Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera

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!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I'm a photographer who primarily uses film (and will continue to use film as the digital world progresses), travels heavily, and cares considerably about quality and reliability in the equipment I use. I decided to purchase this camera for these perks:

1. it offers two (6x6, 6x7) shooting formats (that's easy to use)
2. insanely light weight
3. a great compact size

What i've continued to enjoy about the camera is how easy it's been to use (it's becoming my 3rd arm) and how strong of workhorse camera it is. As light as it is, someone might suspect the bellows and folding parts to be on the weak side but this is not true! Like the other reviews state: Lens is very sharp, light metering is spot on, and film is incredibly easy to load.

I'm in love the simplicity of this camera. Sure it doesn't have a self timer, but if someone didn't mention it I would have never thought of taking a picture of myself anyway. It would be cool if you could change lenses, but you can't, and I'm fine with that. I have other cameras that can do that.

I was initially really irked by price, but I've owned the camera for a few months now and I've been so pleased that I don't even think about it. I think if you are the kind of photographer that can value this camera for it's uniqueness, originality and simplicity in this digital age, you will love it. I think it's a great camera for film photographers (professional, amateur, or not) who can revel in the fact that someone has the courage to bring back a camera like this. I feel like it's obvious that this camera isn't going to reach a lot of people, partially because of it's price and because of where the demand is. If you can shell out the bucks, and it isn't the only camera you need, I would go for it. Who knows, this might be the last camera of this kind.

PS i thought watching a video review of the camera was helpful in gauging the size. it's flat, but it has the same size of say a mamiya 7.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

Good quality reasonable price. Overall a good compact camera for 120/220 film.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I use the GF670 as a less cumbersome and more flexible alternative to my 8x10 view camera and my Leica S2. Some of my favorite features/ advantages of this camera include:1.) Due to the folding lens design, it is the most compact, fully functioned medium format camera I have ever used. I have 3 jackets that I regularly wear during the colder times of the year and the GF670 fits snugly in the pockets of 2 of them. This makes it ideal for me as a high quality "pocket cam" solution. That is pretty cool, because I challenge anyone to put a hassy or the mamiya 7II in their pocket!2.) I have shot over 150 rolls of 120 with the GF670 and have zero shots where the built in light meter has not functioned properly. Granted, I am a VERY cautious shooter, but the light meter will prove extremely reliable even for a more relaxed style of shooting.3.) The lens is tack sharp all the way through wide open @ f3.5. Vignetting is well controlled and the overall look of the final photo seems to be a hybrid between the clean look of fuji's hc line for Hasselblad & the older zeiss glass on the V line. Please note that this is a precision instrument, so if you are interested in the creatively flawed look of a holga, this will NOT deliver that look.4.) The GF670 is VERY usable & reliable for in-studio use. I have been shooting side by side my Large Format View & my Leica S2 with the 70mm and can tell you that the photos that come out of this camera are almost always chosen over the Leica Shots... I don't know if it is a format issue (6x7 vs 3:2) or a perspective issue (larger imaging area) but frankly, it's a little disheartening to know this 2k camera & $4 roll of portra can out-deliver my $25k Leica ;-(5.) This thing is built like a tank! I have read a lot of reviews speculating about the fragility of the bellows & folding mechanism and can tell you not to worry. I estimate I have opened and closed the thing over 2000 times and everything works & looks like new. I lead a very active lifestyle and am incredibly demanding of my gear, so the fact that this thing is still working flawlessly, is a testament to it's build quality.6.) The focusing is really easy and accurate mostly due to the impressive view finder... I have always preached the gospel of the leica m line, but have to say, now when I go back to my "old mp", it just doesn't seem as 'WOW' as it used to.7.) The shutter is insanely quiet & provides virtually no shake. With the exception of the issues with the shutter release (see below), I can handhold this camera down to 1/15th with excellent results!Some of the things that I don't like about the GF670:1.) The viewfinder cover is screw on, but easily unscrews itself when in a camera bag or a pocket. I used a little lock-tight on it, but don't really know how I am going to get it off when I need to replace it...2.) The strap is on the left side of the camera. This means that when I am shoulder carrying it I have to correct the orientation of the camera before I can shoot. VERY awkward and I still haven't adapted my style to this...3.) The shutter release is stiff, sudden, & heavy like a desert eagle trigger. It takes A LOT of pressure to get it to fire. This is great to avoid accidental exposure, but can also get in the way of low light hand held shots because of the awkward way it releases.4.) If you are a selective focus lover, you will be disappointed by the lack of bokeh that the GF670 will create. Even wide open at the closest point of focus, background elements are still clearly distinguishable. Not a big deal to me, but I know some peoples shooting styles rely heavily on shallow DOF and this would be a big deal to them.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

