Help me identify which Nikon rangefinder I have...

Do you guys think it is worth trying some film in it? I checked the inside and it seemed really clean. I blew off the dust with my grotto rocket blower(off the outside). I tested all the controls and it seems fine.

Also where do you guys get your film?
 
oheuston said:
Do you guys think it is worth trying some film in it? I checked the inside and it seemed really clean. I blew off the dust with my grotto rocket blower(off the outside). I tested all the controls and it seems fine.

Also where do you guys get your film?
Click to expand...
Definitely try it out with film! I buy it at www.freestylephoto.biz
It may be ready to go to work. I also recommend Don Goldberg if you have a problem.
 
If all the shutter speeds sound good, and focusing is smooth (shouldn't have any grinding sounds) and the RF image seems aligned well at infinity, load some film in it and go. I only had my S2 overhauled right away because the rangefinder was really off and the focusing sounded awful. I still haven't gotten around to sending in my SP, though the focus could use a lube and the 135 frame line doesn't come up (I don't own a 135mm lens).

As far as film...I can second freestyle photo. I've bought a lot of film from them over the years. Also, the store at filmphotographyproject.com has a good selection and competitive prices. This time of year, I'm shooting a lot of ISO 400 black and white. You're also shooting with a lens that only opens up to f2.5, so the extra speed might be handy.

Can't go wrong with Tri-X:
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/1470764-Kodak-Tri-X-400-ISO-35mm-x-36-exp.-TX
 
oheuston said:
I have shot digital most of time while in photography aside from an old Kodak Pony that I had inherited. Recently someone gave me a very nice Nikon rangefinder camera, they did not want and would not take any money for it. It had been sitting in a closet for decades, still has the original leather case, although the case is deteriorating on the inside. The camera has some light scratches underneath, but otherwise in great shape all considered. My question is, which Nikon rangefinder is it? I was thinking it my be an SP or S3. The serial number is 6200686 if that helps. Here is a picture taken with my lame cell phone:
https://flic.kr/p/BmdUbx

I have called some shops to have it cleaned up.
Click to expand...

Most older nikons work ok out of the closet.
Buy some 200 speed color print film , shoot it have it developed and scanned .
The lens you have is a wide angle ,
The finder to the right has a bright warm colored spot you use to focus .
To frame(see what the film sees)
Shift your eye to the left finder ,
You will see a black outline which is what the film sees for the 35 Lense
The dotted line is for up close .
Google Nikon sp instruction manual ,
Read it online .
Most old nikons work ok even though old .
 
oheuston said:
Since I am coming digital, what film would you use with the SP, what would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Tri-X. That camera only has four controls: focus, shutter speed, aperture, and framing. My digital camera does the first two for me, so I control ISO, aperture and framing.
You'll determine ISO when you buy the film, and it's fixed.
You must learn to control all the four things all the time. Start slow and find your own way. Learn the "sunny 16 rule" of exposure.
Have fun!!!
 
oheuston said:
Since I am coming digital, what film would you use with the SP, what would you recommend?
Click to expand...

You're likely to get a lot of different, and perhaps conflicting advice on this question.

I used to use cheap drugstore ISO 200 color film for testing out new cameras. If you have a place nearby that still does 1 hr development, that's your best bet.

Now that I've lost all of my local development places, I just load some black and white (whatever I have a lot of) and go shoot a roll and mail it off when I'm done. (I haven't developed my own film since our son was born 16 months ago...)

My best advice is to take the film suggestions you get here and do a quick flickr search for that film type in 35mm. If you like what you see, get that one. You'll figure out what you like as you shoot and look at more black and white films.
 
I bought some Fuji color film at Walmart. I have been crazy busy because of Christmas and my kids, might try loading some film tomorrow. I really appreciate all of the help and suggestions everyone has given me.
 
A Nikon SP is much more than a "decent" camera. I don't expect anything sold new today would still be working flawlessly in 50-60 years. That should tell you a lot about the quality. Load up some film, get a light meter and learn to set focus and exposure and make some nice photographs. Every photographer should learn to use an all manual camera. It teaches you sooooo much about photography. You should be able to get on line and find a manual for your SP.
 
Great camera!!!!!!!!!! Send the SP to Don Goldberg - he knows them inside & out.

As for film, well I'd say use HP-5 😀 !

I buy my film from B&H or Freestyle. Good luck!
 
farlymac said:
Here's someone in Clarksville that can give you a good start.

https://www.flickr.com/people/jokerphotography/

PF
Click to expand...

I will have to check his flickr account out.

NaChase said:
I used KEH for a full overhaul on my S2 and they did a great job.
Click to expand...

I have bought many used lenses from them, but I will look into repairs should I decide to send it in to be freshen up\overhauled.

Capt. E said:
A Nikon SP is much more than a "decent" camera. I don't expect anything sold new today would still be working flawlessly in 50-60 years. That should tell you a lot about the quality. Load up some film, get a light meter and learn to set focus and exposure and make some nice photographs. Every photographer should learn to use an all manual camera. It teaches you sooooo much about photography. You should be able to get on line and find a manual for your SP.
Click to expand...

That is true most things would not work without being worked on, but this camera seems to be ok so far. I found several versions online and have read through them.

aoresteen said:
Great camera!!!!!!!!!! Send the SP to Don Goldberg - he knows them inside & out.

As for film, well I'd say use HP-5 😀 !

I buy my film from B&H or Freestyle. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. I ordered my Nikon D300 and D800 from B&H, but will look into what they have for film.
 
Here is one picture....

Here is one picture....

I took this in Nashville some weeks ago. Unfortunately I had Walgreens process it. They sent it away, did not give me my roll back, and scanned super low quality jpegs to cd. I also thought that the prints that they also gave me somehow had digital artifacts... The Walgreens people were confused when I brought the roll in, it seems that they had not dealt with film in some time. Anyway, here is one of the scans taken from the cd. I tried a little work in LR.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/owenheuston/23777837774/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/

I have others though they are mainly of my kids, but did not know if they were interesting enough to post. I am going to Hungary and the Czech Republic in May and might take the SP along with me.
 
Nikon

Nikon

Give Dave Easterwood in Chelsea MI a call. He's easy to talk to and can tell you if he has the parts your camera might need.

I've only had him work on old Fs and Mats but he is a good hand.

I'd bet your SP will work for you till you die after a CLA. Old Nikons are hard to beat!
 
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