I have an original SP and can't be happier with it. I bought it for less than euro 600. Problems with rangefinder? Simplest thing to fix, it can be done by ourselves. A real vintage camera is a camera to be used and not a piece of gear to be displayed on a shelf. Such a great camera deserves to be used. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this video. Both are great but the original SP is obviously the most usable and affordable of the two. For the price of the 2005 edition, you can get a vintage SP with lens and have it fully CLA'd. You could even go as far as having it refinished.
Yes, that is kind of the idea I was trying to get across. It is a nice camera and lens, but the alternatives are a lot more reasonable. I will say I am against "refinishing" it rarely looks good especially on Nikons.
Thanks for sharing, I hear the same argument with the S3 2000. I think a lot of people are more interested in buying the S3 2000 and new SP because they are newer and are in the box. Many feel they have not been used. But I am sure many were used at least once. While 2000 and 2005 seems so recent, it’s honestly 17-22 years ago. A little less than half the age of the older ones. So with many being lightly or never used, there may be issues with things freezing up. A CLA could be in order for some of the newer cameras. I personally bought a older Nikon S2 and really like it. I am sure the S3 and SP are even better.
I wish it has stoped at the 2 SPs. Now I have an S, 2-S2s, S3, 2-S4s, 2-SPs and 12 Nikon RF lenses and 5 3rd party Nikon RF lenses with a pile of other bits and other cameras.
I agree with pretty much all you said, especially with the recommendation favoring the purchase of a vintage body. When push comes to shove, I'd rather walk around with a 1957-58 Nikon SP than with the newfangled one. BTW, I have an old one, and any possible problems are easily solved by sending the camera to a competent shop for a CLA. Mine just returned from one, and I can say they rejuvenated it: the finder is beautifully clear, the focusing mount no longer squeaks, and the camera has a feel like new. Forget about the new iterations: I enjoy using my S3 (with the 3.5cm f1.8 lens, BTW... the old one!) and my S4 (with a 50mm f2). As for my newly acquired SP... it'll join the ranks of my collection but paired with a 50mm f1.4 that I'll never sell. Thanks for uploading this video!
from a reliability and serviceability point of views, the older models are much better. The re-issues are not exactly the same as the original versions and there are literally no replacement parts. if anything breaks it will be almost impossible to repair. For the older models many replacement parts were made and there are plenty of junk bodies that can donate parts. Of course they are both outstanding. The sp viewfinder is excellent for 50mm. The S3 viewfinder is very cluttered with 3 set of lines plus parallax correction lines always present. Excellent video btw
I have both an early SP (roughly 1956 vintage) and a 2005 SP, and the old camera seems to have more accurate speeds and just seems a bit more solid in build. That could just be my perception due to the heavier chrome plating. The 2005 has a slightly clearer viewfinder and a quieter shutter. I use the SPs a lot with the 85mm lens as it is the only Nikon RF with 85 frame lines, a strange misstep in my mind since the 85mm was such a popular lens at the time and is still a strong performer by modern standards.
I feel like the comparison should have fitted both cameras with 35mm lenses, One old one new. It would also be great to see actual images from the cameras.
I kept the cameras with the original lenses they were sold with for this particular video, since it is more or less about which one is a "better buy." I do plan on comparing lenses more in the future. But It has often been hard for me to keep track of what image was produced with what camera and lens.
Great comparison! I have an S3 that I love and use frequently and an SP. I don’t use my SP much though because the RF patch is really hard to see. I was wondering if the RF patch on the 2005 edition is brighter / better? Is it possible to have the RF patch refurbished to improve it?
Great comparison! I recently purchased a black vintage SP with the 5cm 1.1 and wanted to learn more about the SP, mine unfortunately has a black patch in the rangefinder and the lens won’t fully open to 1.1. I’ll be making a UA-cam video about it soon!
The F1.1 lenses often have issues with the aperture blades, they are long, thin, and there a lot of them. I do not own that lens so I can't speak too much on it. I have never seen a Nikon with a black patch in the rangefinder. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it could be a dirty rangefinder that could be cleaned out and saved.
