The new Fuji Folder - a few thoughts

oftheherd said:
I expect they are using a lens they have already used on another of their rf cameras, so that could reduce cost.
Which previous Fuji RF has used an 80mm lens able to cover 6x7?
 
Doug said:
Which previous Fuji RF has used an 80mm lens able to cover 6x7?

You have me there. I knew I should have looked before I said that. However, I am curious why they are using an 80mm rather than a 100mm.
 
oftheherd said:
You have me there. I knew I should have looked before I said that. However, I am curious why they are using an 80mm rather than a 100mm.

Because they want to sell one to me. :D

I just think slightly wide is more versitile.
 
Well, I understand that a little, maybe. Maybe not. If they want to go wide, then why not? Otherwise, why not the 100mm? What was the advantage of the 38mm lenses on the 35 rangefinders other than for people who couldn't be trusted to keep their subject in the frame lines?

Mind you, I like wides for a lot of things. But if wide you want, then I say go wide. At least 65mm (a 28mm equivalent on 6x7).
 
oftheherd said:
Well, I understand that a little, maybe. Maybe not. If they want to go wide, then why not? Otherwise, why not the 100mm? What was the advantage of the 38mm lenses on the 35 rangefinders other than for people who couldn't be trusted to keep their subject in the frame lines?

Mind you, I like wides for a lot of things. But if wide you want, then I say go wide. At least 65mm (a 28mm equivalent on 6x7).


This isn't a thing that can ever be settled...purely a matter of preference.
I think your characterization of 38mm lenses being for "people sho couldn't be truseted to keep their subjects in the frame lines," is a bit odd.
I'm not in the habit of choping heads off, no matter the lens.
 
Leighgion said:
..I think it'd be a terrible mistake for Fuji to boutique price it in order to jack up the profit margins..
Indeed, the more expensive it becomes, the less film they'll sell for it..
 
dazedgonebye said:
This isn't a thing that can ever be settled...purely a matter of preference.
I think your characterization of 38mm lenses being for "people sho couldn't be truseted to keep their subjects in the frame lines," is a bit odd.
I'm not in the habit of choping heads off, no matter the lens.

No doubt you are correct that lens choice is a matter of personal preference. However, when you are selling a camera with only one lens, shouldn't you try to be where most people want to be? There have been a couple of threads where favorite lenses have been discussed. There have been a lot of choices, but is seems I recall 50mm was one of the strong choices. The normal lens for the 6x7 format as you no doubt know is 100mm.

As to frame lines, I guess I was being a little contentious there. I am often disconcerted by having to pay attention to insure what I want in the photo is inside the frame lines. That no doubt comes from having started with cameras that had viewfinders without that. From box cameras to ground glass to SLRs. My shortcoming, not anyone elses. It probably has a lot to do with what you get used to. I accomodated to it with the Super Press 23, but did have to pay attention to it.
 
oftheherd said:
..There have been a couple of threads where favorite lenses have been discussed. There have been a lot of choices, but is seems I recall 50mm was one of the strong choices. The normal lens for the 6x7 format as you no doubt know is 100mm..
Personally, I find it very hard to compare focal lengths for different formats. Even though 80mm is sort of normal for 6x6, it's always given me a roomier impression than 43mm on small format. Probably because even though 43 is the diagonal of a 35mm frame, it's 1.8 times the short side.. making it even somewhat longish in one direction..

When it comes to 80mm on 6x6 or up, it's about 1.4 times the short side. For me, that gives a much more 35-ish feel than the diagonals suggest..

Long story short: I could totally live with 80mm on MF..
 
I hadn't really given that much thought pvdhaar. But it might explain why I never felt as comfortable using my Rolleiflex as opposed to when I had my Yashica MAT 124 G. Something so subtle I didn't figure out why. Now I am thinking even stronger about getting another Yashica. I alwasy thought it was just because I liked the 6x7 negative so much, and I do. I also like the Super Press 23.

But silly as it may sound, you have me thinking. A dangerous thing. :D :D
 
Thinking of the competition for this camera... Mamiya 7.

75mm standard lens on 6x7.

That might also give us a hint as to the max price we could expect. Surely they would have to come in under the price of a Mamiya 7 with standard lens. Yes, a folder has portability advantages, but it gives up versitility in return.
 
sitemistic said:
This forum is so much fun. Fuji shows a prototype in a glass case, says they haven't decided if they want to make it or not, and we're worrying about pricing and what the best lens is. ;)
Sorta like discussing the future of film and other inponderables.
 
When I first saw this camera - love at first sight. MUST HAVE IT. However, I just picked up some color prints from my Iskra (which is 6x6). I've concluded that the new Fuji probably doesn't offer much that I don't already have with the Iskra. The only issue with my Iskra is that it has an intermittent light leak that effects 1 to 3 frames per roll. The camera has been serviced in the FSU and Certo6 made a simple repair (in exchange for another rare-ish folder with a Solinar lens I had). Usually the pics are salvageable as the leak appears as a straight solid band running from top to bottom on the left side of the print and can be scanned out. Weird. I've added foam, black tape, tightened up some screws... But this last roll is the first I shot that had no defects on any of the frames. And, as always, the Iskra "wows" imo on image quality.

