FujiFilm to introduce new MF prototype.

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

From the look of it, I can see it has:

* TTL metering, because it has an Aperture-priority setting on the shutter speeds dial.

* Probably a focal plane shutter, because of the absence of visible linkage between the body and the lens. There does not seem to be a leaf shutter unit around the lens. Notice also the PC socket on the left hand side of the body.

* However, the top speed of the shutter is 1/500. That seems like a strange decision for a focal plane shutter. Perhaps Fuji are in fact using a leaf shutter, but they have masterful linkage between body and lens, for better ergonomics ?

* So if it's a focal plane shutter, that means the metering would be similar to what is available on a TTL rangefinder like the Leica M6/7/P, Zeiss Ikon, and Bessa RF. If it's a leaf shutter, I have no idea how they could make the meter TTL.

* Focussing looks like it could be helical, moving the whole unit instead of the front cell. Notice the tab that resemble the one found on a rangefinder lens.

* A bit of ergonomic moulding on the body to make for a better grip (hmm... like a Bessa, isn't it?)

* Horizontal and vertical strap lugs, depending on how you like to hang your camera

* Automatic frame counter

All in all, this could be yet another Cosina job, which would be awesome. They are the only ones who seem to understand how to competition with the used market. If they make a 6x6 version, or maybe simply provide as mask, I'm starting to drool (I'm a square format fan).

I just hope they have a decent price in mind. Let's dream and say 500$. That would be an awesome price for a new camera, and it would pit it against the existing used equipment market. A good used folder, repaired, can easily reach 300$+.

I'm sure Fuji (and Cosina, if that's them) have noticed that this was a strong niche market, but that it was beleaguered by QA issues (badly kept old stuff eventually croaks). And a folder is the most compact MF camera you could find, so I guess they're catering to a market segment similar to the 35mm Bessa line: rangefinder users who like handheld shooting.

Maybe they will call it the FujiFilm Bessa III after all?

 

[Paul Howell]

From the look of it, I can see it has:

* TTL metering, because it has an Aperture-priority setting on the shutter speeds dial.

* Probably a focal plane shutter, because of the absence of visible linkage between the body and the lens. There does not seem to be a leaf shutter unit around the lens. Notice also the PC socket on the left hand side of the body.

* However, the top speed of the shutter is 1/500. That seems like a strange decision for a focal plane shutter. Perhaps Fuji are in fact using a leaf shutter, but they have masterful linkage between body and lens, for better ergonomics ?

* So if it's a focal plane shutter, that means the metering would be similar to what is available on a TTL rangefinder like the Leica M6/7/P, Zeiss Ikon, and Bessa RF. If it's a leaf shutter, I have no idea how they could make the meter TTL.

* Focussing looks like it could be helical, moving the whole unit instead of the front cell. Notice the tab that resemble the one found on a rangefinder lens.

* A bit of ergonomic moulding on the body to make for a better grip (hmm... like a Bessa, isn't it?)

* Horizontal and vertical strap lugs, depending on how you like to hang your camera

* Automatic frame counter

All in all, this could be yet another Cosina job, which would be awesome. They are the only ones who seem to understand how to competition with the used market. If they make a 6x6 version, or maybe simply provide as mask, I'm starting to drool (I'm a square format fan).

I just hope they have a decent price in mind. Let's dream and say 500$. That would be an awesome price for a new camera, and it would pit it against the existing used equipment market. A good used folder, repaired, can easily reach 300$+.

I'm sure Fuji (and Cosina, if that's them) have noticed that this was a strong niche market, but that it was beleaguered by QA issues (badly kept old stuff eventually croaks). And a folder is the most compact MF camera you could find, so I guess they're catering to a market segment similar to the 35mm Bessa line: rangefinder users who like handheld shooting.

Maybe they will call it the FujiFilm Bessa III after all?

