GF670W Bessa III W

I really like my Fuji GF670. Is so easy to use, packs down really small and fits in my bag with M9 + 3 lenses for travel. I really like the Fuji lens as well and also the freedom that a fixed lens gives me because I am not always second guessing myself on what to carry. Had the Mamiya 6 + 3 and I think I am happier with the Fuji. I use it more because of size and meter is certainly better. The Fuji only cost me $1650 from B&H and I think the wide option is definitely overpriced.
 
I would have liked a 667 but decided to get a Pentax 67 instead and managed to find a good one with a 90mm lens for 300€. For my taste just to much of a price difference to the 2500€ or whatever a 667 costs.
 
I'd like to see one, I've never quite liked the Mamiya 6-7 or Fuji GW-series build quality but this would have to be pretty awesome for $3K.
 
I play with this camera every time I walk by the Fuji showroom in Tokyo Midtown.
It handles very nicely and I like the wider lens and non-folding design much better than the folding version. However, with all the wonderful inexpensive used japanese MF gear around it is very difficult to justify the price.
 
Hi Tompas,
never saw a pentax 67. Is it that heavy? Or is it more like a big DSLR to carry?
What can you tell me about Mamiya 7 and where the difference between a Mamiya 7II, is the viewfinder better and that in difference to a GF670.
A lot of questions. Thanks for your help.
Kind regards
 
The Pentax 67 is quite a beast of a camera. It does have it's appeal, though.

I think the differences between the Mamiya 7 and the 7II are minor (something like multi-exposure capability and better film advance), although I'm no expert. I think the viewfinder in the Bessa III/Gf670 is hard to beat. It's really VERY nice.

The build quality of the Bessa III/GF670 is ok but it's nothing to brag about. It's just not a rugged camera at all. I never had any problems with it, though, as I treated it with care. The wide version might be a bit more rugged as it's not a folder.
 
sem said:
never saw a pentax 67. Is it that heavy? Or is it more like a big DSLR to carry?
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Yes, think a twice as large (D)SLR. It is heavy, but in my opinion it's not too bad: I can carry it with me all day on a wide strap over my shoulder.

The other cameras you asked about I don't know, sorry.
 
I found the GF670 to be built much like a Zeiss Ikon, pretty well. Of course the folder mechanism has an inherent ability to get broken. I found the build, much, much nicer than the Mamiya 7, which I never really warmed to.

The Mamiya 7 is highly usable though, and I liked the finder. It works about as much like a 35mm range finder as it's possible to make a 120 range finder. You can't go wrong with either, though if I was happy with just the 80mm lens, I'd have the GF670.
 
The Bessa III has gone under the radar because no professional reviewer or magazine who has tried it could reconcile the vast price against the very poor build quality (lens aside). For the same sort of money you could have a fine Mamiya 7 setup, or a Plaubel, no contest really.

Steve
 
I have seen the Bessa III and it indeed looks cool. I may some day get one - if I decide that I am fine with just one lens and for reason of convenience will not go back to Rolleiflex (and sell the Mamiya 6, of course). But it could really be a bit thinner.

The Wide version looks interesting too, but I really think it could have been collapsible (like Mamiya 6). The way it is done is quite bulky and compared to Mamiya 7 you can not take the lens off for transport if necessary.

I would love to try one of these though ...
 
250swb said:
The Bessa III has gone under the radar because no professional reviewer or magazine who has tried it could reconcile the vast price against the very poor build quality (lens aside). For the same sort of money you could have a fine Mamiya 7 setup, or a Plaubel, no contest really.

Steve
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Interesting. So you believe the Plaubel is of better built quality?
 
I use both the GF670 & Plaubel Makina 67 & 670 & would agree that the Plaubels are of higher build quality (more metal in the bodies, etc.) but the electronics are much more primitive (no autoexposure) & prone to failure (because the wiring goes through the struts & is stressed/worn down every time the camera is collapsed & opened). Also, the VF is not as bright as the more modern Bessa III/GF670. Finally, the Plaubels are only 6x7, whereas the Bessa III/GF670 can be switched to 6x6 & it's impossible to find a Plaubel for $1664 (I have no idea why anyone would pay the extra $586 for the Bessa III over the GF670). Bottom line: A trade-off like any other gear decision. If you haven't handled a GF670, I'll be in SF next week & can bring mine.

DrTebi said:
Interesting. So you believe the Plaubel is of better built quality?
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I luv my GF670 :)

P1130444-XL.jpg


Way cheaper than a new Rolleiflex!

Joe
 
furcafe said:
I use both the GF670 & Plaubel Makina 67 & 670 & would agree that the Plaubels are of higher build quality (more metal in the bodies, etc.) but the electronics are much more primitive (no autoexposure) & prone to failure (because the wiring goes through the struts & is stressed/worn down every time the camera is collapsed & opened). Also, the VF is not as bright as the more modern Bessa III/GF670. Finally, the Plaubels are only 6x7, whereas the Bessa III/GF670 can be switched to 6x6 & it's impossible to find a Plaubel for $1664 (I have no idea why anyone would pay the extra $586 for the Bessa III over the GF670). Bottom line: A trade-off like any other gear decision. If you haven't handled a GF670, I'll be in SF next week & can bring mine.
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Thank you for the info. I would really like to see the GF670, if we could arrange a meeting that would be great. I will send a PM to you.
 
DrTebi said:
There are now a few GF670W pictures on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=GF670W&m=tags

Check out the "original" size of the images--very large and detailed scans.

Quite an interesting camera, reminds me of the Plaubel Makina 67W.
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There seems to a be a lot of vignetting on these (even when using the 6x6 mode as these are). I would suspect that the wide version on 6x7 is even worse given these flickr pics. I'm also getting these were shot at larger apertures.

I used to own the Bessa III 667 and wide open it had quite a bit of vignetting on the 6x7 setting wide open, but it went away as you stopped down.
 
Fuji GSW690

Fuji GSW690

I bought a GSW690 from KEH a few months ago - built like a tank (and weighs as much). Lens is great - quite sharp and contrasty. Downside = weight, lack of meter and the need to change film every few minutes. But, so far seems worth it. I intend to take it hiking with me - my wife may throw it off the mountain if the film change issue becomes enough of a hindrance to our plans. (She carries a digital P&S with a 4 gig card).
 
Hi Tompas,

thanks for your help!

Redlion your a lucky man! If you travel, is the Gf670 enough? What else do you take with you?
And to all I like this thread, more opinions please.

Kind regards
 
This summer we traveled to Montreal. I took my Canon 5D mkii with the 24-105 and 16-35. Great quality picture taker, but way too heavy to carry. I then sold ALL of my DSLR and digital Leica gear. Going to get by with film cameras for local shoots, but for travel I have my Panasonic GF1. May get an NEX-7 in November.. will wait and see.
 
Hi Redlion,

thanks, just like to know how impressive is the wide lens of the Rolleiflex, it is indeed a real beauty. I think it is the wide one?
Did you post some pic somewhere?
Thanks for your help
 
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