Is there something to be said for a clean Nikon S2 with its 1:1 and uncluttered frameline for 50mm only viewfinder?
I hope the 2000 version S3 finder is less flare prone, it's why I went with the later version. I got a -body only- for $925 USD shipped that looks new. The ones with the 50 f1.4 were about $500+ more, wasn't sure that was really worth it to me, as the vintage 50 1.4 I have is a really good copy plus looks better on a silver body than an all black lens. I do plan to use it with a mint 35mm f1.8 Nikkor lens most of the time. I personally like the look of the chrome bodies better + are MUCH cheaper.With the S3: the viewfinder suffers from more flare than the finder of the S2 and SP. Someone should make a hood for the finder, use the accessory shoe to keep it in place.
Good insights which make a lot of sense. Thank you!Gray's are a company on their own. I have been there several times and inside the shop is like a museum with cabinet displays galore of absolutely pristine cameras and lenses. Their offerings are without doubt a step or two above other dealers where used equipment is sold alongside the latest new. With this in view I won't disagree they are a bit pricey but if you want the best there is then you pay a premium. Also as it was mentioned earlier these cameras were re-incarnated in the main for the Japanese market, the S3 may be more available there than elsewhere. To be honest I cannot remember seeing a S3 being offered elsewhere in UK at any other time apart from when they were available new - even then they were not readily available.
So far my impression on the S3: it is a 1:1 finder that works with both eyes open, which is nice. The 35mm frame lines are hard to see even with your eye jammed against the finder, but doing some street shooting the other day, the framing ended up about what I was expecting using a 35mm lens without working too hard at making sure I could see the frame lines. The factory lens hood for the 35mm f1.8 blocks a lot of the finder, which is expected, making it really not usable without using an external finder to see over it. This 2000 vintage S3 doesn't seem to flare and as you would expect from a barely used camera, it's nice and clear. The 50mm frame lines are obviously easy to see, not sure how useful the 105mm ones are, I would probably use an external finder for a 105. Overall, am super happy with the camera and feel like it will get a lot of use along with my S2.
So far my impression on the S3: it is a 1:1 finder that works with both eyes open, which is nice. The 35mm frame lines are hard to see even with your eye jammed against the finder, but doing some street shooting the other day, the framing ended up about what I was expecting using a 35mm lens without working too hard at making sure I could see the frame lines. The factory lens hood for the 35mm f1.8 blocks a lot of the finder, which is expected, making it really not usable without using an external finder to see over it. This 2000 vintage S3 doesn't seem to flare and as you would expect from a barely used camera, it's nice and clear. The 50mm frame lines are obviously easy to see, not sure how useful the 105mm ones are, I would probably use an external finder for a 105. Overall, am super happy with the camera and feel like it will get a lot of use along with my S2.
Huss,
That is a very helpful link to S2 viewfinder question.
Thank you,
Robert
Congrats!! How does the focus patch and shutter sound compare to your S2?
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