I recently had the opportunity to use the new Nikon Z6III mirrorless camera, in mid-June 2024 at a Nikon “Touch and Try” event at Hunt’s Camera in Melrose (Boston) Mass. The pre-release event was so notable that the president of Nikon USA, Naoki Onozato, was even in attendance!
Nikon swag from the Z 6III event.
The presentation from the Nikon reps boasted about many of the features of the Z6III, which are not just updated from the Z 6II, but some of which even surpass the Nikon Z 8 / Z 9. Many of the improved features are due to the “partially-stacked sensor,” a technology introduced for the first time on the Z6III. What this means is that the camera has speed and functionality approaching the stacked sensors of the Z 8 and Z 9, but at a lower cost. A “stacked sensor” such as on the Z 8 and Z 9 locates some of the electronics immediately behind the image sensor, which increases the speed of the sensor readout. This has advantages for the speed and operation of the AF system, reduces the rolling shutter effect, allows for faster continuous shooting speeds, as well as a smoother performance of the electronic viewfinder to reduce blackout during continuous shooting. The partially-stacked sensor of the Z6III locates some of the electronics directly above and below the image sensor. While the speeds and improvements are not as dramatic as with the Z 8 and Z 9, they are still a significant improvement over the sensor of the Z6II, including a smooth view of the scene when shooting at 20fps.
While the Z6III has similar subject detection choices as the Z 8 and Z 9, including people, eyes, animals, vehicles, and airplanes, the Z6III does not have a dedicated Birds choice. In order to make use of bird detection, you will need to set subject detection for Auto or Animal. The Z6III also does not have a sensor shield, but there is a mechanical shutter that will protect the sensor when a lens is removed. Also, the Z6III does not offer the Auto Capture option of the Z 8 and Z 9. However, it does have the Pre-Release Capture feature, which will buffer images for up to 300 seconds as the Shutter Button is half-pressed, and will save the previous 1 second of images when the Shutter Button is fully pressed. You will need to be using the C30, C60, or C120 release mode, which captures JPEG images only.
The Z6III also boasts 8-stop in-body image stabilization (vibration reduction), plus a Focus Point VR option which ensures that the image stabilization is working effectively at the location of the active focus point, which is where your main subject will be located.
Models at the Nikon Z6III event, shot with the Z 6III and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens. 1/5000, f/1.2, 3200 ISO. Clearly I should have lowered the shutter speed and ISO, but I was handed the camera and a brief moment to make my adjustments and shots before handing the camera to the next user.
For continuous bursts, the Continuous Low (CL) option can be set for 1 to 7 fps. Nikon’s specs say that Continuous High (CH) ranges from 1 to 8.1 fps (up to 16 fps with electronic shutter, and that Continuous High Extended (CH+) ranges from 1 to 14 fps (up to 20 fps with electronic shutter. However in the Z6III menu does not offer the option to adjust the CH and CH+ settings, so perhaps they are fixed at a maximum of 8.1/16 and 14/20 fps, and may be lower based on shutter speed and pother camera settings. It is also important to note that the Z6III does not include a battery charger for the En-EL15c battery, in the box. You will need to use an older charger from a previous camera, a purchase a battery charger unit, or an AC charger and power delivery (PD) USB cable that connects to the camera and charges the batteries in-camera. The optional Nikon MB-N14 Power Battery Pack with Vertical Grip can also be plugged-in to charge the batteries in the grip.
Several of the buttons of the Z6III can be customized to your desired functions, such as the Fn1 and Fn2 Buttons. By default, The Fn1 button is set for White Balance. Press the button and turn the rear Command Dial to change the WB setting and the front Sub-Command Dial to change any sub-options, such as the Auto WB sub-options of A0, A1, and A2. The Fn2 Button is set to AF Mode / AF-Area Mode. This is handy for changing these settings, as the Z6III does not have the AF Mode Button that the Z 8 and Z 9 has. Part of the rear screen can also be used for a custom function, similar to assigning a function to one of the camera buttons. For example, you can tap the designated portion of the screen to display the level while shooting. The Z6III also includes an Illumination Button for the top LCD screen. Press it once to illuminate that top screen, then press it again to turn it off. With the Z 8 and Z 9, when accessing f2 and g2 to customize the buttons, you can press the Delete Button to reset the selected button back to its default, or press and hold the Delete Button to reset all the buttons. The Z6III does not appear to have this reset option.
Most notably, the word of the day at the Nikon Z6III presentation was “nits,” a term which describes brightness of the Electronic Viewfinder. (A nit is the unit of measurement that describes how bright a television, smartphone, computer monitor, laptop screen, or another type of display is. The higher the number of nits, the brighter the display.) While a screen such as the iPhone 15 can display at up to 2000 nits, the viewfinder of the Nikon Z6III is a blindingly bright 4000 nits! The viewfinder brightness can be adjusted with your eye at the viewfinder, by pressing the i Button and accessing the Monitor/Viewfinder Brightness options. It can be set for Auto, or for the brightness level of your choice.
When working in an extremely dark room, the viewfinder brightness can be increased to its maximum, and looking through the camera, the room will appear to be a bright at high noon. Not only is the scene in the viewfinder bright, but it retains a nice dynamic range, without appearing contrasty or washed out. And not only can you easily view any subject in this scene, the autofocus system and subject / eye detection works down to -10EV, which means the Z6II can quickly and easily find the subject’s eye, and follow it around the frame. These features, working together, can be incredibly helpful when shooting a wedding reception or event in a very dark space.
The Z6III uses a different style of articulating screen, similar to the one introduced on the Nikon Zf. While it does not extend and rotate as dramatically as the rear screen of the Z 8 and Z 9, it can now be opened outward to the side, and rotated up and down, similar to many Canon rear screens. This also allows the screen to be flipped around and closed, which will protect the screen when not in use. And as with the Z 8 and Z 9 , the view on the screen can be rotated when the camera is used in the vertical (portrait) orientation, for ease of viewing.
As with the Z 8 and Z9, the Z6III has the option for the vertical rotation of the information on the rear screen. This means that the text and icons on the shooting, playback ,and menu screens can be set to rotate when the camera is held in the vertical position.
Similar to the Z 8 screens shown here, the views on the rear screen of the Z6III can be rotated along with the vertical orientation of the camera. As you can see, the text and icons on the screen rotate, for ease of viewing.
The Z6III offers the Pixel Shift option, to create high-resolution images up to 96 MP. The camera will capture 4, 8, 16, or 32 images, which can be combined in Nikon’s NX Studio software to create the high megapixel image. Not only will this provide a high-resolution image, but it can significantly reduce moire and noise, and increase the dynamic range of an image. You will need to use a tripod to capture the images that will be combined. The 16 and 32 image setting will capture an image dedicated to noise reduction.
The Z6III includes the High-Frequency Flicker Reduction feature found on the Z 8 and Z 9. This enables you to set an exact shutter speed, such as 1/60.3, which can allow you to reduce or eliminate flicker in the images that can be caused by certain types of lighting, or when photographing illuminated screens such as TVs, computer monitors, or big-screens found in a sports stadium.
There are also a number of video improvements in the Nikon Z6III. It can record in-camera RAW video (ProRex / NRAW), including full-frame 6K at 60p, 5.4K at 60p and Full HD 240p, plus slow motion video options. There is a 125 minute video recording time limit, and the microphone jack now also performs as a line-in audio input, allowing for the use of additional audio equipment and mics such as a direct connection to a sound board or boom mic.
It is also notable that the name “Z6III” is now written without any space between the “Z” and the numbers, as it is with previous Z models such as the Z 9 and Z 7II.
My comprehensive guide to the mirrorless Z6III, Nikon Z6III Experience by Douglas Klostermann, will be available by Fall 2024. There will be a companion Menu Setup Spreadsheet as well, which includes detailed listings of suggested Menu Settings and Custom Settings for various types of shooting situations, including Travel/Street, Action/Sports, Wildlife/Birds, Studio/Portrait, and Performance/Concert.
