Front bellows - sometimes not fully locking?

[Peter_S]

So I am just scanning a bunch of images from a recent trip. A lot have the focus behind the point I focused on. In 120 format very annoying...
First I thought this is RF misalignment, but then I checked that frequently along the way...an then an entire series is tack-sharp.

That seems more like the bellows are not fully arrested..sometimes anyways. Did someone have the same problem. I do not have the GF670 here with me, I wonder if there is a way to tell if it is not locked fully.

 

[kuzano]

Frank Marshman...

Frank Marshman...

If it helps, the front strut arrangement on that camera looks almost exactly like the struts on the years old Fujica GS645, but scaled up to the size needed for the larger format.

If it were me, I would simply contact Frank Marshman on the East Coast to see if he is working on these newer models. He's been working on my Fujica and Fujifilm folders, and on camera's in general for 40 years now. He is still active last I heard. He was out of touch for a short while as he closed his shop and moved his business.

He has worked on two of my camera's since, and just heard from a couple of people I referred to him that they were greatly pleased with his work, response time and pricing.

He is on good terms with Fujifilm, and just a couple of years ago sourced a rear door LCD for my GA645Zi. I was ecstatic with his price for the part AND the labor. He has worked on all my big Fujica and Fujifilm rangefinders and has replace the bellows on three GS645s (the originals are CRAP) with durable bellows over the years. Very reasonable there too, I might add.

I am sure he can look over your newer Fujifilm Folder and help you out.

You can reach Frank at:

Frank Marshman
1495 Needmore Lane
Harrisonburg, VA 22082
540-867-9671

I'm sure he has an eMail, but in my experience, it's just simpler to pick up the telephone and call him, rather than waiting for an eMail response.

He operates under the business name (and has for years) of CameraWiz

 

[Peter_S]

Hi! Thank you so much for the reply. I am in Europe, though. I have contacted a repairshop in Vienna and will see what they can do...

 

[GaryLH]

If u hear the front standard click in place everytime, then something weird is happening since u can get clear pictures at times. I would check the lens board angle w/ the bed to c if it seats at correct angle everytime. Otherwise it could just be that it was not properly set (no click sound).

Gary

 

[Peter_S]

Just checked with a Hasselblad ground glass if the focus of the film plane matches the RF focus; it does, every time. Weird. 😕

 

[GaryLH]

The only other thing I can think could be it - more wild guess.

- do u wind to next shot before u fold the camera back up?

A lot of rff'ers have commented in the past about wind to next shot after u open the camera.. If u wind before u put u collapse, then there is slight possibility of causing issues w/ film flatness due to bellows vacuum effect.

I really don't know if this is folklore or true, when I started in on folders, I read about this and made a point of following the advice..

Good luck
Gary

 

[Peter_S]

Hi Gary! Many thanks!
I figured out the problem, with the help of Voigtländer. A little lever at the front of the lens is bent (possibly due the use of a slim filter I leave on all the time). I will go to Japan for repair...but a good overhaul may be a good thing, since I bought it used. Still love the camera, and may get another one while I wait for the other to come back.

 

[RattyMouse]

NEVER leave a filter on your GF670. Fujifilm states this quite clearly.