Fuji GF670 limited run of 5000 for USA

[retrography]

I haven't seen this mentioned but Fujifilm USA announced they would be selling the GF670 later this year. There is conflicting information but it appears it will go on sale around April with an MSRP of $2195. Color listed are black and silver though they only had silver on display at PMA. It was also stated these would be limited to 5000.

 

[Paddy C]

Every time I happen across a photo or news item/write up about this camera I think I want one. That price is good too.

 

[TWoK]

Isn't this the same camera as the Voigtlander Bessa III 667?

 

[jonmanjiro]

I haven't seen this mentioned but Fujifilm USA announced they would be selling the GF670 later this year. There is conflicting information but it appears it will go on sale around April with an MSRP of $2195. Color listed are black and silver though they only had silver on display at PMA. It was also stated these would be limited to 5000.

Pretty sure that 5,000 figure is the total production figure, not the number allotted for the USA. A shop in Tokyo has one of these on display with a sticker beside it saying that its a limited production item of 5,000 units.

 

[John NYC]

Isn't this the same camera as the Voigtlander Bessa III 667?

Yes. Different branding, but same camera exactly.

 

[TWoK]

I'm confused then. These things have been available for something like 6 months, right? Why are they announcing this like it's news now?

 

[sevo]

I'm confused then. These things have been available for something like 6 months, right? Why are they announcing this like it's news now?

Cosina got a head start of a year on international markets - Fuji may only export them now.

 

[Matus]

But to my impression it is just the same camera (for the good or bad) as the Bessa III for pretty much the same price (KenR thinks otherwise though). So we can now chose from two identical cameras ... hmmm

[I am still waiting for this camera to come out with 65mm lens and 0.7m close focuse :angel:]

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Maybe they've got a bunch of them that didn't sell and are trying to create a stir in the U.S. to move them?

 

[TWoK]

Yeah, I'd love this folder, but not for 2Gs. Instead I'll enjoy my GW690II and hopefully my new GSW690 for less than $400 for both.

 

[kuzano]

NOW, I am really confused...

NOW, I am really confused...

Yes. Different branding, but same camera exactly.

I understand the comment about the same camera "exactly" until the lens is examined.

I was told by what I considered a reliable source, that the Fuji is equipped with the Fuji EBC (Electron Beam Coated) lens, and the Bessa is equipped with a Heliar by CV (Cosina Voightland)???

Anybody have an answer on this. My preference would surely be the Fuji lens, primarily based on my use of the EBC lenses and no experience with the Heliar. I know the Heliar is spoken of highly, however.

 

[Zonan]

I'm confused then. These things have been available for something like 6 months, right? Why are they announcing this like it's news now?

I think it's to coordinate with the discontinuance of their 400 ISO black and white Neopan film, which otherwise might have been used with this camera 🙂

 

[TWoK]

I understand the comment about the same camera "exactly" until the lens is examined.

I was told by what I considered a reliable source, that the Fuji is equipped with the Fuji EBC (Electron Beam Coated) lens, and the Bessa is equipped with a Heliar by CV (Cosina Voightland)???

Anybody have an answer on this. My preference would surely be the Fuji lens, primarily based on my use of the EBC lenses and no experience with the Heliar. I know the Heliar is spoken of highly, however.

I'm guessing that they are exactly the same lens with the same coatings.

 

[Jamie123]

I understand the comment about the same camera "exactly" until the lens is examined.

I was told by what I considered a reliable source, that the Fuji is equipped with the Fuji EBC (Electron Beam Coated) lens, and the Bessa is equipped with a Heliar by CV (Cosina Voightland)???

Anybody have an answer on this. My preference would surely be the Fuji lens, primarily based on my use of the EBC lenses and no experience with the Heliar. I know the Heliar is spoken of highly, however.

It's just the name on the lens that's different.

 

[aizan]

the lenses are the same. it's a planar type, not a heliar.

afaik, fuji approached cosina, not the other way around.

 

[kuzano]

Thank you for that information

Thank you for that information

the lenses are the same. it's a planar type, not a heliar.

afaik, fuji approached cosina, not the other way around.

Thanks, and by the comment that Fuji approached Cosina, can it be presumed that Cosina built the camera and used a Fuji EBC lens, or is it that Cosina built and provided camera and lens under contract to Fuji?

 

[Jamie123]

Thanks, and by the comment that Fuji approached Cosina, can it be presumed that Cosina built the camera and used a Fuji EBC lens, or is it that Cosina built and provided camera and lens under contract to Fuji?

From what I've read the camera is produced start to finish by Cosina and they only approached Fuji for marketing reasons.

But does it really matter? The lens is what it is and there are quite few tests and sample pictures around by now. I'm sure the coating is compliant with Fuji's guidelines for EBC lenses or else they wouldn't write it on the lens. Both Fuji and Cosina are Japanese companies that make some very good lenses.

 

[jonmanjiro]

It was also stated these would be limited to 5000.

That's what is written on the big poster I spotted at Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku today.

限定5000台!

 

[jonmanjiro]

I should be going on a photo trip to Miyako island at the end of the month. One of the benefits is getting to shoot with the GF670. I got to play with it in the store yesterday and I didn't catch if it has an AEL or not. If not it definitely needs that. I would love this camera for $500 and consider it for $1200, but at the price it's at I would never buy it. The camera is nice and light, but the same time it doesn't feel solid like the other Fuji MF RFs. It definitely feels like a large Bessa, which I think is unfortunate for the price.

I'd love to visit Miyako-jima some time! Have a great trip. The Bessa branded version has AE, so I guess the Fuji branded GF670 does to.

Edit: I didn't catch the "L" after the "AE" the first time round. The GF670 has AE and AEL.

 

[jonmanjiro]

> I am wondering if it has AE Lock.

Half press the shutter button .... according to this.