How to Identify RangeFinder Model and Determine Its Value?

R

RangerNik

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May 18, 2009
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Hi all.
I'm a newbie here and have come to learn about my camera, which I'm considering selling. I got it many years ago...it was my first...and now I feel silly not remembering the model. I guess my memory is going.

I've got an old Nikon Rangefinder and three lenses but don't know the model/type (S2 ?). It doesn't say on the body (just says Nikon and Nippon Kogaku, Tokyo). Is there a site where I can type in the serial numbers to find out?

Body - black/chrome, serial no. 6194821

Lens #1 - W-Nikkor.C 1:2.5 f=3.5cm No. 260490

Lens #2 - Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm No. 395047

Lens #3 - Nikkor-Q 1:3.5 f=13.5cm No. 274622

The second and third lenses come with the original leather lens cases, as does the small removeable rangefinder lens.

What is the best way to determine its value? Take it to a good camera store for an appraisal? Is it worth it to have it professionally cleaned before selling it?

Sorry no pictures for now. My DIGITAL camera is not working at the moment.
There's something to be said for these older manual models that were built to last and weren't so fussy!

Thanks! :)
 
It is a Nikon S2 Black Dial. Condition is everything on these cameras and lenses. Most camera stores do not deal in older equipment. A few will sell on consignment, and that is one way to go. A dealer will buy for ~1/2 or less of what they try to sell it for.

Get a lot of photo's, close-ups to give condition, and put some film through it using each of the lenses. Post pictures of the camera and results with the camera. Makes a big difference.
 
It depends on the Camera shop. The salesman in Penn Camera would know and assess the conditon and value of this camera. They consign at 20%. It's been a while since they had a couple of S2's in, but they have before. The demand for user-condition vintage equipment is way-down compared to a few years ago. Many reasons for it, but the big two: digital, and the availability of NEW Nikon S-Mount cameras.
 
camera is a late chrome S-2 black dial, the 5cm is probably black also, the 2 together go for about $600-800, (all back body will be a different story), the 13.5cm is about $50, the price has really dropped recently, the 3.5cm should be black and chrome, $350-400, this is for clean condition, no cleaning marks on the lenses and no dings on the camera, check cameraquest.com for info on the body,
 
Thank you all so much for this info. So good to know what model it is!

I'll post pictures as soon as I get my digital camera fixed.
I'd appreciate your opinions on its condition. To my eye it all seems to be in very good condition although not pristine and it could probably use a cleaning.

The viewfinder has Nippon Gogaku engraved on it and the No. 355049 Japan.
 
Penn Camera in the DC area, Tyson's Corner Store and the downtown stores. They know their Nikon's. They've had some S2's on consignment. Some of the sales personnel that I've dealt with know the Classic Nikon, Canon, and Retina line. They also carried the Nikon S3-2000 in stock when it was current.
 
One store left in this area that knows stuff, Campus Camera in Kent, and Igor is good, but he works shows and his web site, www.IgorCamera.com, but to go in to a shop where they do not know you, real crap shoot. I think Campus Camera still does commission sales.

I met someone on line who took a box of SP Nikons, Leicas, Contax in to the local shop in California, belonged to her late husband, and they really low balled the stuff.

KEH is buying a lot at many shows. Pays to do some homework, but unless you have your hands on the stuff, it is hard to give a proper value.

Regards, John
 
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