You can learn about and purchase the book and the menu setup spreadsheet at my Full Stop website here:
The retro-styled mirrorless Nikon Zf offers far more menu items and customization options than many previous cameras in the Z line-up. In order to take full advantage of this sophisticated camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting.
To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Nikon Zf Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. The spreadsheet has been updated for Firmware 2.0! It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon Zf Setup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
My latest Full Stop e-book, Nikon Z 9 Experience user guide to the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera is now available!
And it has been updated for Firmware 5!
This e-book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable Nikon Z 9. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography.
Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Nikon Z 9 Experience will help you learn to use your Nikon Z9 quickly and competently, to consistently make the types of images you desire. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB formatfor reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.
Learn more about this Nikon Z9 guide, view a preview, and purchase it here:
“I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”
Nikon Z 9 Experience is designed for users ranging from enthusiasts to experienced:
For Experienced Photographers coming to the Z9 from previous models, this guide explains the new and advanced features in order to quickly have you taking advantage of these capabilities, including the AF System and its Focus Modes, AF-Area Modes, eye detection, subject detection / tracking, and Custom Settings. Attention is given to the new features including the customizable controls, Focus Shift Shooting, Auto Capture, in-camera image stabilization, new menu items and options, 8K and 4K video, Time-Lapse and Interval Timer, plus using F-mount lenses with the FTZ II Adapter. And it covers using the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with SnapBridge.
For Intermediate and Enthusiast Photographers: This instant download Nikon Z9 e-book is designed for enthusiast photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera:
-Go beyondProgram mode and shoot competently in A, S, and M modes.
-Take full control of the powerful autofocus system to capture sharp images of still and moving subjects. Learn to take advantage of the face, eye, and subject detection, plus subject tracking features.
-Set up your camera with clear explanations and recommended settings for the numerous Menu options and Custom Settings of the Nikon Z9. Includes a free download of my comprehensive Nikon Z9 Menu Setup Spreadsheet.
-Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the Z 9.
-Understand the various metering modes, exposure compensation, and exposure lock for correct exposure of every image, even in challenging lighting situations.
This 510 page digital guide to the Nikon Z9 is an illustrated e-book that goes beyond the Z9 manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the Z9 to help you take control of your camera and the images you create.
Learn more about Nikon Z 9 Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
The flagship mirrorless Nikon Z9 offers far more menu items and customization options than most previous cameras in the Z line-up, and they continue to be updated and expanded with firmware updates. In order to take full advantage of this sophisticated camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting.
To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Nikon Z9 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon Z9 Setup Spreadsheet has been updated for Firmware 5.0. It can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
For explanations of all the menu items, controls, features, functions, and autofocus system of the Z9, have a look at my clear and comprehensive guide for the Nikon Z8, Nikon Z8 Experience. While I don’t yet offer a Z9 guide, the functions, features, autofocus system, menus, and custom settings of the Z9 and the Z8 are nearly identical. This user-friendly guide will help you to take control of your camera, and the images you create. Learn more about it and purchase it at my website here:
Massachusetts offers two types of college plans, the MEFA U.Fund 529 college savings plan, and the MEFA U.Plan pre-paid tuition plan. Both of these plans can help you to save or to pay for college, but they are very different types of plans, and it is important to understand the differences. You can contribute to both if you wish, and they each offer the same annual Massachusetts state tax deduction (up to $1000 single / $2000 joint). This is a brief summary of the two plans to introduce them, and there are links below to visit the official websites and learn more.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial professional. I am not offering financial advice. I am not employed by MEFA, the State of Massachusetts, or Fidelity. Information here is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please visit the MEFA and Fidelity websites for complete and accurate information about these plans.
MEFA U.Fund is a 529 college savings plan. You contribute your desired amount each year up to $18,000, by Dec. 31. You select from the investment choices (managed by Fidelity) for how you want the contributions to be invested. Investment choices include: -Age-based portfolios that adjust to be more conservative as the time for college approaches. -Static growth portfolios that do not adjust based on the child’s age. -Index portfolios whose returns are based on the particular stock market index. -Money market and bank deposit accounts that offer the current interest rate of that particular portfolio (which is around 5% as of 3/2025).
Be aware that you can change your investment choice at any time. And you can also create a custom allocation, mixing investments across the various available portfolios. For example, you could choose to allocate 70% to the Bank Deposit Account (a low risk option that will earn the current interest rate of the portfolio, at this time about 5 percent), 20% to the Fidelity 500 Index Portfolio (that will follow the returns of the broad stock market that it indexes), and 10% to the Aggressive Growth Portfolio (a higher risk, market-based option).
Also note that the fine print says that “College Savings Plan Participants invested in the Stable Value Portfolio may not move/exchange money from the Stable Value Portfolio to the Bank Deposit Portfolio or Money Market Portfolio. Please carefully review your Portfolio selection before investing in your College Savings Plan. You may want to consult with a financial or tax professional before investing.” (Though the Massachusetts 529 does not appear to offer the Stable Value Portfolio.)
Massachusetts will give you $50 to start a 529, within a year of a child being born or adopted (https://www.mass.gov/babysteps).
Advantages/disadvantages: With the 529, you are saving money for college, but that money must be used for certain educational uses, such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, computers, or student loans. The money can be used for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate educational expenses. Most (but not all) of the investment options are tied to the stock market, and thus the investment returns are unknown. If the contributions are invested in one of the stock market-related options, the money you contribute could lose value, based on the performance of the stock market. The money is locked into the 529 account until you use it. If you don’t end up using the money for a qualified educational use and need to cash out, there is a 10% penalty and taxes are owed. The annual contribution is tax deductible on your MA state taxes (up to $1000 single / $2000 joint). Each 529 account has one beneficiary. You can open multiple 529 accounts for multiple students, and you can change the beneficiary to any other family member, at any time – such as if one student is done but you wish to transfer the 529 to the next student if money still remains in it. The money can be used at any accredited college in the United States. The 529 is managed by Fidelity. If you already have any Fidelity investment accounts, you will be able view and manage the 529 on the Fidelity website along with your existing accounts.
MEFA U.Plan is a prepaid undergraduate college tuition program, that works very differently than the above program. It can be used to pre-pay tuition and fees at 70 different Massachusetts public and private colleges. You do not need to select the specific college in advance. With this plan, you are pre-paying tuition and locking in the current tuition rate. You can start with $0 and contribute as little as $25 a month, as long as there is a minimum of $300 in the account by July 15 of each year. Or you can make lump contributions at any time, which are then locked in at the pre-paid tuition rate, on July 15 of each year.
What is powerful about this plan is that you are pre-paying a percentage of the future tuition. So, for example, if the current annual tuition at a particular participating Massachusetts school is (for example) $15,000, and you contributed $1,500 in 2024, you have paid for 10% of the future annual tuition. So when your child goes to that particular school, tuition in 2034 might be (for example) $25,000. You have already paid 10% of that $25,000 tuition. So the $1,500 you contributed in 2024 is now worth $2,500. Based on how much tuition rates rise (perhaps 4-5% per year), and how much you contributed early on, this can potentially lead to significant tuition savings.
Advantages/disadvantages: The money can only be used for undergraduate tuition and fees (not for books or room and board, etc.), and only at the 70 or so participating Massachusetts colleges: (https://www.mefa.org/plan/participating-schools) If the child does not end up going to one of the participating colleges, you can cash out and get the money back without penalty, and with interest paid to you. So there is basically no penalty for cashing out and not using this money, other than you don’t have access to this money when it is in the plan, and while the money is in the plan you lost the opportunity to invest this money in another way that may have offered different returns. The annual contribution is tax deductible on your MA state taxes (up to $1000 single / $2000 joint). Since the money you are contributing each year goes into a 5 year bond, you can only contribute up to 5 years before the money is to be used. So you can only contribute up to when your child is in 10th grade. If your child delays college or you miscalculate the college starting date, you still have a 6 year window to make use of the money.
My latest Full Stop e-book, Nikon Z 8 Experience user guide to the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera has been fully updated for the changes and additions of camera Firmware 2.00! This e-book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable Nikon Z 8. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography.
