On many levels, Nikon is focused on the cutting edge. Their cameras and lenses are some of the most forward-thinking around, sporting unique features, speedy recording, top-tier autofocus, and the most up-to-date feature sets that appeal to modern image-makers. In other ways, though, Nikon hasn’t lost sight of their heritage. With select models, both on the camera and lens front, they pay homage to their past with distinct, retro-inspired designs, more tactile-forward builds, and traditional aesthetics that are as fun to look at as they are to use.
Nikon Zf and Zfc Mirrorless Cameras
The most apparent examples of Nikon crediting their rich history are a pair of mirrorless cameras from the past few years—the Nikon Zfc and, more recently, the Nikon Zf. These cameras meld contemporary feature sets with an outward appearance that mimics some of their past film SLRs. In the case of the Zf, the camera mimics the look of the FM2, fit with brass dials on the top of the body to control shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation and a mechanical shutter release button that is threaded to accept a conventional cable release. The Zfc takes queues from this design but scales it down to the smaller form factor of the DX system.
Both cameras are aesthetically different from the rest of the Z system lineup but still feature the same tech and shooting capabilities as other models. In the case of the Zf, it is very similar to the Z6 II, whereas the Zfc is based on the Z50. Both cameras offer the same stills capabilities along with full video functionality, too, making for especially unique looking options for content creators.
With similar feature sets to the more “modern” Z6 II and Z50, the Zf and Zfc stand out due to their looks and their handling. Beyond just pure aesthetics, the access to a more tactile style of settings adjustment method appeals to certain photographers, especially those coming from a film background. It reduces the need to delve into the menu and makes for a more direct method of changing the most oft-used settings on a camera.
Past Tributes
The Zf and Zfc aren’t the first Nikon digital cameras to reference this historic styling—back in 2013 they released the Nikon Df, a retro-styled DSLR based on the D4 flagship DSLR of the time. This camera took a more hard-lined take on classically inspired, as Nikon made the decision to omit video recording modes from the camera, deeming it a tool solely for photographers. Also, one of the most exciting design decisions from the Df, its F lens mount incorporated changeable metering coupling lever, which permitted the use of unmodified non-AI lenses—a first for Nikon F-mount DSLRs.
One other digital camera that had history written all over it was the one-off COOLPIX A; an advanced compact camera that was both a bit ahead of its time while referring to cameras before its time. Modeled off the same ethos as the 28Ti film point-and-shoot (now one of the most coveted cameras on the used market), the COOLPIX A was a stylish and luxurious point-and-shoot with a large APS-C sensor, fixed 28mm-equivalent prime lens, and a simple, elegant design. This camera would feel very “in” nowadays but was maybe a bit too niche when it debuted in 2013.
Special Edition Lenses and Referential Optics
Alongside Nikon’s pair of retro-esque mirrorless bodies, they’ve also released a pair of matching prime lenses that feel at home with the traditional styling of these bodies. The NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE) and the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) are functionally identical to their non (SE) models but sport knurled barrels with a decorative silver ring and a retro typeface to appear more akin to a manual focus F-mount lens from the 1970s.
Like the Zf and Zfc cameras themselves, these lenses are functionally current and still offer the latest optical capabilities Nikon can offer, including quick, quiet AF and multicoated glass for a contemporary look.
Looking elsewhere within the current Z lens lineup, there’re a couple other prime lenses where you can see traces of Nikon’s heritage. The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is an obvious one, paying respect to the original Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 from the mid ‘70s. The second lens is the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, which more thematically recalls a unique lens from the 1990s: the AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2. While lacking the same Defocus-image Control as the DC lens for SLRs, the new Plena borrows many of the traits of this character-driven lens, including its affinity for especially smooth bokeh that’s perfect for portraiture.
Other Instances of Heritage in Design
Pulling back to a more general scope, Nikon is clearly a brand that cares about and is proud of its heritage, whether its these referential, inspired-by cameras and lenses or the fact that they still support so many of their older products in some fashion. The FTZ II Mount Adapter, which allows you to use virtually any SLR-era Nikon F-mount lens on current Z-system mirrorless body, is the perfect example of Nikon’s legacy and desire to blend their history with their current production.
Nikon holds a unique position in the industry as one of the foremost tech-focused brands but also as a brand that cares deeply about its 100+ year history of being an optics and camera manufacturer. It’s refreshing to see them still paying homage to their fruitful past without losing sight of the evolving tech surrounding photography and even video today.
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