View Full Version : Fuji Klasse W
ClaremontPhoto
11-29-2007, 04:36
Is anybody here using a Fuji Klasse W.
In particular is it easy to understand the Japanese menu system?
... 私は実際に知らない
Oh man, I couldn't resist... ;)
ClaremontPhoto
11-29-2007, 04:48
Does that really translate as 'This man is stupid'?
jonmanjiro
11-29-2007, 04:48
私は実際に知らない !!! :d
意味不明っす！ ~ヽ('ー`)ノ~
Does that really translate as 'This man is stupid'?
I just threw 'I really do not know' into Babelfish..
I guess I still have a lot of growing up to do.. :)
ClaremontPhoto
11-29-2007, 05:24
Off topic: A guy I know went to a Chinese tattoo place late at night after spending the evening in bars.
He asked for a tattoo that was poetry, and was very proud of what they did.
Then he went to a Chinese restaurant and showed them the tattoo. They fell about laughing because it said 'This guy was drunk one night.'
Dr. Strangelove
11-29-2007, 06:32
Off topic: A guy I know went to a Chinese tattoo place late at night after spending the evening in bars.
He asked for a tattoo that was poetry, and was very proud of what they did.
Then he went to a Chinese restaurant and showed them the tattoo. They fell about laughing because it said 'This guy was drunk one night.'
He was lucky, since he got a tattoo that actually made some sense. Many if not most of the Chinese and Japanese character tattoos made in the West are either nonsensical or very bad calligraphy so that the characters are unrecognizable. There's actually a web site devoted to bad Chinese and Japanese writings in tattoos and popular culture:
http://www.hanzismatter.com/
ClaremontPhoto
11-29-2007, 06:41
So how about the camera? Fuji Klasse W.
monochromejrnl
11-29-2007, 07:17
Jon - i know nothing aobut the Klasse but your lens cap is on.... ;P
shadowfox
11-29-2007, 08:52
So how about the camera? Fuji Klasse W.
Nah, the tattoo stories are more fun :)
But to keep with the spirit of the thread, here's my contribution:
http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/2006/12/fuji-klasse-digital.html
jonmanjiro
12-02-2007, 02:25
So how about the camera? Fuji Klasse W.
Today I dropped by my local Yodobashi Camera and I took a look at a Fuji Klasse W. Neat little camera, though it seems a little pricey for a P&S. The menus were all in English, unlike the Fuji Natura's. Here's a few shots I took with my cell phone camera.
ClaremontPhoto
12-02-2007, 02:30
Yes, I can see the camera works in English, even though it's Japanese market only.
I was going by Megaperls "Note: All instructions for this camera in Japanese only!" so maybe the instruction book is in Japanese but the menus can be in English.
Also, your photos show a black camera, whereas I've only ever seen a silver camera. Are both available?
jonmanjiro
12-02-2007, 02:35
Yes, I can see the camera works in English, even though it's Japanese market only.
I was going by Megaperls "Note: All instructions for this camera in Japanese only!" so maybe the instruction book is in Japanese but the menus can be in English.
Also, your photos show a black camera, whereas I've only ever seen a silver camera. Are both available?
Yes, I think it comes with only a Japanese instruction book, no English. It's a pretty basic camera though. You'll work out most of the functions within 5 minutes. Both black and silver versions are available. The black version came out just recently, I think.
juno_lau
12-02-2007, 03:08
the black one has a 38mm lens, i think
ClaremontPhoto
12-02-2007, 03:16
The black one has been the Klasse S, and that has a 38mm lens.
Now it seems the Klasse W (with 28mm lens) is available in silver or black.
