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Nikon did a great job with the design of the Zf, which lends itself to great customization. The body comes in many colors, but they also built it with a relatively flat grip, so you can add a custom leather case or grip. Also, it uses a threaded shutter release, which makes using soft shutter release buttons simple.
Here is a list of some of the best accessories for the Nikon Zf.
Table Of Contents
For those looking for memory cards, It’s a little tricky since the camera accepts both SD and MicroSD cards, so I’ve built a dedicated guide to help you find the best memory cards for the Nikon Zf.
1. Batteries
The Nikon Zf uses the same Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries as the Z6 series and the Nikon Z8.
Note: The Nikon Zf is not bundled with a dedicated Nikon Charger.
Official Batteries
Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Battery
The Nikon EN-EL15c serves as an upgrade to older battery models, offering increased capacity. It pairs perfectly with MH-25 and MH-25a chargers and supports in-camera charging via the EH-7P Charging AC adapter when used with Z series cameras.
- Battery Capacity: 2280 mAh / 16 Wh
- Output: 7 VDC
Third-Party Batteries
Nikon locks third-party companies from making batteries through coded firmware. Hence, it’s always a good idea to have as many official batteries as you need for critical use and only keep third-party batteries as a backup.
I’ve succeeded with third-party batteries in the latest cameras, but some made before the Z8 generation of camera batteries will not work. Third-party batteries will not perform the same as the official batteries. Typically, third-party batteries are not broken in when you receive them, so you must cycle them at least five times before they perform closer to the official batteries.
The new SmallRig batteries with the built-in USB-C faster-charging port are updated to work with the Nikon Zf. I’ve been using this battery on my Nikon Z8, and it’s very good. It’s one of the best third-party batteries I’ve used, and its performance is very close to that of the official batteries.
SmallRig EN-EL15c Battery Pack
1 Battery with USB-C cable
EN-EL15c Battery with USB-C Rapid Charging: The EN-EL15c battery features a USB Type-C port, accelerating the charging process by 45% over other USB-C camera batteries and 65% faster than standard charging methods. High current charging (5V/2A) can achieve a full charge in just 2.5 hours. The battery also includes a visual charging indicator: a red light signifies charging, while a green light indicates a full charge.
- USB-C Fast Charging – Charges in 2.5 hours.
- Battery Capacity: 2400Ah / 17.28 Wh
- Output: 7.2 V
2. Screen Protectors
While Nikon usually includes nice screens with its cameras, I still like to use screen protectors, preferably glass. Sometimes, I will go with anti-glare, depending on how I plan to use my camera. Cameras like my Nikon Z6 or this Zf are my street cameras, and I use an anti-glare protector for them, but my Z8 has a 9H glass screen protector.
I think the glass screen protectors are best for most people.
Screen Protector For Nikon Zf
Kinokoo is a Japanese brand that offers screen protectors that are robustly defended against dirt, scratches, and fingerprint smudges. Crafted from tempered glass with a mere 0.25mm thickness, they provide a crystal-clear viewing experience with ultra-low reflection, preserving sensitivity.
- 9H Hardness, .25mm thickness
- 99.99% Clarity.
3. Handgrips & Thumb Grips
There are already some third-party grips for the Nikon Zf. These can help add more grip to the grip portion of the camera, and there are even thumb grips to give your thumb a better resting position. I love those and use them on most of my retro cameras, like my Leica and Fujifilm. I think they would be great on the Zf.
Hand Grips For Nikon Zf
SmallRig Nikon Zf Handgrip
Upgrade your shooting game with the Smallrig L-Shaped Grip, designed exclusively for the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera. Easily attach it to the camera’s bottom using a 1/4″-20 screw. This compact accessory enhances ergonomics and is a secure tripod attachment point with integrated Arca-type dovetails. You’ll still have full access to the camera’s battery and memory card ports. The sleek black aluminum finish and textured, anti-slip grip seamlessly complement the Zf.
- Built-in Arca Swiss plate
- 1/4″-20 threaded hole in the grip
- Built-in cold shoe mount
- Aluminum Alloy, Silicone
Thumb Grip For Nikon Zf
JJC Nikon Zf Thumb Grip
The JJC Thumbs Up Grip is crafted specifically for the Nikon Zf camera and is built with high-quality aluminum alloy and a microfiber leather top surface with a similar texture to your camera’s leatherette. The silicone-covered thumb grip provides a steadier grip.
I personally love these thumb grips and always use them. Although I usually use the brand Lensmate, JJC is now making nice thumb grips.
4. Soft Shutter Release
The Nikon Zf has a threaded shutter button to take advantage of the soft shutter release buttons. Best of all, Nikon even makes one.
Here are some great Soft Shutter Releases for the Nikon Zf, starting with the official Nikon AR-11 Soft Shutter.
Nikon AR-11 Soft Shutter Release
The Nikon AR-11 Soft Shutter Release screws into the release socket, delivering a softer, lighter feel with reduced vibration when releasing the shutter. Its top surface is crafted from durable rubber ebonite resin, which develops a distinctive textured patina over time.
