Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

To complement an excellent but aging 1950's Zeiss Ikon Nettar, I wanted a medium format camera with modern features- ready for off the tripod, hand held shooting. I had thought this Fuji was the answer- and the results from two test rolls were excellent. However, my hands are small, and their constant touch against the bellows was an immediate issue when focusing or dialing the aperture while supporting the base of the camera with my palm. B&H has an excellent return policy. Thank you B&H.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I have a Hasselblad and was looking for something a bit easier to carry everywhere. I also considered a Mamiya 7, but opted for the greater portability of the GF670.

I've run about 25 rolls of film through my GF670 and here are my early impressions.

I carry mine in a lens wrap in a small shoulder bag. It's quick to pull out and get ready for shooting.

To me the camera appears almost absurdly large. It's heavy but well balanced -- oddly, it feels lighter when unfolded. The folding mechanism is quite sturdy and locks open without any play. The bellows look fragile and might make me think twice about pulling the camera out in harsh conditions.

The 6x6/6x7 format switch is inside the camera. Format is set when loading and cannot be changed midroll. The switch takes a bit more force than my fingernail can provide - I use a coin.

Loading is very easy with ingenious pop-outs to enable rapid insertion and removal of spools. I've had a couple of "fat rolls" - loosely wound rolls that allow light to leak in - from improper loading. Make sure that the backing paper is fairly taut across the back to the take-up reel.

For shooting the camera sits naturally in my hands with my left thumb resting on the focusing lug. The controls are generally well-placed and feel solid. I don't particularly like the shutter speed dial in the top left but I'm used to it. Even though the film advance is a wheel rather than a lever, winding is very easy and can be done with the thumb while the camera up to your eye.

The viewfinder is absolutely gorgeous: crystal-clear with a bright rangefinder patch and framelines. Very easy to focus even in the dark. Shutter speeds appear on the right and can be hard to see if you're looking at an angle. Aperture is not visible in the viewfinder.

The shutter is almost silent. For such a large camera it's quite unobtrusive and people seem to get used to it quickly.

I mostly shoot manual exposure but did try a few rolls on automatic with Velvia 50. Exposures were spot on. Exposure compensation of +/-2 stops is easy to dial in.

Screwing filters into the hood is a pain. I wish this was a bit easier.

All in all a great, portable, high-quality medium format camera.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I have been using this camera for a year and have been happy with the image quality until on my last road trip the camera slid of the backseat onto the carpeted car floor. I didn't think anything of it and continued shooting. All remaining three rolls came back completely out of focus on one side. The lens was shifted out of alignment with the back. Fuji did not take care of the repair for free.

Make sure you handle this camera with kid gloves.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I went through the run around of trying a lot of different 35mm camera systems various permutations of rangefinders, SLRs, Lenses etc. The photo quality was good, but didn't grab you. When it occurred to me that the easiest way to get much better quality was to ditch all this gear and just get a bigger negative instead.

I'm very happy with the GF670, it's very portable for a medium format camera, and it does exactly what you need it to do and no more. Focus, Exposure, Shutter Speed - Click. That simplicity makes the camera a joy to use on a daily basis.

The fact that its a NEW medium format film camera is worth mentioning. You get it factory fresh, with warranty, and unlike used cameras don't have to worry about what the previous owners did with it, or getting expensive repairs with hard to find parts.

The medium format photos are amazingly detailed, and scan much better than 35mm. I'd highly recommend you pick one up if you're ready to move on from 35mm.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I was inspired to write this review because I just got some transparencies back from the processor of a trip I took to the Swiss Alps last year and they are so unbelievably awesome. I have a great digital camera which I like for movies and candids, but, really, even in this digital age, there are things that digital still just can't do. For those times, this is your camera.

It's lightweight, dual format, modern and has all the features you need. If you are new to film, you will simply be blown away with the results.

