Just saw my first GF670 on eBay...

That is really, really pretty. Unless Fuji keeps it to strictly limited edition production numbers, I think it will decline in value as fast or faster than a DSLR, though.

Still, if it were around $1500 I couldn't possibly resist it.
 
I can't help but see the similarities between the GF670 and the old GS645 folder especially the folding mechanism and shutter/aperture area. I hope the GF670 doesn't suffer from the same "Rube-Goldberg" design that made the GS645 a bit iffy in the linkage department. I still use my GS645 and love it. The GF670 is tempting, but of course not at $3K.
 
Have to agree with the previous poster. Having owned the GS645, it is pretty obvious that that camera was resurrected, though with a few modifications. The funny part is the price. Anyway, I eventually sold the GS645, finding it rather limited and twiddly to use. The current model seems like pure marketing to me.
 
lens hood $114.....

Mamiya 6 handles like a Leica, fits the hand very well. Don't know about this thing...

Mamiya 6 has internal bellows, far less delicate.
 
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Mamiya 6 also has two other lenses (50 and 150mm), both of which are gorgeous.

By the way, I never noticed any bad bokeh from my 75mm lens.
 
Sorry, one simply cannot compare this new camera with the Mamiya 6, which is infinitely more useful. As I have said, I owned the Fuji folder and I would never pay the obscene amount they are asking for the new one. I'd take my Mamiya 6 any day. And yes, the winder is repairable--there are plenty of experienced mamiya repair people around who can do the job.
So the Mamiya 6 doesn't do 6x7? Big deal. You'll never notice the difference. I use all three of the Mamiya lenses, especially the 50. For the price of the Fuji, you could get a complete Mamiya system in good condition. And the question of poor bokeh on the 75? Give me a break.

If you think you may want the 6x7, I'd highly suggest getting a used 645 from Keh or someplace and seeing if you really like the design. You may think it's cute at first, but you will return it.
 
Katgut, you've misunderstood. I'm not advocating the Fuji, nor denigrating the Mamiya 6.

The point is that these are simply two different (types of) cameras, and any 'comparison' is only useful on an individual basis, relative to the ONE consumer's personal needs. It's silly to assert that one is "infinitely more useful" than the other. It's like saying a Leica is infinitely more useful than a Rolleiflex. Having said that, i owned the Mamiya 6, and also decided not to pay the...amount they are asking for the new Fuji. For me, it wasn't so much the price as a combination of the price and the 'delayed' release. I bought a Bronica RF645 instead.

No, the Mamiya 6 doesn't do 6x7. Is that a big deal to you? Apparently not. But, in the context of the question to which i was responding, it seems significant. "How could this be better than a used Mamiya 6." It COULD be better if the user wants 6x7. That's simple. The other points i mentioned remain unaddressed.

1. The Mamiya 6's 75mm bokeh IS pretty awful. When you can even elicit it. Minimum focus distance is pretty long, and the lens is pretty slow. When you do manage blur (at least in the 'portrait' situations in which i used it), the bokeh is ugly. Maybe you shoot landscapes. Maybe you don't look at bokeh. Whatever. As i always point out, Adam Jahiel makes some gorgeous images with a Mamiya 6. But, bokeh isn't a component of his work.

2. For some people, folding flatter than the 6 could make the Fuji "better" than the Mamiya.

3. This was meant to be an earnest question. WHO IS repairing these? More importantly, though, and in this area i should have been more specific —*the issue is of repair parts for the winding mechanism. By many reports, these parts seem to be unavailable. Doesn't much matter how competent the technician if he can't get the necessary replacement pieces.

4. I strongly disagree that a person would "never notice the difference" between 6x6 and 6x7. If you're interested in the new Fuji because it can shoot 6x7, you want horizontals. Cropping a 6x6 to horizontal means a pretty significant loss. Obviously, it's not the end of the world, and as i said, i bought a 645 camera, but there is a difference.
 
Opinions are strong on this matter, clearly, and emotions run somewhat elevated. I'm not even sure I want a folding camera at all, as my bit of experience with a pre-war German-made Kodak 6x9 hasn't been that pleasant. But if I did go for a folder, I'd more likely choose a modern one like the Fuji/Voitlander. I do have the fixed-lens version of the previous Fuji 645 folder, and though it works well I'm not fond of the ergonomics or build quality. The Bronica RF645 is far better IMHO.

I'm sure the "6x6" option of the new camera will appeal to some. I'm not fond of square format. The actual frame dimensions are more like 5.5x5.5 vs 5.5x7cm, so that's a notable difference. I'll take the "6x7", especially considering the body is already large enough to support that frame size.

The price is obviously an issue, but worth noting that it's a whole new camera/lens kit at a price well below any new single Leica lens (other than Summarits). If you think they're ALL ridiculously overpriced, that's fine; nobody's forcing you to buy. To me, the kit is attractive as I do like medium format, but it would be taking a risk with the budget on the chance I can learn to love a folding camera... :)
 
CK Dexter Haven, I agree that if one wants a 6x7, then a 6x6 simply will NOT do!

But I don't agree with your assessment of the Mamiya 6 75mm lens bokeh:

451171799_4e7d17916b_b.jpg
 
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