Nikon SP
p.2 #1Nikon SP
That dark horizontal line in the sky looks like a developing or scanning issue.
But that lens performs! Sweet!
But that lens performs! Sweet!
Sep 22, 2026 at 12:55 PM
p.2 #2Nikon SP
Desmolicious wrote:
That dark horizontal line in the sky looks like a developing or scanning issue.
But that lens performs! Sweet!
Yeah, I'll have to scold my lab!
That dark horizontal line in the sky looks like a developing or scanning issue.
But that lens performs! Sweet!
Yeah, I'll have to scold my lab!
Sep 22, 2026 at 01:03 PM
p.2 #4Nikon SP
Anyone have a preference between this and the Leica M4? Love the look and quality.
Sep 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM
p.2 #5Nikon SP
I think the M4 is the pinnacle of the mechanical M cameras - it does everything right and the build quality is fantastic.
The Nikon rangefinders are much like the early F cameras - well made, but not as refined as the Leica. The viewfinder/rangefinder in the Leica is better, as is the precision of the mechanisms.
But, overall, actually using the S cameras is great. They seem indestructible, and the rangefinder mechanism is very robust (and easy to re-calibrate in the rare instance that they need that). I have a S2 and a S4 - the S4 is more modern in feel, and the viewfinder is brighter, but also more flarey. The S2 has a better focusing patch, and feels decidedly old(er) school in use.
I've not used a SP, but my understanding is that they have the dimmest patch of all the S series.
The Nikon rangefinders give you 90% of a Leica at about 50% of the price.
The Nikon rangefinders are much like the early F cameras - well made, but not as refined as the Leica. The viewfinder/rangefinder in the Leica is better, as is the precision of the mechanisms.
But, overall, actually using the S cameras is great. They seem indestructible, and the rangefinder mechanism is very robust (and easy to re-calibrate in the rare instance that they need that). I have a S2 and a S4 - the S4 is more modern in feel, and the viewfinder is brighter, but also more flarey. The S2 has a better focusing patch, and feels decidedly old(er) school in use.
I've not used a SP, but my understanding is that they have the dimmest patch of all the S series.
The Nikon rangefinders give you 90% of a Leica at about 50% of the price.
Sep 23, 2026 at 12:10 PM
p.2 #6Nikon SP
Oldwino wrote:
I think the M4 is the pinnacle of the mechanical M cameras - it does everything right and the build quality is fantastic.
The Nikon rangefinders are much like the early F cameras - well made, but not as refined as the Leica. The viewfinder/rangefinder in the Leica is better, as is the precision of the mechanisms.
But, overall, actually using the S cameras is great. They seem indestructible, and the rangefinder mechanism is very robust (and easy to re-calibrate in the rare instance that they need that). I have a S2 and a S4 - the S4 is more modern...Show more →
I would agree that the leica is more refined, at least compared to my SP which might benefit from a CLA. Everything is smoother on the Leica. I previously had an M4-P (which I never should have sold) and now the M3 and M6 Classic..
I think the M4 is the pinnacle of the mechanical M cameras - it does everything right and the build quality is fantastic.
The Nikon rangefinders are much like the early F cameras - well made, but not as refined as the Leica. The viewfinder/rangefinder in the Leica is better, as is the precision of the mechanisms.
But, overall, actually using the S cameras is great. They seem indestructible, and the rangefinder mechanism is very robust (and easy to re-calibrate in the rare instance that they need that). I have a S2 and a S4 - the S4 is more modern...Show more →
I would agree that the leica is more refined, at least compared to my SP which might benefit from a CLA. Everything is smoother on the Leica. I previously had an M4-P (which I never should have sold) and now the M3 and M6 Classic..
Sep 23, 2026 at 12:31 PM
p.2 #7Nikon SP
Jakelbee wrote:
Anyone have a preference between this and the Leica M4? Love the look and quality.
I agree with @Oldwino that the original M4 is the pinnacle of the M line. It was the last model to be built in the original Wetzlar factory. The Nikon S3 and SP are good looking, no question, but the M4 is peak.
Anyone have a preference between this and the Leica M4? Love the look and quality.
I agree with @Oldwino that the original M4 is the pinnacle of the M line. It was the last model to be built in the original Wetzlar factory. The Nikon S3 and SP are good looking, no question, but the M4 is peak.
Sep 23, 2026 at 01:40 PM
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p.2 #8Nikon SP
The shuttles in Nikon S2/S3/SP are certainly louder compared with those in Leica M2/3/4/6, but in general, they are more robust and may need less CLAs. I like the finder in S2 (1:1) the best for 50mm lens. But the finders in Nikon are must less contrasty compared with Leicas. Judging from Bob's images, the SP may not need a CLA service. I will check with DAG if you would need to have it serviced.
The W-Nikkor 35/1.8 S is a legendary lens - developed before the Leica's Summilux 35/1.4 pre-ASPH in 1956/1957. At the time, it took Leica more than 3 years to catch up with Nikon and Canon for a fast 35mm lens. Nikon also produced this lens in Leica LTM, which has asking price in the upper $4K, There are also conversion lens from Nikon S mount to Leica M mount by https://omnarlenses.com/product/omnar-nk35-18/.
The W-Nikkor 35/1.8 S is a legendary lens - developed before the Leica's Summilux 35/1.4 pre-ASPH in 1956/1957. At the time, it took Leica more than 3 years to catch up with Nikon and Canon for a fast 35mm lens. Nikon also produced this lens in Leica LTM, which has asking price in the upper $4K, There are also conversion lens from Nikon S mount to Leica M mount by https://omnarlenses.com/product/omnar-nk35-18/.
