Nikon Rangefinder

K3N · 5th July 2005

Aloha,

I am interested in obtaining a Nikon rangefinder camera like a Nikon S3 or Nikon SP. Does anyone know where I can find such cameras in Singapore and how much they're going for?

photo-file · 5th July 2005

there is one on display at CP.

Ian · 5th July 2005

For S2's you will need to trawl the likes of used camera shops, eBay etc. Expect to pay at least 1000 USD for a good working example and considerably more for an S3 which the last time I bothered looking were running around 4,000 USD a piece (new USA price).

Terence · 5th July 2005

Max Photo in Centerpoint has a anniversary S3 with lens for $9000 only. Comes with complimentary cling wrap.

draungmah · 5th July 2005

I have a collection of Nikon SP with Nikkor 50 mm (1.4) for sale if the right price. It has been cleaned and service by Prime camera workshop.
PM me if you are keen.
Aung

whoelse · 5th July 2005

Originally Posted by draungmah

I have a collection of Nikon SP with Nikkor 50 mm (1.4) for sale if the right price. It has been cleaned and service by Prime camera workshop.
PM me if you are keen.
Aung

Curious, r u from Myammar?

ricohflex · 5th July 2005

asked aung same ? in pm

draungmah · 6th July 2005

Yes,
I am from Myanmar and Nikon SP is owned by my father. I think he might acquire this camera after Japanese era. It was manufactured in 1957. I read from the web that there are only 20,000 SP all over the world hence rarer than Leica M2 or M3 which you can find plenty in Singapore.
Aung

hongsien · 6th July 2005

I am selling mine:

http://forum.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=96148

But this one is more of a collectors item as it comes with the two original boxes. Typically, the outer (brown) box is lost, as well as the plastic wrapping around the inner box, but here they are both still there!

Hong Sien

moon · 6th July 2005

The early Nikon and Contax RF were quite similar. The lens mounting is same. which u can mount either lens on either body. But it's useless as the distance between the lens and film is different, making them incompatible.

If you can't find a Nikon RF, how about a Contax II or IIIA. The shutter speed 1/1250. Viewfinder 35mm. With the Sonnar 50/1.5.

I got a S2 but the rangerfinder viewer slightly off ! Any idea who or where is able to tweek it back in shape??

hongsien · 6th July 2005

Originally Posted by moon

The early Nikon and Contax RF were quite similar. The lens mounting is same. which u can mount either lens on either body. But it's useless as the distance between the lens and film is different, making them incompatible.

If you can't find a Nikon RF, how about a Contax II or IIIA. The shutter speed 1/1250. Viewfinder 35mm. With the Sonnar 50/1.5.

I got a S2 but the rangerfinder viewer slightly off ! Any idea who or where is able to tweek it back in shape??

Try the repairman of Camix, it is a little shop opposite the coffeeshop inside the Penninsula Hotel shopping center (same building as the Camera Workshop and Ruby but then on the other side).

I always sent my mechanical cameras/shutters and lenses to him for repair/cleaning. Th eowner of the shop is Nick Foo, but his repairman is an older man who collects the items for repair several times a week.

Hong Sien

moon · 7th July 2005

thanks for the tip.

i have quite a few items to let him quote. Will compare his prices.

But regarding worksmanship... You know, some are good at certain brands of camera.

I also got lense with internal coating problems. wonder can he handle as it requires special technique to separate the lens at high temperature and polish it. Many times, i was caution it might crack due to the heat.

hongsien · 7th July 2005

Originally Posted by moon

thanks for the tip.

i have quite a few items to let him quote. Will compare his prices.

But regarding worksmanship... You know, some are good at certain brands of camera.

I also got lense with internal coating problems. wonder can he handle as it requires special technique to separate the lens at high temperature and polish it. Many times, i was caution it might crack due to the heat.

I can be quite certain he is one of the best in town, especially with the older mechanical cameras, he is abit slow though........but if you want him to do a good job, you must give them time (not that he is sloppy when in a hurry, just be considerate).

I also used to sent my LF lenses to him for cleaning, and he does wonders! I am not sure what the lens problem you have: kitted lenses have no internal coating, coatings are only used when there is a glass-air space. So, if you think there is coating, these elements are not kitted together. Or you may mean lens 'separation'? This actually happens alot, and doesn't affect the imaging in most cases.....if it is not that bad leave it, or ask him to rekit them, but I am unsure if he can do it. I have never asked him to do it for my lenses. Good luck!

Hong Sien

Jerry Sousa · 8th July 2005

I have an Nikon S and two S2's including one with the black shutter dial. Two 50mm lenses...one f1.4, the other a black f2. Also a 35mm f1.8 and a 105mm f2.5. Definitely not for sale!!

