ricpr
Rich
Just this fall, my Son started his 1st year of college and last week he made his trek home for Turkey Day. He is a 10 hr drive from home. While he was at home, I just happened to go on CL in his college town. I was surprised to find that someone had listed a Nikon rangefinder for sale, but was disappointed that the listing was dated Nov 1.
Out of curiosity, I e-mailed the person and I actually got a response. I was shocked that the camera was still available after such a long time posted on CL. Without asking, the person sends me an e-mail with pics included. I almost deleted the e-mail as spam, but just happened to open it (which I never do!). Here is what was inside......
Needless to say, I sent my Son back to school with cash in hand and tonight he closed the deal and purchased the camera for $150. This is the 1st time and likely the only time I would ever purchase a camera this way, but I have to admit that it was pretty interesting.
I now have a Nikon rangefinder to try out for a very economical price.
Out of curiosity, I e-mailed the person and I actually got a response. I was shocked that the camera was still available after such a long time posted on CL. Without asking, the person sends me an e-mail with pics included. I almost deleted the e-mail as spam, but just happened to open it (which I never do!). Here is what was inside......

Needless to say, I sent my Son back to school with cash in hand and tonight he closed the deal and purchased the camera for $150. This is the 1st time and likely the only time I would ever purchase a camera this way, but I have to admit that it was pretty interesting.
I now have a Nikon rangefinder to try out for a very economical price.
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Very cool. 
But be careful, there are people here who will complain you paid too little and that you should go back and give the seller more money.
But be careful, there are people here who will complain you paid too little and that you should go back and give the seller more money.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
...or write a check to a charity for a couple hundred bucks.
NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku
You are ahead $300-$500
GOOD JOB....
Now, take some pictures.
Kiu
GOOD JOB....
Now, take some pictures.
Kiu
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Oh no! Now you need the 35f2,5 to round out the package - and the Bright line 35 finder and as the step between the 50 and the 135 is so steep, you also need the 85f2 and it's finder. The Road to Perdition looms ahead - or your son's college education might be shortened.
Great story, great buy and enjoy it.
Great story, great buy and enjoy it.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
Then there are the 21 and 28mm wide angle lenses plus finders, you'll faint when you discover what the original Nikon hoods go for these days, you'll decide the 35mm f/2.5 is too slow and start looking for the f/1.8, and then there's the legendary and rare 50mm f/1.1, but your kit won't really be complete without a pair of black motor drive Nikon SP bodies so you can put the S2 on a shelf and tell yourself what a good deal it was...and justify it to yourself because the SP bodies won't need finders for any but the 21mm lens. Oh yeah! They also made an 85mm f/1.5...
Tell your son to get a job and apply for scholarships.
Tell your son to get a job and apply for scholarships.
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nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
Your very next purchase should be a nice roll of your most favorite film and run it through that bad boy...
Congrats on your great find...
Congrats on your great find...
BillBingham2
Registered User
You are in for it now. As you have two lenses, get the third, a 25/4 CV. Still can be had from Stephen and the only other lens you really need......
Well, you could sell the 135 and get a 105, or .......
Just get the 25 and call it done.
Great job you will love her. Nikon RFs seem to take up a special place in your heart that no other camera can shake loose.
Welcome to the club.....
B2 (;->
Well, you could sell the 135 and get a 105, or .......
Just get the 25 and call it done.
Great job you will love her. Nikon RFs seem to take up a special place in your heart that no other camera can shake loose.
Welcome to the club.....
B2 (;->
David Murphy
Veteran
yes, but how's the baseplate? 
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Just this fall, my Son started his 1st year of college and last week he made his trek home for Turkey Day. He is a 10 hr drive from home. While he was at home, I just happened to go on CL in his college town. I was surprised to find that someone had listed a Nikon rangefinder for sale, but was disappointed that the listing was dated Nov 1.
Out of curiosity, I e-mailed the person and I actually got a response. I was shocked that the camera was still available after such a long time posted on CL. Without asking, the person sends me an e-mail with pics included. I almost deleted the e-mail as spam, but just happened to open it (which I never do!). Here is what was inside......
![]()
Needless to say, I sent my Son back to school with cash in hand and tonight he closed the deal and purchased the camera for $150. This is the 1st time and likely the only time I would ever purchase a camera this way, but I have to admit that it was pretty interesting.
I now have a Nikon rangefinder to try out for a very economical price.
Seems you have the pretty rare early black Nikkor 135mm f3.5! The Rotoloni bible says: "... the black version is still a challenge for the collector to locate, especially with the proper shade..."
Lucky you!
The much more common black Nikkor 135 f3.5 has a thick heavily knurled chromed ring at the base, like the 105mm f2.5.
Erik.
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Wow, great story. Enjoy your new kit!
George S.
How many is enough?
Still waiting for someone to verbally beat him up for stealing it...
gertf
Established
If you're internet savvy enough to put something on CL you should be smart enough to 'google' or search ebay for the product you're selling to estimate its value.
Good find, great price!
Good find, great price!
W
wlewisiii
Guest
If you're internet savvy enough to put something on CL you should be smart enough to 'google' or search ebay for the product you're selling to estimate its value.
Good find, great price!
Agreed. It's one thing for someone clueless to make a newspaper ad or put something up in a estate auction. But if they can CL? Google would tell them everything in ten seconds. Just 'cause you're stupid doesn't mean I have to be.
Get a nice wide - the VC SC 35/2.5 is cheap & exquisite - & you're set for life.
Enjoy!
William
bennyng
Benny Ng
What a handsome kit! Congrats on your lucky find!
Cheers,
Cheers,
George S.
How many is enough?
If you're internet savvy enough to put something on CL you should be smart enough to 'google' or search ebay for the product you're selling to estimate its value.
Good find, great price!
I couldn't agree more, but some have still beat people up over issues like this, just wondering when they'll show up...
Spider67
Well-known
Enjoy your camera and get some film in it as soon as possible!
Good find! You looked for it. It was posted on the internet. You did not get it from an old Lady which wanted to have an estimate....so congrats!
Good find! You looked for it. It was posted on the internet. You did not get it from an old Lady which wanted to have an estimate....so congrats!
Paul T.
Veteran
I couldn't agree more, but some have still beat people up over issues like this, just wondering when they'll show up...
I'd be surprised.
I remember on p.net some guy crowed over how he ripped off an old fella and people lined up to give him a verbal kicking (reasonably, in my view). But why would anyone complain about the OP answering an ad and paying the asking price?
Well done ric, post some photos you've taken with it, soon.
George S.
How many is enough?
I'd be surprised.
I remember on p.net some guy crowed over how he ripped off an old fella and people lined up to give him a verbal kicking (reasonably, in my view). But why would anyone complain about the OP answering an ad and paying the asking price?
Well done ric, post some photos you've taken with it, soon.
You know, I may be mis-remembering it. It probably was over on p.net what with the flamers they have over there.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Sorry George, it was here a while back, you have not had your alloted senior moment today.
I agree with Paul, big difference between giving the asking price on CL and low-balling someone who may not know better.
B2 (;->
I agree with Paul, big difference between giving the asking price on CL and low-balling someone who may not know better.
B2 (;->
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