john341
camera user
I would like to acquire an S2 and wonder if people have an opinion of this model. Also, what price would I looking at since Nikon made quite a number so they are probably not too rare. I have seen prices which fluctuate quite wildly. Any thoughts? And the shutter blind, is it cloth or the nicer rubberized fabric?
Seasons Greetings!
Seasons Greetings!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I'm a recent black dial S2 aquirer and chose it as the model I could afford that had what I wanted to make it a good shooter. I think I paid $800.00 with the 50mm f1.4 SC Nikkor here in the classifieds but have had it CLA'd also as it had a capping shutter ... the CLA I might mention wasn't very expensive and was done by Pete Smith who was recommended to me by the majority of Nikon owners.
The build quality of the camera is phenominal ... right up there with and beyond Leica IMO. To shoot with ... it's fabulous with a good viewfinder and excellent rangefinder. You really can't go wrong with one of these amazingly well made classics and I just love the look of them.
The build quality of the camera is phenominal ... right up there with and beyond Leica IMO. To shoot with ... it's fabulous with a good viewfinder and excellent rangefinder. You really can't go wrong with one of these amazingly well made classics and I just love the look of them.
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James24
Well-known
I bought an S2 quite recently too. I got mine on ebay with a 50mm f2, where it cost me GB£282. I follow ebay prices quite closely, and user examples seem to go for around this figure (US$400 ish) although very good ones can make a lot more. The later black dial examples will cost more and black bodies will cost more still.
You're quite right in saying that S2s are relatively common. More were made than any other Nikon rangefinder - over 56,000 in total, and most are chrome dial such as my example is. I'm very pleased with my particular camera. It's beautifully made and fun to use.
You're quite right in saying that S2s are relatively common. More were made than any other Nikon rangefinder - over 56,000 in total, and most are chrome dial such as my example is. I'm very pleased with my particular camera. It's beautifully made and fun to use.
john341
camera user
Sounds like they are popular! Keith, where does one find this Pete Smith you mentioned? Thanks
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
He trades as Fotocamera Repair in Florida ... nikonsmith@aol.com
Very nice guy to deal with and only had my camera a week or so.
The Nikons don't need much lubrication in the shutter mechanism so tend not to deteriorate when left in storage ... mine apparently had a broken shutter brake spring which was causing the capping at the higher speeds. From memory the whole job including parts was $140.00 and the camera is a joy to use now!
BillBingham2
Registered User
341,
The S2 is a KickA55 camera. I moved to one after a lot of head aches with some FSU gear. Should have started out with the best (read I AM DUMB). I loved the camera as Keith said a great finder and once you get used to a different hold wonderfully fun to use. They are built like a tank, saved one Photojournalists life in Vietnam when it caught a bullet. It is a different feel from an M, but IMHO better. Now that could be because I grew up on a Nikkormat FTn.
BTW, it is high praise to hear such a strong recommendation from Keith.
Only reason I sold mine was to move over (not necessarily up) to an S3-2000. In hind sight I might have been just as happy with the S2. I had a triplet of lenses that was perfect for the S2, a 25 CV, 50 and 105 Nikkor, doesn't get any better than that. Have added a 35 CV with my S3 because of it's built in frames.
I used Stephen for my CLA, he did a great job. Have heard WONDERFUL things about Mr. Smith and would not think twice about using him. I is said to be as good as DAG or Sherry but for Nikons.
Prices are all over the place these days no different suggestions on how to find the best deal than a year ago. Look here first, look to volume camera dealers on EvilBay with a good track record. Ask for extra pictures if you find something you like even on EvilBay.
B2 (;->
The S2 is a KickA55 camera. I moved to one after a lot of head aches with some FSU gear. Should have started out with the best (read I AM DUMB). I loved the camera as Keith said a great finder and once you get used to a different hold wonderfully fun to use. They are built like a tank, saved one Photojournalists life in Vietnam when it caught a bullet. It is a different feel from an M, but IMHO better. Now that could be because I grew up on a Nikkormat FTn.
BTW, it is high praise to hear such a strong recommendation from Keith.
Only reason I sold mine was to move over (not necessarily up) to an S3-2000. In hind sight I might have been just as happy with the S2. I had a triplet of lenses that was perfect for the S2, a 25 CV, 50 and 105 Nikkor, doesn't get any better than that. Have added a 35 CV with my S3 because of it's built in frames.