You can learn more about this Nikon Z8 guide, view a preview, and purchase it here:
Here is a summary of the Firmware 2.00 updates, which have all been incorporated into the Nikon Z 8 Experience book:
In February of 2024, Nikon released a Firmware 2.00 update for the Z 8. This firmware includes significant additions and changes to the camera, and borrows features from the flagship Z 9 and the Z f models. These include bird subject detection, Auto Capture to set up the camera to automatically capture images based on specific parameters, and new Picture Controls for stills and video. The update also adds Pixel Shift Shooting to create up to a 180 MP image from several exposures, new shutter sound options, and more options for customizing the camera controls. The performance of 3D-Tracking AF-Area Mode has been improved for certain situations including small, fast-moving subjects. Additional video options include new Slow-Motion Video, Low ISO settings for N-Log video, and changes to Hi-Res Zoom speeds.
Nikon has created a Supplementary Firmware Update Manual that includes all these Firmware 2.00 changes. This document and the file with the latest firmware can be downloaded here:
The firmware changes have been incorporated into the text of this book in the appropriate sections.
Left: The new Birds option in the AF Subject Detection Options. Right: The camera detected a bird, and placed the autofocusing frame at its eye.
Still Photography: Subject Detection now includes the Birds option. The camera has added new Bracketing increments such as 1.3 and 1.7, three new Picture Controls including Flat Monochrome, Deep Tone Monochrome, and Rich Tone Portrait, and the Large size option for the JPEG (HEIF) Primary – JPEG (HEIF) Secondary recording. Additions also include Pixel Shift Shooting for creating high resolution images, and Auto Capture where you can set up the camera to automatically capture an image based on subject type, motion, and distance. Pre-Release Capture will now buffer for up to 300 seconds when the shutter button is half-pressed, and new shutter sound options have been added.
Left: The new Auto Capture feature and its various options. Right: Selecting the desired subject Direction for Auto Capture.
Video Recording: Subject Detection now includes the Birds option, and the camera has added three new Picture Controls, Auto Capture, Slow-Motion Videos, and a change in color for the Hi-Res Zoom in-focus display. Low ISO sensitivity settings for N-Log video have been added (down to 200 ISO equivalent), as well as changes to the Hi-Res Zoom speed options.
Playback: In the Playback i Menu the behavior of the Select for Upload option has changed. Select for upload will now mark an image for transfer and place it in the upload queue, and Select for Priority Upload will mark an image for immediate upload to a computer or FTP. Playback Speed has been added to the Video Playback i Menu. In the Playback Menu, Series Playback now includes Auto Series Playback Options such as loop, delay, and speed, and the Auto Image Rotation item has been added for playback.
Controls: Support for Power Zoom has been added for PZ lenses, including the ability to customize controls such as the Zoom-in and Zoom-out Buttons or the Fn1 and Fn2 Buttons to operate Power Zoom. The size of the Focus Point Border Width can be changed for the Focus Point Display, so that it can be more easily seen. Exposure Delay Mode has been added to delay shutter release up to 3 seconds after pressing the shutter. A Half-Press to Cancel Zoom (MF) option has been added so that a zoomed-in view of the displays will be cancelled by half-pressing the Shutter Button, and the full view of the frame can be seen before capturing an image when manually focusing. If a button has be assigned to the Recall Shooting Functions (Hold) option, exposure compensation and white balance can now be changed while shooting, and the new setting will be retained by the recall function.
Left: Additional buttons can now be customized, including the Focus Mode Button, Playback Button, and BKT Button. Right: The new Cycle AF-Area Mode option, which can be assigned to the Focus Mode Button or various other buttons.
The Playback Button, BKT Button, WB Button, and Focus Mode Button can now be customized for shooting, and a few new options are available for the customizable controls including Switch Eyes, Cycle AF-Area Mode, Pixel Shift Shooting, Power Zoom, and Exposure Delay Mode. The Cycle AF-Area Mode option can be used to select, for example, three of your most commonly used AF-Area Modes, and then quickly cycle through them with the press of a button. For image playback, several controls can now be customized including the Playback Button, ISO Button, Exposure Compensation Button, BKT Button, WB Button, and Lens Fn and Fn2 Buttons. Some new roles are available for playback controls, including Frame Advance Zoom Position and Playback Zoom Face Selection. If a button has been customized for shooting, video, or playback, you can now reset it back to the default setting by pressing the delete button.
When formatting a CFexpress memory card using the Format Memory Card item of the Setup Menu, the procedure has changed for selecting a Quick Format or Full Format, with the Delete Button now used for a full format. The Non-CPU Lens Data menu item now allows you to add a name to a registered lens, as well as manually enter in a specific focal length and maximum aperture. When entering IPTC information, the character limit for the Category entry is increased to 256 characters, and new options have been added to the Setup Menu > Camera Sounds item, including 5 types of shutter sounds.
Displays: Previously the shooting display could be magnified up to 200%, and that has been increased to 400%. The Finder Display Size (Photo LV) menu item has been changed to Viewfinder Display Size, and applies to photo and video shooting. A Distance Units item has been added to the Setup Menu, to select Meters or Feet for the manual focus distance display.
Left: The new Keep Connection option for the Connect to FTP Server function. Right: The new Overwrite Copyright Info option for the Connect to Other Cameras function.
Networks: Changes have been made to the Connect to FTP Server item of the Network Menu, including the number of available network profiles and an auto reconnect Keep Connection option. Changes have also been made to the Connect to Other Cameras item of the Network Menu, used for synchronized release of multiple Z 8 cameras, including the procedure to set up synchronized release and the ability to group cameras. Up to 16 other Z 8 cameras can be remotely controlled using the Nikon NX Field remote capture software. When connecting to other cameras, the Overwrite Copyright Info option has been added, so that the copyright info from the master camera can be applied to the images from the remote cameras. And when using an MC-N10 remote grip and AirGlu accessories, Bluetooth will no longer be disabled.
In addition, various issues have been corrected and performance improvements have been made to the Z 8, as listed on the firmware update page. The firmware update page on the Nikon website includes instructions for updating the firmware. You will download the new firmware file, and copy it to the root folder of a memory card that has been formatted in the camera. Insert the memory card with the new firmware into Slot 1, turn on the camera, and make sure the Photo Shooting Menu > Primary Slot Selection menu item is assigned to Slot 1, and that the other memory card slot is empty. Access Setup Menu > Firmware Version, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Learn more about Nikon Z 8 Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
Camera users are often curious about “hidden” features that their camera may have, though typically most advanced models really don’t have many, as long as one carefully goes through all of the Menu and Custom Settings items, and reads through the manual or a guide.
However, with so many options and functions, there are a few items that are actually a bit hidden away on the Nikon Z8. It’s not that the Z 8 manual doesn’t mention them, or that they can’t be found with careful investigation of the camera, but you may need to have them called to your attention to learn how to locate them and how to take advantage of them. And there are a few button shortcuts to access features and settings that you simply need to learn if you wish to take advantage of, because once you are using your camera, they are not indicated in any menus or button icons.
These article is adapted from a section in my comprehensive Nikon Z 8 Experience user guide to the Nikon Z8. All of these “hidden” features, as well as all of the other features, functions, settings, and controls of the Z 8 are discussed in detail, in the guide. Many of these features were included in previous Nikon Z models, but they may still be new for those coming from older dSLR models.
Figure 1 – Detail of the controls of the Nikon Z8
Several of these features are accessed with the i Button when working in the appropriate mode, or by assigning the function to a button. Others are accessible in the menus but may require an understanding of the options as they are listed, or might require additional steps of sub-menu navigation to locate them.
Displays and Button Settings – When the Information Display or the Live View scene is active on the rear Monitor, you can press some of the camera buttons to change the corresponding settings as you view them on the rear Monitor, including the top buttons, Fn Buttons, and the Focus Mode Button. Or you can also view and change them in the electronic Viewfinder, while shooting. For example, by default, the Fn1 Button is assigned to Shooting Menu Banks and the Fn2 Button is assigned to Choose Image Area. When you press the buttons, you can view and change those settings, and the screen will even indicate which Command Dial to use for each setting (see Figure 2 – left). If you customize buttons for another setting such as Multiple Exposure or HDR Overlay, you will be able to view and change those settings on the displays, as you press the assigned button and turn the Command Dials. If you would like to view the scene that you are shooting on the rear display without any shooting information or icons, you will need to assign one of the buttons to the Live view info display off setting. By default the Video Record Button is set to this option.
