Nikon Df CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera User Manual

Nikon Df CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera

For Your Safety

CAUTIONS

• Do not disassemble. Touching the internal parts of the camera or lens could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the camera battery and/or disconnect the AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.
• Turn the camera off immediately in the event of malfunction. Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment, immediately unplug the AC adapter and remove the camera battery, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in fire or injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon authorized service center for inspection.
• Do not use in the presence of flammable gas. Operating electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas could result in explosion or fire.
• Do not look at the sun through the lens or the camera viewfinder. Viewing the sun or other bright light source through the lens or viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.
• Keep out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.
• Observe the following precautions when handling the lens and camera:
  • Keep the lens and camera dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.
  • Do not handle the lens or camera with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.
  • Keep the sun well out of the frame when shooting backlit subjects. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is in or close to the frame could cause a fire.
  • If the lens will not be used for an extended period, attach the front and rear lens caps and store the lens out of direct sunlight. If left in direct sunlight, the lens could focus the sun’s rays onto flammable objects, causing fire
• Do not carry tripods with a lens or camera attached. You could trip or accidentally strike others, resulting in injury.
• Do not leave the lens where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight. Failure to observe this precaution could adversely affect the lens’ internal parts, causing fire.

Thank you for your purchase of an AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens. Before using this product, please carefully read both these instructions and the camera manual.

Note
When mounted on a DX-format digital single-lens reflex camera such as the D7000 or cameras in the D300 series, this lens has an angle of view of 31° 30′ and a focal length equivalent to 75 mm (35 mm format).

Parts of the Lens

1. Lens hood …………………………………. 16
2. Lens hood lock mark…………….. 16
3. Lens hood alignment mark…. 16
4. Lens hood mounting mark …. 16
5. Focus ring………………………………….. 15
6. Focus ring………………………………….. 15
7. Focus distance mark ………………15
8. Lens mounting mark
9. Rubber lens-mount gasket….18
10. CPU contacts…………………………….18
11. Focus-mode switch………………..15

Compatibility

Check marks (“✔“) indicate supported features, dashes (“—”) features that are not supported. Some limitations may apply; see the camera manual for details.

1. N-series cameras and Pronea 6i sold in S.A. only.
2. Exposure mode M (manual) not available.
3. N2020 sold in U.S.A. and Canada only.
4. Includes AUTO and scene (Digital Vari- Program) modes.
5. Autofocus.

Focus

Supported focus modes are shown in the following table (for information on camera focus modes, see the camera manual).

M/A (Autofocus with Manual Override)

To focus using autofocus with manual override (M/A):

1. Slide the lens focus-mode switch to M/A.

If desired, autofocus can be over-ridden by rotating the lens focus ring while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (or, if the camera is equipped with an AF-ON button, while the AF-ON button is pressed). To refocus using autofocus, press the shutter-release button halfway or press the AF-ON button again.

Depth of Field

The depth-of-field indicators on the lens show the approximate depth of field (see page 162 for more information). If the camera offers depth-of-field preview (stop down), depth of field can also be previewed in the viewfinder.

Aperture

Aperture is adjusted using camera controls.

Built-in Flash Units

When using the built-in flash on cameras equipped with a built-in flash unit, shoot at ranges of 0.6 m (2 ft) or more and remove the lens hood to prevent vignetting (shadows created where the end of the lens obscures the built-in flash).

The Lens Hood

The lens hoods protect the lens and block stray light that would otherwise cause flare or ghosting.

When attaching or removing the hood, hold it near the  symbol on its base and avoid gripping it too tightly. Vignetting may occur if the hood is not correctly attached.

The hood can be reversed and mounted on the lens when not in use.  When the hood is reversed, it can be attached and removed by rotating it while holding it near the lock mark ().

Focusing Screens

The following cameras support a variety of focusing screens for use in different situations.

Recommended.

Vignetting visible in viewfinder (photographs are not affected). Not compatible with camera.

Figures in parentheses give the exposure compensation for center-weighted metering. Select “Other screen” for Custom Setting b6 (“Screen comp.”) when adjusting exposure compensation for the F6; note that with screens other than B or E, “Other screen” must be selected even when the value for exposure compensation is 0. Exposure compensation for the F5 can be adjusted using Custom Setting 18; see the camera manual for details.

Empty cell: Not suited to use with this lens. Note that type M screens can however be used for photomicrography and macro photography at magnifications of 1 : 1 or higher.

Note
The F5 supports matrix metering with A, B, E, EC-B/EC-E, J, and L focusing screens only.

Lens Care

• Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens hood.
• Keep the CPU contacts clean.
• Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immediately and take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair.
• Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the lens surfaces. To remove smudges and fingerprints, apply a small amount of ethanol or lens cleaner to a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue and clean from the center outwards using a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the glass with your fingers.
• Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.
• The lens hood or NC filters can be used to protect the front lens element.
• Attach the front and rear caps before placing the lens in its flexible pouch.
• If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location to prevent mold and rust. Do not store in direct sunlight or with naphtha or camphor moth balls.
• Keep the lens dry. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
• Leaving the lens in extremely hot locations could damage or warp parts made from reinforced plastic.

