More news - "Fujifilm GF670 Folding"

david b said:
I am expecting the price to be about $1500. As I mentioned before the Nikon F6 was $1800 and that one is far more complex than the GF670.

No matter the price, I am planning NOW on buying one.

And I will feed it lots of Acros 100 and Neopan 400.
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Not that I don't love both of those films, and not to sound like a (repetitive) pimp for TMY-2, but the latter would absolutely be the first roll I would load into the new Fuji.
 
FrankS said:
For those of you who are interested in this camera only please:

If given the choice, would you opt for a less expensive camera (<$1000) with lower build and materials quality, or a more expensive premium quality camera (>$1000) ?
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I don't think I consider that a valid question. Where is it written that a medium format rangefinder must retail for $1000+ in order to have good build quality and that for under $1000 it's going to be compromised? Or for that matter, just because something is expensive, since when does it mean it's well built?

Even if I considered the question a rational one, which I don't, as things stand there is nothing on the market I'm aware of for medium format rangefinders except for "premium" models. I've heard wonderful things about the pictures a Mamiya 7 can produce. It starts at $1500 USD just for a body and actually hasn't got that great a reputation for build quality even though it's well past that $1000 line.

A more moderately-priced new medium format rangefinder could really clean up right now because that segment of the market looks wide open.
 
retnull said:
Hi Kurt, is it OK to share the name of this lab? $3 is very cheap here in NYC!
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I don't recall the name (I haven't been out today; its only around the corner) but its a portrait studio that also does developing. Its located on 37th ave just off the corner of 76 St. going toward 77 St. opposite the Met food supermarket in Jackson Heights, Queens. You can't miss it . Its closed on Sundays and generally opened from 9 to 5 on weekdays and Saturdays. The film developing counter has a complete price list on the wall behind it. They seem to be totally unaware of digital and I'm not telling them. They are a little expensive on 35mm C-41 but my wife's doctor uses them and my experience with 120 film has been very good although not very plentiful as I don't use it much. I hope this helps you, just look for the portraits in the window.
Kurt M.
 
I think if the price does not go beyond $1500, sales of this new camera will be impressive.

Hopefully they are working on a small flash and case for the camera as well.
 
Leighgion said:
I don't think I consider that a valid question. Where is it written that a medium format rangefinder must retail for $1000+ in order to have good build quality and that for under $1000 it's going to be compromised? Or for that matter, just because something is expensive, since when does it mean it's well built?

Even if I considered the question a rational one, which I don't, as things stand there is nothing on the market I'm aware of for medium format rangefinders except for "premium" models. I've heard wonderful things about the pictures a Mamiya 7 can produce. It starts at $1500 USD just for a body and actually hasn't got that great a reputation for build quality even though it's well past that $1000 line.

A more moderately-priced new medium format rangefinder could really clean up right now because that segment of the market looks wide open.
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It's not an invalid or irrational question, and it isn't even a difficult concept to grasp. A Leica MP costs more than a V. Bessa R2m. Why, do you think? Because they are designed and built to different price points.
 
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There are two points that make me think that the GF670 might not be as expensive as I first feared:

- The previous medium format cameras released by Fuji had the word "Professional" written in bold letters on the top cover. This one has none.

- The lens on this unnamed camera also has no "EBC" label, while usually Fuji proudly affixes the acronym for its renowned multi-coating process. Let me guess: an uncoated Heliar type lens?

It might be because this is only a prototype, but usually the manufacturers are always prompt to put lots of labels and stickers on their prototypes to show what the beast is capable of, even if the actual functions are not yet implemented.

Cheers!

Abbazz
 
80/3.5 would make for a great single coated Tessar ... ;)

William
 
Fuji GF 670

Fuji GF 670

Like others I am quite excited by the prospect of a new medium format rangefinder on the market. As it turns out I am about 2 months from purchasing a Mamiya 7II. If this camera was price competitive, i.e., lower priced, I might consider holding off on purchasing the Mamiya. Realistically its unlikely I will know for sure before my planned purchase date.

In comparing the two cameras, the only real advantage the Fuji seems to have is size and weight. Beyond that (for me at least) the Mamiya seems to be the better choice. The Mamiya, a known quantity in terms of quality, offers interchangeable (sharp) lenses, and a history, such that I am confident that I am less likely to purchase a mature product. The Fuji on the other hand, may or may not be better built, and although it may be smaller and lighter, is likely to be less versatile.

As regards pricing, I know that I can purchase a new Mamiya 7II from Hong Kong for about $1700. I might be interested in the Fuji (willing to give up the interchangeability of lenses) if it were priced significantly less than the Mamiya. Alas, I find it highly unlikely that this will be the case, so unless I learn otherwise I will probably pull the trigger on the Mamiya in early April.

Am I incorrect that the Mamiya is the best comparison to make that is presently on the market?
 
kuzano said:
Now that's an interesting comment considering the number of people that are paying anywhere from $2000 to $7000 for DSLR and RFdigital cameras, and in some cases (more than acceptable) getting rather mediochre and problematic products.

I expect this new Fuji to be as dependable as any camera can be in this day, and to produce an image that none of the aforementioned $2000 to $7000 can touch.

I really expected to hear these kind of $1000 limitations on the price of the new GF670, but is the reasoning for this price limitation valid. I would hope that more people would step up to a reasonable price point on what promises to be a class A shooter, with a solid company behind it, and a service policy and sound quality reputation.

I expect this camera to be more expensive than $1000 and that will not deter me. I also have a favored Fuji Folder, and a G690bl, not to mention having had a number of others.

Not one of those camera's beginning with the early G series entered the market at below $1000 even 20 years ago, and they are still trading heavily.

Expecting a $1000 entry price is a fantasy...{ But, we can all dream can't we... Now I have to get back to Jessica (Alba)}
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LOL at your last comment.

Price will be key if Fuji does release this camera. I agree with your comments about the pricing of some MF cameras. Whether this can follow through on a new camera, only the market will tell. But at the same time I was able to get a nice user 500CM with lens (with a recent CLA for $500!).

The real issue is going to be how long a decent selection of films will be available. Not saying that film is dead. But how much of a market will there be for the GF670 if only has a handful of choices from the likes of Fuji or Kodak in particular for MF film.
 
FrankS said:
For those of you who are interested in this camera only please:

If given the choice, would you opt for a less expensive camera (<$1000) with lower build and materials quality, or a more expensive premium quality camera (>$1000) ?
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For me it is about lower build quality and final price - as if any had doubts. :)
 
"...a known quantity in terms of quality..."
Interesting phrase.
I would be willing to pay upto $1500, since beyond that the Mamiya 7/7II comes into play.
 
If Fuji is making the camera, I am sure they are planning on having film around for quite some time.

Ilford is still well in the game so concerns about available film should not even be considered.
 
I'm sorry, I must have missed something; there are rumors that 120/220 might be going out? I feel like there's no need to worry here-
 
japan only?

japan only?

I would bet that the camera is available only on the Japanese market. all of the new film cameras by Fuji over the past few years have been limited to the japan market.
 
Harry Lime said:
End of the year? End of 2008?

That's awfully long.
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If the thing is as it seems I'll sell my Certo 6 and Ikontas and buy the thing for Christmas. But it seems an very long time to have to wait.
 
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