Monte920
01-09-2008, 12:33
There are three versions of Klasse: Klasse (38mm f2.6, discontinued, the same as Rollei AFM35), Klasse S (38mm f2.8), Klasse W (28mm f2.8). They are all good cameras, as the images are sharp, contrasty, saturated, and vivid! The only problem is the price. Rollei AFM35 was $399 when new (already expensive!). A good used Klasse probably costs $220~$330. But the new, smaller-aperture S or W costs more than $700! I would definitley go for T3 or CM rather than Fujifilm with price this high.
conradyiu
02-12-2008, 18:01
I found on fuji web that manual focus is available for Klasse. Who know how (by focusing barrel?) as I could not find any cue on the camera body.
I have this camera (Fuji Klasse W). I like a 28mm lens and as such I think this camera is superb. Although web images, here are a few examples:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1171/1078586154_3322af0467.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/1071497613_7919779c9d.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/1071496727_051990dbd5.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1423/1088250409_98cd121474.jpg
I keep finding that Im use this camera more and more. I love the +/- EV control lever; that I can disable the flash for everytime I turn it on; and that I can rewind and leave the film leader out.
BTW, only the manual is in Japanese, not the camera. I can read a degree of Japanese so I could slowly work things out in the manual
I found on fuji web that manual focus is available for Klasse. Who know how (by focusing barrel?) as I could not find any cue on the camera body.
Its a menu option. You keep pushing the centre button of the jog wheel until "AF" then turn the jog wheel to the distance. Its something like 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 10, oo (in metres). Once you turn off and back on again it restores to AF.
Ive actually found this feature very useful. Especially with candid type shots where you may not actually look through the finder. As well its useful for shooting though a fence or similar foreground distraction where you cant guarantee the camera's focus point. Its not as easy as barrel focusing but again, a p&s is a compromise to begin with and this one is a great compromise.
mangamonster
02-12-2008, 18:31
lovely shots!
T...I would definitley go for T3 or CM rather than Fujifilm with price this high.
My view on this - as it was certainly considered - was a preference for a 28-35mm range lens; the Leica P&S's have a history of mechanical/electrical issues and this is an area Fuji has demonstrated all round capabilities; Fuji also makes great lens; but I just cant highlight enough how useful I find the external +/-EV control.
A friend and I were just looking at Klasses on Saturday night. As people's samples can attest, they take wonderful photos. For ¥70000+ though, the build quality doesn't impress me. Far too much plastic for my liking, and the cable (I guess?) that connects the lens to the body can be seen sticking out inside the back when the lens is recessed. What are the chances of it getting snagged or ripped?
A friend and I were just looking at Klasses on Saturday night. As people's samples can attest, they take wonderful photos. For ¥70000+ though, the build quality doesn't impress me. Far too much plastic for my liking, and the cable (I guess?) that connects the lens to the body can be seen sticking out inside the back when the lens is recessed. What are the chances of it getting snagged or ripped?
Ive actually had this camera almost since it came out at the end of 2006, Ive used it a lot and Ive had no fault with it at all. Fujifilm has a history of compact cameras and miniturisation so I wouldnt be too concerned about visible ribbon cables. Unlike the Leica variants that have many reports of shutter failures.
"Too much plastic..." were you looking at the same camera??? This is a metal bodied camera. Not many compacts are this well made! Personally, I think i has exceptional build quality in this day and age.
Stephanie Brim
03-14-2008, 10:04
I just found out about this thing and all I have to say is Wow...I want one.
Monte920
03-17-2008, 07:13
"Too much plastic..." were you looking at the same camera??? This is a metal bodied camera. Not many compacts are this well made! Personally, I think i has exceptional build quality in this day and age.
Well, I can understand what TheHub was trying to say. The backbone of Klasse W or S are made of metal, with some other plastic components surrounding it. If you compare with Natura or other average compacts, Klasse is very metal. However, when compared to compacts made by Contax or Leica, Klasse still feels somewhat plastic. In addition, the structure, thickness and quality of titanium used also make some differences of feel. You really feel more solid when you hold a Contax T's compacts than a Klasse. I think this was what TheHub trying to say.
Berliner
04-17-2008, 07:34
Jon-
The Klasse W has my GAS acting up again-- I must have one...very expensive little number though...
