March 2017 Nikon RF Month

ChrisLivsey

ChrisLivsey

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So, out promptly on the 1st. with the first lenses and bodies.The 35mm f1.8 Nikkor (original version) on the R2S and a chrome f1.4 50mm on the SP. I prefer the S2 for the 50mm but wanted to change to a longer lens, probably the 13.5cm later so the SP was necessary. Hoping to shoot each lens at least once and every body this year, so missing TomA today, in my thoughts as was Tuulikki.
 
Took my S2 out today, never changed the lens (35/3.5). Will try rectify that situation on the next roll. Also have an R2S to contribute with this year, maybe it will see more lens changing.

PF
 
Off we go.

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Pile it high and sell it, hopefully.

This is where a 28mm is useful in providing a more interesting shot (hopefully). I have the itch for the 21mm now, but I need the finder fitted, I guess with 28mm and correct with crop, occasionally getting it wrong you cant add back though. In retrospect should have been closer and use a steeper angle.

2.8cm f3.5 W-Nikkor (E-P marked) C 7154** on S3 chrome 6307***
Acros 100 Pyro HD 1:1:100 15min semi stand pre-soak

I left the drying mark to show it's film the Acros/Pyro on the web looks almost digital, (best excuse I can find).
 
You guys are too quick for me. I still have about 34 shots left in the camera! But the weekend is here...
 
Just another from the 2.8cm/f3.5 roll, details as above.
This one well braced as wide open, yes f3.5, but 1/15th, just picked up some movement blur on the hairdresser on RHS.

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Start of the parade of 50mm lenses.
Nokton 50mm f1.5 Asph
S2 Acros 100 Pyro HD 1:1:100 15min semi stand pre-soak V850

Acros Pyro and an Asph lens is a bit too much of an etch like quality for me.
 
I was fortunate enough to receive a 'new in box' S3 millenium set last month. I'm awaiting the arrival of an Amedeo adapter to use the 50 on my M9. From all I've read it's supposed to be up there with the Summilux aspheric.
 
nobbylon said:
I was fortunate enough to receive a 'new in box' S3 millenium set last month. I'm awaiting the arrival of an Amedeo adapter to use the 50 on my M9. From all I've read it's supposed to be up there with the Summilux aspheric.
Click to expand...

John, I second what Erik is saying. Get yourself some Tri-X and shoot that puppy on the S3. Or better yet, send them both to me and I'll shoot them for you. :D
 
I honestly haven't shot a roll of tri-x in over a year! The Nikon rf patch is more fussy than any Leica I've used. It is however a beatiful object with superb engineering etc.
I generally use bodies to be able to use certain lenses. The M9 for the 35 and 50 Zeiss I like has made my M4 redundant and Nikon FM2n and F6 for the 28 2.8 AIS but I just prefer the M9 pics and not having to scan.
Once I've tried the lens out I will try the S3 with a roll.
 
My 13.5cm rangefinder mount Nikkor f3.5 may date to 1956 but it is a good, indeed very good, performer. This is described as new style because the barrel design not optics changed but is not the very late having only a foot focussing scale. it's all these details that keep collectors happy.

These on Kentmere 400 on the SP with the PyrocatHD as previously.


Frozen at 27mins past 2

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Bent Over

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Finally posted uncropped from the scanner to show the 13.5cm frame on the SP is pretty accurate and if I really try I can shoot verticals straight, almost.

We Are Not amused

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nobbylon said:
I honestly haven't shot a roll of tri-x in over a year! The Nikon rf patch is more fussy than any Leica I've used. It is however a beatiful object with superb engineering etc.
I generally use bodies to be able to use certain lenses. The M9 for the 35 and 50 Zeiss I like has made my M4 redundant and Nikon FM2n and F6 for the 28 2.8 AIS but I just prefer the M9 pics and not having to scan.
Once I've tried the lens out I will try the S3 with a roll.
Click to expand...

John, I have made a surprise move of sorts from using Leica M gear mainly towards a full blown Nikon RF gear addiction recently.

I came "accidentally" also to a Nikon S3 + 50/1.4 Millennium kit and let me share my first impression and what I think about it now.

The 50/1.4 Millennium Nikkor is a lens easily within the same league as Leica's best fast 50's to date.
I would judge that the 50/1.4 ASPH may have a slight edge in performance as it's background rendering is just a tad more controlled.
In resolution, sharpness and contrast the Nikkor (amazingly a quite old optical design) is easily on par.
It definitely outperforms the pre ASPH Summilux which is an old favorite.

No matter if you mount it on a Leica or the Nikon bodies, it is an absolute joy of a lens (I used it for a while with an Amedeo adapter on a M246 but use it now on Nikon bodies).

The S3 is a different story entirely. I always have been in love with the Nikon RF system (many Nikon lenses I used already in LTM mount for some time).
BUT … if your body is perfectly wired and your brain absolutely accustomed to shooting Leica M gear then you will have a very hard time initially to like the Nikon RF gear (the way direction, dials turn, the different focussing patch, different focus throw, single helicoid vs. parallel helicoid lenses, …).

It takes some time and lots of patience and perseverance to get used to the Nikon RF ways - once it clicks though it is absolutely beautiful camera gear - I love it!

I also got a SP reissue kit (I wanted THAT 3.5cm f1.8 lens so badly) - I always thought with the SP finder being so superior to the S3 with it's etched fixed frame lines I would not use the S3 much - boy was I wrong!
I am using the S3 now mainly with a 3.5cm and a 5cm lens and it is a kit as good as anyone could wish for (the S3 is THE PERFECT 35mm Nikon RF)!

Take your time - try the Millennium Nikkor on a Leica to compare it to Leica lenses (you will be amazed), then take it on the S3 and give it time and patience.

I didn't scan my shots from March yet - here is a little placeholder for now:
camera and coffee by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr
 
ChrisLivsey said:
You need to try an S2 with the 50mm but the S3 is also my choice especially with a 35mm.
Click to expand...

No doubt I have to try one ;-) Some day a black paint S2 will be there at just the right moment in just the right place … but not now.

A few scans from the last roll with the Nikon S3 and both the 35/1.8 and 50/1.4M:

Untitled by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr

Untitled by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr

Untitled by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr

Untitled by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr

Untitled by Dirk Steffen, on Flickr

I do like the Nikon RF gear with every roll a bit more !
 
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