It’s definitely a camera I hope I can own myself one day. This one that I used In this video was loaned to me by a friend and I’ve really missed it since.
Hi Aly, referring to your comment at 8:15 when taking shots of items close to you using a rangefinder you have to consider parallax. Keep in mind you are not viewing through the lens (like with your Nikon F) and your lens is looking at the subject from a different position than the viewfinder you use for composing. that is why the flower looks off center. of course if the subject is far away this does not matter so much.
Thanks Ally! You've got to wind the film first on that nikon s2. That's why pix came black. Wind first then set speed each time. Mines an S nikon. If I set bottom dial to 20-1 I can choose any setting on top dial. But that's after I wind. Otherwise like you I risk having black negs. Thanks for doing this vidio! Your little dog is unbelievably adorable! Bye😅
Sekonic meter Portra 400 are my favourites. Nikon S2 would complete my Nikon collection. My only rangefinder cameras are a Zorki 4k with the awesome Jupiter 8 50mm f2 lens and a Kiev 4a also with the Jupiter 8. They both cost about £50 here in the UK. My favourite Nikon slr is my Nikkormat ft2 with a 50mm f1.4 ai s-c lens. I prefer what-you-see-is what-get DSLR cameras. A habit of a lifetime.
I almost never use the infinity lock on the front. the best way is to use the focusing wheel on the top front (place your Thumb on the film advance, Index on the shutter, middle on the focus wheel) Learn to set the lens at a a hyperlocal distance. Very very few photos are taken with a lens set at infinity (save it for fireworks). Also, if your look in the viewfinder, I believe there is a mark in the lower left that helps with parallax correction.
Thank you Mike! I appreciate that. I always try to wear your shirts in my videos as well. ;) i just got the new ones so I’ll probably wear those in the next one.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley Because of the use of a helicoid in the lens and camera, a lock is necessary so it won’t go past its focus range of 3’ to infinity. I think this would apply to any brand that used helicoids. Thank goodness they got past that technology. Try the Texas Leica if you get a chance, well worth a try! 😊
I find using the focus wheel helps. The camera is set up for your thumb on the advance, your index on the shutter and your middle finger on the focus wheel. Once you get used to that you'll find it works very well and the lock won't bother you.
The S2 rangefinder display is not paralax-corrected so the framing errors were not your fault. Also, total production was 62,000 units (45,000 silver dial, 17,000 black dial) Great video. Liked.
Getting close-ups off centre is a common problem with all rangefinder cameras (you're not doing anything wrong). The lens and the rangefinder "window" have slightly different viewpoints as they are usually side-by-side so the view you get through the "window" will be slightly different from the view that the lens gets. This effect is most pronounced when you're photographing something close to the camera.
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!
Hi Tom. No the dial underneath the camera originally worked just as a reminder for the user just in case you forgot what film was loaded in the camera. Since this camera doesn’t have a built in meter, these settings don’t affect anything. Shooting 400 speed film is fine as long as you meter correctly of course. Hope that helps :)
Just ordered a Nikon S2. Your excellent video reassured the decision. Really looking forward to using this Nikon classic. Question: Is it necessary to advance /cock the shutter on the S2 prior to changing the shutter speed like on some German & Soviet made cams? Wouldn’t want to make a big time mistake. Also, since it has cloth focal plane shutter curtain, assume not good idea to aim directly at the sun? Any insights welcome. Thanks very much.
Hi Linda. The Nikon S2 is so beautiful I’m jealous! Lol I was sad giving it back to its owner. The answer to both your questions is yes. With these kinds of mechanical cameras you need to tension the shutter before changing the speed dial and yes try not to let direct sunlight get into the lens. Have fun with that beauty! And thanks for watching.
Very timely video, recently got an S2 with 5cm/2.0 HC. Still learning but enjoying the vintage/retro aspect. Absolutely not a point & shoot. One issue of concern is whether it safe to change shutter speed without advancing film/cocking shutter prior? Butkus pdf and online videos not clear/definitive on this. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks.
With these types of cameras I always change the shutter speed after advancing unless specifically the manual said not to. From what I’ve read, if you change it first then advance it messes up the mechanism inside. Hope that helps
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley I think you’d like the Yasuhara T981, Yashica YF, and Nikon SP. Maybe also try the Contax II or IIa, the Canon P or VI-L, and a screwmount Leica!
Now I just have to figure out the approx sell value and find the appropriate buyer. I've done some research and eBay says 400-100, one guy Even said thousands to 10k for the black rare model and couple thousand for the one I have!? Is that right? Idk man.
For my written review please visit alysvintagecameraalley.com/2020/10/23/the-nikon-s2-rangefinder/
Congrats!🎉
The S2 is one of the best rangefinders. The lens is sharp and the VF is uncluttered with the frame lines of the Nikon S3.
It’s definitely a camera I hope I can own myself one day. This one that I used In this video was loaned to me by a friend and I’ve really missed it since.
I liked your choice of music for this especially the acoustic guitar interlude at 40 seconds into the film.
Thank you. That’s one of the hardest parts I think is finding the right music for the video.
Hi Aly, referring to your comment at 8:15 when taking shots of items close to you using a rangefinder you have to consider parallax. Keep in mind you are not viewing through the lens (like with your Nikon F) and your lens is looking at the subject from a different position than the viewfinder you use for composing. that is why the flower looks off center. of course if the subject is far away this does not matter so much.
Ahh ok. Thank you. I didn’t even think of parallax.
Thanks Ally! You've got to wind the film first on that nikon s2. That's why pix came black. Wind first then set speed each time. Mines an S nikon. If I set bottom dial to 20-1 I can choose any setting on top dial. But that's after I wind. Otherwise like you I risk having black negs. Thanks for doing this vidio! Your little dog is unbelievably adorable! Bye😅
Thanks for the info! And thank you, Frankie is my little baby lol
Cool camera and pictures. That van was awesome!
Thank you!
Wasn’t it? I wish I could’ve fit the whole thing in one shot. My lens wasnt wide enough and I was in a moving car.
Cool channel Aly! Loving it 👍🏽
Thank you!
Sekonic meter Portra 400 are my favourites. Nikon S2 would complete my Nikon collection.
My only rangefinder cameras are a Zorki 4k with the awesome Jupiter 8 50mm f2 lens and a Kiev 4a also with the Jupiter 8.
They both cost about £50 here in the UK.
My favourite Nikon slr is my Nikkormat ft2 with a 50mm f1.4 ai s-c lens.
I prefer what-you-see-is what-get DSLR cameras. A habit of a lifetime.
Excellent review! Thanks!
Thank you for watching.
Ooops! Please disregard my latest comment/question about changing shutter speed. Missed/forgot definitive answer to previous query. Question fully answered.
I almost never use the infinity lock on the front. the best way is to use the focusing wheel on the top front (place your Thumb on the film advance, Index on the shutter, middle on the focus wheel) Learn to set the lens at a a hyperlocal distance. Very very few photos are taken with a lens set at infinity (save it for fireworks). Also, if your look in the viewfinder, I believe there is a mark in the lower left that helps with parallax correction.
Thank you for the info
Is it easy to focus on various subjects ? I might be wrong but the viewfinder has a focus aid?
I’m sorry I can’t remember. I no longer have the camera because someone lent it to me. One day I hope to have my own.
This was awesome!
Thank you Mike! I appreciate that. I always try to wear your shirts in my videos as well. ;) i just got the new ones so I’ll probably wear those in the next one.
Had one and sold it. The infinity lock bugged the hell out of me. My favourite rangefinder was the Texas Leica, Fuji GW690ii. Great camera, try one!
It is kind of annoying that lock. I never found in my research why it does that.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley Because of the use of a helicoid in the lens and camera, a lock is necessary so it won’t go past its focus range of 3’ to infinity. I think this would apply to any brand that used helicoids. Thank goodness they got past that technology.
