GF670 for people photos?

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okcomputer

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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!
 
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.

p313251000-4.jpg


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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)

p233361121-4.jpg
 
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.

p319702201-5.jpg


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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

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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.

okcomputer said:
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!
Click to expand...
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

gf670-hp5069.jpg
 
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.
 
Peter_S said:
It does not have quite the charme of the Rolleiflex Zeiss optics...
Click to expand...

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
 
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.

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