kuzano
Veteran
Or, more succinctly, how many Medium Format Fuji Rangefinders are enough? The good news is that all my Fuji's are back from CameraWiz and Franks caring hands.
The big one... The "Texas Leica", did not go. It's been running flawlessly and producing great images for years. G690bl w/100mm EBC lens. Super sharp.
The GS645 just got a rebuild... new bellows, upgrade on the shutter linkage, rebuilt rangefinder, replace top plate and repair film count, CLA and test with film... All under $250. Although these cameras command healthy prices in the market, I would never buy one without documented bellows replacement. The original paper bellows was the primary reason the camera was only in production about a year.
The GA645Zi just got a new rear lcd w/cable, and CLA/Checkout. under $175.
The little guy is a fuji e900... 9 megapixel, f2.8, good low light characteristics and RAW. Just paid $100 Like New In The Box, about a week ago. (OK, its not a rangefinder) It is however, a great little digital shooter.
Now the bad news. Just found out the professional film processors, who were doing my rolls of 120 in a strip, for $6, closed their doors yesterday.
Now, processing for medium format is at least 140 miles away. KRAPPP!
Well, I still plan on using medium format film. In fact, two or three of these cameras will be used to fund my purchase of the new Fuji GF670 folder, when it hits the market. I can raise about $2000 with all the camera's in the picture, and I can't imagine that won't cover the new folder.
BTW, This is the fifth camera repair I have had done at Camera Wiz, of which 3 were bellows replacements on GS645's. I am very satisfied with Frank Marshmans work and demeanor and will continue to use his services.
The big one... The "Texas Leica", did not go. It's been running flawlessly and producing great images for years. G690bl w/100mm EBC lens. Super sharp.
The GS645 just got a rebuild... new bellows, upgrade on the shutter linkage, rebuilt rangefinder, replace top plate and repair film count, CLA and test with film... All under $250. Although these cameras command healthy prices in the market, I would never buy one without documented bellows replacement. The original paper bellows was the primary reason the camera was only in production about a year.
The GA645Zi just got a new rear lcd w/cable, and CLA/Checkout. under $175.
The little guy is a fuji e900... 9 megapixel, f2.8, good low light characteristics and RAW. Just paid $100 Like New In The Box, about a week ago. (OK, its not a rangefinder) It is however, a great little digital shooter.
Now the bad news. Just found out the professional film processors, who were doing my rolls of 120 in a strip, for $6, closed their doors yesterday.
Now, processing for medium format is at least 140 miles away. KRAPPP!
Well, I still plan on using medium format film. In fact, two or three of these cameras will be used to fund my purchase of the new Fuji GF670 folder, when it hits the market. I can raise about $2000 with all the camera's in the picture, and I can't imagine that won't cover the new folder.
BTW, This is the fifth camera repair I have had done at Camera Wiz, of which 3 were bellows replacements on GS645's. I am very satisfied with Frank Marshmans work and demeanor and will continue to use his services.
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Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
That little point and shoot looks like it's about to be eaten! 
FrankS
Registered User
MF rangefinder: my favourite camera type right now. I think 5 is enough.
Plaubel Makina 67, Fuji GS670II (x2), Fuji GS645, Fujica GS645W
Plaubel Makina 67, Fuji GS670II (x2), Fuji GS645, Fujica GS645W
dazedgonebye
Veteran
I think we all need one more...now they just have to make it.
FrankS
Registered User
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Hey ... they have! It's called the Bronica RF645!
FrankS
Registered User
Fuji folder 6x7. Size matters!
kuzano
Veteran
Oh yeah...
Oh yeah...
That's why the new folder could be my replacement for all the MF pictured. Although I would probably keep the Zi since the shutter count is going to kill me on selling it for any good money, except it's a black model.
Oh, and the Plaubel. YES! that could make my day...
Perhaps if Fuji is not forthcoming with the GF670???? Hmmm?
If they do, and you get a 670, are you still planning on keeping the Plaubel? Not interested, but just wondering if you consider the Fuji images comparable to the Plaubel in what you have now.
Oh yeah...
