Yes please!
I use my Mamiya 645 quite a lot, but I would probably use (and carry) a folder even more. I am also attracted by the larger format.
As for price, I would expect to pay somewhere between £350 to £500, although I might stretch to £600.
However, what I'm not sure about at present is whether this camera has a light meter. Does anyone know?
Nigel CRIPN and Bar
Beware of the Dark Slide
It is reported to have ApAE = meter. But the inclusion of AE in a folding camera with between-the-lens shutter (behind, even) poses some interesting questions about the electronic coupling of the lens to the 'cpu'. The photos strongly suggest that the meter cell is in the body, next to the v/f.
The problem is no worse than e.g. connecting the display in the lid of a notebook computer to the main circuitry in the base. Flexible ribbon cables can be made very thin and will still be perfectly effective so long as a heavy current draw is not expected. They could be embedded in the bellows.But the inclusion of AE in a folding camera with between-the-lens shutter (behind, even) poses some interesting questions about the electronic coupling of the lens to the 'cpu'.
Is the shutter electronic or clockwork?
If you're not living on the edge, you're wasting space
I think the original news story said electronic. I could be wrong of course! (And not for the first time)
Dave
I'd hope that the shutter is electrically powered and electronically timed. The worst case would be separate mechanical shutter cocking and wind-on: that would be a pain, slowing operation somewhat. Autococking (mechanical) would involve a lot more mechanical linkage between the body (winder) and lens panel, so my guess is a fully "fly-by-wire" shutter (plus an 'Armstrong Winder').Is the shutter electronic or clockwork?
I'm off to Wm Hill's with a 50p wager this very minute.
The point being that, in that case, there needs to be electrical linkage between the lens panel and the body to supply power to the shutter even if there was no metering at all, or if the meter light sensor was mounted on the lens panel. Makes lots of sense to do it that way, you can have the shutter release on the body; the major irritation of by old Ensign 820 (RIP) was the shutter release, on the lens, being very awkward if hand holding the thing.I think the original news story said electronic.
If you're not living on the edge, you're wasting space
Damien,
based on the interest this thread has demonstrated to exist, are you able on behalf of the contributors to draw Fuji UK's attention to it? I'd be happy for Fuji to have my contact details so they can alert me if they do decide to proceed. Putting up a webpage to register interest on the Fuji UK site wouldn't be too hard for them to do, and a note from you through AP alerting us all to the webpage would probably suffice.
I'd like one, and would be prepared to pay £500-650 for it with a 60mm lens, or £350-450 for one with a 80mm lens. Any more and we're into the price range of a used Mamiya 7 plus standard lens.
James
I still have my mother's Zeis Ikonta 6 x 9, which is the first camera I used. The trick to deal with the lens mounted shutter is to use a short cable release; you trap the finger hold between the top of the camera and your forefinger and release it with the thumb. The thought of a modern camera thats as handy to carry, with coated optics, a rangefinder, medium wide lens and exposure meter makes me drool.
Me too.The thought of a modern camera thats as handy to carry, with coated optics, a rangefinder, medium wide lens and exposure meter makes me drool.
.......... And if a film manufacturer is planning to release a new film camera, it makes a lot of sense for the camera to expose as many silver halide crystals as possible every time the shutter button is pressed.
Nigel CRIPN and Bar
Beware of the Dark Slide
My Ensign (Also RIP efectivly) has a body-mounted shutter release with a fancy link to the lens. It also has a fairly effective double-exposure prevention.
Dave
I would love one, but when I asked at the Fuji stand at the NEC all I was met with was blank stares. No one knew anything about it. Either they are keeping quiet or one part of the company is not talking to the other.
TBH I was rather surprised there was mention of film on the Fuji stand, never mind film cameras.
Someone on a forum I was reading the other day said they understood it was only intended for the Japanese home market. I've no idea what the basis for that remark was, so take it with however large a pinch of salt you see fit, but certainly it wouldn't be without precedent for a Japanese camera maker to do such a thing. OTOH, if it were the case, why show it at PMA? I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Perhaps they're sure they want to make it for Japan, but were unsure about the global market, hence wanted to guage the response?
Yes, possibly. In which case I hope they're getting encouraging feedback on it. I'd like to see it produced and sold here, even though I won't actually be in the market for one myself (though only because I've already got a Mamiya 6).
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