FujiFilm to introduce new MF prototype.

[copake_ham]

It may be that Fuji sees a small market for film MF as others are dropping their film cameras.

Good point. Since Fuji still makes 120 film - it's only logical that, if no one else does if for them, then they should make a platform on which to use it!

 

[panastasia]

In case anyone's wondering, there's a picture of the GX680 here: http://www.fujigx680forum.com/ I saw one in person (the III) a few months ago- it's a real monster. It's larger than an RB67.

I'm a big fan of Fujifilm, but after having a GS645S and (thankfully) trading it in for a Mamiya M645, I'm not overly-exited about anymore of their cameras.

Is the GX680 the largest-heaviest hand held MF camera?

There was at least one studio photographer in Japan that used it that way (forgot his name). He must have had big arms.

 

[Early Riser]

I have a Fuji GX680III, I can not imagine using it handheld, except maybe if you're shooting fashion and using strobes. It is far too heavy and bulky to use with anything short of the fastest shutter speeds. The way to use it handheld is to have the camera strap take much of the weight and use the waist level finder. Still this camera screams, "tripod".

 

[panastasia]

I have a Fuji GX680III, I can not imagine using it handheld, except maybe if you're shooting fashion and using strobes...

That's what I imagined. Tripod for sure - must be nice with those extra camera movements up front.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Fuji actually made a 6x8, not 6x7.

Then they had all of those 645 range finders.

I own a Fui 6x7 rangefinder camera and a Fuji 6x9 rangefinder camera.

 

[Paul Howell]

Good point. Since Fuji still makes 120 film - it's only logical that, if no one else does if for them, then they should make a platform on which to use it!

If they can make a profit with MF maybe (wishful thinking) maybe they will reenter 35mm with a SLR, Fuji glass has always been excellent. Same line of thought, if there are no 35mm cameras who is going to buy their film?

 

[panastasia]

A scaled down version of the GX680, like the RB in size and weight, would be interesting.

I prefer the 6x8 format. To have the extra movements/controls (on tripod) and also capable of handheld shots approaches some ideal design, IMO.

 

[Paul Howell]

A scaled down version of the GX680, like the RB in size and weight, would be interesting.

I prefer the 6x8 format.

Why a 6X8 rather than 6X7 or 6X9?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Isn't there a Mamiya 6x8 motorized back for the RB/RZ? Doesn't have the movements of the GX680, but it would be a 6x8 the size of an RB/RZ.

 

[panastasia]

Isn't there a Mamiya 6x8 motorized back for the RB/RZ? Doesn't have the movements of the GX680, but it would be a 6x8 the size of an RB/RZ.

Yes David, but the truth is, my RB cannot give a true 6x8 with any back. I would like a 6x9 without forcing the the camera size - bigger/heavier - to accommodate that format. From a design standpoint it would defeat the idea of size/weight reduction (to handhold).

Also, the movements are what make the GX680 interesting.

 

[keithwms]

Fuji-san, bring back the gsw690. Look at the prices, people will pay >$1000 for the thing used.. with a fixed lens and no metering.

Trust me Fuji-san, there is money to be made in this very simple camera

 

[david b]

Wasn't the Xpan killed off because it had lead solder in the computer board?

 

[Uhner]

Wasn't the Xpan killed off because it had lead solder in the computer board?

It was.

 

[Steve Smith]

Wasn't the Xpan killed off because it had lead solder in the computer board?

That was the excuse they gave. But since everything now has to be made with lead free solder (at least, in europe) it's not much of a reason as lead free alternatives exist.


Steve.

 

[pauliej]

Did Fuji stop making other MF cameras because they were crappy cams, or were they good cams but couldnt sell them? What makes them think they will be able to sell this new camera? Any thoughts? Maybe they should just bring back their older designs, give them some gee-whiz moniker or another, so they will sell like hot cakes, so to speak.

Paul

 

[Vonder]

So... has anyone seen it?

Are there no APUGers with a digicam in Las Vegas? I'd love to see a picture of the thing, even if it never sees the "products for sale" shelf in a camera store.

 

[craigclu]

I noticed a comment in another forum by someone who was at the show. He said it was a 6X7 with a bellows and very compact. That was all he said about it but I thought the info might be interesting to those waiting for some news....

 

[david b]

where was this?

 

[IloveTLRs]

Is the GX680 the largest-heaviest hand held MF camera?

I've only got a few months worth of MF experience, but it's the biggest MF camera I can think of at the moment. The one I saw was on not so much a tripod but more this huge metal mount thing with another camera next to it.

There was at least one studio photographer in Japan that used it that way (forgot his name). He must have had big arms.

Was he green with wild hair?

I have a Fuji GX680III, I can not imagine using it handheld, except maybe if you're shooting fashion and using strobes. It is far too heavy and bulky to use with anything short of the fastest shutter speeds. The way to use it handheld is to have the camera strap take much of the weight and use the waist level finder. Still this camera screams, "tripod".

I have the same problem with my RB67. In fact, I haven't even taken it out of the house yet ...

Actually if Fuji does come out with this new camera, I'd be interested in it. Since everyone else is moving to that other format, it would be good to show support for companies doing film. The weak and easily-crackable lens mount on the GS645S I had made me long for the days of metal, mechanical cameras.

 

[craigclu]

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00OF7F

I have no idea about credibility but in perusing the PMA related sites, there is only the normal fluff about the latest pocket wonders, etc. The Fujifilm booth tour had lots of pictures of digi compacts and that sort of thing but not a mention of the film camera.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Sounds like a modern 6x7 folder. That would be really fantastic. It would have to have a film counter, since it's 6x7, and would probably have a rangefinder, modern lens, and modern standards of alignment and film flatness, and if it could do 120/220 that would be perfect.

 

[JBrunner]

I'm gettin a bit twittery.. I hope they make it, and I hope it gets to the states.

 

[david b]

I am hoping for a wide version and a normal version.

And I have a friend going to Tokyo in the fall.

 

[IloveTLRs]

If it was a super-basic folder it wouldn't need a film counter, only a red window. I have a Minolta Semi-P that's as basic as you can get. It does 6x4.5. It won't do 220 but does Fuji make 220 film?

Off the top of my head all I can remember is Tri-X 320 and some other Kodak stuff.

 

[Removed Account]

I'd prefer a film counter myself to facilitate the use of infrared film. I just emailed FujiFilm Canada for information, letting them know that if it is available through the same distribution channels as their digital stuff I will push it as hard as I can at work! I'll also buy one myself if it's within my budget and works for me.

- Justin