Comments on Fuji rangefinders, alternatives in MF?

[f16sunshine]

645 can be had in a very pocket-able camera and produce very good quality prints easily to 11x14-- the kind of quality associated with MF.

You can keep going to 6x17 as well. ;-) Does not fit the pocket though.

John

Could you recomend a couple of pocketable 645 cameras? Im looking for a pearl iii or iv but have had no luck so far. Any otger suggestions (cpld rf).

 

[ZeissFan]

In the folder world, there are the Zeiss Ikon Ikonta/Super Ikonta, the Voigtlander Perkeo (very lightweight) and also the Kodak/Nagel Duo 620.

 

[kuzano]

Check OUT this gallery..mostly shot w/Fuji GSW690III

Check OUT this gallery..mostly shot w/Fuji GSW690III

http://www.pbase.com/neonhighways/inbox

This gallery was shot on an extended getaway trip, by the Seller of a Fuji GSW690III, which I purchased.

Heavy... BS. I have a Canon T90 35mm which is heavier than this camera.

Bulky... a bit.... it's a big camera folks 6X9 Centimeter frame

Manageable.... yes, not nearly as heavy as most think without handling one.

Focal length.... 65mm, I think equivalent to 28-35mm in 135 format.

Lens sharpness... Incredible. I've never shot anything sharper than my EBC coated Fuji's. That includes Mamiya, Bronica, Pentax (all MF), and Graflex XL Tessar.

My current Fuji's... A late interchangeable (now that's heavy) GL690, 100mm 3.5 Lens, 65mm f8 Lens and an AE100mm auto exposure Lens.

This gallery gives a good representation of images taken by the Big Texas Leica Fuji rangefinders.

6X9 is 4.7 times bigger than the full 35mm frame. 645 is half that.

 

[fotomeow]

You can have the Mamiya 7 w/out robbing a bank --> its the square format Mamiya 6 with 80mm lens for under $1100, campact and ready to roll.

 

[sanmich]

Nice attitude, man. I hope you do realize that you kind of start to feel those couple of extra pounds if you hike 2-3 days over rough terrain with 10-15kg of non-photo gear on your back. It's not like I can't lift the damned thing. There's simply a limit of how much extra discomfort I'm willing to endure to bring along a fixed-lens camera that can only take 8 frames on a roll of 120. In this context, the GW690 is pretty heavy.

I've had some military training not so long ago. We used to run around the woods with 20+kg of gear plus assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, whatever. Totally doable. Not Fun. Lugging along a 690 will definitely not be as fun as hiking with the featherweight GRD-III. I just hope that the image quality will make up that difference.

I will now resume my quiet life of not pumping much iron

If you are planning such long hikes, I would suggest not to dismiss an excellent 35mm camera with a film like delta 100.
It cannot replace the 6x9 neg, but maybe your overall excperience (hike+photo) will be more fun?
I find myself more and more tempted in that direction, since my otherwise fine, fine Koni Omega is really a pain to haul with a couple of lenses...
I can't help thinking about it: two of the most beautiful landscapes I know were shot by HCB on 35mm, with what would now be considered a crappy lens, on what would now be considered a crappy film.

[edit] sorry, I missed your previous answer re:35mm...

 

[NLewis]

For $400, I'd suggest:

1) Fuji GW690ii, the nice metal one.
2) Yashica Mat 124
3) Mamiya RB67, you might find a simple kit in your price range
4) Pentax 67, ditto
5) Pentax 645

However, 3 and 4 are not small, they are big hefty cameras made for professional use, mostly on a tripod.

The Fuji 690 is a fine camera, but if it's too big for you, then go with the Yashica.

Pentax 645 is a wonderful camera, although quite hefty. Personally, if I'm going MF then I'd rather have at least 6x6 and 6x7 is preferable, although you do get more shots per roll in 645.

With all this in mind, I would suggest that MF isn't the same as 35mm with bigger film. It is much more deliberative, best for landscapes and dedicated portraiture, not so much candid snapshots and action. The size isn't an issue because you aren't "carrying it around with you" while you're doing something else. If you want a carry-it-with-you camera, the folders and TLRs are probably your best bet.

 

[t.wesley]

5) the large 6x9 Fuji RF are said to have excellent lenses, but are rather large and heavy (about twice as heavy as GA645). Should definitely be usable hand held, but for full performance a tripod would probably be advisable. I have never owned one though.

I mostly use my GW690 hand-held. It weighs about 3 lbs.

I think the GW690 is a good solution - simple to use, virtually idiot proof (though I sometimes screw stuff up... perhaps it is *I* that is not idiot proof). I got mine off eBay for under $400 (well under, I might add) by waiting til one didn't sell & contacting the seller with an offer. I kept doing that until one guy accepted my offer - took some time, but it was the RF I really wanted.

--wes

 

[ampguy]

I've seen many great galleries with images taken from Fuji MF GA/GW series RF's. But this site shows the Mamiya 7 series lens to be sharper:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

 

[shadowfox]

http://www.pbase.com/neonhighways/inbox

This gallery was shot on an extended getaway trip, by the Seller of a Fuji GSW690III, which I purchased.

That is a seriously gorgeous set of photos.

Ott, I hear you about the constraint on weigh and bulk, but don't discount the Mamiya Press line, interchangeable backs that gives you up to 6x9 frames. And the lenses are terrific (the 65mm weighs nothing and very compact) and they are currently on the cheap side (< $400 if you are just a bit patient).

