GF670W Bessa III W

sem · 06-11-2011

Hi,
someone use this camera?
I am looking for some pics? Post them please! Many thanks!
Kind regards

tlitody · 07-27-2011

Bump

Anyone got a review and / or pics from GF670W yet?

kmallick · 07-27-2011

I just came across this camera on a eBay listing by the head butler here. Lots of pictures in the listing. I didn't know that Voigtlander was coming out with a 6x7!

sem · 07-28-2011

Thanks very much for the link! It is a beauty, in my eyes.
Someone use the camera? Show us some pictures please.
Kind regards

tlitody · 07-31-2011

It came out just as everyone was gettiing very excited about the X100 release and seems to have been overlooked by everyone. I think RFFers are migrating to digital. Shame on them.

thegman · 08-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlitody

It came out just as everyone was gettiing very excited about the X100 release and seems to have been overlooked by everyone. I think RFFers are migrating to digital. Shame on them.

The even stranger thing is, that on a Range Finder Forum, there is more interest in a digital camera which is not a range finder, than a camera which *is* a range finder. But the X100 *looks* more like a range finder...

Jamie123 · 08-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlitody

It came out just as everyone was gettiing very excited about the X100 release and seems to have been overlooked by everyone. I think RFFers are migrating to digital. Shame on them.

I think a lot of people got used to the prices on the second hand market and they're just not ready to pay this kind of money for a medium format rangefinder. The Bessa III was already a stretch but this one is quite a bit more expensive.

FWIW, I used to have a Bessa III and it was quite a nice camera. Viewfinder was excellent, exposure was spot on most of the times and the shutter was almost silent. In the end I sold it because I just didn't fall in love with the lens. Resolution was great but the ''bokeh'' didn't look too nice and there was some distortion at close focus distances which was bad for the kind of head and shoulder portraits I like to do.

sem · 08-10-2011

DrTebi, thanks very much for the Link, very interesting.
I think, it would have been nice if the lens was collapsible? And it is like Jamie says, I like to get a feeling for a camera, because most of the shops around don t have them.
Jeamie123, what kind of camera do use for your kind of work?
Thanks a lot
kind regards

Jamie123 · 08-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by sem

Jeamie123, what kind of camera do use for your kind of work?

For medium format I used to use a Hasselblad for a long time, then sold my kit when I got a DSLR and bought the Bessa III to keep as a light weight travel camera. Now that I sold the Bessa III I'm back to a Hasselblad kit. I really love the look I get with the lenses on the Hasselblad, the only thing I'm not completely in love with is the square frame. I might still get a Mamiya 7 at some point as a travel camera.

One thing to say, though, is that I didn't dislike the Bessa III at all. I wasn't actively planning on selling it but I got a good offer on it and decided to move on to something else.

kuzano · 08-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie123

For medium format I used to use a Hasselblad for a long time, then sold my kit when I got a DSLR and bought the Bessa III to keep as a light weight travel camera. Now that I sold the Bessa III I'm back to a Hasselblad kit. I really love the look I get with the lenses on the Hasselblad, the only thing I'm not completely in love with is the square frame. I might still get a Mamiya 7 at some point as a travel camera.

One thing to say, though, is that I didn't dislike the Bessa III at all. I wasn't actively planning on selling it but I got a good offer on it and decided to move on to something else.

Jamie... two cameras that may replace your Hasselblad with a 6X7 frame and keep the SLR format.

Bronica GS1 is 6X7 AND I think the Zenza lenses have leaf shutter in lens.

Mamiya 67, although I suspect you know about that one.

I've always had great results with Bronica cams and Zenza lenses.

hajime · 03-14-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie123

....
In the end I sold it because I just didn't fall in love with the lens. Resolution was great but the ''bokeh'' didn't look too nice and there was some distortion at close focus distances which was bad for the kind of head and shoulder portraits I like to do.

Sorry for budging in like this.

I'm keen to see how much distortion (barrelling I suppose) there is on close-up (70cm) shots. Only thing holding me back to get one of these sweet things

, so if anyone would like to share some close up portraits shot with the 667W/GF670W...

louisb · 3 Weeks Ago

Jazz Punt, Fujifilm GF670w, Kodak Portra 160 - Scanned with an Epson V700

DrTebi · 08-09-2011

There are now a few GF670W pictures on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=GF670W&m=tags

Check out the "original" size of the images--very large and detailed scans.

Quite an interesting camera, reminds me of the Plaubel Makina 67W.

