Maybe the name Fujifilm makes you think of nothing at all. Here is my Fuji GF670 Review / Voigtlander Bessa III Review Medium Format Rangefinder Film Camera. Im in love with the modern rendition of the Fuji with the sweet MF size. Here I detail why I bought the Fujifilm GF670 Professional and 11 reason to buy one! (15 Types of Portrait Photography), Leica Portrait Photographer: Best Leica Camera for Portraits, Leica Street Photography Code: 55 Tips to Protect You & Your Camera, Best 90mm Lenses for Leica Cameras (LTM+M+R+L), Leica R Mount Cameras (+ Lenses) (Leica SLR), Leica is better? - MrLeica.com - Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: Leica M3 Review - The Ultimate Rangefinder!? Setting the aperture, focus, and shutter speed are all done with knobs and dials. Fujifilm already had built some of its reputation for making some pretty top notch, although plasticky, medium format rangefinder cameras. Second, the shutter speed readouts in the viewfinder are dim and not easy to see. Love your pics! So tempting but more expense than I can justify. The leaf shutter and the ridiculously slow handheld shutter speeds one can use allow for a wide spectrum of usable situations. Required fields are marked *. Its a fantastic travel camera, easy to use, and produces stunning images. There should be an Academy award for camera companies and Fuji should just get a lifetime award for all the wonderful crazy cameras it has made (and still does). I am lucky enough to now own both cameras and I much prefer the Fuji GF670 (see the Mamiya 7 article linked below). The public will soon be able to purchase new units of the discontinued Fujifilm GF670 film rangefinder folding camera thanks to a cache reportedly found in a Fujifilm warehouse. -Lens: Beautiful condition.There is no fog. Carrying multiple lenses for the Mamiya 6 does mean more to carry though so it is always a balance! Take a look at the GW690III, appropriately dubbed Texas Leica, or another folder, the GS645. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The result of this off-trend decision is worth every bit of time and effort those two camera giants could muster in those inopportune times. Pretty crazy and a shame Cosina stopped making them. There are no large dusts. Its roughly the same weight as a Leica M with a 50mm Summilux. I do love 35mm for the vignetting etc from the fast lenses. Rotate the large one to adjust the vertical rangefinder alignment. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used.See details for description of any imperfections. I admit I prefer the lens character of the other 67 folding the old Makina. I'll shoot some Ilford HP5 400 next and then I'll know what this camera can do. Like any good child of the internet, I read every single thing I could about either of these cameras. I wish that they were still making these and the wider angle version also. There is no balsam separation. There are two ways to experience 35mmc without the adverts: Paid Subscription- 2.99 per month and you'll never see an advert again! Something went wrong. It can be a little tricky to tell when it is clearly in focus, and I wish it was easier to focus as well. . Yeah. (26 pages) Boat Bavaria VISION 42 Sales Manual. There are three things I found irritating. but hope is low. This of course doesnt allow the formatto be changed once youve started a roll. And look what a new one costs. I am comfortable hand-holding at th of a second. After several tries I concluded I just couldnt keep it. For travel the Fuji GF670 wins hands down as it is a folding camera so packs easily. With the parallax adjustment the frame lines seem to float across the viewfinder in a smooth manner even when fast focusing. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums. No problem in the shooting. This camera is beautiful: to look at, to hold, to operate, and to shoot with. But I really cant justify it and so will have to be satisfied with my Bessa II on which I believe the 670 was based. He was a member of Magnum, and a very talented, Nice series Geoff. Bhphoto do this trick to all of thiere products.People should be aware of thus phenomenon.They bumb the regular price of most items a day before and then offer a "sale" With big promotion everywhere. Thanks! The first time I put the viewfinder to my eye I was amazed at how bright it is. Posted by. Lastly, I found the shutter sound to be excruciatingly boring. There is no fungus. By getting a medium format film camera that was similar in size to a Leica camera it seemed to tick all my wishes! What is a Rangefinder? But the GF670/Bessa III suffers from some ergonomic issues (those strap lugs are only on the one (wrong) side) & sketchy support from Fujifilm here in the states. When the camera is open and your shooting, its only 7 x 4.3 x 5.4 and about 2 lbs. This is a Fujifilm camera, made by Fujifilm for itself and for Voightlander. The result in the image is that the bokeh can look rather busy, depending on the subject. See my full YouTube review linked below which also covers film loading. Try to find a shop that deals with old cameras. The Voigtlander Bessa III 667 was the black version made for everywhere besides that. But it was a snap on eBay and even if it needed, Neil, Marc Riboud passed away at the age of 93. It's because they were swamped with orders, and saw an opportunity to increase margins. Working hard to make money every day so I can blow it on film. I do appreciate the, Thanks Bob! The Fujifilm GF670 is a high-end medium format rangefinder camera that can shoot both 6x6 and 6x7 formats on either 120 or 220 film stocks. @YAPProductions - People should comparison shop between B&H, Adorama and Sammy's for lowest priced before they buy. Here are some linkshttps://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii.htmhttps://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii_wide.htm. I reviewed many rangefinder medium format cameras Mamiya 6, Mamiya 7, Bronica RF645, Makina 67 to name a few but I like the size of the Fuji 67 GF670 (also sold as the Voigtlander Bessa III). As with most modern designed lenses with a relatively slow aperture, it is tack sharp across the board, handling slide film as well as nice contrasty black and white with ease. UV filter is useful as a protector, but it is also very much needed when shooting in high altitude locations where UV rays lower image contrast. (continued)Also of interest, while the lens of the GW690 (and I assume the 670) is excellent, I expect that images with the folding GF 670 to be better still. 