I can't imagine paying over $3,000 for a camera and then hardly using it. I have two Nikon F's that I bought in 1967 and have used them continuously ever since. They have never been CLA'd but work perfectly as do most of the early Nikons. The SP 2005 is an almost exact copy of the original and is as robust as the original. Obviously there are people who buy cameras for investment purposes, but as a photographer, I would never worry about putting a few scratches on the body. If anything, it just shows how much loved the camera is and how much it has been used for it's intended purpose which is photography, not sitting somewhere on a shelf gathering dust.
Hi Andrew, great video again. I began photography shooting fixed lens RF and always fancied a Nikon rangefinder, but not at Leica money! Apart from my digital gear, I also shoot with a Nikon FE (my uncles old camera) and an FM3A (bought new in 2002)....kind of the same arrangement between the classic SP and the 2005 edition, except the FM3A is selling for classic SP money and the FE for about a 10th of that. For those of us who USE our cameras do you think a 60 year old SP is a fair trade for a 20 year old FM3A? (Not really thinking about it, honest, just interested in the comparison)
It's hard to say as far as trade value goes as it is all subjective... One factor might be included lenses and of course condition. If it were me I would keep my Classic SP. It works great and I just like the look and feel, it does lack a light meter which will turn many away. You referred to Leica, the great thing is ANY Nikon RF gear is a fraction of the price of any comparable Leica gear i.e. Special 2005 SP and 35mm lens go for about $5800 Leica MP/MA body alone is $6000+. In the end just shoot what you like don't lose any sleep over label lust or price comparisons.
@@andrewsmithphoto I think its a question of which is best for what. I quite enjoyed RF cameras and would like to renew that experience, but I couldn't do without an SLR. I shoot film as a fun thing, I shoot digital when I want to get serious, I know you can do both and, but that's how it works for me. Honestly, if I wanted the RF experience again I would probably buy digital rather than film, an X100 or something.....indeed I still have a little fuji X20, which is a brilliant little thing. My film cameras are all either family hand me downs, or kit I bought new in the day, I haven't yet 'bought' a classic, so I suppose I'm not a genuine dedicated film shooter.
Hey man. Thanks for your vids. They’ve been really helpful for me when I finally pulled the trigger on this. Hoping you could help me a little more - do you find the focus wheel by the instrument dials to be rather tight? Just hoping I didn’t pick up an issue. Moving the focus wheel without the lens mounted moves quick and loose, which I guess makes sense, but once the lens is mounted it’s significantly tighter feeling. Let me know if I’m being dense or not. Thanks!
Usually, it has more resistance with a lens. It works best on 50mms but is pretty good with 35mms and 28mms. The wheel is not really usable at all on the bigger lenses.
I just purchased a S that was used in the Korean War. Curtains need replacing, any idea who might still work on these? I also have a S2 which is in excellent condition, and I use it often. Thanks
I made a video talking about Vintage repair. I can't say I came to many conclusions but from what I hear Kanto Camera is no.1 by lightyears. But be prepared to pay around $600. If you are wiling to roll the dice Portland Camera Services will do the work but their quality control is very poor.
@@L4busaures I am working on lens videos with example photos. What else would you like to know? In the past, I got frustrated because people always post pics of the camera but no real information on the usability of lens quality.
@@andrewsmithphoto For the lens video, I’d like to know about its handling, sharpness, flare resistance and performance on film vs digital. Also if you could talk briefly about “special characteristics” of each lens (i.e. the chromatic aberration, the bokeh, the spherical aberration, sharpness) it would be helpful. The history of some of the lenses would also be interesting. Richard Haw dot com is a great resource for things like this. Also, would love to see your collection of the lenses and which you choose to shoot with most often and why!
@@L4busaures That is a lot, but I am working on it. I am not too much of a "pixel peeper" so I don't know if I can offer to much on aspects like chromatic aberration and edge distortion and the likes, but general sharpness, flare and DOF/Boken are things I am well aware of and can speak on extensively. I also learned some hard lessons IRL I will try to pass on.