Figure 2 – Left: Using the WB Button and the Command Dials to change the White Balance setting on the rear Monitor. Right: Changing the AF Area Mode and Subject Detection Options via the Photo Shooting i Menu.
i Button Features – As noted above, you can press the i Button to access different contextual i Menus during photo shooting, video shooting, and image playback. The Z 8 also adds the ability to change additional sub-options of various settings, via the i Menu, without having to dig into the menus to set those options. For example, when using the WB item on the Photo-Mode i Menu to select Auto White Balance, you will also be able to select which of the three AutoWhite Balance sub-options you would like. And you will be able to directly fine-tune a White Balance setting using the adjustment grid. If you replace some of the default i Menu items with options such as HDR, Auto Bracketing, or Multiple Exposure, you will be able to directly access and change the various settings for those features (see Figure 2 – right).
In some situations, the i Menu it is the only way to access and change certain of these “hidden” features. For example, the Photo Shooting i Menu will allow you to access the Split-screen display zoom feature. You will first need to use Custom Setting f1 – Customize i Menu and assign Split-screen display zoom to the Photo Shooting i Menu. Then when you are composing an image, you can access this feature which allows you to simultaneously zoom-in at two different areas of the scene, to help verify focus and to ensure that the composition is level across the scene (see Figure 3). This can come in handy for landscape and architectural photographers.
Figure 3 – Left: Press the i Button to access the i Menu screen with various shooting settings. You can use Custom Setting f1 to customize this menu, and add items such as Split-Screen Display Zoom. Right: Split-Screen Display Zoom shown in use, to compare two areas of the same scene to help determine if the framing is level.
The Playback i Menu will allow you to access the Quick Crop feature. When you zoom-in on an image during playback, you can press the i Button to access the Playback i Menu, and select the Quick Crop option. This option will automatically crop the image and save a new image with the crop and framing that is currently seen on the display (see Figure 4).
Figure 4 – Quick Crop feature – Zoom in on an image during playback and frame as desired (left), then press the i Button to view the Playback i Menu and access the Quick Crop feature (right).
The Setup Menu contains a new Auto Rotate Info Display item. When the camera is rotated, the shooting and playback displays on the rear screen and in the Viewfinder can also rotate. This was not a feature of most previous Nikon models. It means that the text and icons on the display will rotate, so that they are in the same orientation of the camera, making them easier to read.
There is no longer a Retouch Menu tab, though Retouch can be accessed via the image playback i Menu. And as mentioned above, when a Multiple Exposure series is in progress, you can press the Playback Button to view the last image. If you then press the i Button, you will access a menu that allows you to view the Multiple Exposure progress, as well as edit the series by retaking or discarding the last exposure if desired.
Live View Exposure Preview – An important function to make note of is that you need to set Custom Setting d8 – View mode (Photo LV) to Show effects of settings in order to view the scene, in the Viewfinder and on the rear Monitor, with the current camera and exposure settings applied. This will allow you to better preview the resulting image and make exposure adjustments, and will also enable you to access the Live View Histogram of the scene by pressing the DISP Button.
Custom Control Assignments – A few other “hidden” features of the Nikon Z 8 can only be accessed by customizing one of the camera buttons to assign it to that function, using Custom Setting f2. As mentioned above, you can assign a button to the Live view info display off option, for the uncluttered view of your scene on the rear Monitor display. The Recall shooting functions customization will allow you to press a hold one of the Fn Buttons to temporarily switch to different shooting settings, such as a different Metering Mode, AF Area Mode, and exposure settings (see Figure 5 – left). If you will be using non-CPU, F-mount lenses with the Z 8, you can register the lens to the camera in the Non-CPU lens data menu, and thus gain additional functions such as in-camera Vibration Reduction. You will need to use f2 to assign the Choose non-CPU lens number option to one of the buttons, so that you can tell the camera which registered lens is in use.
If you are making use of an optional wireless remote to trigger multiple cameras, there is also a “hidden” setting for this in the Custom Setting f2 button assignments. You can choose to assign a button such as the Fn1 Button, Fn2 Button, or Sub-Selector Center press to the Sync. Release selection option, which is used in conjunction with Custom Setting d4 – Sync. Release Mode Options. You can set up the camera so that, for example, when using the Z 8 as a master camera to remotely trigger other cameras, you can press the Fn1 (or Fn2) Button while taking the shot, and then just the master camera will shoot, or just the remote cameras and not the master, based on your settings.
Figure 5 – Custom Control Assignments – Left: Assigning the Fn1 Button to the Recall Shooting Functions option, to temporarily switch to different shooting settings with the press of the button. Right: The Customize Command Dials, Sub-Dial Frame Advance options, to use a dial to jump ahead 10 images during image playback.
Sub-Dial Frame Advance during Playback – If you wish to quickly scroll through your images as you view them on the rear Monitor during playback, you can use the rear Main Dial to advance one image at a time, and use the front Sub-Command Dial to advance 10 or 50 images. To set this up, access Custom Setting f3 – Custom Controls (Playback) > Sub-Command Dial. The Sub-Command Dial can be used to jump 10 or 50 images at a time, based on the Frame advance setting, or you can also choose to jump to protected images, rated images, still images or movies only, or to a different folder (see Figure 5 – right).
One Button Playback Zoom / Histogram – Using Custom Setting f3 – Custom Controls (Playback) > OK Button, you can assign the OK Button so that during image playback it will immediately zoom-in, at the magnification level of your choice, centered at the area of the active focus point so that you can closely inspect your image. Or you can instead assign the button press to display a large histogram with the image, so that you can evaluate your exposure (see Figure 6 – left).
Figure 6 – Left: Use Custom Setting f3 – Custom Controls (Playback) > OK Buttonto set the OK Button to show a magnified view or to show a large histogram. Right: Touch the bottom of the screen during full-image playback to access the “Frame Advance Bar” touch screen feature.
Frame Advance Bar – This image playback feature enables you to use the touch screen to quickly scroll through images without having to swipe one-by-one (see Figure 6 – right). And when viewing a magnified detail of an image, use the touch screen arrows to view the same magnified area of other images, so that you can compare details of similar images.
Flash Information Screen – You can use Custom Setting f1 to customize the i Menu and add the Flash info item. With a compatible optional Speedlight flash attached and turned on, such as the SB-5000, use the i Button to access this menu and view the current flash settings such as the Group Flash setting (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 – Left: Customize the i Menu for Flash Info (left), then access it to view the current flash settings such as the Group Flash setting (right).
Voice Memo – You can add a voice memo to an image. In order to do this, you will first need to use Custom Setting f2 to assign a button such as the Video Record Button to the Voice Memo option. Then during image playback, select the desired image, and press and hold the assigned button to record the voice memo. The voice memo can be played back when viewing the image by accessing the Voice Memo item of the Playback i Menu (see Figure 8 – left). When deleting an image, you can delete just the voice memo (see Figure 8 – right). Voice Memos will be saved as a WAV files to the memory card.
Figure 8 – Left: Access the Playback i Menu to Play Voice Memo. Right: When deleting an image with a Voice Memo, choose what to delete.
Nikon Z8 Menu Setup Guide
In addition to my comprehensive Nikon Z 8 Experience user guide, I also offer a Z8 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, with suggested settings and starting points for most all of the camera menu settings and Custom Settings. The Excel spreadsheet includes separate listings for different shooting situations including Landscape, Studio, Action, etc. You can download the spreadsheet here:
Again, all of these hidden features and settings, and other unique features, as well as all of the other features, functions, settings, and controls of the Z8 are discussed in detail, in my comprehensive Nikon Z 8 Experience user guide.
Be sure to share your portraits and other photos on my Nikon Z Experience Facebook page, covering all the Nikon Z models:
My latest Full Stop e-book, Nikon Z 8 Experience user guide to the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera is now available!
