Using a 3.5cm on a Nikon S2 rangefinder

Timmyjoe

Timmyjoe

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Hi, I'm a nut on 35mm lenses, and have always wanted to try one of the Nikon Rangefinder 3.5cm varieties. Budget concern are keeping me to the 3.5cm f2.5 at the moment (it should arrive next week), and I want to use it on an S2. Oh Yeah, and I hate external finders.

My question, is anyone here using a 3.5cm(35mm) lens on an S2 without the external finder, and if so, how's that working out for you. I use a 35mm from time to time on my M3, without an external finder, estimating the framing, and use a 28mm on my M6 that only has frame lines for 35,50,90 and again, estimate the framing. Is it as easy to do with the S2 as it is with the Leicas?

Thanks for any and all input.

Best,
-Tim
 
Tim, my first S2 and 35/2.5 (plus other lenses and a zoom finder) just arrived this morning.

Comparing the view through the S2's VF against the zoom finder set to 35mm I think the camera shows about 80% of the view. It's close enough IMO to give it a try.

I wish someone would make a repro Nikon Mini Finder - that would be the perfect solution.
 
The S2 has a lifesize viewfinder. That's the beauty of it. There is very little to see outside the 50mm frameline. But you can keep both eyes open, than the field of view is bigger. Maybe that helps.

Erik.
 
It sounds like an S3 would be a perfect solution since it has 35mm frame lines. But, it's not an S2. - jim
 
I use a KMZ 35mm finder on my S2 when I got my J-12 on it.

The only time I do without a separate finder is when I use my Canon 7 and the Canon 25mm lens, and that is because the 7 does not have a built-in cold shoe for my 25mm VF.
 
barnwulf said:
It sounds like an S3 would be a perfect solution since it has 35mm frame lines. But, it's not an S2. - jim
Click to expand...

Comparing the viewfinder of the S2 and S3, I like the brightness and contrast of the S2 better, and my Leica diopters work with the S2. (I realize it could be the S2 & S3 examples I looked through, and I'm sure there's probably a wide range of brightness/contrast when you look at different samples of a camera that is nearly 60 years old)

Thanks for everyone's input so far. I'll get the 3.5cm lens next week and see how it goes with a test roll. I love how small the S2 is with the 3.5cm attached, and I fear sticking an external finder on it will make it nearly as big as my Nikon F.
 
I've used a 3.5cm on my S2 without an external finder before. Do what Erik says and shoot with both eyes open so you can see what the lens is seeing. Make sure your main subject is within the 5cm frame lines and relax. You'll know after one roll if it works for you or not.
 
I use a tiny, Japan-made external 35VF for my S2 with 35/2.5, works pretty well.

163771912.jpg
 
Timmyjoe said:
Hey Gabor, really like how compact that package is with the tiny viewfinder. Do you have a source for those?
Click to expand...

I bought this VF last year from Lemonsha Camera in Ginza/Tokyo. At that time there were two more available. I just checked their offerings but this was not listed anymore. I don`t know the maker, it just states "Made in Japan"
 
Okay, Thank you.

Well I got the camera and lens and shot some yesterday, I think I'm gonna be okay without an external viewfinder. The shots yesterday came out as I imagined them, so for now, I think I'm good.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

Best,
-Tim
 
maddoc said:
I bought this VF last year from Lemonsha Camera in Ginza/Tokyo. At that time there were two more available. I just checked their offerings but this was not listed anymore. I don`t know the maker, it just states "Made in Japan"
Click to expand...
It looks like the legendary CV 28/35 Minifinder. But it's probably been made with a finder removed from a disposable camera or something like that.

I have used my S2 with the 35/2.5 without any external finder. It kinda works if you remove your glasses and frame with absolutely everything you see in the viewfinder. Like Erik said, keeping both eyes open helps a little bit.
 
What a fun camera. Am having a ball with this Nikon S2 and the 3.5cm f2.5 lens. The viewfinder on the camera is bright, crisp, and a joy to use, and estimating the 35mm framing has not been an issue so far.
 
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