Wow this sucks. Hope mine never breaks. I also have an extended warranty. Better read the fine print. I also have my Voightlander Bessa iiiw that has been at Cosina going on 4 months now
Fuji Gf 670 Repair
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What failed on the Bessa IIIW?
I should have thought that Fuji are a Japanese company and not subject to U.S Laws.
But Fujifilm USA is subject to U.S. laws. And so would other national distributers in other countries, I would think. I didn't purchase mine as gray market from Japan. I bought it through Fujifilm USA.
I even contacted them beforehand specifically to inquire about post-purchase warranty, and eventual non-warranty, service options and was assured that Fujifilm USA would handle both into the (non-myopic) foreseeable future.
It's still a gorgeous camera. One of the finest I've ever used. And I don't intend to stop using it, or worse, selling it quick.
I don't subscribe to that peculiar point-of-view wherein the value of everything is simply calculated in piles of one-hundred dollar bills, so dump it quick if its value should ever dip slightly. I bought it to use it. That's how I'll get my value out of it. It was never intended to be part of an investment portfolio.
And as far as GF670 owners being cheap-ass and only being interested in undercutting the Voigtlander Bessa III version on price and now simply inheriting the wind, in my case that wasn't the case. I specifically wanted the chrome version over the black.
I wasn't going to repeat the mistake of my original black Nikon F2, which today still works as good as new, but looks terrible. I've owned and used my chrome GF670 for several years now and there is still not a single mark on it.
Ken
After a certain aprature setting in A mode the shutter speed indication went nuts.
That normaly means that the battery is dead. Did you try a new battery?
I dont intend to get rid of either my GF670 or my GF670W. But I now look at them in a much less happy way, knowing that the nearly $4000 I have invested in them is at serious risk if anything breaks down in these cameras. I really curse Fujifilm over this move by them. I really, really, *really* should have gotten a Mamiya 7. What an epic fail on my part.
Yes it does. I'm only on my second battery. When it first happened to me I too thought something had failed. Then I read the manual...
Ken
Yes
Page 36 of the Japanese users' manual specifically says that they will continue to have parts and do repairs for about ten years after the product is discontinued and that even after that period there are repairs that may be possible. I don't have the English version of the manual so I'm not sure what it says there.
You can find the Japanese manual here: http://fujifilm.jp/support/filmandcamera/download/pack/pdf/manual/ff_gf670_manual_001.pdf
You can find the Japanese manual here: http://fujifilm.jp/support/filmandcamera/download/pack/pdf/manual/ff_gf670_manual_001.pdf
That's very nice that Fuji would print that, but what matters most is where "the boots hit the ground", i.e, what Fujifilm does not says. Fujifilm USA and Fujifilm Hong Kong have both reported that no parts are available for repairs.
That's the reality. I'm going to call Fujifilm China and see what they say tomorrow.
Fortunately my GF670 is working just fine. but if any Fujifilm rep in any country actually tells you that parts aren't available, I would just ask them to refer to the statement in the manual. From the customer's perspective it makes no difference what country one is in, Fujifilm is Fujifilm and they must honor their word.
And mine to not buy either was correct. Although I can't claim clairvoyance on the repair issue. It was the folder's inability to close without removing a hood and/or filter or safely close at other than infinity focus that put me off.
Three factors caused me to decide against Acros. First, like 100 TMAX, its emulsion side is so shiny that, short of wet mounting, Newton's rings are unavoidable in a glass carrier. Second, with inversion agitation, I was unable to avoid air bells and resultant circular underdeveloped spots. Without a presoak, with one presoak, with two presoaks, no way. Finally, the 120 base, although no thinner than many other films', is extraordinarily flexible and difficult to load on reels, whether steel or plastic.
All this means the only possibility might be 4x5, processed in a Jobo, then enlarged using a Negaflat carrier. Since I don't have a Beseler 4x5 enlarger, I don't use Acros. On those occasions when such a fine-grained film might be advantageous in medium format, I use 100 TMAX. Its thick base is easy to handle and stiff enough to maintain flatness in a glassless carrier.
I'm familiar with those Code sections. As a California resident, they forced Sony to replace a CD player I bought (by mail order from out of state) in 1985 that failed and couldn't be repaired for lack of parts one year later. I got a brand new, improved model at no cost.
However, careful reading of the quoted statute seems to make clear that a film camera isn't covered. 9801(h) refers to electronic video. I suspect that the OP, even if a resident of California, is out of luck. Perhaps it's time to 'help' Fuji complete its abandonment of film.
