Nikon's Zf also affected by firmware problem with third-party lenses
A total of four current Nikons can paralyze third-party lenses when updating their firmware. The flagship Z9 is not affected.
The popular Zf with its retro look can also "brick" third-party lenses.
(Image: Sophia Zimmermann)
If you update the firmware of a Nikon Zf, Z50 II, Z6 III or Z8 while a lens from another manufacturer is mounted on the camera, it can become inoperable. In the course of this week, after the first warnings about problems with the Z8, more and more information was added on Nikon's download pages for other cameras. The latest one so far is for the compact Zf with its retro look. There is still no explanation from the company or announcement of corrected firmware versions.
Therefore, for the time being, cameras should only be updated if a Nikon lens is fitted. Alternatively, as Nikon writes on its download pages, one of the two FTZ adapters can also be used. These are used to attach lenses with the F bayonet to mirrorless cameras with the Z bayonet. The faulty firmware including the warnings can be found under the following links, the current version number and its error status are indicated in each case, if anything changes, this message will be updated:
- Nikon Zf, version 2.02, faulty
- Nikon Z50 II, version 1.02, faulty
- Nikon Z6 III, version 1.11, faulty
- Nikon Z8, version 3.00, faulty
All of these cameras are equipped with Nikon's Expeed 7 processor, which the company introduced with the flagship Z9. However, the current problems do not affect this camera. This is probably because no new firmware has been released for the Z9 for some time.
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The issues were first noticed with the Nikon Z8, as reported by lens manufacturer Tamron, among others. The company had already announced firmware 3.00 for this camera weeks ago and had also created a dedicated website for it. As with previous updates for the Z8, version 3.00 also brings new functions, in this case including the combination of pixel and focus shift for 180-megapixel images with extended depth of field. The autofocus range can also be limited, which is particularly helpful when filming. If you want to update a Z8 to the new version, you should definitely follow the instructions for the update.
Some users also report in forums that a "frozen" third-party lens on a Z8 worked again after a downgrade from firmware 3.00 to version 2.10. However, you should not rely on such tips. However, you should not rely on such tips because they only apply to one combination of camera and lens.
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