Do I need a Fuji GW690III?

[Godfrey]

Need is different from want.

You have plenty of good equipment. You can't "need" more, unless you have a specific reason to use it for, and then you wouldn't be asking the question..

But you can want it. If you do, go for it if you can afford it and it's important to you.

I go through similar stuff all the time. I've now accreted far more equipment than I can use, or want. So I'm flipping the switch in the other direction and will be selling stuff for a while.

 

[kuzano]

Can't get there with Mamiya....

Can't get there with Mamiya....

To get 6X9 with Mamiya, you have to go back to the Mamiya Press (Universal or Super 23) rangefinder. That camera is about twice the size and weight as the Fuji big rangefinder models.

The overstated noise of the shutter, is not the shutter at all. It is the linkage for the shutter count mechanism. As proof, the older interchangeable lens big Fujica's are whisper quiet. The shutter is similar, but there is no shutter count, ie no significant noise. At this point in time, service intervals by the shutter count is pretty useless. Even Fuji techs tell customers the cameras usually go way beyond the 5000 suggested service interval. This has been my experience.

I use the interchangeable mount G690, G690bl and the GL690. That way, I have options for the (hard to find) 50mm, the 65, the 100, and (again if found) the 180. I have the 65, the 100, and the Auto Exposure metered 100mm, the AE100.

near imperceptible shutter noise. No T... but a real B shutter speed.

These old "Tanks" seem to run forever and are built on a hulking die cast frame, but only slightly larger than the GW/GSW fixed lens models. Probably had about a half dozen of these, and another half dozen lenses... with never a problem except a service on the metered lens.

I keep wondering who the lightweights are that can't handle the weight. Those people must surely not be shooting Large Format. The 6X9 format is easily half the quality and fun of 4X5, and still easily half the gear and weight.

I would suggest that packing a large fuji rangefinder is NO WORSE than hauling around a PRO level Canon or Nikon full frame DSLR. C'mon guys... hit the Nautilus Circuit you wusses.😡

 

[kuzano]

B... no T... little noise...

B... no T... little noise...

See... Only B... No T. This is the AE100 metered lens. This lens is EBC coated. No shutter count noise in the interchangeable models.

The non metered lenses in the interchangeable models have this same shutter speed ring. All the lenses are just as sharp as the lenses in the GW/GSW. Not EBC coated which is a flare solving solution (not that flare has ever concerned me on the Fuji lenses), but coated lenses, nonetheless. Hoods recommended. The AE100 is hard to find, and is the only interchangeable lens that IS EBC coated. However, I have used the non EBC lenses almost exclusively and not found them lesser quality in my estimation.

One body, two lenses, no shutter count noise.. full system for normal and wide. And for those who can't lift all this, have you heard of camera bags?:bang:

OH YES,, this is my Street Shooter lens, along with the GL690 two shutter release body.

 

[kuzano]

If I recall...

If I recall...

Dante Stella has a very nice Interchangeable model Fuji, "Texas Leica" rangefinder system in the classifieds at the moment. If I was bleeding cash, I'd be all over that. But, I only made $1000 on two camera deals on eBay this week. Gone... bought a beautiful Guitar instead.

IN FACT, SEE DANTE'S CLASSIFIED AD FOR EXCELLENT SAMPLES OF IMAGE QUALITY FOR THE FUJICA INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...ct/36003/title/fuji-g690bl-boxed-set-21/cat/4

Dante's web site is the reason I got into these Fuji's years ago. The Lallement site is also very informative on the Interchangeable models and the whole system.

 

[Frontman]

I have been shooting the GSW690III, and find it to be a great camera. My other MF cameras consist of some Rolleiflex 6x6s, and numerous Pentax 67s. I found that the Fuji is easier and faster to use than either the Rolleis or Pentaxes. The rangefinder focusing is much better for handheld shooting than the Rolleiflex, and the Fuji operates with less commotion the Pentax 67. The shutter is not especially quiet, but it's less noisy than a DSLR. The Pentax 67 is a great camera, but focusing in low light with slower lenses like the 75/4.5 is a bit of a challenge. The Fuji's lens is slower still, but the rangefinder works well in almost all conditions.

