This feels immediately better than the 800/Otus. Lovely smooth transitions and beautiful tones, his expressions suits the rest of the presentation and, of course, Blue Jays colors (I seem to recall a Reyes jersey a while back). Now, can you find love in the Df’s size and little quirks? I do recall reading that it is considerably quieter.
A promising start, in any case. Hopefully less post processing work than the M240. These Voigtlander SL lenses have an excellent reputation although I’ve never had one on my D700. Also, I’ve always loved the Nokton on your various M’s.
Happy trails. 😉
Yes this combo immediately felt better than the 800/Otus combo.
Your other observations are largely accurate, and I’ll have more to say as I post more, but I will address a few things now:
Nikon designed this sensor and it shows (Nikon knows colours).
The Df + Voigt 40/2 is no match for the M9 + 50 lux ASPH (at base ISO), but it’s pretty damn close.
The choice of a 40mm focal length was no accident, given what I use on the M3 (40/1.4) and the focal length equivalent of the 80/4 (= 40mm) on the Mamiya 7II.
The Df definitely has its quicks, including one thing not mentioned in any of the reviews.
Still, the camera is a joy to use and it’s definitely a camera (not a gadget).
The Voigt 40/2 is also a joy to use and has the silkiest manual focus throw I’ve used in any lens. And it’s tiny.
It occurred to me this morning that for the first time in 7.5 years I’m without a Leica lens and without a Leica digital camera. It feels a little strange, but it’s also strangely liberating. Admittedly, I still have the M3 for film.
Wow. This is just beautiful. I really don’t give a rats behind about the camera you used, you are a great picture taker.
Thank you Cory, that’s very nice of you.
I am curious to see your thoughts on the DF after you’ve had it for several weeks. I’m intrigued by the camera, but the cost of entry means I would have to sell off my Canon gear (and maybe my Leica M8 too) to jump in the Nikon pool.
I used to own the Canon version of the Ultron and loved it. Sharp even wide open. I foolishly sold it after buying the Canon 40mm f2.8 as I figured having AF would be nice. While AF is nice, the IQ of the Voigtlander is better than the Canons.
I also tried the Voigtlander 20mm, but didn’t care for it much (didn’t like IQ or focal length). I now have the 28mm and find it almost as good as the 40mm. If you decide you like the DF and want wider than 40mm, consider the 28mm too. I also like that there is the 58mm f/1.4 available in the Nikon mount too. If there was a Canon mount of the 58mm, I would already have it.
James, the 40/2 is fantastic. No complaints from me.
The only shortcomings in image quality have more to do with the (D)SLR vs. rangefinder output. Rangefinder images always look so perfect to me, whereas DSLR images look a little “curved”, and I’m not necessarily referring to distortion.
Peter, there is really something special going on here regarding smoothness of tone and convincing colors. Somehow it feels, dare I say it, analog. And again a lovely image in itself.
Herb.
Thank you Herb. The sensor is indeed special.
Great looking kid. Lovely portrait. Congrats.
Thank you Antonio.
I’ve always felt this is the sensor the M240 should have in it for me to have any interest. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts over time on the ergonomics. At the very least when you create the image you won’t have to think ahead too much about PP!! You’ll have a file which pleasing SOC.
Yes Andrew, you have indeed gone on record, and now that I’ve used it, I would agree.
However, my dream digital camera would be an M240 with an M9 CCD sensor. The D4/Df sensor (in an M240 body) would be my second choice.
“However, my dream digital camera would be an M240 with an M9 CCD sensor.” Indeed…however given this is CMOS sensor it’s more likely to be a realistic option :-). Can some get Leica to speak with Nikon please?!
You know, I went on record a while ago about my belief that Leica should have spoken to Sony instead of CMOSIS for the CMOS chip in the M240. Clearly, I was wrong… they should have spoken to Nikon.
However, given the M9 was 18 MP, and the D4/Df chip is 16 MP, the latter would have likely been excluded for marketing reasons alone.
Agreed re marketing aspect. There is a common theme I have noticed with the higher resolution sensors 24MP+ and it is they struggle, in my opinion, to render colours in a natural way. It’s almost like the increased pixelation is playing with the RGB capability to some extent. And if the colours seem ok, then the resolution alone makes the image “shine” as in adds a gloss to the image.
That’s why I personally feel the the new A7s will produce a nicer colour pallet than the a7r/a7. Also Fuji have been commended for their colour output…the sensors used in this is 16MP (granted it is ASPC size).
As they say….”there are always pro’s and con’s……” and I could also “be barking up the wrong tree.” 🙂
Kodos to Sony, new camera 12 MP and yet causing a lot of excitement in the market. (just for the record I’m a CCD and D4 sensor fan, so glad your using the DF, very interested to see how your journey progresses.)
I have always believed that a larger pixel pitch is MUCH more important the sheer pixel count. I think this photo and your B&W of your wife today show tonal gradations that the D800 can’t approach.
Peter, I’m glad you like the Df rendering of skintones. It has to be my favourite as a people camera. The sensor is amongst the best out there.
You’ve also chosen a great lens in the Voigtlander 40mm. The 28 Voigtlander is good too and the 20mm is very useable on the Df…
I also like the Zeiss ZF.2 lenses on the Df, though I have a softer spot for the smaller lenses like the 28 F2 and the 35 f2. The Zeiss 28 F2 has a really lovely rendering of out of focus areas.
What’s the quirk that’s bothering you if you don’t mind me asking?
It’s about the placement of the lugs (but nothing to do with the reported difficulties with accessing the shutter).
The lugs are placed so forward on the body of the Df that when using a small lens like the Voigt 40/2, the camera (as it hangs on a shoulder strap) tilts backwards… it’s not front-heavy enough with the tiny lens to tilt into a neutral position. Consequently, the prism points backwards and digs into my side. That prism really feels pointy!
