Nikon S2 black
The Nikon S2 is a 35mm rangefinder camera from the 1950s, part of Nikon's early rangefinder line that preceded the F-series SLRs. The black-finish variant of the S2 is considerably scarcer than the standard chrome version, as the overwhelming majority left the factory in chrome.
With only two UK auction hammer results on file (2003 and 2006), the Nikon S2 black has sold in a range of roughly £1,600–£3,300, with the two sales averaging around £2,400. Because these are wholesale saleroom results rather than dealer retail prices, today a clean black S2 is worth a meaningful premium over a chrome example, and condition of the paint and engravings drives much of what it sells for.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2022
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2022 | EUR 7,000 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40817) Title: Nikon S2 black paint
Description:
rare S2 black paint camera, second 'black dial' version, one of the last from the second last batch of black paint cameras (6180604-6180987), in excellent condition, with only slight patina on the edges, incl. black Nikkor-S.C 1.5/5cm no.395184, with hood, cap, leather case, maker's box (different number), instructions Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2019 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37976) Title: Nikon S2 black paint
Description:
rare S2 black paint camera, second 'black dial' version, one of the last from the second last batch of black paint camera´s (6180604-6180987), in excellent condition, with only slight patina on the edges, incl. black Nikkor-H 2/5cm no.758995, with leather case, maker's box (unnumbered), inspection certificates for camera and lens with matching (!) serial numbers Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Mar 2018 | EUR 22,000 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36472) Title: Nikon S2 black
Description:
Extremely rare first type 'chrome dial' camera, in beautiful condition and with all original features like all-black top dials or early camera back, with matching rare all-black Nikkor S.C 1.4/5cm no.365293 (near mint, with black paint hood 'Nippon Kogaku Japan' front cap), black ever-ready case, only around 450 first type black S2 were made Estimate: EUR 20,000 - EUR 25,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| May 2013 | EUR 2,800 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10814) Title: Nikon S2 Black Paint
Description:
type two (black dial version) in very fine and perfect working original condition, Nikkor 1.4/5cm no.380650 (cap), black everready case, copy maker's box Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| May 2007 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16142) Title: Nikon S2 black paint
Description:
repainted S2 chrome with matching black Nikkor-S.C no.387642, clean lenses Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,500 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| May 2006 | EUR 1,550 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_26769) Title: Nikon S2 Black Paint
Description:
appealing black paint S2 (paint not original), in perfect technical order, Nikkor S.C 1.4/50mm no.387642 Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,200 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2003 | EUR 3,333 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 4 (Lot AI_4_23039) Title: Nikon S2 black set
Description:
Seltene schwarze S2 (restauriert) mit originalem schwarz lackierten 1,4/5cm Nikkor-S.C Nr. 371144, Deckel, Tasche, Anleitung, Schachtel Estimate: EUR 61,615,090 - EUR 4 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
Frequently asked questions
What is a Nikon S2 black worth today?
Based on the two UK auction hammer results recorded, a Nikon S2 in black finish has a value in the region of £1,600 to £3,300, with strong dependence on originality of the paint.
How much does a Nikon S2 black sell for compared to a chrome one?
Black S2 bodies sell for a clear premium over chrome examples because far fewer were produced in black, though the exact price depends on whether the finish is verified original.
Why is the price range so wide?
The recorded range reflects both small sample size and condition sensitivity — originality of the black paint, shutter health, and rangefinder accuracy all materially affect what a given example sells for at auction.