That's why the new folder could be my replacement for all the MF pictured. Although I would probably keep the Zi since the shutter count is going to kill me on selling it for any good money, except it's a black model.
Oh, and the Plaubel. YES! that could make my day...
Perhaps if Fuji is not forthcoming with the GF670???? Hmmm?
If they do, and you get a 670, are you still planning on keeping the Plaubel? Not interested, but just wondering if you consider the Fuji images comparable to the Plaubel in what you have now.
raid
Dad Photographer
I would like to use a Plaubel Makina. The word "makina" means machine in Arabic. Cool. It is a photomachine, just as BMW is a driving machine.
I have the BL690 with its 6x9 negatives that cannot be beaten for sharpness.
I have the BL690 with its 6x9 negatives that cannot be beaten for sharpness.
FrankS
Registered User
I got these cameras not too long ago. (< a year) I haven't done any printing yet of the Plaubel Makina and Fuji GS670II negs, I just have a bunch of developed neg sheets. I will be printing some family portrait pics taken with the Fuji very soon though.
You ask a tough question. On the one hand, the Plaubel Makina is mechanical, and I trust mechanics more than electronics (totally irrational, just my bias) but on the other hand, AE can be very convenient. And, new electronics with a warranty, may be more reliable than old mechanics. I'll have to wait and see.
Something will have to be sold to buy a new camera.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
kuzano, I sympathize with your woes in developing MF rolls. Time to break out that B&W self-developing kit?
It's fun and *very* rewarding as I found out recently.
It's fun and *very* rewarding as I found out recently.
T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
bigger is definately better when it comes to film size, there's no replacement for displacement right
I use my Mamiya 7II, Ikonta, and Iskra on occasion...you cannot beat those bigger negs.
Todd
I use my Mamiya 7II, Ikonta, and Iskra on occasion...you cannot beat those bigger negs.
Todd
oftheherd
Veteran
I just got it so I'm not even ready to chuck it yet, but the Moskva 6x6/6x9 is something of a beast. My non-RF 6x9 is much easier to carry. And since my first cameras that focused were non-RF, I learned nearly 50 years ago how to judge distance in both feet and meters, and set the lens. In fact, the little Welti I used then even had a DOF scale on it. Nice.
Of course my Super Press 23 is probably heavier that the Moskva, but worth it for the good interchangable lenses and backs.
Raid - I think you would prefer the Mamiya Press cameras over the Plaubel. Of course I doubt Super, Press, or Universal mean anything in Arabic. But what is a little language difficulty between Hokies? And yes, I am one because I say I am one, remember?
Of course my Super Press 23 is probably heavier that the Moskva, but worth it for the good interchangable lenses and backs.
Raid - I think you would prefer the Mamiya Press cameras over the Plaubel. Of course I doubt Super, Press, or Universal mean anything in Arabic. But what is a little language difficulty between Hokies?
And yes, I am one because I say I am one, remember? 
David Goldfarb
Well-known
Two is enough for me at the moment--Voigtländer Perkeo II and the Linhof Tech V 23b. I could see cutting back to just the Linhof, though it's not pocketable like the Perkeo II.
I'm not sure that "how many is enough" has a rational answer. I have the GS645S, GA645Wi, GW670III, and a pair of Bronica RFs; is that enough? For now, or until there's a GF670...
But I'm wondering about "living with" a folder... never had one. Seems it would be more subject to damage when open, so maybe best to keep it safely folded unless actively shooting? Then a bit of bother to unfold before a shot? Surely a convenient way to have a significant area of film along on the daily routine.
I have the GS645S, GA645Wi, GW670III, and a pair of Bronica RFs; is that enough? For now, or until there's a GF670...But I'm wondering about "living with" a folder... never had one. Seems it would be more subject to damage when open, so maybe best to keep it safely folded unless actively shooting? Then a bit of bother to unfold before a shot? Surely a convenient way to have a significant area of film along on the daily routine.
David Goldfarb
Well-known
A folder is a camera you can keep around for impromptu photo ops or when traveling. I usually have mine in a jacket pocket or briefcase or bag, but if I'm photographing, I keep it in my hand open and ready to shoot.
kuzano
Veteran
Well, the Perkeo that David mentioned is great....
