Change of plans, no longer thinking about replacing my NIB S3 2000 with a user S3 2000 Black

[Ken Ford]

I have a NIB boxed S3 2000 that I’ve never used. I got it right at a time of personal turmoil, and only now years later am I getting back interested in Nikon RF again. One of the reasons I didn’t do anything with it is that it’s chrome. I really wanted black, and I foolishly didn’t wait.

What is the realistic market like for user grade S3 2000s in black? I would think I could come pretty close selling and rebuying or even trading. I’m not a collector.

I really want to get a working Nikon RF kit together, and only the S3 and S4 appeal since they have similar control layouts to an F - my first Nikons 50 years ago.

 

[splitimageview]

One sold a couple of months ago here, asking price was 1850, with 50/1.4, case. No box.

 

[Ken Ford]

For black? Bummer, that would have been perfect.

 

[splitimageview]

Nikon S3 Year 2000 Re-issue (Black Paint)

Smooth focus, Shutter is strong, glass is clean. Comes with a case, no box, no papers- this is a copy for those that want to use the camera :). The

www.rangefinderforum.com

 

[Ken Ford]

Yeah, I would have been all over that.

 

[wlewisiii]

I just got an user S4 a couple of weeks ago for $421.99. There was one other (not as nice though) for a bit more at that time. Not black though which is fine to me, I don't have a thing for black cameras.

 

[Ken Ford]

I started this out by considering a S4 and having it CLAed. Doing black paint on it would be tempting, too. I’ve never actually seen a S4, though - from what I can tell it’s similar to a S3 with fewer etched framed lines (a good thing in my book.)

What is is like living with a S4?

 

[wlewisiii]

It's nice because it's simpler - there's less to go wrong. The 35 line is not there because the whole finder is your 35 finder. Controls are F standard. The shutter is cloth and quiet. There is no self timer (which I never use anyway) to break. Simple. Solid. Sturdy. My S2 case fit it perfectly so that was an added plus. I have been using my Nikkor 28 & CV 21 quite well with my 50's so far. Need to break out the 105 this week 🙂

 

[Ken Ford]

Hmmmm. I have four lenses (plus the S3 2K’s 50) - 35/2.5, 50/2, 105/2.5 and 135/4. I have Nikon finders for all but the 50.

 

[Ken Ford]

I have to wonder - user grade S3 Olympics are actually pretty reasonable.

 

[Ken Ford]

I posted a separate question about the S3 Olympic - if they all have titanium shutter curtains, that is probably my favored route. I’m seeing conflicting info if they all had them, though which complicates shopping.

 

[justins7]

I bought a black S3 Olympic with titanium shutter a few years ago in a moment of weakness. It was sold by a reputable Japanese seller, and it's in great shape. It seemed like a decent prince (around $1100 with matching Olympic 50/1.4). I am not sure if it's original black paint or not, but it seems like it is. Other than the rangefinder patch being dim, it works like a charm. If you look and wait you can get decent deals from Japan.

 

[Ken Ford]

I think that is my best option - finding a S3 Olympic with Ti. We have a local repair guy who does great work on Nikon RF CLAs, even.

 

[Erik van Straten]

A user S2 in black (v1) is a very fine camera.

gelatin silver print (nikkor 50mm f1.4) nikon s2 black paint

Amsterdam, 2019

 

[Ken Ford]

A user S2 in black (v1) is a very fine camera.

gelatin silver print (nikkor 50mm f1.4) nikon s2 black paint

Amsterdam, 2019

View attachment 4864958

I do have a S2, but I prefer the familiarity of a S3 or S4.

 

[Ken Ford]

Well, apparently not all S3 Olympics have titanium curtains - a Japanese seller confirmed the one I asked about is cloth. This may take time.

 

[38Deardorff]

Well, apparently not all S3 Olympics have titanium curtains - a Japanese seller confirmed the one I asked about is cloth. This may take time.

There's a bunch of S3 black bodies in Japan from $1300-1700USD.
Sure are cheaper than black Leica Ms.....

 

[wlewisiii]

Never understood the fetish for black vs chrome. Working vs not working is my kink 😉

 

[38Deardorff]

Never understood the fetish for black vs chrome. Working vs not working is my kink 😉

Simple preference Wm.... no rationale to it.

 

[wlewisiii]

Simple preference Wm.... no rationale to it.

Meant as humor nothing more, hence the crack at the end.