John Robertson
Well-known
I bought one of these just after it came out, and, sadly it proved to be the most unreliable camera I have ever owned in 50yrs of photography. when it was working the results were great. The plastic clip on lens hood was not the best design in the world and was the only was of fitting filters. They had a habit of cross threading in the plastic hood and could be a pain in the but to remove. I also had the close up set, with the special close up lenses and special viewfinder with a microprism rangefinder device built in. Again this worked quite well. the problems were. (1.) pinholes in the bellows after only three years. (Two replacements required! ) and (2.)a weak wind on/ shutter cocking mechanism. The engineer who repaired it for the umteenth time said it was a poor design. (3.) The polycarbonate body also developed a crack alongside and parallel to the front hinge, which had to be taped over. (The camera was never dropped!!)
I am willing to concede that as mine was one of the first ones, Fuji may have sorted some of the faults in later production. But it did not leave me wanting another.
I am willing to concede that as mine was one of the first ones, Fuji may have sorted some of the faults in later production. But it did not leave me wanting another.
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Unusual shot, Richard, and I like it... It tells a winter tale.
R
Richard Black
Guest
John,
I bought this Fuji on ebay as advertised in great condition. Well upon developing the first roll I discovered the bellows had tears in it. Off to Camera Wiz, and this is a ringing endorsement of them, for replacement and service. Now with a leather bellows and some minor upgrades this is a joy to use and I think has solved the bellows problem for my lifetime. Anyway I posted two more shots taken recently in my 645 section of my gallery. Also regarding the Black & White Magazine, I was too eager, I subscribe to B&W Photography, another great English photo mag, not the one you referenced.
Doug,
Thanks for the comments. It does remind one of wintery scenes.
I bought this Fuji on ebay as advertised in great condition. Well upon developing the first roll I discovered the bellows had tears in it. Off to Camera Wiz, and this is a ringing endorsement of them, for replacement and service. Now with a leather bellows and some minor upgrades this is a joy to use and I think has solved the bellows problem for my lifetime. Anyway I posted two more shots taken recently in my 645 section of my gallery. Also regarding the Black & White Magazine, I was too eager, I subscribe to B&W Photography, another great English photo mag, not the one you referenced.
Doug,
Thanks for the comments. It does remind one of wintery scenes.
John Robertson
Well-known
<<Also regarding the Black & White Magazine, I was too eager, I subscribe to B&W Photography, another great English photo mag, not the one you referenced.>>
Sorry Doug you got me there!! If you are talking about the test of the Bessa R3a, which I intimated, it WAS the British mag I refered to in that.
John (a Scotsman! )
Sorry Doug you got me there!! If you are talking about the test of the Bessa R3a, which I intimated, it WAS the British mag I refered to in that.
John (a Scotsman! )