Nikon S2 Rangefinder Review
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- The Nikon S2 is a classic rangefinder that was originally released in 1955. I lucked out and found one in an old general store while traveling through South Carolina. Since I'm mainly an SLR shooter, I wanted to review the S2 and give my thoughts on it from someone who is fairly new to rangefinders.
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Thanks for the review that I eventually got this camera as my main 35mm camera
Great review on a beautiful camera! Your camera and film reviews are becoming amongst my favourite to watch here on CZcams 😁 love the scenery, presentation, B-roll, and music. Keep em coming!
Thanks for watching! Really appreciate the message.
Those cameras were made during a time when B&W was the only film around, so the lens is coated for B&W. it’s also designed for up close street photography. I love mine
Kodachrome was also popular back then. Kodak release Kodachrome in 1935, 20 years before the s2 was released.
It seems there has been enough information for everything on the Internet but this seems to be the first good quality NIKON RF review I've watched.
Great video again Kyle, I've always wanted the Nikon S2/3 over say the Leica M series. Mostly because I'm a Nikon fanboy and I don't have a Lecia like budget haha. But you definitely gave this camera justice with this video, keep it up!
Thank you, Tony! I really enjoyed the camera, but I don't think I'll be keeping it. It'd definitely a gem, though.
@Tony, check Ebay to see Nikon S2 prices.... its not a budget camera at all!
Beautiful jewel of a camera..made back in the days when they were mostly metal construction and made to last. This camera was the basis of the iconic Nikon F slr camera..one can see the resemblance in the body lines and placement of the shutter release button. I'm mostly an SLR shooter but had I run across this beauty I would have nabbed it in a heartbeat.
I bought my Nikon S2 and i cant wait until it shipp to me :3 Tomorrow ^^ I look at this video so many times. Thank You :3
I got an S2 on trade in 1964. Wonderful intro to Nikon.
The best thing about rangefinders in general are that they require the photographer to really know their lens and film. Previsualization is a must and to me that means you're not being influences by the lens as you would be with an SLR. It's like drawing from memory, which is an amazing feeling and makes the process of shooting more enjoyable in my opinion. I really love rangefinders for everyday shooting, but not for professional work or portraits.
My favorite rangefinders are the Fuji GSW690 III, sharpest lens and biggest negative in medium format.
super nice man, I am into rangefinders and have been slowly collecting them.
One of the best film/camera review channels on the net.
Thank you, Neil. Really appreciate that.
Your photos are stunning. It is sonice to watch someone shooting so consistently.
Thank you!
holy crap these images are sharp as hell. I need one now lol
Nice review. I own a Mamiya 6 rangefinder so I'm familiar with their quirks but very impressed with the sharpness. FYI the amazing James Dean images done by Sanford Roth in the summer of 1955 were all done with the S2, he owned 5 or more and he shot the rare black bodies which were for professional shooters in 1955. I am hoping to find one, I think it's real photography when you have to meter for yourself and process film. Nice find, I'm jealous!
The coolest part is that there are plenty of boxed versions of the s2 and s3 for around 2k which includes a lens.
With Leica, you'd get a fairly noticably used M3 or M4 for that without a lens.
Wow. I love that focusing mechanism. Very cool. Never knew the nikon s2 had that.
Thanks for the good music choice! Needs more appreciation I fell like
If you're shooting a fully manual 35mm film camera, there's no reason to prefer a slr over a rangefinder unless you're using long lenses. The SLR is much better for macro and telephoto shooting. The rangefinder is much better and faster when shooting wider or standard lenses. Rangefinder cameras and lenses tend to be smaller and lighter than the SLR. Different tools for different jobs, but the rangefinder enables you to focus much faster than with a slr.
All comes down to personal preference. They each have strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn't change the fact that I prefer looking through the lens of an SLR, rather than using the frame lines of a rangefinder to compose, regardless of the benefits that it may or may not have.
great review. I had a Leica M2 but no Nikon and now i just have some old Canon r/finder bodies. The weight you mention (!) makes them feel as if they'll last forever.
Many thanks for making photography feel like art once again. Great images.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed!
I don’t understand why this channel isn’t more popular! This channel got me to buy a Pentax 6x7 lol
Thanks, Arbit!
Yeah, these videos are really, really well produced! I predict this channel will grow really quickly-- he just started it in January 2018.
I got the same camera and I absolutely love it! I also have a Leica which i kinda prefer for my day to day shooting because of the shorter focus throw and brighter rangefinder patch. But the Nikon feels more substansial and I love how easy it is to align the rangefinder if it is a little off. Unlike the Leica which needs to go to a specialist every damn time.
That's awesome! The Nikon does feel really nice in the hands.
Nice review. I first saw an S2 when I worked in a camera store while in high school in the 1950's. A salesman brought one in from Japan. I have been a Nikon shooter ever since.