After walking around for a while, I develop “DIE” (Df-Induced-Excoriatons).
I’m not sure I can help with this one 🙂
Lovely colours, indeed! I noticed as soon as I saw it.
But even so, I’ve said bye-bye to DSLRs (of any brand). Though the shutter sound of the Pentax 645D is delicious.
Prosophos 
This feels immediately better than the 800/Otus. Lovely smooth transitions and beautiful tones, his expressions suits the rest of the presentation and, of course, Blue Jays colors (I seem to recall a Reyes jersey a while back). Now, can you find love in the Df’s size and little quirks? I do recall reading that it is considerably quieter.
A promising start, in any case. Hopefully less post processing work than the M240. These Voigtlander SL lenses have an excellent reputation although I’ve never had one on my D700. Also, I’ve always loved the Nokton on your various M’s.
Happy trails. 😉
Yes this combo immediately felt better than the 800/Otus combo.
Your other observations are largely accurate, and I’ll have more to say as I post more, but I will address a few things now:
Wow. This is just beautiful. I really don’t give a rats behind about the camera you used, you are a great picture taker.
Thank you Cory, that’s very nice of you.
I am curious to see your thoughts on the DF after you’ve had it for several weeks. I’m intrigued by the camera, but the cost of entry means I would have to sell off my Canon gear (and maybe my Leica M8 too) to jump in the Nikon pool.
I used to own the Canon version of the Ultron and loved it. Sharp even wide open. I foolishly sold it after buying the Canon 40mm f2.8 as I figured having AF would be nice. While AF is nice, the IQ of the Voigtlander is better than the Canons.
I also tried the Voigtlander 20mm, but didn’t care for it much (didn’t like IQ or focal length). I now have the 28mm and find it almost as good as the 40mm. If you decide you like the DF and want wider than 40mm, consider the 28mm too. I also like that there is the 58mm f/1.4 available in the Nikon mount too. If there was a Canon mount of the 58mm, I would already have it.
James, the 40/2 is fantastic. No complaints from me.
The only shortcomings in image quality have more to do with the (D)SLR vs. rangefinder output. Rangefinder images always look so perfect to me, whereas DSLR images look a little “curved”, and I’m not necessarily referring to distortion.
Peter, there is really something special going on here regarding smoothness of tone and convincing colors. Somehow it feels, dare I say it, analog. And again a lovely image in itself.
Herb.
Thank you Herb. The sensor is indeed special.
Great looking kid. Lovely portrait. Congrats.
Thank you Antonio.
I’ve always felt this is the sensor the M240 should have in it for me to have any interest. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts over time on the ergonomics. At the very least when you create the image you won’t have to think ahead too much about PP!! You’ll have a file which pleasing SOC.
Yes Andrew, you have indeed gone on record, and now that I’ve used it, I would agree.
However, my dream digital camera would be an M240 with an M9 CCD sensor. The D4/Df sensor (in an M240 body) would be my second choice.
“However, my dream digital camera would be an M240 with an M9 CCD sensor.” Indeed…however given this is CMOS sensor it’s more likely to be a realistic option :-). Can some get Leica to speak with Nikon please?!
You know, I went on record a while ago about my belief that Leica should have spoken to Sony instead of CMOSIS for the CMOS chip in the M240. Clearly, I was wrong… they should have spoken to Nikon.
However, given the M9 was 18 MP, and the D4/Df chip is 16 MP, the latter would have likely been excluded for marketing reasons alone.
Agreed re marketing aspect. There is a common theme I have noticed with the higher resolution sensors 24MP+ and it is they struggle, in my opinion, to render colours in a natural way. It’s almost like the increased pixelation is playing with the RGB capability to some extent. And if the colours seem ok, then the resolution alone makes the image “shine” as in adds a gloss to the image.
That’s why I personally feel the the new A7s will produce a nicer colour pallet than the a7r/a7. Also Fuji have been commended for their colour output…the sensors used in this is 16MP (granted it is ASPC size).
As they say….”there are always pro’s and con’s……” and I could also “be barking up the wrong tree.” 🙂
Kodos to Sony, new camera 12 MP and yet causing a lot of excitement in the market. (just for the record I’m a CCD and D4 sensor fan, so glad your using the DF, very interested to see how your journey progresses.)
I have always believed that a larger pixel pitch is MUCH more important the sheer pixel count. I think this photo and your B&W of your wife today show tonal gradations that the D800 can’t approach.
Peter, I’m glad you like the Df rendering of skintones. It has to be my favourite as a people camera. The sensor is amongst the best out there.
You’ve also chosen a great lens in the Voigtlander 40mm. The 28 Voigtlander is good too and the 20mm is very useable on the Df…
I also like the Zeiss ZF.2 lenses on the Df, though I have a softer spot for the smaller lenses like the 28 F2 and the 35 f2. The Zeiss 28 F2 has a really lovely rendering of out of focus areas.
What’s the quirk that’s bothering you if you don’t mind me asking?
It’s about the placement of the lugs (but nothing to do with the reported difficulties with accessing the shutter).
The lugs are placed so forward on the body of the Df that when using a small lens like the Voigt 40/2, the camera (as it hangs on a shoulder strap) tilts backwards… it’s not front-heavy enough with the tiny lens to tilt into a neutral position. Consequently, the prism points backwards and digs into my side. That prism really feels pointy!
After walking around for a while, I develop “DIE” (Df-Induced-Excoriatons).
I’m not sure I can help with this one 🙂
Lovely colours, indeed! I noticed as soon as I saw it.
But even so, I’ve said bye-bye to DSLRs (of any brand). Though the shutter sound of the Pentax 645D is delicious.