Nikon Df (2013)

Name: Nikon Df
Brand: Nikon

The Nikon Df was announced November 5, 2013. It is a full-frame DSLR dressed up like the 1959 Nikon F. The body has the classic prism hump, mechanical-looking top dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, and a lens aperture coupling ring, so legacy AI and AI-S Nikkor glass works with full metering. Nikon pitched it as a camera for the photographer who valued the experience of shooting, not as a spec-sheet winner. Nikon itself described the design as "frill-free," recalling the beauty of its classic film cameras.

Under the retro skin sits the 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor from the flagship D4, paired with the EXPEED 3 processor. Reviewers consistently praised the low-light performance, and dpreview called it the best low-light camera in its class at the time. The 39-point autofocus system came from the D600. Reviewers noted it was competent but unremarkable. The biggest omission is video. The Df records none at all, which makes it the first Nikon FX-format DSLR without the feature. It shoots 5.5 frames per second, with a shutter rated to 150,000 cycles. Native ISO runs 100-12,800, expandable to 50 and 204,800 equivalent.

The Df launched at $2,749.95 body-only, or $2,999.95 with a special-edition AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens styled with silver ring detailing to match the body. That put it above the more fully featured D610, and critics were quick to say so. The single SD card slot, fixed rear LCD, and dated AF module drew more criticism. Still, the camera built a devoted following among owners of vintage Nikkor glass. The common refrain on forums is that manual-focus lenses from the 1970s feel brand new on the Df, and that the D4 sensor renders them beautifully. The body has held its value better than most Nikon DSLRs. Used prices in excellent condition have ranged from $900 to $1,300 in recent years, and mint examples reportedly list as high as $1,800. Long-term owner reports note the thumb-rest rubber can degrade over time and the control dials may stiffen, but no widespread electronic failures are documented. Nikon discontinued it without a direct successor.