Nikon S2 + 1,4-5 CM (1954) - should I? But the price?

TheToadMen · Oct 3, 2014

I've been wanting to get me a nice real old rangefinder like a Contax or a Nikon. I'm offered this Nikon S2 with a 5 cm f1.4 lens for Euro 595 (about $ 720). I just love the looks of these types and would love to use one for B&W street and landscape photography.
(I already have a Leica III from the 30's with a nice uncoated 50 mm lens)

I was wondering what this camera model is like. Is it the right Nikon S model to get?
And what about the price? The seller is someone I trust (a real camera repair man) and he says it's a beautiful and perfectly functioning camera.

I don't need another camera, it's GAS, I know, but once in a while I like to get me a nice a camera I can use. I think Euro 595 is a bit much to spend and I could make a lower bid, or is this an offer I shouldn't pass?

What do you think?

darkosaric · Oct 3, 2014

I paid for M3 and elmar 5cm/3.5 little more. And this is f1.4 lens. Go for it! Life is too short .

snapguy · Oct 3, 2014

pics

The photos look like someone photographed a brand new camera. Is this the camera you want to buy, or the type of camera you want to buy?

frank · Oct 3, 2014

Ohhh, yeees!

If you can afford it, sure. Why not?

ruby.monkey · Oct 3, 2014

The viewfinder is much better than any screw-mount Leica, but not as good as an M3 (or Voigtlander R3*). Focussing is slower than with a Leica whichever way you do it, but on the other hand you can focus internal-mount lenses one-handed. Having separate high- and low-speed shutter dials is a bit of a pain in the bum, but then you'd be used to that with your current Leica; it's not unusual to have the slow speeds go wonky. The shutter release may feel oddly placed, but at least there's a good reason for having it so far back (the Nikon F is just perverse). All in all it's much like a product-improved Contax II.

I would suggest that you give the camera a thorough fondling to see if you like the way it handles. The Nikon rangefinders are fine tools, but I always found that I much preferred my Leicas - that's why I still have an M3 and M2, while my two S2s went to help pay for an RZ67.

frank · Oct 3, 2014

I had a Nikon S with 50f2 nikkor for a while. It's viewfinder was squinty like a screw mount Leica and that's what caused me to sell it on. The S2 viewfinder is much better.

Xmas · Oct 4, 2014

Get a canon p body and use the Leica lens on it.
They sold 100k off.
You can get a cosina lens for it when you recover from shock.
http://www.peterloy.com/stock-list.php
near same condition... though pics from shooter same

Ken Nadvornick · Oct 4, 2014

TheToadMen said:
What do you think?

Nothing worse than lying motionless in that satin-lined box while everyone looks sadly down at you and thinking to yourself "Damn, this is sooo permanent. I should have bought that S2 when I had the chance..."

Do it, Bert.

:devil:

Ken

TheToadMen · Oct 4, 2014

snapguy said:
The photos look like someone photographed a brand new camera. Is this the camera you want to buy, or the type of camera you want to buy?

These images are of the actual camera. Looking good, doesn't it?
And it should work perfectly too (I'll test but I believe him).

TheToadMen · Oct 4, 2014

Hi,
I looked at the Canon P, but I like the looks of a Nikon better, despite the price difference. Peter Loy has some nice cameras.

Xmas said:
Get a canon p body and use the Leica lens on it.
They sold 100k off.
You can get a cosina lens for it when you recover from shock.
http://www.peterloy.com/stock-list.php
near same condition... though pics from shooter same

TheToadMen · Oct 4, 2014

Ken Nadvornick said:
Nothing worse than lying motionless in that satin-lined box while everyone looks sadly down at you and thinking to yourself "Damn, this is sooo permanent. I should have bought that S2 when I had the chance..."

Do it, Bert.

:devil:

Ken

I think I will.

BTW: "... lying motionless in that satin-lined box ..." ?? I hope you meant "laying motionless" ??

Ken Nadvornick · Oct 4, 2014

Stupid unresponsive keybords...

Ken

TheToadMen · Oct 4, 2014

Kan Nedvirnock said:
Stupid unresponsive keybords...

Ken

I thought so. But then: when married lying motionless often seems to be a side effect of GAS.
So fair warning to everyone: it isn't worth it (the camera I mean).

zeta3 · Oct 5, 2014

If you don't buy it, can I? It seems to be a steal for a camera in that good condition and for that lens.

Also, does your camera repair man, repair Contax II's? If so, I would love his details.

bdial · Oct 5, 2014

You will always regret it if you don't.
The price seems quite good, if you can truly afford it, why not?

Iaeaix · Oct 6, 2014

But it and try it, if you do not like it, you can sell it anyway.

RalphLambrecht · Oct 6, 2014

don't hesitate and go for it.Lrt your gut decide.It's only money.What does it matter?

ToddB · Oct 7, 2014

Nice Snappy little camera. Put a classy leather strap on it and go for a walk. Love it.

Todd

TheToadMen · Oct 7, 2014

Thanks all for the encouragement. I'll call him tomorrow to see if the camera is still available.
I'll let you know....

TheToadMen · Oct 9, 2014

zeta3 said:
If you don't buy it, can I? It seems to be a steal for a camera in that good condition and for that lens.

Also, does your camera repair man, repair Contax II's? If so, I would love his details.

I'm going over to see him (and the camera) tomorrow. Exciting!!

And I'll ask him if he does repair Contax II's. I'll let you know.

TheToadMen · Oct 12, 2014

I went, I saw and I bought!

It's a real beauty. He serviced the camera as well so I think I've got a beauty for a real good price.
The glass is as new. There are a few marks on the camera body, but nothing serious.
So I'll load up some film and will go out shooting next weekend if the weather permits.

BTW: he also had a nice Olympus Pen-FT (half frame) with a 38 mm f/1.8 lens for $175.
Also a beauty that was on my (very long) wish list. So I bought it as well.

I'm a happy camper!!

Richard S. (rich815) · Oct 12, 2014

Gorgeous! Congrats!

benjiboy · Oct 12, 2014

I've only bought 2 cameras in the last 25 years TheToadMen, but for that beautiful Nikon S2 I would sell my granny for. Congratulations I wish you well to use it

TheToadMen · Oct 12, 2014

Thanks, Richard and Ben,
I'll give it a good workout and post some images here. I have only one lens with this camera, and that's a good thing.
Will give me a good chance go get to know this camera. I've used rangefinders like Leica M an Bronica RF645, but this is something completely different.

And I'm curious what this beautiful glass will bring me.

Hmm, let's see, what kind of film will go with a camera from 1954?

TheToadMen · Oct 12, 2014

zeta3 said:
If you don't buy it, can I? It seems to be a steal for a camera in that good condition and for that lens.

Also, does your camera repair man, repair Contax II's? If so, I would love his details.

Hi Zeta3,
I asked, but he won't do Contax II. Sorry. He's a specialized Hasselblad repair men and also does Canon, Nikon and some other cameras.
He's at it since 1967 and very good. His site (in english): http://www.hasselblad-reparaties.nl/index.php?content=default&hlk=en

Nikon S2 + 1,4-5 CM (1954) - should I? But the price?

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