The Perfect Camera.

[@bobette360]

This is very similar to my perfect set up. Mine is a (black) Y2K S3 paired with a 35mm f1.8. Even if not required, I began using the Nikon viewfinder that came with the lens as it was easier to compose and I liked the spatial awareness it offered when using zone focusing. I liked the approach so much I upgraded the finder to a much better Voigtlander brightline finder made of brass. Absolutely love it and I adore the patina of the camera that appears the more I use it. But I do agree that the one thing I would change is the rather annoying self-timer - I might look into getting it removed in the future.

[@pyoo05]

I love straightforward setups like this. I think my pick with be an S2 with the 35 f2.5 and a 35 finder. I really like using external finders with wider lenses

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Me too, some complain about them, but I have grown to really like them.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I wish Nikon had continued its rangefinder line of cameras.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Me too! I guess at the very least there was the S3 re-release in 2000 and the SP in 2005. But it would have been great to see the prototype SP2 and SPX with the 35mm f1.4 lens come into production.

[@PageCutter]

Great advice, and a really cool camera!

[@michaelc4917]

The S4 is an unicorn. How did you find it? And with the 28mm too!!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Spent some time on eBay looked for deals and haggled. The whole kit ran me about $1050 USD not cheap, but still a bargain compared to some other brands. Oddly the 28mm finder was the hardest thing to find by a long shot.

[@mattdyer9544]

The camera strap is very similar to the straps that came with my nikkorex cameras, I prefer them to the later 70s and 80s faux leather ones that just seem to fall apart. The S4 or an SP is a dream camera of mine.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I hate that fake leather it always seems to erode away. S4s and SPs are great cameras, I have both and I really don't need any cameras beyond them, there are just enough Lenses in the Nikon line with a modest 3rd party list. Enough glass to get the job done without getting too bogged down in "testing" or "collection" 28 different50mm variants or 700 3rd party options from 30 companies.

[@michaelc4917]

The SP has the most features but the viewfinder is prone to haze and the rangefinder patch is not as bright as the others. I have S2 and SP. I would pick up the S2 to shoot over the SP most of the time.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

@@michaelc4917 I think the SP patch dimness is very overstated. My vintage SP has a very visible patch, but it is an early model that varies in a few ways from later models. My SP did have some haze, but it was very easy to clean as if was just a layer of haze under the protective front cover of the finder. It probably won't be the case for all models but I have had luck and am always willing to open up a camera to see if I can clean or calibrate it.

[@alberte58]

Have a Nikon F3/T for manual focus photography and is the perfect Leica antidote …!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I also have a FM2T And it ranks high on the list. Iwant to try out an F3 some day.

[@alberte58]

@@andrewsmithphoto Use a F3 and you can skip all the Film Leica’s.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

@@alberte58 I have never understood why Leica gets so much love. They are a company that costed off reputation for decades and in more recent years survived off selling tacky overpriced "collectors" sets to the rich. Worst are the fanatics who whip up into a furry any time you point out the obvious fact there are dozens of camera and lens models that are superior to Leica at 1/8 the price. Leica is probably the closest thing to a cult in modern photo society.

[@perberggren8415]

Great video, as always. I guess my favorite cameras is the Nikon s2 with the 50/1.4 or the 3.5/2.5. I've had the SP, S3 and S4 but I does not agree with them... The S2 is the one I always comes back to. I also shoot with a CONTAX I, now that is some history and some fineky cameras! I love them!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

The S2 is missing from my collection.

[@SolaresLarrave1]

I love the S3 and S4 models in the Nikon line-up. After having an SP (sold it, found another and bought it), I can assure that they're not as hot as others want you to believe. In my experience, both the S3 and S4 represent the most basic and economic approach to camera design... which works perfectly. I will admit to loving my S3, but then, whenever I take my S4 for a spin it's another experience: the finder is perfect (rare occurrence with one of these cameras): clear and uncluttered. My copy has a very smooth film advance lever and the shutter sounds like a discrete "clack." The only drawback is the rewind crank; in that department, only the Leica R8 and R9 has the absolute best. These Nikons fill me with dread whenever I have to rewind the film because I'm always afraid it may snap. But if that's the worst thing with these bodies, we can live with the rest. Enjoy your gear!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I think a lot of the camera choice is dictated by lens choice. The SP works great for 85mm, but I can see why wide angle shooters would choose other cameras.

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

My personal favorite every day camera is my (3)Canon VT Deluxe /Voightlander 21mm f4 Color Skopar LTM (39mm B+W yellow filter) It goes everywhere with me, in a Domke f803 loaded with Rollei RPX 100 film.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I don't own many canons currently, aside from the original 7 which is a great camera but sadly I don't own any canon glass at the moment. I wish I did, but I have more than enough gear and need to down size again.

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

@@andrewsmithphoto You're set up just fine. So am I.👍

[@bluekeybo]

Mine is the Nikon FE2 with the 50 1.8, or the Nikon S with the 50 1.4

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Both are a great choice.

[@JoeLopez]

Really nice!

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

Nikon S and Canon P are the counter-Leicas

[@JuhaniViitanen]

Looks great!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I like the look the clean face and all the chrome. But the simplicity is what really sells this setup.

[@phvrvohxo]

great video

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Thanks!

[@Martinroadsguy]

It's perfct.

[@kencarnley7101]

I have a very nice S2.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Cool!