The FTZ adapter allows use of Nikon F mount lenses on Z cameras. The original FTZ (above) has a tripod mount under it, the FTZ II launched with Z9 does not (tripod foot interferes with hand position of vertical grips).
As I outlined in an earlier article at the launch, there a number of things that need to be supported in a perfect adapter:
- Autofocus by in-lens motor (e.g. AF-S)
- Autofocus by camera screwdrive motor (many older D lenses)
- Focus confirmation with in-viewfinder rangefinder
- VR support
- Manual focus
- Exposure modes (P A S M)
- Metering
The following is the compatibility chart you need to be aware of:
- AF-I, AF-S, AF-P lenses: fully compatible (but AF-I lenses can't be used with focus shift feature).
- G and D type lenses with screwdrive autofocus: do not autofocus, otherwise fully compatible.
- Other earlier AF lenses: no focus features, but will mount and meter.
- PC-E lenses: no autofocus features as they're manual focus lenses, otherwise fully compatible (85mm f/2.8D version can only be used in Manual exposure mode).
- AI-P lenses: no autofocus features as they're manual focus lenses, otherwise fully compatible.
- AI lenses (including original E series): manual focus, meters in Aperture and Manual exposure modes, adds aperture info to EXIF data (requires Non-CPU lens data entered correctly in the camera menus). Any AI lens with an aperture ring should be set to minimum aperture when mounted on the camera.
- pre-AI lenses (no index tab): camera will show F--, maximum aperture is the only thing that will be recorded in EXIF data (and that's assuming you used Non-CPU lens data). You must learn how to do stop-down metering using the histogram.
Nikon's usual list of specific lenses that are incompatible—which has remained the same for over a decade—continues to be the same. Things like the TC-16A and old AU-I focus lenses, for instance, as well as some specific serial numbers for some older lenses. But none of these lenses would work on a modern Nikon DSLR, either, so I don't think it important to list them here.
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