27 Apr 2009

Fujifilm's killer medium format film camera

Author:

Olivier Laurent

It has long been only a prototype. We first heard about at last year's PMA trade show and were able to see a wooden version of it at Photokina in September 2008. But now, it's official. Fujifilm is weeks away from releasing its GF670 Professional medium format film camera in the UK and Europe. Here is our full article about it.

Outside of Japan, the camera is released under the Voigtlander Bessa III 667 name, which Cosina distributes.

And now for the pictures:

bessa_iii_iso_bottom_mbp2901.jpg

bessa_iii_r%25FCckteil_mbp2933.jpg

bessa_iii_top_mbp2897.jpg

bessa_iii.jpg

bessa_top_geschlossen_mbp2916.jpg

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Comments

I'm strictly an old-school, no nonsense film shooter, and know that film is hear to stay - that's where Fuji (or is it Cosina/Voightlander?) gets it right. But the bellows? Is it absolutely necessary? It'll be interesting if it catches on.

Posted by: DF on 05 Feb 2009 at 20:15

Awesome. I'm all over it.

Posted by: jasonk on 11 Feb 2009 at 02:16

I wasn't a bellows fan until I laid eyes on the Plaubel Makina 670. It is one of the most beautiful folding rangefinders I have ever had the pleasure of holding, let alone now being a proud owner of one. It shoots 120 and 220 6x7. The only drawback I can see on the new Fujifilm is the film advance...really a knob? Was it too hard to just produce it with a thumb lever?

This is mine.

Posted by: David Bornfriend on 12 Feb 2009 at 05:45

I love folders........ I have an Agfa Super Isolette, Balda Super Baldalux, Certo Six and a Zeiss Super Ikonta. Now finally I get the chance to buy a new one! Doesn't matter how much it cost's I'm having one!

Posted by: Mike Dougan on 22 Feb 2009 at 03:21

I have a Voigtlander, complete with bellows, which is now more than 50 years old, and still working perfectly. Hopefully, after seeing this, I'll soon have soon have two Voigtlanders...

Posted by: John Campbell on 27 Feb 2009 at 00:57

Regarding David's comments about not having a lever wind mechanism on the new Fuji 667: I have been repairing and restoring Mamiya Press cameras for about 20 years. In that time, I have repaired hundreds of lever wind 120/220 film holders, but have never yet had a Model K knob wind film holder to repair. The lever mechanism is complicated and the wind is smple and lasts virtually forever. I see the knob wind of the Fuji 667 as a huge plus. With this camera one only has to worry about the shutter and the RF staying in sync. Just another thought. Regards. Tony

Posted by: Anthony Sansone on 27 Feb 2009 at 05:42

I have added my name to a list that Stephen Gandy (of cameraquest.com fame) is compiling. As many here will know, Stephen has been in close contact with Mr Kobayashi from Cosina during its development.

I assume it's OK to post URLs; if so, here's a quick story:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64253

This is a dream camera for me, so if the price isn't stratospheric, I will get one.

Posted by: Kit Laughlin on 06 Mar 2009 at 05:01

I've had and used several folding 645 Fujicas. I love the folding 6x6 format. A lot easier to carry than a Blad. My question is HOW MUCH in usd? I am a teacher and I support my photo aspirations with extra duty pay. How much extra duty will I have to pull in order to obtain the "new" folder?? Be well. baba.

Posted by: neil hollander/baba on 25 Mar 2009 at 03:16

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