Hi Alan,

Thanks for your insight. I can totally understand your position, even considering something smaller again than the Zf. Whatever you end up choosing, I hope you get to keep enjoying your photography. My mum suffers with arthritis, so I know how difficult it can be.

All the best
David

I’ve owned both the Z8 and Zf as my only MILCs for close to three years, and I agree with every single point you make.

However, I sold my Z8 a week ago and kept the Zf for now. The main reason is that the Z8+one lens will NEVER be as light and compact to carry as the Zf+one lens. It will always be substantially heavier, and that weight is too much for me and my arthritis. The Z8+lens will also always be substantially larger, to the point of attracting unwelcome attention among people (friends, strangers, whoever). It singles the photographer out as more than a tourist, a geeky dad/mum or a happy street snapper. As a result, I barely ever walked out my flat with the Z8, except for (rare) paid sessions. It was a big waste for me despite all its objective qualities.

The Zf is not a light compact body either, but it is way less crippling or stressful for carrying around on hikes across cities or countryside, especially if you can be satisfied with one or two small primes. The 200 grs difference in body weight may read as minor but the extra pain is real. Also, It looks kind of quaint (fitting my own geeky semi-hipster dad persona) but procures great IQ and a fun shooting experience. Ergonomics are lousy indeed. That is the toll for such cool looks

I recently purchased a Z50II with the 24mm DX prime, and that ultra light and small (but fugly) combo is an absolute joy to use, combining the excellent ergonomics of the Z8/7/6/5 with the amazing reactivity, AF performance and recipe features of the Z6III/Zf. IQ is more than good enough for the majority of my use cases.

I am now contemplating downsizing my gear collection to Nikon Z DX altogether. Also evaluating the Fujifilm system as a possible alternative (again weight and size being priorities for me) even though it also suffers of the “form before function” syndrome.