I used Stephen for my CLA, he did a great job. Have heard WONDERFUL things about Mr. Smith and would not think twice about using him. I is said to be as good as DAG or Sherry but for Nikons.
Prices are all over the place these days no different suggestions on how to find the best deal than a year ago. Look here first, look to volume camera dealers on EvilBay with a good track record. Ask for extra pictures if you find something you like even on EvilBay.
B2 (;->
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
The FSU experience (read Kiev) can be disheartening ... I'm lucky I have a Kiev II that is every bit as functional as my Nikon but does feel akward in comparison. I had a Contax but never really liked that much and in hindsight like you should have just gone straight for the Nikon because it's really what the other two are trying to be.
john341
camera user
Bad experiences
Bad experiences
My collection is littered with Kievs with different things wrong with them, mostly shutter blinds mal functioning. I have a lovely Kiev III which is from the 1956 stable while the Russkies were oing a good copy of the Contax. My Contax IIIa has a totally different feel to it, as I guess the Nikon would. I will keep my eyes open..one was passed in on ?bay at $900 which I thought was a bit rich!
Bad experiences
My collection is littered with Kievs with different things wrong with them, mostly shutter blinds mal functioning. I have a lovely Kiev III which is from the 1956 stable while the Russkies were oing a good copy of the Contax. My Contax IIIa has a totally different feel to it, as I guess the Nikon would. I will keep my eyes open..one was passed in on ?bay at $900 which I thought was a bit rich!
BillBingham2
Registered User
I think I spend about $500 on all of my FSU travels which if I spend it on Nikon.......ARRRGGGGHHH. I did the Kiev thing as well as a Fed 2 which I had pimped. $900 does seem high, keep looking they come up in the wildest places.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have had at least 8-10 Nikon S2's over the last decade- currently three of them - kind of "cherry picked" those from the batch.
In many ways the S2 is the penultimate 50's rangefinder. With a 50mm lens is is better than the M3. The drawback is that one needs aux. finders for anything longer and using a 35 on it without top mount finder is a bit hit and miss (not too badly and possible with some guesswork).
My only problem with them has been a couple of capping shutters, but that is an easy fix and also the return spring for the advance lever can be "tired" and require a bit help to push back to start position. Almost all S2's I have had have had bright and clear finders with well defined focussing patches. I have one with a 'dead" patch in it - but that one has been assigned to work with uncoupled lenses (12mm/15mm and a Nikon F 21f4 with F-SC adapter) so it doesn't matter.
You have to watch that rotating shutter speed dial though. If you happen to drag your finger against it when you fire - it will scramble the exposure! Nothing that you wont learn with the first roll!
Great entry level to Nikon Rf's and probably all you will need if you shoot mainly with the 50mm lenses.
The longer focus throw makes it easy to pinpoint focus and less chance of "over shooting" focus (common with Leica M's).
Prices seem to vary wildly - but I think $500-550 should get you a decent body (user with clear finder/patch and possibly some dents and dings on base and front plate). The 50f1.4 (which is the lens to get) can be sourced from $150 and up - depending on glass/barrel condition. The Nikon glass was remarkably free from haze and separating of elements and very well built. The fact that it is a "solid" lens (no helicoil) helps here. Less moving parts.
Just get one and start shooting - you will like it.
In many ways the S2 is the penultimate 50's rangefinder. With a 50mm lens is is better than the M3. The drawback is that one needs aux. finders for anything longer and using a 35 on it without top mount finder is a bit hit and miss (not too badly and possible with some guesswork).
My only problem with them has been a couple of capping shutters, but that is an easy fix and also the return spring for the advance lever can be "tired" and require a bit help to push back to start position. Almost all S2's I have had have had bright and clear finders with well defined focussing patches. I have one with a 'dead" patch in it - but that one has been assigned to work with uncoupled lenses (12mm/15mm and a Nikon F 21f4 with F-SC adapter) so it doesn't matter.
You have to watch that rotating shutter speed dial though. If you happen to drag your finger against it when you fire - it will scramble the exposure! Nothing that you wont learn with the first roll!
Great entry level to Nikon Rf's and probably all you will need if you shoot mainly with the 50mm lenses.
