MoonMind said:
The Metro grip John (@mnhoj) introduced us to has arrived.

A few observations:
  • This is by far the most efficient additional grip for a Z mount camera I've handled so far. It's not the easiest to mount on your camera, but that's partly down to desirable aspects like the fact that there's a prominent thumb rest and a generous grip, so you basically have to fit it around the right side of the Z f, not just to the front; for the rest of the mounting part, see below (last point).
  • That said, I wish it felt a tad sturdier - it's all plastic (except for the screw and tripod mount). There are no obvious issues with functionality, security or durability I see, though - it's just something to consider (and get used to).
  • It works very well - but it's made for bigger hands than mine. It's still worlds better than the SmallRig grip - but now it's on the upper limit of what I can comfortably grip. Then again, it's very helpful with bigger lenses and makes carrying the camera a lot more comfortable. If the grip had a rubber cover, it would be even more comfortable, though.
  • There's one quirk I think they should do something about: The mount screw is roughly manufactured (why?) and, more to the point, the flip-up half-ring to tighten it is hard (i.e. near impossible) to reach if you don't have long fingernails. I used a coin instead (and I had to dig up one that worked - different coinage makes for different thickness expectations); I've never had any issues with similar screws on SmallRig grips and attachments because they all allow for sensible access. I'm no engineer, so I'm a bit hesitant to propose a solution - but I think it'd be perfectly possible to widen the diameter of the slot the mount screw sits in by maybe 2mm (or roughly 1/10 of an inch). I though about a couple of other options as well, but this would probably be the simplest one.
All in all: a very well conceived grip that might profit from a slightly more refined build (a metal base plate would be nice; the grip part is fine as-is, but would be even better for a rubber coat (not just a coating)). It's definitely price-worthy (and then some!), and it gets a clear recommendation over the nicely build, but smallish SmallRig grip. If you're into using bigger lenses in general (like some of the bigger zooms) or if the Z f is your only Z body, it's pretty much a no-brainer.

That said, I'm still hoping for Nikon's own additional grip to become available around here (through a dealer I can try it at, not through some anonymous monster warehouse like Amazon) - because it very much resembles the Df's one, has the thumb rest, but also a much smaller front grip. It won't be better than the Metro grip, but it's a lot less bulky and easier for me to keep on the camera at all times. The Metro grip will only be attached if I'm using bigger glass (like my preferred zoom for the Z f, the Z 24-120mm f/4 S).

Thanks again to John for the heads-up!

M.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Well, MPB delivered just in time:

Oly flash.jpg

The flash commander came in today, just before the entire country goes into Easter hollidays, I will look a bit further into the VAT issue. I think I have paid it in Germany as well as on the import to Norway, and that should not be necessary. It came in its box, with the pouch and the warranty card but sans manual.

A bit of humming and hahhing later, which had me dipping into both the manual for the commander, as well as the flash, the system is now up and running. I like this set-up, very solid no-nonsense feeling about it. Now I just need to learn how to use it properly. Also got a campaign message from OM systems with a ridiculous price on the FL-700WR flash over Easter, so I ponder picking up one more.

On the other hand, handholding the EM10MkIV for 1.6 seconds turned out to be nonsense, so the above picture is rather lacking even after being put through the Topaz Photo AI wringer.
 
JensM said:
Well, MPB delivered just in time:

View attachment 457245

The flash commander came in today, just before the entire country goes into Easter hollidays, I will look a bit further into the VAT issue. I think I have paid it in Germany as well as on the import to Norway, and that should not be necessary. It came in its box, with the pouch and the warranty card but sans manual.

A bit of humming and hahhing later, which had me dipping into both the manual for the commander, as well as the flash, the system is now up and running. I like this set-up, very solid no-nonsense feeling about it. Now I just need to learn how to use it properly. Also got a campaign message from OM systems with a ridiculous price on the FL-700WR flash over Easter, so I ponder picking up one more.

On the other hand, handholding the EM10MkIV for 1.6 seconds turned out to be nonsense, so the above picture is rather lacking even after being put through the Topaz Photo AI wringer.
Click to expand...
German VAT should not have been charged on new gear exported outside of the EU, however, if it is secondhand, there may be no VAT in the German price, or a reduced level of VAT which may be irrecoverable.
 
MoonMind said:
View attachment 456201

Short version: Whoops!

Long version: I dropped in on one of my favourite used gear dealers in Switzerland today; after having a little poke around the really desirable stuff (Leica M - a nice clean M9 ...), I happened to spot a Nikon Df. With a lens (due to the hood being reversed, I wasn't able to spot what exact version). Lo and behold, a black Df with a 50mm f/1.8G SE. Shutter count: Barely above 2000! Condition: Basically like new, including the box, a second battery and all accessories (including original protective material). I tried to walk away from it for about a mile, but didn't manage it. The camera handles loads better than I remembered (maybe this is thanks to my experiences with the Z f), and its ability to serve as a base for basically all Nikon F lenses I might ever be interested in sealed the deal, together with the fact that it is noticeably smalller and somewhat lighter than my D750 (which, for the first time in 10 years, is somewhat endangered by the arrival of the Df - but it has merits the Df doesn't share). The 50mm f/1.8G isn't my favourite lens, but it's okay to own one again - however, I can't wait to pair the Df with one of my Voigtländer chipped MF primes (especially the 40mm f/2 SL-II). So, well - certainly not what I intended, but definitely something intriguing to explore.

M.
Click to expand...
Congrats, Matt.
My personal eclectic opinion is that though time marches on and brings both real and supposed improvements in cameras, the Df is still one of the greatest cameras Nikon - or anyone else - has made in awhile. I'm truly looking forwards to seeing some of your images with it.
 
phigmov said:
My first Carl Zeiss, waiting on the 28mm too (will be keeping an eye out for the 60mm and possibly 85mm f2.8). Also a m43 and Z mount adapter for CY.
Surprisingly light when I compare with with other nifty-fifties of the era.

View attachment 457050SMD70208 by Walter Kernow, on Flickr
Click to expand...
I still have the Contax 2.8/28mm and I use it when I want this focal length on my Sony FF cameras, as there are no native high-quality options IMHO, though I didn't try the Viltrox FE 1.8/28 yet. I've long given up hope that Zeiss would bring a Loxia 28mm 😢.
 
John King said:
No.

But I've got a B&H 16mm projector you can have, but the shipping cost would probably be crippling ... 🙁 .
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer, John.
Yeah, shipping and import duty really are taking the fun out of stuff coming from overseas 🙁

I've got a number of lenses I can put on this thing and I'll can switch out the film door for one with a turret VF on it.
But that WW2 Illuminator sight is cool though. 😉
 
A small Godox flash, the Retro Lux Junior. It features manual settings for output 1/1...1/64 and also an Auto setting. Can be synched to another flash on its first or second flash. A cord for sync, enabling off-camera use as well. I instantly would fire the moron who designed the Auto circuit. It either produces very low light output or a blast, but nothing in between near a sensible exposure; read that in some reviews as well, so wasn't hoping for anything useable here. Manual flash output works well, once you figured out how to read the scales. It wasn't expensive, and rightly so. I think I'm going to keep it.

S01-20240328-008.jpg
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S02-20240328-009.jpg
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S03-20240328-010.jpg
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