Nikon RF musings...

[Ken Ford]

I'm a Nikon guy.

There. I said it.

I made a (poor) living with my Nikons before I got married. I still have a groaning shelf of Nippon Kogaku stuff ranging from F2 through D70s, and early '60s glass through current production. I just plain like the Nikon way of doing things.

Now, I also like Leica. My old M4-P rig was indispensable for a bunch of feature work back then, and it's really nice to be back again with an M6 and a few lenses.

But something is missing...

A few years ago, I took some excess camera stuff and sold it off to grubstake myself for a Nikon RF purchase. I've wanted a Nikon RF for many years. I didn't happen - my car decided it needed a new transmission more than I needed a nice S2.

I'm thinking about it again. While I really don't want to invest huge sums into yet another system, the logic of a S3-2000 is inescapable. I've not handled one, but I think it would be old home week for me after shooting with a pair of meterless F/F36 bodies like I did from 1977 through 1980.

Lenses - I'd love my two most used lenses from my working days, a 35 and a 105. I'd probably want a 50, too.

(Does anybody want to lend me their credit card?)

Seriously, I'm giving serious thought to selling my Hasselblad and a few other things to swing a S3-2000 kit, but the idea scares me a little. This would be one of those buy-without-trying type of deals, and I'm worried I won't like it.

I wonder if I should test the waters first with a user S2?

 

[rover]

Find a good deal on a user S2 and when you are ready for the prime time new kit sell the old dog to me. 😉

 

[sbug]

Ken, get the camera. I have an S3 with a 35 and a 105. It is an absolutely fantastic camera. It was my fathers and he gave it to me last November. It is the camera I always remember him using when I was growing up and now my kids will remember it as the camera I used as they grew up. The 35 and 105 are amazing lenses, you willnot be disappointed. He never had a 50 but that is on my short list of items to purchase this year. All I can say is get the camera and make yourself happy.

 

[ch1]

Yes, get a good user S2 and start obtaining lenses.

If you want to go to the S3-2000 later, you'll have a good back up body and the lenses will be fine.

Remember that the S3-2000 will not be anymore "modern" than an original S3 - so with the S2 you'll be wanting an external shoe-mount meter (e.g. VC) which will also be available to use with the "eventual" S3-2000.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Get a user S3. It will have the framelines for the 35, 50, and 105. The cost will be under well $1,000 for the camera and 5cm/1.4 lens. Shipped. With the S3-2000 out, and under $2,500 the prices of the S3's have come down.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Ken, check your PM box (verify the info with Brian; I'm green when it comes to Nikon RF gear).

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Well, that nudged me.

I'm not a Nikon Guy.

More like frothing at the mouth fanatic.

 

[wlewisiii]

I'll go with the suggestion to find a user S2 or S3 body. Get the classic Nikkor 50/1.4 and then get your hands on the CV S mount glass for any other focal lengths you want. I had the 35/2.5; I know that it is world class glass. That will get you into the game for the least amount of upfront $$$. You'll probably get the other origonal Nikkors eventually, but you can have a working kit for a sane amount of money this way.

Just my 2 pennies.

William

 

[BillBingham2]

Ken,

I agree, while I love my Leicas, there is something magical about the feel of a Nikon RF. Having grown up on a Nikkormat FTn, it just feels like home. Welcome to GAS-403

I’ve just started down the path and wanted to share my approach. I got a 25/4 CV (I carry its twin on a Bessa L everywhere with me these days), a 50/1.4 (chrome, but the price was good) and I just got a 105/2.5. I have a 135 (black and beautiful) as I got a great deal on her before I got my 105.

As I grew up on the 24/2.8 as my only wide angle lens, I love the CV 25/4. While she is slower than I would have liked, I have learned to live with it. She is sharp, small and RF coupled (not so in the LTM mount version). While I have sworn off 50s before (other than the 55 micro), I have come to like the jump from 25 to 50 and then up to 105. The 105 is everything people say about it and more.

I would say start with the S2 and get the glass. Keep your eyes open for good deals, the do happen and again, welcome.

B2 (;->

 

[wlewisiii]

Having grown up on a Nikkormat FTn, it just feels like home. Welcome to GAS-403

I'm not a big Nikon fan - much more a Canon guy. But this statement is so true. I can pick up an AE series camera and shoot it in the dark, never even looking at it. Yes, this does scare me...

I _know_ Canon Cannon on a DNA level. That I dearly love my 7 should come as no surprise...

😀

William

 

[VinceC]

I think getting a user S3 makes more sense than an S2. You're correct, using an S3 will be "old home week" for anyone who has used an F. And don't get wrapped up with supposed high prices. The 35mm f/2.5 and 105mm can probably be obtained for under $500 total if you're patient on ebay. The S2 is a good camera but really optimized for 50mm and has an older two-lever shutter-speed control and, compared to the S3/Sp, really loud shutter slap (used a different shutter-brake mechanism).

