Bill58
Native Texan
I've found a pristine, black dial S-2 with a Nippon Kogaku 50/ 1.4 lens for $900. Is this a good deal?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Nikon S-2 advice needed
- Thread starter Bill58
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 14
- Views 1K
I have been looking a little, not a lot, for an S2. Most that I have seen have sold, or have been listed for a little less than that. I have noticed that it is not uncommon for these kits to be around $750 ish.
That said, none that I have seen or watched have been pristine. A truly mint condition example surely should command a bit more price than what I have seen.
That said, none that I have seen or watched have been pristine. A truly mint condition example surely should command a bit more price than what I have seen.
VinceC
Veteran
That's really the very upper end for U.S. prices on an S2 with lens. If the lens is a black barrel, and the camera really is pristine, it's an acceptable deal, especially if you're able to inspect the camera in person before buying. The black dial cameras cost more for cosmetic reasons ... functionally they're identical to the chrome-dial S2s. The black-dial versions were introduced in 1957 alongside the Nikon SP so that the two cameras would better compliment each other.
FYI, an EBay dealer has a well-used black-dial S2 and black lens with a Buy It Now of $599, which is more in line with what these cameras are selling for these days.
Nikon S2 on Ebay
I did a search on EBay for S2s and there were lots of unsold cameras with $1,000 asking prices.
FYI, an EBay dealer has a well-used black-dial S2 and black lens with a Buy It Now of $599, which is more in line with what these cameras are selling for these days.
Nikon S2 on Ebay
I did a search on EBay for S2s and there were lots of unsold cameras with $1,000 asking prices.
Flinor
Well-known
I just (July) sold a chrome dial with chrome 50 1.4 and a flash, IB and worn ER case for $800 including shipping to CONUS. It had two small bright marks on the base and one tripod mount scratch. So for a truly pristine black dial that runs fine I'd stretch to $900. They're great shooters BTW.
- Local time
- 3:52 AM
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2005
- Messages
- 6,292
Bill,
It does seem high-ish, but you are not get taken is she truly clean. Are you going to stay with an S2? If you are, then take the jump, they are great cameras. If you are looking at an SP or S3, then perhaps you might want to go for a less perfect one (and lower price).
Is it the original owner who is selling? Do the shutter speeds sound on? Look over the inside, has she seen a lot of film? Does the lens come with a hood? Is there an AR-1 on the camera?
The S2 is a great shooter. I love mine and even through she has a bad bump on her and she's not black, she is a fine reliable friend.
Please let us know what way you go.
B2 (;->
It does seem high-ish, but you are not get taken is she truly clean. Are you going to stay with an S2? If you are, then take the jump, they are great cameras. If you are looking at an SP or S3, then perhaps you might want to go for a less perfect one (and lower price).
Is it the original owner who is selling? Do the shutter speeds sound on? Look over the inside, has she seen a lot of film? Does the lens come with a hood? Is there an AR-1 on the camera?
The S2 is a great shooter. I love mine and even through she has a bad bump on her and she's not black, she is a fine reliable friend.
Please let us know what way you go.
B2 (;->
W
wlewisiii
Guest
The S2 or the S3-2000 is probably the only way I'll ever end up with a Nikon.
That said, I'll just note that KEH has a bargain grade chrome dial S2 for $399 right now. Add a chrome EX grade 50/1.4 for $215 and you'll have a good user camera with a nice pile of change left over for film to feed it. No, it won't be as pretty a specimen if the one you're looking at is mint. But 1) you won't need to worry about scratching it and 2) it's nearly a full 1/3rd cheaper. If I had the bank balance right now, I wouldn't be telling you of these toys... 😉
William
That said, I'll just note that KEH has a bargain grade chrome dial S2 for $399 right now. Add a chrome EX grade 50/1.4 for $215 and you'll have a good user camera with a nice pile of change left over for film to feed it. No, it won't be as pretty a specimen if the one you're looking at is mint. But 1) you won't need to worry about scratching it and 2) it's nearly a full 1/3rd cheaper. If I had the bank balance right now, I wouldn't be telling you of these toys... 😉
William
NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku?
