What's the best way to sample Nikon RF?

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steveyork

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Hypothetically, of course, not that I'm really interested, despite all the gorgeous pictures you people post, and despite Steve's great deals on CV lenses, and despite what appears to be some very low prices on S3 limiteds that pop up on Ebay. And if the 'woman who must be obeyed' yells at me for buying more camera stuff, I'm blaming all of you! Seriously, what's the most user friendly and best introduction to Nikon RF?

My experience with old cameras and lenses has not been good (they take a lot of money to bring up to par).

Are the best viewfinders likely to be found on the limited editions?

Thanks in advance.
 
An S3 2000 is great, but it may not be the best introduction to the Nikon rangefinder experience. It will set you back somewhere around US$2000 with the 50/1.4 attached. If you want to try a Nikon RF, just to see if you like it, you can pick up an S2 with 50mm for around US$500 on eBay. It's probably best to stick to reputable sellers with accurate descriptions/return policies especially if you have had bad experiences in the past.

The limited edition S3 2000 viewfinder is the same as that of the old S3. Maybe the rangefinder patch is a bit better. Is that what you mean?
 
Actually, the best patches are likely to be found on cameras showing a lot of wear. Many vintage cameras with few signs of usage are probably that way because their rangefinders were not bright enough or contrasty enough to permit them to be used.
I suspect that the best introduction to the Nikon rangefinder experience would be a trip to Japan where it appears you can go to one store and look at, and (presumably) play with examples of virtually all the models available, and then make an informed choice.
 
jonmanjiro said:
Some of the threads you've posted in so far:

What will a Leica M user experience...
viewfinders of sp 2005, s3 2000, and bessa r2s
Voigtlander R2S Questions

Still need more information, Steve?
Click to expand...

I probably don't "need" any information, just like I don't "need" another camera. The posts here on rangefinder forum are very informative and accurate, because they're based on lots of experience. I really do appreciate the vicarious knowledge. I'm just looking for something to push me into or out of the decision -- today I'm leaning toward doing it.

It would be based purely on want and experiencing something new. My Leicas are more then adequate for my needs. And I'm not a "gear head," because generally I get rid of something when I get something. I just like experiencing new and different things.

You can read or hear people talk about using this or that, but until you sue it yourself, you don't have a full appreciation.

Just ignore me if I'm getting redundant or annoying.
 
S2 and 50/1.4 lens. This combo got me into RFers and now I use M bodies and Nikkor lenses. Really though, the S2 was a pure joy to shoot. The little wheel to focus was sorely missed when I bought my first M, but I adapted OK.
 
Well, if it's just hypothetical -- get a life-size photo of one of the cameras in question, cut it out and paste it to a cardboard box.
 
You can always buy one from some store that allows returns, see for yourself, and then just return it.

Another way is to look for a Kiev III or IV, with a Jupiter or Helios lens... but then, you wouldn't like it. Scrap that...

I was offered a chance to handle one... and took a pass (which I regretted). In the end, I wound up buying a Nikon S2 with the 50mm f1.4 lens in silver chrome. It's a nice body, lighter than my M3, with a VF slightly less luminous if used indoors (no difference if used outdoors), and the type of sharpness that hurts.

Hopefully you will have access to a store where they have a nice stock of used gear. If not... try catch-and-return. 🙂
 
Coming from M cameras - the Nikon's has a bit of a steep learning curve. Focus is opposite, rangefinder patch is different, focus throw seems to go on forever - and that damned focus wheel will drive you nuts initially.
However, all of this notwithstanding, the Nikon's are great "picture takers". The framelines in a S2 puts a M3 to shame for 50's. The long focus throw first drives you nuts, but then you realize that pin point accuracy is easier than with a M. Loading is different, I dont know if it is better than an M (but then I have 50+ years experience of loading M's and only 10-12 with Nikons).
A major advantage is the reliability of the Nikon's. Of the 14 that I have (dont ask) only one had a capping shutter when I got it and a couple have slightly faded rangefinder patches (which I was aware of when I got them). The bodies are cheaper than M's (S2/S3) as a rule - and mostly come with the lenses (50f1.4 or 50f2 - both stellar performers even today). The "basic" lenses are reaonably priced (35f2.5, 85f2 and 105f2.5) - you can put together a really good outfit with some careful shopping, for less than a M6 with a 50f2 Summicron.
I find that I tend to go between Nikon's and M's - but rarely at the same time. A S3 and the 35f2.5 and a 105f2.5 with a S2 and the 50f1.4 is about all you need.
Another advantage with Nikon's - the rare stuff is so damned expensive that you wont even consider it (21f4, 25f4, 50f1.1 and 85f1.5, S36 motor etc.) and stick with the basic kit and shoot instead!
 
