Nikon SP
p.1 #1Nikon SP
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
Sep 20, 2026 at 08:44 PM
p.1 #2Nikon SP
Congrats, Bob. It looks pretty. Never shot with one, but can recommend the 85/2 (or 8.5CM, if I remember the markings correctly). Lovely Sonnar copy- well worth it being a bit of a brass pipe.
Sep 20, 2026 at 09:57 PM
p.1 #3Nikon SP
rji2goleez wrote:
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
Congrats on the camera. There are two people on the Nikkor Manual Focus thread that want the S mount 35mm f1.8, because they have slower versions
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
Congrats on the camera. There are two people on the Nikkor Manual Focus thread that want the S mount 35mm f1.8, because they have slower versions
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/
Sep 20, 2026 at 10:32 PM
p.1 #4Nikon SP
James Markus wrote:
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.Congrats on the camera. There are two people on the Nikkor Manual Focus thread that want the S mount 35mm f1.8, because they have slower versions
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/
Thanks for the reference. At this point, I am more interested in using the Nikon SP with included lenses than selling but it's good to know there is interest!
rji2goleez wrote
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/
Thanks for the reference. At this point, I am more interested in using the Nikon SP with included lenses than selling but it's good to know there is interest!
Sep 21, 2026 at 06:24 AM
p.1 #5Nikon SP
I've seen some gorgeous photos taken with that 50/1.4 lens. Looks like you got yourself a great setup!
The user manual is available from the usual sources (Butkus and even Ken Rockwell in this case), and there's a repair manual online (https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/04427/04427.pdf).
DAG (Don Goldberg) has done CLAs on Nikon SPs in the past; you'd need to contact him to see if he still accepts them. A few years ago I asked him about working on my Canon P and he said no; same story for Youxin Yee, but in DAG's case it was that he was too backed up with Leica work. It's worth a try.
Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon reportedly also works on these cameras.
The user manual is available from the usual sources (Butkus and even Ken Rockwell in this case), and there's a repair manual online (https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/04427/04427.pdf).
DAG (Don Goldberg) has done CLAs on Nikon SPs in the past; you'd need to contact him to see if he still accepts them. A few years ago I asked him about working on my Canon P and he said no; same story for Youxin Yee, but in DAG's case it was that he was too backed up with Leica work. It's worth a try.
Advance Camera in Portland, Oregon reportedly also works on these cameras.
Sep 21, 2026 at 08:06 AM
p.1 #6Nikon SP
bjhurley wrote:
I've seen some gorgeous photos taken with that 50/1.4 lens. Looks like you got yourself a great setup!
The user manual is available from the usual sources (Butkus and even Ken Rockwell in this case), and there's a repair manual online (https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/04427/04427.pdf).
DAG (Don Goldberg) has done CLAs on Nikon SPs in the past; you'd need to contact him to see if he still accepts them. A few years ago I asked him about working on my Canon P and he said no; same story for Youxin Yee, but in DAG's case it was that he was too backed up with Leica...Show more →
Thanks for this! I checked RF alignment at infinity and the RF patch lines up exactly. So, I threw a roll of Lucky 400 film in the camera to see what I get. Shooting with the 35/1.8 and 50/1.4 is straight forward and can't wait to see what I get. Will report here when I do.
I've seen some gorgeous photos taken with that 50/1.4 lens. Looks like you got yourself a great setup!
The user manual is available from the usual sources (Butkus and even Ken Rockwell in this case), and there's a repair manual online (https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/04427/04427.pdf).
DAG (Don Goldberg) has done CLAs on Nikon SPs in the past; you'd need to contact him to see if he still accepts them. A few years ago I asked him about working on my Canon P and he said no; same story for Youxin Yee, but in DAG's case it was that he was too backed up with Leica...Show more →
Thanks for this! I checked RF alignment at infinity and the RF patch lines up exactly. So, I threw a roll of Lucky 400 film in the camera to see what I get. Shooting with the 35/1.8 and 50/1.4 is straight forward and can't wait to see what I get. Will report here when I do.
