Introduction: The Fujica Rapid S2 at a Glance
The Fujica Rapid S2 is a compact rangefinder camera built around the now-discontinued Rapid film system. Fully mechanical and delightfully simple, it offers a tactile, slowed-down way to shoot everyday scenes, street photography, and travel stories on 35mm film lengths.
With its fixed lens, mechanical shutter, and manual exposure, the Rapid S2 is less about automation and more about feel. It is the sort of camera you keep by the door, ready for a quick walk, confident that it will fire reliably whenever inspiration strikes.
I still remember my first fully mechanical camera: that sure, decisive click and the soft, confident shutter felt like an invitation to really look before pressing the release.
A Short History of the Rapid Film System
The Rapid film system was designed to make loading cameras faster and more convenient. Instead of a standard 35mm cartridge and take-up spool, Rapid cameras like the Fujica Rapid S2 use two matching metal cassettes: one preloaded with film, and one empty to receive the exposed film.
As you advance, the camera pulls film from the supply cassette across the gate into the empty cassette. Once finished, you simply remove both cartridges—no rewinding required. It was a clever idea that competed with other cartridge-based formats of the 1960s.
Today, original preloaded Rapid film is no longer produced, but the system lives on through DIY reloading. For film shooters who like to experiment and reduce waste by reusing cassettes, the Rapid S2 offers a uniquely hands-on experience.
Using the Fujica Rapid S2 Today
Reloading Rapid cassettes with 35mm film
Even though Rapid film is discontinued, you can still shoot the Fujica Rapid S2 by reloading original Rapid cassettes with standard 35mm bulk film. It requires a bit of preparation, but once set up, the workflow is straightforward and reusable.
- Gather Rapid cassettes with matching empty cartridge.
- Cut bulk 35mm film to ~65cm length for 24 exposures.
- Load inside a light-tight bag to prevent film fogging.
- Meter manually or using a handheld light meter.
- Scan with a macro setup or dedicated film scanner.
Because the S2 is fully mechanical, exposure is set by the classic pairing of shutter speed and aperture. There’s no built-in meter, so you either learn to estimate using the sunny-16 rule, or use a handheld meter or smartphone app.
Developing and scanning your negatives
After shooting, the exposed film will be inside the receiving Rapid cassette. You can open the cassette in the dark, transfer the film to a standard developing reel, and process it like any other black-and-white or color negative film. For a digital workflow, a macro camera scanning setup or dedicated film scanner lets you preserve and share your images easily.
Key Features and Build Quality
Mechanical simplicity and rangefinder focusing
The Fujica Rapid S2 features a coupled rangefinder focusing system: you focus by aligning a superimposed “patch” in the viewfinder until the images coincide. It’s fast and precise once properly calibrated, and perfect for deliberate, thoughtful composing.
The body itself is metal-bodied with a reassuring sense of weight, yet compact enough to slip into a small bag. Controls are straightforward: shutter speed ring, aperture ring, focus ring, and frame counter. There are no menus, modes, or screens—just the essentials.
Lens, handling, and accessories
The fixed lens makes the Rapid S2 easy to live with: no lens swapping, just learning the field of view and working within it. A slip-on lens hood (43mm) helps control flare and adds protection. Combined with a comfortable film advance lever and shutter release, the camera invites you to shoot slowly and deliberately.
Buying the Fujica Rapid S2 Second-Hand
As with all vintage analog cameras, condition matters. A well-maintained Fujica Rapid S2 can be a reliable everyday companion, while a neglected one may require repairs or careful DIY attention.
What to check before you buy
Use this quick inspection list when evaluating a Fujica Rapid S2 in person or online:
- Lens clarity: look for fungus or haze.
- Test all shutter speeds for consistency.
- Verify rangefinder patch alignment at infinity.
- Inspect film transport and advancing lever.
- Check if Rapid cartridges are included.
Rangefinder alignment is particularly important: point the camera at a distant object and ensure the double image lines up when focused at infinity. Misalignment can often be adjusted, but it’s easier if it’s already close.
Creative Uses for the Fujica Rapid S2
Slow photography and mindful shooting
The deliberate workflow of loading, metering, and advancing film makes the Fujica Rapid S2 perfect for slow, mindful photography. With around 24 frames per loaded cassette, you tend to consider each shot carefully, noticing light, shadow, and timing.
Street photographers appreciate the quiet shutter and discreet form factor. The fixed lens encourages you to “zoom with your feet,” learning distance and composition intuitively.
Experimental and DIY workflows
The reusable Rapid cassettes are well-suited to experimental projects: bulk-rolled black-and-white films, short test rolls, and mixed-emulsion outings. You can load different ISO films into separate cassette pairs and switch them between outings without wasting exposures.
For hybrid shooters, scanning negatives at home with a macro lens or dedicated scanner opens up creative post-processing, while still preserving the signature analog look that digital simulations rarely replicate.
FAQs
Can I still find Rapid film for the Fujica Rapid S2? Original Rapid film is no longer produced, but you can reload old Rapid cassettes with cut lengths of standard 35mm film for continued use.
Does the Fujica Rapid S2 need batteries? No. The Fujica Rapid S2 is a fully mechanical rangefinder, so it works without batteries. You’ll need to meter manually using a handheld light meter, an exposure chart, or a metering app.
Is the Fujica Rapid S2 suitable for beginners? It can be used by beginners, but it’s best for tinkerers and learners interested in film mechanics and manual exposure rather than those seeking instant, automated results.
What accessories should I get for the Fujica Rapid S2? Look for Rapid cassettes (ideally several pairs), a 43mm slip-on lens hood, bulk 35mm film for reloading, and modern film scanning tools like a macro copy setup or dedicated film scanner.
Conclusion: Why the Fujica Rapid S2 Endures
The Fujica Rapid S2 is more than a curiosity from the Rapid-film era: it is a compact, fully mechanical companion that rewards patience and curiosity. For photographers who enjoy understanding how their tools work—and who appreciate reusing and repurposing existing gear—it offers a uniquely satisfying way to shoot.
If you are drawn to mechanical rangefinders, DIY film workflows, and sustainable second-hand gear, explore our curated selection of Fujica and other analog cameras, along with matching photography accessories, at DutchThrift.com.