 

[dshfoto]

Koni-Omega Rapid 100 or 200 version. Supports wide angle lenses with view finder, accurate range finder. Virtually indestructible. Can change lenses,
If it is older, you may need to use black gaffers tape on the back to prevent light leaks, or get it serviced.
Shutter in lenses.
Had one stolen years ago, and bought two more, regret I ever sold them.

 

[dshfoto]

See this one if you want a wide angle lens:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Koni-Omega-Rapi...687013791?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item19c575cb9f

 

[kuzano]

Fond memorie of one of those spots....

Fond memorie of one of those spots....

That is a seriously gorgeous set of photos.

This One:
http://www.pbase.com/neonhighways/image/105751633

When I was 5 yrs old until about 12, whenever we went to see my Grandparents, we used to stop at the Kent Diner both going and coming home, for gas and one of the best hamburgers ever!!!That was about 1950 to 1957

I drove past it a couple of years ago and it looks just like in the pics. I stopped, turned around and went back. Windows were covered up, except for a few spot. Could see the old tables and chairs and the counter.

And Yes, as advertized on the sign, I always had an Orange Crush soda. It WAS refreshing and delicious.

 

[sper]

Has this comparison been posted yet?

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/mamiya6.html

The Fuji holds its own. It's a really nice camera. I had the Mamiya 7 for a while, which was nice too, but I'm not totally sure what I prefer... With that question in mind, price makes the decision for me. Hello Fuji!

 

[Texsport]

I've seen many great galleries with images taken from Fuji MF GA/GW series RF's. But this site shows the Mamiya 7 series lens to be sharper:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

However, you've got to figure in negative size into this equation.

It's the same reason MF is better than 35mm.

6x9 rules----unless you go even larger.

Additionally, if you are fortunate enough to own a Fuji Auto Up accessory for close ups, the Fujica also offers the possibility of head shots.

The Fujica 100/3.5 AE is also unique, offering aperture based automatic metered picture making.

These features are not available on Mamiya.

Texsport

 

[ljsegil]

If you might be interested in putting together a moderately priced and versatile Mamiya Press system please let me know. I believe I have the bodies, lenses, and holders that you would need lying fallow and unused (recently) and could probably work out something within shouting distance of your budget.
Larry

 

[Brian Puccio]

I've had my eye on the Fuji GSW690III for a while. Sure 6x9 is amazing, but I got an M6 and 28mm lens partially because of the size. Plus I'd need to trade in my Coolscan 4000 for a Coolscan 9000.

Basically, 35mm is good enough given the costs of 120 film, a new scanner and there's the minor bulk issue. Maybe one day when film is near dead and people are giving them away, I'll use one for a few months. Kind of like how you can get an entire darkroom for free as long as you're willing to go get it now in many places.

 

[kuzano]

You are so wrong!!!

You are so wrong!!!

I've had my eye on the Fuji GSW690III for a while. Sure 6x9 is amazing, but I got an M6 and 28mm lens partially because of the size. Plus I'd need to trade in my Coolscan 4000 for a Coolscan 9000.

Basically, 35mm is good enough given the costs of 120 film, a new scanner and there's the minor bulk issue. Maybe one day when film is near dead and people are giving them away, I'll use one for a few months. Kind of like how you can get an entire darkroom for free as long as you're willing to go get it now in many places.

The day you speak of is never coming,,,,

And all the rationalization in the world with never overcome the huge increase in image quality from MF (6X9) to 35mm film. Why wait until that projected fantasy time in your mind when the film is no longer available, and then become fanatic about all the time you could have enjoyed superior image quality?

It's not my place to understand your weird logic, but that doesn't mean I can't (somewhat gently I might add) chide you for your wrongness.

And, I don't make the connection between buying a Leica and buying MF. No leica in the world, with whatever leica glass will shoot a 35mm image that will equal, or come close to the quality of a 6X9 frame from glass the likes of Fuji's EBC.

But that's OK... We've all made huge mistakes in our life that we have later regretted. I got married once.

 

[DamenS]

Did you end up getting a Fuji 690 ? I have a GW690 and can certainly recommend it !

 

[ampguy]

Fuji MF glass

Fuji MF glass

I've seen many great images from these 6xX Fuji MF fixed lens cameras, but I attribute much of the resolution to the format size, not the lens.

The reviews of the lens are not the equal of most Leica lens, nor Mamiya 7 MF lens, or even some Bronica and other MF lens.

The day you speak of is never coming,,,,

And all the rationalization in the world with never overcome the huge increase in image quality from MF (6X9) to 35mm film. Why wait until that projected fantasy time in your mind when the film is no longer available, and then become fanatic about all the time you could have enjoyed superior image quality?

It's not my place to understand your weird logic, but that doesn't mean I can't (somewhat gently I might add) chide you for your wrongness.

And, I don't make the connection between buying a Leica and buying MF. No leica in the world, with whatever leica glass will shoot a 35mm image that will equal, or come close to the quality of a 6X9 frame from glass the likes of Fuji's EBC.

But that's OK... We've all made huge mistakes in our life that we have later regretted. I got married once.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

dun forget the bronica etrs....this is a 645 camera and you can get a kit at 235usd on K. spend about 150 more and you can get a wide and a tele to complement the 75/f2.8.

i decided not to overspend on medium format since the mamiyas and bronicas are going for a song...