About to be a newbie I think

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macymills@mac.c

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Unfortunately, I've recently (like two days ago) stumbled upon the Nikon SP 2005. Up till then, I have never given much thought to Nikon RFs, having always used my Leica. Money is not the biggest issue, so that aside, do you guys think it's stupid of me to buy this camera just b/c I can't take my eyes off it? I am not a collector, so I do intend to shoot with it. I have been thinking about this non-stop for the last few days, and even though I can part with the cash, I keep questioning whether this camera is worth the dough, KWIM? I have been told that my Leica is the better shooter, what with the brighter viewfinder, etc. etc. But gosh, the Nikon SP 2005 is just a gorgeous sight to behold. 😕
 
Welcome! If money is no object then why not? As long as you are living responsibly by saving enough for your family and future, and donating enough to charitable causes, then do what makes you happy as long as you aren't hurting yourself or others by doing so.

Just remember that true happiness cannot be bought.
 
If money is not a problem, then go for it, it is a beautiful camera. The SP was never cheap even 48 years ago( I beleive its 48th birthday is in this week). It will probably look better after a few years of use when a bit of brass shows thru the black paint, better than most of its display case brothers. Get the reissue SP, and make some great images with it, it was well designed for that!
 
To use and not collect dust - that's the best thing you can do for one of these. I keep hoping that I'll come up with the money for an S3-2000 as my user camera, so if you can do it, you'll only hear cheers from me!

William
 
wlewisiii said:
To use and not collect dust - that's the best thing you can do for one of these. I keep hoping that I'll come up with the money for an S3-2000 as my user camera, so if you can do it, you'll only hear cheers from me!

William
Click to expand...

William,

I just saw your signature. So if YOU were given the choice of a SP 2005 or a Linhof Master Technika Classic right now, which would YOU choose and why? What I left out of my post is that before I had seen the SP 2005, I was about to place an order with Midwest Photo for the Linhof. I am not kidding! But if I buy the Nikon RF, I will not be able to purchase the Linhof ($$$), at least not until next year at the very earliest. I have been internally debating for a while, but have come to the conclusion that the Linhof will likely still be widelly available next year, but this Nikon SP may not. What is everyone's take on this? (I have a 8x10 right now and was going to buy the Linhof 4x5 for portability)
 
For me? It would be a hard choice. I use Contax and Kiev cameras for 35mm and the SP is probably the finest camera of that mount ever made. OTOH, I've only recently discovered the utter joy of a 4x5 Speed Graphic. I use it in Press Camera mode - handheld and Rangefinder focusing as much as possible. The Linhof, having an RF and the anatomical grip can do that while adding modern glass, synchronization, and real movements.

If I could place an order tomorrow, it would be for the Linhof. But there would be a look of deep longing as I glanced over at the Nikon... 😱 :bang: 😀

William
 
from what I understand , the camera is in very limited numbers (2500 units?) and only for distribution in Japan. I bet half will go to collectors. The other half may escape Japan and the non Japanese collectors. What are your bets that you could find the Nikon as easily as the Linhof a year from now.

I wouldn't bet big on it. If you really want the Nikon you better think about buying. Otherwise go for the Linhof .

Jan
 
Good choice. Just because _I'm_ a loon doesn't mean anyone else should be. 😀 Be sure to post in the camera and coffee thread when you get it so I can live vicariously... 😉

William
 
Congrats on a fine choice! you & the SP will form a great photographic attachment! If the 35mm f1.8 Nikkor, that comes with the new SP is anything like my old f2.5 LTM ( it is probably even better, [ faster for sure ] after 50 years later on ), you are in store for some sharp negatives with creamy Bokah in the OOF areas. the original 35mm f1.8 in LTM is hard to come across... Any chance of finding the new 50mm that comes on the reissue S3 for sale by its self?
 
If not, Mr. Gandy has available in S mount 50/1.5 Nocton ($369), 50/2.5 ($319) and 50/3.5 Heliar ($399) depending upon your photographic tastes. Then there's the 85/3.5 APO ($319) as well. Some really fine lenses for low prices to complement that SP.

GAS never ends, it simply changes focus...

(sorry, couldn't resist)

William
 
William, just what I need. More excuses to spend money! But thank you for your lens suggestions. That is actually exactly what I was looking for. So people generally have had good experiences with the lens you've mentioned? I have no experience with Nikon S lens (up until now, I only have Nikon SLRs). I have to say that after this purchase, I feel much better about the FM3A I sold a couple of weeks ago. I regretted that sale so much I almost went out to buy another one. Am I a dunce or what. :bang:
 
The only one of them that I, personally, have tried is the SC 35/2.5. It's an excellent lens that gives great value for the money. OTOH, you won't be needing a 35 I'd say... 😀 I haven't heard any complaints about the rest of the line.

Just go to Cameraquest.com and absorb all the info you can and then ask away.

William
 
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