First Post (Fujifilm GF670)

RattyMouse · Oct 18, 2011

Hello All,

Long ago I shot medium format film and gave it up when I went digital. I had a Fuji GSW690 and loved the prints I got from those negatives. Lately I'm feeling the bug to go back to medium format and see that Fujifilm has a new camera, the GF670. I see a lot of posts here from several years ago that were very excited about this camera and were waiting in anticipation up till its release. But since it has been out a few years now, I dont see much posting here from users and owners of this camera.

Was the GF670 a dud of a camera?

Not sure if I will go through and buy this camera. The cost is somewhat high and I worry how long will film be around to use? Kodak is in very serious trouble and likely is near the end. Of course, their film division might end up with a new owner. But the future is far from certain for film.

Some other questions I have are, how do you get your film negatives digitized for online use and post processing?

Do you scan yourself?

What is the cost of a decent scanner?

Are the scanning options available from developers cost effective and of good quality?

Thank you for your comments!

Ken Nadvornick · Oct 18, 2011

Welcome to APUG, Mouse.

I think the problem with the Fuji camera was the initial price point as a Voigtlander Bessa III. Even now B&H asks $2,495 for that one. Not unreasonable compared to the other brand new MF offerings. But still, in today's economic climate...

However, when Fuji came out with their own chrome version at a significantly lower price point I think that addressed a lot of the pricing concerns. As you are likely aware, B&H currenty asks "only" $1,664 for this one. That's a big difference.

Big enough that I have my own targeting radar set on the Fuji version (I'd prefer chrome anyway) for sometime in the next couple of months. I had always said that $1,200 - $1,500 was my sweet spot for this camera, and $1,664 is pretty darned close.

Regarding scanning and such, I only scan for uploading to the APUG galleries. Never as a final presentation. And even that scanning is only of final prints. The only exception is color transparencies for APUG display.

And the only "post-processing" I've ever done has been while wearing an apron in my basement darkroom...

Ken

RattyMouse · Oct 18, 2011

Ken Nadvornick said:
Welcome to APUG, Mouse.

I think the problem with the Fuji camera was the initial price point as a Voigtlander Bessa III. Even now B&H asks $2,495 for that one. Not unreasonable compared to the other brand new MF offerings. But still, in today's economic climate...

However, when Fuji came out with their own chrome version at a significantly lower price point I think that addressed a lot of the pricing concerns. As you are likely aware, B&H currenty asks "only" $1,664 for this one. That's a big difference.

Big enough that I have my own targeting radar set on the Fuji version (I'd prefer chrome anyway) for sometime in the next couple of months. I had always said that $1,200 - $1,500 was my sweet spot for this camera, and $1,664 is pretty darned close.

Regarding scanning and such, I only scan for uploading to the APUG galleries. Never as a final presentation. And even that scanning is only of final prints. The only exception is color transparencies for APUG display.

And the only "post-processing" I've ever done has been while wearing an apron in my basement darkroom...

Ken

Ken,

Thanks for your humorous reply! I can't get into the chemical side of film quite yet. Perhaps the future.

Yes, the Fuji is much cheaper, which is very strange when you consider that they are the same camera!

A big part of whether or not I go back into film is how expensive and hard the scanning part is. I am not sure where to learn all the details about this. I hope someone here can help out.

Thanks again!

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2011

Hi RattyMouse,

There's still a lot of film around, Ilford and Fuji are still two big players that have a lot of film offerings. I guess a bigger question is whether you shoot colour (where are options are getting more limited) or black and white (where options are still very healthy).

As for scanning and such, that's mostly an off-topic subject for this website, but many people scan just for posting to sites (not final presentation) -- whether it's the negative, positive, or print. Personally, I find it tedious (but necessary) even though I have a proper film scanner (which I can no longer use due to the drive not being updated) and a decent (film) flatbed scanner. I think only you can decide how much time and money you want to invest in such a venture. If you can get good scans done from wherever you get your rolls processed, that may make things easier. In any event, you'll probably find more information over at DPUG (or other digital photography sites).

By the way, welcome to APUG!

RattyMouse · Oct 18, 2011

mooseontheloose said:
Hi RattyMouse,

There's still a lot of film around, Ilford and Fuji are still two big players that have a lot of film offerings. I guess a bigger question is whether you shoot colour (where are options are getting more limited) or black and white (where options are still very healthy).

As for scanning and such, that's mostly an off-topic subject for this website, but many people scan just for posting to sites (not final presentation) -- whether it's the negative, positive, or print. Personally, I find it tedious (but necessary) even though I have a proper film scanner (which I can no longer use due to the drive not being updated) and a decent (film) flatbed scanner. I think only you can decide how much time and money you want to invest in such a venture. If you can get good scans done from wherever you get your rolls processed, that may make things easier. In any event, you'll probably find more information over at DPUG (or other digital photography sites).

By the way, welcome to APUG!

Thank you for the reply! I am afraid I did not notice that scanning the final image was not on topic here at this board. I mistakenly assumed that most here did that. I took analogue to mean film as opposed to digital; not thinking all the way through.

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2011

RattyMouse said:
Thank you for the reply! I am afraid I did not notice that scanning the final image was not on topic here at this board. I mistakenly assumed that most here did that. I took analogue to mean film as opposed to digital; not thinking all the way through.