Better eyes than I have, I thought the shutter speed is located on the lens, but you are right a focal plan shutter, a cross between a Pentex 6X7 and a Mamyia 7? I am a little concerned about possible virabations from a focal plane shutter, even without a mirror.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Could be an electronic leaf shutter with control on the body. Focus looks like it's on the lens.

Is that a film wind knob on the right (from the back) side of the camera, as opposed to a ratcheting lever?

And the shutter release? In the middle of the film wind knob maybe, or is that just a screw?

 

[BobNewYork]

I thought the quote from Fuji in the RF-Insider page was the most interesting:
"committed to....the acknowledged superior quality delivered by professional photographic film products."

Finally!!! VINDICATION!! Perhaps we should post this to one of those digi-forums and watch the defecation hit the ventilation!!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Here's my Voigtlander Perkeo II with a Widor uncoupled rangefinder in the accessory shoe for comparison--

 

[HerrBremerhaven]

Lots a bit like the old Dead Link Removed from them, just scaled up. Front mounted aperture selection, and small tab helical focus at the front. Tough to tell scale, or filter size. If they added Aperture Priority, then it could be quite intriguing. The only downer I see about this is the knob film advance. This is still a prototype, so maybe they will consider a lever film advance. I would guess pricing much closer to $US 1000, or higher.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

 

[david b]

I just hope they don't stick the name HASSELBLAD on it and then charge $3000.

 

[matti]

I want it. Even if it has an electronic shutter.
/matti

 

[david b]

Do you think they will introduce a "W" camera if this one sells well?

Wouldn't a 55mm lens be awesome ?

 

[jd callow]

I think it is great that Fuji built this camera and I hope it is wildly successful. So successful that they make an ultra compact 6x4,5 or 6x6 w/ 50mm (my preference is wider than normal), a big brother 6x9 with a similarly wider normal.

As it is...
If I didn't own the modern mamiya 6 I'd be interested. I think the 'greater' niche (if that is not an oxymoron) to be mined exists in 6x6 or 6x9 for a small folder with modern attributes. 6x7 is too close to the Mamiya 7 and pretty plain vanilla in my mind. If Fuji can retail this at well under 1k and if Costco, Wal Mart and the rest can be convinced to add the MF training to their 1 hour photo clerks -- AFAIK most of the equipment is 120 capable or easily made to be -- it could mean a small rebirth for MF.

 

[david b]

Email Fuji:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[kman627]

I like the lack of a little red window. Looks like a great ergonomic design. Put me down for one.

 

[highpeak]

Oh, my dream come true! Only difference is in my dream, the camera can switch lens, and its 6X8 format.

But if they put this on the market, I still going to buy it in a heart beat, maybe two if the price goes over 2000

Alex W.

 

[jiggler]

Looks like that little window to the right of the rangefinder window is for a meter, therefore no TTL metering. Probably has a leaf shutter.

 

[david b]

From what I can see, the highest shutter speed is 500.

 

[david b]

If they actually introduce this camera, I pledge to shoot only Fuji Film in it.

 

[david b]

WOWOWOW

check this one out

 

[Barry S]

check this one out

An all black one to match your Chamonix.

 

[Terence]

Shall we start a poll on what the price will be? With just a normal lens, I like to think it will be reasonable, like the Voigtlander line.

 

[Barry S]

My SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) is $1700.

 

[david b]

I just started a poll.

I am in for it if the price is under $2000.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Under a grand, I'd be sorely tempted. Over a grand, I'd get a GW 690 III on the used market, or even better, the old GL690 with the interchangeable lenses.

 

[eric]

Just found this posting:

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/18141/fujifilm-medium-format-camera/

How much for those models below on the bottom of that web page?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

How much for those models below on the bottom of that web page?

If you have to ask, you can't afford

 

[eric]

Under a grand, I'd be sorely tempted. Over a grand, I'd get a GW 690 III on the used market, or even better, the old GL690 with the interchangeable lenses.

I'm with FC, I think it'll go for under a grand.