The Switch to a New Camera

I first started with photography in 1978 with the arrival of a Praktica MTL3 35mm single lens reflex camera and a Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f2.8 lens. Although this camera was fairly basic it sparked my interest in photography. The camera was extremely reliable and durable, and was still in mint condition and using its original battery 22 years later when I switched to a Nikon F80 35mm SLR. This camera rekindled my interest in photography and slide film in particular. The F80 was replaced by my first digital camera, the Nikon D70 in 2005. These two cameras established my preference for Nikon cameras and DSLRs.

Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm f4 S lens

Wind forward to 2019, and I suffered a serious health issue requiring emergency open heart surgery. While recovering from the surgery I was unable to lift much of my camera equipment, particularly long fast lenses and heavy gripped DSLR bodies, due to their weight putting a strain on my chest as it continued to heal. I needed a change if I was to continue my passion for photography.

Luckily, a few months earlier, Nikon had released the Z6 and Z7 mirrorless full frame cameras so as soon as I was able to get about again I ordered a Z6 along with the new 20-70mm f4 S lens. The new Z camera and lens weighed approximately 1.2kg compared to the 2.5kg of my previous D850 and AFS 24-70 f2.8 G lens. This weight reduction made it much easier to support the camera and also carry it while out.

As someone with a large investment in Nikon’s DSLR system, both financially and time, I wasn’t sure whether the new mirrorless system was the best way to continue with my photography, but the more I use and become familiar with the camera the more I am convinced that this is the future. I have purchased the FTZ adapter that allows me to use my existing f-mount lenses on the new camera so I do not need to replace all of my current lenses.

I will provide further updates on my journey with the new Z6 as I become more familiar with its operation and capabilities.