Getting started

[Peter Jennings]

Hi! First post here. I've been visiting RFforum for a while to learn, but I haven't felt ready to add anything yet. In fact, I'm still not ready to add anything of value - other than an introduction, this post is really just a plug for my 'want to buy' add in the classifieds.

I've used a Nikon F for many years - since I first pulled my dad's seldom-used F out of his file cabinet when I was 12 and instantly fell in love. Now I'd like to get started in shooting Nikon rangefinders, but I haven't acquired one yet. I've settled on the S2 with a 50mm Nikkor as the best entry point for someone with a limited budget.

(That's where my 'want to buy' add in the classifieds comes in. If anyone has a decent user that they'd be interested in parting with at a reasonable price, please check out my add and PM me.)

With my introduction and shameless plug of the way, I'd also like to ask for any advice long-time users would have for someone getting started in Nikon RFs. I've had very little rangefinder experience in general, but I've done my research and feel that I'm pretty knowledgable. Still, I know there's a lot to learn about this system due to its uniqueness and I'd appreciate any nuggets of wisdom you'd have to offer. This is one of the friendliest forums I've encountered and I hope to get more involved in it as I get into shooting rangefinders.

Thanks a lot!

Peter 🙂

 

[alfredian]

Welcome to RFF, and the S2 is seductive

Welcome to RFF, and the S2 is seductive

Welcome to RFF and yes, we do tend to be a friendly bunch. I came into rangefinders via a Leica M4-P and and M5, and the eBayer who sold me my first M4 told me he was really more into Nikon rangefinders. I had no idea there was such a beast.

In college (the Sixties) the Nikon F was Camera God. For graduation I asked for one & got the then-current F2 (still have it). I thought the Nikon alphabet began with the letter "F".

The "F" is the descendent (nephew maybe?) of the S-series of rangefinders. I forget what percent parts interchangeability but the design themes, barring the prism & flip-mirror are the same.

Be careful - the S-series, especially the S2 are seductive. Okay, addictive. Fits the hand perfectly, easy & reliable to load, plus the full-size 1.0x viewfinder are soooo user friendly. The vintage Nikon glass is superb (the 35s are great & the 105/2.5 is amazing) and there is some new stuff from Cosina-V that deserves attention. Some of the new CV-S versions are supposedly better than the ones marketed in LTM or M-mounts.

Oh, and if anyone asks if the rangefinder patch is "less visible" than the Leica patch, no, it's just unobtrusive.---Enjoy, and keep film alive, alfredian

 

[Peter Jennings]

Thanks for your input, alfredian! Part of my attraction to the Nikon S is its similarity to its younger sibling, the F. I just love the way the F feels in my hand and how it operates, of course. I'm hoping the S2 I eventually get will also have the same qualities.

One question about the S2. How easy is it to use other focal lengths without having brightlines in the viewfinder? Are the accessory viewfinders absolutely necessary? Would the 105/2.5 be useless without the viewfinder?

Thanks

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The Nikon S2, like the Leica M3, were designed for optimal use with a 50mm lens. Both have perfect framelines for it (the Nikon ONLY has one set... for the 50mm), and both are admirably resilient and charming cameras.

Now... even though the viewfinder in the S2 is a 1:1 magnification, don't expect it as luminous as the Leica's. However, if you haven't used Leicas yet, I can see you growing into the S bodies. Be aware that using other lenses will always require an external viewfinder, and that other lenses can be extremely pricy. Also, even though the S2 lens mount is a copy of the Contax, that doesn't mean you can use Contax glass with it. In short, you only can use Nikon S glass.

It took me months to find a Nikon S2 kit more or less affordable. Finally, when I was about to give up, I got one from Igor Camera Exchange (and Igor is a nice guy to deal with), for about $520 (case, lens hood and lens cap included). I started using it and in about a week I was hooked... so much I took it for a trip abroad, instead of my trusty Leica M4-2. The lens is a beauty wide open (razor thin DOF at f1.4), and quite contrasty (in my experience). The camera is relatively light compared to its Leica counterparts, but if you like changing shutterspeeds often, you'll have to learn to change apertures instead because the shutterspeed dial is a pain to operate.

