View Full Version : Release of Fujifilm GF670 delayed until end of April
JapanExposures
03-16-2009, 18:23
Reason: excessive number of pre-orders causing production constraints, as some parts are handmade
http://fujifilm.jp/information/articlead_0008.html
dazedgonebye
03-16-2009, 18:26
So, they're going to drop the price because of the high volume...right? :)
digitalintrigue
03-16-2009, 18:30
Or, increase the price so there are fewer pre-orders. :)
JapanExposures
03-16-2009, 18:32
This is good news, folks, very good news.
vdonovan
03-16-2009, 18:53
My translation:
"Our marketing department's elaborate practical joke, the imaginary Voigtlander Bessa III [GF670 Professional] has been such a success in stirring up the crazies at Rangefinder Forum that we're going to string them on for at least another month by announcing a delay due to--get this--excessive pre-orders! Is this fun, or what?"
It must be why we haven't heard a peep from the distributor Mainline here in OZ ... ?
I wonder if sufficiently high demand for the camera could reflect in a better manufacturing cost for Cosina?
JapanExposures
03-16-2009, 20:11
There is no indication that the total quantities have been changed. All they are saying is that they cannot finish the pre-orders on time.
There is no indication that the total quantities have been changed. All they are saying is that they cannot finish the pre-orders on time.
I'm not being contrary here but why is that ... 'very good news?'
CameraQuest
03-16-2009, 20:25
I'm not being contrary here but why is that ... 'very good news?'
Because some questioned if Cosina and Fuji had misjudged the marketplace. High demand not only means the first production run will likely be a sell out, it also means there could eventually be other versions of the camera with other lenses.
Stephen
Pickett Wilson
03-16-2009, 20:30
At $2600. For a MF film folder? <shaking head>
Pickett Wilson
03-16-2009, 20:31
Why couldn't they have just sold the ones they had made that they were originally going to sell? Why delay the entire introduction?
Cosina are one very astute company! :)
At $2600. For a MF film folder? <shaking head>
As much as I won't likely be parting with the readies for this camera I don't see the price as being a huge issue.
Leica are asking us for $4000.00 for an MP which is a 35mm manual camera designed in the fifties with an added inbuilt meter. There seems to me to be a lot of people on this forum who have one ... or two for that matter! :p
JapanExposures
03-16-2009, 21:27
Because some questioned if Cosina and Fuji had misjudged the marketplace. High demand not only means the first production run will likely be a sell out, it also means there could eventually be other versions of the camera with other lenses.
Stephen
And it means FILM...
Mind you, this is just a reflection of the Japanese market place. It may totally flop elsewhere, just like the iPhone flops here ;)
does that mean all 5000 cameras have been pre-ordered?
JapanExposures
03-16-2009, 22:32
does that mean all 5000 cameras have been pre-ordered?
No, it means what it says. They cannot deliver on time due to the high number of pre-orders.
But I suppose the web loves speculation so let's head off, dream and interpret to our heart's content.
I think they are working on a digital option and need a few more weeks. Then we will which will outsell the other. Film vs. digital.
phew, gives me more time to save up.
ClaremontPhoto
03-17-2009, 00:00
I'm impressed by their honesty, and keeping clients informed.
All too often products are rushed to market to meet a deadline, and then quietly recalled for modification later.
Cosina / Fuji is acting honorably.
As much as I won't likely be parting with the readies for this camera I don't see the price as being a huge issue.
Leica are asking us for $4000.00 for an MP which is a 35mm manual camera designed in the fifties with an added inbuilt meter. There seems to me to be a lot of people on this forum who have one ... or two for that matter! :p
$4000 without lens...
:eek:
At $2600. For a MF film folder? <shaking head>
I agree with Keith re the price. (Very) used Plaubel Makinas sell for roughly the same price!! Cosina/Fuji might as well get the money on the front end!
dazedgonebye
03-17-2009, 08:51
To argue the price in the face of apparent success is kind of silly. Obviously, the market will bear the price, even if I won't.
Steve Bellayr
03-17-2009, 09:02
In the US who offers it? (Voigtlander Bessa III667)
$4000 without lens...
:eek:
But you can change lenses on Leica :rolleyes:
Beemermark
03-17-2009, 17:27
At $2600. For a MF film folder? <shaking head>
Well you could buy an out of production Plaubel Makina 670 for about $2500. Or an My for around $2700 with no lens Or a new Hasselblad digital for around - what $30,000K
CameraQuest
03-17-2009, 17:55
In the US who offers it? (Voigtlander Bessa III667)
Estimated shipping in May, no US price set yet.
It will be carried by CameraQuest and PhotoVillage.
Stephen
Pickett Wilson
03-17-2009, 19:09
Ah. I didn't realize you could buy them straight from the factory. Thought you had to go through a dealer. Makes sense, then.
aren't the pre-orders from dealers, not directly from customers?
JapanExposures
04-17-2009, 18:05
Release of the camera is imminent, although no exact date has been set. The amount of pre-orders appears to continue to exceed expectations and they are unable to fulfill all pre-orders at once right upon release so dealers are allocated some units and they can send to their customers in the order reservations were received.
They also dont want to release to just a few dealers - the dealers who have pre-ordered will all get them at the same time.
Not only does it speak well for Cosina's/Fuji's future production - but more importantly - for Fuji's promise to keep film in production, particularly 120 and maybe even 220. Hmm, a Bessa III and a bag of Acros 100 in 220 and a Gallon of Beutler mixed up could make a sharp summer.
I am saving one lonely roll of Tech Pan 120 for a test run with it when it comes!
dazedgonebye
04-21-2009, 13:03
The more I shoot my Baldax and my Iskra...the more I want this camera.
Not that I don't love those old girls, it's just I'd love a modern version, with all the conveniences.
Harry Lime
04-30-2009, 09:02
initially I thought it was priced too high, but the more I see of it, the more I think it's a good deal. It appears to be very well made and thought out design.
What will make or break this camera for me is how good the viewfinder is and how accurately it frames.
they're probably as good as it gets. i'm more interested in lens performance.
Super EBC sounds like we'll get blistering contrast - sufficient for many shooters, but I'm waiting for the bokeh report. I like everything about this folder: 6x6 mode, side strap lugs, coupled rangefinder, focus tab, hot shoe. Time to find a MF projector!
I'm waiting waiting waiting.........
I'm hoping I'll have one in my hands next week.
JapanExposures
05-01-2009, 21:10
Cameras are now being delivered to pre-ordered customers. Free 120 (400X) film and long Japanese-style apology letter are included. The delay was no marketing stunt, that's for sure.
great news! the user reports should be coming in any minute. :)
so jealous!
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