Monday, May 13, 2024

Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, A Stuttering Start

FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5
CCD Resurgence: A look at the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, the Nikon-Fuji 'Frankenstein', mounted with an AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5.
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I recently acquired a +20-year-old Nikon F-mount FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro to add to my collection of CCD cameras. I was elated when the camera came in through the mail and worked perfectly once the batteries were installed. The camera, introduced in 2002, is a 'Frankenstein' effort between FujiFilm and Nikon, built around the top and front of a Nikon N80 (F80) body, and a fixed back that houses FujiFilm's proprietary image sensor and electronics. Each part, however, has its own battery compartment, a pair of CR123A for the Nikon body section, and a set of 4x AA batteries for the Fuji compartment.

The camera worked well with both battery compartments filled. Later, I found out that while the camera can work with only one battery set installed, mine does not. The camera displays the dreaded 'Err..' message with only the CR123A installed, but it works with both or only the 4x AA battery set. That was quite a letdown and I was totally unhappy with that. My only solace was the low price I paid for the camera, which justifies that I should stick to it until I have a better opportunity for a better set somewhere down the line.

FinePix S2 Pro, Nikkor AF 35-70mm 1:3.5~4.5
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm 1:3.3-4.5

Strutters aside, the S2 Pro is an advanced enthusiast model with curves that fit completely into your hand, with controls and functionalities that are easy and intuitive to use. The camera has a 6.2 SuperCCD sensor capable of producing 12MP (4256 x 2848) images after processing, a shutter speed range of 30 sec. to 1/4000 second, built-in exposure metering, pop-up flash, ISO film speed equivalents range from 100 - 1600, and sound recording capability. For a start, I had the S2 Pro mounted with an AF-Nikkor 35-70mm 1:3.3~4.5 for these test images.



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