Nikon Rangefinder: Using & Identifying (original) (raw)

The Nikon S2 was introduced in 1955, a great advance over the S. It showed Nikon's innovative design. See Separate Profile Much lighter than the S, its features included:

In Super Wides, the Nikon 21 and25/4 are prohibitively expensive as users from an economic point of view. Yet you can use the superb 21/4 Zeiss Biogon made for the Contax with beautiful results, at a fraction of the cost. This shows a 21 Biogon mounted on an SP.

In 28's, you have a few choices. The black 28 Nikkor is much lighter than the chrome version, and therefore a better user. For 1/3 to 1/4 the price of the 28 Nikkors, you might be able to find a 28/6 Russian Orion lens for the Kiev. Even though made for the Contax RF mount, it should work fine. The new Voigtlander 28/3.5 is the sharpest of the lot.

In 35's, you have three to choose from: 35/3.5, 35/2.5, 35/1.8. The 3.5 and 2.5 were made in chrome or black, the 1.8 in black only. ALL are fine lenses. I prefer the black lenses since they are lighter to carry . The 2.5 is probably the sharpest, but the 1.8 is a fine performing fast 35. You could also use a Contax 35mm, such as the 35/2.8 Biogon or the Russian copy for the Kiev. I suggest you keep with the coated post war versions. The new Voigtlander 35/2.5 is the sharpest, benefiting from decades of optical improvements.

Be aware that for lenses 35mm and shorter, classic Nikon Rangefinder lenses and Zeiss Contax Rangefinder lenses are considered functionally interchangeable, even though there is a slight difference in back focus. That difference shows up in 50mm and longer lenses, roughly f/4 and wider, 20 feet and closer unsharpness. BUT if you take that same lens and camera shooting at infinity, you will be fine.

In 50's, you can choose the 50/2 (black or chrome), the 50/1.4 (black or chrome), and the 50/1.1.The best user is the small compact black 50/1.4. The black 50/2 is also a nice lens. The chrome models are just as good, if the added weight is not a problem. The 50/1.1 is strictly a collector's lens. It is expensive and has relatively poor performance wide open.

In 85's, there is the chrome or black 85/2's, and the black 85/1.5. The chrome 85/2 is relatively common and inexpensive. A fine performer, it is the best choice from a dollar to performance standpoint, although a bit heavy. The 85/2 Black lens is rare and hard to find, but compact and lightweight. It is the best choice as a user 85. The 85/1.5 is heavy and expensive and should be considered a collector's lens.

In 105's, in practical terms you can choose the 105/2.5 or the 105/2.5, or the 105/2.5, black or black versions. The 105/4 is so difficult to find it's practically not there. The 105/2.5 is a great performer, and replaced the 85/2 as the most popular Nikon RF portrait lens.

In 135's, you can choose between chrome or black 135/3.5's. The chrome is so much heavier than the black, it makes the black a very easy best choice as a user.

The 180/250/350/500/1000 all require Nikon's reflex housing to essentially turn the SP into an awkward SLR. All are collector's lenses, and too clumsy and expensive to be considered users.

Nikon Rangefinders are relics of an age of Giants: Eugene Smith, Capa, and Swartz to name a few.

With its unique six position finder and electric motor drive, many consider the Nikon SP the quintessential 1950's Photojournalist's camera.

Voigtlander Nikon/Contax Rangefinder Cameras and Lenses

Voigtlander Bessa R2S R2C Rangefinders in Classic Nikon or Contax Rangefinder Mounts

Voigtlander Bessa R2S 50/3.5 Heliar S NHS Commemorative in Classic Nikon Rangefinder Mount

Voigtlander SL 12/5.6 and 15/4.5 Aspherical widest EVER for NRF

Voigtlander Nikon Rangefinder SC Mount Lens Intro 21/4, 25/4, 35/2.5 intro

Voigtlander Nikon Rangefinder SC Lenses: SC 21/4, SC 25/4, SC 28/3.5, SC 35/2.5, SC 35/1.2 Prototype, S 50/1.5, S 50/2.5, S 50/3.5, S 85/3.5

Voigtlander VC Meter II small compact silicon meter with LED readout for Nikon Rangefinders

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Revised: September 15, 2017 . Copyright � 1998-2011 Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved. This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.