Nikon S system - what's my options?

T

Tzelet

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OK, I've been nurturing this desire to give the Nikon S a try. Question is, can this be done on a budget? I'm thinking a camera (preferably with a meter, but not required) + a 50mm f/1.4.

Can this be done for $1000-("ish")?
 
Yes, you should be able to pick up a good condition Nikon S2 with 50/1.4 for ~$650 or so.

A Nikon SP with F1.4 might exceed your budget, and S3 comeine on it.
 
Very rugged, very smooth-operating cameras. Fewer lens choices, accessories and film-advance options than Leica, but with a die-hard fan base.

Ben
 
I sold a nice S2 and 50/1.4 a week ago for $550. Those are probabyl the best users - just 50mm framelines, but a bright, clear finder - and of course, that particular lens is excellent.

I believe I saw Stephen Gandy selling VC35mm lenses in S mount, too, so although there isn't as wide a choice as with M and LTM lenses, there's still a good range of offerings.
 
None of the original Nikon cameras has a built-in meter. S-2 great for 50mm shooting. S-3 a good all-around camera with sllightly more modern interface. Has three etched frames in viewfinder (35-50-105). Some find that to be cluttered. Others like it fine. Nikon "S" cameras seem not to need regular servicing. The better lenses tend to cost a lot due to supply-and-demand issues.
 
There's a great write up on the various Nikon RF models on the head bartender's website (link below). Definitely worth reading.

http://www.cameraquest.com/usingthe.htm

As others have mentioned, if you just want to keep your outlay to a a minimum, an S2 with 5cm/1.4 or 5cm/2 (my preference) is the way to go.
 
The S2 with 50/1.4 is an excellent, and relatively affordable, way to get into the S line.

Beware...it's addicting!
 
S2 with a 50 SC, 400 Asa, 1/250@f8 and all goes well. just focus and shoot!
Be aware, you may never have enough of them...
For that amount you even may get one Bessa R2S with a Heliar 50 /3.5 (nikon S mount) with a meter...
 
The S2 is a good "starter" for 50mm work and you can add the 35f2.5 to it later. A good user S2 with a 50f1.4 should be doable within your budget and still have enough left over for a small lightmeter (Gossen's Digisix) and, with some careful watching, even the 35f2.5 (use the "full view" in the finder - close enough.)
The S3 is more modern as stated, and tends to be a bit smoother - but you would probably blow most of your budget on one body and the 50f1.4.
There were some changes to the S2 over its life - but nothing that makes one version better as a "user" than an other. Black Dial versions tend to be a bit more - but I find that they are no different than the chrome dial in function.
Check finder "clarity" and rangefinder patch - get the best you can in this aspect. Cosmetics are less important - Nikon Rf's pick up dents and scratches with alarming ease - so pay for good mechanical condition and clean glass in the lens, rather than cosmetics..
Nikon Rf's are not that expensive compared to Leica - but accessories tend to be expensive, hood's, finders etc. The good news is that there are a lot of "non Nkon branded" stuff available (Heavy Star Hoods, VC finders (35 and 28).
I find that in general, the Nikon Rf's are holding up better in long time use than my M's. Rare that rangefinders go out of whack, shutter speeds tend to stay pretty constant and they seem to survive "inactivity" better than the M's.
I have been a dedicated M-user for most of my life - but in the last 10-15 years I have started to use Nikon Rf's quite extensively - and I like them. The long focus throw makes it easy to pin-point focus, the optics are top-notch and. yes, they have a certain "cache" too.
Go for it,
Tom
 
I just bought an S2 and 50/1.4 and it's beautiful but the admonitions about the VF are quite pertinent; mine is too dark for comfort. Plus the advance arm seems to be struggling: I'm up to frame 12 on my first roll of film.

So if you Nikonistas want to recommend good people for Nikon RF CLA's I'd be quite happy to hear of it. I did a search and I'm find a lot of interesting other stuff, like THIS thread....

Vince
 
Yes the S2 is probably the most practical of the Nikon bodies unless you have in excess of $1000 to spend (on an S3, S4, or SP). The problem is the S2 will whet your appetite for one of those! The target price for a working undamaged S2 plus lens is $500-600 - nice cameras too. Any competent camera tech can service a Nikon rangefinder to good working order at reasonable cost.
 
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They are good, and also quite enjoyable. Mine had a slightly misaligned rangefinder, but since it's only one side, it still focuses perfectly. There is nothing like the 50mm f1.4 Nikon lens...

Mine will go for sale sometime soon. Gotta pay for my Leica M5 addi(c)tion! :)
 
Since your question seemed to ask about the Nikon S (i.e. the camera rather than the lens mount), I'm inferring you aren't interested in the Bessa R2S -- but that's your only option if you want an integral meter. It has the very real virtue of switchable framelines, rather than just the 50mm lines on the Nikon S2. (The S3 and of course the SP have additional framelines, but good luck getting either of those bodies with a lens for $1,000. Look at the CameraQuest site -- he has the Bessas and the S mount Voigtlander lenses for sale there.
 
I agree with Nick. The Bessa R2S is presently good deal as are all Voigtlander SC lenses. This won't last long however. As soon as the excess production is sold out, their prices will rise fast.
 
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