Thanks! It's a beautiful camera.
Another enjoyable video Kyle. I’m debating whether to sell my F3 & just stick with medium format now, but for anyone who likes 35mm the S2 looks a great choice.
Thanks, Bill. Yeah, I don't find myself shooting as much 35mm lately. The nice thing is that the gear doesn't really drop in value. I try and hang on to things for a bit just to make sure that I don't change my mind.
Great review! I found your channel today and I am enjoying your photos, and video content. Keep up the good work!
Glad you're enjoying the content!
Love all of your videos man. Super informative, great lengths and epic photos to go with it man. You have such a good style.
Hope to see more videos from you soon dude
Thanks, Austin! Appreciate you watching, man.
What a nice review. Mine looks like it has seen a lot of use but seems to work perfectly. As you say the build quality is superb. I never thought I would see the day when Nikon equipment is going so cheap.
Brilliant stuff. Thanks for putting up such great work.
Great video, as per usual, Kyle! Love the snowy picture in the video too...That one really stood out.
Cheers, Anthony!
Dear brucelee2550! Excellant question. I dont speak for Kyle, but on my nikon S so far, i keep it in its everready case. Then the walz sky filter is allways on the front. That is how i found my camera and the sky filter seems to have preserved the element as if it were new. I recommend a clean dark cabinet with lens cap if available, if not use sky filter to protect element.moisture free as possible maybe use silica gell packet near camera to ward off moisture. I keep mine in a leather back pack with sky filter on and everready nicon leather case. Im not saying that is the best way only the method i currently am using. Also keep camera away from small children who like to press buttons and chew gum! Hope this helps! Im still just an amature so follow at own risk.
Graet video, I found for a really low price an Olympus ace-e, it was the first time I ever used a rangefinder and instantly fell in love with it =)
Thank you!
Really well grounded video about this Nikon beauty, also great production, very good work!!
Thanks! Really appreciate it.
Yo, another great video!! You’ve inspired with each video and taught me so much about film photography! Keep the content coming! I’ll be telling my friend and family about your channel 👌🏽🙌🏽
Thanks so much, John! Love hearing stuff like this, as my goal is help people the best that I can.
Excellent video！ Professional film making and editing. And I am a Nikon RF lens so I am glad you made a video for one of their RF camera. Support.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
From one M(a)cDougall to another (I spell it correctly ;) ), I love your channel. I find your style to be welcoming , conversational and eminently approachable. Your gear reviews make me want to shoot even more so than giving me GAS. Keep up the great work. Buiadh no bas!
Thanks, Kirk! Really really appreciate that. Glad you enjoy the content!
Dear Kyle! Thanks for great cameo of S 2 nikon. I bought an S several years ago and love it. It has a walz sky filter which may be making my images blurred. The lens is pristine so I dont think it is at fault. My photos of geese and self portraits seem to be comming out ok but nothing razor sharp yet. Im using an old weston master 4, not unlike my dads old master 3. So im getting ok exposures just not the razors edge for image quality. Currently I take my negatives to a photo finisher and they do a pretty good job. I still would like my images sharper so if you have any suggestions would be greatful for any free advice. Your photos really very nice I hope to get as good as you. I may start removing sky filter before exposure but feel the filter has preserved the 70 year old camera and allowed me to become its second owner and enjoy its very apt capabilities. I like you, was raised on the SLR, but dont care for the size and noise that an slr brings. Also the vibration from an slr mirror is something i dont particularly like. If you would know of a place where i can get a lens hood and lens cap for my S i would be greatful. Untill i can find a proper hood and lens cap i will use the walz sky filter to protect the element. Bye for now and thank you for honest showcase of your impeccable instrument. Very impressed with your integrity! 😅
Thankyou, and now i finally know what the difference between an SLR and a rangefinder is, and also what an SLR is.
Glad you found it helpful!
Amazing review! Really needed this
Glad you enjoyed!
Most welcome Kyle. I shot film for 15 years in my job as a stills photographer neilgenower.com and miss it very much. Yesterday I shot a job directly to the computer and it felt soul less and without the creative joie de vie. I think digital is amazing but there is the feeling of instant gratification, the premature ejaculation of photography to use a rather heretic analogy.
Anyway, keep up your videos, they are well shot, good sound, to the point and tease the viewer into the wonderful world of celluloid. Cheers !
Thanks, Neil. Digital and film definitely have their own unique pros and cons. I agree with you about the instant gratification. With film, I enjoy the waiting period while getting it developed/scanned. Always gives me something to look forward to!
This was the camera that eventually led Nikon to produce the F. That slr set the pace for all others to follow in Nikon's dust.
