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Retro cameras such as theNikon Z fcand newFujifilm X-T50are all the rage, but should they be?
The experience got me thinking: would I be willing to sacrifice outright functionality for the looks?
The Nikon Z fc is a stunner if you like retro, but what’s it like using one in 2024?
Their handling is inferior
I’ve been around cameras long enough to appreciate 2024’s retro wave.
Gorgeous stuff.Fujifilm’s business has thrived making retro cameras, too, the latest model being the X-T50.
However, camera design has evolved for the better since the good ol' analog SLR days.
You don’t usually get a proper grip with a retro camera, so holding one can be awkward.
Retro cameras usually lack a grip.
Their exposure dials sit pretty, but the process of making changes using those dials is fiddlier.
You might desire that slow experience, but the simple matter is that retro cameras prioritize looks over function.
Of all Nikon vast range of Z-mount lenses, only two are retro lenses and neither of those have an aperture ring.
There’s more than skin-deep matters, too.
Retro cameras are best kept to small lenses for specific genres of photography: street, reportage, portraiture.
For example, something like a 35mm f/2.8.
At the time of writing, I’m testing the pricey Voigtlander D 35mm f1.2 Nokton manual focus lens with the Nikon Z fc – Nikon doesn’t make these kind of lenses for its Z-mount.
Forget about using retro gear to photograph distant wildlife.
They’re expensive
Camera brands are cashing in on the retro trend.
Retro cameras are expensive by comparison to similarly equipped full-size cameras.
If you want the old-school looks, you’ll be paying tomorrow’s prices.
If I’m going to use a camera for a proper shoot, it’ll be a full-size one.
If I want the slickest handling, a full-size camera delivers.
If I want a no-limits camera whatever I’m photographing, full-size is the way.
Retro might satisfy your lustful desires, but full-size cameras are the ones to settle down with.
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