Where to buy a Nikon Rangefinder?

[jmonat7]

Long story short, I left the M mount system, considered re-entering but prices are too high to justify. I have always wanted to give a Nikon rangefinder a go and now seems like the perfect time. I've been looking for an S2 or S3 (not reissue). Problem is, I cannot find one. I have been keeping an eye on the classified here but don't know where else to look. I am hesitant to buy one off of an international seller on ebay because I haven't had good luck with that in the past. Does anyone have any recommendations or is this just a matter of being patient? Thanks in advance.

 

[hap]

Recently, I had a similar inclination. With patience you will find an S2 as they are generally plentiful and reasonably priced. I bought mine off the RFF classified. However, you could probably be OK with Japan and eBay. I've had generally good experiences with Japan sellers.

If you want one "curated" for you from someone in Japan, consider Bellamy at japancamerahunter.com. there is a price for the privilege but at least you can be somewhat sure of quality .

You can take some risk that anything you buy might need some adjustment or cleaning up. It's at least 200$ for CLA. I paid more than that with DAG. Camerquest, normally has this service for less but down for the COVID count.

Don't need to feel to queasy about Japan sellers. Just make certain they will take returns and that overall price fits your budget.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

There are a few members of RFF that post NIkon RF cameras and lenses, not too infrequently. I'd say your best bet would be to check the classifieds every day, even putting out your own WTB, and being patient.

Phil Forrest

 

[splitimageview]

I’d recommend patience...good deals will pop up, just have to be ready to jump quickly. you might drop a note here to Al Feitknecht, @enasniearth, who advertises Nikon RF gear here regularly. He may have something available. I’ve bought many Nikon RF items from him over the past several years, quality seller.

 

[xayraa33]

The well known camera shops in Tokyo that specialise in used cameras usually have some Nikon RF cameras for sale along with many Japanese made Leica Barnack copies of the 1950s and LTM Canon RF cameras. I don't know if they sell by mail order to destinations outside Japan but you never know until you ask them by an email query.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Hi Joe, I see from your profile under your picture that you're here in Chicago. We have a very active Craigslist, you might want to take a look there and if nothing right now, keep looking. It has the advantage that the people posting will be in the city and you can most probably inspect the equipment before buying.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Pál_K]

Four years ago I got my S2 and 50/1.4 Nikkor-S lens from KEH. The price for each, which I've forgotten, was reasonable. Based on the photos I've made with this kit, I'm very happy with the camera and the lens is amazing.

Looking at KEH recently, a lot seems to be "out of stock".

 

[Miles.]

I've had good luck with Igor's Camera (online) for Nikon RF gear at sane prices.

Don't sleep on the Bessa R2S.

 

[jmonat7]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll just be patient and keep an eye out on the forums and places that were mentioned above. I appreciate all the advice! KEH does have a bargain S3 for $500 but that seems rather high to be without a lens? It is hard to gauge what is a reasonable amount to pay for an S2 or S3 given how little they show up in shops and on forums.

 

[View Range]

You might want to contact Bellamy Hunt at japancamerahuntercom. The camera may cost a little more for his service, but you will know it is in proper operating condition.

I have two S2 cameras. One was from a big US camera dealer; advertised as excellent, but needed slow shutter speed repair. The other is from an antique store; it works perfect. You will waiting a long time if you hope to find one in an antique store.

 

[taomei]

KEH had a Nikon S3 (original issue) on the website a couple days ago. I had found a local S2 here in Seattle area 2 years ago, they do pop up sometimes, usually between 250-500 with a lens depending on condition. I think it's amazing how many of these cameras have never needed a CLA.

 

[S.H.]

KEH does have a bargain S3 for $500 but that seems rather high to be without a lens?

I'd say it depends on the state of the RF/VF. Mine was around this price, speeds look accurate on the contact sheet and by ear, has a bump or two on the bodywork but the finder is very much OK, lots of contrast.I can accept this price but I already had a 35 to mount on it purchased long ago. If the finder is dim and/or fungus infested, just walk away, there will be a better one around the corner... I don't think it is a "hot" camera right now.