Best of luck in the world finding a Nikon S2 kit. It's not impossible, but it'll take you some time. I'd recommend checking stores in addition to sites like this one. As for the auction site... better stay away when it comes to these goods.

Welcome and take care! 🙂

 

[Peter Jennings]

Francisco,

Thanks a lot for the info and advice. I've never handled a Leica, so I guess I won't be disappointed with the Nikon viewfinder. My only rangefinder at the moment is a Voigtlander Vitessa with a 50/2 Ultron. It's an interesting and fun camera, but the viewfinder is cramped and dim. I'm sure the Nikon viewfinder will be pleasant upgrade.

And thanks for the heads-up about Igor's Camera Exchange. I'll check it out.

 

[VinceC]

When I first handled a Leica I was very surprised and disappointed that it's viewfinder miniaturized the world. I didn't realize until that moment how important the 1:1 viewfinder was to me on my Nikon RFs. I also find the defined square of the Leica RF to be somewhat intrusive ... the diffuse Nikon RF rangefinder spot all but disappears once you're in focus.

I realize the S2 is more affordable but you might seriously consider the extra money for an S3. The controls and handling are identical to an F, just about 10 or 15 percent smaller, The S3 is also noticeably quieter. The S2 uses a dependable but loud ball-bearing shutter that produces a very metallic "ker-thwack" sound while the S3 is comparable to a Leica shutter. The S2 is also a little heavier than the S3.

If you're serious about only wanted to shoot with a 50mm lens, the S2 can be a perfect camera because of the uncluttered viewfinder. A downside of the S3 and SP is that the framelines remind you of all the other lenses you could own. I like the parallax markings on the S3. Once you've used them awhile, compensating for parallax is intuitive.

 

[Corran]

If you keep your eyes peeled on eBay, you can get a good S2 and 50mm f/1.4 for about $400. Not likely cosmetically perfect, but a user. And if you're lucky, I've seen many full kits with a 35mm and one of the telephotos sell for not much more.

Regarding the rangefinder, I like my Nikon SP better than my Leica M6...for a variety of reasons. One day I'll have to compare the SP to an M3.

 

[maryland_fotos]

The S2 does need an external viewfinder for non-50mm focal lengths. I got hold of a Nikon varifocal viewfinder that goes from 35-135mm. One thing I learned the hard way was the little knob at the viewfinder back needs to be adjusted for approximate distance, otherwise parallax error can throw off the framing. The RF spot works well, in some situations it could be brighter. The S2 shutter maybe louder than Leica's, but compared to my F2, its barely audible. I guess its all relative.

 

[Peter Jennings]

Thank you all for your replies! I am primarily a 50mm shooter. In the last few years, I've acquired various focal lengths in F mount, but I still shoot with my old Nikkor-H 50/2 most of the time. I do love using 105 and 85mm on my F from time to time, so I may try to get one of those, too.

I think if I really get into shooting the S2 I will probably think about upgrading to an S3/SP sometime in the future. It just seems like a lot of money to spend initially.

The varifocal viewfinders are interesting. How do they compare to the fixed focal length viewfinders? It seems like the logical choice compared to having independent viewfinders for each additional focal length. I assume there must be some trade-off in choosing to go with the varifocal.

 

[Corran]

Size seems like the only trade-off to me. I had a varifocal with my first S2 and it worked fine, except of course for the 28mm lens I happened to have. Parallax could indeed be an issue if you don't adjust for it on the finder.

 

[markwatts]

And they breed like rabbits, or at least mine did. I would also suggest you look closely at the S3. It seems to be considered a poor relation to the purity of the S2/50 and the sophistication of the SP but I believe they are an excellent choice unless of course you are content with 50mm.
Enjoy. They are a thing of beauty and a delight to use.

 

[VinceC]

If there is a danger of future growth, the S3 is of course a good match for the 105mm lens and, with some practice and an F/F2 to compare side-by-side, you can very accurately and competently frame an 85mm as well.

 

[Peter Jennings]

Yes. My lens collection has been growing quite a lot since I got a NEX a year ago. I think I'll try to enjoy the S2/50 combination for a while before getting any new glass.
Easier said than done.

