6x9 Only

From the Fuji GW690

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Filmtwit... Pardon me if this is rude....

Filmtwit... Pardon me if this is rude....

From the Fuji GW690

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I apologize if I offend here, but I have used a large number of the big fuji rangefinders, including most of the models, and currently shoot a very nice condition GL690 with the EBC coated AE100 lens.

I believe all the Fujica and Fuji lens to deliver sharper, crisper images than the picture posted here. Is it possible your rangefinder is out of adjustment?

Here's how I check my rangefinders on Medium Format camera's. I use a ground glass method and a loupe. I have a ground glass from a view camera cut down to 6X9 (or whatever RF I am checking). I put the camera on a tripod with the back open. Then I tape the ground glass to the film plane. (Be sure to put the frosted side of the ground glass toward the lens)

Using the loupe, I focus the best I can on the ground glass. (I also use a dark cloth, just like Large Format). Once I have a focus point, I take hands off the lens focus ring, and look through the rangefinder. If the rangefinder is a bit off, I refocus using the rangefinder. Then I check again the ground glass. If the ground glass is off, the rangefinder is due for adjustment. I usually run this test on various subjects at different distances. I also note down the distance setting on the lens rings, with the one accurate to the ground glass as the correct distance.

Now, if my rangefinder is off, I can use the distance ring, or nudge the focus in the direction of inaccuracy between the rangefinder and the ground glass until I can get the rangefinder adjusted.

Regarding adjustment, I call Frank Marshman at CameraWiz, and let him know I am sending the camera. Frank has exclusively done the work on my Fuji's for a number of years... all models. He is in Virginia, reasonably priced and relatively quick. He only responds by telephone.

Lastly, let me say that I also never shoot the big Fuji rangefinders without securing them to the top of a tripod. If I expect to get a quality image near half the size of a large format negative, I would never handhold the camera, just as I would never handhold a 4X5 camera.

Again, hope this does not offend, but if this is a typical shot from your Fuji, I think the camera is capable of better images. Sorry if you are miffed. Hopefully we are all here to help one another.
 
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Doesn't sound rude to me. I have just bought a Bessa I and CG23 both 6x9 and I will follow your strategy. Sounds logical to me.
 
Thank you.

Thank you.

If you run into any problems using the technique, PM me at any time and I will write it up in more detail.

I figured out how to do this when I was all involved with folders. repositioning and setting the front cell for front cell focusing works with this method. It's a little trickier, since you have to use at least three distinctly measured distances and focus on the ground glass with a loupe.

However, I was able to make it work for me on both scenario's. It works best on calibrating or adjusting rangefinders. Not too handy on 35mm, but the larger the format, the better this works.
 
Luna, I love that shot of the boat!!

here's a couple from last week at a local Melon festival. Subjects were in the shade on a bright sunny day so there's a lot of over exposure and blowout in spots but it was the only way to get some of the closer detail.

Fuji GW690 II with Ilford Delta 100
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