5 Frames with a Nikon SP (Super Power)

Last year I decided to switch from my tried and true Canon AT-1 to the Nikon platform, purchasing an all-black F2. Regrettably 1/500 was off, which was a great disappointment as I was expecting this tool to be a dream and inspiration to create more and better images in my Sophomore year of photography. Personally, I think a great photographer can make quality images shooting through a potato, but I still wanted something that I could admire and really connect with. In addition to that acquisition, a short time later I purchased another Nikon, EM, with about 5-6 additional lenses, so I was stoked.

All my images came out poorly, as in they were not good because they were not properly exposed. I even went through the hassle of getting a light meter app on my phone. It just feels criminal using a phone to capture the right image on an analog camera. I got it CLA’d and took it with me to Mexico. The images were serviceable, and I was quite proud of some portraits I captured of my mother, but I could feel my excitement for the Nikon F2 was diminishing. A short while later, I tried to rekindle my relationship by acquiring another Nikon F2, however that one also showed a misfiring at 1/500, according to the camera shop I took it to upon purchase. I was devastated. I gave her a whirl, and she’s better than the all-black, but boy do I not have the same enthusiasm I had with shooting my Canon AT-1 with all its simplicity.

As I am sure most of you do, I often peruse Marketplace looking for a steal of a deal, and boy did I come across one! I found a stash of about 20 cameras, from all different time periods that was for sale for $120USD. Many super old Kodak’s, a Brazilian Yashica, and some other odd Brownie’s and stuff that I had no interest in. However, in a faint photo with all the cameras in display, I noticed a camera with a Nikon badge. After a quick GOOG, I noticed it was a Nikon Rangefinder SP, SP translating to essentially, Super Power, not Professional as is a common misconception. Please don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

So a quick trip out to Arizona City, Arizona, where a dude provided me 2 boxes of cameras, old expired film, and film reels and slides. I couldn’t get out of there quick enough. I put in an old roll of TMax, and shot it as a test to see if I got a lemon or a gem. Turns out, a bit of both, kinda. I have a Voigtlander, but did not ever navigate the rangefinder feature on this accurately, I was just kinda stupid with it. On this SP, I decided to try to navigate the rangefinder, to much disappointment. It did not work. The good folks at Monument Camera in Tucson advised I just try Zone Focusing, and the following images are the results of my first try.

I must admit, I am quite taken with this camera, I like the feel, the viewfinder, regardless of the functionality of the rangefinder, the weight and overall aesthetic to this camera. I love the camera, honestly, even moreso once I received my images. I plan to work on a project this year, documenting all the derelict buildings and the people of the city I was raised, and I did not want to shoot that project on a tool that was unreliable like my all-black F2. I feel tremendously confident with this baby and all the Super Powers it possesses.

These images were intended to be throw-aways. They are not shot with the intent of producing world-class work to be hanged in the Lourve. They were simply shots that I decided to work out in an effort to assess the functionality of a camera that has not been used in perhaps 20 years or more. Japan is really world class when it comes to their engineering and the way they produce works of art built to last. The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nikon SP are testaments to integrity they hold.

A final note: I attempted to respond to the lad’s who commented on my previous posts, however for some strange reason I was unable to. I apologize for not getting back to all the feedback I received, but I appreciate any and everyone who takes the time to not only look at my entries, but also takes the time to respond. Much respect.

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