okcomputer
Member
I use mostly digital these days A7r, which is fantastic. One thing that I've had a hard time getting, is a similar look as Tri-X or TMAX in 120 for photos of my family and friends. Silve Efex is great software, but certainly has it's own look. I've had great success with a Pentax 67 in the past (especially with the 105/2.4). I sold it awhile back because it was too heavy for casual use.
Can anyone with a GF670/Bessa III comment on use for casual or environmental portraits? (Not necessarily tight head-shots, while are probably not possible). I have a Rolleiflex 2.8E, which I suppose is built for this sort of thing, but I can't ever focus quick enough for candids (I have a 7 year old).
Would love to hear your thoughts on using the GF670 for photos of your kids and family- and would love to see samples!
Can anyone with a GF670/Bessa III comment on use for casual or environmental portraits? (Not necessarily tight head-shots, while are probably not possible). I have a Rolleiflex 2.8E, which I suppose is built for this sort of thing, but I can't ever focus quick enough for candids (I have a 7 year old).
Would love to hear your thoughts on using the GF670 for photos of your kids and family- and would love to see samples!
benji77
@R.F.F
The GF is an excellent choice if you need a portable medium format camera for travel. The lens is sharp, easy to focus and has good contrast. The main draw of the GF is the portability as a MF camera.
I bought this in Dec 2013, and since then, I have gone through at least 10 rolls.
Yes you are right that its difficult for headshots with this, as the 80mm is a little too wide. But for environmental portraits, its great!
In terms of the bokeh, its pleasant, but not the impressive OOF that I get with a 110mm/2.8 Mamiya Sekor.
The above two shots are with the GF670, with Acros at 100.
In comparison, the below shot is by the Mamiya RZ67 with the Sekor 110mm/2.8 (Acros or Delta 100)
I bought this in Dec 2013, and since then, I have gone through at least 10 rolls.
Yes you are right that its difficult for headshots with this, as the 80mm is a little too wide. But for environmental portraits, its great!
In terms of the bokeh, its pleasant, but not the impressive OOF that I get with a 110mm/2.8 Mamiya Sekor.
The above two shots are with the GF670, with Acros at 100.
In comparison, the below shot is by the Mamiya RZ67 with the Sekor 110mm/2.8 (Acros or Delta 100)
benji77
@R.F.F
Here are some samples of abstracts / still life 6 X 6 shots via the GF as comparisons as well. Though I understand your focus is on portraits, the GF really has pretty good strengths when it comes to versatility of genres.
okcomputer
Member
Cool! Those first two shots are what I had in mind. Looking forward to picking one up!
Peter_S
Peter_S
It does not have quite the charme of the Rolleiflex Zeiss optics, but it is faster to operate and has a charme of its own. The background is never as blurred as with a Planar 2.8 on the Rolleiflex, so take care of that.
In Tusheti, Georgia (South Caucasus) taken on Kodak Portra 160.
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Portrait of my grandmother-in-law, in Armenia.
HP5+, ISO 800, in HC-110B
In Tusheti, Georgia (South Caucasus) taken on Kodak Portra 160.
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Portrait of my grandmother-in-law, in Armenia.
HP5+, ISO 800, in HC-110B
furcafe
Veteran
To echo others, the GF670 is a (modern) rangefinder, so it's perfect for casual/environmental portraits. Depending on your experience/preference, you may find it easier to focus than the Rolleiflex, especially in low light.
Like the Rolleiflex as well as vintage medium format folders like the Super Ikontas, etc., it is limited by not being able to focus very close (though you can use Rolleinars on the 'flex), but that shouldn't affect your intended use.
Like the Rolleiflex as well as vintage medium format folders like the Super Ikontas, etc., it is limited by not being able to focus very close (though you can use Rolleinars on the 'flex), but that shouldn't affect your intended use.
okcomputer
Member
Peter, great examples, thanks!
Furcafe- I do love the Rollei, I even have a bright Maxwell screen on it. It's not the split image kind- I find myself spending a lot of time trying to dial in focus back and forth over the focus point. It's not always clear on the ground glass- and my success rate is lower than I'd like. I'm pretty good with RF, so hopefully this will help.
Furcafe- I do love the Rollei, I even have a bright Maxwell screen on it. It's not the split image kind- I find myself spending a lot of time trying to dial in focus back and forth over the focus point. It's not always clear on the ground glass- and my success rate is lower than I'd like. I'm pretty good with RF, so hopefully this will help.
Peter_S
Peter_S
please let us know how the GF670 compares to the Rolleiflex in focusing speed. I had a Rolleiflex 3.5, and loved its rendering; but, I could not get used to the focusing and overall handling.
That said: The GF670 has a rather short RF base. When you come from an M or ZI, it will take you longer to focus, with some back/forward shifting of the focus ring. Focus does not "snap" into place like with an M.
That said: The GF670 has a rather short RF base. When you come from an M or ZI, it will take you longer to focus, with some back/forward shifting of the focus ring. Focus does not "snap" into place like with an M.
okcomputer
Member
Peter-
The camera came in the mail today. The focusing is exactly what I was looking for. Far better than my Contax T, and light years ahead of the Rollei in terms of speed. Took this while my daughter was jumping... still fairly easy.
The camera came in the mail today. The focusing is exactly what I was looking for. Far better than my Contax T, and light years ahead of the Rollei in terms of speed. Took this while my daughter was jumping... still fairly easy.
Johnmcd
Well-known
The GF670 is a great choice for a range of portraits. All full frame. All were set at 6x6 by the mask didn't lock properly and on some rolls I got a size half way between 6x6 and 6x7 
olelovold
Established
Some people shots I've done with the GF670:
GF670:
goo0h
Well-known
I'm still learning/getting used to the GF670, but so far I'm having lots of fun with it. Here are a few grab shots.
edouard
Member
I pass through more than 100 rolls with excellent results .You can check on Flickr eduard Romanov,I have twins so many pictures of them.
judsonzhao
Well-known
Desperately wanting one..
Great photos eduard
Great photos eduard
edouard
Member
Thank you!
genotypewriter
Member
If I may... the 80/3.5 6E 4G lens in the Bessa III/GF670 is virtually identical to the 75/3.5 6E Planar design used in the Rolleiflex TLRs... and I've only heard good things about its optics compared to the lenses in other Rolleiflex TLRs. E.g.:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136892
One thing I haven't really been able to find out is who actually designed the camera/lens or if Fuji and Voigtlander worked on it together (less likely).
Guy
Peter_S
Peter_S
Hi! Interesting. I used the 3.5F for a while, and remember its apparent DOF to be a bit shallower - but without shooting them (Bessa and 3.5F) side-by-side, however, so that may well not be valid.
Dana B.
Well-known
The GF670 works fine for environmental portraits. Here are two fresh off the scanner, shot on Acros 100, developed in D-76. The first is an off-duty cop in Los Angeles, CA, the second an apple pruner in Peshastin, WA. That said, being new to RFers, I sometimes miss key focus, even when I'm sure it's just right. I shoot with a Rolleicord regularly, with great results. But the Fuji, with auto metering, makes for a faster travel camera.
okcomputer
Member
I've been really enjoying this camera- even reaching for it over my Rolleiflex to do 6x6 shots.
