BillBingham2
Registered User
DO NOT READ THIS POST. NAS (Nikon Acquisition Sickness) might get into your blood stream........
I used to use my M4-P and M6 with a 35 'Cron on it with one hand. The focusing tab as about in the right place and in the other hand I used a Vivitar 283, weddings and night stuff. It worked OK for most of time and when it didn't I used a few fingers from my left hand.
Because everything is not in the sweat spot for what an RF does (without lots of add-ons) I carried a Nikon SLR with two lenses. 85/1.8 and 180/2.8 ED (and a teleconverter) that allowed me to reach out for stuff I could not get any other way. It was a bit of a pain as I had to think about which camera I was bringing to my eye to shoot with. You see I adjust my cameras as I bring them up for focus and/or exposure. Nikons move one way and Leica's move the other. While it worked I never got used to it. I think that cameras are a tool and to me a good tool is one that you do not think about when you are using. It blends into a part of you so you can concentrate on the task at hand, not what you are using. Even though both tools were world class and I can use them in my sleep, together not so much.
After a very expensive and frustrating nine month trip with two Keivs and 1 FED-2 that included shipping them back across the pond to a well known serviceman I had it. I really like the hold on the Keiv but could not justify any more russian roulette with time, film or cash.
I bought what looked to be a good S2 and 50/1.4 on Evil Bay and had it shipped right to Stephen for CLA. While I knew the shutter would be fine, I did not want to loose any more time. She came back wonderful, all adjusted and cleaned. I found that I like the S2 even better for one-handed work than any of the other camera that I ever had. The focusing wheel worked like a charm on the 50 and with a 25/4 CV that I got. This was the RF I had been longing for for years. Damn I should have looked at the used Nikons when I first bought my M4-P new years ago. I should have stopped there but I added a 105/2.5, the classic. It was a perfect three lens kit.
It did not stop there, I went for a somewhat used S3-2000 and picked up a CV 35/2.5. The built in frame lines almost required it. Then I got a 35/1.8 Nikkor and sold the CV 35.
Nikon RFs are faster loading than an M. The 1:1 finder ROCKS and when you add an AR-1 IMHO it does not get any better. Sold all of my Leica glass and Ms (including my Bessas) and did not miss them, except the 15/4.5 CV. I was looking for an F to S adapter so I could buy the CV 15 F mount but did not find one.
While I really liked my Ms and the cost of a RapidWinder for the M is much less than the S3/SP versions when the come out, I will never go back. I like the look of Nikkors and there still is enough great CV glass at very good prices. I sold all my film RF stuff (except for stuff I got from my father) but I can tell you if I ever go back to a Film RF it will only be a Nikon and odds are it will be an S2. I will have a 50/1.4 and a CV 28 and that will be all I need. I found that the 28 matches the full frame on the S2 very nicely.
I think you will love an S2 or an S3-2000 that you can pick up for a bit more these days. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
B2 (;->
I used to use my M4-P and M6 with a 35 'Cron on it with one hand. The focusing tab as about in the right place and in the other hand I used a Vivitar 283, weddings and night stuff. It worked OK for most of time and when it didn't I used a few fingers from my left hand.
Because everything is not in the sweat spot for what an RF does (without lots of add-ons) I carried a Nikon SLR with two lenses. 85/1.8 and 180/2.8 ED (and a teleconverter) that allowed me to reach out for stuff I could not get any other way. It was a bit of a pain as I had to think about which camera I was bringing to my eye to shoot with. You see I adjust my cameras as I bring them up for focus and/or exposure. Nikons move one way and Leica's move the other. While it worked I never got used to it. I think that cameras are a tool and to me a good tool is one that you do not think about when you are using. It blends into a part of you so you can concentrate on the task at hand, not what you are using. Even though both tools were world class and I can use them in my sleep, together not so much.
After a very expensive and frustrating nine month trip with two Keivs and 1 FED-2 that included shipping them back across the pond to a well known serviceman I had it. I really like the hold on the Keiv but could not justify any more russian roulette with time, film or cash.
I bought what looked to be a good S2 and 50/1.4 on Evil Bay and had it shipped right to Stephen for CLA. While I knew the shutter would be fine, I did not want to loose any more time. She came back wonderful, all adjusted and cleaned. I found that I like the S2 even better for one-handed work than any of the other camera that I ever had. The focusing wheel worked like a charm on the 50 and with a 25/4 CV that I got. This was the RF I had been longing for for years. Damn I should have looked at the used Nikons when I first bought my M4-P new years ago. I should have stopped there but I added a 105/2.5, the classic. It was a perfect three lens kit.
It did not stop there, I went for a somewhat used S3-2000 and picked up a CV 35/2.5. The built in frame lines almost required it. Then I got a 35/1.8 Nikkor and sold the CV 35.
Nikon RFs are faster loading than an M. The 1:1 finder ROCKS and when you add an AR-1 IMHO it does not get any better. Sold all of my Leica glass and Ms (including my Bessas) and did not miss them, except the 15/4.5 CV. I was looking for an F to S adapter so I could buy the CV 15 F mount but did not find one.
While I really liked my Ms and the cost of a RapidWinder for the M is much less than the S3/SP versions when the come out, I will never go back. I like the look of Nikkors and there still is enough great CV glass at very good prices. I sold all my film RF stuff (except for stuff I got from my father) but I can tell you if I ever go back to a Film RF it will only be a Nikon and odds are it will be an S2. I will have a 50/1.4 and a CV 28 and that will be all I need. I found that the 28 matches the full frame on the S2 very nicely.
