If I want to get a Nikon RF.....

E

Exposed

Newbie
Local time
3:04 AM
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
1
Location
Wenatchee, WA
View My Gallery
Hello,

First post here. I am thinking of getting a used RF Nikon for hiking and some other work, nothing as a money maker. I have used older Nikons, FM, FE and a Fuji GA645. At this time, I use a Nikon D300 along with my Hasselblads.

I would like the lens to be WA, but am not sure of the right one. I really enjoy the 20mm on my older Nikons and the 50mm on my Hassey so I would like somthing of the same for the RF.

What help can you give me? Cost is a concern and I am not to worried about ware on the body as I will be for outdoor use.

What can all you experts tell me?

Randy
 
I dont know too much about Nikon's rangefinder line, so somebody else can help you out more.

But to get you started, see cameraquest's inventory list here.

For wide angles, there is a 21/4 for $459, 25/4 for $399, and 28/3.5 for $389. Note that the 28 does not come with a viewfinder, while the 21 and 25 do.

Cosina also made an s-mount rangefinder. So you could get the R2S. The set is on sale at cameraquest for R2S with 50/3.5 for $749.

In addition, there is a R2S body, used but in mint- condition for $429 there.

EDIT: Places to buy nikon rf gear (that I know of) include, but are obviously not limited to - ebay, the RFF classifieds, adorama, KEH, and Igor's camera.
 
Last edited:
You're limited on wide angle choices for Nikon RF's. The vintage Nikkors are out of reach cost wise, and rare. But you have a great option in the new Voigtlander lenses sold by Cameraquest. $400 range, pick the 21 or 25, you get the finder included. None of the cameras are going to have wide angle finders for those lenses, so I'd look for an S2. Very durable, easy to find, cheaper than an S3 or SP, great 50mm finder, and you'll likely get a great 50/1.4 lens attached to the body, camera and lens about $500-$600. All told, you're in for $1000 for your one camera-two lens kit.
 
I should have said you're limited on the more super-wide choices. In 28mm and 35mm there are quite a lot of choices, but you still have the finder problem. The Nikons have the great 1:1 finder but are therefore suited for 50mm and longer.
 
Speak of the devil, there's a looks-like-hell-but-apparently-works-well S3 in the classifieds right now for $425. Go for it!
 
Besides our classifieds here on RFF you might check KEH for a body and possibly a lens for the Nikon RF's. I can vouch for the Voightlander (Cosina) wides in Nikon mount. I have a 21mm and its a gem! Look at Camera Quest's site for more info.
 
In general, be prepared to empty your bank account.

You will be competing for gear with users and collectors, and it's the collectors who have pushed up the price for Nikon rangefinders and especially accessories to ridiculous levels. We're talking hundreds of dollars for a lens shade, for example.

If you really want to go the Nikon route, just be aware of the amount of money that potentially is involved.
 
you can get reasonably priced S2s, and S3s if you are careful and patient when you shop. I have three Nikon rangefinders and the least expensive was an S3 that was a chrome beater on which everything works well. It cost me $565.00 on ebay. Hardly the wallet-buster that others here have made them out to be.
 
Collectors and users are mostly not chasing the same equipment. User Nikon stuff won't break the bank account.

Good user S2 bodies are selling for as little as $300 - $400 these days. I'd rather get one of these and stick a lens on it than pay more for a Bessa R2S.
 
OP said he wants a used Nikon RF. The Bessas are nice cameras but they don't qualify. The Nikons are rugged and affordable as users, there are plenty of 50mm Nikkors to use as lens caps 😉 and the CV superwides are great.
 
If you want a Nikon RF, buy a Nikon, not a Bessa. If you want a small RF with changable lenses and cost is a concern, buy a Bessa R (screw mount).
A S2 Nikon, 50/1.4 (or 50/2), 35/2.5 are affordable in price, very sharp, and very well for hiking, riding or cycling. All you need is a seperate meter and a 35mm finder. Of course, a Bessa R set with a few lenses is somewhat lighter in weight, but the Nikon is more joy to feel and to shot with.
My basic Nikon set here: http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Nikon_RF.html
 
S2 and CZ 21/4.5 Biogon

S2 and CZ 21/4.5 Biogon

S2 was what I bought when I got into RFers. Great camera and easy to use. No meter though, so either use one you have or look for a CV II meter. As for 20mm-ish, the Voigtlander seemed "cheap" to me when I had one. Read about a 21mm Zeiss lens that was heavy and very good, so bought one--it is heavy, but also a great lens--you'll need a finder. I had alot of fun shooting with the S2 and 21/4.5 Biogon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom