Very interesting that you use the 50mm F:2. I'm not too surprised by your very good shots, but a lot of people underestimate the slightly simpler F:2 lens. I have three 50mm(ish) lenses for my S2; F:1.4, F:2 and Kiev Helios-103 53mm/1.8. If you want a modern, sharp picture with high contrast and little vignetting and aberration, go for F:2 or Helios-103. If you want classic, dreamy stuff from the 50s, go for the speedmaster F:1.4. Every lens has their place in the analogue renaissance! (BTW; Beware of discrepancies between Contax-mount and Nikon S-Mount if using large apertures at shorter distances.)
The S2 like the other Nikon rangefinders are absolute beauties. So well built they gave Leica a run for their money. Sharp glass too. They are such collectibles it shows in their prices. Nice pictures.
Focusing for Contax-type cameras like the Nikon S rangefinders with the 50mm lens actually is done using the geared/toothed wheel seen at the top-left of the camera (when looking it from the front). This is connected to the inner focusing helical, used only for the 50mm lens. A metal tongue-like device sticks out when the lens is locked to infinity: press this down with the middle finger and then you can focus with the toothed wheel. Also don't block the rangefinder window! You have to learn the "Contax grip" to use this properly: middle finger on the toothed focusing wheel, pointing finger at the shutter release. And finally, when using lenses other than 50mm, DO NOT use the toothed wheel and press the tongue when focusing, as these lenses use the external helical for focusing.
The Nikon S2, S3, or SP are still on my wishlist. I own some Kiev Rangefinders, and as well an excellent Contax Rangefinder. I like those Rangefinders because the design is absolutely outstanding.
I had no problem loading it first time. Search around you might find one cheap like I did. If you can repair one ( I had mine in bits) you will get a bargain. Too many end up on a collectors shelf. The infinity lock is not a problem as the wheel on the front can be used to focus with one hand. There is a piece of metal which your finger presses down on and then the shell turns. Its one of my favourite rangefinders. I have the canon 7sz but too valuable to take out. I standard canon 7 is a great camera and can be picked up cheap. The last one I bought for repair was €45.
Cannot remember the year, but Kodak brought out b&w on color film material. I can't recall what the negative material is called. Just wondering if you ever came across that film.
The camera is a legend . My first real cameras were old rangefinders and were a giant leap forward from my Kodak instamatic . Few cameras were harder and more confusing to use than a stereo realist .
Nice photos! As for the Nikon S2 - That 1:1 viewfinder is amazing as far as viewfinders go! And, the Nikkor 50/1.4 always surprises me with how fantastic it is. A friend of mine gave me his old Nikon SP and I gotta say it has become my favorite camera; it's really fantastic. Would I pay $1000 for it? Well... I wouldn't have paid that much before owning one, but now that I'm hooked ... Like, if I dropped it in a lake or something? Maybe !!!
If I could drop a grand on a whim, I might do the same, really enjoyed this camera. Then again, I might spend it on more lenses for my Pentax 6x7 and Nikon F100
@@AzrielKnight Yeah the Nikon SP price is too high for what it is. Slightly less than an M3... If I hadn't been given this one, I couldn't justify paying for one. But it *does* help that Nikon S lenses are really affordable. The aperture blades on my Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 broke, and I replaced it with another one in great condition for $180. But, downside, the faint rangefinder patch will always be faint - that's not repairable. :(
The Nikon S2 was another family camera that was a companion to the Leica IIIa. There are a set of Nikkor lenses for this modified Contax system, but nothing like the legions of Leica screw mount lenses. It is/was easier to use and focus in low light with less-than-perfect vision. No light meter? I carried a Sekonic L-28c with me, like many intermediate level photographers of the 1960's.
I love my Canon model 7 rangefinder. So good for urban/street photography. Much prefer them to an slr for that purpose. Those negs look great! Love Acros!
Cogent & informative. In process of getting an S2 so very helpful. Item of interest. Can you tell me if necessary to cock the shutter prior to changing the shutter speed on the S2 to avoid some damage? Info avail online not clear. Thanks for the good video.
I photographed a church fire around 2011 and shot it on a Nikon D700 ... the closest ever digital equivalent that I ever found to the F100. That 1.8G lens is phenomenal.
I never tried that film, or any range finder. But I'm overhauling a Canon Canonet GIII QL17. I hear them described as the poor man's Leica. I'll have an opinion when I have it in service. It doesn't have the shortcoming that you mentioned about the Nikon S2: it has automatic parallax correction in the viewfinder. And it's reviewed as wonderful with it's sharp 40mm f1.7 lens. I shall see....
@@AzrielKnight Then you must get another! As a trial, I shot a roll of Velvia 50 with sunny 16 and a necessarily crazy optimism. But the GIII instills a lot of confidence and if I only get one or two good exposures, who cares?!
One of my favourite combinations is a 120 medium format Mockba 5 rangefinder and Acros film. Just superb results, but I *do* wish Acros was a) Not discontinued and b) So $^@#ing expensive in it's reincarnation. For now I am happy with Bergger Pancro 400.
the S2 is a camera AND a work of art - wouldn't part with mine - if the focusing wheel on top is smooth you can press the infinity release with your middle finger and never take the camera from your eye
The S2 is indeed a fantastic camera, but I must admit I might be biased since I have one.... And an S3 which is a little bit more modern, but just as nice.
@@AzrielKnight The S3 had an all-in-one shutter speed dial (which looked a lot like the one on the F and the F2) instead of the S2 style dial which had the separate dial for the slower speeds. The S3 also has more framelines in the viewfinder (35mm, 50mm and 105mm if I remember right) and it has a self-timer. The S2 was the biggest seller among the Nikon rangefinders so it is easy to find and not too expensive and the Nikon rangefinder lenses are quite sharp so even today it is a high quality camera system.
My first 35mm was a Petri 7s. Bought it from a GI who going to buy a canon range finder. It did a good job taking photos and was a big step from my Kodak 128 cartirdge camera.
I guess you saw other youtubers making stupid facial expressions while starting at cameras (in thumbnails) and jumped on the bandwagon. follow the sheep
FYI…when the lens is at infinity and locked, you can simply use the gear on top to start focus. It unlocks the infinity lock automatically. Cheers!
Very interesting that you use the 50mm F:2. I'm not too surprised by your very good shots, but a lot of people underestimate the slightly simpler F:2 lens. I have three 50mm(ish) lenses for my S2; F:1.4, F:2 and Kiev Helios-103 53mm/1.8. If you want a modern, sharp picture with high contrast and little vignetting and aberration, go for F:2 or Helios-103. If you want classic, dreamy stuff from the 50s, go for the speedmaster F:1.4. Every lens has their place in the analogue renaissance! (BTW; Beware of discrepancies between Contax-mount and Nikon S-Mount if using large apertures at shorter distances.)
The Nikon rangefinders are interesting, but IMO their cameras really hit perfection once they finally added the mirror…
The S2 like the other Nikon rangefinders are absolute beauties. So well built they gave Leica a run for their money. Sharp glass too. They are such collectibles it shows in their prices. Nice pictures.
Thanks very much :)
agreed - mine rides in a bag with a Leica M3 - its as good or better - and better looking to boot
@@ricklosey3018 same here.
Focusing for Contax-type cameras like the Nikon S rangefinders with the 50mm lens actually is done using the geared/toothed wheel seen at the top-left of the camera (when looking it from the front). This is connected to the inner focusing helical, used only for the 50mm lens. A metal tongue-like device sticks out when the lens is locked to infinity: press this down with the middle finger and then you can focus with the toothed wheel. Also don't block the rangefinder window! You have to learn the "Contax grip" to use this properly: middle finger on the toothed focusing wheel, pointing finger at the shutter release. And finally, when using lenses other than 50mm, DO NOT use the toothed wheel and press the tongue when focusing, as these lenses use the external helical for focusing.
The Nikon S2, S3, or SP are still on my wishlist. I own some Kiev Rangefinders, and as well an excellent Contax Rangefinder. I like those Rangefinders because the design is absolutely outstanding.
I love Kiev :)
Loads just like the Nikon F, minus the shutter count dial. Love that camera!
Almost. Got to advance first.
I purchased a very nice S2 couple of years ago. Looks like new. Have had great results. A 60 year mechanical device that works so well.
Fantastic!
I had no problem loading it first time. Search around you might find one cheap like I did. If you can repair one ( I had mine in bits) you will get a bargain. Too many end up on a collectors shelf. The infinity lock is not a problem as the wheel on the front can be used to focus with one hand. There is a piece of metal which your finger presses down on and then the shell turns. Its one of my favourite rangefinders. I have the canon 7sz but too valuable to take out. I standard canon 7 is a great camera and can be picked up cheap. The last one I bought for repair was €45.
Good to know, thanks!
Glad you finally picked up a Nikon S RF!
Too bad I can't keep it :)
Cannot remember the year, but Kodak brought out b&w on color film material. I can't recall what the negative material is called. Just wondering if you ever came across that film.
I legit just saw one of these for sale at the camera store today.
I'm not joking. Never seen one before, then this episode drops.
simulation
shhhh, don't tell him :P
The camera is a legend . My first real cameras were old rangefinders and were a giant leap forward from my Kodak instamatic . Few cameras were harder and more confusing to use than a stereo realist .
Thanks for the comment :)
Nice photos! As for the Nikon S2 - That 1:1 viewfinder is amazing as far as viewfinders go! And, the Nikkor 50/1.4 always surprises me with how fantastic it is. A friend of mine gave me his old Nikon SP and I gotta say it has become my favorite camera; it's really fantastic. Would I pay $1000 for it? Well... I wouldn't have paid that much before owning one, but now that I'm hooked ... Like, if I dropped it in a lake or something? Maybe !!!
