Nikon S2: Keep or return

[Vincent.G]

I just received a Nikon S2 chrome dial, Nikkor-H C 50/2 (black), Nikon black 3.5cm brightline finder with strap that was advertised as "near mint body" with "no haze, no fungus, no scratch for optics" and all functions working perfectly but the product description was far too optimistic. :bang:

Issues I have:
1) Fungus in the VF and RF windows.
2) All shutter speeds at and below 1/30 behaves like bulb mode. High speeds sound ok
3) Squeaky helicoid
4) Fungus stains inside the lens
5) Slight haze inside 3.5cm VF

The rest of the camera looks ok so far.

I like the S2 life size finder and the patch contrast looks good despite its condition. In fact the RF patch seems a little better than my previous S3 reissue. The 3.5cm finder is really nice.

Are the above issues I listed a simple DIY repair? Or should I return it to the seller.

Seeking advice.

Thanks!

 

[Timmyjoe]

Everyone is different, but fungus inside a camera's optics or inside a lens are always deal breakers for me. If it were mine, I'd send it back.

Best,
-Tim

 

[James24]

There are plenty of good S2s out there so I would send it back and get one without any issues.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I would return it. Too much trouble to repair the camera and to clean out the lens. Parts are hard to find. As the others have said, nice S2's are easy to find.

The black brightline finder 35mm however is very hard to find. Try to keep that one.

Erik.

 

[splitimageview]

Depends. Who did you buy it from? How much did you pay? I've had some sellers refund in full and not require a return. That's unlikely, but it does happen.

Good luck!

 

[Chubberino]

send it back. not worth the hassle. especially with eBay as they pay return shipping and the process is tracked.

 

[Huss]

Fungus while described as 'mint'? Get rid of it.

I'm curious, was this an ebay Japan purchase? It seems the sellers there describe everything now as mint or near mint. No matter the actual condition.

 

[helen.HH]

I would return it
Simply because why be let down or stressed with a hassle

As someone pointed out there are other S2's
It's just finding a 'truthful seller'
Sorry to hear Vincent... Best of Luck sorting it out !

 

[Larry Cloetta]

A nice S2 for scant money is probably much easier to find than what you seem to have been saddled with, so I would add my vote to the "send it back" chorus. Nice ones not particularly expensive.

 

[BillBingham2]

Send it back. Way too much great stuff out there to not get clean cameras and glass. You might check out the Head Bartender's web site for pretty reasonably priced good condition stuff (S2).

B2 (;->

 

[Chubberino]

Fungus while described as 'mint'? Get rid of it.

I'm curious, was this an ebay Japan purchase? It seems the sellers there describe everything now as mint or near mint. No matter the actual condition.

A+++++++++++

 

[Vincent.G]

Thanks everyone.

Looks like I will continue my search for a S2 + Nikkor 50/2.

The Japanese eBay seller has a 30-day return policy but I will have to pay return shipping. I have messaged the seller stating my intention to return but eBay has not recognized the camera being delivered so I cannot do a proper request for return yet.

 

[Chubberino]

Thanks everyone.

Looks like I will continue my search for a S2 + Nikkor 50/2.

The Japanese eBay seller has a 30-day return policy but I will have to pay return shipping. I have messaged the seller stating my intention to return but eBay has not recognized the camera being delivered so I cannot do a proper request for return yet.

you don't have to pay return shipping, lol. if you pay for the return shipping then you are doing eBay wrong.

 

[splitimageview]

if you want to return it, open a case of 'not as described.' The seller will have to cover the shipping.

Contact ebay if you aren't sure how to proceed.

However, what the seller might do is offer you a significant discount as I mentioned above. Or, you might suggest to the seller a discount that is satisfactory to you.

If that occurs, the equation has changed and perhaps your decision.

 

[Huss]

The Japanese eBay seller has a 30-day return policy but I will have to pay return shipping. I have messaged the seller stating my intention to return but eBay has not recognized the camera being delivered so I cannot do a proper request for return yet.

Surprise surprise... Been there done that. Open a case w/ ebay when you can and they have to pay for return postage as they were not truthful.

It used to be that stuff u get from Japanese sellers was always top notch, but now that has changed. There are many that have ruined it for the honest ones.

 

[helen.HH]

VINCENT:
Just noticed
CameraQuest...our very own Bartender
has a User Black Dial S2 for $350.00

just a Thought ...🙂

 

[Mjd-djm]

Whatever happens you should leave negative feedback. I'm fed up of immoral sellers who do not describe an item accurately. A regular camera seller will know what they are doing. Hey just hope they find a sucker, or someone who doesn't want the hassle and confrontation involved with returning something.

 

[leica M2 fan]

I'd send it back, like many have noted there are too many good ones
out there to spend time with one that needs so much attention.
Good luck.

 

[Vincent.G]

I bought the whole kit (S2 chrome dial + 50/2 black + Nikon 3.5cm brightline viewfinder) at US$650 plus shipping.

Meanwhile Don quoted me the following:
Nikon S2- complete overhaul- $315.00
Nikkor HC 2/50mm lens- complete overhaul- $150.00
Plus return shipping😱

I cannot use the "return" option on my eBay account. When I click "return item", I was prompted that the item was not bought on eBay (US site). Instead I have to contact the seller directly who indicated a 30-day return policy but I pay shipping.

Nonetheless the seller has just contacted me regarding my request for a return. He apologised and offered to pay the return shipping and a full refund.

 

[michaelwj]

Nonetheless the seller has just contacted me regarding my request for a return. He apologised and offered to pay the return shipping and a full refund.

As they should.

It will be interesting to see if the description gets updated once it's returned...