Good that you could get both cameras, thanks for the comparison. Neither will lose value and will increase, so the investment was wise. In any comparison, would also like to see photos done with each camera, especially an Ektar done with the 2005 SP.
Thanks, but I don't consider cameras investments and I don't think it is at all wise to buy cameras as an investment, but that is a long discussion worth its own video. I have put up a fair number of sample images, but they are associated with the lens overview videos and on the "One Roll" videos. Some of the shots on the 35mm f1.8 lens overview were shot on Ektar but they may not be labeled as such. If I recall the shot of the bike rider, the old cannons, the high tension powerlines and the store front were on Ektar. I do consider Ektar one of Kodaks better film stocks and prefer it over Portra.
The S2 is the only Nikon RF I don't own. The S2s have very good rangefinders but only have 50mm frame lines. A lot depends on what lens you want as a primary lens. If you prefer the 85mm or 28mm the SP is the only choice.
Since I considered buying a millennium SP prices have gone up. A boxed example was about £1500 - I should have bought back then! As two of my favourite cameras were the Nikon F and the Contax II (and copy Kiev), a Nikon rangefinder would be perfect. Prices too rich for regular use, unfortunately.
True in some ways, but compared to Leicas still a bargain. An older M3 with a very unremarkable 50mm lens costs about as much as a 2005 SP and 35mm f1.8 open box. And the 2005 SP and lens (inbox with all accessories) is still cheaper than a new Leica MP with no lens.
sounds like you got a great deal on that 2005 sp. And hey life is too short not to shoot with the cameras you wanna shoot right? the 35mm f1.8 might be my favorite 35 ever.
Agreed, the 35mm f1.8 is a great and under rated lens. And in my opinion there is a good chance they won’t even make film in 20 years so shoot it while you can!
I finally Bought my Nikon S2 and if those two are better it is worth. This camera is really good but one bad i guess is about finder. It is worse than Contax 2a. Impossible to schoot in dark.
The classic is still about 1/4 the price of the 2005 model. But a lot of the pricing depends on the lens you want. As I always say Nikon RFs are consistently 1/4 or 1/6 the price of Leica. Canon RFs are also a cost effective alternative with tons of lens options.
I have heard of these radioactive elements, but was unaware this lens (or any Nikon) fell in to that category. I will do more research as that is a very interesting tidbit.
I have an original SP and can't be happier with it. I bought it for less than euro 600. Problems with rangefinder? Simplest thing to fix, it can be done by ourselves. A real vintage camera is a camera to be used and not a piece of gear to be displayed on a shelf. Such a great camera deserves to be used. Thank you for sharing.
UA-cam recommended me your channel. I’m not a film shooter, but I love seeing the OG cameras that paved the way. Love the video!
Surprised I am getting recommended, glad to hear you liked the video.
Thanks for this video. Both are great but the original SP is obviously the most usable and affordable of the two. For the price of the 2005 edition, you can get a vintage SP with lens and have it fully CLA'd. You could even go as far as having it refinished.
Yes, that is kind of the idea I was trying to get across. It is a nice camera and lens, but the alternatives are a lot more reasonable. I will say I am against "refinishing" it rarely looks good especially on Nikons.
Thanks for sharing, I hear the same argument with the S3 2000. I think a lot of people are more interested in buying the S3 2000 and new SP because they are newer and are in the box. Many feel they have not been used. But I am sure many were used at least once. While 2000 and 2005 seems so recent, it’s honestly 17-22 years ago. A little less than half the age of the older ones. So with many being lightly or never used, there may be issues with things freezing up. A CLA could be in order for some of the newer cameras.
I personally bought a older Nikon S2 and really like it. I am sure the S3 and SP are even better.
Great enthusiasm, great video. Nothing wrong with getting both, to each his own.
