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Fujifilm sticks with film


BJP has learnt that Fujifilm will introduce a new film-based medium format camera this spring.

First shown as a prototype at the Photokina trade show in Cologne last year, the GF670 Professional will now be released in Japan in mid-March as a portable folding bellows camera, jointly developed by Fujifilm and Cosina. The production may be limited to just 5000 units.

Its most unusual feature is a mechanism for switching between two different film formats - 6x7cm and 6x6cm. It is also fitted with an 80mm f/3.5 fixed focal length lens, which is composed of six glass elements in four groups. The GF670 has an automatic lens shutter, and an SPD sensor with both automatic and manual autofocus. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 25 to 3200.

With its official announcement in Japan, new details have also emerged. The GF670 will weigh 1kg and measure 178x109x138mm when opened. The body is cast in magnesium alloy with aluminium parts, and the camera can be fitted with a hotshoe flash.

In Japan, the GF670 will be released with soft leather case and a dedicated lens hood. Pricing has yet to be communicated.

While Fujifilm will release the GF670 under its own brand in Japan, the medium-format camera has been renamed the Voigtlander Bessa III 667 outside of Japan, where Cosina is likely to have sole distribution. However, according to a distributor in France, 'Fujifilm and Cosina have still not reached a decision for the camera's release outside of Japan.'

Fujifilm UK was unable to say whether it would be selling the camera in Britain.

For further information and product images, check BJP's blog at 1854.eu.