1962 Nikon SP value.. ? need assist

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i am currently shooting M7 with Leica lenses, but have always wanted to try out a Nikon SP rangefinder.

I have a chance to pick up a good original SP with cloth curtain, CLA by cameraquest this year for $1800 (body only).. May i ask if this is a good value and investment?
 
I'm surprised a '62 model had cloth curtains instead of titanium foil that late in production. Nice price though if everything is in good working order and decent cosmetics. Switching back and forth between shooting Leica and Nikon may present a small problem but if in desirable condition, you can always sell it later. Finder optics may be slightly disappointing for low light focusing discrimination compared to Leica M.
 
I think $1800 is too much, for a "try it out" SP.
I think with a bit of work, you can find one at $1200, but you'll need to spend time on evil-bay. The CLA won't matter for shutter operation.

Nikon SP/F's are similarly indestructible and can run for decades without need for a CLA, especially if it has a good heritage. This means either regularly used, not stored in a humid or corrosive environment, and not abused.

And I echo the last poster - if you are familiar with M's, you'll be disappointed with the RF system. Oh, maybe the one caution is to look for a contrasty RF patch. That is the one item that tends to be quite variable in SP's.

Wow, I just checked the sales on evil-bay. Lowest price for an SP kit with lens is $1054. No way I'd support $1800.

regards
Vick
 
Vickko said:
And I echo the last poster - if you are familiar with M's, you'll be disappointed with the RF system. Oh, maybe the one caution is to look for a contrasty RF patch. That is the one item that tends to be quite variable in SP's.
Click to expand...

RF patch contrast is quite variable in SP's. This is something I've noticed with the vintage SPs I've handled in shops in Tokyo recently.

In the last few months, I've gone around the Tokyo shops several times looking at vintage SP, and have taken along my SP 2005 to compare RF patch contrast. Of about 12 vintage SPs I've compared with the SP 2005, 1 was so faint it was practically useless, most were fully usable but clearly had less contrast, and only one really came close. I've got my eye on that one now :) It's a good idea to inspect the camera before purchasing .... though that's not always possible.

Regarding the SP 2005 RF vs Leica M RF, you might find dreamsandart's comment here (link) interesting.

Jon
 
i am going to take a look at the camera tomorrow, since this will be my first SP, what things do i need to look for?

as i never looked through a SP 2005, i really cant compare, how does it compare with a M7 (which is what i will bring with me)

are there anything else i need to look for?

thanks in advanced.

jonmanjiro said:
RF patch contrast is quite variable in SP's. This is something I've noticed with the vintage SPs I've handled in shops in Tokyo recently.

In the last few months, I've gone around the Tokyo shops several times looking at vintage SP, and have taken along my SP 2005 to compare RF patch contrast. Of about 12 vintage SPs I've compared with the SP 2005, 1 was so faint it was practically useless, most were fully usable but clearly had less contrast, and only one really came close. I've got my eye on that one now :) It's a good idea to inspect the camera before purchasing .... though that's not always possible.

Regarding the SP 2005 RF vs Leica M RF, you might find dreamsandart's comment here (link) interesting.

Jon
Click to expand...
 
My first experience with an SP a few years ago was not all that great, an old not in such good shape camera with a dim and hard to see rangefinder patch, I didn't see a cleaning as something that would help and so that was that.

I got a new SP 2500 because it was such a beautiful camera [and the lens!], and still had the itch to try a Nikon RF out :rolleyes: Again I wasn't overly impressed at first compared to the M-series which I've used for 30+ years, but... ! After a few days found I really did like the finder, it grows on you :)

I was in an Osaka shop a few days ago and checked out a couple late SPs with titanium shutters. They were beautiful near mint cameras and in the $2,500 range with lens. Although very slightly dimmer finder than the new SP it was not so noticeable that I would have seen it unless I had the SP 2500 for side-by-side looks (which I did). Over-all I was very impressed with these cameras, and if it wasn't for the price :eek: and the fact I have 2 Nikon RFs (enough!)...
 
My personal dream NRF kit would be a black S3 2000 with titanium shutter curtains, both of the reissued lenses and a clean 105...
 
dreamsandart said:
My first experience with an SP a few years ago was not all that great, an old not in such good shape camera with a dim and hard to see rangefinder patch, I didn't see a cleaning as something that would help and so that was that.

I got a new SP 2500 because it was such a beautiful camera [and the lens!], and still had the itch to try a Nikon RF out :rolleyes: Again I wasn't overly impressed at first compared to the M-series which I've used for 30+ years, but... ! After a few days found I really did like the finder, it grows on you :)

I was in an Osaka shop a few days ago and checked out a couple late SPs with titanium shutters. They were beautiful near mint cameras and in the $2,500 range with lens. Although very slightly dimmer finder than the new SP it was not so noticeable that I would have seen it unless I had the SP 2500 for side-by-side looks (which I did). Over-all I was very impressed with these cameras, and if it wasn't for the price :eek: and the fact I have 2 Nikon RFs (enough!)...
Click to expand...

Curious which shop in Osaka you visited. Is it Camera Planet? I will be in Osaka September 7-8 and would like to take a look. Also curious if there are any used camera shops in Kyoto you can recommend. I think i can find the ones I visited in Tokyo in 2004.

