So, I bought an S3

[S.H.]

A few years ago when I was actively collecting cameras I liked to buy clean but cheap Zeiss Contax and Kiev collectibles, this range of cameras always fascinated me. I ended up with a lot of Sonnars but a few 35mm as well: postwar Jena Biogon (2! I did not even remember I had 2), Orthometar, Planar and an Orion 28. I never seriously used them because I was never at ease with the squinty RF and the external VF, both having the habit of scratching my glasses.



I tend to shoot more with a 35 nowadays so it feels wrong letting these little things in a cupboard, and I took a chance buying an S3 n°6311xxx from japan for a reasonable price. Advertised as working very well with a clean contrasty finder. Still have a few weeks to wait, airmail being snail-mail these days. I know it is not supposed to be an ideal solution with glasses but an external VF is not either, so I'll see... I always secretly lusted for a Nikon RF anyway, even if I already have a F, a M3 and a M4 so I can't say I need it.



They are very uncommon in Europe, and seemed costly elsewhere (mostly found in the US) when I looked some years ago. Are they out of fashion compared to Ms now?
I'll report back when I have it (hopefully), and when I have some pictures. Feel free to comment!

 

[marcr1230]

Congrats - just be careful, it's a slippery slope. you start with an S3, then you need an S2, then an SP...

 

[Range-rover]

It's true I just purchased a SP and really like it, I got it from a dealer here
in the states and it's really nice. I'm going to find a nice 35mm F2.5 for
it and with the black 50mm 1.4 that came with it should be good to go.
The S3 is a great camera as well close to the SP, when you get it if you
have the right screw drivers ( I Dremeled down my own) I removed the
front and cleaned the fog in the inside front elements and the viewfinder
is clear and focuses nice or you might be lucky and it's good when you get
it, enjoy it.

 

[Bingley]

Congrats on your S3! I have a similar story... started w/ Contax RFs, first a IIIa and then a IIa, and some nice Sonnar and Biogon lenses. Then the shutter on my IIa broke and I sent it off for repair, which will take months probably. So, in the meantime, I saw an ad for a clean black dial Nikon S2 from Japan and snagged it. It arrived about a month ago and it’s a beauty. I may “need” an S3 at some point. Please post pix from your S3 when it arrives!

 

[Erik van Straten]

I may “need” an S3 at some point. Please post pix from your S3 when it arrives!

I guess you think you need an S3 when using a 35mm lens, but the black Nikon 35mm bright line finder will do fine on your S2, Steve.

Nikon S2/Nikon35mm bright line finder/Nikkor 35mm f/1.8/TMY400/AdoxMCC110.

Erik.

 

[Range-rover]

Great shot Eric.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Range.


Erik.

 

[raid]

What a fine image, Erik!

I have a like new S3-2000 sitting in its box.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Raid! This shot is taken with a chrome chrome dial Nikon S2. Now I also have a black paint chrome dial Nikon S2.

The Nikon S2 is the most underestimated camera in the whole history of photography. Maybe we must start a thread on underestimated cameras.

Erik.

 

[S.H.]

I wouldn't say underestimated : I did some research before buying and the S2 seems to get much more sympathy that the S3... and S3 does not cost that much more, despite being less common.

Anyway, regarding the slippery slope : I can see myself rationalizing a Nikkor 50 and/or 105, just because...

A test shot from the Orthometar on my M8 I took years ago:



Crop:



(usable with an adapter on an M, but somewhat clumsy, I'd prefer a native mount)

 

[hap]

Parts for these Nikon RF cams are not easy to find. There are people around who can "repair" and CLA but without your own auxiliary parts camera, it can be problematic.

I'm looking to replace the front glass of the small window on an SP. I've not yet found someone who can/will do that.

 

[splitimageview]

I had an SP with broken front glass, I cut my own glass. It was indistinguishable from the original part.

 

[hap]

Yes, I thought of that. I believe the glass is held by two small screws and a frame on the inside of the face plate. But I have no skill finding or cutting glass. Seems like anyone could do that with reasonable skills. SG suggested that I have a parts camera.

But still , it's an omen or better yet a shot over my bow that an investment in a Nikon RF not like making an investment in a Leica. There's a "fat tail" risk. Somebody like DAG might look around for a Nikon parts bin to acquire.

Yes, still have the Nicca 3.

Hap

 

[splitimageview]

You might ask DAG about it, or another tech.

 

[hap]

You might ask DAG about it, or another tech.

I will do that.

Replacing the glass could be problematic. It's likely that Nikon used a tinted or even coated glass which is not available. Perhaps you can tell me if you sourced a special glass or how you sourced at all? Had to at least match thickness.

A little bit of clear silicone might be appropriate until a real fix as it would keep moisture out.

 

[Bingley]

I guess you think you need an S3 when using a 35mm lens, but the black Nikon 35mm bright line finder will do fine on your S2, Steve.

Nikon S2/Nikon35mm bright line finder/Nikkor 35mm f/1.8/TMY400/AdoxMCC110.

Erik.

Wonderful shot, Erik! I was being a little tongue in cheek about needing an S3... I’m still getting acquainted with my S2. And I’m sure the metal Voigtlander 35mm finder will also work fine... it’s what I use on my LTM bottomloaders...����

 

[splitimageview]

I will do that.

Replacing the glass could be problematic. It's likely that Nikon used a tinted or even coated glass which is not available. Perhaps you can tell me if you sourced a special glass or how you sourced at all? Had to at least match thickness.

A little bit of clear silicone might be appropriate until a real fix as it would keep moisture out.

You might chat with someone at https://www.edmundoptics.com/, that’s where I got a suitable replacement for the glass on my SP.

They likely have something that will work as well as the original.

 

[splitimageview]

Wonderful light! Superb.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thanks! It was late summer in Amsterdam when the sun was low and shining through the side streets late in the afternoon so that I could anticipate when she was in the sun. The streetcar was driving fast.


Erik.

 

[p.giannakis]

Great shot indeed!