No, you were right, but the problem with anything remotely related to digital is that it can derail threads into digital-only discussions which is not what this place is about (after all, there are plenty of other places on the web to discuss digital photography and scanning). It's just easier to draw a clean line across the board than trying to deal with the mess of what topics are acceptable (scanning? after all, we all do it; hybrid work? very common, etc..) or not. Many people here also shoot with digital cameras, they just don't discuss it here.

But you are very welcome here, and there are a lot of knowledgable, friendly people here who can help you with your questions concerning cameras, film, and other analog-friendly topics.

Marc B. · Oct 18, 2011

You can access DPUG, and also PhotoNet's, Digital Darkroom forum for info/solutions to your hybrid workflow questions.

Роберт · Oct 18, 2011

Back to the Fuji GF670 / Cosina Voigtländer Bessa III 667:

It's a reasonable solid build 6x6cm and 6x7cm roll film camera. The best features are the double format, bright V.F. and the camera is increadible silent. The Heliar 3,5/80mm lens is pretty good although has some vignetting on 3,5 wide open. It's compact when travelling. I like the Black C.V. version and in Europe it's sold with 3 years warranty too.

About film: Don't worry, if ordering on-line there are so many possibilities. Even in the small "lage landen, Holland" country it is not any problem. But also in Odessa (Ukraine) there is still enough for sale but unfortunately more expensive.

Here a few shots on this camera:

All on Fuji Reala 100 (C41) CN roll film.
Greetz,

Роберт

Matus Kalisky · Oct 18, 2011

GF670 should be a good camera with very good lens and good metering - even if maybe not as robust as the older meter less GW690 rangefinder.

If you have budget limitations (in the long run) than check how much are you going to pay for film, development and scanning - if you shoot a lot this may sum up pretty quickly.

Do not worry about the film - you will wear your cameras down and film will still be around (BW at least, and that is what matters )

I would not go into digital part of you questions as this is strictly analogue forum - there are other fora where you can find a lot of helpful information (DPUG, rangefinderforum, LFF are known to me). I would definitely advice you to read up more on the topic before taking the decision. It really pays.

But this place here is THE place to learn about cameras, film, development, printing ... many experienced members around here and many interesting threads (searching around is good idea).

Oh, and welcome to APUG

jeff786 · Oct 18, 2011

Epson v700 is all you will need for 95% of work. Love the fuji rangefinders just got a 645 very nice.

RattyMouse · Oct 18, 2011

slnce-z-gsi said:
GF670 should be a good camera with very good lens and good metering - even if maybe not as robust as the older meter less GW690 rangefinder.

If you have budget limitations (in the long run) than check how much are you going to pay for film, development and scanning - if you shoot a lot this may sum up pretty quickly.

Do not worry about the film - you will wear your cameras down and film will still be around (BW at least, and that is what matters )

I would not go into digital part of you questions as this is strictly analogue forum - there are other fora where you can find a lot of helpful information (DPUG, rangefinderforum, LFF are known to me). I would definitely advice you to read up more on the topic before taking the decision. It really pays.

But this place here is THE place to learn about cameras, film, development, printing ... many experienced members around here and many interesting threads (searching around is good idea).

Oh, and welcome to APUG

Thank you VERY much for your helpful information. I will definately restrict my digital talk to elsewhere. I understand now the focus and scope of this specific forum.

RattyMouse · Oct 18, 2011

jeff786 said:
Epson v700 is all you will need for 95% of work. Love the fuji rangefinders just got a 645 very nice.

Thank you. Looks great!

vpwphoto · Oct 18, 2011

Welcome,
I know nothing specifically about these cameras so I will not weigh in.
MF prints even small are so nice... I am currently working on 5x7 contact prints.
Cheers to you.

While folks have pointed out "hybrid workflow" is not germane to this site, it certainly comes up, and I think it is well founded for anyone who posts in the gallery. I personally either "copy" my print with my Leaf Back on either the Hasselblad or Sinar, OR use my Flextight to scan the negative.

netog · Oct 21, 2011

The camera is excellent. I never regreted this purchase.
Just take a look at my flickr if you want to see real pics from this lens.

I only do low res scanning at my local lab. Not a real need to buy my own scanner.

RattyMouse · Oct 24, 2011

Don't you loose all that medium format goodness with low res scans?

netog · Oct 25, 2011

RattyMouse said:
Don't you loose all that medium format goodness with low res scans?

I only do low res scans for my flickr album. Good scans are done when I want a big print, but I only choose a few shots to do that.

vpwphoto · Aug 22, 2013

netog said:
The camera is excellent. I never regreted this purchase.
Just take a look at my flickr if you want to see real pics from this lens.

I only do low res scanning at my local lab. Not a real need to buy my own scanner.

Nice work... we look like we could be brothers, and both like Sweedish vehicles.

I resurrected the thread because I have GAS comparing this with the old Makina 67. I like squares! Forgot this think makes squares!

viridari · Aug 24, 2013

Since the thread has been resurrected, it's worth pointing out that the B&H price has dropped to $1,664 (USD). Surely this is a reasonable price for such a camera.

revdocjim · Aug 24, 2013

The GF670 is one of my favorites! My only complaint is that the shutter is too quiet!!! absolutely love it!

Noah B · Aug 25, 2013

I shot with the GF670 for awhile last year and it was a sweet camera. I only shot 6x7 but I liked the meter and how quiet it was. The craftsmanship of the camera is great. The only thing you should watch out for is the opening and closing mechanism. There are tiny tiny parts in there and if they break it's not good! I had an older Fuji 645 folder and the folding mechanism broke and it took a long time for the repairman to fix it.

First Post (Fujifilm GF670)

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