And it has been updated for Firmware 2.0!
This e-book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable Nikon Z 8. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography.
Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Nikon Z 8 Experience will help you learn to use your Nikon Z8 quickly and competently, to consistently make the types of images you desire. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB formatfor reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.
Learn more about this Nikon Z8 guide, view a preview, and purchase it here:
“I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”
Nikon Z 8 Experience is designed for users ranging from enthusiasts to experienced:
For Intermediate and Enthusiast Photographers: This instant download Nikon Z8 e-book is designed for enthusiast photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera:
-Go beyondProgram mode and shoot competently in A, S, and M modes.
-Take full control of the powerful autofocus system to capture sharp images of still and moving subjects. Learn to take advantage of the face, eye, and subject detection, plus subject tracking features.
-Set up your camera with clear explanations and recommended settings for the numerous Menu options and Custom Settings of the Nikon Z8. Includes a free download of my comprehensive Nikon Z8 Menu Setup Spreadsheet.
-Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the Z8.
-Understand the various metering modes, exposure compensation, and exposure lock for correct exposure of every image, even in challenging lighting situations.
For Experienced Photographers coming to the Z8 from previous models, this guide explains the new and advanced features in order to quickly have you taking advantage of these capabilities, including the AF System and its Focus Modes, AF-Area Modes, eye detection, subject detection / tracking, and Custom Settings. Attention is given to the new features including the customizable controls, Focus Shift Shooting, in-camera image stabilization, new menu items and options, 8K and 4K video, Time-Lapse and Interval Timer, plus using F-mount lenses with the FTZ II Adapter. And it covers using the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with SnapBridge.
This 480 page digital guide to the Nikon Z8 is an illustrated e-book that goes beyond the Z8 manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the Z8 to help you take control of your camera and the images you create.
Learn more about Nikon Z 8 Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
The powerful mirrorless Nikon Z8 offers far more menu items and customization options than most previous cameras in the Z line-up. In fact, most of the menu items and options are the same as the professional Z9 model. In order to take full advantage of this sophisticated camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting.
To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Nikon Z8 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. The spreadsheet has been updated for Firmware 2.0! It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon Z8 Setup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
For explanations of all the menu items, controls, features, functions, and autofocus system of the Z8, have a look at my clear and comprehensive Nikon Z8 Experience e-book guide. This user-friendly guide will help you to take control of your camera, and the images you create. Learn more about it and purchase it at my website here:
The Canon EOS R8 mirrorless camera offers numerous menu items and customization options. In order to take full advantage of this camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Functions, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Canon EOS R8 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the various Menus and the Custom Functions. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Canon EOS R8 MenuSetup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
The EOS R8 Menus are similar to the Canon EOS R7 menus, and I have also created a Canon EOS R7 Menu Setup video, which walks through all the items and settings of the Photo Menu, with explanations and suggested settings. Watch it on YouTube here, and be sure to subscribe to my channel to be notified when additional EOS R7 Menu Setup videos are posted.
My latest Full Stop e-book, Canon EOS R6 Mark II Experience user guide to the Canon EOS R6 II is now available! This e-book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and customizable Canon EOS R6 Mk II. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography.
Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Canon EOS R6 Mark II Experience will help you learn to use your EOS R6II quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you desire. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB formatfor reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.
Learn more about this EOS R6 Mark II guide, view a preview, and purchase it here:
As one Canon user has said about Full Stop guides:
“I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”
For Intermediate and Enthusiast Photographers: This instant download Canon EOS R6 Mark II e-book is designed for enthusiast dSLR photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera:
-Go beyond Auto+ and Program modes and shoot competently in Av, Tv, Fv, and M modes.
-Take full control of the powerful autofocus system to capture sharp images of still and moving subjects. Learn to take advantage of the face, eye, and subject detection, plus powerful subject tracking features.
-Set up your camera with clear explanations and recommended settings for all Menu options and Custom Settings of the EOS R6II. Includes a free download of my comprehensive EOS R6II Menu Setup Spreadsheet.
-Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the EOS R6 Mk II, including the touchscreen and M-Fn Button.
-Understand the various metering modes, exposure compensation, and exposure lock for correct exposure of every image, even in challenging lighting situations.
For Experienced Photographers coming to the EOS R6II from previous models, this guide explains the new and advanced features and settings in order to quickly help you take advantage of these capabilities. Plus it explains the camera controls and how to customize them. You will learn how to take advantage of the new features including the autofocus system with face, eye, and subject detection and tracking, Fv shooting mode, Silent Shutter, in-camera image processing and editing, HDR, Multiple Exposure, cRAW file format, and manual focusing aids. It introduces the 4k, HD, High Frame Rate, and Time-Lapse video capabilities, and guides you through all the EOS R6 MkII Menu and Custom Function items in order to help you best set up your camera for your specific shooting needs.
This 518 page digital guide to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an illustrated e-book that goes beyond the EOS R6II manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the EOS R6II to help you take control of your camera and the images you create.
Learn more about Canon EOS R6 Mark II Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II mirrorless camera offers numerous menu items and customization options. In order to take full advantage of this camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Functions, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Canon EOS R6 Mark II Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the various Menus and the Custom Functions. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II MenuSetup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
I have also created a menu setup video for the Canon EOS R7, which walks through all the items and settings of the Photo Menu, with explanations and suggested settings. These menu items will be mostly the same for the EOS R6 II, and so this video should be helpful for setting up that camera as well. Watch it on YouTube here, and be sure to subscribe to my channel to be notified when additional Menu Setup videos are posted.
My latest Full Stop e-book, Canon EOS R7 Experience user guide to the Canon EOS R7 is now available! This e-book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and customizable Canon EOS R7. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography.
Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Canon EOS R7 Experience will help you learn to use your EOS R7 quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you desire. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB formatfor reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.
Learn more about this EOS R7 guide, view a preview, and purchase it here:
As one Canon user has said about Full Stop guides:
“I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”
For Intermediate and Enthusiast Photographers: This instant download Canon EOS R7 e-book is designed for enthusiast dSLR photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera:
-Go beyond Auto+ and Program modes and shoot competently in Av, Tv, Fv, and M modes.
-Take full control of the powerful autofocus system to capture sharp images of still and moving subjects. Learn to take advantage of the face, eye, and subject detection, plus subject tracking features.
-Set up your camera with clear explanations and recommended settings for all Menu options and Custom Settings of the EOS R7. Includes a free download of my comprehensive EOS R7 Menu Setup Spreadsheet.
-Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the EOS R7, including the touchscreen and M-Fn Button.
-Understand the various metering modes, exposure compensation, and exposure lock for correct exposure of every image, even in challenging lighting situations.
For Experienced Photographers coming to the EOS R7 from previous models, this guide explains the new and advanced features and settings in order to quickly help you take advantage of these capabilities. Plus it explains the camera controls and how to customize them. You will learn how to take advantage of the new features including the autofocus system with face, eye, and subject detection and tracking, Fv shooting mode, Silent Shutter, in-camera image processing and editing, HDR, Multiple Exposure, cRAW file format, and manual focusing aids. It introduces the 4k, HD, High Frame Rate, and Time-Lapse video capabilities, and guides you through all the EOS R7 Menu and Custom Function items in order to help you best set up your camera for your specific shooting needs.
This 490 page digital guide to the Canon EOS R7 is an illustrated e-book that goes beyond the EOS R7 manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the EOS R7 to help you take control of your camera and the images you create.
Learn more about Canon EOS R7 Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
The Canon EOS R7 mirrorless camera offers numerous menu items and customization options. In order to take full advantage of this camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Functions, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Canon EOS R7 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the various Menus and the Custom Functions. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Canon EOS R7 MenuSetup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
I have also created a Canon EOS R7 Menu Setup video, which walks through all the items and settings of the Photo Menu, with explanations and suggested settings. Watch it on YouTube here, and be sure to subscribe to my channel to be notified when additional EOS R7 Menu Setup videos are posted.