I wish it has stoped at the 2 SPs. Now I have an S, 2-S2s, S3, 2-S4s, 2-SPs and 12 Nikon RF lenses and 5 3rd party Nikon RF lenses with a pile of other bits and other cameras.
@@andrewsmithphoto Slam dunk!👍🤣 I know, some days we all look at our collection and think what am I doing?
I agree with pretty much all you said, especially with the recommendation favoring the purchase of a vintage body. When push comes to shove, I'd rather walk around with a 1957-58 Nikon SP than with the newfangled one.
BTW, I have an old one, and any possible problems are easily solved by sending the camera to a competent shop for a CLA. Mine just returned from one, and I can say they rejuvenated it: the finder is beautifully clear, the focusing mount no longer squeaks, and the camera has a feel like new. Forget about the new iterations: I enjoy using my S3 (with the 3.5cm f1.8 lens, BTW... the old one!) and my S4 (with a 50mm f2). As for my newly acquired SP... it'll join the ranks of my collection but paired with a 50mm f1.4 that I'll never sell.
Thanks for uploading this video!
from a reliability and serviceability point of views, the older models are much better. The re-issues are not exactly the same as the original versions and there are literally no replacement parts. if anything breaks it will be almost impossible to repair. For the older models many replacement parts were made and there are plenty of junk bodies that can donate parts. Of course they are both outstanding. The sp viewfinder is excellent for 50mm. The S3 viewfinder is very cluttered with 3 set of lines plus parallax correction lines always present. Excellent video btw
I have both an early SP (roughly 1956 vintage) and a 2005 SP, and the old camera seems to have more accurate speeds and just seems a bit more solid in build. That could just be my perception due to the heavier chrome plating. The 2005 has a slightly clearer viewfinder and a quieter shutter. I use the SPs a lot with the 85mm lens as it is the only Nikon RF with 85 frame lines, a strange misstep in my mind since the 85mm was such a popular lens at the time and is still a strong performer by modern standards.
I feel like the comparison should have fitted both cameras with 35mm lenses, One old one new. It would also be great to see actual images from the cameras.
I kept the cameras with the original lenses they were sold with for this particular video, since it is more or less about which one is a "better buy." I do plan on comparing lenses more in the future. But It has often been hard for me to keep track of what image was produced with what camera and lens.
@@andrewsmithphoto I will be waiting for that as I recently got an S1 with a 50mm and want to add a wide angle lens to the kit!
Great comparison! I have an S3 that I love and use frequently and an SP. I don’t use my SP much though because the RF patch is really hard to see. I was wondering if the RF patch on the 2005 edition is brighter / better? Is it possible to have the RF patch refurbished to improve it?
Thanks! You might try cleaning the viewfinder, I have been planning on doing a tutorial.
@@andrewsmithphoto That would be awesome!
@@andrewsmithphoto please do!
Very informative video. I was looking for something like this for the S3 but I'm sure the information here would be very similar. Thank you very much!
I have a video that compares the SP, S3 and S4. All are very similar the SP has the most lens options.
Great comparison! I recently purchased a black vintage SP with the 5cm 1.1 and wanted to learn more about the SP, mine unfortunately has a black patch in the rangefinder and the lens won’t fully open to 1.1. I’ll be making a UA-cam video about it soon!
The F1.1 lenses often have issues with the aperture blades, they are long, thin, and there a lot of them. I do not own that lens so I can't speak too much on it. I have never seen a Nikon with a black patch in the rangefinder. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it could be a dirty rangefinder that could be cleaned out and saved.
@@andrewsmithphoto I posted the video, check it out if you’d like!
I can't imagine paying over $3,000 for a camera and then hardly using it. I have two Nikon F's that I bought in 1967 and have used them continuously ever since. They have never been CLA'd but work perfectly as do most of the early Nikons. The SP 2005 is an almost exact copy of the original and is as robust as the original. Obviously there are people who buy cameras for investment purposes, but as a photographer, I would never worry about putting a few scratches on the body. If anything, it just shows how much loved the camera is and how much it has been used for it's intended purpose which is photography, not sitting somewhere on a shelf gathering dust.