Well, the Perkeo that David mentioned is great....
as regards having a truly pocketable medium format. I have a Perkeo I with the color skopar lens and compur shutter to 1/500th.
Another very small folding camera is the Balda Baldax 6X6, which is only marginally bigger than the Perkeo.
I've had half a dozen of the Perkeos and 4 of the baldas, and never experienced a bad bellows. Voigtlander and Balda used great bellows material.
Of course, forget all auto features. Guesstimate distance and front cell focus is the order of the day. The baldax has a very accurate rangefinder built in either coupled or uncoupled variations. No metering.. but there's always sunny 16. Funny how that also works on medium format????
But, if you want metering, accurate coupled rangefinding, Very sharp coated lens, film count and stop, and are willing to immediately step up for a new bellows, the GS645 folder is an excellent compromise of automation, and relatively small 645 package.
Well, the Perkeo that David mentioned is great....
as regards having a truly pocketable medium format. I have a Perkeo I with the color skopar lens and compur shutter to 1/500th.
Another very small folding camera is the Balda Baldax 6X6, which is only marginally bigger than the Perkeo.
I've had half a dozen of the Perkeos and 4 of the baldas, and never experienced a bad bellows. Voigtlander and Balda used great bellows material.
Of course, forget all auto features. Guesstimate distance and front cell focus is the order of the day. The baldax has a very accurate rangefinder built in either coupled or uncoupled variations. No metering.. but there's always sunny 16. Funny how that also works on medium format????
But, if you want metering, accurate coupled rangefinding, Very sharp coated lens, film count and stop, and are willing to immediately step up for a new bellows, the GS645 folder is an excellent compromise of automation, and relatively small 645 package.
David Goldfarb
Well-known
I like to shoot close, so I use a shoe mount rangefinder (uncoupled, of course) to find the focusing distance with the Perkeo II. It's not so cumbersome once you get the hang of it, though of course not as convenient as a coupled rangefinder, or rangefinder-viewfinder.
oftheherd
Veteran
I really love folders. I don't know how many is enough. I mean, I don't really need any more. I can't use them all now. A couple of Fujica Six's, a Welta, a Mamiya, a Zeiss Ikon, and now a Moskva. That's just MF. They are generally easy to carry, even in a pocket for the 6x6 cameras. If you don't have one they are worth a try. Those without RF can still deliver great photos. They aren't for shotgun photography, but you will get nice photos.
How many is enough? If I ever get to that point I will put in in a thread. Actually, I don't "need" any more, but liking them as I do, I likely will get some more. I really want some more of the Japanese 6x6 cameras. They just seem so neat to me.
How many is enough? If I ever get to that point I will put in in a thread. Actually, I don't "need" any more, but liking them as I do, I likely will get some more. I really want some more of the Japanese 6x6 cameras. They just seem so neat to me.
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kuzano
Veteran
Early Japanese Folders... Try this one>>>
Early Japanese Folders... Try this one>>>
Take a peek at the Zenobia 6X4.5 folder. It's a fairly true replica of the Zeiss Ikon 645 folder. Excellent construction. The best combo is the Zenobia with the Neo Hesper lens in a Compur Rapid shutter. I have 3 or 4 of these. In fact I have the only Zenobia/R I have ever found, with an uncoupled rangefinder and front cell focus.
They come up often on eBay and are relatively inexpensive. Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZENOBIA-FOLDING...ryZ11717QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Early Japanese Folders... Try this one>>>
oftheherd; said:
Take a peek at the Zenobia 6X4.5 folder. It's a fairly true replica of the Zeiss Ikon 645 folder. Excellent construction. The best combo is the Zenobia with the Neo Hesper lens in a Compur Rapid shutter. I have 3 or 4 of these. In fact I have the only Zenobia/R I have ever found, with an uncoupled rangefinder and front cell focus.
They come up often on eBay and are relatively inexpensive. Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZENOBIA-FOLDING...ryZ11717QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem