average price for the S2?

[Speedy]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to buy a Nikon s2 but don't know where to buy and prices for a near mint condition camera. Any recommendations?

Thanks...

 

[Meleica]

Really "near mint" will run $ 550-650 w/o lens....add $ 100 for the 50/2 and$ 150 for the 50/1.4.

One in excellent shape with a 50/1.4 can be found for $ 600

Add $ 150- 200 if its a black dial S2

My advice - find a clean, well working S2 and have Pete Smith CLA it ( $ 125 )

Dan

 

[Sonnar Brian]

A near mint Nikon S2 with a 5cm lens will run in the $750 range. Truly mint with a box can run a few hundred higher. One in stong EX to EX+ condition, perfect working order, hover around $600~$700. The "Black Dial" versions sell for more, usually about $200 more than the chrome dial. They are "prettier" and have an improved flash sync mechanism. The flash fires when the shutter releases, not every time the release button is pressed.

Check with some of the better camera dealers. Woodmere Camera is a good source.

 

[BillBingham2]

I just got a great chrome user for $290 (including shipping). Had it CLAed by Stephen Gandy and love it. I am going to put my first roll through her this week.

I picked up a chrome 50/1.4 for $160 (including shipping). I got a closeout CV 25/f lens (which I love more than the LTM version) for $369 from Stephen. Picked up an AR-1 from the UK for $15 cash. I got a great deal on a black 135/3.5 for $75.

I have had good luck with Woodmere in the past. If you get it off ebay, ask for extra pictures, inside and out.

Mint is a very hard thing, one persons mint is another's very good. IMHO, it's over used.

Let us know how you make out.

B2 (;->

 

[Speedy]

Hi folks,

Thanks for your replies.My first attempt had failed🙂)I've been outbided at the ebay auction, Item number: 7557121252.I'll keep searching for an S2.I'm from Turkey and i think i'll try some local shops in Istanbul where people trade vintage cameras.Thanks again...Meanwhile sorry for my english🙂

Ahmet Konyali

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Good luck finding an S2. You never know what you will come across at the market places. I found two Nikon M's at a local antique store in the last year.

Your English is excellent.

 

[Speedy]

there are new arrivals at ebay from tamarkin's but i didn't like the buyer premium thing....also i've found several s series at ritz camera....so....i'm confused🙂

 

[RObert Budding]

There are seveal available from ritzcam, but they aren't cheap:

http://ritzcam.com/

Robert

 

[Speedy]

are there any differences between chrome and black lens?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The one at Ritzcam for $450, the S2 with 5cm F2 lens that is missing the "flash Contact" looks like a good bargain. When is the last time you used a Nikon BC-5 Bulb Flash. The PC socket will fire your electronic flash. The missing contact is for the OLD style dedicated Nikon bulb flashes. The filter ring dent does not look bad, and can be repaired.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Black lenses use more aluminum and are lighter. Optically they are the same. I have both types, and grab one as fast as another.

 

[Speedy]

hi Brian...

what do you think about this one?Item number: 7557760607

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The seller cannot vouch for the operational condition, it is untested. 50% chance it can be used right away, but figure in $150 for a CLA and minor repair. With a 50year old camera, it's always nice to buy from someone that has tested it and knows what they aredoing.

For example: is the RF patch dim, aligned, shutter operating, curtains burned through? Without the facts, assume you are buying a camera that needs servicing. That is the way of EBay. This seller has great feedback, but does not deal in cameras. He likes like an Ebay "broker".

If it stays under $400, worth the risk. Otherwise, buy one that has been tested.

 

[ScottS]

there are new arrivals at ebay from tamarkin's but i didn't like the buyer premium thing....also i've found several s series at ritz camera....so....i'm confused🙂

Interestingly enough, if you go to Tamarkin's site directly, they quote the buyer's premium at 15%. I'm not sure 5% matters that much in the end, but you can also send proxy bids by fax or mail directly to Tamarkin -- presumably if you do it this way, the premium is the lower value.

Scott

 

[Doug]

I'm from Turkey and i think i'll try some local shops in Istanbul where people trade vintage cameras. Thanks again...Meanwhile sorry for my english🙂

Welcome to RFF, Ahmet! Your English looks fine; infinitely better than my Turkish. 🙂 Back in the 1960's I spent many days roaming Izmir and vicinity with my camera, and have fond memories of honest friendly people and good food. I was stationed then out at Çigli Hava Üssü for a couple of years...

 

[Speedy]

Back in the 1960's I spent many days roaming Izmir and vicinity with my camera, and have fond memories of honest friendly people and good food. I was stationed then out at Çigli Hava Üssü for a couple of years...

Hi Doug,

I think Izmir is the most beatiful city in Turkey🙂 Friendship, foods, drinking beer at Kordon, beatiful girls...🙂...that's nice hearing these words from you at RFF....and that airbase...still there...

 

[Speedy]

I won the item 7557760607 for 456$...well we'll see...

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Great Price! It looks beautiful. Let us know how it comes out.

 

[Speedy]

hi everyone,

my S2 has just arrived and i think i need an user manual and a repair manual 😀
does anyone know where i can find the manuals? Camera works well but i think it needs CLA. There are a few scratches at the bottom and that's all. It's very nice 😀

 

[VinceC]

If you have any questions about operating the camera, don't hesitate to post them here. About half a dozen active Nikon users check in regularly.

The S2 is a great camera, but it does take some time to get used to its controls. They are not the same as a Leica and they're not the same as an SLR. The dual shutter-speed controls were common for the era. If I'm not mistaken, on the earlilest S2s, it was recommended that you wind the shutter before settng the shutter speed. When set at 1000, it's normal for the shutter-speed dial to sit a little high. The camera shutter also has a fairly loud "slap" that's not nearly as quiet as a Leica or later Nikon SP/S3. Finally, it's easiest to set lens aperatures if you first lock the focus at infinity. And yes, the infinity lock and focus wheel take some getting used to.