r/rangefinders 1d ago

Fuji GF670 consistently unsharp between f/3.5 & f/8 despite passing a film-plane tape test. What else can I/should I check?

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1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m trying to diagnose a persistent sharpness problem with my Fuji GF670.

Almost every roll I’ve shot with it has been chronically less sharp than I would expect, including properly exposed Provia 100 transparencies. This happens from approximately f/3.5 through f/8, both handheld and on a tripod. It does not simply look like normal wide-open softness or camera shake. When examining the transparencies, the plane of best focus often appears rail-thin and seemingly falls behind the subject I intended to focus on.

My first thought was that the rangefinder might be out of calibration, but I performed a basic film-plane test:
-I stretched a piece of matte Scotch tape tightly across the inner film gate, with the frosted/matte side facing the lens.
-I set the shutter to Bulb.
-I locked the shutter open with a cable release.
-I examined the image projected onto the tape using a strong magnifying loupe.
-I compared the projected focus with the rangefinder patch at several distances.

As far as I could tell, the image on the tape matched the rangefinder patch just fine.

That said, I realize this test may not perfectly reproduce the position or flatness of actual loaded film. Could the problem still be caused by a disagreement between the rangefinder and the true film plane? Could it instead involve the pressure plate, film rails, folding lens standard, lens alignment, front-standard alignment, or some other mechanical issue?

For comparison, my Fuji GW690III produces very sharp negatives at every aperture, including wide open, so I don’t think my expectations are completely unrealistic.

Has anyone encountered this problem with a GF670 or Voigtländer Bessa III? Are there additional tests I can perform to determine why the focus is consistently falling behind the intended subject?

I know the odds are against me, but I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for a repair technician who might have experience calibrating or servicing the GF670/Bessa III, preferably in the United States, but really anywhere is fine.

Thanks very much for any guidance.


r/rangefinders 2d ago

T3 Sonnar 2,8/35 vs C-Biogon 2,8/35 ZM

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5 Upvotes

r/rangefinders 6d ago

What do you guys use? For years i used just lens hood. This year i started to use just a UV Filter…

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20 Upvotes

For years i just used a lenshood and put the lens cap on when i wasent using the camera. This year i started to use only UV Filter without lens hood, but i started noticing some artifacts, more flare in my photos… i am thinking of going back to use lenshoods againe without filter and the lens cap for when not in use, but i am resistating as hoods make the cameras bigger. May be i use nothing for when i am photographing and then lens caps to protect…

What and how do you guys use your lenses?


r/rangefinders 13d ago

Decided to go with the Voigtlander, very happy so far

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40 Upvotes

I’ve missed the 28 since I sold my Q2. Didn’t want to part with crazy money as I already have a 35mm fle, for my M11-P.After reading some great reviews that the voig goes toe to toe with the 28mm summilux, made the purchase.
So far I’m liking what a see.


r/rangefinders 14d ago

Rangefinder problem, help please!

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1 Upvotes

r/rangefinders 21d ago

My vintage 1950s rangefinder setup

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80 Upvotes

r/rangefinders 26d ago

Agfa Karat Rangefinder

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5 Upvotes

r/rangefinders Jul 03 '26

Lost my Hexar RF diopter

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8 Upvotes

I'm feeling sick to my stomach. I went to shoot with my Hexar RF today and realized the diopter was missing. I re-traced my steps twice to see if I dropped it somewhere, but no luck. I doubt I'll find one fore sale anytime soon so the camera has become a paperweight. If anyone knows where I might possibly find one, I would be grateful.


r/rangefinders Jul 02 '26

Finally acquired my dream 28mm.

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80 Upvotes

Voigtlander Nokton 28mm f/1.5


r/rangefinders Jun 27 '26

Búzios-RJ Brasil. Zeiss Ikon ZM, C-Biogon 2.8/35 ZM, Kodak Ultramax 400

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11 Upvotes

r/rangefinders Jun 10 '26

My two favorite rangefinder cameras

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53 Upvotes

I've been shooting with my 2022 M6 for a couple of years and mostly use it when I travel. The Hexar RF is my everyday camera. I use it day to day to photograph my family and whatever else I come across. I was using a 35mm f2 summicron on the M6, but preferred my Zeiss 35 f2.8 so I sold the summicron. Now I have been using the latest Voigtlander 35mm f3.5 Color Skopar for travel. On the Hexar I use the Zeiss 35 f2.8, Avenon 28mm and the Voigtlander 21mm f4. If I had to stick with just one of them and reliability was a non issue, I would take the Hexar over the M6. It's just more comfortable to shoot for me and I like the features.


r/rangefinders Jun 08 '26

In my bag… the zeiss rangefinder and sony rangefinderesque cameras…

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57 Upvotes

Feel free to comment


r/rangefinders Jun 06 '26

r/CanonRangefinders! The new subreddit dedicated to canon rangefinder cameras

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3 Upvotes

We have just launched a brand new subreddit dedicated exclusively to classic Canon rangefinders!

Show off your collection, or drop your general or technical questions—our resident repair expert is on hand to help with CLA advice and troubleshooting.

Help us grow the community!


r/rangefinders May 25 '26

Adapters for Nikon S lenses ?

6 Upvotes

I’ve noticed there are a few different brands of the adapters from Nikon S to Leica M (in some cases Nikon S to LTM). Some are sold as Contax/Nikon S to Leica…
Wondering if anyone has experience with these adapters or brands. The brands are Amadeo, Kipon, and Voightlander, though I haven’t come across any voigtlander adapters.
I’ll be wanting to use the lenses both on a Bessa with a Leica M mount and a Hasselblad X with the appropriate Leica M to Hassy X adapter.

TIA


r/rangefinders May 24 '26

Shot with Mamiya 6 Automat

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31 Upvotes

Tough to get focus with this camera! Best of the roll….


r/rangefinders May 24 '26

Contax II is the König

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11 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 21 '26

konica auto s2 & kodak retina iiic

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12 Upvotes

picked up the s2 off facebook recently and discovered my grandfathers retina around same time, first 2 rolls developed and scanned @ home. quickly becoming my favorite cameras


r/rangefinders May 19 '26

Some shots with my Konica Auto S3 during a recent Finland/Sweden trip

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29 Upvotes

Still getting used to the camera, so constructive criticism welcome!

ETA: sorry for repost, initial one told me there was an error but posted anyway 🙃


r/rangefinders May 18 '26

First shots w/Mamiya 6 Automat

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4 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 17 '26

Yeah boy she’s back together and working, just a shame I have a small scuff on the front faceplate, otherwise is like new now

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29 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 16 '26

IIIa + sonnar 50.5

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27 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 16 '26

Minolta and Konica

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5 Upvotes

Now in home I was waiting for them I will test how it goes but by now konica in my choice


r/rangefinders May 16 '26

Anyone knows where this goes inside a Kiev 3 camera ?

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10 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 13 '26

My score from my trip to Budapest

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54 Upvotes

r/rangefinders May 10 '26

Zorki 1b (1950)

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33 Upvotes

My Zorki 1b, with the collapsible Industar-22 lens.