As per usual great video Kyle, for the moment I’m not a big fan of rangefinders but you never really know in the future, so this video here will definitely be a great help if I decide to get one. Thanks for sharing 👌👌
Thanks, Aaron! Yeah, I still prefer an SLR, and I can't see myself making the change at this point. But the Nikon sure is a good looking and solid camera!
Beautiful rangefinder camera
Another great review! I’d love to add that S2 to my collection.
Thanks!
Although Nikon is my go to for cameras, I know I really don't need something as lovely as the S2. I have a Plaubel Makina 670, and that's about my limit for manual focus rangefinders in my dream camera arsenal. I really enjoy your videos Kyle & look forward to whatever you decide to cover or talk about next. Cheers mate! 👍🏻
Thanks, Michael!
My dream camera. Would love to have the black edition.
The black version is a nice looking camera!
You like the Nikon S2? Then you really should try the S3, which fixes the shutter speed setting issue, the frame counter and a few other things. It’s basically a Nikon F minus the mirror box and pentaprism.
You can not resist the Nikon S2.....no one can!
I actually bough this camera recently, mainly due to its looks and feel. Its beautiful, I have the chrome 5cms f2 lens. I too am on the fence whether or not to keep it. Every time I am about to put it on eBay something happens and it gets a stay of execution lol
Pros: Feels great in the hand, view finder is awesome, retro look, beautiful lens, light weight compared to my other cameras.
Cons: you need a light meter (I use iPhone app), saw tooth focus wheel chews ur finger up (I now focus with the Lens and then fine adjustment with the focus wheel), servicing will be tough.
Great to see a video on this as there isn't much out there!
Glad you enjoyed the vid! I'd agree with the pros and cons.
Nikon s2 😍😍😍 what a beauty
Dear Island pool! Thanks! A million! I did not know that neecssarily the S C 50mm nicon lens was for black and white only? And ive been doing close ups but no bell ringers yet! Ill have to get some really good black and white and see what if anything she will do? Hard for me to believe my lens only made for black and white. But maybe so. Next time i try tripod to steady the camera. Thanks for the insight. Sounds like you know what your talking about. Ill do more research as circumstances permit. I want to explore the simple elecance of this camera. I had hoped to shoot fashion and also portraits. I was craving a Leica 2 but found this instead. Im not entirely dissappointed but feel the S has more to give than my wildest dreams but i just dont know how to completly use it to its fullest, yet! 😅
Nice review, and great find, Kyle...camera looks to be in great shape considering its vintage.
Thank you. It was very clean for the age!
This camera is quite similar to the Contax II . I have Kiev 4 which is a direct copy of Contax II. Excellent review!
Glad you enjoyed!
Nice job on the review, a beautiful camera!
Thank you, Joe!
Awesome video once again!
Thank you!
when storing your camera do you recommend leaving the lens to expose to indirect sunlight (to prevent fungus) or put a cap on?
Dear Fergiepal! One last thing! You and I can not hold the camera still, invest in a good brand of tripod. The ones with the geared stem are best.they have teeth cut on the center style that goes up and down by hand crank. The legs have secure bracing and changeable tips for the terrane. Check the threads for fit to your particular camera. Not all have universal threads. You really gotta check the fit carefully! No sence dropping your godchild onto the pavement! I need to get a tripod myself. Happy shuttering😅
Love your channel! Would like to see more videos about Pentax 6*7 and Mamiya 7 with Portra 400 film. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
The camera is cool and all, I just like that you were shooting that abandoned gas station south of Minden :)
Well spotted, hah!
Hey Kyle! Absoutely awesome, videos you got here, definitely worth a subscribe! Informative, interesting, cool musics and scenery an! Keep up the good work! :)
Thank, Peter! Glad you’re enjoying them!
Really like your review style, can you do more analog camera review? Nikon slr would be cool!
Thanks! There's a good chance I'll review a Nikon SLR in the future.
really fun. i have a canon canonet QL17 GIII-QL that really deserves my attention. thank you for your effort and the sharing. thumbs up.
Thanks!
you need to ad at the size of the camera the cell you carry ..
Keep up the great work
Thank you!
What film did you use. I’m guessing Fuji c200? Looks lovely by the way keep up the amazing work
Thanks! You got it, C200. Great film. Cheers.
another great video!
Thank you!
Kyle, awesome video once again! Two things: 1. Where do you find such sweet locations to shoot?
2. Can you go a little more in depth to how you set the shutter speed on the Nikon s3 ? Again awesome content and images! 👍👍
Thank you, Kern. The locations are either places I've visited in the past, or that I stumble upon while travelling. I'm always on the lookout for new places. As for the shutter speed, the top dial has 1/60 to 1/1000, and the bottom has 1/30 to bulb. If you want to use the lower shutter speeds, you have to first turn the top dial to a marked position, and then you can set the lower dial to the shutter speed you want to use. It's also the reverse if you want to use the top speeds-you have to first set the lower dial to the marked position. Hope this helps!
