Dan Kerin

 Nikon SP

Before the introduction of the Nikon F SLR camera in 1959, like many other manufactures at the time Nikon were focused on Rangefinder cameras for their professional lineup. Leica had since dominated the market in professional 35mm cameras with their screw mount ‘Barnack’ cameras, and later the M mount in 1954. As Japan was rebuilding after the second world war many manufactures including Nikon and Canon leaned heavily into developing their own rangefinder system.

Released in 1957 this was Nikons flagship camera at the time, replacing the Nikon S2 which came out in 1954. The Nikon SP was Nikons final flagship rangefinder camera as the Nikon F would be released just two years later and pave the way for the future of the company. The SP had an improved viewfinder, with frame lines for, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm and 135mm, as well as a 35mm viewfinder off to the left of the main rangefinder window. For the time this was very advanced and allowed multiple lenses to be used without the addition of an external viewfinder. Unlike Canon who stuck with the tried and tested M39 thread mount Nikon adopted the Zeiss Contax mount and named it ‘S’ mount. These lenses had internal helicoils and like on many Contax cameras could be focused either by the lens itself or a small wheel in front of the film advance lever. This was a relatively unpopular mount not many lenses were developed for the system. The Nikon SP was also the first rangefinder camera to allow the addition of a motor drive and could shoot up to 3 frames per second.

I have always thought these cameras look beautiful and a couple of years ago I was able to shoot with one of the Nikon 50mm 1.4 S.C lenses mounted on my Leica via an adapter and really liked the results. In the hands the Nikon SP paired with its standard 50mm f1.4 lens is much lighter than a Leica and does feel a little smaller. For me the only disappointment with this camera is the viewfinder. And that is such a shame because I think this is such a cool camera and stands out against Leica’s. For me the rangefinder just is nowhere near as nice as the Leica’s. This combined with the fact the focus direction is opposite to that on Leica lenses, meant I found it very difficult warming to the camera. After shooting a couple of rolls I did warm to the camera and after changing the way I was shooting was able to get a few good shots.

Overall, I think if you are looking for a Leica alternative you would be better off going down the Voigtlander M mount route or the Canon 7 route. While the Canon 7 rangefinder is just as limiting as the Nikon SP’s, they do come in at a lower cost and you will have a much wider range of lenses to play with given the M39 lens mount. Previously I have sold Nikon S2’s for around £600 - £800 depending on condition so this could also be a good option if you are not a die hard Nikon fan.