Late Nikon S2 Black Dial with titanium curtains, factory retrofit or user modification?

[EBlz]

I recently acquired a Nikon S2 in bargain condition at KEH for $275. The camera was fully working besides the infinity lock, which wouldn’t engage. I sent it back for repairs and they threw in a full CLA for free. Dating the camera’s serial, and the fact that it is a Black Dial model, it seems to be from close to the end of the S2 production.

The installed titanium curtains seem to have the same patterns as my Nikon F, leading me to wonder if this was a factory upgrade when brought in for service during the SP/F era, or instead a user modification.

Another fun fact, the S2 fits perfectly in the commonly available Nikon F everready cases. Considering S2 cases are rare and often falling apart, this is welcome.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Cloth curtains were replaced with titanium curtains. You got a bonus!

Welcome!!

Kiu

 

[EBlz]

Cloth curtains were replaced with titanium curtains. You got a bonus!

Kiu

It’s definitely a keeper, and one of the nicest RFs I own (though the Canon IVSB2’s jewel like nature is quite compelling.) I’ve seen a few guides out there on the process to swap to titanium curtains, my curiosity is in whether it was ever offered by Nikon service centers as a replacement during the SP/F period.

 

[Alpsman]

If ya dont like your Frankenstein S2 I'll take it generously by the price per pound.
. . . .
. . . .
Hey I was just jokin.
Fact is, I envy you for this beautiful piece of machinery 🙂

 

[NIKON KIU]

I recently acquired a Nikon S2 in bargain condition at KEH for $275. The camera was fully working besides the infinity lock, which wouldn’t engage. I sent it back for repairs and they threw in a full CLA for….

Did they really call this bargain grade?
Does it have a dent or something?

Kiu

 

[NIKON KIU]

Another fun fact, the S2 fits perfectly in the commonly available Nikon F everready cases. Considering S2 cases are rare and often falling apart,…

It fits but not perfectly…lol

 

[EBlz]

Did they really call this bargain grade?
Does it have a dent or something?

Kiu

No dents, no other issues besides the infinity lock. In the free CLA notes they said they cleaned up fungus in the viewfinder, but I didn't notice it before.

 

[EBlz]

It fits but not perfectly…lol

Certainly not perfectly; the cutout for the F's timer is much larger, and there is slight space on either side. But it's good enough for me knowing the camera is secure. The standard F case also fits up to 8.5cm lenses due to the thinner body.

 

[jonmanjiro]

The installed titanium curtains seem to have the same patterns as my Nikon F, leading me to wonder if this was a factory upgrade when brought in for service during the SP/F era, or instead a user modification.

Very nice camera and a nice added bonus with the titanium curtains. I've never heard of Nikon upgrading shutter curtains from cloth to titanium, but its a very common modification by camera repairers and users. Last time I checked, Kiitos Camera in Tokyo had a supply of new old stock Nikon F3 shutter curtains that they modify and install in Nikon rangefinders upon request.

 

[rick oleson]

Did they really call this bargain grade?
Does it have a dent or something?

Kiu

That's just the way KEH grades things. I've bought UGLY grade pieces that would have classed EXC anywhere else, and I generally aim for BGN grade rather than aiming higher at KEH.