Sep 21, 2026 at 08:19 AM
RoamingScott
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p.1 #7Nikon SP
You were just handed a pretty iconic setup, and it looks CLEAN! At the very minimum new foam seals would probably be a good idea given the age.
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
Sep 21, 2026 at 08:20 AM
p.1 #8Nikon SP
RoamingScott wrote:
You were just handed a pretty iconic setup, and it looks CLEAN! At the very minimum new foam seals would probably be a good idea given the age.
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
Thanks Scott! Yes, it does look very clean. I cleaned up the viewfinder and rangefinder windows from the outside but it wasn't bad at all. Inside the rangefinder patch and framelines are clear. They might need some cleaning via CLA. Right now I'm trying to rifle through some silly pictures with each lens to see what I get, whether the focus is true and whether there are any light leaks. Always fun to take a camera like this and bring it back to life!
You were just handed a pretty iconic setup, and it looks CLEAN! At the very minimum new foam seals would probably be a good idea given the age.
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
Thanks Scott! Yes, it does look very clean. I cleaned up the viewfinder and rangefinder windows from the outside but it wasn't bad at all. Inside the rangefinder patch and framelines are clear. They might need some cleaning via CLA. Right now I'm trying to rifle through some silly pictures with each lens to see what I get, whether the focus is true and whether there are any light leaks. Always fun to take a camera like this and bring it back to life!
Sep 21, 2026 at 08:31 AM
p.1 #9Nikon SP
RoamingScott wrote:
You were just handed a pretty iconic setup, and it looks CLEAN! At the very minimum new foam seals would probably be a good idea given the age.
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
Where would those foam seals go? The entire back slides off.
You were just handed a pretty iconic setup, and it looks CLEAN! At the very minimum new foam seals would probably be a good idea given the age.
You can check to see if Jim would be willing to do a CLA at ICT in San Diego: https://ictcamera.com/about/
Where would those foam seals go? The entire back slides off.
Sep 21, 2026 at 10:56 AM
p.1 #10Nikon SP
rji2goleez wrote:
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
It's a very nice camera, and using the sharp razor wheel to focus is an experience! I find the film advance feel on these to be just lovely.
Compared to an M, the indistinct rangefinder blob is not as nice to use but still very usable. For some reason I have found them much less bright in the S3 and SP than the S2 - but that seems to be relatively easily remedied with a CLA. If it is ok though, and the rest of the camera works fine then honestly I would just use it for a while. If you then decide you want to keep it, then maybe think about a CLA otherwise you are just paying for that for the next owner!
I have found the 50 1.4 is really smeary to the sides when shot at the larger apertures and at infinity. An interesting look! Will be interesting to see how yours performs.
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
It's a very nice camera, and using the sharp razor wheel to focus is an experience! I find the film advance feel on these to be just lovely.
Compared to an M, the indistinct rangefinder blob is not as nice to use but still very usable. For some reason I have found them much less bright in the S3 and SP than the S2 - but that seems to be relatively easily remedied with a CLA. If it is ok though, and the rest of the camera works fine then honestly I would just use it for a while. If you then decide you want to keep it, then maybe think about a CLA otherwise you are just paying for that for the next owner!
I have found the 50 1.4 is really smeary to the sides when shot at the larger apertures and at infinity. An interesting look! Will be interesting to see how yours performs.
Sep 21, 2026 at 11:01 AM
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p.1 #11Nikon SP
rji2goleez wrote:
Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.Congrats on the camera. There are two people on the Nikkor Manual Focus thread that want the S mount 35mm f1.8, because they have slower versions
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/Thanks for the reference. At this point, I am more interested in using the Nikon SP with included lenses than selling but it's good to know there is interest!
Actually, you had asked "Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know." - they both own and shoot with S mount Nikon RF cameras. I thought they might be a good source of info for you. The lens is what made me connect it, because they both are interested in that lens.
