GarageBoy
Well-known
I know, but the idea of a "newly" made one is nice, and proof that Nikon's still got the chops
Who services these, btw?
menos
Veteran
Yes, the "buying new" vs old does something to the brain I suppose ;-)
Surely complicated assemblies like cemented and silvered optics in the rangefinder do have a certain life span but apart from that these cameras are really build to outlast their owners.
I do have a S3 and a SP reissue kit and love those cameras. I just received a beautiful vintage SP kit which has been serviced in Japan and let me tell you: that freshly serviced SP is smoother and better in almost every possible way than the "bought new" SP and S3 kits
While the re-issue focus helicoids are squeaky and feel rough (one hardly can focus with the focussing wheel), the vintage, serviced SP is perfectly smooth and light to the touch.
Even the film advance is different: no slop and no play in the serviced vintage SP while both the S3 + SP reissue have a bit of a "thrown together" feel to them.
The film backs on the reissues have a bit slop here and there and make the camera feel a bit tinny in your hand (as they give a little as to the slop and won't fit perfectly).
The film back on the serviced SP fits PERFECT - no slop, no give, just solid.
They all work just fine, it is just the little details you can see and feel when comparing them.
All of these will surely outlast any current electronic camera, creaking or not.
I would go with what camera has the features you really want.
Want an SP but can't justify the still pricier SP re-issue kits?
Get a nice vintage SP, have it serviced if it needs it and enjoy it until you hand it down to your grand kids ;-)
I am sure the issues described above could be easily adjusted if having those reissue kits serviced by the same gifted and dedicated technicians who serviced the vintage SP, but then again it will add to the higher prices of a "new" reissue kit to start with.
Also: I have seen many reissue kits described as "new" or "unopened" or "NOS" that really were not - careful who you buy from there!
Surely complicated assemblies like cemented and silvered optics in the rangefinder do have a certain life span but apart from that these cameras are really build to outlast their owners.
I do have a S3 and a SP reissue kit and love those cameras. I just received a beautiful vintage SP kit which has been serviced in Japan and let me tell you: that freshly serviced SP is smoother and better in almost every possible way than the "bought new" SP and S3 kits
While the re-issue focus helicoids are squeaky and feel rough (one hardly can focus with the focussing wheel), the vintage, serviced SP is perfectly smooth and light to the touch.
Even the film advance is different: no slop and no play in the serviced vintage SP while both the S3 + SP reissue have a bit of a "thrown together" feel to them.
The film backs on the reissues have a bit slop here and there and make the camera feel a bit tinny in your hand (as they give a little as to the slop and won't fit perfectly).
The film back on the serviced SP fits PERFECT - no slop, no give, just solid.
They all work just fine, it is just the little details you can see and feel when comparing them.
All of these will surely outlast any current electronic camera, creaking or not.
I would go with what camera has the features you really want.
Want an SP but can't justify the still pricier SP re-issue kits?
Get a nice vintage SP, have it serviced if it needs it and enjoy it until you hand it down to your grand kids ;-)
I am sure the issues described above could be easily adjusted if having those reissue kits serviced by the same gifted and dedicated technicians who serviced the vintage SP, but then again it will add to the higher prices of a "new" reissue kit to start with.
Also: I have seen many reissue kits described as "new" or "unopened" or "NOS" that really were not - careful who you buy from there!
steveyork
Well-known
A couple days ago on that big auction site I purchased a Nikon S3 2000 camera and lens along with leather case, boxes, ect. -- everything. A lot of people were watching the auction (50 or so using Collectiblend trick), so I was quite surprised that when the hammer dropped I was the high bidder at … $836 US. So surprised in fact, thought I missed something -- broken, fungus, ect. -- but no, it was described as like new, in working condition. After paying I received acknowledgment of the order. Then 24 hours later I got an apologetic call from the seller. Because of a snafu, the camera was sold in their brick and mortar store. The auction cancelled; money refunded. Sounds fishy, but they agreed to discount another camera purchased from them at the same time. I guess the universe just thought that was too good of a deal.
At the same time of the above referenced auction, the identical seller sold a Nikon SP limited set for $2950. Someone else purchased that camera. I just mention that as an additional data point for you Nikon rangefinder geeks.
Curiously, the week prior, on the same site, I followed the auction of a true mint chrome dial S2 and lens that was bid up past $1000. Seemed excessive.
So, in summary, prices tend to be all over the place.
At the same time of the above referenced auction, the identical seller sold a Nikon SP limited set for $2950. Someone else purchased that camera. I just mention that as an additional data point for you Nikon rangefinder geeks.
Curiously, the week prior, on the same site, I followed the auction of a true mint chrome dial S2 and lens that was bid up past $1000. Seemed excessive.
So, in summary, prices tend to be all over the place.
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
I was bidding on that SP set, but bailed out at the "extremely exceptional deal" level. The seller is honest, though, if my prior experience is any indication.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
No re-issues of the S2 afaik. A re-issue in black of the S2 would be desirable. The most beautiful of all the Nikon rangefinders. A great shooter too.
Erik.
Erik.
menos
Veteran
Yes Erik, we all would love a re-issue S2 black paint ;-)