Ok, it should be noted that this is a medium format camera. Film is more expensive per shot and practically every colour roll will have to go to the Lab (although BW is quite easy to develop at home). However the frame and resolution is insane! For me, it's quality over quantity every time.

As for the camera itself, let's start with the good news.... it's stunning! It feels just perfect in my hand. It should be noted that i have BIG hands though! The viewfinder is HUGE, which is great for me as i wear glasses. The rangefinder patch is one of the clearest and brightest i have ever seen. The film transport is smooth, winding is super easy. Setting aperture/iso/shutter is a breeze and the meter is dead on!

Bad news? Well it is still a big camera! I mean considering it's 6x6/6x7 MF camera, it's not big....but it's still not something the will sit in your coat pocket or purse. A backpack sure, but you'll feel that weight alright.

I have a cross body strap, which seems to be the ideal way to carry it. Again i'm a big guy so the weight and size doesn't bother me at all...it's
just something to know if your preferring something smaller.

Also, i wish there were more accessories available. I would love a nice half-case for this and not the full over-priced case Fuji offers. But this is just a minor quibble.

in the end i LOVE this camera, will be by my side the next few years and certainly feels durable enough to do so...

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

I think a digital version of this camera would be a real hit! Keep the same body style, with fold out lens and rangefinder focusing. Have a large LCD screen on the back with LiveView. I figure that somewhere between 32 and 50 megapixels would be about right (have different models, in a variety of price ranges, available). I hope Fuji reads this review and makes it available, soon!

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

Very nice camera to walk about with. It is compact (fits in a laptop bag and/or under a winter coat). Weight is not an issue. Sturdily constructed and the folding mechanism is very robust. Lens is nice and sharp. Meter is accurate enough. Super silent shutter.

The big thing is the finder. Bright and very clear with a nice strong RF patch.

The camera is superb for travel since it takes up very little space and will sit on a compact tripod without being too heavy.

6x6/6x7 option very useful as well.

The sole drawback relates to filters (they must be removed to close the camera) but the hood goes some distance to correct that. Overall a top-notch camera.

Comments about Fujifilm GF670 Rangefinder Folding Camera:

There were two reasons that I bought this camera:
1) compactness
2) allows 6X6

It's not the most beautiful camera you have seen. This could be due to the fact that it's not symmetrical BUT...

It's very very light, much more than I expected. I have a Mamiya 7II and this camera seems a lot lighter. I really like the folding aspect of the Fuji. It's easy, seems well thought of. The small catch is to remember to focus to infinity before closing. There are lots of stickers on the camera to remind you of this.

The shutter is super super quiet. It's almost doesn't sound like a shutter and more like a chirp!...It's definitely quieter than my Mamiya 7 II.

One aspect that I wasn't sure about is the lack of the ability to have a filter on the lens all the time. All of my lenses have filters, just in case. For this camera, I bought the matching hood. It works very well.

Also, with the camera open, I would guess that it's not meant to be used
in any kind of extreme weather, i.e. Rain, snow...

I am pretty happy so far...