It has been used a few times since I made this video, it is currently sitting in my camera bag with a roll of Kodak Color plus 200.
Hi Andrew, great video again. I began photography shooting fixed lens RF and always fancied a Nikon rangefinder, but not at Leica money! Apart from my digital gear, I also shoot with a Nikon FE (my uncles old camera) and an FM3A (bought new in 2002)....kind of the same arrangement between the classic SP and the 2005 edition, except the FM3A is selling for classic SP money and the FE for about a 10th of that. For those of us who USE our cameras do you think a 60 year old SP is a fair trade for a 20 year old FM3A? (Not really thinking about it, honest, just interested in the comparison)
It's hard to say as far as trade value goes as it is all subjective... One factor might be included lenses and of course condition. If it were me I would keep my Classic SP. It works great and I just like the look and feel, it does lack a light meter which will turn many away. You referred to Leica, the great thing is ANY Nikon RF gear is a fraction of the price of any comparable Leica gear i.e. Special 2005 SP and 35mm lens go for about $5800 Leica MP/MA body alone is $6000+. In the end just shoot what you like don't lose any sleep over label lust or price comparisons.
@@andrewsmithphoto I think its a question of which is best for what. I quite enjoyed RF cameras and would like to renew that experience, but I couldn't do without an SLR. I shoot film as a fun thing, I shoot digital when I want to get serious, I know you can do both and, but that's how it works for me. Honestly, if I wanted the RF experience again I would probably buy digital rather than film, an X100 or something.....indeed I still have a little fuji X20, which is a brilliant little thing. My film cameras are all either family hand me downs, or kit I bought new in the day, I haven't yet 'bought' a classic, so I suppose I'm not a genuine dedicated film shooter.
Hey man. Thanks for your vids. They’ve been really helpful for me when I finally pulled the trigger on this. Hoping you could help me a little more - do you find the focus wheel by the instrument dials to be rather tight? Just hoping I didn’t pick up an issue. Moving the focus wheel without the lens mounted moves quick and loose, which I guess makes sense, but once the lens is mounted it’s significantly tighter feeling. Let me know if I’m being dense or not. Thanks!
Usually, it has more resistance with a lens. It works best on 50mms but is pretty good with 35mms and 28mms. The wheel is not really usable at all on the bigger lenses.
Beautiful Cameras...
I just purchased a S that was used in the Korean War. Curtains need replacing, any idea who might still work on these?
I also have a S2 which is in excellent condition, and I use it often.
Thanks
I made a video talking about Vintage repair. I can't say I came to many conclusions but from what I hear Kanto Camera is no.1 by lightyears. But be prepared to pay around $600. If you are wiling to roll the dice Portland Camera Services will do the work but their quality control is very poor.
Just found your channel! Love this video. Please make more videos about the SP :D
Also, would love to see photos from the rangefinder lenses. There’s a huge lack of information on the SP and the nikon rangefinder lenses.
@@L4busaures I am working on lens videos with example photos. What else would you like to know? In the past, I got frustrated because people always post pics of the camera but no real information on the usability of lens quality.
@@andrewsmithphoto For the lens video, I’d like to know about its handling, sharpness, flare resistance and performance on film vs digital. Also if you could talk briefly about “special characteristics” of each lens (i.e. the chromatic aberration, the bokeh, the spherical aberration, sharpness) it would be helpful. The history of some of the lenses would also be interesting. Richard Haw dot com is a great resource for things like this. Also, would love to see your collection of the lenses and which you choose to shoot with most often and why!
@@L4busaures That is a lot, but I am working on it. I am not too much of a "pixel peeper" so I don't know if I can offer to much on aspects like chromatic aberration and edge distortion and the likes, but general sharpness, flare and DOF/Boken are things I am well aware of and can speak on extensively. I also learned some hard lessons IRL I will try to pass on.
@@andrewsmithphoto that sounds perfect. I love “real world use,” would be great to see that perspective.
