steamer
Well-known
I have a Nikon S body and 5cm f1.4, 3.5cm f2.5, and the 13.5 cm f3.5. The lenses are wonderful but the S body is not at all enjoyable to use. I can probably get a Bessa R2S in Japan for about 50,000 to 60,000 yen. I never hear anyone talking about this camera, does anybody own one?, If so how do you feel about it?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
I had one for a short time, but the shutter locked solid the first time I tried to put film in it. I returned it. Maybe I was to hasty. I liked the TTL metering, and the finder was nice (mag. is 0.70) though I like the Nikon 1:1 lifesize finders more.
This one is on YJ Auctions now for 30,000 yen.
http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r37705998
Fujiya still has new ones for 47,800 yen.
This one is on YJ Auctions now for 30,000 yen.
http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r37705998
Fujiya still has new ones for 47,800 yen.
bobkonos
Well-known
I have had an R2S body (with trigger winder), C/V 21, 25, and 85 lenses since 2003. I love using this camera with the C/V lenses as well as my classic Nikon RF lenses. The metering is accurate and the feel of the camera is right for me. I did have a problem with it: the film advance stopped working mid-roll on a trip to Tokyo (fortunately at the end of the trip but disappointing nontheless). I returned the camera to our bartender, from whom I purchased it, and he had it repaired no charge . No problems since then. So I remain a fan of it, and am sad to see it no longer made.
steamer
Well-known
I use external finders, still don't like the tiny, dim, flare-prone viewfinder and the big THWOK the shutter makes, don't like the speed dial set up and the brick-like weight. I could forgive all that except for the fact that the famous US Nikon Guy replaced the cloth shutters a few years back and did an almost good job. As the Japanese tech said today--Dame da! (no bueno). The shutter has a gap when wound on and in bright sunlight the light coming through the gap wipes out the end of the neg. The Japanese Nikon meisters wanted 50,000 yen for the shutter replacement. This is the Nikon forum so I thought I'd ask here about a camera which was made to be used with NIKON lenses. For the time being guess I'll use the 3.5 lens on my Contaxes, put the other ones in the dry box and use the S as a handsome Nikon paperweight.
50,000 yen for a new shutter, huh? They know how to charge! For future reference, which shop was that?steamer said:
So the choice is 50,000 yen for a new shutter, or 47,800 yen for a whole new camera with TTL metering and one year warranty. An easy choice! Take the camera.
You could also go for an S2, but a good user will probably cost 60,000 to 70,000 yen or more. BOOM there goes the budget ...
Or, as you said, you could stick with your Contax cameras.
steamer
Well-known
The whole thing is academic anyway, as I just lost my job and new camera gear is suddenly a low priority. I'm going to Mongolia next month so I may just take the S with the 5cm and a J12 as my "go ahead and steal me" camera. If I put the lens cap on before winding on the film It should be OK., as the gap in the shutter closes again at the end of its travel. The shop was the one down the street from the Nikon factory in Nishi Oi.
selma-1
Established
Sorry you lost your job. I sold my Nikon S-2 because it was so hard to use compaired to the Voigtlander.I own both the Voigtlander R2S and R2S NHS cameras with the Voigtlander 15mm, in Nikon F mount with a Voigtlander f-s/c adapter so I can use it on the Nikon F and the voigtlander R2s, Voigtlander spirit level, doubble shoe adapter,,Voigtlander 21mm, 25mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm f1.5,50mm f2.5 and 50mm f3.5, 85mm and Nikon 105mm and 135mm lenses. I also use the Nikon 35-135 Varifocal finder and Voigtlander 28mm brightline finder, Each camera has a Voigtlander side grip on it. I love the bright viewfinder, easy to focus, and great light meter. The whole system is a pleasure to use. i have had no issues with the equipment. the 50mm f3.5 heliar is the sharpest lens I have ever used, and very small.
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NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku
Fact is,you can probably send it back to the famous US Nikon guy and he would probably tighten the shutter for your shipping cost,which should be less than 5000yen!!
50,000 for a Shutter replacement? we are talking about a perfectly good LOOSE curtain, right? You must be a Gaijin!!!
Getting into Nikon Rangefider path with a Nikon S could indeed be a painfull experience. I paid over $300 for my first. back in 2001. and by the time I did the curtains,overhaull and leather replacement,added a lens and ended up at over $700:bang: :bang:steamer said:
Primitive camera designed in the late 1940s!!!
How could you compare it to a camera designed in this century??
Fact is,the Bessa R2s is one of few cameras that could be had for a better value in Japan than buying here in USA!!
If that includes a lens,it's hard to beat!!
Grab one,and if you don't like it,I'll trade it for a Nikon S2!!:angel:
Kiu
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steamer
Well-known
Selma and Kiu you guys make a tempting case for a new R2S, but It is kind of a luxury right now and (forgive me Nikonistas) I've got more than enough Zeiss stuff to play with until I can afford a new camera for my Nikon lenses.
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VinceC
Veteran
You can also get an S-2 for less than an R2S. The S-2 won't have as many feautres, but they are really rugged, professional grade cameras.