Steve,

Take the plunge. Get an S2 with a 50/1.4 Nikkor and a CV 28/3.5 and it's all you need. They do not cost that much. If you want to save have the S2 shipped to Stephen directly for a CLA (or Pete Smith in FLA) and life is good.

You should have no problems with selling what you purchased for a little less than you have sunk into them at about any time. You should loose only a part of the CLA.

JUST DO IT!!!

B2 (;->
 
BillBingham2 said:
Steve,

Take the plunge. Get an S2 with a 50/1.4 Nikkor and a CV 28/3.5 and it's all you need. They do not cost that much. If you want to save have the S2 shipped to Stephen directly for a CLA (or Pete Smith in FLA) and life is good.

You should have no problems with selling what you purchased for a little less than you have sunk into them at about any time. You should loose only a part of the CLA.

JUST DO IT!!!

B2 (;->
Click to expand...

Too funny. I live only a couple of miles from Pete's store. I didn't know he worked on rangefinders. His shop is filled with a bunch of old Fs. If you stop by, he'll bring out the two that have been with him for the last 40 or so years when he was a local reporter. They are the only two things in his shop "not for sale."

My one story about Pete is that I brought a Leica R lens into him during a Leicaflex phase I had a few years back. It had a loose piece and he tightened it up for me. It took him only a few minutes, and I was going to pay him something for his work, but he refused payment. He said something like, "I don't charge anything when it takes so little time."
 
BillBingham2 said:
Take the plunge. Get an S2 with a 50/1.4 Nikkor and a CV 28/3.5 and it's all you need. They do not cost that much. If you want to save have the S2 shipped to Stephen directly for a CLA (or Pete Smith in FLA) and life is good.
Click to expand...
This is good advice. I've not used the CV 28/3.5, but it's well regarded by most. I personally would pick up the original Nikkor for under $200 for a chrome version for between $400-500 for a black version. I agree that the S2 is the Nikon RF to have. They are just so nice. I now basically have 4. I'll need to sell two off before long. Nikon didn't make a single bad 50mm lens as far as I've seen, so keep an eye out for any S2 with any 50mm lens. My small S2 kit will be the Zeiss 25/28 finder, W-Nikkor 2.8cm f/3.5, and either a 50/2 or 50/1.4 classic with a pocket fill of Velvia.
 
steveyork said:
I probably don't "need" any information, just like I don't "need" another camera. The posts here on rangefinder forum are very informative and accurate, because they're based on lots of experience. I really do appreciate the vicarious knowledge. I'm just looking for something to push me into or out of the decision -- today I'm leaning toward doing it.

It would be based purely on want and experiencing something new. My Leicas are more then adequate for my needs. And I'm not a "gear head," because generally I get rid of something when I get something. I just like experiencing new and different things.

You can read or hear people talk about using this or that, but until you sue it yourself, you don't have a full appreciation.

Just ignore me if I'm getting redundant or annoying.
Click to expand...

Oops, forgot to add a smiley in my post 😉

As I said in response to your recent post in the ShowOff Your Nikon RF thread just buy one and try it. You know you want to 😀

And I agree that the S2 is the best one to "try" 🙂

P.S. Welcome back Mister E 🙂
 
Mister E said:
......My small S2 kit will be the Zeiss 25/28 finder, W-Nikkor 2.8cm f/3.5, and either a 50/2 or 50/1.4 classic with a pocket fill of Velvia.
Click to expand...

My S2 kit was a CV 25/4 and 50/1.4 & 105/2.5 Nikkors. Figured out I should use an F for the 105 instead, though it worked well on my S2. I suggest the 28/3.5 because it would have worked with without an external finder. Not perfect framing but a lot closer than my 25 was. A classic Nikkor 28 would be wonderful but I loved the 25 CV on my Leicas.

B2 (;->
 
CV minifinder for 28/35 is a good match on an S2 for shooting wides. It's actually considerably better than the wide-angle finder built into the SP.
 
BillBingham2 said:
Steve,

Take the plunge. Get an S2 with a 50/1.4 Nikkor and a CV 28/3.5 and it's all you need. They do not cost that much. If you want to save have the S2 shipped to Stephen directly for a CLA (or Pete Smith in FLA) and life is good.

You should have no problems with selling what you purchased for a little less than you have sunk into them at about any time. You should loose only a part of the CLA.

JUST DO IT!!!

B2 (;->
Click to expand...


Pete Smith's store is closed now.
 
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