GAS attack, somebody talk me out of buying an Nikon S2

There's nothing like buying into another system to help spend one's excess cash :p particularly if you like accessorizing.
 
The Nikon rangefinders are beautiful machines. It can build as you use the camera...first I found an S3 with 5cm f2 and shade...added a 3.5cm f3.5 (nice lens),...along came a 10.5cm with case, caps, shade. Couldn't resist at the price. Before I knew it I had a whole system. Still mainly have the 5cm on. All stimulated by a need to get back to b&w film. There is no substitute for that "click" and the anticipation of seeing the results under a loop. I even got my scanner up and running again. I have over 40 years with 35mm, 6x6, 6x7, 4x5, 8x10. Leica, Pentax, Canon, Tachihara, Toyo, Mamiya, Rollei, Hasselblad, Deardorff...It is in my blood. Right now the S3 is my drug of choice.
 
First, and probably most important, the 50/1.4 Nikkor-S is outstanding. Although I knew it had a good reputation, I didn’t realize just how good it was until I saw my photos. The Sonnar 50/1.5 on my Contax IIIa is equally outstanding - though I’d give it a slight edge. It’s hard for me to describe the nature or quality of what I like in these images - it’s more than just sharpness - it’s a creamy quality while being very sharp.

So although my S2 and IIIa are sort of like a brick to hold, a lot of my enjoyment comes from just using legendary equipment. Focusing these is not my favorite style, but otherwise I enjoy using these cameras. I’ve actually used them with flash - something I’d never do with my M3.
 
They (the Nikons) really are grand. Machines from the golden age of camera manufacturing. And those 1:1 viewfinders mean that with a 50 on there you can shoot with both eyes open for what is essentially a stereo head's up display. [Edited to remove my error in technical description of the M3]
 
Benjamin Marks said:
They (the Nikons) really are grand. Machines from the golden age of camera manufacturing. And those 1:1 viewfinders mean that with a 50 on there you can shoot with both eyes open for what is essentially a stereo head's up display. The M3 had that too.
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No, the M3 has a 0.9X viewfinder. With the S2 you can hold both eyes open.

Erik.
 
Oh, goodness. I think I've taken my best pictures on my Nikon S2 with the 5cm f1.4. It's just a dream camera: easy to use and produces images with an ethereal quality that I just don't see replicated with modernish body and glass combos. If you're a committed 50mm shooter, the S2 is pretty much a perfect camera. That said, I too use an S3 with the W-Nikkor-C 3.5cm f2.5 as my drug of choice. The Nikon RFs are my favorites, although I must admit I've never touched a Leica. That said, you probably don't need another camera, but if you want one, it's okay to eat beans and rice for a couple weeks to pay for it. They ain't gonna get any cheaper. Go for it!

PICT1273-2.jpg
 
A little late to this party, but I say "Buy it!" For the reasons everyone else has given, if you want to try the Nikon rangefinder system, the buy-in is pretty reasonable. It is definitely a different feel from the Leica M line. And you can probably re-sell it for what you put into it.

But for me the biggest reasons for the S2 are the lenses and the shooting experience. With a 5cm or wider lens attached, the focus wheel is really nice. And the optics on the 3.5cm f1.8 and the 8.5cm f2.0 are REALLY NICE.

I shot with this kit for a number of years, and really enjoyed it.

NikonS2-Kit.jpg​

Good luck with whatever you decide. And share pics.

Best,
-Tim
 
Alas I hesitated on the S2 deal and when I went back it was sold, I am or will be eventually in the market for an S2 but I got distracted or rather my funds did, I bought a IIIc stepper circa 1941 that had had a full CLA including new beam splitter, is amazing really bright and clear compared to my IIIf. Thanks to everyone who has took part, responded and offered advice in this thread.
 
lxmike said:
Alas I hesitated on the S2 deal and when I went back it was sold, I am or will be eventually in the market for an S2 but I got distracted or rather my funds did, I bought a IIIc stepper circa 1941 that had had a full CLA including new beam splitter, is amazing really bright and clear compared to my IIIf. Thanks to everyone who has took part, responded and offered advice in this thread.
Click to expand...

Well, time to sell that IIIf and get the S2!
 
I've had both an S2 and an S3. I prefer the S3, but that is a personal preference. Of course, for far less than a Leica outfit, you can buy one of the beautiful re-issues of the S3 or SP...maybe both. Not sure why people buy them and put them on a shelf or in a display cabinet. USE THEM!! I will have to say that one of the finest lenses I have ever owned was a Leica 24 Elmarit f2.8 ASPH. Optimized for Incredible close up candids. Sold it to buy an 8x10 outfit.
 
The West German Sonnar has a ring around the barrel. Take the barrel out of the mount by removing the retaining ring. Once the barrel is out, you will see the stand-off ring. This takes the place of a shim, simply unscrew it to increase the stand-off.
 
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