Question about mould on an S2

[John Cox]

I'm in the market for an older rangefinder. I've found a really nice one, but from the seller's pictures I can't tell whether there is mould on it.
Is this normal or something I should worry about?
I've attached a screen shot if you have any opinions as to whether its mould or just normal wear (IE abrasion).

 

[alfredian]

I'm leaning towards wear/abrasion

I'm leaning towards wear/abrasion

Given that there are also "dimple" dents in the cassette chamber as well, I'm leaning towards wear/abrasion rather than fungus. Also pointing away from mold/mildew is the totally smooth-clear-clean surfaces on the rear area around the shutter port - and the shutter curtains look great, and they're usually the worst area for mold. Mold/fungi need something to "eat" - like the silk proteins in the curtains. Hard to tell from the screen shot but the top end of the cassette chamber, around the shiny prong-thing, appears to be "nice".

Or (here's a thought) a previous owner hand-rolled their own film and used something like goopy medical adhesive/sticking plaster as labels on the roll.

Inquire of the seller - if this is on the 'bay, seller either acknowledges a flaw up front or Buyer gets a straight go at return/refund. Simple question: Seller, does this stuff wipe off with a damp tissue?

I have, at best estimate, about a dozen S2 bodies. The only funkiness I've ever seen tends to be in the viewfinder, at least in mine. Auction-site photos of blotchy shutter curtains turn "mint, like new" into "paperweight". Final word: find a Nikon S2 you love and stick with it forever.--alfredian

 

[John Cox]

Thanks alot

 

[SolaresLarrave]

That area is a bit too exposed to have any fungus. You may find it where there's something it eats, like in between lens elements (apparently, it'd feed on the glue) and perhaps in a viewfinder, but not there. The marks look like abrasions to me. All in all, it looks like a safe purchase if this is the only concern you have. How about the RF alignment or the cleanliness of the finder?

Good luck shopping!

 

[John Cox]

Thanks just pulled the trigger. Down the road I'd like to get a Voigtlander 50 1.5 SC for it. Is there anyone like DAG (equivalent) that can do a calibration of lens to body and if needed a CLA?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

See to get a Nikon 50mm f1.4 instead. It's a great lens, even if some say the look is old-fashioned (image-wise speaking). You wouldn't need any adjustment with it.

Now... if you're wondering about a specialist on these cameras, let's see who else chimes in. The one and only time I needed to have mine looked at, I sent it to Don Goldberg.

Congratulations on the nice toy! 🙂

 

[bucs]

My S2 has somewhat a dim rf 2nd image so watch out for that one too. Not sure if it can be replaced as in Leica screwmounts

I love my S2 and I bring it more than my M3 just because the M3 with a dr summicron is very heavy!

 

[Frontman]

Thanks just pulled the trigger. Down the road I'd like to get a Voigtlander 50 1.5 SC for it. Is there anyone like DAG (equivalent) that can do a calibration of lens to body and if needed a CLA?

I wouldn't bother trying to calibrate the lens to the camera, the Nikon rangefinders are quite solidly made, and will focus within spec. You should make sure the screws which hold on the focusing helicoid are tight, I do find some cameras were these screws have loosened up a bit.

You can clean the rangefinder windows a bit by removing the front plate, this is done by taking out the four screws which hold it in place. You have to wiggle it a little bit to get it over the focus wheel. You can use the same screw driver to remove the the windows which cover the prisms. Clean them with lens cleaning fluid and cotton swabs, be careful not to lose the screws, they are small. While the front cover is off, you can make sure the four screws which hold on the focusing helicoid are tight.

The Voigtlander 50/1.5 is a superb lens, it is the lens which is permanently attached to my Leica M4. The Nikkor 50/1.4 lenses are very good, but get a later model with the black body, make sure that there is no deterioration inside the rear elements.