Here's what always happens to me: I go on a trip, like my honeymoon last year to Paris, or a trip with my band to Basel, Switzerland and like everyone else, I bring a very high end digital camera and shoot away. I also bring this along and take special shots with it. I download all the images and movies from my digital into my laptop and make movies, vignettes and slide shows and remember the times that were forever captured in the images. As I shoot the digital, I let the film stack up and when I get home, eventually, I send the film off to get developed, half worried that I'm wasting money on images that I'd already gotten with my digital.

And then the little envelope with the photos and/or chrome film arrives and I open it and instead of laughing or remembering having "been there," I am totally speechless and I am there again. That's the power of the images that this camera delivers. I'm not saying you won't go back to digital, but you will understand the special place that film will always have, particulary when run through a camera of this caliber.

I love my GF670. I will never sell it and as long as they make film, I will never stop shooting with it. It will never not accompany me on a trip.

I have a Hasselblad, by the way, so I know the lens and results. Great camera. But it's bulky and doesn't have a built-in meter. It's not going to travel with you comfortably in a big pocket and fold up in your luggage easily.

By the way, the meter on the GF670 has never failed even once. It really is as easy as totally trusting the reading it gives you, and that's including chrome. I shoot mostly with Fuji 100 speed slide film. I don't bother to bracket anymore because you simply don't have to.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

this is a very easy camera to use and it made my transition into medium format photography very easy. Love the portability of the design, the ease of use and the accurate metering. The flexibility of 6x6 and 6x7 is a great feature. I had a defective unit on my first try (shutter would not fire properly) but B&H quickly replaced the unit and the film i had wasted before realizing that the shutter was not working. I have been able to get some of my best photos ever on just my first few rolls. Very happy with the camera.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

After 5 rolls of film this camera is really becoming a favorite. High quality construction and very compact when folded. All photos have been sharp and the meter appears accurate. Bought the hood and have used it for screw in filters. The hood/filter system works well. However it does take an extra minute to change out filters. Has not been an issue yet as I work slow and careful anyway.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

This camera was the answer to all my desires. I was looking for a high quality portable 6x7 or 6x9 camera I could take on trips. I already have a digital Canon 5D Mark II, but I wanted a film camera for those special shots. I've been lugging my Hasselblad along, but it is just too heavy. I was looking at the old Fuji rangefinders but they were a bit too big and required an external meter. The old 1960s folders were the right size, but lacked the quality and ease of use I desired. This camera addressed all my needs. It is well built, easy to use, small (for a 6x7), and fairly lightweight. In fact, it is easier to carry than the Canon. Of course, you need to be comfortable with the limitations of a rangefinder and the fixed lens. Think of it as a Texas size Leica which is portable.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I love the feel and look of this camera. I bought the Fuji GF670 because of the convenience of being able to use one camera to shoot both 6x6 and 6x7 without the need for roll film backs, and because I wanted something easily portable. Simply changing the internal switch before loading film expands or retracts the curtains that determine frame size. Can't be changed mid-roll, but why would you? Compact when closed, comfortable to use when open. The rangefinder patch is generous and bright; the framelines are bright, with an indicator for size in the lower right corner of the frame. Parallax correction as you focus. Lens is incredibly sharp in the range of focus, and the bokeh is beautiful. Shutter is the quietest I've ever used, and I've owned and extensively used the Mamiya 7, Rolleiflex, and Leica cameras. If there's a lot of ambient noise, you won't hear the shutter go off. My mouse clicker is noisier by far. So far my exposures have been spot on using the built in center-weighted light meter. I've not attempted any extraordinary lighting conditions, but am confident that I could compensate accurately using the built in meter. Though it weighs in at 1 lb., with my OP/TECH neck strap I don't feel burdened. I also comfortably carry it in a nice waist-pack with small accessories and film.

I find it takes some getting used to the placement of the focus ring and aperture ring, but they are easily distinguished. The frame lines in the lower right corner are obscured by the lens/bellows, so you can't see what's in the image at that point. A minor annoyance, but one to be aware of. I had similar problems with every rangefinder camera I've used, especially big lenses with hoods--like the Leica Noctilux.