A visit with author Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, wherein he talks about his life living in a ‘living’ machine-for-living
By Douglas J. Klostermann
Following the success of his previous books, including My Own Petard and Wisdom from the Withered, Dr. Ricken Hale has recently released what many of his fans consider to be the ultimate life instruction manual. The You You Are: A Spiritual Biography of You has captivated readers, with some calling it “transformative,” and others insisting that “this book changed [their] whole life.”
Many of the attendees at Dr. Hale’s initial reading of this latest book were not only awed by his profound words, illuminating ideas, and wavering voice, but also by his warm and welcoming Mid-Century Modern home, nestled in the woods in the winter landscape of Kier, PE. As an aficionado of Mid-Century architecture and design, I asked to meet up with Dr. Hale to learn more about this special house that he shares with his wife and newborn daughter.
“Welcome, welcome. Please, call me Ricken,” the author proclaimed as he greeted me at the glass-paned front door of his home, and ushered me into the foyer. “The space before you was originally the consultation room of the original owner, a certain Dr. Arthur Bier, who lived here with his wife Gertrude, and their two daughters,” Ricken knowingly informed me.
I had recently learned this information myself, as I had dutifully studied the original plans for the house, hand-drawn by the designer Kaneji Domoto, a Japanese American from Oakland, California who was educated at Stanford and UC Berkeley, and apprenticed under America’s master architect Frank Lloyd Wright starting in 1939. The house was designed in 1949 as part of the Usonia Cooperative, a bold experiment in community living inspired by and championed by Wright. Forty-four homes were built on the site’s 100 acres between 1948 and 1956, including five by Domoto and three designed by Wright himself. Most all of the houses were designed in the Organic style developed by Wright, and many of the Usonia architects were Wright’s apprentices, followers, and acolytes.
“Let the tour commence,” Ricken announced, as he shepherded me past the breakfast room and galley kitchen, and down a winding hall toward the bedroom wing. I asked him how he came about living in this house, and Ricken began to explain, “Once I had broke the world of literature, I desired to live in a house that broke the world of architecture.”
Indeed, Wright’s designs and those directly inspired by him had a tremendous influence on architecture, far beyond the exceptional collection of homes in the Usonia community. Countless architects and designers adopted Wright’s Organic philosophy of using natural materials such as wood and stone, integrating the building into the surrounding landscape, bringing the natural world into the house through abundant windows and intentional vistas, and creating open spaces that flowed into each other.
We rounded a corner and entered the master bedroom, where we encountered Ricken’s wife Devon Scout-Hale, who was in the process of expressing milk for the couple’s newborn daughter. “We have recently given birth to the new love of my life, my daughter Eleanor Ricken Scout-Hale Hale,” the proud father declared. “My wife and I joyfully survived the labor, thanks in no small part to my thoughtful interventions of natural seaweed and the timely divulging of secrets.”
I did not have a moment to inquire about these birthing interventions, as he quickly ushered me to one of the smaller bedrooms. “This is where my dear friend Patton safely rescued Eleanor, during a recent kidnapping episode.” I had heard rumors of that event, which had transpired during Ricken’s recent book reading. However, it was quickly discovered that there was not an actual kidnapping, and the authorities were not contacted. “On an unrelated note, if you know a lactation consultant, please refer them to me, as we have recently had to let ours go.” Ricken divulged.
We proceeded down the hall to newborn Eleanor’s bedroom, a window-lined room filled with a crib, a toddler race-car bed not quite in keeping with the mid-century decor, and a twin bed. I asked if he planned to have several children sleep in the room, but Ricken explained that a child should be able to view and choose their own bed, throughout their life development.
As we returned toward the kitchen, I noted several portraits of Ricken throughout the spaces. He informed me that when he first moved into the house, he required all of his artistic friends and colleagues to provide a drawn, painted, or photographic portrait of him, as a housewarming gift. “I do not wish for the house to forget me in my absence, nor to fear me upon my return.” he explained.
Just before reaching the kitchen, we stepped out through a sliding door onto the deck, or Dining Terrace as the architect officially designated it on the floor plans.“This deck was originally built around a large tree, as you can see by the pattern of a now-covered hole, and the notch designed into the roof’s overhang above. It seems that at some point in the house’s history, the tree was misplaced. Perhaps I shall be the one who relocates it,” Ricken declared. “Or perhaps one of the imbibers from the local tavern down below took it with him one night…?” Ricken pondered.
The heart of this house is of course the living room with its high ceiling, its natural stone fireplace, and towering chimney surrounded with skylights. Dark wood beams stand out overhead against the white plaster ceiling. The living room is located 6 steps down (“Exactly 3 feet, 4 inches lower” Ricken informs me) from the entry / kitchen / bedroom level, and can be viewed from the kitchen and the breakfast room.
“This is where I host all my book readings, as well as my conversation-less debates, and no-singing Karaoke sing-along nights,” Ricken shared. Light and nature fill the room through the large windows that completely surround the space on the east, south, and west sides. Ricken has tastefully decorated the living room space with mid-century icons including a George Nelson slat bench-table, a leather-covered Hans Wegner Shell Chair, a Charlotte Perriand mahogany black and white sideboard, as well as a more recent Frank Gehry cardboard Wiggle Chair. I noted that a geometric-motif rug very much tied the room together. On the sectional sofa lay a throw pillow embroidered with a quote by Michel Foucault, “I don’t write a book so that it will be the final word; I write a book so that other books are possible, not necessarily written by me.”
Domoto’s original design for the Biers was later modified and enlarged by later owners, the Cooper family. A balcony off the southern side of the living room was enclosed and incorporated into the living room, in order to enlarge that space. The geometric window patterns with opaque panes at the corners of the living room space were added when the balcony was enclosed, and are now a distinctive element of the house. When the living room was enlarged, the open outdoor area that it dramatically cantilevered over was also enclosed, to add more lower-level living-space to the house. The now-larger living room comes in handy during Ricken’s popular book readings. “There were so many attendees, some were forced to share copies of my book as they followed along,” Ricken informed me about the recent reading. “I saw much craning,” he added.
While Kaneji Domoto’s design for the Bier House resembles many of the mid-century houses in the community, and contains several of the elements of Wright’s Organic Usonian houses, Frank Lloyd Wright did not actually like the design, and refused to approve any of Domoto’s plans. Wright called Domoto a “green amateur” who designed “half-baked imitations.” In one letter, Wright stated that “Kan’s designs are lousy — pretentious imitations.” Eventually, after repeatedly rejecting the plans, Wright demanded Domoto’s resignation.
The other Usonia architects protested to Wright that Domoto was brought to the project because of his status as one of Wright’s apprentices at his home and studio, Taliesin. In fact, Domoto had to abandon his education with Wright when he and his family were forcibly detained at a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II. Although Wright himself asked for Domoto’s release from the camp, Wright later denied to the Usonia team that Domoto was a student at Taliesin, and instead claimed that “he was a gardener.”
The families at Usonia who had commissioned houses from Domoto fought for the young architect’s continued inclusion in the project, and even began constructing his designs without Wright’s explicit approval. The situation so ruffled Wright that the master architect eventually left the Usonia Cooperative project, explaining that he would finish his own three designs, but offer no more leadership or involvement. Domoto continued and eventually completed five houses on the site, but lost clients to other Usonia architects. The Bier House was the largest of Domoto’s contributions.
Wright was also disapproving that Domoto’s design contained overtones of the International Style of architecture, a style with sharp, rigid geometries and colder metal, glass, and marble materials. Proponents of that style often proudly called their houses “machines for living.” I asked Ricken about his thoughts of the combination of rigid International Style components along with living Organic architecture elements.
“I have found the combination to be intriguing, and perhaps ideal. Because this house incorporates the two prominent mid-century architectural styles, I am able to live my life in a ‘living’ machine-for-living.” This brought to mind Ricken’s contrast of man and machine that he expounded upon in his latest book, and Ricken readily agreed, saying “Most machines are made from metal, while this one is made from wood and stone and glass and concrete. And also, it has doors and windows and Himalayan throw rugs.”