James Markus wrote
rji2goleez wrote
I was just given a Nikon SP that looks to be in great, near mint condition. It came with a 35/1.8, a 50/1.4 and a 135/3.5. Tomorrow, I will test the rangefinder for infinity alignment and if it looks good, I'll put a roll of film through it. I'm wondering if anyone knows where I might get a CLA for it?Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know.
AdaptedLenses (Matt) and saph (samy) It just came up recently starting on page 2689
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/2688/
Actually, you had asked "Also, if anyone out there knows anything about this rangefinder and how it shoots, let me know." - they both own and shoot with S mount Nikon RF cameras. I thought they might be a good source of info for you. The lens is what made me connect it, because they both are interested in that lens.
Sep 21, 2026 at 11:39 AM
p.1 #12Nikon SP
Here's a first test set with the Nikon SP and the 50/1.4. Clearly some smearing in the corners but this lens is quite sharp in the center. All images were underexposed by a half stop. I'll try a different hot shoe meter next time.
Sep 21, 2026 at 04:17 PM
p.1 #13Nikon SP
Love the lens on it, if you can get the 2000 50mm lens you are set for life!
Sep 21, 2026 at 04:24 PM
p.1 #14Nikon SP
Patrickzee wrote:
Love the lens on it, if you can get the 2000 50mm lens you are set for life!
2000 50mm lens?
Love the lens on it, if you can get the 2000 50mm lens you are set for life!
2000 50mm lens?
Sep 21, 2026 at 04:33 PM
p.1 #15Nikon SP
rji2goleez wrote:
2000 50mm lens?
He means the 50/1.4 that came with the Year 2000 reissue of the Nikon S3:
Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
2000 50mm lens?
He means the 50/1.4 that came with the Year 2000 reissue of the Nikon S3:
Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
Sep 21, 2026 at 07:10 PM
p.1 #16Nikon SP
rico wrote:
He means the 50/1.4 that came with the Year 2000 reissue of the Nikon S3:
Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
OK, thank you!
rji2goleez wrote
2000 50mm lens?Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
OK, thank you!
Sep 21, 2026 at 07:11 PM
p.1 #17Nikon SP
Correct! It has modern rendering, the best rangefinder lens nikon made (subjectively speaking)
rico wrote:
He means the 50/1.4 that came with the Year 2000 reissue of the Nikon S3:
Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
rico wrote:
rji2goleez wrote
2000 50mm lens?Cameraquest article about the Nikon S3 reissue
Sep 21, 2026 at 11:16 PM
p.1 #18Nikon SP
I recommend looking up nikon sp on lomography website. You'll have so many inspirations and what lens made the photo
Sep 21, 2026 at 11:31 PM
p.1 #19Nikon SP
rji2goleez wrote:
Here's a first test set with the Nikon SP and the 50/1.4. Clearly some smearing in the corners but this lens is quite sharp in the center. All images were underexposed by a half stop. I'll try a different hot shoe meter next time.
Nice pics! And results like mine - sharp in the middle, smeary on the sides. Once you know a lens behaves like this it can be handy for effects/subject isolation etc. Just not great for landscapes!
I bought a CV 50 3.5 to use on my S2 for that edge to edge sharpness when needed. What is nice is this lens is much cheaper in the Nikon S mount than the Leica M mount!
Here's a first test set with the Nikon SP and the 50/1.4. Clearly some smearing in the corners but this lens is quite sharp in the center. All images were underexposed by a half stop. I'll try a different hot shoe meter next time.
Nice pics! And results like mine - sharp in the middle, smeary on the sides. Once you know a lens behaves like this it can be handy for effects/subject isolation etc. Just not great for landscapes!
I bought a CV 50 3.5 to use on my S2 for that edge to edge sharpness when needed. What is nice is this lens is much cheaper in the Nikon S mount than the Leica M mount!
Sep 22, 2026 at 12:53 PM
p.1 #20Nikon SP
Test #2 - Camera fitted with the 35/1.8. Film is Ultramax 400. Lab developed and scan. Awesome results and no corner smearing with this lens. Winner Winner.
Sep 22, 2026 at 12:53 PM