Just found your video. I love it! Had a S4, had to sell it... Had the S2, had to sell it... Now I have the Nikon S3 and I love it. The rangefinder patch is a bit dim, compared to my Leica M3, but its a great camera espassially with the 50/1.4 lens. Love the way you can handle everything with just your right hand!
I'm not sure about Nikon film cameras in general, but I have more of the range finders than any store outside of Japan! They are actually pretty rare especially the S4s, even SPs are not a common site... yet I have 2.
I have played with a Contax 2... not sure if it was A model or pre war. I much prefer the S Nikons for the film advance lever and the easy to use frame lines. Contax may have more accurate or higher contrast rangefinders from what I hear.
They weigh about the same amount. The RF lenses are smaller, but if you add a meter or external finder there in no decreeable difference in weight or much in size.
Please try to do a Leica comparison! Any camera lens combo from about the same time frame would be great! M2 or M3 with a 50mm 35mm from the 50's or 60's era.
I would love too... but Leicas are so expensive these days it will be a while before I can afford one. And no I will never trade a Nikon RF for a Leica. (I know that will have some people in a furry ) I do have a Mamiya 7 I want to do a video on.
@@andrewsmithphoto Yes the Mamiya 7 video would be interesting. As for your opinion on Leica I can not disagree, I suspect a close comparison of Nikon vs Leica lenses would be eye-opening to a lot of people and net a lot of views!
I have had the Leica IIIf and some Canon rangefinders but sold them all and kept the Nikon S2 and S3. They are in my mind the best rangefinders for the price! The Leica IIIf is very primitive with film loading and the two viewfinders. I think the M6 is probably the best Leica for ease of use and serviceability, but the bodies will cost 10x as much as a Nikon.
Thanks for the informative video! Quick question - does loosing out on parallax correction on S3 a big deal? I am confused between SP or S3 and only plan to use 50mm lens.
The S3 and S4 do have parallax correction, 35,50 and 105mm and 50, 105mm respectively. The SP lacks the correction marks in the main finder but does have 35mm parallax correction marks on the secondary finder. The Parallax correction attempts to compensate in difference in the point of view between the view finder and actual lens in close focusing. Close focusing on these old lenses is some where in the 3-7 foot range on most of these lenses. If you don't do much close up work or favor wide lenses it wont make a real difference. If you want to use a 50 either camera works well. Even an S2 should work well with that lens. I do strongly suggest the f2 over the f1.4 lens as the f2 is much sharper and cheaper.
@@andrewsmithphoto thanks for the prompt response! I got confused because various websites state that S3 is missing parallax correction in viewfinder, Wikipedia being one - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_S3 Any comments on the new millennium S3 edition, specially the new 50mm f1.4 lens? Is that sharper than the original one?
@@kumars3 The 2000 edition 50mm lens is much sharper than most other variants but very expensive. I have another video comparing the Vintage SP and the 2005 edition. You may want to watch that as much of what I say will apply to the S3 models.
@@andrewsmithphoto The SP lacks the correction marks in the main viewfinder because the frame lines themselves move to compensate the parallax--just like the Leica Ms and the Canonet.
As long as you have no regrets! I have long leaned to 35mm. 70mm is nice but the limited frames especially in 6x7 and some of the cumbersome nature of older TLR style camera has never really won me over. But Rollies, Pentax 67s and most Mamiyas can produce great images that no 35mm camera can truly replicate.