Dear Hercules images, excellant question. I still have not figured out my slow shutter speed from my fast in the same dial? It's a wonder I've had every exposure come out at all. One hint I will give that seems to be working, keep the I-20 dial accross from the arrow. I believe it means anything up to 1/20th a second. But it also could mean from one second to 20 seconds. So there is where I am confused about this early camera. So Kyle! If you could clarify this for me I would be most greatful. Still a newbie on the Nikon S rangefinder.The only other reason my exposures are comming out is that I'm using 400din film Fujicolor. 400 is fairly fast film in my opinion. I would use Kodak gold 1200 if I could find it! I like hand holding my camera. Kyle your shots are awesome, I hope to get nice sharp images like you, so please be my mentor if you'd care to be? If not I guess I'm on my own. I don't have an owners manual in hard copy so just the website for reference. Anyway, thank you for sharing your S 2 nikon findings with all of us relative newbies to rangefinder madness! I mean you have to be a little mad to trust such a tiny focus hole to render paralyzed reality! No offense intended its just my eye gets tired in that tiny field finder. Bye for now from used. Wink wink!😅
Dear Fergiepal just drag the beast with you whereever you go and that should give you plenty of ideas. Ive never managed to always have a camera with me but i would think if your serious you might consider this behavior. Me also! Just get a sturdy strap and case and stock it with plenty of film and drag it along with you like a dog rubbs its behind on carpet and you and you should find things to shoot. Better have that light meter with you too! Im a selective photographer i dont use a motor drive. I wish i had one though! Especially with fashion or sports you need quickness to capture. I would recommend a good medium speed black and white film. That is what Nikon F manual used to suggest for just starting out. Stick with black and white untill your confident it will turn out then throw a roll of color into the machine and see what happens. Repportedly our early Nicons optics coated for black and white. So maybe that is the answer for any of us that are fledgelings shutterbugs. I am sure my lens is coated though because of the pink and blue reflections on the lens. The best film I have ever shot was 32asa Pluss X by Kodak. That gave some nice contrasty negatives and you could blow them way up and still not see any grain. I dont remember what developer my instructor used maybe D-76? I think he developed the roll, maybe I did it, i dont remember. All i know is 32asa pluss 'x kodak. That was the cats meow! Youll have to have a tripod to prevent camera judder. Thats where i would start. Or fujicolor400speed. Dont use a filter remove it for the exposure then when your done capp it! Itl protectec the lens for next time. Hope this helps. Also dig into Early U.S. camera magazine! It talks about Nikon F, Alpa, Contarex. Exacta. Practica etc. That will give you a perspective of early Slrs and get you going! Happy clicking!
It looks like a nice camera; I just don’t see the point of 35mm rangefinders. With a negative that small, the advantages of an SLR over a rangefinder are very conspicuous-much better focusing and framing, with far more macro and telephoto capabilities. Mirror and shutter slap aren’t an issue like with 6x7 SLRs. For me, a rangefinder only makes sense for 6x7, 6x9, or bigger.
One should own that camera just to look at it ;-)
Thanks for sharing
Agreed! Such a nice looking camera.
id love to see you review a canon p and see how it compares
Beside the Nikon SP just simply the best Rangefinder Camera you can get for money!
And yep - the old Nikon lenses are known for their quality :-)
Great video. Please shoot and review the Canon P.
Hello Kyle, I don't know if you will read this but if you do, could you explain the difference between the s2 and s3 version?
Thanks!
Thanks for the great video on the Nikon S2. I was on the fence about it but after watching this, I was sold. It is beautiful. Mine came with the Nikkor S.C 5cm F1.4 lens too and would like to know if you're planning to use any lens filter or hood for protection?
Awesome! I'm sure you'll love the camera. I didn't use a hood when I had mine. I've actually sold it since doing this video, as I still prefer an SLR over a rangefinder. Beautiful camera though.
Great review man, love your style! Would you ever do a review on the Holga 120N? Also, how much did you pay for the S2?
Thanks, Luke. Holga could be a fun one for the future. I'll keep it in mind. I paid $100 for the S2.
Great little video Kyle, I just bought this little Nikon for my boys 21st birthday and I’d like to know what light meter you’re using? Does he need a top of the range Sekonic or will a simpler cheaper model do the same job?
Thanks! I'm using the Sekonic L-558R. For your Son I'd recommend an older Gossen, or something like a Sekonic L-398 if you can find it cheap enough. Both are incident meters but still work great for most situations.
Hi Kyle, not sure if you still shoot with this camera setup but just wondering how the lens performed in terms of sharpness, if you remember? I rarely shoot wide open and tend to stay around f8-16. Do you think I'd have any problems with a lack of sharpness being such old glass/tech? Thanks in advance!