You can't close the camera unless you set the lens to infinity, or if you have a filter on. Neither is an issue with me; I've owned classic folders in the past and was aware of both concerns and I don't find this to be an inconvenience. I didn't like the price of the lens hood @ $80 +/-, so I opted for a 58mm to series 6 adapter that allows me to use my series 6 filters. The official hood takes 40.5 mm filters, same size as the series 6, so this should be an acceptable alternative. I'll let you know how that works.

This is not a camera for speed shooters. I like that I slow down to shoot, and that's one reason I bought this camera. It suits my style, interests, and aesthetic. I also shoot 35mm and large format up to 8x10.

In all, I'm pleased with this camera for its ease and simplicity of use, its feel and balance in my hands, the quality of its lens which is sharp where you want it, and a smooth bokeh beyond that range of focus.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

This is a great camera that will make you feel so good about photography. I makes you slow down and think twice before taking a picture. Your keeper rate will be much higher. Image quality is superb. I love Delta 3200 for its grain and low light capability and Pan F for landscape photography. Solid, well built, so easy to enjoy. Buy without hesitation and let your creativity flow through its gorgeous viewfinder.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

This is a follow-up to my review of 12/3/10 below. The GF 670 continues to be a very useable and great camera and a lot of FUN to use. I would like to add a few notes about using it in the field which I hope will be helpful. But first be aware that in the review below by Alexander there are a few issues: 1) the viewfinder 'cover' is tight on my camera and should not be coming loose on yours; 2) the shutter release is smooth and easy, never hard to push - you should call Fuji and speak to the repair person for advice on this. They are VERY helpful by the way. I spoke to them before purchasing the camera and got excellent information on the reliability of the camera which is tops unless you mess-up and force the camera to close without returning the focusing ring to infinity which you must really TRY to do anyway. I don't know what Alexander means by having an issue with changing the orientation of the camera - works well from both shoulder and from around your neck - not sure what the issue is here. OK, enough said on that. The camera is great in the field. I usually wear it around my neck - not heavy at all and this protects it best and then it is ready for use - I shift to shoulder carry only when not immediately in use and then I often put the case back on. I recommend you buy the case - keeps the camera pristine when not in use. It's easier than you would think to put on and take off - very nice and soft leather - I stick it in my pants pocket but not totally satisfied with this - worry it may fall out but hasn't so far. I also suggest you buy the lens hood and a filter or two. I use a small Tamrac pouch on my belt to hold several rolls of film and the secondary filter. I carry the lens hood with a filter attached in my upper breast shirt pocket. With this configuration of belt pouch and breast pocket you are ready to go. Changing the filter in the lens hood requires you to stop and take a seat for a minute - can't easily do it on the run Also, changing film is extremely easy but requires you to stop and take a seat as well. One exception is when you are with a friend and nowhere to take a seat, you can ask your friend to simply hold the camera in the palms of their hand and you can change the film, no problem since the camera is light and easy to handle. It's nice to use filters with the rangefinder because obviously you do not look through the filter as with an SLR so your viewing is always bright - just remember to adjust the exposure compensator appropriately if using b/w color filters. Well, that's about it, a truly great camera - especially when you are traveling. Enjoy!!!!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

It's hard to take a quality medium format camera on a trip - they are always too bulky, or too heavy. The GF670 solves this problem beautifully - when folded up, it is slim enough to fit into any bag.

The viewfinder is fantastic! Bright and easy to focus. Anyone who loves rangefinders will know that under a lot of situations, they so much easier to focus than SLRs.

I have use it to shoot b/w films, and the quality of lens is outstanding - it is sharp and has great contrast. It pairs beautifully with the Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100.

Metering is spot on - it functions very well under most situation. The most important thing is that it is predictable, unlike the sophisticated matrix metering that always left me trying to decide if I should second guess the camera's recommendation to compensate. With this camera, the metering functions exactly the way you think it should, and you can be confident of doing any compensation accordingly when the lighting situation gets more complex.

And you can talk about the camera without mentioning the shutter - it so dead quiet. It is so dead quiet because it is an electronic shutter. The tripping is so subtle and smooth and every click delights you.