Long answer - if I've fixed the light leak on the Iskra, no sale. I don't see the Fuji "offering me anything" over the Iskra and that includes what I'm sure will be a terrific lens.

If I haven't or can't fix this weird light leak, I'll start saving up for this thing. MF "in your pocket" - folders, is where it is for me.

Truly portable MF quality is the thing.
 
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Say this thing - if made, goes for $1000 to $1500. I'm sure it will be a very fine camera with a stellar lens. But what will it really offer over any number of serviced folders wth coupled RFs you can get from Certo6? A meter? (Who cares?)
 
NickTrop said:
Say this thing - if made, goes for $1000 to $1500. I'm sure it will be a very fine camera with a stellar lens. But what will it really offer over any number of serviced folders wth coupled RFs you can get from Certo6? A meter? (Who cares?)

My Iskra has a sneaky leak I can't locate either. I'm assuming the new Fuji would not have that leak.

I've just ordered a VC Meter II to go along with the Super Baldax I have coming in. Assuming it doesn't have a leak, the combination will be a passable substitute for the Fuji. Still, the Fuji lens will surely be better and a coupled meter with an option for aperture priority would be very nice.
I think I mentioned in an earlier thread that if I could have back the money I've put in to older folders that had problems, I could likely pay for the fuji twice over. That's pretty much what the fuji will have to offer above any old folder I might have...it'll work.
 
I have a Mamiya 7 and a Balda Super Baldax - and the latter has seen much more use over the past couple of years. Why? Because it is so small when folded it fits into a coat pocket or a small bag. I took it to Wyoming last week taking pictures of Yellowstone in the freezing winter, and the size was just right. Unfortunetly, the shutter cocking lever is unwilling to cooperate, and the viewfinder leaves a lot to be desired (especially since I wear glasses). So I love the idea of a new folder that has a great viewfinder (with frame lines) and folds to a compact size. For this reason I'd prefer a 6x6, but I can see where a 6x7 might appeal to more photographers. Personally, I don't care about a built-in meter, just give me a modern lens, a compact size, and a great viewfinder, and I'd be very, very happy.

Bernard.
 
Besides, this chatter might actually have an impact on whether Fuji decides to make this camera or not. If there absolutely no buzz, then they probably wouldn't. But with sufficient interest? We'll see....
 
dazedgonebye said:
My Iskra has a sneaky leak I can't locate either. I'm assuming the new Fuji would not have that leak.

I've just ordered a VC Meter II to go along with the Super Baldax I have coming in. Assuming it doesn't have a leak, the combination will be a passable substitute for the Fuji. Still, the Fuji lens will surely be better and a coupled meter with an option for aperture priority would be very nice.
I think I mentioned in an earlier thread that if I could have back the money I've put in to older folders that had problems, I could likely pay for the fuji twice over. That's pretty much what the fuji will have to offer above any old folder I might have...it'll work.

A fair point. And I actually agree, though I haven't spent that much on old folders. However, I don't see how the Fuji EBC lens - which will be outstanding no doubt, will be so much better than the lens on the Iskra that it would make a difference in the end product. I might argue that the old Tessar designs paint an image that is more pleasing and balanced than the hyper-sharp and somewhat cold modern designs.

For me - if I've fixed the light leak on the Iskra, and this is the first roll I've gotten back where no frames were effected, then I'll pass. Yes, it offers some automated nice-ities; yes "new is new", but it simply doesn't offer me "enough" over a working older folder with a coupled RF and a working film counter (Iskra) that has a lens that's "very, very, very good - stellar, even, but probably would lose to the Fuji in a lens resolution test" to warrant purchase.

If the Iskra isn't fixed and I continue to have issues with a light leak, then I will break down and get the Fuji. IF they actually make it (and I believe they will, and I believe it will be surprisingly affordable. Can't sell much Across if there ain't enough 120 cameras out there that people can afford other than Holgas and broken down old folders. I think they'll go with the "Razor Blade" business model. I'm hoping anyway...)
 
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Just my own (for me) personal decision

Just my own (for me) personal decision

dazedgonebye said:
Thinking of the competition for this camera... Mamiya 7.

75mm standard lens on 6x7.

That might also give us a hint as to the max price we could expect. Surely they would have to come in under the price of a Mamiya 7 with standard lens. Yes, a folder has portability advantages, but it gives up versitility in return.

Regarding your versatility sacrifice. Frankly, my own problem with photography in general is the availability of too much versatility. Until I started shooting fixed lens medium format and a bit of Large Format with one lens, one of my stumbling blocks was "too many choices".

I certainly don't want to diminish the use of a variety of camera's and lenses, since I have so many myself, but my images started improving when I limited my choices of equipment and films.

For that reason, this new Fuji grabs my attention because I have fondness for all the Fuji's I have owned. The lens will undoubtedly be EBC coated and world class for sharpness. It will be reliable construction and operation. But mostly, it will be limited in a way that will force me to improve my photography.

It's almost inconceivable for me to say this, but I can almost image buying this camera, getting rid of the bulk of my other inventory and having one camera to work with.

Photography is a hobby for me, but I would like to shoot some really wonderful images before I am found heels up somewhere in the woods. If Fuji makes this camera, I will buy it, and possibly??? shoot Fuji for the rest of my life.
 
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