What's you favourite Nikon RF camera?

NIKON KIU · 07-17-2007

OK, here is a Poll

Which Nikon RF do you like most? I left the extra box for nuts like me

Please note, this is a public Poll(your identity will be revealed),you can choose more than one answer...so get your votes in.

Kiu

rbsinto · 07-17-2007

I like my chrome S3 very much, but to be fair, it is the only Nikon rangefinder I've ever used, so I have no way to compare it to the others.
I'm very pragmatic about all my photogear, SLR or rangefinder, and consider it to be nothing more than tools for taking images, and will modify or customize a piece of equipment if that will make taking pictures easier or better.
However, I do have one affectation which is that I'm not fond of chrome cameras, and truly if I could somehow change it (without the use of Krylon Spraypaint cans), my S3 would be black.

Kiu,
Why did you leave out a button for the SPX?
I really love mine, but of course, without the button, couldn't vote for it.

Xmas · 07-17-2007

Kiu

There is not a button for Contax or Kiev?

Noel

jlw · 07-17-2007

I voted for the S3M mostly because of the sheer audacity of the thing.

But if the question had read, "Which Nikon rangefinder camera would you like to have and use?" I'd probably have voted for the S3 2002 special edition.

If I somehow actually were to get hold of an S3M, I'd probably be intimidated from using it out of fear of trashing a museum-worthy rarity. The S3 SE is expensive and uncommon (and I'm sure most owners are keeping it in the box and handling it with gloves to preserve its collector value) but to me it would seem more like a camera that should be used.

I lean toward the S3 SE over the original S3 simply because I hear the newer lens is better, and over the SP 2005 because I use a 50mm lens more than a 35. But, as my dad says when faced with similar hypothetical choices and when my mom isn't listening, "I wouldn't kick any of 'em out of bed."

VinceC · 07-17-2007

I can never make up my mind between the SP and the S3, so I voted for both.

wlewisiii · 07-17-2007

S3-2000 in chrome. Why? Because someday that's the one I'll buy...

William

NikonS2 · 07-17-2007

I love my S2 chrome with 50/1.4... but my lust voted for the SP.

Best,
Will

murrayb53 · 07-17-2007

I had to stay true to my S2 (w/ Black Dial).
It operates like a champ.

Steve

goliathus · 07-17-2007

I think that Nikon S2 has the most well-balanced appearance, beautiful design.
So My vote goes to my S2

but.... I can't forget switchable frame lines of Nikon SP!!

BillBingham2 · 07-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlw

"I wouldn't kick any of 'em out of bed."

My old drafting teach would add to that "even if they were eating crackers!"

B2 (;->

BillBingham2 · 07-17-2007

S3-2000. The robustness and simplisity will last three or four lifetimes! Now if we can just get a few more off the shelves and on to the streets.

B2 (;->

css9450 · 07-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbsinto

However, I do have one affectation which is that I'm not fond of chrome cameras....

I'm the opposite - I'll choose a chrome camera over a black one every time.

jonmanjiro · 07-17-2007

In terms of shooting convenience I'd like to pick everything from the S2 onwards, but I'll limit my choice to two - SP 2005 and S2 (black dial of course!).

I normally prefer chrome over black cameras, but the SP 2005 does look VERY good

Jon

xayraa33 · 07-17-2007

the all chrome S2 with the chrome 50/1.4
available, affordable, durable.
with a 1:1 view finder, simple and uncluttered.
it never got better than this.

MikeL · 07-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by xayraa33

the all chrome S2 with the chrome 50/1.4
available, affordable, durable.
with a 1:1 view finder, simple and uncluttered.
it never got better than this.

What he said.

The only change I'd make would be the shutter speed selector and the quieter 'click' of the later S's.

jlw · 07-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by xayraa33

the all chrome S2 with the chrome 50/1.4
available, affordable, durable.
with a 1:1 view finder, simple and uncluttered.
it never got better than this.

I agree with Mike about the shutter-speed selector.

An S2 was the only Nikon RF I've ever actually owned (I'd still like to own one of the later ones, but cost is an issue.) The viewfinder struck me as being on the dim side, and the non-rotating end on the rewind crank annoyed me a bit, but those were minor quibbles. The main thing I seriously disliked about it was the old-fashioned lift-and-turn shutter speed dial, which rotates as the shutter fires.

This type of dial (which also afflicts Barnack Leicas and pre-VI-series Canons) makes it really challenging to change speeds without looking, or with the camera up to your eye, or if it's too dark to see the markings -- a real drawback for an available-darkness shooter like myself. Of course Nikon got this sorted on the SP, S3, and S4, with their modern click-type shutter speed dials -- so for me, these rank higher as usable cameras.

xayraa33 · 07-17-2007

thanks for the remind Jon, I just voted.

Cale Arthur · 07-18-2007

I guess this is as good a time/place as any for this news item: it's with my infinite thanks to Mr. Bingham, that i will 'legally' be able to cast my vote in this poll very, very soon.. it can be safely assumed that my answer will be S2.

Seriously, i'm just beyond excited about this.. it's all i can do to keep from dancin'!

--c--

NIKON KIU · 07-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmas

Kiu

There is not a button for Contax or Kiev?

Noel

No Noel,
That will be posted in the FSU forum

Kiu

Roland X · 07-20-2007

I vote for SP

Bill V · 07-25-2007

I vote for the SP. Although I wish when the released the 2005 version, they could have updated it, say with a built in meter and new rangefinder.

Enjoy

Charles Woodhouse · 07-25-2007

I bought my filthy SP six years ago for AU$450 (about US$350 at the time), repaired the bent frame selector,serviced the body and cleaned it thoroughly, and it now is my favorite Nikon RF,and with a stunning 2/50 black and silver Nikkor. I use it with a 2/85 and 3.5/135 Nikkors, and at a motor racing meeting a few years back I fitted it with a black 2.8/35 Jupiter.That excellent but rotten lens put a radial scratch in the pristine front plate of my SP, and never sat on the camera again. Two weeks ago I finally bought a 2.5/35 Nikkor which I hope will be my regular 35. I also have two S2's, black dial and chrome dial,and an S that I fitted with new curtains. A very tedious job on these cameras. Charles.

edlake · 07-30-2007

I voted for the SP since it's the one I own. I wouldn't mind having a S3 or S2 (black!), but I really don't need another camera. I got mine when the salesman talked me out of buying a used M3. Never had any regrets.

JonR · 07-30-2007

Today I own a S2 and a S3. The S3 definately feels more "modern" but my vote goes for the S2 since at least when I compare my two cameras it is much easier to focus the S2!
/jon

dreamsandart · 07-30-2007

Thinking about a Nikon RF for years (being into Leica), the SP was really my only desire - and a black one of course - to go along with my BP M4 as the 'best of the best'.

Well, got the SP 2500 kit and a nice Zeiss Tessar for something 'classic' in look, and then split an S3 kit to keep the 50 millinium lens. But the past week found a nice S2 BD with a 2/50 Nikkor and now I feel 'complete'

Both are different, and both have a style their own, a good couple in contrast - I'm a happy Nikon RF camper