Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4: A Photographer’s 40 hours Journey in Hong Kong

The story

It was in July 2024 when I felt really boxed in with everything at work and life, so I turned to my wife and asked: “Should we do a weekend trip to Hong Kong? Fly in after work on Friday and return on Sunday so that I can kinda clear up my mind?”

She said ‘yes, and I will even plan it so that we get to experience the authentic ‘older’ photogenic Hongkong‘.

And so, this is how a short yet visually meaningful photography trip became a reality.

I had already done a full review of the Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.8 back then during the release, and it is linked here if you are keen to know about the performance, specifications, and so on. The image below is from the review itself.

For our article today, I will instead focus on fewer words and more of a visual photography essay of the photogenic spots we hit in Hong Kong over the approximately 40-hour stay.

Day 1, around 1700 hours in Singapore.

A first for me, and to get away from the bustle of Singapore’s Changi Airport. I popped by the Butterfly Garden, the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport. Check out over 1,000 tropical butterflies from as many as 40 species among a profusion of flowering plants, lush greenery, and a 6m grotto waterfall.

I was strict for this trip, and only packed along the Nikon Zf with the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4 lens with 1 spare battery. I didn’t pack a charger since I could charge the camera through USB-C.

I would reach Hong Kong around 11 pm, and after traveling from the airport, checking in, etc., I would settle in around midnight.

Day 2 – the bulk of the time I have in my short trip with the return flight planned for early afternoon tomorrow.

Hitting the streets of Hong Kong for breakfast and getting warmed up for the day. I miss very few things about Hong Kong, and their traditional budget breakfast sets are an exception.

First key stop: Quarry Bay’s Monster building (Yik Cheong building)

One of Hong Kong’s most Instagrammable spots and a perfect reflection of the city’s (famed) urban density, there are 2,243 units in five blocks with 18 floors in height, housing approximately 10,000 people within the complex built from the 1960s to 1970s.

This block above is part of the Monster building 5 blocks complex, and one can enter the premises for the shot through the first floor entrances.

The shot above is not of the famed Monster building we usually see but I was surprised to see a thriving wet market in one of the adjacent buildings. To be honest, I preferred this as a street photography spot versus Yik Cheong building itself (which has literally been shot to death).

While not likely to pass any first-world sanitary or health inspections, the thriving market was full of the vibes of the old Hong Kong I am much more familiar with, a more miniature world where everyone knows each other with the usual shoutings and (cursing) over bargaining attempts.

Here, everything seemed very much stagnant since the 1990s, with the design of the shops down to the signboards staying unchanged across the last few decades.

And of course, a shot of our main character building below.

This shot was actually done under relative heavy rain (yeap I was standing in the rain), and I am super glad to have the confidence that Nikon’s gear has a robust enough weather resistance.

Above you can see a sign erected by the residents of this private residental building that photography is prohibited, but .. ahem, I understand why but I guess the heavy rain helped keep the crowds away and I was able to do my shot uninterrupted.

This scene is from the overhead bridge adjacent to the building, a very clear reminder to everyone that Hong Kong has changed in the last few years.

Second key stop: Lunch at Michelin starred Yat Lok Roast Goose

The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star consistenly from 2015 – 2018 and also featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Hongkong episode. Operating since 1957, the restaurant’s decor has remained the same across the decades and is usually packed to the brim.

One can select their choice of meat and carbohydrates, for example, a plate of meat between Roast Goose, Roast Pork, BBQ Pork or Soya Sauce Chicken and rice or noodles.

I will say that the goose does have an unique flavour and well prepared, but it was hardly life changing and I have had better. I wouldn’t return but then taste is a subjective thing.

Also, Yat Lok is notorious for their horrendous service. Just know that if you get screamed at, it is likely not personal and this is not a place for one to slowly take your time to eat and ponder about the meaning of life.

Key stop: Pottinger Street and Ting Ting tram at King’s Road

Dating from the 1850s, Pottinger Street is one of Hong Kong’s oldest streets and is named after Hong Kong’s first governor, Sir Henry Eldred Curwen Pottinger.

One gets a good variety of goods the shops here hawk, and if you have the time, it will be nice to explore the smaller alleys.

Beginning operations in 1904, Hong Kong’s Ding Ding trams offer an interesting perspective of the streets in Hong Kong. One can still hitch a ride on the Ding Ding trams along Central.

Even after 100 years in operation, Ding Ding trams remains an efficient and the most economical mode of public transport with Hong Kong Tramways owning and operating a fleet of 163 tramcars carrying a daily average of 230,000 passengers.

Fourth Key stop: Streets of Hong Kong

The weather wasn’t kind for the day, and we were mostly met with heavy rain and winds (yeap, typhoon season) but in its own way, gave photography opportunities of a different feel.

Fifth key stop: Hong Kong Observatory Wheel

With the rain abating towards late afternoon, we made our way to catch a shot of the Hong Kong Observatory Wheel which actually made a debut on screens in 2021’s Godzilla versus Kong. Reaching 60 meters high, the iconic Ferris wheel comprises of 42 gondolas.

And with that, we made our way to board the Star Ferry service to Tsim Tsa Tsui. The ferries are operated by Star Ferry Company, founded in 1888 operating two routes across the harbour, ferrying approximately 26 million passengers in a single year.

Upon reaching Tsim Tsa Tsui, it was to make a visit to my trusted camera shop, Fotopia Gallery and Equipment followed by dinner, before ending the photo-walk for the day and getting ready for the flight back home the next day.

Here is the lady who planned the 40-hour photo-trip to Hong Kong. ;D

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimers:

1. I photographed all product photos and samples here. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos. 

2. All images were shot with the Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 35mm ƒ1.4; the Zf is my personal set, and the lens, a loan from Nikon Singapore, was returned at the end of the review period.

3. This review is not sponsored; I write as a passion and hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.

4. The best way to support me is to share the review, or you can always help support the site by contributing to my fees to WordPress using the PayPal button at the bottom of the page.