I had the Rollei Version o the original Klasse---but 38mm was too much-- a 28mm version o this camera sounds really nice...
I ordered my Fujifilm Klasse W (Silver) from Hong Kong and it's coming on Wednesday. I'm so excited! Any tips to share in this wonderful classic camera? Thanks.
craygc, I love your sample shots!
craygc, I love your sample shots!
Thanks for the compliment :) If the link works, here's more: Klasse W shots (http://flickr.com/groups/klasse/pool/81801635@N00/)
I had only ever put B&W through it, however it did a roll of Astia slide film last week in Korea and the Im impressed with the results (good metering & sharp)
Im going to east Java in Indonesia next month to photograph and will take 2x Mamiya 7II's and just cant carry the Leica's as well but this camera will certainly be there.
A word of warning - and Ive been bitten twice now. When the battery dies it just dies. Unfortunately, it first extends the lens then just stops so without a new battery you are stuck with a dead camera and need to be carefull of not knocking the lens.
@craygc
Love them! What film did you use?
@craygc
Love them! What film did you use?
Thanx, its a mix of Delta 400 and Tri-X
----------------------------------------------
Given the manual is only in Japanese, most things you can probably work out for yourself but there are some neat custom functions that are obvious. I will assume from page 70/71 of the manual you can workout how to get into the custom functions and change them from the pictures :D
C1: Flash Mode: this lets you set the flash mode and it stays that way - otherwise every time you turn it on, auto flash is on.
C2: Self Timer Mode: ON = after shooting; OFF = every time you shoot it is off. (not exactly sure what this means as Ive never used it)
C3: Film Mode: This lets you decide if you want the film fully rewound into the canister of have the leader left out - (great if your developing your own B&W).
C4: Timing of Lens Movement Mode ON = when pressing shutter; OFF = half way pressing shutter button (again, never used it but I think its referring to when the lens decides to actually do its focusing thing)
Thanks for the tips. Do you recommend using Fujifilm Neopan 400?
Do you recommend using Fujifilm Neopan 400?
Everything works...:D Its just whatever your preferences are. Personally, I like Fuji Neopan
Hi Craig, my Klasse W just arrived. I'm in the process of learning the basic functions. Will test the camera later.
ClaremontPhoto
05-28-2008, 01:34
Does 'learn the basic functions' mean 'fondle'?
Does 'test the camera' mean 'play with the camera'?
Whatever, have fun and tell how easy it is with a Japanese instruction book and English menus.
Just to add.... the PERFECT case for this camera is the Lowepro Dpod-30 neoprene case Dpod 30 (http://products.lowepro.com/product/D-Pods-30,1931,24.htm). It was made for this camera :D
Fujifilm Klasse W with Fujifilm Neopan 400 Test shots
No post processing.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2535324253_0e9f68ee5c.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2535324267_da02f80e5f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2535324259_6339db3aed.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2535324273_481fb0e86c.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2535324297_ca9bf4ce06.jpg
ClaremontPhoto
05-30-2008, 08:42
Very nice photos indeed.
Very nice photos indeed.
Thanks Jon.
No post processing.
hmm... that was a first ,-)
Fujifilm Klasse W with Fujifilm Neopan 400
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2547129553_e6147c90a9.jpg
Fujifilm Klasse W with Fujifilm Neopan 400
Im guessing your rather happy with your new little box of joy :D
Fujifilm Klasse W with Fujifilm Neopan 400
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2547625521_01f35d0bc6.jpg
NormanFX
07-11-2008, 22:58
I got two Japan-only cameras. The Fuji Natura and the Fuji Zoom Date.The controls are very intuitive and with practice you figure them out. Oddly enough, the LCD menus ARE in English! ;)
Fujifilm Klasse W with Ilford XP2 Super 400
Bangkok, Thailand
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2759388746_900da5311b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2759388748_cbf419a7c6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2759388750_bccf6e00b8.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2759388752_d4be4de23d.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2759388754_73d3dc8733.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2759388756_cdfb217414.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2759394668_f44a23b095.jpg
buckpago
08-05-2010, 07:25
hi, is the klasse s made of metal or plastic? can you rate the built quiality.
hi, is the klasse s made of metal or plastic? can you rate the built quiality.
