- From: YDegroot@xxxxxxx
- Subject: Re: GX617 vs Linhof 617 and thoughts on the new Fuji/Hassy 35mm X-pan
- Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 09:40:14 -0400 (EDT)
I respectfully have to disagree with the "red herring" remark.
I wouldn't have spent the 2 extra grand to get the Linhof and sell my Fuji
(the model with the fixed 105mm lens) if the images produced by the Linhof (in
this case the 2nd model; Linhof just made its fourth) weren't sharper,
significantly sharper. Even just looking at the Velvia transparencies on the
light table from a distance, you could see the difference! Under close
inspection with a loupe, the discoveries were startling! So, bye bye Fuji and
hello Linhof!
The Linhof was sharp corner to corner, while the Fuji showed softness in the
corners.
The other person who said that the EBC coating gives the Fuji lenses a winning
edge: well, if it did, only in color, not in sharpness. I once owned a single
coated Super Angulon 90mm lens, and even that lens was sharper than the 105mm
Fujinon.
I have found that the Fuji and Rodenstock and Nikkor large format lenses are a
bit warmer, while the Schneider lenses are a bit cooler, when it comes to
color. This can be easily corrected with filters or by choosing the right
film.
Anyway, don't forget, Schneider's lens coating is just as good as Fuji's.
Now, don''t get me wrong, Fuji can make good lenses. I own a Fuji 6x9
GSW690III, and I think its lens is fantastic!
Concerning the new Hasselblad X-pan: yes, it is a Fuji is disguise. In Japan
it is sold as a Fuji, and I saw a picture of it on the Internet. Its
grey/silver colored; while the Hassy version is black.
If the lenses are great, then the camera will do well for Hasselblad. But if
they are not, the Swedes may have shot themselves in the foot, because
Hasselblad is supposed to stand for the ultimate in quality, not only camera
bodies, but also lenses, even though Hasselblad doesn't make lenses. Who else,
for example, makes a Biogon camera? That is, a camera, made around a lens?
In other words, Hasselblad's fame has always depended on the reputation of the
lenses. If the Fuji lenses are not good enough, then it will defame the
Hasselblad name, and dent its reputation considerably. It is already an
enormous gamble for Hasselblad to venture into 35mm.
Many people will ask themselves: what's next? A Hasselblad autofocus? Only
time will tell.
