FujiFilm to introduce new MF prototype.

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

I'm not sure - the rectangular mark on what you're calling the frameline window looks an awful lot like a rangefinder patch to me. I've got a couple of cameras kicking around that use the same combined window design. I'm betting on the leftmost window being the meter.

On second thought, you might be right. So metering is not TTL, which is even simpler to manufacture. This could actually be a relatively affordable camera (compared to a Mamiya 7II, for instance).

I had in mind the separate brightline illuminator of RF cameras like the Bessa which sits between the rangefinder patch and the viewfinder

Notice however the similarities between the shape of the RF patch of the Bessa and the Fuji.

The combined RF patch/illumination window looks very much like that of a Minolta Hi-Matic, for example

 

[Andy K]

I like that it has two strap lugs on one side giving a choice of strap attachment.

 

[Terence]

I have an old folder that has a hand-strap on one side, allowing a much sturdier grip. The two lugs on the right side would be great for that.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

A new 6x7 folder w/ a fujinon lens? *drool*

 

[jiggler]

Nope. From right to left: viewfinder, frameline illumination, rangefinder mirror. So the focal plane is still a possibility. Especially with the available Aperture-priority automation.

Sorry mhv, your wrong. The first two windows are for the viewfinder and rangefinder. The frameline illumination and rangefinder mirror are in one window - the white glass around the smaller rectangular window. The round window has to be the meter. It is highly unlikely that it would be round if it was part of the rangefinder, at least on a modern camera.

 

[isaacc7]

Anyone want to guess about the rangefinder baseline? God, I'd love to have this camera for over here, I've got a Seagull folder which is ok, but it's "connivence" features are driving me nuts. Plus, it's always good to have a better lens...

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

Sorry mhv, your wrong. The first two windows are for the viewfinder and rangefinder. The frameline illumination and rangefinder mirror are in one window - the white glass around the smaller rectangular window. The round window has to be the meter. It is highly unlikely that it would be round if it was part of the rangefinder, at least on a modern camera.

Cf. my above post.

 

[firecracker]

But if it has a leaf shutter it will have flash synch at all speeds.

Ian

I believe so. I agree with you. But I was just saying there's no mention of that in the little Japanese video report, which you asked. The video didn't provide that info and nor did the other materials as far as I'm aware of.

And since this is only a prototype I don't want to further assume what changes there will be in the process.

Let's hope this will be a good one.

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

I wonder if the "prototype" is a real prototype or just a mockup... The way the bellows reflects the light, I'm not sure if it's real bellows material. There hasn't been pictures of people handling it yet, so what we are seeing may not be fully functional, and subject to change.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I just watched the video, and another plus is that it looks like the viewfinder won't be as squinty as the finders on the classic folders. Seeing it next to the reporter's hand for scale, it looks like it will be closer in size to a Bessa II than to a Perkeo II.

 

[Mick Fagan]

The first camera I was able to use by myself, without my parents or grandfather hovering close by in case I was about to do some inadvertent damage, was a Kodak Retinette, which was a post WWII folder.

This camera was fitted with a winding knob, as opposed to a lever advance. Whilst I had the use of this camera for a number of years, and I was more or less satisfied with it, I yearned for a lever advance.

Eventually I grew up, did a double early morning paper round and bought a Canonet, it was fantastic and it had the all important thumb operated advance lever.

Well I did at times despair about the lever, as opposed to the knob. The lever often caught on clothing, as it was being pulled out of a pocket, or placed in the pocket. Plus the way the lever seemed to move up and down, worried me at first.

The lever never fell off; the camera worked extremely well and as each roll of film was so expensive, I never used the lever advance in anger. So much for wanting a feature so badly, that when I eventually got it, I found I didn’t use it!

The ability to fast wind a camera that has only 10 frames on a roll is something that I’m sure the designer(s) thought about, then possibly rejected, due maybe for space and/or design parameters.

There is also the possibility that with a lever advance you would need something like 1½ to 2½ goes, to correctly wind the film on. This could mean inexperienced operators may try and expose another frame, before the correct amount of advance has happened. To eliminate these possibilities, the choice of a wind knob combined with a ratchet or click setting, makes some sense.

It also looks incredibly neat!

