Can you handhold the GSW690?

[Graybeard]

Spluff, I've used both cameras extensively. You can very easily handhold the Fuji. i've dragged them around the Alps too. As much as i like the big negative for enlargements, the Rollei is much more pleasant and discreet to travel with. At times that is a big consideration.

Flickr

I've carried Fuji 6x9 rangefinders with me several times in Europe and shot exclusively handholding, with pleasing results. Permit me to offer some comments.

The Fuji cameras are real bricks and can become heavy baggage at the end of a long day (read 8 hours on your feet, daytrip out on a bus or train) remembering that you will need quite a bit a film for a camera(s) that delivers eight frames per roll. I also carry an M6 in my bag with its ammunition. A supportive wife is a real asset here; she knows how to use the Leica.

One might forget the weight of all the gear when you are back home in the darkroom, viewing the negatives for the first time. I have, and do. The supportive lady will enjoy them with you.

More recently I, too, have been using a Rollei E2 (3.5 Xenotar) in place of the Fujis. The Rollei is easier/lighter to carry and to pack when in transit and requires fewer rolls of film for a decent days shooting. I shoot only ASA100 B&W (processed in Mytol) in the Fujis/Rolleis. My maximum enlargement size is a cropped 16x20 and I find that the Rollei negatives are just fine.

Expect to meet many interesting people and have nostalgic conversations when shooting with a Rolleiflex anywhere in Europe. Even a hotel desk clerk had memories to offer.

I expect that I'll continue to use the Rollei on any trip that requires an airline flight (whenever those become practical). For local trips practical by car, I might bring a 5x7. And the Leica.

Good light all-

 

[narsuitus]

I primarily use my GSW690 (6x9cm rangefinder with the 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens) to shoot landscapes, architecture, and group portraits. I usually mount it on a tripod for the subjects I shoot. However, I have used it handheld with my GS670 (6x7cm rangefinder with the 90mm f/3.5 normal lens).

In fact, I find it much easier and faster for me to carry and shoot handheld with my two medium format rangefinders than it is for me to carry and shoot with my RB67 and two lenses.


Medium Format Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[KenR]

It is heavy - so heavy that I struggle to carry the camera AND a tripod. So I carry the camera and handhold it. No issues to date. (I due use 400 speed film with it, to avoid slower shutter speeds).

 

[Rayt]

I put my Hasselblad SWC on consignment last week. It was a tough decision because it was my street photography camera for some 10 years used in conjunction with a Rolleiflex. The problem is the 4.5 aperture and with a light yellow filter becomes a f5.6 and that means I can’t shoot in certain environments handheld thus not ideal for street but my best shots were made with this camera. I owned the Fuji GS690ii briefly and thought it had the same limitations. But if the limitations are not a concern then that huge negative is worth it. Shooting with fast 135 format lenses with slower film doesn’t make up for lost real estate. The tonality with medium format will be superior even with 400 speed film.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

But if the limitations are not a concern then that huge negative is worth it. Shooting with fast 135 format lenses with slower film doesn’t make up for lost real estate. The tonality with medium format will be superior even with 400 speed film.

I agree with you entirely Ray. Over the years i used a bunch of Fujis and always took a special shine to the GSW690lll. Often times, i would use it as a point and shoot at f8 with hyperfocal distance set. The first time i put a 6x9 negative in an enlarger......it entirely changed my perspective on 35mm camera work (not that i don't appreciate its value).

 

[Rayt]

I miss my SWC already! It’s not 6x9 but that 38mm is really special. Holding it level the outcome will not look like it was made with anything this wide. Here’s one from the very last roll I shot with it in India. Heck I am taking it out of consignment.

Varanasi by ray tai, on Flickr

 

[Doug]

I find it easy to hand-hold the big Fuji rangefinders, but do prefer faster film to keep the shutter speed up even in lesser lighting. I chose the 670 version of this camera because I used a Beseler enlarger set up for 6x7... I have to say I favor the Pentax 6x7, so pleasant to handle and use!

Flower Shop on Valentines Day

Fuji GW 670 III, 3.5/90mm EBC Fujinon, Fuji Z800 @ Ei 500

 

[Spluff]

I miss my SWC already! It’s not 6x9 but that 38mm is really special. Holding it level the outcome will not look like it was made with anything this wide. Here’s one from the very last roll I shot with it in India. Heck I am taking it out of consignment.

Varanasi by ray tai, on Flickr

Lovely picture! Glad you're taking the SWC out of consignment, such a lovely camera.

Thanks to all for your contributions. I think, for me, the driver is the negative size as one day I want to pull out my enlarger from storage and have fun watching prints magically appearing in the developer tray. I don't have any concerns now about handholding it (so thank you for the reassurance!); just for me to go and ponder if it is too much to carry when walking around European cities (once we're out of lockdown!) and using public transport. On the other hand, what have I to lose, they are hardly going to drop in price! Thanks again!

 

[Rayt]

Lovely picture! Glad you're taking the SWC out of consignment, such a lovely camera.

Thanks to all for your contributions. I think, for me, the driver is the negative size as one day I want to pull out my enlarger from storage and have fun watching prints magically appearing in the developer tray. I don't have any concerns now about handholding it (so thank you for the reassurance!); just for me to go and ponder if it is too much to carry when walking around European cities (once we're out of lockdown!) and using public transport. On the other hand, what have I to lose, they are hardly going to drop in price! Thanks again!

Thanks for your encouragement. The SWC and Rolleiflex combo has worked out very well for me. I have travelled all over the world with the pair in a Billingham Hadley and it doesn’t feel heavy at all. While the square format calls to me I don’t think cropping to 8x10 or 11x14 in the darkroom will lose much. Previously I did travel with two Mamiya 6 bodies each with 75mm and 50mm but the waist level shooting style (Voigtlander angle finder on the SWC) better fit my style. I have a Rolleiwide (55mm Distagon) to take the place of the SWC. Good luck and have fun!

 

[lcpr]

Look at Mark Steinmetz's work. Uses a GW690 as if was a Leica.