 

[Peter Jennings]

Mark,
I see you live in Korea, too. Know of any camera stores in Seoul that sell Nikon rangefinder at affordable prices? I've been to the ones in Gwangwamun a few times and they aren't exactly priced to sell. I think the shopkeepers take a lot of pride in their inventory and don't seem eager to let things go. My impression could be wrong. Also, do you do your own development or take your film to a lab? I've only used one lab in Seoul, but they're fast and the price I nice.

 

[BillBingham2]

Hi Peter,

I never found my S2 sound that different from a F with the mirror locked up.

While I lusted for the SP, I think I would have been just as happy with a S3.

Look for either a Nikkor or a CV 28mm lens for the S2. CameraQuest has a few new here in the states. I found the full frame of the S2 to be a very good match for the 28mm. Yes no parallax correction but the 1:1 finders and focusing wheel are heavenly.

Lots of wonderful class glass for the S series. I loved them as I use Nikon SLRs. I tried using Leicas but never loved the direction of focus and aperture being different from my beloved Nikkors.

With the exception of Micro work or where I needed to shoot really accurate full frame I looked at 85 and up as SLR land. Though I love my 28/2.8 AIs.

One way to try to shake loose stuff from used anything shops (e.g. cameras) is to go in at the end of the month (the last day of the month often works best) with what you are willing to pay in cash (plus tax). Take a look at the camera you want, put cash on the counter top and ask will they accept this. Most often these stores will jump at the end of the month for a reasonable offer. If not, take your cash and try it somewhere else.

Good luck and please let us know how your journey is going.

I moved from Leica to Nikon and was very happy.

B2

 

[markwatts]

Hello Peter,

I have only ever bought a couple of nikkor slr lens secondhand in Korea when Busan used to have several shops (all since gone). I agree with your impression. The shop owners are very knowledgeable, in no apparent hurry to offload stock and there are no bargains to be found. I bought my D700 several years ago near Namdaemun and was carrying a Contax T3. Before I could explain why I had come into the store the gentleman behind the counter offered to buy my camera!

Fotomaru and Photopia in Chungmuro.

I am not a City slicker, I earn my living in industrialized port cities, currently Mokpo right down in the SW corner below you. Whilst we love to come up for a weekend RnR, and Seoul is an amazing city, I am not sure I would want it full time. A busy place!

I came to Rangefinders about 10 years ago. I have never even touched a Leica. I like my Nikons, and the lens are good to great.

Best of luck.

Mark

 

[Peter Jennings]

Bill,

Hello, and thanks for the info. I've never been bothered by shutter noise. In fact, my Vitessa is so quiet that it's a bit unsettling. The nice clack of the F shutter may be loud in comparison, but it's also reassuring.

I've had the urge to try your idea of pulling out a wad of cash and saying "this is all I've got", but I've yet to follow through on the impulse. I'm determined to try it someday.

 

[Peter Jennings]

Mark,

I'm not really a city slicker either. I'm a country boy who married a city girl. Living in one of the most populous cities in the world certainly has taken some getting used to, but the city does have many advantages.

I use Fotomaru, too! It's been a while, though. I've got a bunch of rolls that I need to take in soon.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

One thing: don't wait to "upgrade" and look for the S3 right away. In my case, I purchased the S2 on impulse (besides, I have tons of money tied up in Leica gear), and while I was looking for a reasonably priced S3 or SP after my Nikon purchase, I decided to abandon the search because I simply don't want another system. One big reason to seek another Nikon body was that I happen to be a 35mm user, and, of course, wanted to replicate the experience with my Nikon RF.

However, once I decided to keep it as it is (one body with a 50mm lens), I learned to "like" this focal length.

Now, if you're looking to expand and eventually build a system, aim for the more flexible camera and shoot for the S3 or the SP.

Take care and have fun shooting and shopping! 🙂

 

[Peter Jennings]

Thanks for the advice, Francisco. I'll take it to heart as I make my decision. I've always been most comfortable with 50mm focal length. In fact, I mostly prefer shooting with approximately 35mm glass on my NEX because the crop factor gives about the same result.