C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile →rangefinder-35mm
The Nikon S2 (1954) is Nikon's third rangefinder model and first body with modern features: 1/1000s top shutter speed, 1.0× lifesize viewfinder, single-stroke film advance lever, hinged back. Mechanical horizontal-cloth shutter, Nikon S-mount lens system. About 56,000 bodies made over the 4-year run.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile →BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
View profile →BW
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Labs in our directory that process 35mm film.
Before you buy used
About this camera
Nikon's first modern rangefinder. 1.0× lifesize finder, 1/1000s shutter, the body that made David Douglas Duncan famous.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 35mm |
| Mount | Nikon S |
| Years | 1954–1958 |
| Shutter | 1s – 1/1000s + B + T, mechanical horizontal cloth |
| Flash sync | 1/60s |
| Meter | None |
| Modes | Manual |
| Finder | 1.0× lifesize, 50mm frame line only |
| Weight | 660 g |
| Battery | None |
Released 1954, contemporary with the Leica M3. The S2 replaced the earlier Nikon S (1951) and was succeeded by the Nikon SP (1957) and Nikon S3 (1958). Production ran 4 years; about 56,000 bodies made.
The S2 was the camera David Douglas Duncan used to cover the Korean War — his images of US Marines made LIFE magazine. Duncan's enthusiasm for the S2 helped establish Nikon as a serious professional brand in Western markets, which led to the Nikon F (1959) launching with credibility.
Historically the S2 is significant — it's the camera that made Nikon credible to Western press photographers. For 2026 buyers, used S2 at $600–1,500 represents accessible Nikon rangefinder history. The 1.0× finder is excellent for 50mm shooting; longer focal lengths require external accessory finders.
Nikon S-mount lenses (same ecosystem as Nikon SP / S3): Nikkor 50/1.4, 50/2 H, 35/1.8 W, 35/2.5, 28/3.5 W, 85/2 P, 105/2.5 P, 135/3.5 Q.
C41
Kodak Portra 160 is a professional C-41 color negative film with fine grain, soft contrast, and natural color.
View profile →C41
Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
View profile →Nikon S2
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