Sep 23, 2026 at 09:40 PM
p.2 #9Nikon SP
This thread is why I love the FM community. I knew nothing about this camera/lenses until I made this post. I've gotten a history lesson and a lot of details and perspectives. This 35/1.8 lens is superb and I can see why it's legendary. I'm surprised there's so little on this camera on FM. Even searching in the Nikon forum produced just a mention of the lens.
Nikon SP + 35/1.8
Leica Monopan 50
Nikon SP + 35/1.8
Leica Monopan 50
Sep 24, 2026 at 04:45 AM
p.2 #10Nikon SP
Nikon reissued the S3 model in year 2000, with the re-maker of the famed 1964 Olympic Nikkor-S 50/1.4 lens, which have very similar performance metric to the Leica Summilux 50/1.4 ASPH, https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/information/chronicle/history-s3/
Nikon then re-issued the SP model in 2005 with the re-maker of the legendary W-Nikkor-S 3.5cm f/1.8, https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/information/chronicle/history-sp/
There are active posts in rangefinderforum.com about the W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 lens, https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/w-nikkor-c-3-5cm-f-1-8-photos.110170/,
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/w-nikkor-3-5cm-f-1-8-vintage-vs-2005-reissue.162313/
The W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 in Leica mount is very highly sought after and collectors are tracking their serial numbers in here: https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/ltm-w-nikkor-3-5cm-1-1-8-serial-numbers.165573/
Nikon then re-issued the SP model in 2005 with the re-maker of the legendary W-Nikkor-S 3.5cm f/1.8, https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/information/chronicle/history-sp/
There are active posts in rangefinderforum.com about the W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 lens, https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/w-nikkor-c-3-5cm-f-1-8-photos.110170/,
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/w-nikkor-3-5cm-f-1-8-vintage-vs-2005-reissue.162313/
The W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 in Leica mount is very highly sought after and collectors are tracking their serial numbers in here: https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/ltm-w-nikkor-3-5cm-1-1-8-serial-numbers.165573/
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Sep 24, 2026 at 06:18 AM
p.2 #11Nikon SP
The black re-issued S3 2000 looks amazing!
Bob, your S2 seems to work great - especially with that 35mm lens. I would not get a CLA unless you actually notice an issue. It has the same shutter mechanism as the Nikon F which is extremely robust. I once took a Nikon F to a local shop for a CLA - Walter's Camera Repair in LA. The tech asked if it was working ok. I said yes. He said then just go use it!
The thing I really like about Nikon rangefinders is that they are NOT Leicas! You are a maverick if you use one, because EVERYONE has a Leica... just check all those youtube vids 'I got a leica Mxxxx and here are my impressions...'
It is fun to march to the beat of a different saxophonist...
It's also why I dig the Leica M5 - it is nothing like the other Ms!
(I am not bagging on Ms, they are awesome. Just sometimes it is nice to go in a different direction).
FYI I'll pick a Nikon S2/3/4/P every day of the week over any of the Bessas. I've owned/used both and the Nikon quality and feel is so superior it's not even close. Crazy thing is Bessa R2/3/4 now are wikkid expensive!
Bob, your S2 seems to work great - especially with that 35mm lens. I would not get a CLA unless you actually notice an issue. It has the same shutter mechanism as the Nikon F which is extremely robust. I once took a Nikon F to a local shop for a CLA - Walter's Camera Repair in LA. The tech asked if it was working ok. I said yes. He said then just go use it!
The thing I really like about Nikon rangefinders is that they are NOT Leicas! You are a maverick if you use one, because EVERYONE has a Leica... just check all those youtube vids 'I got a leica Mxxxx and here are my impressions...'
It is fun to march to the beat of a different saxophonist...
It's also why I dig the Leica M5 - it is nothing like the other Ms!
(I am not bagging on Ms, they are awesome. Just sometimes it is nice to go in a different direction).
FYI I'll pick a Nikon S2/3/4/P every day of the week over any of the Bessas. I've owned/used both and the Nikon quality and feel is so superior it's not even close. Crazy thing is Bessa R2/3/4 now are wikkid expensive!
Sep 24, 2026 at 01:07 PM
p.2 #12Nikon SP
Desmolicious wrote:
The black re-issued S3 2000 looks amazing!
Bob, your S2 seems to work great - especially with that 35mm lens. I would not get a CLA unless you actually notice an issue. It has the same shutter mechanism as the Nikon F which is extremely robust. I once took a Nikon F to a local shop for a CLA - Walter's Camera Repair in LA. The tech asked if it was working ok. I said yes. He said then just go use it!
The thing I really like about Nikon rangefinders is that they are NOT Leicas! You are a maverick if...Show more →
Well, I do own a couple of Leica film cameras but I have to agree with you. So far this camera/lens combo rocks. Here's a cross post with the film images thread. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am shocked how good this combo is.
Nikon SP+35/1.8
Portra 400 shot at ISO 100
The black re-issued S3 2000 looks amazing!
Bob, your S2 seems to work great - especially with that 35mm lens. I would not get a CLA unless you actually notice an issue. It has the same shutter mechanism as the Nikon F which is extremely robust. I once took a Nikon F to a local shop for a CLA - Walter's Camera Repair in LA. The tech asked if it was working ok. I said yes. He said then just go use it!
The thing I really like about Nikon rangefinders is that they are NOT Leicas! You are a maverick if...Show more →
Well, I do own a couple of Leica film cameras but I have to agree with you. So far this camera/lens combo rocks. Here's a cross post with the film images thread. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am shocked how good this combo is.
Nikon SP+35/1.8
Portra 400 shot at ISO 100
Sep 24, 2026 at 01:21 PM
p.2 #13Nikon SP
I also adapt the W-Nikkor 3.5cm f1.8 lens to Nikon Zf digital body and the combo also works very well together/
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Sep 24, 2026 at 03:17 PM