- Screws into Shutter Release Socket
- Ebonite Resin Top Surface
Here are a few other brands I like using on my various cameras.
Note: These usually come in two different sizes, 10mm or 12mm. The 12mm can be a little bulky on some cameras and look strange, but it looks fine on other bodies. It also depends on the style and personal taste.
I use three different Lensmates on my Fujifilm cameras: the JJC with the red leatherette on my Leica M11 and the VKO Wood Button on my Leica MP. The 10mm buttons tend to look nicer on the Fujifilm cameras.
Lensmate Soft Shutter Button
- The aluminum models have been color-anodized, 10mm
- It comes with rubber rings for tight attachment
- Brass versions are available as well
VKO Soft Shutter Release Button – Wood
- Unique wood grain, 12mm Concave surface
- It comes with rubber rings for tight attachment
- Made of high-quality wood and brass thread screw
JJC Soft Shutter Release – GR Brown
- Pure copper material with microfiber leather, 12mm Surface
- Comes with rubber rings for tight attachment
- Multiple color options
5. Body Cases & Half Cases
There are some great cases and leather half-cases for the Nikon Zf. These can help protect your camera or add some extra grip.
Kaza Deluxe always makes great cases, and I’ve owned several of them over the years for several of my cameras and always recommend them.
There is also this case by Ibborys. This company makes cases under a few different brands, as my Leica M11 case appears almost identical. I’ve seen these cases for the Leica called the SIUTATDSH and the WHKoowl in Japan. Some OEM master leather workers build them and release them under different brands.
There is also another case by TP Originals. I have also had one of their cases before, and they are fine for the price. I won’t link them for now, but I prefer spending a little more on the Kaza Deluxe case or the Ibbory’s case. However, the TP Originals case is nice if you don’t want a bulky grip.
Kaza Deluxe Nikon Zf Leather Half Case
The Kaza Leather Case is a vintage-style Nikon ZF Series camera case made of cowhide leather and fiber lining. It fits 40mm lenses and has a battery and SD card slot. The case protects your camera from scratches, cracks, and dings and looks elegant and snug.
- Accommodates 40mm Lens
- Access to Battery and Memory Cards
- Made in Hong Kong
Camera Specialized Genuine Leather Half Case for Nikon Zf
Handcrafted by Iborrys
The Nikon Zf Iborrys leather case uses a top-grain layer of cowhide leather. The leather parts are all carefully hand-cut and sewn by skilled craftsmen with over 10 years of experience, with every stitch and detail finely carved. The metal parts at the bottom and handle are polished by high-precision five-axis CNC machines with very high accuracy.
- French EPSOM top-grain cow leather. Technology
- Opening for Battery and Memory Cards
6. Camera Straps & Wrist Straps
There are many strap options today, but I mostly use a Peak Design hand Clutch plus strap as my main. I have two of them, one for my Nikon system and one for my Fujifilm system. I use different hand straps from time to time. The Zf is a little big and bulky, so you’ll need a bigger and bulkier hand strap so you don’t chop your hand off at your risk. Peak Design is again my go-to.
Here is what I’m using.
Modern Camera Straps For Nikon Zf
For the Peak Design straps, with the Nikon Zf and its full-frame lenses, you might want to start with a Slide Lite instead of a Leash. I have a leash strap, and I love how small and thin it is, but if you go with some heavier lenses, it might be a little too thin for most people. However, it should be fine if you’re running around with just a 28mm or a 40mm. I don’t think you would need to go as bulky as the full-size Slide strap. I don’t even own one and never felt like I needed one.
There are many color options. I will link you to black, but you might want to browse around a little. I use the grey/ash color since it’s easier to find in my bag and around my studio.
Peak Design Slide Lite
Unrivaled versatility, stability, and style.
- Reconfigure the slide for quick size adjustment
- Achor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
Peak Design Clutch
Fast grip and quick link-up hand strap.
- Quick Adjusting
- Quick Connecting Anchor System
- Tripod Arca Swiss Plate.
Peak Design Wrist Strap
Light, instant-connect wrist strap for security on the fly.
- Aluminum-alloy Adjuster
- Anchor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
Leather Camera Straps Nikon Zf
You may want a nice leather strap because the Nikon Zf is a retro-style camera. I use leather straps a lot and have owned many of them. Here are what I think are the best leather straps for the Nikon Zf – or at least these are some of my favorites.
Keep an eye on these companies to see if they ever make some nice leather half-cases for the Nikon Zf.
Luigi’s Straps by Luigicase
Italian leather company, and probably the best leather straps. I recommend the Deluxe strap. The Italian Approach to Leatherworks.
- Soft Italian Leather, extremely high quality
- Handmade
- Made in Italy
Tap&Dye
Great leather straps, Full Grain, Vegetable Tanned, and Chromexcel (Some of the best leather on earth). The American Approach to Leatherworks.