I think you will love an S2 or an S3-2000 that you can pick up for a bit more these days. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
B2 (;->
BillBingham2
Registered User
BTW,
My friend Cale has my first S2!
B2 (;->
My friend Cale has my first S2!
B2 (;->
bobkonos
Well-known
Francisco:
I have two wonderful chrome Nikon S2 cameras and numerous 50mmf1.4 Nikkor lenses. I only need one S2 body...
Tick,..tick,...tick.
-Bob (always here to help)
I have two wonderful chrome Nikon S2 cameras and numerous 50mmf1.4 Nikkor lenses. I only need one S2 body...
Tick,..tick,...tick.
-Bob (always here to help)
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Bill B... you're not helping...
Bob, I remember you. That particular day (when we got separated by our own photographic aims), Ken had his Nikon RF and the rest of us were equipped with Leicas. I didn't know you were a Nikon shooter as well.
As I said above... let's see what happens with a camera I'm interested on. In the meanwhile, aside from KEH, I have found Nikon RFs in one of the stores I have bookmarked. Seems they have a somewhat reduced or selective audience...
Bob, I remember you. That particular day (when we got separated by our own photographic aims), Ken had his Nikon RF and the rest of us were equipped with Leicas. I didn't know you were a Nikon shooter as well.
As I said above... let's see what happens with a camera I'm interested on. In the meanwhile, aside from KEH, I have found Nikon RFs in one of the stores I have bookmarked. Seems they have a somewhat reduced or selective audience...
back alley
IMAGES
how much is an s2 with a 50 going for these days?
The S2 is a cool looking camera! I love the old style "Nikon" font of the S2. Too bad it was changed on later cameras. I will be the happy owner of a second black dial S2 soon. Can't wait
bobkonos
Well-known
The S2 is a cool looking camera! I love the old style "Nikon" font of the S2. Too bad it was changed on later cameras. I will be the happy owner of a second black dial S2 soon. Can't wait
Excellent! I finally got a mint one, with 5cm f1.4 lens, shade, case, and IB awhile ago. Glad to have one again. Only the S4 eludes me (forget about the S3m!)
Hope you are well. September planning now.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Between $500 and $900, if we use eBay as criteria. I think KEH has both, camera and lens, priced within this range (and we all know about their return policy).
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Hey Francisco, y'know the annual camera & photo show is in Skokie tomorrow! There were a small handful of S2s there last year, so there's no reason to think you couldn't walk away with one this year. Guessing Jim (rff member sp9107) will have a table - maybe send him a pm to confirm? He had a load of gorgeous Nikons last year. I'm not trying to spend your money or anything..
Cale, we have an 11-month old child (a boy)... I wish I could go and get together with other people who speak the same language... but my wife would kill me.
Plus, Skokie is a bit of a drive for us. Otherwise, I might negotiate something... But no such luck...
Thanks for letting me know!
back alley
IMAGES
has it been 11 months already?
time to gear up for the big 1st birthday party...
time to gear up for the big 1st birthday party...
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
Francisco... Beware of the S2, it's the beginning of the Nikon RF addiction cycle. From mine I went to a SP, then an S3 2000. The darm things are just too cool.
If you ever make it back to SF you'll have to bring the S2, if you have one.
Kent
If you ever make it back to SF you'll have to bring the S2, if you have one.
Kent
Black S2 with Compact Portrait Lens
Black S2 with Compact Portrait Lens
aka black Nikkor 1000/6.3 and Nikon Reflex housing
http://cameraquest.com/nrf1000.htm
Black S2 with Compact Portrait Lens
aka black Nikkor 1000/6.3 and Nikon Reflex housing
http://cameraquest.com/nrf1000.htm
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Hi, Kent... thanks for the warning. It did have some effect. I've been able to sleep well lately... but now that I can claim benefits for Father's Day, I'm thinking about celebrating it the best possible way.
New gear... to photograph the boy!
Steve, that is a mean looking camera. But the lens is really nice and compact... so portable...
New gear... to photograph the boy!
Steve, that is a mean looking camera. But the lens is really nice and compact... so portable...
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
UPDATE: I have located a target. The price is very right ($511, shipping included) for a camera, lens, hood and case.
David Murphy
Veteran
The danger with the Nikon rangefinder system is that one's tastes start simple, and trend one way: towards the exotic. The exotic in the Nikon RF universe is really exotic too. Many of the most interesting lenses, cameras, and accessories were made in very small quantities. It's a wonderful sort of way to suffer!
ferider
Veteran
I predict that the next challenge, Francisco, will be to stay away from a 35/1.8.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Most excellent Francisco!
While the 35/1.8 is well worth lusting for I still say get a CV 28/3.5 then call it DONE.
Beware of NAS, it makes GAS seem livable!
B2 (;->
While the 35/1.8 is well worth lusting for I still say get a CV 28/3.5 then call it DONE.
Beware of NAS, it makes GAS seem livable!
B2 (;->
Congrats on the BD S2 Bob!
Though I have to ask, what's an IB?Look forward to meeting up in September!
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Thanks, Jon... and about your question, I think IB stands for "in box."