Current market value of a S2 Black Dial w/50mm 1.4

[analoged]

Just looking for some opinions here. I found a nice S2 black dial in the box locally, but the guy wants $1200 for it. Have yet to see it in person,but he sent me a pic. Comes with original box, lens shade, case, and warranty card. This is a camera I have always wanted to own, but I think the guy is a little unrealistic in his price.

[abearman]

Maybe not bad price if it's super minty.
Good users can be had for ~half that on the Bay.

[analoged]

Seller says its like new! But I would like to see the curtains and lens in person. I had made and offer of $600 (I know a little low, but fair being sight unseen) I guess I can go $800, but thats pushing my budget! I saw a similar S2 BD on ebay go for $650 (no box). He was also basing his prices on ebay, but the auctions he mentioned that went close to $1500 came with 2 extra lenses, one being a 35mm 1.8. I kinda noticed the prices for Nikon RF falling a bit in the last few years. Hence asking the experts here!

[alfredian]

Okay, $1200 for a BD body-only, is a bit steep unless it is truly Mint. Not "minty", but Mint. What lens is that lurking under the hood? the hood is the bazooka flash-arrester thing commonly found on the "Olympic" f1.4. I've never seen the standard-issue lens for any of the "smaller" 50s, but the BD has always commanded the better price, and the hood+cap there are worth something on their own.

The S2 is amazingly seductive, and I've seen silver-dial bodies (mint + lens) go for over $900. My advice, act casual and nonchalant if the lens is either the current (re-make) or original Olympic, pay the twelve, and bolt like a bunny.

[NIKON KIU]

Condition makes the price, from the picture provided it's hard to tell.
Is it mint?

I say if you pay a grand, you've done good, you can always get rid of it for that. But it has to be mint or very close to it. If it's mint and the box and goodies are also close to the camera's condition, $1200 is not too expensive either.

Nice isn't gonna do it.

...I found a nice S2 black dial in the box locally,...

Kiu

[SolaresLarrave]

If you intend to use the camera, pass this deal.

[analoged]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I told the guy when I first spoke to him that I am not a collector, but a user, so thats where I was coming from. Don't know how he got it or its history, but I doubt he is the original owner. Sometimes that helps negotiate the price seeing as you the buyer appreciates what they have. I did see just the hood for the 5cm go for $110 recently, and a S2 box for $60. The only thing it doesn't have is the instructions.

So I try to see what I can do! Maybe I finally can post in the show your Nikon RF thread!

[analoged]

Here's a few more pics for your enjoyment!

[analoged]

Well talked to the guy again and threw him my $800 offer. We talked a bit about cameras, so maybe I am wearing on him. Wish me luck!

[James24]

Originally Posted by analoged

... and a S2 box for $60.

I'll give you the $60 for the box if you buy it.

[Highway 61]

On the last pic I'm seeing something odd on the shutter curtains.

[analoged]

Yep, noticed that myself! Told the seller that I need to see it in person before finalizing the deal. i think he will sell it to me for $800 as he just tried to call me back! Will keep you guys posted either way. Cheers

[analoged]

The seller of the said camera has agreed to my $800 offer! He is coming Saturday so that I can check out the outfit. This would be my first Nikon RF purchase so I would like to ask you guys what to look out for.

This is not my first rangefinder, I have owned a IIIg, and three Canons (P, 7, & VI-L) in the past. Mostly into Nikon F's at the moment.

Thanks!

[bowieknife]

for comparison: I got my S2 (1957 made, black dial ) from a seller in Germany, paid around 500€ for it, it came with the original 50mm 1.4, an earlier 135mm Nikkor, and a Jupiter-12 35mm, which fits the bayonet, but a bit wobbly.
Since I also bought a leather case, Nikon zooming viewfinder, the 85mm and the 105mm Nikkor.

[SolaresLarrave]

I see the curtain thing and I believe it's the seam that joins them.

As for the accesories you have in mind, I'd definitely go for a hood, but forget the box. As for the instruction manual, you can find a downloadable copy online. Just google Nikon S2 instructions or manual. If you must have a paper copy... wait patiently by eBay. I did, and found one for about $25 in fairly decent condition.

Again, pass on the box. Cameras like this one were NOT made to be boxed. Ever...

[analoged]

When I was seriously looking for a Nikon RF a few years ago, I bought a Black 135mm Mint in the box for like $140. Have been sitting on it since! It would go well with this boxed S2 BD! Just need the black brightline finder!

[analoged]

Hey Francisco, it comes with the hood and box!

Again, anything you guys can tell me to look out for when buying a Nikon RF would be helpful!

Cheers!

[SolaresLarrave]

Sure, photomoof! Why not?

BTW, I checked the back of my S2 (always stored in a nice camera bag) and the curtains never show the seams when cocked or after being shot. If the owner is going to visit you with the camera to close the deal, make sure those curtains are really light-tight.

EDIT: Sorry, I must have misunderstood. Hood and box included? That's nice. Mine (purchased last year from Igor in Cleveland) came with hood, lens cap and leather case with strap.

[James24]

Originally Posted by analoged

Again, anything you guys can tell me to look out for when buying a Nikon RF would be helpful!

Cheers!

Just check the usual stuff you would with any camera. Nikon rangefinders are generally very reliable and don't need a lot of attention. Have a good look at the shutter curtains and film back, check the lens for fungus and any other nasties on the optics, look at the aperture blades and check their operation, test all shutter speeds, try out focus using the wheel, make sure the rangefinder is good etc.etc.

If it all checks out it sounds like you have got yourself a good buy!

[SolaresLarrave]

Originally Posted by photomoof

True but the S2 can be left partially cocked so the metal end on the shutter can appear anywhere.

Wow... I'm glad about being wrong here. I checked this with my S2 body, so it seems this one might be a good buy. Good!

[NIKON KIU]

Here is a short list of what to check:

1) Curtains are light tight, check for pin holes.
2) Rangefinder patch is aligned.
3) Rangefinder patch is useable and not faded badly.
4) Focus wheel is easy to turn and does not squeak too badly.
5) Slow shutter speeds are working and do not hang when the shutter release is pressed and held down.
6) Advance is smooth and does not grind.
7) Advance lever springs back all the way.
8) View finder should be checked closely for fungus or cracked prism with a magnifier.
9) Lens retaining clip is not bent or broken.
10) Check strap eyelets for extensive wear and looseness.

There you have it, that should cover it.

Kiu

[analoged]

Thanks Kiu, just what I was looking for! My main concern is that having never looked in a Nikon RF viewfinder, what a nice patch should look like.

I did find Jonmanjiro's post were he showed a pic through his S3 2000 viewfinder.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=74127

Also found the manual here:

http://www.nikonweb.com/s2/s2_pdf_manual.shtml

(One of the fellow members here website?)

I will be studying that the next few days.

[NIKON KIU]

A good viewfinder patch would be one that's easy to see and focus. You should be able to compare it to the Canons that you used.

Surprisingly, the S2 focus patch is normally a litlle bit more defined with an edge that's easier to see than a Nikon S3 focus patch.

Keep us updated.

Kiu

[analoged]

Ugh... the guy just left. Body is in good cosmetic condition, curtains are good, took a few clicks of the shutter to get it to work properly, thats the good news! Bad news, lots of fungus in the lens, viewfinder very dirty, actually a silverfish (bug) died behind the front rangefinder window, focus wheel is very stiff and squeaking.

Just curious how much would a CLA costs on this camera/lens?

No I won't be buying it for $800! He had to leave, and might come back later. He's a little strange!