Supplied Accessories

• 58 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-58
• Rear Lens Cap LF-4
• Bayonet Hood HB-47
• Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1013

Compatible Accessories

• 58 mm screw-on filters

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Upgrading from a D300 looking for another body….Df or D800? I understand the differences of the two, both in my price range. Thoughts?****

It all depends on what you’re looking for. If flash, video and a second card slot is not important, then yes the Df all the way, oh more thing…ergonomics are different. Not bad, just that you will need to rethink how you hold your camera with the Df. again, different, not bad. I considered the D800 and here’s why I didn’t take it: too big and didn’t lend myself to wanting to pick it up. I shoot way more with the Df. Way more. The D800 files size is just too much for me. I loved the 12MB size of the D300 AND the body! 16MB is perfect for me and I shoot professionally. The D800 is so much like the D300, you’re going to find it’s a next level up from the D300, however the Df is just a different camera. The low light capabilities is so different, so incredible, it is THE reason why I choose the Df. The price is worth it. I have a review on this camera “Photo Dude”.

Is the sense full frame or crop?****

The sensor is “FX,” that is, full frame, relative to 35 mm film. The camera switches to “AFS-C,” that is, crop, with DX lenses automatically or on command from the menu.

Would this be suitable for a pet photographer? Moreso than the Fujifilm XT1? (For someone who likes film cameras more than standard digital SLRs)****

The Nikon Df would serve well for pet photography in a studio, perhaps better than the Fujifilm camera, especially if the lighting equipment offers full flexibility for aperture selection. However, for on-location photography, the Nikon Df is less than nimble, and the Fujifilm X-T1 might be more nimble. The Nikon Df does not recapture the experience of using a film camera; it provides the experience of using a digital camera with nostalgic controls, and some of those controls are clumsy if you have to adjust them quickly. I have not tried the Fujifilm X-T1. The selection of lenses could be more important than the choice of camera body: If you already have a collection of familiar, reliable Nikkor lenses, then the Nikon Df does serve well. My dozen Nikkor lenses are AIs or AF-D, only two are zooms, and the newest is 20 years old. Most of the Fujinon lenses (X-mount) have received high marks from critical reviewers. If you are starting a set of new lenses, the Fujinon route will cost less and give you a lighter bag of equipment. For trips when I cannot carry heavier gear, I take a Fujifilm X-Pro1 with the 14mm f/2.8, the 23mm f/1.4, and the 35mm f/1.4. All are superb. The 18mm f/2 and the 60mm f/2.4 are workable but less good. I have not tried the Fujinon zoom lenses. The operation of the X-Pro1 is too sluggish for photographing pets except for resting cats, but the X-T1 appears to be a completely different type of camera.

Will it accept lenses used with a D300 Nikon?****

Yes. The Nikon Df accepts most Nikkon lenses going as far back as the 1970’s, including pre-AIS manual lenses. Compatibility with so many current and discontinued “classic” Nikkor lenses is one of the advantages of this great camera.

What kind of zoom capability does it have?****

Zoom is available through the lenses mounted. The 28 – 70 (80?) is excellent and quite affordable.

Will this Df camera accept i.e. work with my old FM2 F Bayonet mount lenses?****

Yes. That’s one of the beautiful things about the Df. It is backwards compatible with all Nikon lenses.

Will Df have a fast autofocus in low light conditions with LIVE LCD view on? I am looking for a camera that has fast autofocus in low light w live vw****

I have had my Df for only a short time (about 30 days) and have only been able to shoot a limited number of photos. I haven’t used live view, nor do I know if it is available on the Df. I’m still learning of all the features. Autofocus is very fast… image quality is excellent. I also own a D7000.

Is this an acceptable camera for professional portrait photography?****

The Nikon Df has served me well for portrait photography, and I use it more for that purpose than any other. I rely on the Nikon JPG preset for portraits, which gives slightly soft contrast and conservative color saturation, for elegant skin tones. The choice of lenses is more critical: for most candids, I use an old manual-focus Nikon “E” 50/1.8, which was a really cheap but fine lens, and for closer portraits, I use the manual focus Nikkor 105/1.8, which gives a gorgeous signature of its own at f/2.0 — f/2.8. For autofocus and zoom, I use one of the early versions of Nikkor AF-D 80–200/2.8. It is reliable and effective but bulky.

Will it work with an SB800 flash?****

Yes, I’ve used mine with SB 600, SB 800, and SB 910. I do not feel it syncs as well with any external flash as with other Nikon SLRs though.

Can this camera be repaired by nikon usa?****

If the camera is original USA model then I believe you will not have a problem. I don’t believe any warranties are covered on Japanese based models. I am certain you can contact US Nikon Repair for a definitive answer. I paid more for a US Model to make sure I could have US repairs by Nikon.

How do you find out the shutter count on the used camera?****

Unfortunately, it would not be readily available from the camera display info. In order to see the shutter count you would need to read the exif metadata from the most recent picture of the given camera, and embedded in that data you will find the picture count. I recently did this to find out the current shutter count of my Df and D800 and used a third party utility solution called (Exif tool). It is free and readily available to download. You can also use Adobe Photoshop and read this exif data as well to see the current shutter count for that particular picture.

Can you use an intervelometer or does this have it built into the camera?****

There is one built in.

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