The z7

I finally got a mirrorless. The Nikon Z7. It’s a 45 megapixel full frame camera that also shoots 4K @ 30fps and 1080 @ 120fps. Those specs are nothing too extraordinary these days but for a Nikon human like me, I’m very excited to have one in my quiver.

What this camera really opens up for me is not only the ability to shoot 4K with my range of Nikon F Mount lenses. But it now allows me to shoot with Leica M Mount lenses.

Leica glass is out of my price range, but the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 with its 10 blade aperture makes for a great EDC (everyday carry) lens. Especially at a price point of around $350 used. On the topic of used, I also purchased the Z7 in EX+ condition off KEH. They had a 12% off promotion and I swiped this one for around $1,800.

I’ve only had this setup for a day or so but I can already say I really love it. It’s far lighter and more compact than my D810 and the screen is very clear. Proving effective for manual focus lenses.

As you can see I’m still getting my eye in on focusing this 40mm. But I love that creamy bokeh and focus falloff.

To get some practice in I went for a morning walk around our town of Franklin, Tennessee. Being in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this already sleepy tourist town is now even quieter.

Just about all of the shops that have no form of curbside offerings have temporarily closed in accordance with state mandates.

The bustling corner Starbucks, sits dormant.

Peer through any cafe window around here and you’ll see the same scene.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, some restaurants like Frothy Monkey are finding ways to get by with curbside services.

Last night Ellie and I partook in takeout from Americana Taphouse, just around the corner from our apartment.

Along with snapping some photos I also shot some 4k video, handheld at 30fps. For professional shoots I’d run a tripod of course but it’s always good to know what you can get away with hand held.

At any rate. I hope we can all make it through these next few weeks safely. I really want to take this camera beyond these few blocks in my neighborhood.