@@MarcS4R The SP specs might be better but be aware that the SP viewfinder is incredible complex, hard to service and probalby not repairable in case of deterioration. The S3 has a much simpler construction of the viewfinder, easier to service. A shame that the production stopped so early :) best regards from Austria
@@gregorpichler5899 - "hard to service and probably not repairable" - This isn't true. I service these Nikon SP units and even the ones where the 2nd image is impossible to see (invisible due to HEAVY fog/haze/fungus), I've been able to bring them back to normal - - - Skills !😎
I have an S3 and the rangefinder patch is soft on the edges and quite dim - it's no comparison with my 1956 M3, which is still bright and crisp. This is a major difference as compared to the Leica M series. I find that the focusing wheel is a drag, literally. It makes focusing harder, even when turning the lens itself, with the gears' added friction. It seems so unnecessary to even have it in the design. Curiously, my Kiev Contax copies from the 50s both have brighter rangefinder patches AND smoother/looser focusing wheels.
I wish I could compare... but every leica I have encountered was in need of a CLA and a new set of shutter curtins. Concidently every camera and lens seen in this video cost less than one leica M3, so another reason I prefer them.
I really loved all of your Nikon Rangefinder videos. They’re very informative and I appreciate your personal experience with using them.
Thanks, I started doing these videos because there is not a lot of info on them that I could find.
Just found your video. I love it! Had a S4, had to sell it... Had the S2, had to sell it... Now I have the Nikon S3 and I love it. The rangefinder patch is a bit dim, compared to my Leica M3, but its a great camera espassially with the 50/1.4 lens. Love the way you can handle everything with just your right hand!
The Nikons are good cameras, I am now starting to make lens reviews so keep watching.
A really enjoyable and useful presentation. Thank you. RS. Canada
Glad you found it useful. I make these vidoes because most of the cameras and lenses I cover a very lacking in public information and sample images.
i want to add a Nikon RF to my collection, all i have is F series cameras, this was helpful, thanks. i will watch if you do any others.
I love your videos, very educational thank you so much for such valuable information.
Thanks, I like to get information out since it can be very hard to find on the older Nikons.
You have more Nikons film cameras than any Camera store I have seen.
I'm not sure about Nikon film cameras in general, but I have more of the range finders than any store outside of Japan! They are actually pretty rare especially the S4s, even SPs are not a common site... yet I have 2.
@@andrewsmithphoto hows the external light meter? is it accurate given its not metering thru lens?
@@haparcheledupwar I have found it to be accurate, I have a video about it.
A very informative video. My Kiev II (1951) was stolen in transit to Russia for renovation.
I am now looking for a replacement. Nikon or Contax. / Ulf
I have played with a Contax 2... not sure if it was A model or pre war. I much prefer the S Nikons for the film advance lever and the easy to use frame lines. Contax may have more accurate or higher contrast rangefinders from what I hear.
Love that 35 2.5 is just sharp as hell. Leica quality
i have an SP. i want a 35mm lens. if you could only get one lens, what would you get?
Personally my choice would be the 28mm f3.5.
@@andrewsmithphoto yhanks for your opinion
I have a FM2t and considering getting a S3 when I want to move light
They weigh about the same amount. The RF lenses are smaller, but if you add a meter or external finder there in no decreeable difference in weight or much in size.
Please try to do a Leica comparison! Any camera lens combo from about the same time frame would be great! M2 or M3 with a 50mm 35mm from the 50's or 60's era.
I would love too... but Leicas are so expensive these days it will be a while before I can afford one. And no I will never trade a Nikon RF for a Leica. (I know that will have some people in a furry ) I do have a Mamiya 7 I want to do a video on.
@@andrewsmithphoto Yes the Mamiya 7 video would be interesting. As for your opinion on Leica I can not disagree, I suspect a close comparison of Nikon vs Leica lenses would be eye-opening to a lot of people and net a lot of views!
I have had the Leica IIIf and some Canon rangefinders but sold them all and kept the Nikon S2 and S3. They are in my mind the best rangefinders for the price! The Leica IIIf is very primitive with film loading and the two viewfinders. I think the M6 is probably the best Leica for ease of use and serviceability, but the bodies will cost 10x as much as a Nikon.
The Nikons are pretty under rated, but I think a lot of that has to do with low production numbers.
