Black Nikon S3, is it original?

[Frontman]

I picked up this S3 this week. It's in rough shape, but still works well. The black paint looks original, similar in type to my old Nikon F bodies.

The serial number on this camera is 632XXX, it has titanium shutter curtains, and is stamped "made in Japan" on the bottom. I got the camera for a good price, and intend to use it as a daily shooter. I have had a couple of silver S3 cameras which were excellent shooters, and I hope this one works as well.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Yes, original black. Its an S3 Olympic. Looks like the one that was sitting at Fujiya forever? I checked over once, but decided to pass. Not a bad price though.

 

[Vickko]

nice.
Now you need to find a 5cm Olympic lens to go with it.

 

[farlymac]

That's a good find, Jeff. Broke in just the right amount.

PF

 

[SausalitoDog]

Nice work, Jeff.

BTW, that was one of the best Nikkor lenses ever made!!!

 

[Frontman]

Out of curiosity, does the S3 Olympic come originally with the Nikon F winding lever? I have three other S3 cameras, but they all have the stamped steel lever, whereas this camera has the F type.

This S3 looks even better when sitting next to my old F.

 

[jonmanjiro]

The Olympic (actually released in September 1965 but it makes a nice nickname 🙄) S3s were assembled from leftover S3 parts and F parts, so an F advance lever is normal.

So, 168,000 yen at Fujiya? Or did you manage to snag it after they lowered the price a little more?

 

[Frontman]

The Olympic (actually released in September 1965 but it makes a nice nickname 🙄) S3s were assembled from leftover S3 parts and F parts, so an F advance lever is normal.

So, 168,000 yen at Fujiya? Or did you manage to snag it after they lowered the price a little more?

Actually, I got this camera at Lemonsha in Ginza, it was on consignment there. I paid 130000 for it.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Actually, I got this camera at Lemonsha in Ginza, it was on consignment there. I paid 130000 for it.

Quite a good price! Prices on Nikon RF gear have certainly dropped in the last year or two.

Fujiya sold their S3 Olympic as well (not sure of the final price) but currently have an S3 Limited Edition Black body w/box for 134,400 yen.

 

[thompsonks]

134400 = $1712, or $88 less than I paid for a new one last spring.

 

[Frontman]

Quite a good price! Prices on Nikon RF gear have certainly dropped in the last year or two.

Fujiya sold their S3 Olympic as well (not sure of the final price) but currently have an S3 Limited Edition Black body w/box for 134,400 yen.

Yes, the Nikon stuff is becoming quite reasonable lately. The S3 limited edition sounds great, but I really like the older, beat-up cameras.

This old S3 looks like the perfect mate for my old Nikon F.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

WoW.... Black paint S3! Great found! If I can also find one at the same price as yours I will strongly consider to bring it home... What a beauty!