Just about a year ago...

[SolaresLarrave]

I became a Nikon S2 user.

It's been a fun ride. That camera has an allure unlike any other, including Leicas. It's a light body, with nice texture and incredibly good glass (that 50mm lens is extremely sharp even wide open). I like the design, the layout and the fact that the camera is surprisingly light compared to its German counterparts.

Of course, it's no Leica M5... but close enough to keep me using it, despite the misaligned RF. Gotta send it for a CLA soon!

So, those of you on the fence about one, move quickly! These cameras are worth the try. One important clarification: it's not a system in which one can "grow" because the S2 is perfect for 50mm lenses... only. For anything else you need an external VF. However, despite this limitation, I have learned to like and enjoy this focal length.

Some time later I'll post photographs taken with this kit. In the meanwhile, take care and enjoy the weather!

 

[Tom A]

Francisco, only one S2 and a year already! I started of with a S, quickly moved to S2 and later (maybe 5 months) got the S3 for the 35 and 105. I admire your fortitude in sticking with just one body/one lens.

 

[marcr1230]

As per Tom, the S2 is really a system camera, you buy it, and sooner or later, you end up with a complete kit and system.

 

[helen.HH]

Post those Pixs Soooooon !!!!!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

My problem or why I didn't built a system around my Nikon S2: Simple, two Leica M5 bodies.

Can't help it...

Photos coming up!

 

[Keith]

I think the Nikon S is the most handsome rangefinder made by a long shot but for some strange reason I just couldn't get along with mine.

Luckily it went to a good home where it was definitely going to be appreciated!

 

[maddoc]

I tried hard to like the Nikon RF system but couldn`t ... have to agree that the S2 / 50mm lens kit is hard to beat but then I prefer my IIIb / 5cm Elmar which is smaller and more fun to use (for me).

 

[kdemas]

Francisco- I'm surprised you haven't been tempted into the S death spiral...S2 to S3 to SP to SP2005. The darn things are addicting.

The M5 is addicting as well, I've been using mine almost exclusively th past few weeks and enjoying it as always.

 

[_goodtimez]

I acquired an S2 + 50mm f2 lens only a couple weeks ago.
I love this camera for its design at first and I am using with even more pleasure, despite what I have read here and there.
Then I bought a New In Box NIB S3 limited kit, which I dare not use. This is the only new camera I have.
Both are really good stuff.
The funny thing about the S class (!) is that they remind me so much the Nikon F, which I love as well.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Here we have some little, lab scanned samples of what my Nikon S2 kit and I have done.

From my first roll, a bench around the NIU campus.

From a later roll (Superia 400), wife and son about a year ago, when he discovered chocolate ice cream in Elmhust IL.

The last roll I burned (Kodak ISO 400) at a bowling allew shows one of my colleagues with some flair at tossing the ball.

There you go! I'd add some more but I haven't scanned yet my shots from the art fair I visited (where my camera got loads of comments). Take care!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Funny to see how the same lens (50mm) can render such different images. If I didn't know better, I could swear that the first and third were shot with a wider lens.

Oh, well, bump anyway. Helen wanted photos and I wanted to show off. Have a nice day!

 

[BillBingham2]

Full frame on the S2 is really close to a 28mm frame........

B2

 

[ferider]

Nice. If you like that lens, you should get one for your Leicas

 

[BillBingham2]

I prefered the 25, but that is me. Just pointing out an observation.

 

[RanceEric]

It's a beautiful camera.. I started with an S2 and 5cm 1.4, then moved to the S3 for the 35 and 105.. hopefully (crossing my fingers) I'll be getting an SP soon so I don't have to used my external viewfinder for my 85 and 135mm lens..

 

[jdriffill]

The SP 2005 is very tempting, with that black paint and the beautiful all black 35mm f1.8 lens. Despite having some Nikon RF kit already, it is a real temptation. Slightly difficult to justify the cost, however!

 

[RanceEric]

The SP 2005 is very tempting, with that black paint and the beautiful all blacl 35mm f1.8 lens. Despite having some Nikon RF kit already, it is a real temptation. Slightly difficult to justify the cost, however!

*sigh* I would kill for that camera.. Beautiful. but I could never bring myself to spend that much money.. I definitely want to get an original SP, not the 2005. and I'm contemplating sending it out to be painted black.. (still a lot cheaper than getting the Black SP 2005)

 

[maddoc]

I agree with Jon here. As one of the few who has ever owned a Shintaro BP SP and has also handled a SP 2005 a couple of times, there is a difference in the VF (RF contrast). The paint job from Shintaro is first rate and in my case he also had serviced the camera first class (and modified with titanium shutter) so that it was a joy to use but about the RF contrast not much can be done, unfortunately.

 

[RanceEric]

If you can find one, SP 2005 bodies on their own sell for around $2,000 - $2,200 or so.

A Shintaro paint job for an SP costs $700 - $800. That leaves $1,200 - $1,500 to buy a nice SP with no problems. Not an easy task with vintage SPs as they usually have niggly problems and imperfections of some sort.

I'd rather just buy and use an SP 2005 with its factory black paint and no niggly problems or imperfections. The multicoated W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 lens is also one of the best lenses for Nikon RF out there IMO. The multicoating does make a difference

I would love an SP 2005 and not have to send it out anywhere for CLA and painting.. but I figured I could get an SP for around $1200, painting for $700-$800, and the CLA for just under $200 (hoping I don't have to replace the shutter) so after all is said and done that would be about $2200 total.. s opposed to $3500 for the SP 2005 body only.. (from Stephen Gandy. I'm wary of buying anything that expensive on ebay) I would love to get the body and the all black 3.5cm f/1.8.. (that is the best looking camera ever IMO) but I don't know how I could pull together $5k.. haha

 

[RanceEric]

I agree with Jon here. As one of the few who has ever owned a Shintaro BP SP and has also handled a SP 2005 a couple of times, there is a difference in the VF (RF contrast). The paint job from Shintaro is first rate and in my case he also had serviced the camera first class (and modified with titanium shutter) so that it was a joy to use but about the RF contrast not much can be done, unfortunately.

Man.. I want a SP 2005.. I need to start playing the lottery or something! lol