Thanks for the informative video! Quick question - does loosing out on parallax correction on S3 a big deal? I am confused between SP or S3 and only plan to use 50mm lens.
The S3 and S4 do have parallax correction, 35,50 and 105mm and 50, 105mm respectively. The SP lacks the correction marks in the main finder but does have 35mm parallax correction marks on the secondary finder. The Parallax correction attempts to compensate in difference in the point of view between the view finder and actual lens in close focusing. Close focusing on these old lenses is some where in the 3-7 foot range on most of these lenses. If you don't do much close up work or favor wide lenses it wont make a real difference. If you want to use a 50 either camera works well. Even an S2 should work well with that lens. I do strongly suggest the f2 over the f1.4 lens as the f2 is much sharper and cheaper.
@@andrewsmithphoto thanks for the prompt response! I got confused because various websites state that S3 is missing parallax correction in viewfinder, Wikipedia being one - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_S3
Any comments on the new millennium S3 edition, specially the new 50mm f1.4 lens? Is that sharper than the original one?
@@kumars3 The 2000 edition 50mm lens is much sharper than most other variants but very expensive. I have another video comparing the Vintage SP and the 2005 edition. You may want to watch that as much of what I say will apply to the S3 models.
@@andrewsmithphoto The SP lacks the correction marks in the main viewfinder because the frame lines themselves move to compensate the parallax--just like the Leica Ms and the Canonet.
@@shinichihayakawa7619 You are correct, sadly I did not notice this until recently
Hey Andrew what filter size does the Nikkor 5cm take..Ty
Depends on the model, 43mm on the 50mm f1.4, and the rare 40.5mm on the f2 version.
It takes a 43mm filter, but with a different thread pitch than the modern. Exception would be the special 2000 edition.
Hey I was wondering if you know how to use the parallax correction marks that are on the frame lines for the s3?
Solid lines at 3 meters + the small brackets closer than 3 meters.
@@andrewsmithphoto thanks so much right after I asked I looked online like oh there’s probably a digital version of the user manual out there
Is the S4 known for having rangefinder patch issues like the S3?
Not to the same level but I haven't had many issues with my S3. Both S4s are very usable but could stand to have a bit more contrast.
I sold my S2 to help pay for an RB67 with 3 lenses. Good choice.
As long as you have no regrets! I have long leaned to 35mm. 70mm is nice but the limited frames especially in 6x7 and some of the cumbersome nature of older TLR style camera has never really won me over. But Rollies, Pentax 67s and most Mamiyas can produce great images that no 35mm camera can truly replicate.
doesn't the SP have built in Paralax correction ?
It actually does, but it is so smooth it is very difficult to see, so I was not aware it was there when I made this video.
@@andrewsmithphoto thanks for the info. i think i may get the SP it seems to be the best of the bunch
@@MarcS4R The SP specs might be better but be aware that the SP viewfinder is incredible complex, hard to service and probalby not repairable in case of deterioration. The S3 has a much simpler construction of the viewfinder, easier to service. A shame that the production stopped so early :) best regards from Austria
@@gregorpichler5899 - "hard to service and probably not repairable" - This isn't true. I service these Nikon SP units and even the ones where the 2nd image is impossible to see (invisible due to HEAVY fog/haze/fungus), I've been able to bring them back to normal - - - Skills !😎
I have an S3 and the rangefinder patch is soft on the edges and quite dim - it's no comparison with my 1956 M3, which is still bright and crisp. This is a major difference as compared to the Leica M series.
I find that the focusing wheel is a drag, literally. It makes focusing harder, even when turning the lens itself, with the gears' added friction. It seems so unnecessary to even have it in the design.
Curiously, my Kiev Contax copies from the 50s both have brighter rangefinder patches AND smoother/looser focusing wheels.
I wish I could compare... but every leica I have encountered was in need of a CLA and a new set of shutter curtins.
Concidently every camera and lens seen in this video cost less than one leica M3, so another reason I prefer them.