John NYC · 08-15-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrTebi

There are now a few GF670W pictures on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=GF670W&m=tags

Check out the "original" size of the images--very large and detailed scans.

Quite an interesting camera, reminds me of the Plaubel Makina 67W.

There seems to a be a lot of vignetting on these (even when using the 6x6 mode as these are). I would suspect that the wide version on 6x7 is even worse given these flickr pics. I'm also getting these were shot at larger apertures.

I used to own the Bessa III 667 and wide open it had quite a bit of vignetting on the 6x7 setting wide open, but it went away as you stopped down.

KenR · 08-15-2011

I bought a GSW690 from KEH a few months ago - built like a tank (and weighs as much). Lens is great - quite sharp and contrasty. Downside = weight, lack of meter and the need to change film every few minutes. But, so far seems worth it. I intend to take it hiking with me - my wife may throw it off the mountain if the film change issue becomes enough of a hindrance to our plans. (She carries a digital P&S with a 4 gig card).

sem · 08-15-2011

Hi Tompas,

thanks for your help!

Redlion your a lucky man! If you travel, is the Gf670 enough? What else do you take with you?
And to all I like this thread, more opinions please.

Kind regards

Jamie123 · 08-10-2011

Also, if you want to put your hands on the camera, try one of these dealers: http://www.voigtlaender.de/cms/voigt...dih7sxeuz.html

sleepyhead · 08-10-2011

The Wide 667 looks like a nice camera (as does the Bessa III), but they are just too expensive in my opinion. For 3000 USD you could get a complete Mamiya 6 kit with 3 lenses.

But then, I'm not a big fan of 6x7 format - for those that are, I suppose these cameras are heavenly.

sem · 08-10-2011

Hi Jamie123, thanks for the Link. Might be a good idea to take one in hands.
I am not sure, what I want. Something light with diopter correction I think, my eyes are not so good this days, also thinking of a Mamiya 7 so I can have both wide and a bit tele.
Kind regards
sem

furcafe · 08-10-2011

I agree that the GF670W is too expensive for many, if not most, potential buyers, though that's understandable given the tiny market.

FYI, both the GF670/Bessa III & the GF670W are switchable between 6x6 & 6x7.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepyhead

The Wide 667 looks like a nice camera (as does the Bessa III), but they are just too expensive in my opinion. For 3000 USD you could get a complete Mamiya 6 kit with 3 lenses.

But then, I'm not a big fan of 6x7 format - for those that are, I suppose these cameras are heavenly.

DrTebi · 08-10-2011

I have recently been in Germany and went to a couple of the "official" Voigtländer dealers. To my surprise, none of them had the Bessa III on display, they told me that it is such an unusual item, that they can only do a special order on it.

I really wanted to get it into my hands as well, since I have been trying to get a Plaubel Makina W67 for a while, but collectors prices are steep. The Bessa III W is very similar with a few "modern" advantages, in about the same price range.

By the way, the Makina's lens is collapsible, as opposed to the Bessa III W. I have the Makina 670 and love it, I find it ideal for travelling, especially when hiking--it's compact and light weight (considering it's a medium format camera), a built-in light meter that works, and a fantastic lens.

furcafe · 08-10-2011

Since the camera is all-Japanese, Germany's probably not the place to find it. Adorama & B&H both have the GF670 for "only" $1664. It's a mystery to me, but the Fuji version of the hood is actually cheaper than the Cosina Voigtlander version.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrTebi

I have recently been in Germany and went to a couple of the "official" Voigtländer dealers. To my surprise, none of them had the Bessa III on display, they told me that it is such an unusual item, that they can only do a special order on it.

Jim Bradley · 08-10-2011

Here is a discussion on LF about the Fuji/Bessa wide started by Sandy King :
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ad.php?t=78597

Jim

hausen · 08-10-2011

I really like my Fuji GF670. Is so easy to use, packs down really small and fits in my bag with M9 + 3 lenses for travel. I really like the Fuji lens as well and also the freedom that a fixed lens gives me because I am not always second guessing myself on what to carry. Had the Mamiya 6 + 3 and I think I am happier with the Fuji. I use it more because of size and meter is certainly better. The Fuji only cost me $1650 from B&H and I think the wide option is definitely overpriced.

Tompas · 08-10-2011

I would have liked a 667 but decided to get a Pentax 67 instead and managed to find a good one with a 90mm lens for 300€. For my taste just to much of a price difference to the 2500€ or whatever a 667 costs.