 

[jmonat7]

I'd say it depends on the state of the RF/VF. Mine was around this price, speeds look accurate on the contact sheet and by ear, has a bump or two on the bodywork but the finder is very much OK, lots of contrast.I can accept this price but I already had a 35 to mount on it purchased long ago. If the finder is dim and/or fungus infested, just walk away, there will be a better one around the corner... I don't think it is a "hot" camera right now.

This is my biggest concern. KEH does not list any details about their gear other than the overall condition. The VF is the most important aspect of these Nikon rangefinders to my understanding. I will just be patient and keep an eye out for a good one. I am in no rush.

 

[splitimageview]

$500 is a good deal from keh, bought many "bargain" items from them over the years, that's typically a very conservative description of condition. It can be easily returned if you're not happy for any reason, and has a 6 month warranty, not something you're going to get when buying from an individual.

 

[Pál_K]

The ability to discern the rangefinder patch and have it contrasty enough to focus easily is a prime concern.

On another forum, a few of us got hooked on buying an S2 - one member had to return his because it was too difficult to determine the focus. Mine was ok.

 

[Range-rover]

I did the same, sold my M2 and went for a Nikon SP. I purchased it from a store
in Florida and came with a warranty Off ebay. I did have to clean the finder windows
but I was lucky they came out great. I would check ebay for a S2 or S3 from Japan,
you will have to check the description and pictures but most do offer returns, Also
check private sellers on ebay as well.

 

[jmonat7]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the S3 listed as "bargain" on KEH and it is far from it....it is in near mint condition. Cosmetically it is near perfect (some minor wear on the base plate) and most importantly the viewfinder is bright and clean, framelines distinct, and rangefinder is contrasty as all get out (what I was worried about most). The vertical alignment seems to be off a tiny bit but that is just being picky. Thankfully I'm able to test focusing with the top focus dial without having a lens mounted. Now which lens to get first...that's the real question? The 50/1.4 seems like the smart bet.

 

[Range-rover]

Congrat's on your camera, KEH is a great place to purchase camera gear, my
vertical was off a bit as well but I fixed it but it happens, if you could live with
don't worry if not get it repaired. Enjoy your new camera and the 50mm f1.4
is a nice lens.

 

[splitimageview]

Nice! I noticed a couple of days ago that it was no longer listed in inventory.

That's been my experience with keh over the years. Makes me wonder what 'excellent' condition gear looks like. 🙂

 

[keytarjunkie]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the S3 listed as "bargain" on KEH and it is far from it....it is in near mint condition. Cosmetically it is near perfect (some minor wear on the base plate) and most importantly the viewfinder is bright and clean, framelines distinct, and rangefinder is contrasty as all get out (what I was worried about most). The vertical alignment seems to be off a tiny bit but that is just being picky. Thankfully I'm able to test focusing with the top focus dial without having a lens mounted. Now which lens to get first...that's the real question? The 50/1.4 seems like the smart bet.

Congrats. The "best" 50mm for S mount is the millennium kit lens, Nikkor-S 50mm f/1.4, which pops up only occasionally on its own. But there are no losers. The original lenses, 50/1.4 SC and 50/2 HC sonnars, are both nice, with the 1.4 glowing a lot wide open. I prefer the 50/2 but a lot of people like having the ability to open up to 1.4. They're both really small.

I wouldn't pay a lot for either, since they often come for free on a Nikon S2 or S3 body. I recently paid $40 for a silver barrel 50/2 off ebay which needed just a bit of cleaning up.

The modern Voigtlander 50's are all great if you can find them. 50/1.5, 50/2.5, and 50/3.5. You can also use a Zeiss Contax lens, with some focusing and compatibility issues, but something like the Opton Tessar 50/3.5 would be fine. At close distances and wide open apertures with the faster 50's, the focus might be slightly off.

I think I recall there was a recent discussion about the best lens/focal length for the S3. The W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/2.5, Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5, or Zeiss Contax 35mm f/2.8 post-war Biogon would make a great choice for a walk-around lens.