Voigtlander Bessa III Vs Fuji GF670: Which Is Best?
Hey guys, today we're diving deep into a comparison that's been on the minds of many medium format film photography enthusiasts: the Voigtlander Bessa III versus the Fuji GF670. Both cameras are renowned for their compact design, exceptional image quality, and user-friendly operation, making them top contenders for photographers seeking a portable medium format experience. Let's break down their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which one might be the perfect fit for your photographic journey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out with film, understanding the nuances of these cameras can significantly impact your creative process and the final results you achieve.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 exude a sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Voigtlander Bessa III, also known as the Makina 670 in some markets, boasts a classic rangefinder design with a sturdy, yet lightweight, body. Its compact form factor makes it incredibly portable, allowing you to carry it around with ease without sacrificing the benefits of medium format photography. The camera feels solid in hand, and the controls are well-placed and intuitive, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience. The folding design, a signature feature of the Bessa III, further enhances its portability, making it an ideal companion for travel and street photography.
On the other hand, the Fuji GF670, also recognized as the Bessa III in certain regions, shares a similar rangefinder aesthetic and a robust build quality. Fuji's expertise in camera manufacturing is evident in the GF670's construction, which ensures durability and reliability. Like the Bessa III, the GF670 is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it a practical choice for photographers on the go. The camera's controls are thoughtfully arranged, providing easy access to essential settings and functions. Both cameras feature a high level of precision in their construction, reflecting their status as premium medium format options. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preferences regarding ergonomics and specific design elements. However, in terms of sheer build quality and attention to detail, both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 stand out as exceptional examples of camera engineering.
Lens Performance
Lens performance is arguably the most critical aspect of any camera, and both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 deliver exceptional results in this area. The Voigtlander Bessa III is equipped with a high-quality 80mm f/3.5 lens, which is known for its sharpness, clarity, and beautiful rendering of colors. This lens is capable of capturing stunningly detailed images with excellent contrast and minimal distortion. The lens's fast aperture allows for shallow depth of field effects, making it ideal for portraits and isolating subjects from their backgrounds. Additionally, the lens's performance in low-light conditions is commendable, enabling photographers to capture clear and vibrant images even in challenging lighting situations. The overall optical quality of the Bessa III's lens is a major factor in its appeal among medium format enthusiasts.
The Fuji GF670 features an equally impressive 80mm f/3.5 lens that rivals the Voigtlander in terms of sharpness, clarity, and overall image quality. Fuji's lens technology is renowned for its ability to produce images with exceptional detail and accurate color reproduction. The GF670's lens is particularly well-regarded for its ability to capture fine details and subtle tonal variations, resulting in images that are rich and lifelike. Like the Bessa III, the GF670's lens offers a fast aperture for shallow depth of field effects and performs admirably in low-light conditions. The optical performance of the Fuji GF670's lens is a testament to Fuji's commitment to excellence in lens design and manufacturing. Ultimately, both cameras provide outstanding lens performance, making them capable of producing professional-quality images that meet the demands of even the most discerning photographers. The choice between the two may come down to subtle differences in rendering style, but in terms of overall optical quality, both lenses are exceptional.
Metering and Exposure
Metering and exposure are crucial for achieving well-balanced and properly exposed photographs, and both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 offer reliable metering systems. The Voigtlander Bessa III features a built-in light meter that provides accurate exposure readings, helping photographers to achieve optimal results in various lighting conditions. The metering system is designed to be user-friendly, with clear and easy-to-understand readouts that allow photographers to quickly adjust their settings. The Bessa III's metering system is particularly effective in handling challenging lighting situations, such as high-contrast scenes, ensuring that highlights and shadows are properly balanced. The camera also offers exposure compensation, allowing photographers to fine-tune their settings to achieve their desired look. Overall, the Bessa III's metering system is a valuable tool for photographers seeking consistent and accurate exposure control.
