Nikon S with 5cm f/1.4 lens question

[colyn]

I picked up a Nikon S with Nikkor-SC 5cm f/1.4 Nippon Kogaku lens today at the camera show and have 3 questions.

(1) With the 24 x 34mm format do you get an extra 1 or 2 frames?

(2) Fixed: The aperture ring is slightly stiff but still very usable. No oil on the blades though. I would like to be able to clean and lube it and was wondering how to remove this ring for cleaning?

(3) I am thinking about maybe trading this camera for a Leica IIIc late model (1949 or later) or IIIf BD or RD with screw lens (Summitar, Summicron, or Elmar). Would this be a deal for a straight camera/lens for camera/lens without having to put up money? Assume average cosmetics without dents and everything working..

 

[Highway 61]

(1) With the 24 x 34mm format do you get an extra 1 or 2 frames?

No. The space between the middle of two contiguous frames (measured in mm or counted by sprocket holes) is the same as with any regular 24x36 format camera.

So, no extra frames.

The good point from this is that you can scan any film out of the Nikon S as if it was any other "normal" 35mm film, and that street labs won't mess up w/ cutting your negative strips or slides.

 

[colyn]

No. The space between the middle of two contiguous frames (measured in mm or counted by sprocket holes) is the same as with any regular 24x36 format camera.

So, no extra frames.

I was wondering since the difference was only 2mm.

The good point from this is that you can scan any film out of the Nikon S as if it was any other "normal" 35mm film, and that street labs won't mess up w/ cutting your negative strips or slides.

This is good to know.

Thanks

 

[Tom A]

By happenstance I did scan some Nikon S stuff lately. Check on our Flickr. The frames with a distinct black edge are S negatives.
As for trading it for a IIIf or something like that - I would not. The Nikon S, in spite of the odd filmgate is a very good camera. This, combined with a 50f1.4 means that you have a great combo. The lens is about as good as anything Leica had at the time - and the camera is built like the proverbial brick outhouse. The finder is a bit of a peephole - but so is the IIIF's finder.
I would keep it and shoot with it.

 

[ZeissFan]

Only trade it if you don't plan to use it. Otherwise, do you really need another LTM Leica?

 

[colyn]

The main reason I want to trade is because the rangefinder has no magnification which makes it difficult for me since I wear glasses. The Leicas have magnification and I see a large image in the rf.