Nikon RF

[ColColt]

Nikon 50/1.4 SC for my S2 should arrive next week.

Have you got it yet?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Have you got it yet?

Scheduled for end of day tomorrow. KEH rated it in EX condition, so I'm not sure what to expect.

I was a bit disappointed in the condition of the S2, as it has impact bumps on the rear corners of the top plate and the front plate around the viewfinder isn't flush - as if someone had taken it off and didn't get it lined up quite properly when putting it back on. That's also KEH EX condition (they do state it may have dents that won't affect functionality). So, it's a user camera, for sure. Anyway, I'll keep it since I do like it (KEH had no higher grades available at the time).

Aside from this one, all my cameras have no dents or dings. I don't mind brassing from normal usage and wear. #firstworldproblems

 

[rwreich]

Scheduled for end of day tomorrow. KEH rated it in EX condition, so I'm not sure what to expect.

I was a bit disappointed in the condition of the S2, as it has impact bumps on the rear corners of the top plate and the front plate around the viewfinder isn't flush - as if someone had taken it off and didn't get it lined up quite properly when putting it back on. That's also KEH EX condition (they do state it may have dents that won't affect functionality). So, it's a user camera, for sure. Anyway, I'll keep it since I do like it (KEH had no higher grades available at the time).

Aside from this one, all my cameras have no dents or dings. I don't mind brassing from normal usage and wear. #firstworldproblems

I kinda wish we could meet up and compare notes in person... I mean, I don't mind the forum, but it'd be nice to speak to people.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

My

I kinda wish we could meet up and compare notes in person... I mean, I don't mind the forum, but it'd be nice to speak to people.

We could have a centrally located Rangefinder Meetup Event.

Wrigley Field after the Cubs win the World Series?

 

[rwreich]

My

We could have a centrally located Rangefinder Meetup Event.

Wrigley Field after the Cubs win the World Series?

I'm up for another visit!

 

[ransel]

One question, when focused at infinity (see photo), is the black dot supposed to be above the line or above the infinity symbol? Focusing stops at the line.

Mine stops at the line like yours does...so I am guessing that is per design.

 

[ColColt]

Scheduled for end of day tomorrow. KEH rated it in EX condition, so I'm not sure what to expect.

I've been buying from KEH since the early 90's and have yet to be disappointed in an EX or EX+ purchase. This was an EX rated M4 I bought from them. Had it had the box you'd be hard pressed to tell it from a new one.

_1DF4393a by David Fincher, on Flickr

 

[Theo Sulphate]

That is outstanding. On the photos of my EX-rated S2 you can see the bumps in the rear top corners. Their EX rating allows for that. I suspect that as the supply of better cameras dwindles, this is what's left.

Hmmm... looking at this, I don't think it's impact damage. I think an unskilled amateur repairer had problems getting the top plate on.

I can't find a serial number list to date mine - but it's no younger than 1958.

 

[ColColt]

I've tried to find a serial number range/date for the S2, all to no avail.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Ok, here we go:

I have to say the lens looks near mint. The optics are so bright and clear I am astonished. It may actually be the brightest, clearest lens I own.

There are some charming quirks for Nikon rangefinder neophytes to discover.

First, I didn't realize that as the lens is focused, the whole body of the lens rotates. So, the aperture index mark rotates with the lens rather than staying top center.

Second, when changing aperture, you have to grasp both the aperture ring and the rear ring. Otherwise, trying to turn just the aperture ring will spin the lens as if it were being focused.

 

[rwreich]

Ok, here we go:

View attachment 159483

View attachment 159484

I have to say the lens looks near mint. The optics are so bright and clear I am astonished. It may actually be the brightest, clearest lens I own.

View attachment 159485

There are some charming quirks for Nikon rangefinder neophytes to discover.

First, I didn't realize that as the lens is focused, the whole body of the lens rotates. So, the aperture index mark rotates with the lens rather than staying top center.

Second, when changing aperture, you have to grasp both the aperture ring and the rear ring. Otherwise, trying to turn just the aperture ring will spin the lens as if it were being focused.

Beautiful!

I will typically use the infinity lock to change aperture. It just gives me more tactile positivity.

 

[ColColt]

I see you discovered what I did. The one thing I'm working on is figuring out how to prevent that infinity lockup...a real PITA.

Your lens is a bit newer than mine by the serial number.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I see you discovered what I did. The one thing I'm working on is figuring out how to prevent that infinity lockup...a real PITA.
....

On mine, I have to physically engage the infinity lock with the pointy lever; just putting the lens at infinity won't engage the lock.

I suspect the behaviour on my camera is unusual, as I recall the lock engaged automatically on other Nikon S type rangefinders I've encountered.

Perhaps mine was modified - hence explaining why the top plate indicates an amateur repair was done.

 

[ColColt]

With this one if you get to infinity it automatically locks. I would rather have to do that separately, if need be. I don't know the purpose of that.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Possible easy fix, scroll down the page:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116151

 

[ColColt]

That's what it needs, a rubber wedgie.

 

[CMoore]

I am honestly curious...not trying to start a Leica "thing".....how Do/Did these compare to the Leica M Series of a similar time.?
Thank You

 

[rwreich]

The Leica M3 was released months before the S2. Nikon actually delayed the release of the S2 and tried to incorporate some of the M3's features. The S2 won't beat an M3 in a practical race, but the 5cm f/1.4 was the fastest lens on the market at that time, if I remember reading correctly.

Also, I don't usually have B/W images in a non-analog format, but the band I photographed wanted something for social media.

Check out the character of this 5cm f/1.4 wide open! Ilford HP5+ pushed to EI3200. Is that coma crazy or what?

 

[rwreich]

Here's another: at the Fields museum's exhibit of the Terracotta Warriors. Or is it the Chinese rendition of the Last Supper?

Ilford HP5+ pushed to EI1600. I think this is 1/30 @F/1.4

 

[CMoore]

That's funny.....it DOES look like (last supper) that.
I am very new to all of this...still trying to get the hang of things doing it the "normal" way, but.....3200 would be 3 stops.?

Was the SP a more "pro" camera than the S2 was.?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...
Was the SP a more "pro" camera than the S2 was.?

Yes, it was. Check out:

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

Cameraquest is a great site.

The M3 is refined compared to the S2. A single non-rotating shutter speed dial, self timer, preview lever for other focal lengths, etc.

However, the S2 is charming. I like its differences and may enjoy it more than my M3's.

 

[CMoore]

Wow...really.?
Do you have the SP as well...how do you like that against an M3.?
Thanks
that is an awesome sight by the way...i had no idea.....Go Nikon.!

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Wow...really.?
Do you have the SP as well...how do you like that against an M3...

Several years ago I had a chance to buy an SP and thought I would love it (especially the clever viewfinder frames). However, it just didn't appeal to me when I actually handled it - I don't know why.

The S2 is totally cool.

 

[rwreich]

This is my favorite site with info about the S2, and every other Nikon:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/s2_s4.htm

 

[CMoore]

Yes...whatever the brand...what they do have on there is incredible.
I have learned a lot on that sight, and often use it as reference for the cameras That I Do Own.
Thanks for remanding me.