The Fuji GF670 also incorporates a sophisticated metering system that delivers precise and reliable exposure readings. Fuji's expertise in metering technology is evident in the GF670's ability to accurately assess light levels and provide optimal exposure recommendations. The camera's metering system is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing photographers to quickly and confidently set their exposure parameters. Like the Bessa III, the GF670 offers exposure compensation, giving photographers the flexibility to adjust their settings to suit their creative vision. The GF670's metering system is particularly adept at handling a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to low-light environments, ensuring that images are consistently well-exposed. Both cameras provide excellent metering capabilities, making them suitable for photographers of all skill levels. The choice between the two may depend on personal preferences regarding the specific interface and features of the metering system, but in terms of overall accuracy and reliability, both cameras perform admirably.
Usability and Handling
When it comes to usability and handling, both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 are designed to provide a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience. The Voigtlander Bessa III is known for its ergonomic design, which makes it easy to hold and operate for extended periods. The camera's controls are logically arranged and easily accessible, allowing photographers to quickly adjust settings without taking their eye off the subject. The Bessa III's rangefinder focusing system is smooth and precise, enabling photographers to achieve sharp focus with ease. The camera's viewfinder is bright and clear, providing a comfortable viewing experience and accurate framing. Additionally, the Bessa III's compact size and lightweight construction make it a pleasure to carry around, whether you're shooting on the streets or exploring new locations. Overall, the Bessa III's usability and handling are major factors in its popularity among medium format enthusiasts.
The Fuji GF670 shares many of the same usability and handling characteristics as the Bessa III. Fuji's attention to detail is evident in the GF670's ergonomic design, which ensures a comfortable and secure grip. The camera's controls are well-placed and intuitive, allowing photographers to quickly access essential settings. The GF670's rangefinder focusing system is accurate and reliable, making it easy to achieve sharp focus. The camera's viewfinder is bright and clear, providing a comfortable and immersive shooting experience. Like the Bessa III, the GF670 is compact and lightweight, making it a practical choice for photographers who value portability. Both cameras offer a user-friendly and enjoyable shooting experience, making them suitable for photographers of all skill levels. The choice between the two may come down to personal preferences regarding specific ergonomic features or control layouts, but in terms of overall usability and handling, both cameras excel.
Price and Availability
Price and availability are important considerations when choosing between the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670. The Voigtlander Bessa III, being a sought-after medium format camera, typically commands a premium price on the used market. Its relative rarity and the demand from film photography enthusiasts contribute to its higher cost. Availability can also be a factor, as finding a Bessa III in good condition may require some searching and patience. However, for those who value its unique features and exceptional image quality, the investment may be well worth it. Despite the higher price point, the Bessa III remains a desirable option for photographers seeking a compact and high-performing medium format camera.
The Fuji GF670, similarly, is a premium camera that also tends to be priced at the higher end of the spectrum. Its reputation for excellent image quality and reliable performance contributes to its value in the used market. Like the Bessa III, the GF670 may require some effort to locate, as availability can vary depending on market conditions. However, its widespread popularity among film photographers ensures that there are usually options available for those who are willing to invest in this exceptional camera. When considering the price and availability of both cameras, it's important to weigh the benefits of their features and performance against your budget and availability constraints. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual priorities and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Voigtlander Bessa III and the Fuji GF670 are exceptional medium format cameras that offer a unique blend of portability, image quality, and user-friendly operation. The Voigtlander Bessa III stands out for its classic rangefinder design, robust build quality, and exceptional lens performance. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it an ideal companion for travel and street photography. The Fuji GF670, on the other hand, boasts a similar level of quality and performance, with its own unique set of features and characteristics. Both cameras offer reliable metering systems, comfortable handling, and the ability to produce stunningly detailed and vibrant images. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and specific photographic needs. Whether you opt for the Voigtlander Bessa III or the Fuji GF670, you can be confident that you're investing in a high-quality camera that will provide years of enjoyment and exceptional results. So, grab your film, choose your camera, and get out there to capture the world in beautiful medium format!
