Nikon RF

[ColColt]

What I would give for one of these sweet cameras. I saw it not long ago but the price nearly caused me to black out.

 

[Sirius Glass]

If you bought one of those you would have to wait at least three or four weeks before you bought another camera.

 

[ColColt]

Yep, you're right...but, good things come to those who wait. I'd have to wait 3-4 weeks to eat at the cost that thing was.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

The black ones are so beautiful. Did you know Nikon had a small re-issue of these in 2005? Based on the serial number, the one in your photo is one of those.

I really like the way Nikon implemented the successive framelines in the finder. Much more intuitive and better than Leica.

You've probably seen this:

https://www.cameraquest.com/nrfblsp2005.htm

https://www.cameraquest.com/nikonsp.htm

Funny thing is, earlier today I was looking at a chrome SP.

 

[ColColt]

I had no idea they re-issued any of their rangefinders back then. Day late and a dollar short again. Those links incite a lot of lust in the heart for sure. I wasn't into Nikon RF cameras back then so, I missed the boat. Still, it's a beautiful camera. It was listed as 690,000 Yen-a fair chunk of change in US dollars.

 

[GRHazelton]

I bought a veteran S2 at a reasonable price. Works perfectly, but has some scratches, etc. Clean f1.4, good RF and VF. A sweet camera, and I feel like a war photog using it, along with the Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 and Nikkor 135 f4 with case and view finder. All for MUCH less than a clean S3, let alone even a ragged SP. Give an S2 a try!

 

[ColColt]

I looked at the S3 real hard but just didn't like the viewfinder, too cluttered with all the frame lines always there.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I looked at the S3 real hard but just didn't like the viewfinder, too cluttered with all the frame lines always there.

That's where the SP is better: at 50mm you see only the 50mm frame line. Successively longer focal lengths will add more frames in a different color, but the smallest frame visible is always the frame for your selected focal length.

In comparison, the M6 frame line pairs aren't that intuitive.

 

[ColColt]

What about the S2, any comments on that one...if anyone has that particular model.

 

[jerrybro]

I have an S2 and like it more than the Leica M4. Fits my hand better and mine has a very nice viewfinder which makes it easy to focus.

 

[TheToadMen]

I have a S2 with beautiful a 50 mm lens. Very nice to handle and great lens. I got this combo for about $600 including a thorough CLA.
Later I got me also an almost new case.

 

[rwreich]

My S2 is my favorite "experience" camera. So easy to load and use. I thought I wanted a Leica M3, but this has basically cured me of that ill.

 

[ColColt]

Sounds like some satisfied customers. Does it have the single frameline for the 50 only? I know little about this model other than some photos I've seen. I've read the lens is second to none.

 

[rwreich]

Yes, 50mm frame lines, only. Be aware that there is no paralax adjustment, though I've never had trouble compensating mentally. I have the black chrome lens and it really is a thing of beauty - superb character, really.

 

[ColColt]

Sharpness and contrast was very good, from all I've seen of this lens.

 

[TheToadMen]

Some examples (Fomapan 100 in Ilford DD-X):

 

[rwreich]

You might also consider that on the early models of the S2, the shutter speed dial must be lifted ever so slightly while changing. This is not really a problem for me anymore but it took a few weeks to get used to the idea.

 

[ColColt]

I'm trying to assure myself I don't need another camera but you know the story there. Well, there are lots of cameras not being made anymore is my one excuse.

 

[TheToadMen]

You might also consider that on the early models of the S2, the shutter speed dial must be lifted ever so slightly while changing. This is not really a problem for me anymore but it took a few weeks to get used to the idea.

My S2 is from 1954

 

[rwreich]

I'm trying to assure myself I don't need another camera but you know the story there. Well, there are lots of cameras not being made anymore is my one excuse.

You don't just any other camera. You need this one!

My S2 is from 1954

I believe mine is also from 1954... Haven't completely confirmed that, though.

 

[ColColt]

The one I'm looking at has a serial number 6170xxx. No idea when that one was made. Yep, I NEED that one or one like it. It's especially inviting since it's been CLA'd by a known "artisan".

 

[TheToadMen]

The S2 starts with serial number 6135000 (Oct. 1954). The highest know serial number is 6196913 (March 1958). So I'm guessing yours is from about 2nd half of 1956 or so? Is a black or chrome camera (like mine)?

 

[ColColt]

It's chrome. I don't recall seeing black ones.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I'm trying to assure myself I don't need another camera but you know the story there. Well, there are lots of cameras not being made anymore is my one excuse.

Indeed. I'm surprised you don't have a Contax IIIa - a perfect complement to your Leica M's.

It's a wonderful looking instrument: polished color coded dials, vertically travelling aluminum slat shutter driven by gears...

 

[ColColt]

You're making my heart pound...better take a sedative.