| sent on October 04, 2020
Pros: Build quality, tripod attachment, functionality, upgradeability
Cons: no AF engine, unacceptable list price
Opinion: Impeccably constructed adapter, construction tolerances of absolute precision (there is no game) and excellent materials (there are also teardowns in the net that demonstrate its robustness). The integration of the tripod attachment that allows a better distribution of weights is very welcome, thus avoiding the stress on the bayonet of the camera and /or the tripod attachment of the same - nevertheless, heavy optics must always be used with the appropriate collar, to avoid excessive pressure on the F bayonet of the FTZ. It is essentially an adapter that transmits and manages electronic signals and extends the pull of the Z-Series ML to the length provided for Nikon SLRs, so that the F-MOUNT lenses can be used according to the original construction parameters. There are therefore no optical elements and there is no loss of brightness. Of course there is also the diaphragm actuator that acts on the appropriate mechanical lever of the Nikkor F-Mount lenses and compatible, but of course it also works with the lenses equipped with electronic diaphragm (E). However, there is no focus engine that, in the D7XXX series and higher SLRs, controls the autofocus on the "AF" targetses (without internal motor). The inclusion of the same would probably have greatly increased the weights and size of the FTZ, as well as energy consumption, but this does not alter the fact that its lack remains a noteworthy loss. You therefore have full functionality with AF-S, AF-P and AI-P optics and on the others you lack autofocus. On ai-p equivalent lenses (such as zeiss, zf.2 or milvus), the rangefinder does not work, but I solved with a zoom 200X assigned to one of the FN keys, on lenses instead equivalent AF and AF-D, there is also the rangefinder with the indications on focus (and confirmation ball). The lenses without CHIP or with CHIP that give problems (for the latter situation there are those who cover the power pin, but I would recommend an economical Z-F adapter without contacts, in order to avoid damage), must be set up and then recalled in the appropriate section of the menu: exposure measurement and stabilization will still be available. By mounting DX lenses, it will not be possible to force FX mode (unlike the Nikon DSLR), except for any "physical" decoys or future updates that will unlock this function. The FTZ, like the native Z optics, works in stop down (diaphragm closed to the value set even during vision) up to F5.6, so the PDC will be immediately assessable (except for values below F5.6, so the pre-display function will have to be invoked). I personally believe that this stop down operation is beneficial for the diaphragm, be it mechanical or electromagnetic, as it is subjected to less "effort" than the DSLR system. Finally, the FTZ is equipped with upgradeable firmware, which is a valuable note. Version 1.10 introduced the possibility of updating F-MOUNT (Nikkor obviously) optics, which is certainly a good thing for any corrections that will be necessary in the future to improve the operation of the Nikkor F on the new Z's. The only real negative note (leaving aside the lack of the AF engine): the aperture detector is missing and does NOT regulate the diaphragms on lenses without CHIP, so with all AI-S optics and also recent ones without chips (such as zeiss ZF ...) you work in stop down and the saved exif data will report only the maximum aperture value (set in the section "CPU-free lenses"). All in all he deserves a 9. |
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