- Full Grain or Chromexcel Leather
- Handmade
- Made in USA
HardGraft
Made in Italy with the best European materials. Extreme high quality, straps bags, lifestyle products.
- Made of Italian and European Materials
- Italian, German, and British Wools
- Made in Italy
Some other brands that make nice leather accessories you can search for are Artedimano, Kenjileather, Angelo-Pelle, and Artisan&Artist, a Tokyo-based company. I haven’t had any of their straps yet, so I have not listed them, but I have heard great things about these companies.
7. Camera Cases & Bags
I don’t obsess over camera cases, spending years searching for the perfect one – I prefer to keep it simple. I use a Lowepro backpack for travel; otherwise, it’s a GoPro backpack with Think Tank bags in various sizes for on-the-go organizations.
Think Tank Mirrorless Movers
Think Tank bags are very high quality and will magnetically snap shut, giving you a little extra security in case you forget to use the zipper.
The Mirrorless Mover 5 is great for a small lens, although it will pack a small camera like a Ricoh GRIII or Fujifilm X100V. The Mirrorless Mover 10 is great for small, medium size prime lenses. You won’t be able to zip shut some of the bigger lenses with this bag, but that’s okay. I just use them to compartmentalize my backpack when traveling. Then, with the Mirrorless Mover 20, I can have a mirrorless-sized camera, a larger lens, or a few midsized lenses with dividers. So check out all the sizes and specs and see what’s right for you if you decide to go down this route. These little bags can also be great for holding cleaning supplies in a suitcase or backpack.
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10 is a compact shoulder bag for your mirrorless camera, 1-2 lenses, and extras. If you own the Nikon Zf, I would only use this to hold a small lens or some accessories.
- Flip-Top Lid with Magnetic Closures
- Exterior Zip Pocket
- Multiple color options
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 20
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 20 is a sleek shoulder bag for your mirrorless camera, 2-3 lenses, and extras. Customize the interior with removable dividers; one even has a slot for your phone. Quick access with a flip-top lid and magnetic closure.
- Flip-Top Lid with Magnetic Closures
- Exterior Zip Pocket
- Multiple color options
Extras – Cleaning Supplies
If you don’t already have a nice set of cleaning supplies, here are a few recommended products you should use regularly.
Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-Pack
6 individually wrapped Micro Fiber Cloths
It is safe for all delicate surfaces, from LCDs, laptops, and phones to cars, tablets, mirrors, glass, cameras, lenses, gaming gear, etc.
- 6-Pack Individually wrapped
Sensor Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning sensors, I use these simple cleaning swabs. There are many brands out there, but it doesn’t matter that much which brand you pick. You’ll just want an alcohol-free solution, as alcohol can destroy things. For example, I used alcohol to clean my expensive Apple keyboard, and it etched out some of my letters. If the alcohol is too strong, it will probably destroy the coatings on a sensor or lens.
UES Sensor Swabs Full Frame 14 Piece
14 Swabs + Cleaning Solution
The UES Sensor Swabs contain a very effective cleaning solution. They are also easy to use, as each wand is individually packaged for one-time use. These wands offer excellent convenience and performance at a reasonable price.
- 14 vacuum-sealed packs
- 15ml Alcohol-free sensor cleaner
In most situations, you won’t need to use the wet method to clean your sensor. I recommend starting with an air blaster, and if that doesn’t work, I would go with a Sensor Brush. This is not a super popular solution, but I like using these brushes before I use any liquid on my sensor.
Dust Patrol – Sensor Cleaning Brush
1 Full Frame Sensor Brush + 3 Chamber Swabs + Storage Tube
Premium sensor cleaning brush from Germany with fine bristles/fibers. Reduces the need for the wet method, saving you time, products, and money.
- High-Quality fine bristles
- Made In Germany
Conclusion
The Nikon Zf is a great camera and was an instant hit. Many great accessories help enhance the design’s usability. This list only scratches the surface of what’s out there, but these are the brands of accessories I regularly use and find very useful.
2 comments
Thanks for listing these useful products.
One question: Are you sure Iborrys uses Italian’s leather? I cannot find that information anywhere, although it appears to be the case for their other camera brand’s cases.
To be honest, by looking at their demo video on Amazon, I would say it feels more like a Chinese product.
Maybe they don’t, or maybe they did and don’t anymore.
This is from their Japanese Amazon store: “Made of top-grade cowhide leather made with 100 years of traditional Italian pure vegetable tanning technology, the leather part is hand-cut and sewn by craftsmen with over 10 years of experience, and is exquisitely finished with one stitch at a time. The metal parts of the bottom and handle are cast and polished by a million-level high-precision 5-axis CNC lathe.”
So they are saying Italian vegetable tanning technology. Which sounds like marketing BS. They might have been saying Italian Leather when I first built this list, but clearly now they are saying Technology.
So I’ll edit the list to remove Italian leather.