26/07/2023
Ok, kind of bored and thought that I could share some impressions regarding the Nikon rangefinders. What the Nikon SLR can do we are all aware of. This is the Nikon S2 and S3. Based on both Leica and Contax rangefinders. The horizontal moving shutter curtains are from Leica the rest from Contax. Quality really nice, almost Leica BUT ergonomics aren’t great. And that’s why they never were as successful as the Leica M series. The main complaint from my pov is regarding the lens and focusing construction/ideas. And the rangefinder and viewfinder aren’t as good as Leica either. Nikon and Contax have lenses without focusing helicoids, the focusing parts are in the camera. Saving costs on the lenses I guess. But it doesn’t work well. It has a built in infinity lock, which needs to be released every time you’re going from there (not with the 35mm lens). And that awkward wheel you’re supposed to focus with, but who does? Focusing throw is a hefty 45 degrees and closest distance is 0,9 meter or 3 feet. I really wanted to love these and use them, like those war photographers during Korea, but if you ever have gotten used to a Leica M2,M3 or M4 these really can’t match. However that 35/1.8 lens is truly a wonderful thing and will keep the S3 just because of it.
So, how many here are Nikon rangefinder guys? Are you more comfortable with them and the quirks than I am? I want to know.