Mick.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I was just looking at the pictures on that sight where there are two pictures of the same camera, or, are they?

The top picture shows the right side and you can clearly see the actuating arm holding the lens.

The bottom picture shows what looks like the same camera, but from the left side, which shows off the vertical camera straps, but it also shows what appears to be either damage, or, some kind of different strut. The strut seems to have a half moon shape inserted roughly where the main lens holding strut could connect, if alignment isn't 100%.

Either that, or it's a before and after picture when someone tried to fold an unfoldable prototype!

Mick.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Mick, I think you're just seeing a reflection on the strut. These photographs were made of the prototype in a display case at the show, not in a studio where it would be easier to control reflections.

 

[Mick Fagan]

David, although the reflection seems to be almost in the right place, I think you are correct.

I've had a look at the other picture and you can see where the reflection may be coming from.

Mick.

 

[copake_ham]

I'd still prefer a film advance lever. I hope they decide to do so if they ever come out with a production model.

Meanwhile, isn't this all a bit too much "dissection" of what is, after all, simply a trade show prototype?

 

[Removed Account]

I wonder if the "prototype" is a real prototype or just a mockup... The way the bellows reflects the light, I'm not sure if it's real bellows material. There hasn't been pictures of people handling it yet, so what we are seeing may not be fully functional, and subject to change.

The bellows look pretty much like the bellows on my Cambo do, somewhat like a thin rubbery type stuff.

- Justin

 

[IloveTLRs]

Not if it's 6x7 format.

That's retarded, I just noticed that backing paper doesn't have 6x7 numbering on it. A frame counter means one more thing that could break

 

[IloveTLRs]

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!!

I've already seen a few pro-digital people posting stupid comments like "it should have a full-sized sensor in it" etc, etc. They don't get it :rolleyes:

 

[Mick Fagan]

George, yes it is bit too much dissection of a prototype, but then again, what is wrong with a discussion about a dream camera?

The amount of views of this thread, shows that there is at least nominal interest in the subject.

If this camera does come to fruition, pretty much as it looks, then a lot of peoples dreams will be answered, including my own.

Mick.

 

[BobNewYork]

IloveTLRs "I've already seen a few pro-digital people posting stupid comments like "it should have a full-sized sensor in it" etc, etc. They don't get it"
__________________
digital takes all the fun out of photography

I should be surprised - but I'm not! Tell 'em I've got their full-sized sensors. Right Here!!!!

 

[eclarke]

The funny thing is that I have been on the fence about buying a Mamiya 7II. This thread put me over the top, I bought it yesterday...EC

 

[Sal Santamaura]

I own a Fuji GW670 III and Mamiya 7II , both purchased new. While many rave about the Fuji's 90mm lens, my tests show it not to be in the same league as Mamiya's 80mm gem. Fuji factory service adjusted the 670 rangefinder and I bracketed focus when performing these evaluations.

I'm less than thrilled over the crappy accuracy offered by Mamiya 7II framelines with subjects further than the near focus limit. Too much wasted negative from cropping out unintended image.

If this new camera can combine expanding/contracting (in addition to shifting) framelines and a lens that's even close to the Mamiya 80's performance, I'll go for it. Despite the fact that lately I've been shooting more 4x5 and less 120.

 

[rkmiec]

I'm less than thrilled over the crappy accuracy offered by Mamiya 7II framelines with subjects further than the near focus limit. Too much wasted negative from cropping out unintended image.

if i may suggest sal, if you are that unhappy with your 7II that i would gladly take it off your hands.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

if i may suggest sal, if you are that unhappy with your 7II that i would gladly take it off your hands.

If Fuji's GF670 goes into production, meets my criteria and you're a registered user, you might have the opportunity to do just that via eBay.

 

[bonk]

a new medium format camera by fuji ?

I have read that fuji is planning to release an all new medium format analog camera. Have you heard anything about it. Any details or assumptions?

Film Camera
In a special exhibit, Fujifilm will feature a prototype of a new portable medium-format film camera. Even as the company innovates in digital imaging technology, Fujifilm remains true to its heritage and to the acknowledged superior image quality delivered by professional photographic film products. Fujifilm is committed to further expanding the world of imaging whether in digital or analog technologies.

Taken from here.