The longer focus throw makes it easy to pinpoint focus and less chance of "over shooting" focus (common with Leica M's).
Prices seem to vary wildly - but I think $500-550 should get you a decent body (user with clear finder/patch and possibly some dents and dings on base and front plate). The 50f1.4 (which is the lens to get) can be sourced from $150 and up - depending on glass/barrel condition. The Nikon glass was remarkably free from haze and separating of elements and very well built. The fact that it is a "solid" lens (no helicoil) helps here. Less moving parts.
Just get one and start shooting - you will like it.
john341
camera user
I forgot to ask one question..does the Jupiter 12 35mm lens fit the S2? I discovered in Melbourne last week that it does not fit my Contax IIIa (why didn't I try it?!) Old age
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The Jupiter J12 35f2.8 does fit the S2 - and is one more reason for not buying a mint S2 - it will scratch the chrome front plate on some S2's. Works well otherwise and is actually surprisingly good. However, if you want a really good 35 for the S2, try to locate a VC SC mount 35f2.5 or one of the old 35f2.5 Nikkors. They tend to be moderately priced as everyone is trying to find 35f1.8's. The Nikkor 35f2.5 is very good, as good if not better than the I st version of the Summicron 35f2 for Leica.
Always go to Flickr and check the tags for the lenses you are interested in - not perfect medium - but it gives you an idea how they perform.
Always go to Flickr and check the tags for the lenses you are interested in - not perfect medium - but it gives you an idea how they perform.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Tom, I've met you once, in Rotterdam in the year 2000 at the NHS-convention organized by Peter Lownds. Do you remember? I carried an S2 with a 50mmf1.4. By then you swore me to get the 50mmf2, wich was the lens to get! When and why did you change your opinion?
Erik.
furcafe
Veteran
If you're accustomed to Contaci, Kievs, M Leicas, etc. & don't have experience w/the old thread mount Leicas (a.k.a. "Barnacks") & similar bodies (a I was when I had an S2), you might also be vexed by the separate slow speed dial. I actually found the S2 to be more annoying than a Barnack Leica in that respect because the S2 has both dials on top & that made it easier for me to forget (whereas the Barnacks have the slow speed dial on the front). But, as Tom wrote, nothing you won't figure out w/your 1st roll or 2.
Also, to answer john341's original question, the S2's shutter is rubberized cloth.
Also, to answer john341's original question, the S2's shutter is rubberized cloth.
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Tom A
RFF Sponsor
looking outside today - the 50f1.4 is the only one useful! It is snowing and grey (f1.4 @ 1/250). I still like the 50f2 and i think it is a very good lens - in many ways it is better than the 50f1.4. Less prone to flare and more compact and it is very sharp. Did you ever get one for your S2? Let me know as, for some reason, I have an abundance of them. The Rotterdam NHS meet was my first one - been to all the subsequent ones and I am looking forward to Brussels in 2010.
michaelging
Established
Having used a Nikon F as my first camera, the S2 is almost exactly the same feel as a Nikon F. You even have to develop the underarm hold for the back as you reload. I like the S2 viewfinder much better than the S, and I have never used a SP to compare it to. I have a 50 1.4 which is a great lens, as well as a f2, I do not see tha much difference between the lenses as far as sharpness. Pete Smith did a CLA on mine and did a great job, fast and at a fair price.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Yes, I did get one, and it is a truly superb optic. I also have one in Leica screwmount, but that one is not as good. I've discussed the matter with Bob Rotoloni, and he was not opposed to my opinion that maybe the screwmount 50mmf2 Nikkors were second choice specimen to be used on Tower-brand Leica screw mount copy bodies.
Erik.
One could check out the S2 at Mason Camera.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I wonder how many people actually focus with the focus wheel on a Nikon Kiev or Contax. It's really not practical and although it's a part of the camera that does make it unique I certainly wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there.
I'm sure the camera has been used at times by people in one hand focusing and shooting ... but it would take some dexterity!
I'm sure the camera has been used at times by people in one hand focusing and shooting ... but it would take some dexterity!
john341
camera user
I don't find the focus wheel a problem with the Kiev, probably used to it.The Contax is a bit clumsy, going in the opposite direction, why can't they be all like the french FOCA? It's a breeze!