This is going to sound strange but I bought my Olympus Pen F digital camera because it kind of looks like this Nikon. If Nikon makes a FF digital version someday I will be all over it.
I thought plants need light to grow? Is not fungus a plant of sorts?
The S2 seems to be very similar to the Contax II/Kiev 4 cameras, specially because of that dial focus system.
Like the Kiev the S2 is an Upgreatet version of the Contax. Same design , same mount same focusing options. Well the most advanced Feature of the S2 is the film advane leaver. That does not exist on the contax. It's impressive that this design is made in 1936. 12 Years bevor the Nikon S and 19 Years bevor the S2.
I owned an Contax and i do prefer it over the Lica M series.
that beard is growing my guy! haha sick review!
Haha, yeah man, getting a bit out of control!
Cool thing!
Kinda comparible to the Canon P i got 👌🏻
Great find and nice review. Now, about selling it off. I'm in the market and ready to negotiate. Just saying.
How's the patch on yours? I had a nikon s3, beautiful camera, dim rangefinder. I always wanted another. Get in touch if you decide to sell.
I don't have a ton of rangefinder experience, but I found the patch to be really nice compared to others that I've used.
you might be able to get the rangefinder cleaned - I bought an Olympus Wide-S with a super murky rangefinder, and a messed up frame advance - had it overhauled for about $150 and the range finder's super bright and contrasty!
Dominic Morris in this case the second was made as a more economical sp, as such it came with a more dim patch. Oh well
Apparently the s2 finder stood the test of time in all the versions they made. I just bought one and can't wait to put it through its paces. I'm a rangefinder and SLR photographer and use each depending on where I'm going and what I want. The S2 would be great for street photography in Jakarta a place I have been to a lot.
I just got one of these as a present and noticed the dial on the bottom for asa only goes up to 200. My understanding is that doesn’t actually affect how the camera shoots but it’s more for setting a reminder of what you have loaded. How does shooting with a 400 asa film affect the camera? Does it matter or will it just be over exposed? Still new to shooting film so I’d appreciate any feedback - Thanks!
No, it won't affect anything. On cameras that don't have light meters, the marking is only as a reminder of which film you have loaded.
Dear Tombleye6243! I'm not Kyle but I do use a nikon S film camera, perhapse I can help. I have been shooting Fujicolor 400iso for several years now. Actually I quit shooting about two summers ago. I still have 6 or more rolls left in my camera bag. I have had every exposure come out satisfactorily with this film. I used an old Weston master IV METER TO GIVE ME THE CORRECT EXPOSURE LATTITUDE. IT WILL GIVE COMBINATIONS YOU CAN TRY FROM WHICH TO SET YOUR APPERATURE AND SHUTTER SPEEDS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE OLD WESTON METERS. EITHER THE MASTER III OR THE MASTER IV. THESE METERS WERE USED IN HOLLYWOOD FOR MANY YEARS AND MAY STILL BE IN USE. GET THE INVERCONE THAT COMES WITH THE METER OR WAS AN OPTION SO YOU CAN DO REFLECTED LIGHT READINGS OR INCIDENT LIGHT READINGS. IVE BEEN TOLD YOU CAN CUT A REGULAR WHITE PING PONG BALL IN HALF AND PLACE OVER SELENIUM CELL TO GET INCIDENT LIGHT READINGS. I HAVE NOT DONE THIS YET. YOUL BE FINE IF YOU JUST CAN GET A WESTON METER. THEY, AS OF ABOUT 1980 OR 1990 STILL SERVICE THE WESTON METERS IN HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA. BY NOW MAYBE NOT SO MUCH. BUT I WOULDNT BE SURPRISED IF THEY WERE STILL SERVICING THEM. THEY ARE MADE IN ENGLAND AND ARE RUGGED TO A POINT. IF THE NEEDLE SLIPS ITS GIMBAL SEND IT TO WESTON LIGHT METER SERVICE IN HOLLYWOOD. I DONT HAVE THE ADRESS ANY LONGER SINCE IVE MOVED BUT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIG IT UP SOMEWHERE. AGAIN IF YOU HAVE AN OLD NIKON, NIKON M OR S, OR NIKON S-2 OR S -3 YOU CAN GET SATISFACTORY RESULTS WITH FUJICOLOR 400ISO FILM. THAT IS WHAT I CURRENTLY AM USING. THERE MAY BE BETTER FILMS OUT THERE BUT THE AREA IM LIVING IN IS EXTREMELY SPARSE WHEN IT COMES TO 35MM ROLL FILM FOR 35MM SLR CAMERAS. YOU DONT NEED A