Nikon S2 User

WheelieVT · 02-16-2006

Hi Friends,

Been in hospital for too long so not on the forum!! I am in Bristol in the UK and am looking for a sound Nikon S2 user. not bothered about external condition as long as mechanics and rangefinder are working & clear. Mainly use 50mm lens - have a physical disability so can only use my right hand. The thumbwheel on a Nikon would be a great help to focus. Have about $600 US to spend. Is this fair for an S2 with 50mm lens? Don't want to rip anybody off or go to the dreaded auction site. Love rangefinders & had much fun with Canon VT but found focus difficult. Have always wanted Nikon rangefinder:-)). Would consider S as cheaper alternative. Before people ask - I hate auto everything cameras. Look forward to any advice this great forum has to offer.

Thanks friends,

John (Bristol UK)

taffer · 02-16-2006

First of all, welcome back !!!

I've spotted what could be some nice deals here http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/index...ategory_id=720

There are currently two in your budget, and one of them doesn't look bad, you could contact them to clarify the issues, both outfits have some but are described as good users.

Hope you find soon something, and of course, take care

Oscar

VinceC · 02-16-2006

I'd strongly recommend an S2 over an S. Much improved finder, usable PC flash socket, modern shutter speeds.

If you haven't used one of these cameras, changing shutter speeds with one hand isn't a quick process. You have lift and rotate dial the same time.

Brian Sweeney · 02-16-2006

The S2 finder is an amazing improvement over the Nikon S finder. The Shutter Speed Dial must be lifted to turn, and has a separate slow-speed lever. With that said, it can be changed one-handed.

My only problem with an S2 is that the controls are laid out just like the Nikon F that I have used for 30 years and I have to remind myself NOT to put my finger across the shutter-speed dial while firing the camera. I always remember the first time that the Shutter Drags with my finger on the rotating shutter speed dial.

ZivcoPhoto · 03-14-2006

Brian...thats one of the things I love about my S-2 it handles so much like the Nikon F...a camera which like you I fell in love with over three decades ago.

I read the comments of new users loading the various Nikon SLRs with film...I laugh because the first time I loaded the S-2 it was a snap...holding the back and all...exactly like the F.

VinceC · 03-15-2006

I'm just like ZivcoPhoto. I came to rangefinders through reverse evolution and had been using Nikon Fs for quite some time. So the layout and handling of the S2 was quite logical, and I'd already mastered the black art of changing film with a removable back. Once I got my S3, I was quite pleased to see that both the S3 and SP are identical in every way to the F, except for the lack of mirror box, plus S models are about 10 percent smaller all around than the F. Controls are identical (but no mirror lockup, obviously, and the S-models have a hot/cold shoes instead of the flash terminal over the rewind knob).

JBRIGHT99 · 03-17-2006

FS- See My S2 User in Forum Classified complete ready to go.
Jeff

Mike Kovacs · 03-20-2006

I have a borrowed Nikon S here that has basically the same shutter speed selector as the S2. It would not be easy to change with one hand if you do not have the physical ability to grip the camera from the bottom. In that case, I would recommend an S3 for that reason - one dial for all speeds, just turn it like a Nikon F.