For the square format lovers - with the slide of a switch, it shoots 12 frames in your favorite aspect ratio.

Because of the ease of use and compactness, it will surely get a lot more use compared to your other medium format gears if you enjoy street photography.

I think the investment made on this camera is well worth the money!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

This is a niche product.... it's elegant, it's a solid performer, and it's expensive.This is one of those camera's where it takes awesome photos, it's super sharp, it's fun to use, it feels good in your hands, but you have to *want* to take it out with you - it's not a first choice for every shot, but it can be.Anyway, it's a lot of fun to use, it feels great in your hands, and most importantly, the lens produces tack sharp photos.I wish it would allow me to add a filter and I wish attaching a lens hood wasn't such a pain in the neck. If you spend [$] on this, definitely spend a hundred on the leather case to protect it. I didn't at first, and it was getting banged around pretty good due to the sheer size of it.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

This is a nice 6x7 folder, I wish they would it make the same size as 6x9, as I like that much better. I just got my first roll back and it looks nice. If there is one thing I have to critizize than it is that you can not fold the camera with a filter, as the folding mechanism is just soo tight.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

this camera is great

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

Use as my daily MF camera. Easy to carry with me everywhere, folds up very nice. Construction is solid and well designed.
People mentioned issues with ergonomics and I'm not sure why. It feels great in hand and use. Finder is awesome, bright and everything one needs to make the shot is visible.
Very happy with purchase!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I wanted a lighter, easier to carry camera to replace an aging Hasselblad 500C & lenses & backs. At my age carrying 80 pounds of gear is inhibiting. This Fujifilm GF670 lightens my load & I can take it anywhere. The negs are sharp and the camera is easy to hand hold (to 1/30th!!), though I carry a light weight carbon tripod in the field. I use the camera for shooting in the city as well and people comment on the retro-look.
The one small drawback, the reason I didn't rate it a 5, is the need to remove any filter & lens hood before closing the camera. Given the compact nature of the camera it is necessary but a frustration. I would buy this camera again. Time will tell if it can hold up to constant use but, I'm happy with it so far.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I am basically a street photographer and Fuji GF670 meets very well my needs. Used to have Mamiya 7II but it is not as portable as this one. My preference for a lens is within the normal range so no interchangeable lens is not a limitation.

Viewfinder is awesome, quite big and parallax correction implementation is nice.

6x6 and 6x7 options is definitely a plus.
It's a pleasure to have one of this machines being produced at this time. Price is expensive but IMO totally worth it.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I have a Fuji GA645zi which I have had for about 10 yrs. and I love it. It's a medium format, collapsible camera which has autofocus, winds the film, includes a light meter and has a pop-up flash. There's only one problem with it- it's shortest focus distance is not close enough for portraits. That is why I was interested in the GF670. It also has an included light meter which is great (which is not the case in older models of collapsible medium format cameras from earlier decades). It folds up beautifully and is incredibly quiet. It accomplishes the task of shooting portraits at arms length wonderfully, but the fact that it is manual focus is a bit challenging for me as I am not used to old-style range finder focus common to Leica cameras. So my first few rolls were hit-and-miss in terms of focus, but the meter was spot on and my mobility with the camera is fantastic. No fumbling for lenses to attach to a body as is the case with medium format SLRs. I'm sure I'll get used to the focus with more practice. It's also a beautiful camera and people seem to be interested in it when I pull it out for a portrait. It's a brilliant invention!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I read a review of this product online, the reviewer received the camera from B&H.... he stated that it made a Leica M sound like a freight train.... I have owned a half-dozen Leicas and thought that statement would be stretch, Not so! This is the quietest camera that I have ever owned and so much fun! It is like an M camera on steroids wearing ballet slippers. Bigger neg and quieter! The best of both worlds! Excellent low light shooter and a bonus you get 6x6 and 6x7 formats... The meter is spot on! As a large-format shooter this camera fills the void when you want something a little more portable!