WESTON METER YOU CAN MAYBE JUST USE YOUR CELL PHONE WITH LIGHT METER APP? I DONT USE THIS APP CURRENTLY BUT THERE MAY BE ONE AVAILABLE, I DONT KNOW. 20TH OF A SECOND AT F 5.6 SHOULD GET YOU AN IMAGE IN DIRECT SUN. FOLLOW KODAKS EXPOSURE PAPER THEY USED TO INCLUDE IN EVERY ROLL OF FILM. I HAVENT BOUGHT KODAK SINCE 2000 SO AM NOT SURE IF KODAK EVEN MAKES A 35MM FILM ANY MORE. MY NECK OF THE WOODS DOESNT SEEM TO HAVE TOO MUCH TO OFFER IN LOCAL STORES EXCEPT MAYBE FUJI COLOR PRINT FILM. IF YOU CAN FIND ECTACHROME FOR COLOR SLIDES IT WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL KALIDOSCOPICALY COLORFUL FILM. IVE ALSO HEARD VERICHROME IS BEAUTIFUL BUT IT IS THE TAILINGS OF CINEMA FILM THEY PACKAGE IN BULK AND IVE NEVER USED IT BECAUSE I COULDNT FIND IT LOCALLY. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ORDER IT FROM HOLLYWOOD, I DONT KNOW. IT WAS A CRAP SHOOT AS TO HOW IT WOULD TURN OUT. IVE NEVER EVEN SEEN A TIN OF IT TO REALIZE IT MIGHT EXIST. ONLY RUMORS FROM MY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PHOTO TEACHER. BUT FUJICOLOR SHOULD GIVE YOU SATISFACTORY RESULTS KNOCK ON WOOD. F16 AT250TH OF A SECOND IS ANOTHER RULE OF THUMB BUT YOUVE GOT TO HAVE A FAIRLY FAST ASA OR DIN TO MAKE USE OF THAT RULE OF THUMB. I STILL SUGGEST AN OLD MASTER III OR MASTER IV METER AND TAKE THE READING FROM THE BACK OF YOUR HAND AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A GREY CARD. USE THE ARROW SETTING TO START with. C is for color and A on the other side of arrow is I don't know what exactly my owners manual is gone for the master III WHICH BELONGED TO MY DAD BUT I HAVE LOST OVER THE YEARS. MY GUESS IS YOU MIGHT FIND IT ON THE INTERNET. SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN PRETTY GOOD RESULTS WITH THE NORMAL ARROW SETTING AND MASTER IV METER. YOUL HAVE TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT BUT THERE ISNT ANY REASON YOU CANT GET GOOD PICTURES WITH YOUR NIKON s3 if the shutter doesn't have any holes in it or the grand kids didn't leave there gum stuck fingers on the camera. Happy shooting hope this helps. Im still confused about my shutter dial but Kyle has at least tryed to help and for that I'm very greatful. You see, my camera has leica type speed selector. Kyle's is based on the more normal 35mm Nikon F green black and red of the 1959 Era. Mine is the third nikon iteration after the nikon M. Essentially my camera is an M which was based on the Nikon I rangefinder. The most desirable nikon rangefinder is the Nikon S P. The S. P. WAS THE PROFESSIONALS. CHOICE AND HAD A SELF TIMER FOR PORTRAITS AND A FAST 1/1000 OF A SECOND SHUTTER CHOICE. I FOUND MY CAMERA AT AN ANTIQUE SHOP WHILE I WAS LOOKING FOR OLD LEICAS. I HAPPENED TO THINK IT WAS AN OLD LEICA BECAUSE OF ITS OLD BROWN LEATHER CARRYING CASE. I SAW NIKON ON THE FRONT OF THE CASE AND GRABBED IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SO RARE. MINE ISNT AS GOOD AS THE S 2 OR S3 OR SP BUT I FIGURED IT WAS A NIKON AND I GREW UP WITH AN F SO WHY NOT? I SQIRTED SOME RONSONOL INTO THE ROLLERS AND PRISM AND USED IT TWO SUMMERS AGO TO PHOTO SOME GEESE AND DRAGONFLYS. THE DRAGONFLY DIDNT COME OUT TOO WELL BUT THE GEESE WERE OK. THE BIGGEST DEAL IVE RECENTLY LEARNED IS THAT PROBABLY MY LENS WAS COATED FOR BLACK AND WHITE STREET CLOSE UPS. WHETHER THAT IS TRUE I COULDNT PROVE OR DISPROVE. ALL I CAN DO IS GET SOME BLACK AND WHITE AND SEE IF THAT IS SO. I STILL WOULD PREFERE A LEICA 2 OF ABOUT 1937, BUT UNTILL THEN I WILL HAVE TO BE HAPPY WITH MY SIMPLE LITTLE s. Hope ive helped. I believe however that Nikon S C 50 mm is way better optically than standard sugar leica lenses. I'm not knocking Leica, they were early precision lens crafted by hand and calculated by microsopists but. That was before lasers and genius technicians in Orient. Nikon lenses may be better in some respects than Leica lenses. Im certainly impressed with the condition of my second hand nikon. But I've had to put effort into it to unstuck the sluggish shutter and de cipher the cryptic speed selector that was inspired by Leica but teases little old me. Remember 400iso fujicolor and you shouldn't have too much trouble providing the curtain is intact and the springs aren't too tired out. Happy Shutter Bugging!
