S3 vs R2S

ellisson

ellisson

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I enjoy my S2 and 50/1.4 (50's version) and would like a second Nikon body. I'm thinking about the S3 2000 edition or the R2S with 50/3.5 heliar set. I'm a user first, collector not much, so the gear will be used. I'm impressed by what I read of the viewfinder and ease of use of the R2S, though not the classic look and build of the S3. So, is it worth the extra thousand $ or more for the S3 (and millenium 50/1.4) from a user point of view?
Thanks,
Gary
 
I have an S3 2000 (& a Bessa R2C) & enjoy using it, but from a user perspective, I don't see any reason to get the S3 2000, other than the great, modernized "Olympic" 50/1.4 that comes with it. Depending on your preferences, the S3 might make a nice replacement for the S2, but you're basically getting a new 1950s body, whereas the R2S brings the advantage of better framelines (albeit @ the price of a lower-magnification VF), built-in meter, faster top shutter speed, etc.
 
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I had the same doubts, after getting the S's and the S2's... I wonder.. between the S3 or R2S.. (some day I'll get and SP but that's a different story).. and got two R2S NHS sets (One of them from Andrea Bruni weeks before he pass away) and never look back.. but I have enough 50's from old chromes to new Black's and the Heliar.. so I can not complain.
 
R2s

R2s

The meter is nice, I've heard there may be problems from time to time with the wind gears, gears are plastic and break if forced,
jim
 
apples and oranges

apples and oranges

you are comparing apples and oranges, an expensive classic design to a much improved modern design of much lower price point.

The Nikon S3 2000 with lens sold for $5000 when first released. The Voigtlander Bessa R2S sells for $749 with the 50/3.5 Heliar.

The Nikon is much better made, as it should be for more than a 5x more expensive camera. Better build, better fit and finish, and quieter shutter go to the Nikon.

The R2S has an incredibly better viewfinder and bright rangefinder patch compared to the Nikon S3, which alone makes it a much better shooting camera in most circumstances. The R2S TTL metering is also a huge advantage to most photogs. Faster film loading and rewinding also go to the Bessa. In use the R2S has proven to be a dependable camera

But in the end the choice comes down to personal preferences. Both answers are right.

Stephen
 
Gary, what lenses do you shot most often? While I've had several Bessas (T, L and R) I have to say I my S3-2000 feels a lot more solid. As a matter a fact I sold my Leica Ms and kept my S3 I like it so much. Now I have to say part of it is because I also use Nikon SLRs and want two systems that handle the same. Built in meter is handy but I gave up an M6 and doing find. For wide stuff I find incident metering a lot better.

I love my 50/1.4 Millennium and have added a 105/2.5 and 35/1.8. I'm going to be selling my CV 25/4 shortly, much as I love her, I need to cash. My S2 system was a chrome 50, a 105 both Nikkors and a CV 25/4. For me, the perfect 2 body Nikon RF system would be a S3 for the 50 and 105 and an S2 for the 25.

I'd just rather have cameras that will long out last me.

B2 (;->
 
With its TTL metering and focus patch comparable to a Leica M, the R2S is such a sensible camera. I tried to like it, I really did. I've owned, and sold, three 🙄

My head said the TTL metering is convenient, and the focus patch is easy to use, but my heart was non-responsive to how the R2S looked, and felt in the hand. It's no Nikon.

I'd take the S3 over the R2S any day 🙂

Not logical, I know, but since when did shooting with a Nikon rangefinder make any sense 😉
 
Bill, I shoot with the 50/1.4 and 35/2.5 on my S2, and do appreciate the solid and comfortable feel of the Nikon RFs.

As much as I like the S2 (and won't give it up!), I'm usually pushing up and fumblng with my glasses to get the best look through the finder, thus my hesitation in getting the S3 and consideration of the R2S as a second body for the shots I need to get quickly. But as you and Stephen mention, there is no comparison in terms of feel and construction. Its easy to see why we love these cameras!

Gary
 
I own an R2S and it's a very fine camera (as are all the Bessa's IMO). My main hesitation, which would also be my hesitation with an S3 2000, is that by using it I depreciate it since it's undoubtedly a collectible. I also own a Nikon S, which is a user, but a good one, and it gets the shooting duties with Nikon lenses.
 
Oh yes I concur with Gandy, the viewfinder is really superb on the R2S. It's gears and mechanisms seem pretty solid to me, with the possible exception of the lever to change frame lines. I bought as a backup to my S, but now I'm sort of hesitant to use it since it has clear collectible value. The frame lines are really handy: 35/50/85
 
By the way, most Nikon S/S2/S3/S4's these days one encounters need service - there's nothing magical about their durability over time - good, but hardly infallible.
 
I have both - I very seldom bring out my R2s. It is hard to say why - probably simply the fact that it lack the "feeling". Also - if you want the TTL etc then there are so many better choices like the FM2 etc.
Jon
 
My basic setup is an S and R2S (21/35 on Nikon and 85 Bessa) This combo gives 80% of the options I may need..
If I do need to have only one camera.. I pickup the S2 with CV28 a Nikkor 5cm and small and old sekonic needle meter.
On the other hand while the S3 is a fabulous camera I rather try (try try..) to save for an SP, while the R2S does not get One broke too much, of course that is just me....
I must say that is best for the buck (unless you find an S2 in good condition that is).. oh well, like Jon said, it makes no sense at all...but I'm not rational either.
 
The R2S reminds me of a Toyota Tercel, well built, does the job, and gets you where you want to go economically, but no great thrill to drive and not much to look at.

I like my R2S fine, but if I had my druthers I'd use my S, but it has a shutter problem and the local Nikon guys want a fortune to fix it.
 
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Ship S to me...

Ship S to me...

steamer my relax is repair S camera, also for free... if you like ship it to me, only one problem i'm in Italy, but if for you isn't a problem contact me.....
 
The solution...

The solution...

I found a user SP, ready to shoot and in excellent overall condition at a price about midway between that of an S3 2000 set and a new R2S set. Importantly, I was very comfortable with the finder: Even wearing glasses, I had no trouble locating all of the framelines. This is a pretty good fit for my needs, so I'm a new SP owner! Thanks everyone for information and recommendations.🙂 Gary
 
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