However, if I was starting out today, I would be very tempted to buy a Cosina made Voigtlander R2S with the Nikon 'S" mount and a couple of lenses to match. I would buy the VC 20mm, a 35mm and a 50mm.

ricohflex · 8th July 2005

hongsien

How you managed to keep so quiet when I was talking about Voigtlander and how gungho Nikon was when they made the rangefinders back in 1948 ?
(they sold them later in USA 1950 something I think)

All the time you had the real mccoy and did not say a word.

hongsien · 8th July 2005

Originally Posted by ricohflex

hongsien

How you managed to keep so quiet when I was talking about Voigtlander and how gungho Nikon was when they made the rangefinders back in 1948 ?
(they sold them later in USA 1950 something I think)

All the time you had the real mccoy and did not say a word.

what to say?..........you wanna buy it? It is collecting fungus here.......

OK, here are some images of it:

hongsien · 8th July 2005

sfhuang · 9th July 2005

wow hongsien how can u even bear to sell this baby off like this?!

hongsien · 9th July 2005

Originally Posted by sfhuang

wow hongsien how can u even bear to sell this baby off like this?!

Because I have other babies to feed........:-)

HS

moon · 9th July 2005

Originally Posted by hongsien

Because I have other babies to feed........:-)

HS

Your NIKON SP is so pretty. What other babies you have???

5th July 2005	#1
K3N Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 301	Nikon Rangefinder Aloha, I am interested in obtaining a Nikon rangefinder camera like a Nikon S3 or Nikon SP. Does anyone know where I can find such cameras in Singapore and how much they're going for?

5th July 2005	#3
Ian Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Perth Australia Posts: 2,334	For S2's you will need to trawl the likes of used camera shops, eBay etc. Expect to pay at least 1000 USD for a good working example and considerably more for an S3 which the last time I bothered looking were running around 4,000 USD a piece (new USA price). __________________ The Ang Moh from Hell Professional Photography - many are called, few are chosen!

5th July 2005	#4
Terence Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: I'm a Llama! Posts: 4,716	Max Photo in Centerpoint has a anniversary S3 with lens for $9000 only. Comes with complimentary cling wrap. __________________ Visit my photo blog Email only please, NO PM!

5th July 2005	#5
draungmah Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,676	Nikon SP I have a collection of Nikon SP with Nikkor 50 mm (1.4) for sale if the right price. It has been cleaned and service by Prime camera workshop. PM me if you are keen. Aung

5th July 2005	#7
ricohflex Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: sing Posts: 1,540	same asked aung same ? in pm

5th July 2005	#2
photo-file Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 156	there is one on display at CP.

6th July 2005	#8
draungmah Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,676	Nikon SP Yes, I am from Myanmar and Nikon SP is owned by my father. I think he might acquire this camera after Japanese era. It was manufactured in 1957. I read from the web that there are only 20,000 SP all over the world hence rarer than Leica M2 or M3 which you can find plenty in Singapore. Aung

6th July 2005	#9
hongsien Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 2,905	I am selling mine: http://forum.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=96148 But this one is more of a collectors item as it comes with the two original boxes. Typically, the outer (brown) box is lost, as well as the plastic wrapping around the inner box, but here they are both still there! Hong Sien

6th July 2005	#10
moon Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 122	The early Nikon and Contax RF were quite similar. The lens mounting is same. which u can mount either lens on either body. But it's useless as the distance between the lens and film is different, making them incompatible. If you can't find a Nikon RF, how about a Contax II or IIIA. The shutter speed 1/1250. Viewfinder 35mm. With the Sonnar 50/1.5. I got a S2 but the rangerfinder viewer slightly off ! Any idea who or where is able to tweek it back in shape??

7th July 2005	#12
moon Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 122	thanks for the tip. i have quite a few items to let him quote. Will compare his prices. But regarding worksmanship... You know, some are good at certain brands of camera. I also got lense with internal coating problems. wonder can he handle as it requires special technique to separate the lens at high temperature and polish it. Many times, i was caution it might crack due to the heat.

8th July 2005	#14
Jerry Sousa New Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 16	I have an Nikon S and two S2's including one with the black shutter dial. Two 50mm lenses...one f1.4, the other a black f2. Also a 35mm f1.8 and a 105mm f2.5. Definitely not for sale!! However, if I was starting out today, I would be very tempted to buy a Cosina made Voigtlander R2S with the Nikon 'S" mount and a couple of lenses to match. I would buy the VC 20mm, a 35mm and a 50mm.

8th July 2005	#15
ricohflex Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: sing Posts: 1,540	nikon range hongsien How you managed to keep so quiet when I was talking about Voigtlander and how gungho Nikon was when they made the rangefinders back in 1948 ? (they sold them later in USA 1950 something I think) All the time you had the real mccoy and did not say a word.

9th July 2005	#18
sfhuang Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 972	wow hongsien how can u even bear to sell this baby off like this?!