D÷are tonbly 6243 in short no it won't affect the camera. 400 is good quick film. But it could be old emulsion or defective etc. So I can't guarantee you won't have any problems. Then there is the . Condition of the internal workings of your camera. That will be by chance or fait. Your 400 speed film should be fine. But don't buy out of date film if. You can help it. Always use fresh film. Check the date. It's basically a crop shoot if the film will come out. The odds are better if you use a light meter. When you get really good you can try the zone system, but that confuses me so I'll stick with substitute method and a weston meter. All it does is give a variety of choices, you the photographer must decide in the end, what is best for your particular situation. That is the fun of both aperturepriority and shutter priority manual photography. It makes you think as you paint with light.😅
Hey Kyle, I love your show! Boring question - can I ask what camera and lenses your show is shot on?
Thanks, Francis! I shoot these on a Sony A7RII and Contax Zeiss lenses. Cheers.
i didnt understand how this beautiful beautiful camera focusses?!
you can adjust it from the lens ring or from the wheel on the top right side of the camera near the shutter.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video on the fuji GW690
Hah, it's on my list of camera's to own at some point!
What is that other device in your hand?
Abhishek Ghosh it’s a light meter. Seems like a pretty expensive sekonic. Measures both ambient and/or reflected light. Gives you the right exposure
Just bought myself one of these, going to be my first rangefinder camera after only using SLRs. Have any tips when it comes to shooting?
That's great, you'll really like it, I'm sure. As for tips when shooting, not much other than what's in the video. It's a fairly simple camera. I'm sure you'll get used to it quickly.
Why your lens is black and not silver ? I have a Nikon S2, it is silver body and silver lens
Not too sure. Just how I found it.
Also is there different film for bw pictures and normal colored?
Yes. Separate film for B&W and Colour. A lot of different options for both.
I love your review, and most importantly your photos are nice, nice photos could make people fall in love with the gear.😏
Thank you!!
bro, where in SC did you find this?? damn i missed it hahaha
It's been a while, so I don't remember exactly. It was basically in the middle of nowhere. Just an old service station that I stumbled upon and happened to meet the owner.
l just found this camera in an old closet and l have never used film before... Is there specific film to buy at certain places? And do certain places have to develop it?
Awesome! Nice find. I made a course that's an introduction to shooting with film, which could help you: skl.sh/2JrGhFs. There are alot of places to currently buy film... BHPhoto is a good one, same with Amazon. As for developing it, where are you located? If you're in the US, 'The Find Lab' is a great place to check out.
Kyle McDougall thank you! l would be looking for 35mm film for this camera right? Does any 35mm work? and I am in the US thanks!
Also, dont forget to take off the lenscap on a rangefinder... Ive made that stupid mistake once and missed a shot
Haha, yeah, very important!
There are a few black bodies S2 out there, I remember seeing a guy in Brooklyn (Montague Street) with a black S2 he and his camera looked very sharp. Definitely pass on the chrome.
The black S2 is a really nice looking camera, and so is the chrome in my opinion.
Just noticed the prices of the black S2/SP Ouch.. I guess from a user standpoint you are a lot better off with the chrome version. Please don't get me wrong, it is a nice camera. Yours was a very nice find! It looks very clean, and the lens looks great. Looks like it's got a lot of aperture blades, you also mentioned that the rangefinder/ viewfinder is one to one. Very cool
For sure, to each there own. The black version is one nice looking camera, but yeah, the prices are crazy! I was fortunate that the camera I found was in really nice shape.
Kyle McDougall Personally I think rangefinders without built-in meters work the best. "Like you said" It frees you up to work quickly and more confidently. Exposure is very important, that's why i done first, just like you the demonstrated it in your video. I know you like your SLR me too, but I like to mix them up probably 85% rangefinder 15% SLR. Sometimes 100% rangefinder. Yes the black SP is quite a looker. You shoot with Contax!! Nice. Looking forward to your next video.
Btw what’s the name of the song you used for this video? It’s awesome
I'll have to look it up for you. I have a collection that I use from a music licensing website.
Kyle McDougall awesome man thanks a lot 👌
What slr do you use the most?