1 year ago. For everyone saying there's no market for these cameras - have a think about why the price went from $1799 to $1999 shortly after it was made available. I love the pegs that pop out, making loading and removing spools a cinch and not having to worry about misalignment of the film. I did contact a large camera repair shop in Los Angeles, and they advised they had no parts. Phtographer / Cinematographer, originally from the SF Bay Area. How many of us would like to see the digital version of this camera, in the same size body? No problem in the view. Streetshooters MF camera is and will be Fuji GF670 wide. It has a straightforward aperture priority setting, the only "automatic" feature, but somewhat unreliable.. Compare it to a 645? Leaf shutters allow for a steadier shot. I must disclose, I have not* shot a Plaubel Makina, nor held one, so it is at the top of my G.A.S. Kind of an unnerving feeling till you realize that you can advance the film. Comments on this article may be moderated before they are made public. Ability to shot in dim light, silent, without vibration, compact. Im not discounting the possibility that Im doing something wrong. Copyright 2023 35mmc | All photographs and text appearing on 35mmc.com are the exclusive property of the named author (except where stated otherwise) and are protected by copyright. Sturdy, not too heavy and a great lens but indeed absolutely a monster in size compared to this folding gem. The GF670 has a built-in EBC Fujinon 80mm f/3.5 Fujinon lens, 35mm equivalent to 40mm in 6 7cm format and 44mm in 6 6cm format. I carry it every day in my messenger bag, and despite having an X100T in the same bag it's the one I choose when I want an image to treasure. As the Fuji GF670 also gives the option of 66 film format (my preferred format) you could compare it to the Mamiya 6. Of course, you can use some neutral density filters and slower films to get around this. Comments are welcome and encouraged. Im curious to see the next upgraded version; I kind of feel cheated out of what could have been the best 120 film camera ever made. Yes its 69 but it still is a beautiful camera to use and Ive got several 67 if I really need to shoot at that ratio. Third, focus. I think the sensor size and engineering involved in those cameras will not bring the price down for a bit. I bought my vintage GL690 years ago for $500. I'd love to try one despite I prefer systems with interchangeable lenses. Re: your rangefinder patchMine is snappy and clear, but you still need to get the hang of it either way. The Fujifilm GF670 most commonly was made in silver while a gorgeous all black was made for the Japanese market. Though it may look like its from far removed times, it was actually introduced this century in 2008. Sensitivity ranges from ISO25-3200 with exposure compensation available at +- 2 and can be adjusted by stops. You would still need that space for a grip/battery on one side. It will not work without one. It is limited and not that easy to use and can have vibration due to the shutter location, but when you can work with the limitations it can give wonderful results. The range viewfinder is beautiful, big and bright. The Fuji GF670 camera requires 1x CR2 Lithium battery (*you cant operate the camera at all without it). The comment about this being a Cosina camera is untrue. Other popular 67 cameras like the Pentax 67 or the Mamiya RB67 are known for their bulkiness and how heavy they are to carry around, but the GF670 is exactly the opposite. Publicity stunt for GFX. >ZoomConsultations/ Mentor Not sure what camera or lens to buy or need help with your photography? The Fujifilm GF670 is a camera with few bells and whistles but everything in it is well thought out and easy to use. That means it focuses closer than many of the Leica M lenses (1m) such as the Leica Noctilux and Zeiss ZM Sonnar 50mm. Every film photographer should get one of these!Read full review, Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Film Cameras. . But yes, the results are correct : quite everytime. Actually these drawbacks vanishes when I use it in good lighting conditions, thanks probably to an increased contrast. And is It the Right Film Camera for You? Learn how your comment data is processed. The wide version does not fold and does not have bellows. If you click on a link and make a purchase, Shoot It With Film may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. In that case 3.5, 4, 5. Having few details in the highlights embarrass me. You cannot tell me no one ever ask what happened to a few million dollars worth of camera that came in but never left a warehouse. Incredible organic look that I havent gotten anywhere else in medium format (and Ive owned or still own all of the most desired ones). Expectedly, the Plaubel Makina has gone up quite a bit as well. The 50s MILC they just lauched is a monster of a camera and expensive.I know that even like that , the IQ of the film negative would be better, but I do not have time to process 120mm film