Metal body ..absolutely first class build quality
EDIT: Sorry, I responded too fast. My comment was for the "W". I haven't touched an "S" so please disregard
I just ordered a Klasse w from eBay!
Bought a used Klasse original but was disappointed with the flash setting always at auto when turned on. But most irritating is that the focus assist light can't be switched off.
I wonder if the focus assist light for Klasse W can be switched off. If not, then would AF still work if I tape it up?
I have/had a Klasse S. It's off for repair at the moment.
Lovely camera, very nicely built, mostly metal construction, and works very well. All menus/features are in English, but the manual is in Japanese.
I find manual focus a pain, with it being menu based, but aperture and exposure compensation have their own dials, which is an improvement on most cheap DSLRs...
Very nice, and despite it's early trip to repair, I don't regret it's purchase, I'd consider the Natura too, as it's smaller, and the little zoom can go quite wide.
You could get a used Leica or Contax for the same money, but the Fujifilm is under warranty, maybe has the better/more modern lens, and you get a warm fuzzy feeling from supporting the continued production of film compacts.
My Klasse W just arrived today. Build quality is very high. Focus is fast and seems accurate. There is a complete display of all information, shutter speed in the viewfinder, aperture and distance focussed in the top display. Everything I need and absent in Klasse original.
Noise level is less than that of GR1. Shutter lag is ok with AF and pretty short with manual focus.
I blocked off the AF assist light with a sticker and focus is still not affected, at least with normal indoor lighting.
Will post pics once I start to take proper pics with it after my test roll of reversal film.
Oh, many thanks to Craig, I now can leave the film leader out and the flash off!
little_jack_mac
08-14-2010, 21:47
My Klasse W just arrived today. Build quality is very high. Focus is fast and seems accurate. There is a complete display of all information, shutter speed in the viewfinder, aperture and distance focussed in the top display. Everything I need and absent in Klasse original.
Noise level is less than that of GR1. Shutter lag is ok with AF and pretty short with manual focus.
I blocked off the AF assist light with a sticker and focus is still not affected, at least with normal indoor lighting.
Will post pics once I start to take proper pics with it after my test roll of reversal film.
Oh, many thanks to Craig, I now can leave the film leader out and the flash off!
so nice to hear that...how much did u buy ur klasse? i'm planning on getting one, not soon...where u bought it? share ur pics ok!
I bought it off ebay, new, a seller named sk_photo.
Many examples on ebay, prices are about US$550 to US$600. Mine comes as a set with hood (cute!) and case (useless for me).
little_jack_mac
08-26-2010, 01:32
I bought it off ebay, new, a seller named sk_photo.
Many examples on ebay, prices are about US$550 to US$600. Mine comes as a set with hood (cute!) and case (useless for me).
yup, i've seen the ad at ebay from sk_photo...waiting for money from my fm2n sales. then get myself new klasse w. yeay!
buckpago
09-07-2010, 07:06
what does the blinking shutter speed in the finder means? I get it all the time on low light situation. thanks
what does the blinking shutter speed in the finder means? I get it all the time on low light situation. thanks
Given its an aperture priority only camera, it just gives shutter speed warnings. On the slow end it blinks as a slow shutter warning and on the high end it blinks when it going to give an over exposure for the aperture selected
buckpago
09-07-2010, 07:31
I got that, but even I point it in darker situation it always on a blinking 30 of a sec, it gives also a a under exposed, it doesnt go slower than 30, unless I put a +1/+2 compensation. I have this not more than for 24 hours, im finding more info on it, I have bad skills on reading kanji.
thanks man!
How's this one compare to Contax T2? Looks like it'd pare very nicely with a G2.
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