Getting a Nikon RF advices please

edodo · 10-26-2009

Hello,
I am thinking of getting a nikon S rangefinder. I was looking at a S2 as I love the 50mm FOV but maybe I could go for the SP if it is really that better. What do you guys recommend for an estimated price for a working specimen? Also don't have a lens, may I start cheap with a 50mm F2 or is the F1.4 really good?

Tom A · 10-26-2009

If you like the 50 FL - go for the S2 - no better finder this side of the ZM Ikon (and that is M-mount).
As for lenses, I find that most S2's sell with a lens - and if you have choice - go for the 50f1.4. The f2 is good, but that extra stop on the f1.4 and a rangefinder allows you to shoot at light levels that are so low that any SLR will have given up several stop's ago!
As for prices - it will depend on condition (and the lens) and if it is a chrome dial versus black dial. There are plenty out there - but a budget of $6-700 should get you a good user with a 50f1.4. Check the Rf classified - at least this way you have some reference as to who the seller is. Use a generic hood - and use a hood! These are vintage lenses and they can flare - and the hood will also serve as a "bumper" as you drag this camera around all the time (and you will!).

Jarle Aasland · 10-26-2009

I have both an S2 and a SP. They're both great cameras, but if you only plan to use a 50mm you're probably better off with an S2. Cheaper too. You can always get an SP later. Good luck and have fun!

Jarle

edodo · 10-26-2009

Jarle and Tom, advices greatly apreciated thanks very much! Tom when you say 600-700$ that is for the US side right? In europe it seems the price are higher somewhat.

Cheers

Charles

Brian Sweeney · 10-26-2009

For 50mm lenses- the S2 is just fine. If you are going to build up a lens collection in S-Mount, the SP is the way to go.

Start with the S2, it and an F1.4 lens is less than 1/2 the price of an SP body. On the SP: watch for faded RF patch, happens more on it than on the S2.

Tom A · 10-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by edodo

Jarle and Tom, advices greatly apreciated thanks very much! Tom when you say 600-700$ that is for the US side right? In europe it seems the price are higher somewhat.

Cheers

Charles

That's the beauty of the 'net. Put out a "want to find" here on Rf and someone will respond. Europe tends to regard Nikon Rf's as "rare and exclusive" while in the US (and in Japan) they are quite plentiful and thus priced far more reasonable. Also, join the Nikon Historical Society and talk to our President, Robert Rotoloni (Ok, you dont have to join to talk to him - but it is worth the money and effort). He has stuff for sale on his site and knows the value of user stuff. Good guy to deal with too.
Also get in touch with Jonmanjiro in Tokyo for more choices. There are a lot of S2's out there and even more 50f1.4's.
As stated, it is a good starter camera and even if you later want to add a S3 or SP for wider/longer lenses - the S2 is still the best for the 50 FL.
The people who frequent the Nikon site here on Rf are nice guys and they are always willing to lead you into the abyss of Nikon cameras!
Where are you located? Next year ( May 2010) the NHS bi-annual meeting will be in Brugge/Belgium and any questions you have about Nikon's can be answered over Belgian beer. It is a very congenial group and more than willing to share expertise and advice at these meetings.

jonmanjiro · 10-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom A

The people who frequent the Nikon site here on Rf are nice guys and they are always willing to lead you into the abyss of Nikon cameras!

YES WE ARE (to both points)

Jan Van Laethem · 10-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom A

Next year ( May 2010) the NHS bi-annual meeting will be in Brugge/Belgium and any questions you have about Nikon's can be answered over Belgian beer.

Apart from the Belgian beer and excellent chocolate, Brugge is also a photographers' paradise. I was born in Belgium and whenever I go back for holidays, I spend at least a day in Brugge. Bring your cameras and lots of film.

I second the opinions expressed above, go for the S2 and 5cm f/1.4. It is a very nice camera and there is no better viewfinder for the 50mm focal length. You will struggle a bit with the smaller viewfinder of the S.

Nikon RF is very addictive, I started out with a one camera, one lens set-up and the urge to buy more is ever present.

edodo · 10-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom A

That's the beauty of the 'net. Put out a "want to find" here on Rf and someone will respond. Europe tends to regard Nikon Rf's as "rare and exclusive" while in the US (and in Japan) they are quite plentiful and thus priced far more reasonable. Also, join the Nikon Historical Society and talk to our President, Robert Rotoloni (Ok, you dont have to join to talk to him - but it is worth the money and effort). He has stuff for sale on his site and knows the value of user stuff. Good guy to deal with too.
Also get in touch with Jonmanjiro in Tokyo for more choices. There are a lot of S2's out there and even more 50f1.4's.
As stated, it is a good starter camera and even if you later want to add a S3 or SP for wider/longer lenses - the S2 is still the best for the 50 FL.
The people who frequent the Nikon site here on Rf are nice guys and they are always willing to lead you into the abyss of Nikon cameras!
Where are you located? Next year ( May 2010) the NHS bi-annual meeting will be in Brugge/Belgium and any questions you have about Nikon's can be answered over Belgian beer. It is a very congenial group and more than willing to share expertise and advice at these meetings.

I live in France near Paris. Thanks Tom you are really a wonderfull person who gives sound advices. I will look into it reguarding getting in touch with the NHS. I will be looking at a S2 with a 50mm F1.4 thanks for the tips!!!!

ljsegil · 10-31-2009

If you want more convenience and ease of use than a classic S2 can provide, the head bartender (Stephen Gandy at CameraQuest.com) still has the Bessa R2S NHS special edition with the Heliar 50/3.5 lens for $750 new. The R2S is Voigtlander/Cosina's modern recreation of the Nikon rangefinder, augmented with a brighter viewfinder/rangefinder, selectable 35,50, and 85mm projected framelines (only the selected frameline is visible in the viewfinder) and TTL metering with faster max shutter speed (1/2000) and synch speed (1/125). The camera mounts any classic (or modern C/V) Nikon SC mount lens, and is the only Nikon Rangefinder type camera with intrinsic metering. The 50/3.5 Heliar is becoming a modern classic lens in its own right (see multiple threads on the forum). Of course a 50/1.4 could be used in its stead, although the 50/3.5 lens is sold with the camera body as a package by CameraQuest. Anyway, mine lives by my side as my everyday go-to camera because of its combination of awesome (and I believe unique with the Heliar lens) image quality, convenient operation, and small form factor. It may not have the panache of the true Nikon classics, nor should it be considered a true substitute for all they can offer, but on the other hand I'm not afraid of damaging a classic and collectible camera when I subject it to daily use, nor do I have to carry anything more than the camera (i.e. light meter) when a minimal kit is important to me. And the lens is a gem. Atmospheric example attached.
Larry

edodo · 10-31-2009

Thanks for the Bessa S mount you mentionned terrific cameras! However I must delay the buying of the Nikon S2 because I just put a lot of money on a rolleiflex wide so I can't buy any gear till I sell some. I really wanted to use the same camera as Diane Arbus thus the rolleiwide!