Nikon S2, would you buy one with slow SS issues?

[ChrisLivsey]

Comments on price should bear in mind the poster states "Europe" Nikon rangefinder prices over here are a step up on the USA, prices from the States and Japan look attractive but our customs will put on the VAT due and a hefty fee for doing that, in the UK the puts 20% on the cost + fee.
£375.00 is about the asking price for a body with those problems and that lens in the UK, they are uncommon here.
Would I buy it, no, for a little more a camera in full working order will turn up, the extra cost will be less than the minimum of £150 for a CLA here.

Just seen the new OP post: Beware those that say all taxes included, the importing countries inspectors don't read that!! That e-bay "all inclusive" p&p and taxes is a lie, personal experience.

IMHO the only reason to shoot the Ais f1.2 Nikkor is f1.2 beyond that it is as good as the other 50mm lenses, the f1.4 and the f2 in the rangefinder series are all very good to excellent, the later SLR series have, in my experience, more variability between lenses some are outstanding, particularly the f1.8 in some examples.
Beyond f1.2 that is a big heavy, although impressive, lens to carry the rangefinder glass is the equal in performance and the winner in weight.
Bear in mind the S2 is a fantastic 50mm shooter 1:1 viewfinder, uncluttered frame lines but stray into other focal lengths and you are into other finders, that may not bother you.

 

[Corran]

Anybody have a comparison of the two lenses?

Comparing these two lenses, and necessarily the two camera types, is simply an exercise of SLR vs. RF and old vs. new designs.

The f/1.4 RF lens is almost a soft-focus lens at f/1.4, with so much spherical aberration you might think it was broken. This cleans up a stop or so down. Contrast is lower overall, and center performance is pretty good but the corners are never great. It's best at f/5.6 or so in my opinion. The f/1.2 SLR lens also has some spherical aberrations at f/1.2 but not nearly as bad, but by f/2 is incredibly sharp on all but the highest-resolving digital sensors.

The f/1.4 RF lens has very little distortion while the f/1.2 SLR lens has gobs of barrel distortion that will noticeably fatten up a model or drive you crazy on buildings.

The f/1.4 RF lens is a tiny, lightweight lens (if you get the newer black-barrel version) while the f/1.2 SLR lens is humongous, with dangerously exposed glass. The RF lens can get lost in a pocket...the SLR lens will make your pants sag.

Of course the cameras are like night and day...manual vs. electronic, size is a factor, etc. But the S2 has a lot of charm, beautiful ergonomics and 1:1 finder that can be a joy to shoot in comparison.

It's all relative to how you want to shoot...

 

[Highway 61]

This all depends on other things than the slow speeds, which are not a problem to fix.

Overall cosmetics (chromes, black trims), condition of the main finder prism (clear and intact or desilvering spots), condition of the RF patch (contrasted or faded), "black dial" or "chrome dial" S2, black and chrome or all chrome lens, oil or not on the lens aperture blades, actual condition of the lens optics (front, rear, innards), condition of the shutter curtains, condition of the film rails in the film chamber...

 

[Fraser]

Nikon s2s do seem to be going up in price especially in the UK, as said already UK/Europe is a funny place to buy Nikon rfs as you just don't see that many.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The S2 is a great shooter, the best of all the Nikon RF's because of its great finder/rangefinder. The S Skopar 50mm f/2.5 is a great lens that sometimes can be had for a song.

Nikon S2, S Skopar 50mm f/2.5, 400-2TMY.

Erik.

 

[Highway 61]

Bravo Erik !

 

[steveyork]

The last five Nikon S2 with lens sales on that big auction site -- $581, $345, $379, $365, $304 (US dollars). Then some more costly sales. Prices seem to be all over the place.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Nicolas!

Erik.