So... what’s a Nikon RF like to use?

Thanks for all the responses - a common sort of theme seems to be to dip my toe in with an s2 which I think is sound advice. I'll be on the lookout for one with a proven focus patch.

The SP 2005 will have to wait a bit :D
 
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The rangefinder spot of the old Nikons often needs cleaning. A very simple job on the S2.


Erik.
 
Just acquired my (3rd) S3 2000, the viewfinder is brighter than my vintage SP, but just a smidge. The extra frame lines don’t bother me now as much as I remember from the previous two that I owned about ten years ago...
 
Each system has its advantages & quirks as well-described by previous posters.


Not too much to add, but will try to share my perspective. I have & use both vintage & reissue Nikon RFs (plus the CV Bessa R2S) along w/Leica Ms & screw-mount Leicas. I also use Zeiss Ikon Contax RFs (actually started out on them as my 1st interchangeable lens system RF), so I see the Nikon RFs as simply the final, updated in Japan, iteration of that line of RFs.


Because I do a lot of low-light shooting, Leica Ms are my go-to RF system (along w/Sony E-mount), but I like to shoot my Nikon & Contax RFs (& weirder systems like Kodak Ektra & Bell & Howell Foton) as a change of pace.
 
I’ve owned the S2 , the S3 reissue and SP original and reissue

S2 - can’t go wrong - wonderful camera nice RF patch
S3 - was harder for me to focus w the patch - not as contrasts as the SP’s or S2
SP - coolest looking camera ever - dual viewfinder is ok - I tend to use the main only even when shooting wide
Focus wheel - great to shoot one handed and like they said - effective to hold and change aperture
I tend to set and forget so don’t change aperture too often when out

Great cameras for 35-50, ok for 85. The viewfinder frame gets pretty small on the SP when you go higher
 
I much prefer the SP to the Contax IIa that I used to shoot. The 1:1 finder is excellent, and superb lenses are available for very reasonable cost.
 
I have an s2. I love/hate it.
The viewfinder is excellent. Lever film advance is nice. It is well built, reliable, but not a "tank" as others have suggested. The outer shell is fairly thin and can dent easily. Very reliable shutter once adjusted.
However the inner helicoid/outer bayonet mount is a total pain in the ass. The absolute worst thing anyone could have copied. And i hate hate hate the focus wheel. It is sharp, my middle finger rests on it if my index is on the shutter release. And if my finger is on it, it blocks me from focusing the lens normally with my left hand.

The 50mm 1.4 lens is poor at 1.4, ok at f2, excellent at 2.8 and down. The 85 f2 is a tank but a good performer. The 35mm f2.5 is excellent.
 
steveyork said:
Never owned a re-issue, but owned and used an original S3 and several S2 over a two year period. Light and compact, easy travel cameras, but the rangefinder patch on the S3 was a bit more "diluted" or "faded," even after cleaning the mirrors. Useable, but not as much fun to use as the S2. My understanding is that the S3 has a non-tinted viewfinder, which results in a less contrasty rangefinder patch. I think the same is true for the re-issue model. You either love it or hate it, I suppose.

Handled an old SP once but the patch was faded to the point of uselessness. Nikon rangefinder guys will tell you that most of them can be cleaned up.

Absolutely loved the focusing wheel, whether it be Nikon or Contax. Don't have to use it, but it allows one-handed shooting once the aperture and shutter speed is set.

No longer have any Nikon rangefinders. Fun shooting experience though. The reissue models seem like a good value these days.

Good luck on your decision.
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Have tried them all at least one film each, but have settled on the SP, but I only use the 50mm lens. I don’t like using two windows for focussing and shooting. I would be happy with a S2 but since I only use the 50 mm lens I chose the SP because it looks cooler. Don’t use the S3 as the rangefinder patches are less clear.
 
There is individual variability due to these cameras being 60+ years old, makes it iffy to conclude that all examples of a specific model behave the same.

How well individual cameras were handled/stored over the past decades is a far greater factor on viewfinder and RF clarity, when comparing identical models.

My first SP had an almost invisible RF patch but none I’ve owned since then were problematic.

As far as shutters are concerned, none of the S cameras I’ve owned have had curtain or speed issues, so I’ve never sent one out for CLA. And also the leather coverings are very robust. I’ve had SPs with foggy viewfinders but that was a simple DIY cleanup.
 
Several years ago I got my first SP and it had a very dim RF patch. I recently got a much better SP and this brings up the a question; what causes the finder to degrade, what can be done to prevent it, preserve it? Joe
 
darinwc said:
The 50mm 1.4 lens is poor at 1.4, ok at f2, excellent at 2.8 and down. The 85 f2 is a tank but a good performer. The 35mm f2.5 is excellent.
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Agreed, however, the 50mm f/1.4 has weak corners on all apertures. The 50mm f/2 has quite a lot of distortion. Look for a VC S Skopar 50mm f2.5, the best 50mm for the rangefinder Nikons. (Look above, it is mounted on my S2 above.)

Erik
 
Corran said:
Disagree. I prefer the indistinct patch of the Nikons over the sharp rectangle of Leicas. YMMV.
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Why? Just by your description that doesn't sound like the right choice!
With my cameras with the sharp rectangle (Leicas, Xpans) compared to the indistinct blob - Zorki, Fed, Agfa, Fuji GW690III etc - the Leicas are much faster to focus due to the contrast and being able to locate the patch instantly.

FYI just bought an S2, waiting for it to show up. So I'll see for myself how these lumps compare to Leicas.
 
Huss said:
Why? Just by your description that doesn't sound like the right choice!
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Sometimes our preferences are just that: Preferences. We don't always need reasons.

I've known a few people who say the sharp-edged Leica focusing patch is a distraction, whereas the indistinct Nikon patch is easy to ignore once you've set focus.
 
The only way that I know to do this is to buy one on eBay or somewhere and try it out. If you buy wisely you won't lose much if you don't like it and decide to sell it. I always figured that if I lost a little on something it was like renting it at a cut rate price.
 
The Nikon SP is a masterpiece. I love mine. I had Gus Lazzari restore mine and it is like brand new, even though it is from 1958. The optics are amazing. I love the unique signature of the 50 1.4 Nikkor. The lenses have very long focus throws so they are easy to focus very accurately. i put a very pale blue gel on the rangefinder window and it makes the patch pop now.
 
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