Nikon S3 2000

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angeloks

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Well, I love the look. It is gorgeous ! So now, is it easy to use ? I got a Leica IIf and I think it's a pita sometimes... I used an M6 for a while and it was about perfect. I'm now tempted by the Ikon, but the S3 is way sexier.

Now, is it convenient to use ? Reliable ? I love Nikon, my FM3A is just amazing. Are you guys happy with your S3 ? What are the main cons when you compare it vs M6/Ikon ?

Thanks,
 
The S3 looks stunning, but the rangefinder patch is fuzzy with little contrast and the shutter release is in a very unergonomic position. I have sold mine and got a M6 again.
 
color filter resolves the patch problem perfectly; I always use a soft release on s3 and never noticed any problem.
It's a wonderful camera with interesting history behind it.
 
Julien,

The S3-2000 as a user ROCKS. I had to make the decision as to which to keep one of my Ms (M4-P or M-6 classic) or my S3-2000, kept the S3. It feels different, but it feels like a NIKON.

I have no problems in using her. She loads like a Nikon F, much easier than any M (at least IMHO). It does take a Nikon AR-1 so the shutter feels like any of my old Nikons or Nikkormats that I grew up with. Haven't done the filter on the patch thing yet but I will early next year.

While I loved my Leica M handling, the lenses on Ss rotate the same direction as my Nikon SLR, which to me is a BIG DEAL. When I moved from my S2 I had two Nikkors, the new 50/1.4 and the 105/2.5. I've swapped out my 35/2.5 CV for a 35/1.8 Nikkor a few months back. Now my only CV is my favorite 25/4.

B2 (;->
 
The edge of the Nikon RF patch is not well defined as the Leica, the edges are "fuzzy" like a Canon 7 and most other cameras. I have no problem using it in dim light. The finder will flare, as will a Canon P. They are a 1x finder with a 35mm FOV. The RF Patch of the M6 will flare, as does my R2 and CL.

At the price that lightly used S3-2000's are going for, it and a original 5cm F1.4 lens will cost less than a well-used M6.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
The edge of the Nikon RF patch is not well defined as the Leica, the edges are "fuzzy" like a Canon 7 and most other cameras. I have no problem using it in dim light. The finder will flare, as will a Canon P. They are a 1x finder with a 35mm FOV. The RF Patch of the M6 will flare, as does my R2 and CL.

At the price that lightly used S3-2000's are going for, it and a original 5cm F1.4 lens will cost less than a well-used M6.
Click to expand...

What do you think about the lack of parallax correction in the Nikon RF cameras (except the SP of course)?
 
It's not a big deal. The framelines are etched, do not move. They do have fixed "correction" lines for close-focus. You get used to it. I've framed up-close and tight with the 10.5cm F2.5 on the S3.

Nikon S3-2000, 50/1.4 "Millennium Nikkor" Wide-Open and at closest focus.

3033042875_d663e2ab13_o.jpg


Again, the fixed Parallax correction marks are not hard to use.
 
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Drool...

I always thought the Nikon Rangefinders looked so cool! When I finally had the money to buy a professional level RF camera, I went with Leica though, because Leica lenses are common and easy to find, available new if I can ever afford a new one (yeah, right!, lol) and there seem to be a lot of people servicing old Leicas. Plus the parallax correction seemed important. Sounds like its not that big a deal...your photo is awesome!

I still want one. Someday....
 
Compared to a IIIf the rangefinder of a S3 2000 is, of course, an improvement, compared to a modern Leica rangefinder it is indeed fuzzy and harder to use. No way to use the edge of the rangefinder field as a split image indicator as you can with a Leica. On the other hand, the viewfinder of a S3 2000 is 1:1, which isn't available for a M6, M7 or MP. I really like to photograph with both eyes open!
 
I've found parallax correction to be handy but not a requirement. For me, testing and experience can more than correct for the lack of it. The 1:1 quite frankly rocks when using a wide angle or normal lens. While I have the 105 for her I use an SLR for that long a lot more. Three lenses for the S3 (25 CV, 35 and 50 Nikkors) and two for the SLR (105 and 300 Nikkors) with a 28 F mount and 105 S mount back in the room just in case.

B2 (;->
 
Personal picks, of course, but I can tell you this: Last December I went to NYC with a present for myself in mind: the best RF for me, money no object. I handled all the heavyweights, and to my amazement, picked the S3 2000 as a clear winner. Never looked back. It is not perfect: the RF patch could use more contrast. But-for me- it beats the rest. I can't tell you about reliability, as I am new to the game, but others will: CLA is not a word you use a lot around Nikon RFs.

Edited to add: Compared to the M6 and ZI, I miss the inboard meter, which I sometimes like to use. But for me, the S3 is far superior to both. Percieved quality (again, IMHO) is far higher. Shutter release is exactly in the same place as in a Nikon F, as are most controls. And one can't criticize the F, I think! Could be heretic!
 
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The only functional issue i had was the rangefinder patch which was very successfully corrected with a blue filter mod per Jon. I have acquired a number of lenses new ones from Cameraquest and although old S mounts are less plentiful they are out there and with Brian Sweeney's help some great FSU lenses work well on my S3.
 
Fuzzy S3 Rangefinder Patch

Fuzzy S3 Rangefinder Patch

Chriscrawfordphoto said:
Is that an old S3 or the 2000 version?
Click to expand...
Hi Chris, I was describing the S3 2000 patch - I don't think it has improved over the original at all and I wonder what other RFF readers think about the the quality of the S3 2000's workmanship compared to the original.
Cheers
Peter
 
I have an S3-2000... definitely a gorgeous camera but I think a PITA to use, for example the rotating lens and funky issue of focusing helix on interchangeability. There's a better idea and a good reason the Leica M has persisted, IMHO. So my S3, and equally odd Contax IIIa and Kievs are rarely used just for the fun of it. 🙂
 
These days- wait for a motivated seller, look on the RFF ads, I would guess "around" $1600~$1800 for the camera, lens, case all boxed.
 
Not sure if it has sold yet, but there's an S3 2000 body in the RFF classifieds now (link here). You could pick up a vintage Nikkor 50mm lens (or something else) to get you started, and pick up a Millennium Nikkor 50/1.4 at a later date.
 
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