Yashica FX-3 Super 2000
Dear Fanfoslr! The camera I used the most was in Europe. The Pentax MV had a quick accurate shutter by Seiko. I SHOT HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS AND A GERMAN GIRL IN MELK AUSTRIA AT A MONASTERY. I STILL REMEMBER HER GOLDEN CURLS AND MAGENTA CHEEKS, GOD SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL! ALL PHOTOGRAPHED WITH THE PENTAX MV. IT WAS BLACK. IT WAS BETTER THAN MY DADS OLD NIKON F! I WAS SHOOTING FUJICOLOR IT MAY HAVE BEEN 100 ASA ITS BEEN SO LONG AGO. SO I WOULD SAY IF YOUR NEW TO PHOTOGRAPHY A PENTAX MV WOULD BE GREAT SO YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SHUTTER SPEEDS JUST APPERATURE AND YOU CENTER THE NEEDLE IN THE VIEW FINDER AND PRESS THE SHUTTER. ITS LIKE SHOOTING FISH IN A BARREL.BUT WHEN YOU GET ALL THESE GREAT SHOTS YOU MIGHT YEARN TO CALCULATE YOUR SHUTTER SPEED AND APPERTURE YOURSELF. THE K1000 PENTAX WAS ALSO A REALLY GOOD CAMERA. PRACTICA WAS ALSO GOOD. ITS LIKE CHOOSING AN AUTOMOBILE. I THOGHT THIS PENTAX WAY EASIER TO SHOOT THAN MY DADS OLD NIKON F! MADE MY DADS OLD NIKON LOOK LIKE A BAG OF ROCKS! I PULLED OUT THE FOCUS SCREEN ONE DAY IT TURNED OUT TO BE A MIRANDA FOCUS SCREEN! ALLTHOSE YEARS MY DAD WAS FOCUSING THROUGH A MIRANDA FOCUS SCREEN. STILL TOOK DECENT PHOTOS BUT WAS NEVER AWARE HE DID NOT HAVE A GENUINE NIKON FOCUS SCREEN. SO I BOUGHT ONE. TURNED OUT TO BE PLASTIC! SO WATCH IT WHEN BUYING USED CAMERAS! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR BUYING UNTILL YOU CAREFULLY EXAMIN IT AND READ ABOUT IT. I STARTED OUT AT THE AGE OF 4 OR5 WITH A TWIN LENS CAMERA.IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A VOIGHTLANDER ALL I KNOW IS IT WAS BLACK PLASTIC OR BLACK RUBBER. I LIKED THE BIG FOLD OUT FROSTED VIEW SCREEN. I SHOT MAYBE ACOUPLE ROLLS IN THAT THING. I DONT EVEN REMEMBER HOW THEY CAME OUT. THEN MY DAD BOUGHT ME AN AGFAMATIC AND I GOT PRETTY NICE SHOTS WITH THAT. ANYTHING AGFA IS GOOD I WOULD SAY. IF YOU CAN FIND AGFA FILM ITS USUALLY PRETTY GOOD. SO THERE ARE MANY FINE CAMERAS OUT THERE. IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR WILLING TO PAY AND YOUR PERSONAL TASTE AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE THAT INFLUENCE YOUR CHOICE OF CAMERA. WHAT DO YOU LIKE? DO YOU LIKE HEAVY BRASS? MAYBE NIKON WOULD SUITE YOU? DO YOU LIKE BIG CUMBERSOME SWEDISH 4X4 BOX CAMERA WITH FLIP UP VIEW SCREEN? MAYBE THAT SUIT YOU? DO YOU LIKE SMALL COMPACT MAYBE LEICA GOOD CHOICE? IT ALL DEPENDS. I LIKE HAVING A CAMERA WITH ME BUT DONT HARDLY EVER BRING ONE ALONG. THATS WHY I LIKE LEICA. YOU CAN ALMOST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET AND HAVE IT WITH YOU ALLMOST ANYWHERE. I WAS LOOKING FOR A LEICA 2 BUT STUMBLED UPON A NIKON S. THE ONLY TROUBLE IVE HAD WITH IT WAS WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT IT HOME. THE SHUTTER SEEMED SLOW AND DRAGGY. I THEN REMEMBERED WHAT AN OLD INSTRUCTOR HAD SAID AND THAT WAS SOME TIMES A SQUIRT OF LIGHTER FLUID WILL FREE UP A STICKY SHUTTER. I TRYED IT AND IT WORKED. ACCORDING TO ANSEL ADAMS NEVER USE OIL OR LUBRICANTS ON A CAMERA SHUTTER. IT GUMS THEM UP. MAYBE ONLY A PARSIMONIOUS AMOUT OF GRAPHITE IN RAREST OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND REMEMBER GRAPHITE CRAWLS INTO LENSES SO BE EVER SO CAREFUL YOU.MIGHT RUIN IT! USE AT OWN RISK!😮