Konica S2 Why not?

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jody

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I noticed that there was a lack of Konica Auto S2 threads here, so I did a search and found one. One post got my atention, it said that the S2 doesn't make a good street shooter. I beg to differ I belive it is a great street shooter that takes excellent pictures. It is heavy big and built like a tank but I have big strong hands so thats cool with me. It is the first rangefinder I ever bought and I liked it so much I bought two more so I can till the day I die own a least one working Konica Auto S2. Here are a few pictures I took with it. Oh buy the way one time while taking pics in Atlanta a man made the statement to me that my S2 must be a very expensive camera. Don't know why he asked that. Here are a few pics and please post pics from your S2s. This is the camera Yashica should have built, how many of you would love for your good looking GSn to be fully mecanical?
 

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I agree that the Konica Auto S2 is a good street shooter. In addition to the very sharp lens, built in hood, real leather case, etc., I like that there is a meter display on top of the camera. That allows me to set speed and aperture while looking down at the camera from above and then simply raise the camera to eye level when I'm ready to shoot.

And here is a shot taken with my S2.

-Randy
 

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I really like the looks of your photos that you have posted. Randy your's really has a nice color, contrast rendition. Do you remember what kind of film you were using? Thanks for posting the pictures.

Thanks,
Tom
 
Actually, quite a few photographers are using and appreciating the Konica S2. You find more threads posted on the S2 on nelsonfoto.com and photo.net than here in RFF. It is a camera for those who are not snobs.

Here are some of the photos I have obtained with my first roll in the S2:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=611665

Raid
 
I've not owned one, but it is tempting ... except that I am overloaded on fxed RFs as it is. The only real downside is that it's auto exposure only. Of course, I live with that on the XA, so not a huge deal.
 
I have two fixed rangefinders, a Canonet QL19 and the S2. They are both on their last legs and yet the S2 produces very interesting images. The photos have a special look to them, the Hexanon lens is a star.
 
I have one, bought from G'Man a while back: a beauty, like everything he has worked on invariably is. The test roll is half done. Having seen these examples, I'm looking extra-forward to the results...:)
 
Tom Harrell said:
I really like the looks of your photos that you have posted. Randy your's really has a nice color, contrast rendition. Do you remember what kind of film you were using? Thanks for posting the pictures.

Thanks,
Tom
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comments, Tom. That photo was taken about a year ago so I can't be certain but I believe it was just plain ol' Kodak Max Versatility 400asa film. I do, however, like the mix of natural and incandescent light in that shot.

-Randy
 
Konica Auto S2

Konica Auto S2

Terrific lens, though I wish it was wider; 35mm perhaps.
Then it would be my ideal fixed lens 35mm RF camera...

Chris
 
"This is the camera Yashica should have built"

You're aware, of course, of the Lynx 14 that preceded the GSN. In case you're not, it's a large metered manual camera with an 45/f1.4 (yes, f1.4) lens. The regular (not the IC) 14 has a meter on top to pre-meter the scene. The Lynx 14 IC uses the under/over arrows instead of a match stick and (unfortunately) did away with the meter on the top plate.

By all accounts the S2 is a wonderful camera, and I've heard universal praise of its lens. I have a Konica Auto S3, and the 38/1.8 lens on that one I put up to anything. Now /that's/ a street shooter... tiny, black, great sharp fast semi-wide lens.

I have a lot of these fixed lens rangefinder cameras and the only two I would consider are the Konica S2 and the Minolta with the spot meter. The only thing that stops me is I like shooting with the ones I already have... : )
 
NickTrop said:
"This is the camera Yashica should have built"

You're aware, of course, of the Lynx 14 that preceded the GSN. In case you're not, it's a large metered manual camera with an 45/f1.4 (yes, f1.4) lens. The regular (not the IC) 14 has a meter on top to pre-meter the scene. The Lynx 14 IC uses the under/over arrows instead of a match stick and (unfortunately) did away with the meter on the top plate.
Click to expand...
Yes I am aware ,I own one (14e) thats' shutter won't fire. I also own an auto S3 and agree its a terrific camera. But to me the GSN and GT are handsome cameras thus my statement. Who here wouldn't want a GSN or GT that was fully mechanical.
ChrisPlatt said:
Terrific lens, though I wish it was wider; 35mm perhaps.
Then it would be my ideal fixed lens 35mm RF camera...

Chris
Click to expand...
Konica Auto S3
 
The Konica Auto S3 has a nice combination of features.
But the smaller size is harder for big hands to operate.
And the S3 sells for four times the price of an S2, too...

Chris
 
I have it's older cousin and have to say, Konica made some great lenses.

I remember the S2, we had several at school as a great little camera. Sharp lens and easy to use.

I do have to say, the S3 size and GN capability make it more of a camera for me to lust after for the past four years.

B2 (;->
 
I was thinking of the S3 when I made my "only AE" remark. I feel either stupid or old. :bang:
 
The S2 was also my first rangefinder camera, having been a longtime Konica slr user, though. It was the first time I took a picture with any kind of glow (good microcontrast, you might say), and unbelievably cheap. I'm still lusting after a good S3 to compare. Now that I use a Contax G2 and Fuji GA645, the S2 is in the closet.
 
jody said:
ChrisPlatt said:
Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt
Terrific lens, though I wish it was wider; 35mm perhaps.
Then it would be my ideal fixed lens 35mm RF camera...

Chris
Click to expand...

Konica Auto S3
Click to expand...

Eerm... if i am not mistaken, the Auto S3 is with 38mm instead of 35mm. For a fast fixed lens 35mm, you gotta go for Yashica Electro CC.
 
Terrence said:
Eerm... if i am not mistaken, the Auto S3 is with 38mm instead of 35mm. For a fast fixed lens 35mm, you gotta go for Yashica Electro CC.
Click to expand...

True and if your eyes can tell the diference in a print then I am impressed;) I just meant in that range actually and the S3 is IMHO better than the Electro. From my standpoint Konicas hold up better than Yashicas.
 
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