Fujica's? Nice bokeh? Worth procuring?

[lorriman]

Anyone know much about fujica's?

I'm on the look out for cheap bokeh. But I don't want to compromise too far.

Do these cameras have any sort of reputation?

Are they worth bothering with?

thanks

 

[zuikologist]

Sounds like two questions:

Fujica bodies: have a good reputation, especially the newer models. I have an ST701 which is basic, but works well.

Fujica lenses: again, have a good reputation, especially the newer EBC coated versions, though these tend to be expensive. Build quality seems good though.

 

[oftheherd]

Asking me if I like Fujica cameras and lenses is like asking me if I like to breath. 😀 😀

Fujica lenses take a back seat to nobody. That is one of the reasons when you find one, they tend to be expensive. At least the screw mount lenses. I don't know much about the bayonet mount lenses. They should be just as good since they are Fujinon. Be careful of Fujinars. They may not be as good. I am not positive, but I think they were a cheaper line, like Yashikors versus Yashinons. (BTW, I doubt you would be disappointed with Yashinons).

As to bokeh, I can tell you they are sharp and handle flare well. I never paid much attention to bokeh (Sorry).

As to bodies, as far as I know, the fixed lens bodies are as good as most others. The ST SLR series of cameras were all good. The ST 801 and 901 are usually more expensive. The 801 had a 1/2000 shutter speed, the 901 was aperture preferred auto, stepless speeds, but normal shown in the viewfinder by leds. The 901 also had mechanical shutter speedsi if you wanted/needed them.

I never owned any of the bayonet bodies. I think the *-3 bodies were usually preferred, and considered more reliable.

Hope it helps.

 

[anirbax]

I have two copies of the EBC 55mm 1.8 (was never lucky enough to snag the 50mm 1.4 off eBay, and I don't see them anywhere else). The 55 has lovely bokeh at all apertures, and is very flare resistant (better or as good as the SMC Taks). It is not very sharp at 1.8, but at 2.8 and above they are extremely sharp and contrasty.

 

[lorriman]

Thanks for that, all.

 

[Robin P]

I tried nearly all the bayonet mount bodies and 3 screw mount ST801s. None of the bayonet bodies are very reliable now due to their age but an STX-1 has at least the benefit of no electronics apart from the meter and would be worth having if you can find a good one. The bayonet to M42 adapter is fairly easy to find and you'd then have a wider choice of lenses.
I might have stuck with the ST801 as the lenses were very good but but the inconvenience of changing screw lenses bugged me and the Fujica SLR construction never gave me confidence - they just feel cheaply built compared to some other makes. The lenses, while optically fine, also seem to vary in construction quality and the way they have survived the years.
After several Yashica & Contax bodies with Yashinons I lost faith in that system through shooting a blank roll of film on holiday with a Contax 167MT.
I now use Konica SLR's with their wonderful Hexanon lenses which all seem to be well made and don't feel like they could fall apart at any moment. I'm not so impressed with the Konica multicoating though (flares too easily) so have become paranoid about using a good hood on every lens.
Sorry I can't give you any bokeh comments but most of my shots are f11 or f16 and aim for maximum DOF.
Here's an illustration of an M42 35mm Fujinon's tolerance of sun in the frame....

Cheers, Robin

 

[lorriman]

Nice pic, robin

 

[Robin P]

Nice pic, robin

Thank You!

It might be worth you asking at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/fujica35mmslrs/
to see what they all think about bokeh.

Cheers, Robin

 

[Pherdinand]

...and then, you will also buy a medium format fujica.
It's only a matter of time.
🙂
Mine is on its way from the UK. Can't wait.

 

[Kim Coxon]

If you need info on the details of Fujica lenses/cameras, try my site here. http://pentax-manuals.com/fujica/fujica.htm It does need an update but most of the info is good. Personally, I prefer the bayonet bodies and lenses. My favourite is the AX3. The AX1 did have some problems but the AX3 and AX5 seem to be very good. The 50/1.2 lens is superb.

Not easy to find them in good condition but well worth the hunt. If you are interested in M42, the 701 has the best finder but the meter is more difficult as it needs modding or mercury substitute batteries. If you get stuck, drop me a line and I may be able to help. If you need samples, let me know and I will try and oblige.

Kim