Review: Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 on the Nikon Zf

The Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 Type II is a fast manual-focus wide-angle lens available in multiple mounts. In this review, I focus specifically on the M-mount version used on the Nikon Zf via an adapter, and why it has become one of my most-used lenses despite the absence of autofocus.

Believe it or not, I’ve owned two versions of this lens. The first was the Z-mount version, which I sold after a relatively short period of use. Much later, after realising that the Simera was a far more compelling proposition than Nikon’s own 28mm f/2.8, I returned to it—this time in M-mount form.

A Manual Focus 28mm that Earned Permanent Residency on my Nikon Zf

Sweet Characteristics

One of the Simera’s understated strengths is the spacing of its aperture stops. Shooting stopped down—from f/5.6 through f/16—is effortless and predictable, making it ideal for street, documentary, and travel photography.

Wide open at f/1.4, the lens performs exceptionally well in low light and offers enough subject separation for environmental portraits. While it may not replace a dedicated portrait lens, the fast aperture is genuinely useful rather than merely impressive on paper.

For video shooters working with manual focus, the Simera is equally accommodating, with smooth focus action and practical aperture control.

I deliberately opted for a slim, unchipped adapter—such as the TTArtisan shown here—instead of a smart adapter. Precision focusing is already excellent thanks to the tactile focus tab and the Zf’s focus-assist tools.

Depth-of-field markings are present, adding to the lens’s traditional character, even if they are rarely used in practice.

One downside worth mentioning is the lens hood design. The round hood fits loosely and comes off too easily, while the rectangular hood—despite its attractive shape—does not lock firmly into place and requires frequent realignment.

Who’s It For?

The Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 is ideal if you:

• Enjoy manual focus photography

• Shoot street, documentary, travel, or everyday scenes

• Use a Nikon Zf or other Nikon Z camera and don’t mind adapting lenses

• Prefer tactile, mechanical lenses over autofocus convenience

• Value character and engagement as much as image quality

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying the pleasure of using the Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4. It’s a lens that rewards patience and involvement, encouraging a slower, more intentional way of seeing.

On the Nikon Zf, it feels particularly at home—balanced, responsive, and quietly inspiring. For photographers who value the process as much as the result, the Simera earns its place.

Such joy.

Build Quality & Handling

The Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 feels solidly constructed, with metal dominating the build. Weather sealing is absent, which is worth noting for outdoor shooters, but otherwise the lens inspires confidence.

A de-clickable aperture ring sits towards the front of the lens, with clearly marked f-stops from f/1.4 to f/16. The clicks are precise and satisfying, making aperture changes intuitive even without looking.

In terms of size, the Simera pairs well with the Nikon Zf. The lens measures approximately 54mm in diameter, 55mm in length, and weighs around 330 grams. While the Z-mount version is about 17mm longer, this difference is largely offset when using an adapter on the M-mount version.

In Use with the Nikon ZF (Continued)

In Use with the Nikon ZF

The main compromise when adapting an M-mount lens to Nikon Z is infinity focus. On the Simera, true infinity focus occurs slightly before the hard stop. With experience, this becomes second nature, but it does require familiarity rather than mechanical certainty.

I no longer own the Z-mount version, so a direct comparison is not possible. That said, the M-mount Simera consistently encourages a more deliberate, engaging shooting process.

Who’s It NOT For?

This lens may not suit you if you:

• Rely heavily on autofocus for fast-moving subjects

• Frequently shoot in harsh weather conditions

• Expect perfect infinity focus stops

• Prefer modern lenses with electronic integration and EXIF data

• Want a lens primarily for tight portrait work

Even when I have 40mm or 50mm lenses available, I often find myself gravitating back to this 28mm. It invites you to step closer, to think about composition, and to stay present in the act of photographing.

Despite being optically identical, the difference in mount design turned out to be more significant than expected. The M-mount version, with its slightly tapered body resulting from the smaller mount, feels more intuitive in hand. That subtle shaping alone made it more enjoyable to use.

Since then, the Simera has become something of a resident lens on my Nikon Zf. The use of an adapter has not detracted from the experience in any meaningful way.