Who's asking??
Who's asking??
Does it include a box/manual/cap/case???
Are you going to use it??
Kiu
Who's asking??
I'll answere your question in the same context, NO it's not!! I am not saying its a bad deal but i'va seen EXC+ S3's selling for that!!Bill58 said:
Does it include a box/manual/cap/case???
Are you going to use it??
Kiu
Bill58
Native Texan
Thanks for all the sage advice--the bottom line is for me can I justify it w/ two Model Ps and a stable full of LTM lenses. When I played w/ it the other day, my 1st. impressions were good/ bad: The focus wheel is great--esp. since I'm left handed, but the VF is not nearly as bright as my P--although it could probably be cleaned up.
Leicas here as more than USA prices, Nikons tend to be less, so I no doubt could get him down a bit. One other thing about $$$ is if I get it from the US, I run the risk of the getting nailed by the dreaded Korean 20% import tax or some sticky- fingered guy in their postal system stealing it!
If you look at Kevincameras.com my deal looks pretty good.
Yes--it would be a "user."
Leicas here as more than USA prices, Nikons tend to be less, so I no doubt could get him down a bit. One other thing about $$$ is if I get it from the US, I run the risk of the getting nailed by the dreaded Korean 20% import tax or some sticky- fingered guy in their postal system stealing it!
If you look at Kevincameras.com my deal looks pretty good.
Yes--it would be a "user."
Last edited:
NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku?
I've seen USER examples(EXC+) sell for $700 or less!!
Easily to be had on eBay...
I'll sell you a chrome dial with a user lens for half!!
Have some patience.....there was a seller here trying to sell one for $750.00 with no luck
Kiu
Easily to be had on eBay...
I'll sell you a chrome dial with a user lens for half!!
Have some patience.....there was a seller here trying to sell one for $750.00 with no luck
Kiu
Bill58
Native Texan
One last Q. Is the SP that much of an improvement over the S-2 as far as using is concerned?
Thanks for all the advice.
Bill
Thanks for all the advice.
Bill
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Yes, it really is. Go and check out the Nikon RF pages at www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm as those will explain it better than I can.
William
William
HuubL
hunter-gatherer
$446! OK, not a black dial, but it came with a UV filter, original Nikon lens cap and case in Exc shape. What IS expensive is the original hood...😱 !
Bill58
Native Texan
Huubl:
You just ruined my day--you lucky dog! Heavy2stars has hoods for it on the 'bay.
Bill
You just ruined my day--you lucky dog! Heavy2stars has hoods for it on the 'bay.
Bill
V
varjag
Guest
All this Nikon talk makes me wonder.. is it possible to replace the focusing helicoid with Contax one, and still have the rangefinder working accurately?
VinceC
Veteran
>> Is the SP that much of an improvement over the S-2 as far as using is concerned?<<
YES! The S2 is a first-rate camera from the 1950s. The SP is a firstrate camera from any era ... It's as useful and useable today as any unmetered Leica M.
It is not the same as a Leica M; its lineage is Contax instead of Leica. But some of its features are remarkably user-friendly. Shooters in the Leica world are constantly trying to figure out which viewfinder magnification is ideal. The Nikon SP uses a 1:1 magnification that allows very easy use of 50mm through 135mm while the built-in minifinder is competent with wide-angle 35 and 28s. The end result is a camera that allows an eyeglass wearer to comfortably use 28mm through 135mm lenses. And it did this 49 years ago.
YES! The S2 is a first-rate camera from the 1950s. The SP is a firstrate camera from any era ... It's as useful and useable today as any unmetered Leica M.
It is not the same as a Leica M; its lineage is Contax instead of Leica. But some of its features are remarkably user-friendly. Shooters in the Leica world are constantly trying to figure out which viewfinder magnification is ideal. The Nikon SP uses a 1:1 magnification that allows very easy use of 50mm through 135mm while the built-in minifinder is competent with wide-angle 35 and 28s. The end result is a camera that allows an eyeglass wearer to comfortably use 28mm through 135mm lenses. And it did this 49 years ago.
Similar threads
