Nikon FTZ

The Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter is an official Nikon accessory that allows you to mount older Nikon F-Mount lenses onto newer Nikon Z-Mount mirrorless cameras (e.g., Z9, Z8, Z7II, Z6II, Z5, Zfc, Z50, Z30).

It is the spiritual successor to the FT-1 but for the current Z system.

Key Features and Function

1. Seamless Mount Conversion: It physically adapts the larger F-mount (46.5mm flange distance) to the wider-diameter Z-mount (16mm flange distance). This is possible because the Z-mount's shorter flange distance creates space for an adapter without compromising the ability to focus to infinity.

2. No Optical Elements: Unlike the FT-1, the FTZ adapter contains no glass. It is essentially a precision-machined tube with electrical contacts. This means it does not degrade image quality in any way; the optical performance of the attached F-mount lens is preserved.

3. Full Electronic Communication: This is its most important feature. The adapter has a sophisticated array of contacts that provide full communication between the F-mount lens and the Z-mount camera body. This enables:

   • Autofocus (AF): Full autofocus performance with AF-S, AF-P, and AF-I lenses. Performance is often as good as—or sometimes even better than—on a DSLR due to the advanced AF systems in Z cameras.

   • Aperture Control: The camera body controls the lens's aperture electronically.

   • EXIF Data: All lens data (focal length, aperture, etc.) is recorded correctly.

   • Lens Features: In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS) works in conjunction with the lens's Vibration Reduction (VR). Other features like focus shift shooting and fine-tuned AF adjustments also work.

4. Built-In Tripod Foot: The original FTZ has an built-in Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot. This is very useful for supporting heavy lenses (like a 70-200mm f/2.8) on the adapter, preventing stress on the camera's lens mount. The FTZ II removed this foot to create a smaller, lighter, and less expensive adapter for use with smaller lenses.

Why It's a Game-Changer for Nikon

The FTZ adapter is arguably the most successful lens adapter in the history of photography and was a critical strategic product for Nikon. It ensured that:

1. Protects Investment: Millions of Nikon photographers with extensive collections of F-mount lenses could transition to the new Z-mount system without needing to replace all their lenses at once. This removed a massive barrier to entry.

2. Accelerates Adoption: It gave the Z-system a massive, mature lens library on day one, long before the native Z-mount lens lineup was fully built out.

3. Maintains Performance: It provides full functionality, making the transition feel seamless rather than compromised.

Compatibility

Cameras (Body Side):

• All Nikon Z-Mount Cameras (Full-Frame & DX).

Lenses (Lens Side):This is the critical detail. Compatibility is excellent but not 100% universal.

• Fully Compatible (Autofocus & Aperture Control):

  • AF-S NIKKOR lenses (most modern F-mount lenses with an internal Silent Wave motor, e.g., the "holy trinity" f/2.8 zooms, 50mm f/1.8G, etc.)

  • AF-P NIKKOR lenses (with stepper motor, e.g., 70-300mm AF-P DX)

  • AF-I NIKKOR lenses (older professional telephotos)

• Partially Compatible (Manual Focus Only):

  • AF-D and AF lenses (these require a camera body with a screw-drive AF motor). Z cameras lack this motor, so these lenses will not autofocus. They will function perfectly in manual focus mode, and the camera will still control the aperture electronically if the lens has a CPU (most AF and AF-D lenses do).

• Manual Focus & Limited Functionality:

  • AI, AI-S (Manual Focus): You must manually set the aperture on the lens's aperture ring. The camera can be used in Aperture-Priority (A) or Manual (M) mode. You must enable Non-CPU Lens Data in the camera menu and input the focal length and max aperture for the camera to meter correctly.

  • PC-E (Tilt-Shift): Manual focus and metering. Electronic aperture control is not supported; you must use the lens's aperture ring.

• Not Compatible:

  • Non-AI (Pre-AI) lenses. Physically mounting them may damage the adapter or camera.

FTZ vs. FTZ II

• FTZ (Original): Has a built-in tripod foot/ring. Better for balancing heavy, long lenses.

• FTZ II: No tripod foot. It's smaller, lighter, and less expensive. Designed for use with smaller, lighter F-mount primes and zooms where the foot is unnecessary.

Functionally, they are identical. The choice depends on the lenses you plan to use most.

The FTZ Today

The Nikon FTZ adapter remains an essential and highly popular accessory. It is still manufactured and sold new by Nikon.

• For New Users: It allows someone buying into the Z system to inexpensively adapt excellent, widely available used F-mount lenses.

• For Veterans: It is the bridge that allows a gradual transition from F to Z, letting photographers prioritize which native Z lenses to buy first while still using their existing gear.

In summary: The Nikon FTZ is a brilliantly executed, fully electronic pass-through adapter that provides near-seamless integration of F-mount lenses onto Z-mount mirrorless cameras. It was a critical factor in the successful launch of the Nikon Z system and remains a highly valuable tool for photographers today.