Bessa III Lens Question

[whitecat]

Had this in the wrong forum.

Are the Heliar and Fujinon the same lens on the silver and black versions of the Bessa III? Just don't understand the price difference if they are.
Thanks

 

[thegman]

They seem to be identical cameras in every respect other than colour and name. There does not seem to be any reason for the price difference.

 

[Neare]

They are the same lenses and the price difference owes itself to the Fuji being sold only to the Japanese market and the Bessa to the international market.

Only 5000 of the Fuji's were made, so I suppose the price reflects a little bit of collector status.

 

[CameraQuest]

Had this in the wrong forum.

Are the Heliar and Fujinon the same lens on the silver and black versions of the Bessa III? Just don't understand the price difference if they are.
Thanks

same lens and camera except for colors, engravings.

the last time I checked about 6 mo ago, the low priced Fujis were all grey market. advertised prices were below wholesale Fuji USA prices.

if they need repairs, that will likely prove a problem.

Stephen

 

[thegman]

The GF670 is sold in the UK by Fujifilm, through the official channels. It's crazy expensive compared to a weekend in New York and picking one up over there, but that's the UK for you. It's still a little cheaper than the Bessa though. My brother has one though, and it's all different kinds of awesome.

 

[John NYC]

same lens and camera except for colors, engravings.

the last time I checked about 6 mo ago, the low priced Fujis were all grey market. advertised prices were below wholesale Fuji USA prices.

if they need repairs, that will likely prove a problem.

Stephen

You mean it would be a problem for all repairs? Or just warranty repairs?

I have the Bessa III, but just curious.

 

[whitecat]

I wonder if that warrants about $500.00 difference in price.

 

[CameraQuest]

I wonder if that warrants about $500.00 difference in price.

That depends if you can get a grey market Fuji repaired. A good repair shop will be able to align the rangefinder. But if it needs parts, that bargain priced camera may end up as a wonderfully interesting $1700 paperweight.

Stephen