 

[Ken Ford]

I think getting a user S3 makes more sense than an S2. You're correct, using an S3 will be "old home week" for anyone who has used an F. And don't get wrapped up with supposed high prices. The 35mm f/2.5 and 105mm can probably be obtained for under $500 total if you're patient on ebay. The S2 is a good camera but really optimized for 50mm and has an older two-lever shutter-speed control and, compared to the S3/Sp, really loud shutter slap (used a different shutter-brake mechanism).

Hmmm. I wasn't aware of the noise issue - that does make a difference to me.

 

[Ken Ford]

Good thoughts all - thanks! It sounds like I should limit my looking to S3 models.

My concern is that I can drop $1000 on an original with a 50 and probably still need a CLA for $200-$300 plus parts, or just be patient and wait for a S3-2000 for $1800 or less (if they're going for $2200 new, I can't imagine the used prices won't start dropping for ones with wear). I'd be getting a fifty year newer body and lens.

Logical?

Oh, a S3-2000 question I couldn't find an answer for: does the S3-2000 have titanium curtains, or fabric?

 

[VinceC]

Fabric curtains.
As far as I'm concerned, the current price of $2200-$2300 is very compelling, and that's why I bought mine. You're getting a brand new body that will last the rest of your life, plus the best 50mm lens Nikon ever made.

If you're worried about how you'll relate to the camera, I'd hunt around for a camera show in Chicago to try handling an original S3 (or a new one) before committing to the pruchase. The viewfinder is a big turnoff for many people (but then, for me, the Leica viewfinder is a turnoff because of reduction in magnification, so everyone has their preferences).

The S2 definitely has a "ker-thunk" in its shutter.

 

[sbug]

Ken, My original S3 has a fabric curtin and it is still working like a charm. Don't let the material worry you a bit. I'd agree with Vince that based on the three focal lengths you mentioned, an S3 may be ideal. I love the 1:1 finder and the constant framelines don't bother me a bit. A user S3 makes some sense but if you can swing it, get the S3-2000. The old 50 holds up well but based on samples Vince and Brian have posted, the new 50 is pretty close to perfect.

 

[VinceC]

The fabric curtains are very quiet. Not quite Leica quiet, but close. More like a Nikon F with the mirror raised. My 1958-59 model S3 is still working just fine. I took both S3s, the old one and the new one, to an indoor folk performance last week and was able to shoot from the front row very discretely, even during poetry recitations that included long silent pauses.

For what it's worth, I had the top cover off my original S3 a month or so ago because the hot shoe (it's not really hot) had come loose and needed tightening. The insides of the camera were pretty grimy after nearly half a century, but everything still works fine. The S3 and the SP are very well built. They ARE Nikon Fs but with a different viewing mechanism.

 

[NIKON KIU]

I'm a Nikon guy.

There. I said it.
my man!

Now, I also like Leica. My old M4-P rig was indispensable for a bunch of feature work back then, and it's really nice to be back again with an M6 and a few lenses.

Now...now... 🙁

But something is missing...
You bet there is....

Seriously, I'm giving serious thought to selling my Hasselblad ....

Get rid of your Hassy and look for a Nikon SP, a camera worth collecting, the flagship of all Nikon rangefinders.
Although the S2 is the best USER of all Nikon Rangefinders, its the least collectible and the most produced, over 56000 units, however the SP is the most notorious of all Nikon rangefinders and they are easier to find than the Nikon S3 specially in user condition, could be because that only 12000 S3s were produced compared to the 23000 SPs.BTW the prices of SPs and S3s are about the same these days....around $1200-$1500 with the 5cm 1.4
Kiu

 

[JBRIGHT99]

Fs S2

Fs S2

Please I have a lovely S2 with 50mm f1.4, case, hood etc. great shape. Take a look in Classified SECTION. many pictures
JEFF

 

[jonasv]

Please I have a lovely S2 with 50mm f1.4, case, hood etc. great shape. Take a look in Classified SECTION. many pictures
JEFF

Without any exceptions, all your posts are "for sale" posts - even though I don't think that's the RFF spirit, I am not the one to judge about that. But could you please at least keep them to the classifieds forum??

 

[VinceC]

I'll have to disagree with Kiu. The S2 is a lot of fun, but I don't consider it the best USER Nikon because its use is limited to 50mm lens or separate finders, and a great advantage of Nikon RFs is access to those fantastic lenses at reasonable (for the most part) prices. It's also a lot harder to quickly set an S2's shutter speed. The S2 is a great camera for its era whereas the S3/or SP are cameras that are every bit the equal of a nonmetered Leica M. Different. But just as capable.