Try the Texas Leica if you get a chance, well worth a try! 😊
@@duncanthorn6338 ah that makes sense. Thank you. I’d love to try the Texas Leica. Not sure if Mike Eckman has one of those to lend me LOL
I find using the focus wheel helps. The camera is set up for your thumb on the advance, your index on the shutter and your middle finger on the focus wheel. Once you get used to that you'll find it works very well and the lock won't bother you.
The S2 rangefinder display is not paralax-corrected so the framing errors were not your fault. Also, total production was 62,000 units (45,000 silver dial, 17,000 black dial)
Great video. Liked.
Thank you. And that’s good to know!
Great video. That S2 is a sharp looking camera.
Thank you. Yes I love the look of the old mechanical Nikons. The Nikon F is my favorite camera
Wow! That Nikon was produced in 1954. I was also produced in 1954. That camera is in better shape than I am.
LOL don’t you wish all us humans needed was a good lube to keep going. My joints could sure use it LOL
Getting close-ups off centre is a common problem with all rangefinder cameras (you're not doing anything wrong). The lens and the rangefinder "window" have slightly different viewpoints as they are usually side-by-side so the view you get through the "window" will be slightly different from the view that the lens gets. This effect is most pronounced when you're photographing something close to the camera.
Ahh ok. Thank you for clearing that up. I appreciate it. I couldn’t figure out why that was happening
Be sure to try a Minolta HiMatic. Very nice rangefinder.
I’ve heard it’s a good one
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley The auto exposure mode is really impressive.
I sold mine to get an F2 hen hey were introduced. Cool camera, but I as working for a newspaper and the SLR was the better camera. No regrets.
F2 is a great camera.
Great review!
Thanks Bill
Nice!,Nice!,Nice!
Thank you :)
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!
Hi Tom. No the dial underneath the camera originally worked just as a reminder for the user just in case you forgot what film was loaded in the camera. Since this camera doesn’t have a built in meter, these settings don’t affect anything. Shooting 400 speed film is fine as long as you meter correctly of course. Hope that helps :)
Nice! I really like the focus thing ... Too bad these aren't quite priced like the Canon P.
Thank you. I know!
Just ordered a Nikon S2. Your excellent video reassured the decision. Really looking forward to using this Nikon classic. Question: Is it necessary to advance /cock the shutter on the S2 prior to changing the shutter speed like on some German & Soviet made cams? Wouldn’t want to make a big time mistake. Also, since it has cloth focal plane shutter curtain, assume not good idea to aim directly at the sun? Any insights welcome. Thanks very much.
Hi Linda. The Nikon S2 is so beautiful I’m jealous! Lol I was sad giving it back to its owner. The answer to both your questions is yes. With these kinds of mechanical cameras you need to tension the shutter before changing the speed dial and yes try not to let direct sunlight get into the lens. Have fun with that beauty! And thanks for watching.
Very timely video, recently got an S2 with 5cm/2.0 HC. Still learning but enjoying the vintage/retro aspect. Absolutely not a point & shoot. One issue of concern is whether it safe to change shutter speed without advancing film/cocking shutter prior? Butkus pdf and online videos not clear/definitive on this. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks.
With these types of cameras I always change the shutter speed after advancing unless specifically the manual said not to. From what I’ve read, if you change it first then advance it messes up the mechanism inside. Hope that helps
Nice review! What rangefinder do you want to try next?
thanks! im not sure. What do you recommend?
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley I think you’d like the Yasuhara T981, Yashica YF, and Nikon SP. Maybe also try the Contax II or IIa, the Canon P or VI-L, and a screwmount Leica!
I have one
Now I just have to figure out the approx sell value and find the appropriate buyer. I've done some research and eBay says 400-100, one guy Even said thousands to 10k for the black rare model and couple thousand for the one I have!? Is that right? Idk man.