When I inquired about another set of stairs that led down from the living room, Ricken invited me to descend to a small study and guest room plus mechanical space tucked under the kitchen. Originally it was a discrete space, but now serves as a transition to the added lower spaces that were part of the later owners’ renovations. Following a musty, earthy odor, we continued down to the added space below the living room, which is currently filled with large bundles of wool, fabrics, and weavings. “This is where I work my Baltic hand loom,” he explained. “I will now demonstrate.” Deflecting my kind but firm protests, Ricken began to weave, elucidating the intricacies of warps and wefts, and explaining how he is compelled to use wool from Emsket-colored sheep who sleep on the south side of a knoll.
“Once I initiated my weaving projects for dear Eleanor’s linens, I had to disassemble my medieval bookbinding workbench, and temporarily place my small-mammalian taxidermy station into storage.” When I marveled at his numerous hobbies and undertakings, Ricken pointed to one of the room’s electrical outlets and explained, “Just as electrical outlets are needed to release surplus electricity into lamps, personal outlets are needed to release manifold talents into life.”
At the conclusion of the weaving demonstration, we returned upstairs for a respite in the concrete-floored dining room. Accented with a natural stone wall on the eastern side that is fronted with a built-in mahogany buffet and recessed overhead lighting, the space also boasts full-length glass panes that run across the room’s southern wall. The dining room was the house’s original car port, but was enclosed by later owners as part of their renovations.
Ricken offered me a coffee with warm goat milk, served from an enviable mahogany beverage trolley that he recently acquired from the local Midcenturion vintage furniture store. “This week I am sampling Liberica beans from the Philippines,” he purposefully mentioned as we sat for a moment under pendant lighting at the hexagonal table. “I individually hand-ground many of the beans myself, before aggravating my finger tendons and outsourcing the project to my aide Balf.” As with the rest of the house, the concrete floors emit radiant heating, as hot water flows through copper tubes embedded in the poured concrete. This was a heating technique also favored by Frank Lloyd Wright in his Usonian houses.
After Ricken demonstrated the proper method of slurping a Liberica, I asked him about the origins of his writing career. He explained that after misguided attempts at being a lamp electrician, a daffodil gardener, and a tree-and-pond photographer, he returned to his first childhood passion of introspective writing. “Just as you must send out your image to a mirror in order for it to return as your reflection, you must send out your thoughts to the world in order for them to return in the guise of self-reflection,” he explained. “But listen to me, prattling on like an airport weatherman about my writing, my house, and myself. Why don’t you tell me what you think of my writing, my house, and myself?”
Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, PhD is the author of five books, including The You You Are: A Spiritual Biography of You, My Own Petard, Life of an American Gadfly, Wisdom from the Withered, and The Fun in Profundity. His books can be found at many of the finest airport booksellers.
His upcoming book signing event at Selvig’s Flowers in Downtown Kier has, unfortunately, been cancelled.
If you wish to learn more about architect Kanji Domoto, the Bier House, and the Usonia Cooperative, as well as view additional photographs, plans, and a full PDF book about Usonia, links are provided below.
Ricken did not succeed as a tree-and-pond photographer because he never read any of my comprehensive and user-friendly Nikon, Canon, and Sony camera guides. Don’t make the same mistake – learn to take control of your camera and the images you create, with my Full Stop camera guides: www.fullstopbooks.com
In an ongoing project, Ricken has asked his photographer and filmmaker friends and colleagues to document his everyday life. Many of these recordings have been shared in a nine-part Apple TV+ presentation titled Severance. Some images and video stills that he has kindly shared, to help illustrate this article, can be viewed at this companion link: http://blog.dojoklo.com/2022/04/28/devon-and-ricken-hale-house-in-kier-pe/
Camera users are often curious about “hidden” features that their camera may have, though typically most advanced models really don’t have many, as long as one carefully goes through all of the Menu and Custom Settings items, and reads through the manual or a guide. However, with so many options and functions, there are a few items that are actually a bit hidden away on the Nikon Z7II and the Nikon Z6II. It’s not that the Z 7II and Z 6II manuals don’t mention them, or that they can’t be found with careful investigation of the camera, but you may need to have them called to your attention to learn how to locate them and how to take advantage of them. And there are a few button shortcuts to access features and settings that you simply need to learn if you wish to take advantage of, because once you are using your camera, they are not indicated in any menus or button icons.
These article is adapted from a section in my in my comprehensive Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience user guide to the Nikon Z7II and Nikon Z6II. All of these “hidden” features, as well as all of the other features, functions, settings, and controls of the Z 7II and Z 6II are discussed in detail, in the guide. Many of these features were included on the original Z 7 and Z 6 models, but they may still be new for those coming from older dSLR models.
Figure 1 – Detail of the controls of the Nikon Z7II
Displays and Button Settings – When the Information Display or the Live View scene is active on the rear Monitor, you can press some of the camera buttons to change the corresponding settings as you view them on the rear Monitor. Or you can also view and change them in the electronic Viewfinder, while shooting. For example, by default, the Fn1 Button is assigned to White Balance and the Fn2 Button is assigned to Focus Mode/AF-Area Mode. When you press these buttons, you can view and change those settings, and the screen will even indicate which Command Dial to use for each setting (see Figure 2 – left). If you customize those buttons for another setting such as Auto Bracketing or HDR, you will be able to view and change those settings on the displays, as you press the assigned button and turn the Command Dials.
Figure 2 – Left: Using a Fn Button and the Command Dials to change the White Balance setting on the rear Monitor. Right: Changing the HDR options via the Photo-Mode i Menu.
The Z 7II and Z 6II also have a new display option, where you can view the scene on the rear Monitor without any of the shooting information or icons cluttering up the display. But setting up or making use of this feature is a bit hidden. You will need to assign one of the buttons to the Live view info display off setting. By default the Movie Record Button is set to this option.
i Button Features – You can press the i Button to access different contextual i Menus during photo shooting, video, and image playback. The Z7II and Z6II also add the ability to change additional sub-options of various settings, via the i Menu, without having to dig into the menus to set those options. For example, when using the WB item on the Photo-Mode i Menu to select Auto White Balance, you will also be able to select which of the three Auto White Balance sub-options you would like. And you will be able to directly fine-tune a White Balance setting using the adjustment grid. If you replace some of the default i Menu items with options such as HDR, Auto Bracketing, or Multiple Exposure, you will be able to directly access and change the various settings for those features (see Figure 2 – right).
In some situations, the i Menu it is the only way to access and change certain of these hidden features. For example, the Photo-Mode i Menu will allow you to access the Split-screen display zoom feature. You will first need to use Custom Setting f1 – Customize i Menu and assign Split-screen display zoom to the Photo-Mode i Menu. Then when you are composing an image, you can access this feature which allows you to simultaneously zoom-in at two different areas of the scene, to help verify focus and to ensure that the composition is level across the scene (see Figure 3). This can come in handy for landscape and architectural photographers.
Figure 3 – Left: Press the i Button to access the i Menu screen with various shooting settings. You can use f1 to customize this menu, and add items such as Split-Screen Display Zoom. Right: Split-Screen Display Zoom shown in use, to compare two areas of the same scene to help determine if the framing is level.
The Playback i Menu will allow you to access a hidden feature, the Quick Crop option. During image playback, you can magnify an image and adjust the framing as desired. If you then press the i Button to access the Playback i Menu, and select the Quick Crop option, you can automatically crop the image and save a new image with the crop that is currently seen on the display (see Figure 4 – left).
Figure 4 – Left: Accessing the Quick Crop feature via the image Playback i Menu. Right: The Peaking Stack Image preview was available on the original Z7 and Z6, but not on the Z7II or Z6II.
And when a Multiple Exposure series is in progress, you can press the Playback Button to view the last image. If you then press the i Button, you will access a menu that allows you to view the Multiple Exposure progress, as well as edit the series by retaking or discarding the last exposure if desired.
There are a couple different ways to change the settings on the i Menu. You can highlight the desired icon (see Figure 5 – left) then press the OK Button and view all the options. This method will even allow you to access and change various applicable sub-options. Or you can highlight the desired icon, and turn the rear Main Command Dial to directly change the setting on that screen. If a setting option includes sub-options, such as the three available Auto White Balance options, or the Continuous Low frame rates (see Figure 5- right), you will use the front Sub-Command Dial to change the sub-options.