If I could drop a grand on a whim, I might do the same, really enjoyed this camera. Then again, I might spend it on more lenses for my Pentax 6x7 and Nikon F100
@@AzrielKnight Yeah the Nikon SP price is too high for what it is. Slightly less than an M3... If I hadn't been given this one, I couldn't justify paying for one. But it *does* help that Nikon S lenses are really affordable. The aperture blades on my Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 broke, and I replaced it with another one in great condition for $180. But, downside, the faint rangefinder patch will always be faint - that's not repairable. :(
One of the best things about this chanel has to be the music... And maybe the photography ;)
lol, thanks Sam :P
The Nikon S2 was another family camera that was a companion to the Leica IIIa. There are a set of Nikkor lenses for this modified Contax system, but nothing like the legions of Leica screw mount lenses. It is/was easier to use and focus in low light with less-than-perfect vision. No light meter? I carried a Sekonic L-28c with me, like many intermediate level photographers of the 1960's.
I love my Canon model 7 rangefinder. So good for urban/street photography. Much prefer them to an slr for that purpose. Those negs look great! Love Acros!
Thanks :)
Cogent & informative. In process of getting an S2 so very helpful. Item of interest. Can you tell me if necessary to cock the shutter prior to changing the shutter speed on the S2 to avoid some damage? Info avail online not clear. Thanks for the good video.
👍Cool vid as always.
I've been looking at a Canon P body only for sale and wondered what lenses / cost anyone can recommend before committing myself 🤔
Good question. I'm curious as well.
All the old M39 mount lenses work on the P with a very few exceptions.
I'm come here for the tunes, and end up staying for the great camera talk ; )
Thanks Jose :)
Acros rocks. Sharp and wonderful tonal range. That lens compliments your skill. I don't care fornrange finders. What developer did you use?
I believe I used Xtol
I know it’s heresy but the camera I am happiest with, is my Leica M2. I’ve used a variety of rangefinders and the M2 wins every time for me.
I'd like to try it at some point :)
Sadly I’m in the UK otherwise I’d loan you mine.
I photographed a church fire around 2011 and shot it on a Nikon D700 ... the closest ever digital equivalent that I ever found to the F100. That 1.8G lens is phenomenal.
Odd, this comment showed up on the wrong video.
@@AzrielKnight Strange! I don't think this is the first time I've heard of YT crossing wires like that.
@@JamieMPhoto same
The patch was good on yours?
I never tried that film, or any range finder. But I'm overhauling a Canon Canonet GIII QL17. I hear them described as the poor man's Leica. I'll have an opinion when I have it in service. It doesn't have the shortcoming that you mentioned about the Nikon S2: it has automatic parallax correction in the viewfinder. And it's reviewed as wonderful with it's sharp 40mm f1.7 lens. I shall see....
I have shot with that camera and can vouch for it. Wish I didn't sell it.
I was given a canon giii in Canada years ago free. The results blew me away and I was photographing the bow building you saw in this video
@@AzrielKnight Then you must get another! As a trial, I shot a roll of Velvia 50 with sunny 16 and a necessarily crazy optimism. But the GIII instills a lot of confidence and if I only get one or two good exposures, who cares?!
Beautiful camera that looks like a pain in the ass to load. Great video!
Pretty much sums it up.
Testing a camera with acros? I too like to live dangerously
lol
This has been more of my most desired cameras. We never see any for sale here in the U.K. not sure why.
Might have to go through eBay.
Japan has many for sale on eBay..I got mine cheap because it had a few problems but I'm good at repairs.
One of my favourite combinations is a 120 medium format Mockba 5 rangefinder and Acros film. Just superb results, but I *do* wish Acros was a) Not discontinued and b) So $^@#ing expensive in it's reincarnation.
For now I am happy with Bergger Pancro 400.
I should try Bergger. Name comes up every so often.
Acros is so amazing , you should check out a canon p a little simpler and still well built
Thanks I'll keep my eyes peeled :)
I use a small wedge of leather to hold back the infinity lock on my Kiev.
Smart idea!
the S2 is a camera AND a work of art - wouldn't part with mine - if the focusing wheel on top is smooth you can press the infinity release with your middle finger and never take the camera from your eye
Thanks for the tip Rick!
The S2 is indeed a fantastic camera, but I must admit I might be biased since I have one.... And an S3 which is a little bit more modern, but just as nice.
What are the main differences?
@@AzrielKnight The S3 had an all-in-one shutter speed dial (which looked a lot like the one on the F and the F2) instead of the S2 style dial which had the separate dial for the slower speeds. The S3 also has more framelines in the viewfinder (35mm, 50mm and 105mm if I remember right) and it has a self-timer. The S2 was the biggest seller among the Nikon rangefinders so it is easy to find and not too expensive and the Nikon rangefinder lenses are quite sharp so even today it is a high quality camera system.
can you do a review on arista edu ultra 200? i feel like theres very little to no reviews on it
You know what, I actually have a roll of that kicking around. I just might :)
@@AzrielKnight :D
I really love a rangefinder :-)
They are growing on me a bit.
My first 35mm was a Petri 7s. Bought it from a GI who going to buy a canon range finder. It did a good job taking photos and was a big step from my Kodak 128 cartirdge camera.
What is the light meter name?
Sekonic L-758 DR
What's wrong with xp2?
lol
Nice! :)
I guess you saw other youtubers making stupid facial expressions while starting at cameras (in thumbnails) and jumped on the bandwagon. follow the sheep
I guess you saw other losers making snotty comments and jumped on that bandwagon.