Thanks, Bob (always looking)
 
Ken Ford said:
My personal dream NRF kit would be a black S3 2000 with titanium shutter curtains, both of the reissued lenses and a clean 105...
Click to expand...

An S3 Limited Edition Black 2002, plus one lens for each frame line ..... NICE!!!

A titanium shutter would certainly be a bonus .... though now that I've had some shooting time with an S2 that has original cloth shutter curtains that are still going strong, I get the feeling that the cloth shutter curtains in the reissue S3s and SPs are going to last a long long time.
 
ok.. after your recommendations.. looks like the SP 2005 might be a better choice.. with the exception of price.

So, i am thinking about shuffling around my gear to come up with some funds..

I have an un-used Konica Hexar RF that i have kept, it is complete in its kit box with the 50mm lens and flash. The camera has never been through a roll, lens has never been mounted. have all papers.

Please i know i should use this camera, but i have been resisting so to keep this setup new.

May i ask what is the value of the Hexar and that i am thinking about selling it and get the SP 2005.

thanks again in advanced.
 
I was Over at Brian's the other day,the little devil has 3 late model SPs all with Titanium curtains! It was nice to compare 3 at the same time. I do have a new SP and has had the pleasure of using another,although lately, I mainly shoot with a mid-run S3 Jonmanjiro got me out of Yahoo Japan.
Brian's all three SP's rated real good compared to the mew SP's I have examined,as a matter of fact, the 623xxxx camera Brian has was darn close to my new SP!!
I own a fairly early SP, made within the first 600, The rangefinder is nothing close to those late model SP's!! My mid run S3 rates much better than the early SP. I have examined at least five more SPs, all under 621xxxx and most don't have descent RF patches anymore!
So to make the story short, you better examine the SP you want to buy.
Ebay is another story, I have seen examples(most with the proper 5cm f1.4) do as low as $1200,as Vick mentioned, and I have seen nice examples break $2000 and go well above...
But who knows what you get on ebay...
Here is the list of POTENTIAL problems with a Nikon SP:
  1. Holes in cloth curtains
  2. Unreliable slow shutter speeds
  3. Faded or detiorated Range finder patch
  4. Self-timer inoperative
  5. Slow wind lever return
  6. Dust in the prism
  7. Stiff focus wheel

Granted an overhaul would take care of most of the stuff I listed...

Soooo, how did your "I am going to look at the camera" go?

Kiu
 
NIKON KIU said:
I was Over at Brian's the other day,the little devil has 3 late model SPs all with Titanium curtains! It was nice to compare 3 at the same time. I do have a new SP and has had the pleasure of using another,although lately, I mainly shoot with a mid-run S3 Jonmanjiro got me out of Yahoo Japan.
Brian's all three SP's rated real good compared to the mew SP's I have examined,as a matter of fact, the 623xxxx camera Brian has was darn close to my new SP!!
I own a fairly early SP, made within the first 600, The rangefinder is nothing close to those late model SP's!! My mid run S3 rates much better than the early SP. I have examined at least five more SPs, all under 621xxxx and most don't have descent RF patches anymore!
So to make the story short, you better examine the SP you want to buy.
Ebay is another story, I have seen examples(most with the proper 5cm f1.4) do as low as $1200,as Vick mentioned, and I have seen nice examples break $2000 and go well above...
But who knows what you get on ebay...
Here is the list of POTENTIAL problems with a Nikon SP:
  1. Holes in cloth curtains
  2. Unreliable slow shutter speeds
  3. Faded or detiorated Range finder patch
  4. Self-timer inoperative
  5. Slow wind lever return
  6. Dust in the prism
  7. Stiff focus wheel
Granted an overhaul would take care of most of the stuff I listed...

Soooo, how did your "I am going to look at the camera" go?

Kiu
Click to expand...

The SP I have my eye on with the RF patch comparable to my SP 2005 is a late model 6219xxx with titanium shutter. The SP I saw that had a useless RF patch was 6206xxx with a cloth shutter.

SP are roughly split into these categories:

6200001 to 6213xxx - early run cloth shutter models

6214xxx to 6223xxx - late run titanium shutter models

6230xxx to 62321xx - addtional run of 994 titanium shutter models manufactured from 1964 to 1965
 
Ken Ford said:
What are reissues selling for? If it were me, I'd rather have a new one for a shooter.
Click to expand...

This is my attitude. If I ever own a Nikon RF it will be a S3-2000 in chrome.

William
 
NIKON KIU said:
Soooo, how did your "I am going to look at the camera" go?

Kiu
Click to expand...

I was suppose to go and see the camera yesterday, but since reading the responses, I thought I better look for a SP 2005, so I cancel the appointment.
I may go and take a look this weekend now I know what to look for in a vintage SP.
 
What a coincidence, there is a chrome SP on ebay said to be overhauled by "Cameraquest" for $1400.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-SP-Rangef...ryZ15234QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
SP01.jpg


Comes with a half case and manual too,

Kiu
 
NIKON KIU said:
Comes with a half case and manual too,

Kiu
Click to expand...

Also comes with a Voigtlander R2S bodycap and thingamyjig that slots in the accessory shoe.

Plus its got the tax free "T" on the rewind lever.

Hmmm s/n 13629 .... very close to 14000 where the titanium shutters start. Wonder what the RF patch is like on this one ...
 
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