Are the viewfinders on both comparable or is the SP 2005 better and bigger?
Pretty much the same. 2005 might be a little clearer.
Good that you could get both cameras, thanks for the comparison. Neither will lose value and will increase, so the investment was wise. In any comparison, would also like to see photos done with each camera, especially an Ektar done with the 2005 SP.
Thanks, but I don't consider cameras investments and I don't think it is at all wise to buy cameras as an investment, but that is a long discussion worth its own video. I have put up a fair number of sample images, but they are associated with the lens overview videos and on the "One Roll" videos. Some of the shots on the 35mm f1.8 lens overview were shot on Ektar but they may not be labeled as such. If I recall the shot of the bike rider, the old cannons, the high tension powerlines and the store front were on Ektar. I do consider Ektar one of Kodaks better film stocks and prefer it over Portra.
Jerry Burchard’s love, the Nikon sp
They are very good cameras!
What are you thoughts on the S2? Thinking of getting one because they're half the price of an SP.
The S2 is the only Nikon RF I don't own. The S2s have very good rangefinders but only have 50mm frame lines. A lot depends on what lens you want as a primary lens. If you prefer the 85mm or 28mm the SP is the only choice.
@@andrewsmithphoto oh that's good to know. I usually only use a 50mm so that should suit me fine. Thanks!
Since I considered buying a millennium SP prices have gone up. A boxed example was about £1500 - I should have bought back then! As two of my favourite cameras were the Nikon F and the Contax II (and copy Kiev), a Nikon rangefinder would be perfect. Prices too rich for regular use, unfortunately.
True in some ways, but compared to Leicas still a bargain. An older M3 with a very unremarkable 50mm lens costs about as much as a 2005 SP and 35mm f1.8 open box. And the 2005 SP and lens (inbox with all accessories) is still cheaper than a new Leica MP with no lens.
sounds like you got a great deal on that 2005 sp. And hey life is too short not to shoot with the cameras you wanna shoot right? the 35mm f1.8 might be my favorite 35 ever.
Agreed, the 35mm f1.8 is a great and under rated lens. And in my opinion there is a good chance they won’t even make film in 20 years so shoot it while you can!
Best Nikon ever made.
Where can we obtain a case like the Black one? I have an S3...
Some second hand Nikon cases can be found on Ebay but prices vary wildly. there are some 3rd party one avalabel on sites like Etsy.
@@andrewsmithphoto do you recall where yours came from?
Both has parallax correction?
The wide finder has paralax marks. the primary finder has automated paralax correction for all frame lines, I have a video demonstrating the finders.
If you buy a camera for not to use it, buy shares ( or is it the same ) / Ulf
I do use it from time to time and have been using it more lately.
I finally Bought my Nikon S2 and if those two are better it is worth. This camera is really good but one bad i guess is about finder. It is worse than Contax 2a. Impossible to schoot in dark.
Rarely hear of S2s with Finder issues. It may need a cleaning.
Providence? You mean provenance?
Providentem!
@@andrewsmithphoto great video though, by the way. I've subscribed. Now if I can resist the urge to buy an SP and S3...
Both are Uber pricey. It’s a lot like the classic car market.
The classic is still about 1/4 the price of the 2005 model. But a lot of the pricing depends on the lens you want. As I always say Nikon RFs are consistently 1/4 or 1/6 the price of Leica. Canon RFs are also a cost effective alternative with tons of lens options.
Kind of getting gas for an SP...
At the moment I think they are one of the best 35mm rangefinders. So it's definitely a camera worthy of lust.
@@andrewsmithphoto the thing is I already have a Leica MP, but still I have always had my eye on the SP. I think I will eventually get one.
the older 3.5cm lens is actually sharper because it uses Rare-Earth Lanthanum glass, which is radioactive...and unacceptable by present standards
I have heard of these radioactive elements, but was unaware this lens (or any Nikon) fell in to that category. I will do more research as that is a very interesting tidbit.