Figure 5 – Left: Photo-Mode i Menu, accessed by pressing the i Button. After highlighting the desired setting, either press the OK Button, or use the Command Dials to change the settings. Right: The rear Main Command Dial will select the setting, and the front Sub-Command Dial can be used for any available sub-options, such as the Continuous Low frame rate.
Monitor Mode Button – This button isn’t hidden, but it is causing some users a bit of confusion when they are not able to see any menus or playback images on their rear Monitor screen. In order to select if the Monitor or the Viewfinder will be in use, you will need to press the Monitor Mode Button, which is located on the side of the Viewfinder “bump.” Press it repeatedly until you see the Prioritize viewfinder option, as you look on the rear Monitor or in the Viewfinder. Set it for this option for now, so that you can make use of both the Viewfinder and the rear Monitor. If you are pressing the Playback Button or the Menu Button and not seeing anything appear on the rear Monitor, be sure to look in the Viewfinder and set the Monitor Mode to Prioritize viewfinder.
Live View Exposure Preview – An important function to make note of is that you need to enable Custom Setting d9 – Apply Settings to Live View in order to view the scene, in the Viewfinder and on the rear Monitor, with the current camera and exposure settings applied. This will allow you to better preview the resulting image and make exposure adjustments, and will also enable you to access the Live View Histogram of the scene by pressing the DISP Button.
Custom Control Assignments – A few other hidden features of the Nikon Z7II and Z6II can only be accessed by customizing one of the camera buttons to assign it to that function, using Custom Setting f2. As mentioned above, you can assign a button to the Live view info display off option, for the uncluttered view of your scene on the rear Monitor display. A customization will allow you to press a hold one of the Fn Buttons to temporarily switch to a different Metering Mode, such as Spot Metering (see Figure 6 – left). If you will be using non-CPU, F-mount lenses with the Z7II or Z6II, you can register the lens to the camera, and thus gain additional functions such as in-camera Vibration Reduction. You will need to use f2 to assign the Choose non-CPU lens number option to one of the buttons, so that you can tell the camera which lens number is in use.
If you are making use of an optional wireless remote to trigger multiple cameras, there is also a “hidden” setting for this in the Custom Setting f2 button assignments. You can choose to assign the Fn1 Button, Fn2 Button, or Sub-Selector Center press to the Sync. Release selection option, which is used in conjunction with Custom Setting d3 – Sync. Release Mode Options. You can set up the camera so that, for example, when using the Z7II or Z6II as a master camera to remotely trigger other cameras, you can press the Fn1 (or Fn2) Button while taking the shot, and then just the master camera will shoot, or just the remote cameras and not the master, based on your settings.
Figure 6 – Custom Control Assignments – Left: Assigning the Fn1 Button to the Spot Metering function, to temporarily switch to a different Metering Mode with the press of the button. Right: The Customize Command Dials, Sub-Dial Frame Advance options, to use a dial to jump ahead 10 images during image playback.
Sub-Dial Frame Advance during Playback – If you wish to quickly scroll through your images as you view them on the rear Monitor during playback, you can use the rear Main Dial to advance one image at a time, and use the front Sub-Command Dial to advance 10 or 50 images. To set this up, access Custom Setting f5 – Customize Command Dials, and set the Menus and playback option for On. The Sub-Command Dial will then be used to jump 10 or 50 images at a time, based on the Sub-dial frame advance setting. Set the Sub-dial frame advance item for 10 images or 50 images, or you can also choose to jump to protected images, still images or movies only, or to a different folder (see Figure 6 – right).
One Button Playback Zoom / Histogram – Using Custom Setting f3 – OK Button, you can assign the OK Button so that during image playback it will immediately zoom-in, at the magnification level of your choice, centered at the area of the active focus point so that you can closely inspect your image. Or you can instead assign the button press to display a large histogram with the image, so that you can evaluate your exposure (see Figure 7 – left).
Figure 7 – Left: Use Custom Setting f3 – OK Button, Playback Mode to set the OK Button to show a magnified view or to show a large histogram. Right: Touch the bottom of the screen during full-image playback in order to access the “Frame Advance Bar” touch screen feature.
Frame Advance Bar – This image playback feature enables you to use the touch screen to quickly scroll through images without having to swipe one-by-one (see Figure 7 – right). And when viewing a magnified detail of an image, use the touch screen arrows to view the same magnified area of previous or following images.
Interval Timer Shooting vs. Time-Lapse Movie – The Nikon Z7II and Z6II include both the Interval Timer Shooting and the Time-Lapse Movie functions. In general, Interval Timer Shooting is used to create a series of images, taken at a specific time interval, which can later be combined into a time-lapse movie using software. Interval Timer also allows you to take a burst of multiple images at each interval, if desired. Time-Lapse Movie is used to take a series of individual images at a specified interval, that are automatically combined into a movie, by the camera, and saved to the desired memory card.
Due to a new addition to these cameras, these two functions now overlap a bit more. With the Z7II and Z6II, the the Interval Timer Shooting menu now has an Options item which will enable you to shoot a series of bracketed images, or to automatically create a time-lapse movie from the interval timer images. The advantage of doing this is that the camera will save all of the individual interval timer images, as well as create and save the time-lapse movie.
Flash Information Screen – With a compatible optional Speedlight flash attached and turned on, such as the SB-5000 or SB-500, press the DISP Button repeatedly to access the Flash Information Screen showing the current flash settings, and then press the i Button to view and change the various settings and options, including Wireless Flash Options (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Left: When using an optional Speedlight flash, press the DISP Button to access the Flash Information Screen showing the current flash settings. Right: Then press the i Button to view and change the various settings and options.
Voice Memo (Z 6II only) – With the firmware 1.30 upgrade to the Z 6II, you can add a voice memo to an image. In order to do this, you will first need to use Custom Setting f2 to assign the Movie Record Button to the Voice Memo option. Then during image playback, select the desired image, and press and hold the Movie Record Button to record the voice memo, which can be played back when viewing the image, and will be saved as a WAV file to the memory card.
Nikon Z7II / Nikon Z6II Menu Setup Guide
In addition to my Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience user guide., I also offer a Z7II / Z6II Menu Setup Spreadsheet, with suggested settings and starting points for most all of the camera menu settings and Custom Settings. The Excel spreadsheet includes separate listings for different shooting situations including Landscape, Studio, Action, etc. You can download the spreadsheet here:
Again, all of these hidden features and settings, and other unique features, as well as all of the other features, functions, settings, and controls of the Z7II and Z6II are discussed in detail, in my comprehensive Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience user guide.
Be sure to share your portraits and other photos on my Nikon Z Experience Facebook page, covering all the Nikon Z models:
The pro-level mirrorless Nikon Z9 offers far more menu items and customization options than the previous cameras in the Z line-up. In order to take full advantage of this powerful camera, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Nikon Z9 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon Z9 Setup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
In order to take full advantage of the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings of these cameras, and set them up to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a detailed and comprehensive Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Menu Setup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
In order to take full advantage of the Nikon D780, you are going to need to dig into the Menus and Custom Settings, and set up the camera to work best for how you shoot and for the type of situations you are shooting. To assist you with this, I have created a comprehensive Nikon D780 Menu Setup Spreadsheet, which lists suggested settings and starting points for the Photo Shooting Menu and the Custom Settings. It has complete and separate camera setup recommendations for different types of shooting, including:
General / Travel / Street Landscape / Architecture Action / Sports Moving Wildlife / Birds Studio / Portraits Concert / Performance
The Nikon D780 Menu Setup Spreadsheet can be downloaded from my website here. Printing instructions are also included on that page.
My companion guide, Nikon D780 Experience, goes into detail of all of the Menu and Custom Settings, with descriptions, explanations, and screen shots of all of the menu items. It is a comprehensive user guide, that also explains all of the functions, features, and controls of the Nikon D780, and will help you to fully take control of the camera and the images you create. You can learn about the guide, preview it, and purchase it here: