New S3 user

[sbug]

I recently inherited my dad’s Nikon S3 and have a few questions. I have the 35 and 105 lenses, both f2.5. I have all the original lens caps, hoods, etc. Some things I have read about the Nikon rangefinders would put me squarely in the crazy column if I actually use the stuff. For instance, using the original hood on my 35 vs buying a replica hood like the one listed at Camera Quest? Do any of you do that? That new hood is not cheap at around $125. Is the original so valuable that I’d be a foolish to chance losing it? I do not have a history of damaging cameras or losing parts if past history matters at all.

Oh yeah, the camera and lenses are simply beautiful. I can’t wait to find some time to use them, original hoods or otherwise.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have both of those lenses, use them on my SP/S3, and never thought twice about using the original hoods with them. You can get a fairly cheap Walz vented hood on Ebay for 43mm for the 3.5cm lens. The 10.5cm F2.5 lens will also take the later 105mm F2.5 hood for the later Nikon F version of the lens. Those go ~$10. I also have a 10.5cm lens in Leica mount, and use the later hood made for the Nikon F version of the lens with it. It even stores backwards on the lens just like my RF hood.

The original lens caps are also "more costly to replace". I use my originals. You can get 52mm caps easily.

Welcome to the Nikon forum. Do not hesitate to post any questions on the camera.

 

[BillBingham2]

Welcome to confusion. I just spent $65 USD on a original hood for a 135/3.5. I will be using this one on my 135, that's why I bought it. I have a LTM 105 and use a Nikon F version of the hood on her. I got a user condition original hood (had to replace a silver pin on one side) for my 50/1.4, paid through the nose ($60 USD) and will be using that. Mint lens hoods for a 35/2.5 go quite high these days. Take a search on ebay for closed items.

I would pick up a used 105 hood and look for an alternative for the 35 also.

I am in the hunt right now for a 105/2.5 Nikon RF mount and hope to get it with a hood, but it is not a requirement as it is 52mm and any 105 nikon hood will work great.

I picked up a 25/4 CV lens from CameraQuest as I like the focal length and orginal nikkors are very expensive. It's a great lens in LTM and it feels even better on my S2.

Collecting vs. Use is a hard question, everyone has a different answer.

B2 (;->

 

[VinceC]

Welcome! You've inherited a wonderful camera and two top-notch lenses. The S3 is optimized for those focal lengths.

All the accessories are pricey because of Nikon collectors. The 105mm lens takes the same filters and hoods (52mm) as most Nikon SLR gear. I've used the 35mm f/2.5 quite a lot and never found that it really needs a hood -- the front of the lens glass is already recessed quite a bit inside the barrel, creating something of a hood for extreme side-lighting situations. And the coatings are good enough to handle the rest. Also, its 43mm filters are a little easier to find these days than they used to be -- many digital and video cameras (Sony comes to mind) use 43mm filters.

If you haven't had much experience shooting meterless cameras, your best bet is to also find a small, relatively inexpensive handheld meter. That might be a higher priority than hoods and filters and caps. For that matter, it sounds like this will be something of a "special occasion camera." If you have a history of not mistreating or losing your gear, it might be nice to keep it all together and use it as intended.

 

[sbug]

Thanks for all the good advice. Seems like there are hood options out there should I get nervous about the originals. I do have an old Gossen Pilot meter that I use with my Ansco Karomat so that is taken care of. I'll get a better one someday but it works fine so no hurry. I do have the original Nikon Sky filters on these lenses too so I'm ok filter-wise although I've never been much for filters.
I'll work now on finding time to shoot and I appreciate the info. I'm sure to be back with another question eventually. Thanks.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Thanks for all ...
I'll work now on finding time to shoot and I appreciate the info. I'm sure to be back with another question eventually. Thanks.

Sooooo, anymore questions...wheres those pictures you promised us?
Kiu

 

[sbug]

No other questions. I'm saving for a nice 5.0cm to compliment the 3.5 and the 10.5. I have a few photos in my gallery here with the Nikon and hopefully a few of the shots I took this past weekend will make it in there too. FWIW, I use all the original stuff and don't worry about it too much. I absolutely love the camera. It is fantastic!