Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.4, wide-open on my Nikon SP.
The SP has auto-parallax corrected/Projected framelines, The S2 has a brightline frame.
The SP has auto-parallax corrected/Projected framelines, The S2 has a brightline frame.
lxmike
M2 fan.
I love film rangefinder, I am so so tempted to pull the trigger on an S2
lxmike
M2 fan.
I have far far too many cameras, what I unfortunately don't have is the time to use them all. Sadly. Thanks for the reply by the way.
lxmike
M2 fan.
very nice image, thanks for sharing.
keytarjunkie
no longer addicted
I just bought a S2! It goes very well with my S3 and SP. You should get it!
lxmike
M2 fan.
thanks these are wise insights to reflect on.
lxmike
M2 fan.
The Nikon S2 is one of the best cameras ever made for using with a 50mm lens. 1x finder, does not flare like the S3 and S4. Much better than the Contax viewfinders.
Very easy to use a West German 50mm F1.5 and 50mm F2.0: simply use the variable stand-off ring of the Sonnar and back it out about 1/3rd of a turn.
My 50/1.5 Zeiss Opton on the Nikon S2, wide-open.
Also a Great body for use with the Helios-103.
Undo the set screws, back out 1/2 turn.
thanks for sharing this information
lxmike
M2 fan.
Yeah I could feel the irony as I typed
lxmike
M2 fan.
This is with a later black Nikkor 50mm f/1.4, a beautiful lens in my opinion. Wide open.
gelatin silver print (nikkor sc 50mm f1.4) nikon s2
Erik.
I like the way the lens renders this image, thanks for sharing
lxmike
M2 fan.
lxmike
M2 fan.
May I ask why is it the price of S2 etc are down at present.
lxmike
M2 fan.
probably in mine too now
Prices on cameras out of Japan are way down over what they were 20 years ago, and even 10 years ago. A Nikon SP used to get $2000, and S3 almost the same.
Camera collecting is not as popular with the younger set as it used to be, and Nikon in general has lost a lot of market share.
An S2 with 5cm F1.4 used to go for at least $800, one in good user condition. Now- closer to $400~$500. A Nikon SP in nice condition with 5cm F1.4- $1000, and an S3 or S4- $750 or so.
Good time to buy, and a much less expensive alternative to a Leica M2 or M3. 20 years ago my M3DS with Type 1 Rigid Summicron and a 135/4.5 Hektar was $1000 at a camera shop. Complete reversal these days.
Yes, you are right not sure why I ran with that.
keytarjunkie
no longer addicted
Some prices have come down, mostly on the rarer collector lenses. But I think most of the prices on Nikon RF are similar to what they used to be. I bought a S2 and 5cm f/1.4 for about $350 in 2008. You can get roughly the same deal today (I just bought a body for only $120 but it needs some work). Of course when you account for inflation the price has gone "down."
Around 2010 I paid $650 for a M2, and that was when you could pick up a M6 for under $1K. I think there is a lot of interest from younger generations in mostly Leica gear, since those prices have tripled in some cases, and it bleeds a bit into Nikon and Canon RF gear. But it's definitely a great time to buy more Nikon RF gear. I try to buy some from members like enasniearth every time they're listed in the classifieds, and I've been fortunate to get some nice deals from many forum members!
I feel like I ought to share my Nikon RF collection in this thread. I have bought a few new items since I took this photo a few weeks ago, including an S2! The Nikon RF system is not as diverse as Leica LTM or M, but there are still many avenues to go down and lots of fun lenses to explore.
My S2 is currently on the bench getting an amateur CLA -
You need a Nikkor-PC 8.5cm F2 and Nikkor PC 10.5cm F2.5....Prices on S-Mount versions are way down.
nikkor_105_1 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
nikkor_85s by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrPick a mount. Any Mount...
Mos6502
Well-known
I've never been a fan of the Nikon RFs, or really any of the Contax derivatives. The ergonomics are all wrong. I think this is a love it or hate it deal, some people love it, but I'm in the hate it camp. If you have a chance to handle a Nikon RF, you'll know in a second which camp you fall into. If it doesn't "click" with you right away, don't kid yourself, it's probably never going to grow on you. It is also an old-fashioned camera, even for the time, with its lift and set shutter dial. This is a feature I don't personally have an issue with, but I know some people find such a thing annoying. Objectively, your M2 is a better camera in all major respects.
That's my critical assessment. My fair assessment is, get one in your hands. Once you handle it you will know whether it's worth the money or not. Seeing a real camera is a sure way to kill GAS 90% of the time. But if the S2 impresses you in person, by all means go with it.
That's my critical assessment. My fair assessment is, get one in your hands. Once you handle it you will know whether it's worth the money or not. Seeing a real camera is a sure way to kill GAS 90% of the time. But if the S2 impresses you in person, by all means go with it.
Bingley
Veteran
I have far too many cameras too, including an M2 (and an M3). But I didn't let that stop me from buying an S2 w/ Nikkor-SC 50mm f1.4. And you shouldn't let your camera collection stop you either. And and and... you can use a Nikkor 50 on an M2 w/ the right adapter.
In fact, another reason to get the S2 is that it opens up the world of Nikkor and Contax lenses (not to mention Voigtlander SC mount lenses), and there's some really wonderful glass out there for reasonable prices.
Happy to join the enablers...
In fact, another reason to get the S2 is that it opens up the world of Nikkor and Contax lenses (not to mention Voigtlander SC mount lenses), and there's some really wonderful glass out there for reasonable prices.
Happy to join the enablers...