It's interesting that no one has mentioned the Mamiya 7 as yet, unless I missed it. The Mamiya 6 was discontinued long ago, but I believe Mamiya kept parts on hand for its repair. From what I understand, Precision Camera Works in Illinois bought out MAC group's remaining parts collection for the 6, and they are well stocked for 7 repairs as well. I don't know how well Mamiya is set up in Japan for 7 repairs, but one presumes it can be done. From what it appears, GF670 repairs are unavailable worldwide. That's unacceptable, particularly for such a recent product.
I gave half a thought to selling my 7 and going with a GF670 because of the bellows and its close focusing ability, although I never did anything more than ponder it for a moment or two (fortunately). I wonder if the resale value of the 7s will increase as word gets out about the GF670s, just as the latter will probably decrease correspondingly.
I gave half a thought to selling my 7 and going with a GF670 because of the bellows and its close focusing ability, although I never did anything more than ponder it for a moment or two (fortunately). I wonder if the resale value of the 7s will increase as word gets out about the GF670s, just as the latter will probably decrease correspondingly.
Since the Bessa III hasn't been discontinued, perhaps a third party could get parts from Cosina. Fuji doesn't seem to want to be bothered.
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While not being able to repair the camera with fujifilm being an ass is a bad thing
, but I don't look at my gf670w any differently. If it wasn't repair issues, it was going to be other issues like shrinking pool of film types to shoot with or lack of development means for slides or whatever comes along. Just enjoy the images, we are all going to die one day with "no parts" or repairs going to keep us going forever yet many people do not take care of their health or look at their life any different.
In short, nothing last forever - let's enjoy the ride.
While not being able to repair the camera with fujifilm being an ass is a bad thing
Just enjoy the images, we are all going to die one day with "no parts" or repairs going to keep us going forever yet many people do not take care of their health or look at their life any different.
In short, nothing last forever - let's enjoy the ride.
Film availability will never be a problem in my lifetime and I will always be able to develop my own so my GF series cameras are certainly going to be the limiting factor.
If they last 7-10 years, then it is not that big a problem. But if they fail in 1-2 years, as we are seeing that that they can in this thread, THEN I have a HUGE problem.
I just called my wife to ask her to inquire. She's working on it today and I'll have a report once I hear from her. I think the news will not be good as I had to snoop around Fujifilm's Chinese web site for a phone number. As it turns out, there is not a single page for FILM anywhere on Fujifilm's China page. Good God. (except for INSTAX of course).
I think all GF670 and GF670W's are being imported into China grey and so will have no warranty coverage of any kind.
The largest market in the world and not even a page about their film. Truly Fujifilm wants out of the film industry.
For products purchased in US with FujiUSA warranty, you have recourse if still within the warranty period: http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm
OK, my wife talked with Fujifilm. The story given to her is that *no* GF670's or GF670W's can be repaired in China at all. Claims for repair are all sent to Japan where the work will be done. So if Japan can fix these cameras, then Fuji China can. They have no instructions not to send cameras to Japan.
FYI, both the GF670 and GF670W can be found in stores for sale here in China. They are drastically overpriced and the same cameras have not moved an inch in the years I have lived here.
FYI, both the GF670 and GF670W can be found in stores for sale here in China. They are drastically overpriced and the same cameras have not moved an inch in the years I have lived here.
Please pass along my thanks to your wife...
If true, this would seem to be less bad than the original premise. That no service was available anywhere in the world, including from Fujifilm. Not that sending a camera directly to Japan is a great option. But it would be infinitely preferable to no option.
Just speculating on the positive side, but perhaps Fujifilm is consolidating all servicing on the home front in order to save the costs of a world-wide presence?
OK... that's a stretch. But something unusual is going on. As you point out, the cameras are still available brand new from multiple sources.
Ken
If true, this would seem to be less bad than the original premise. That no service was available anywhere in the world, including from Fujifilm. Not that sending a camera directly to Japan is a great option. But it would be infinitely preferable to no option.
Just speculating on the positive side, but perhaps Fujifilm is consolidating all servicing on the home front in order to save the costs of a world-wide presence?
OK... that's a stretch. But something unusual is going on. As you point out, the cameras are still available brand new from multiple sources.
Ken
Your thanks have been noted.
I would not be too positive about this because Fujifilm China is a really tiny operation. These people are probably #2,536 on the list of people to give information to inside the company. If Fujifilm USA cannot get parts and are not telling customers there how to get their cameras fixed, then likely there is no operation inside Japan doing anything to fix these cameras. Fujifilm USA should either direct their customers to the proper office that will fix these cameras OR accept the cameras and send them to Japan themselves. They are not doing either which is really the worst possible case. They are essentially telling people you are on your own.
I am certain that Fujifilm GF670 and GF670W's for sale here in China are gray and will have zero warranty of any kind from Fuji. Just like Kodak HC-110! My bottle of that developer was labeled for sale in the USA only.
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