myself nor access to a credible lab. For what it would sell for, I think it would need to be a mirrorless mount with pancake primes and weather sealing. Excellent review, I own a Plaubel 67W makina I guarantee you that in terms of handling and portability it is unmatched in 6X7 format Thanks again, Great review. You would be getting true medium format for a cheaper price.You may want to read Ken Rockwell's article from two or three days ago "Fuji Medium Format ---Or Is It?". Maybe I am doing something wrong. Shutter Speed Range: 4 seconds 1/500th of a second and bulb mode If the aperture is faster than f4, the max shutter speed available is 1/250th of a second. I am terribly envious, I have the GF670 and would love the W but can't find one. its was discontinued in 2014 and it costs $1799 ???? Ive had my GF670. Its tough to find a medium format camera in a small package, especially one that shoots 67. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'japancamerahunter_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-japancamerahunter_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The following images were taken over the weekend on Kodak Ektar 100. Fujifilmintroduced the GF670 in 2008; its was discontinued in 2014. Hi Huss! I ordered the GF670 from Japan so give me a few weeks at least to get the film shot and developed. How do you find the lense rendition with the Hassy V system glass? So Im very happy to use my 60s vintage FSU Iskra, and get equally good results at 1/10th the cost. A fresh battery might help both with the meter and brightness of the lights in the viewfinder. Strictly speaking rangefinder cameras like the Fuji GF670 are more popular for street photography, travel photography and landscape photography. It will not work without it. This one is whisper quiet. You can see more of my film work on IG: @stevekars. Abandoned sink from the concentration camp memorial site in Dachau, Bavaria (X100F) Close. Cant wait to see some fresh IR images on 120. No light meter is less of an issue for me, at the cost per negative this is no a point and shoot camera, hence I use a lunasix or sometimes a light metering app on my iphone with it. There are a few screws located under the hot shoe that are used to adjust the rangefinder. Even if they'll need new bellows and some serious lens cleaning, as it's usually the case, you'll be saving a lot of money. The Fujifilm GF670 is a high-end medium format rangefinder camera that can shoot both 6x6 and 6x7 formats on either 120 or 220 film stocks. So you can do your loved double exposure with this camera, and also spread this information in an edit of the review maybe. If you thought that legendary kiss shutter sound of Leica Ms were quiet, youve never shot a Fuji GF670. Farr out (28 pages) Requires a single CR2 Lithium Battery; Available accessories include: Lens Hood GF670 . Both cameras offer the 67 film format and both are rangefinder cameras. 80mm lens on 6x7 is about 42mm equivalent which for me is the ideal all-purpose focal length; and this size of neg will give very flexible output options. You can hem and haw all you want, but ebay completed listing prices are still my go to to show what people are paying, and the average cost of the GF670 has gone up about 40% since I got mine 4 years ago. Every Fujifilm GF670 is around 20-30 years younger than every Plaubel Makina. If you want some more information on rangefinders and how to use them, you can learn about that here. First time it happened I switched to a new batter and continued shooting. A great review, with plenty of info to ponder. On aperture priority mode, I got the blinking 500 indicating overexposure when the settings for aperture and film speed should not have produced overexposure. One reason I didn't want to work with a Hassey or Mamiya. FujiFilm tech support figured this one for me. A high quality 67 camera in a compact package is so unique and will really make you fall in love with GF670. It is so quiet, so quick to focus, and so easy to see all the controls that it takes a lot of the pressure off the photographer by being able to fully trust the camera. Required fields are marked *. See the GS645 photos if interested in the mean time Matt, Pingback: Leica Fashion Shoot Poland | MrLeica.com Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: Film OR Digital, Not Both! Dont be a dick. There is no self timer, and the film advance is a knob, not a lever. Do you find the GF670 difficult to focus?I own both it, and the GS645, among other rangefinders, and while I seldom miss with the others, I hardly ever hit focus with the GF. As much as I love this camera, there are a few things Im not too crazy about. Most likely have to be a cropped 645 to have any chance in the marketplace. Do keep in mind that the X100 was released in September of 2010, so Fuji had a lot of different irons in the fire as it was. This is a Cosina camera (and lens) designed in ca. Image Quality, with the correct film, the correct compoisition, the correct photographer skills; you have incredible film images. | MrLeica.com Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: Fuji GF670 Portraits | MrLeica.com Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: Fujifilm GA645 Professional | MrLeica.com Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: MrLeica.com BLOG | MrLeica.com Matthew Osborne Photography, Pingback: Hasselblad 501CM joins the Leicas! Unless your primary use-case is for travel, there are less expensive & more robust medium-format film solutions, imo. Thanks Damian, Yes agree it can be almost too perfect! Well, it would be nice if the lens can be folded with a thin UV filter in place. The Mamiya 6 is a 66 rangefinder and it packs down smaller than the Mamiya 7. I just today received my copy of this camera.