 

[BOD]

I would suggest that packing a large fuji rangefinder is NO WORSE than hauling around a PRO level Canon or Nikon full frame DSLR. C'mon guys... hit the Nautilus Circuit you wusses.😡

I have absolutely no problem with size or weight.. I'm well used to lugging around a 5d MkII with grip & 70-200 2.8 and flash... Sometimes with a 1d series around my neck with equally heavy lenses.

I hear a lot about weight and portability and that is NEVER a concern for me... But then I DO go to the gym haha..

 

[kuzano]

Not aimed at anyone specifically...

Not aimed at anyone specifically...

I have absolutely no problem with size or weight.. I'm well used to lugging around a 5d MkII with grip & 70-200 2.8 and flash... Sometimes with a 1d series around my neck with equally heavy lenses.

I hear a lot about weight and portability and that is NEVER a concern for me... But then I DO go to the gym haha..

Yeah, I just get frustrated at the common potshots taken at size and weight of the Fuji's. The interchangeable models I use are no heavier than Pentax 67II, and similar. The GW/GSW models are no heavier than the Mamiya 7 with a couple of lenses and a smaller max format.

Glad to hear you recognize the comparison, and glad you are getting your exercise😀

 

[angusparker]

I have the GW690iii and wider GSW690iii, and have owned the GW690 (the version 1). As has been mentioned on this thread, they are the most compact 6x9 option out there. The GW690iii has the level bubble and a brighter rangefinder but the built in lens hood gets in the way when you have a Lee type filter system attached - making the version 1 preferable to some people. Some people use these cameras hand held - and I guess it would be possible with a fast B&W film like Delta 3200 - but for the kind of results you use a 6x9 for (e.g. Landscapes with Velvia 50) the camera should be put on a tripod. No light meter of course - so you need your own. I use a 1 degree spot meter for greatest accuracy and somewhat adhere to the Zone system. FYI since you don't really use this camera for street photography worrying about the shutter (counter) noise really is besides the point IMHO....

As for usage, I find I use the GW690/GSW690 the least of my cameras since they are quite specialized but for the right application the results are just stunning. My current alternative to the GW690iii is the new Fuji GF670 (about $1300 second hand on KEH.com) - it does 6x6 and 6x7 and has a built in light meter and the brightest rangefinder on any camera (according to many). It's a light folder design so you can really use it hand held - and the lens at 80mm on a 6x7 is very equivalent to the 90mm on a 6x9. Shutter is almost silent - great for street photography - although it is a bit conspicuously large / silver in parts. Regardless, suffice to say I'm in love. Just like the GW690, the GF670 shutter speed limit of 1/500 can be limiting with bright light and fast film - but since 120 only allows for 8-12 shots depending on the camera / neg size - you really should use up a roll pretty much every time you bring it out so that you can choose the film for the situation at hand.

 

[Roger Hicks]

What will it do that your current cameras don't? The neg is slightly bigger. Big deal. For landscapes, why not consider 6x12cm on a 4x5 inch camera?

Cheers,

R.

 

[KenR]

I still don't understand the fixation on the sound of the Fuji GW/GSW690 system. These are not stealth cameras - they are huge. If you hold this up to your eye everyone for a hundred yards around you knows that you are about to take a photo. The shutter sound is the least of your troubles. Of course you have 2+ pounds of a very well made metal camera in your hands - a good weapon if I ever saw one.
The weight was a bit much for me on a hiking vacation last year - 10 miles with it around your neck is a bit much. But for an afternoon outing, the camera can't be beat.

 

[rhl-oregon]

I have one of the elder 690s, though with a relatively low shutter count (>1500). I have treated it as a big street camera at the local farmers/craft market, shooting crowd flow on a tripod. The crowd kept flowing around and past it, with little notice. So even though I was waiting, so to speak, for protagonists to emerge, act, create a dynamic foreground moment, the fact that I was mostly just standing by the camera (locked on the tripod/set for hyperfocal) made me another part of the crowd. The Big Fuji Click (which is loudest, of course, to the shooter) made no one look up.

On the other hand, if I'd been bent against the viewfinder/finger obviously on the trigger, I imagine more passersby would have been cautious, suspicious or reactive to the Click.

On a different note, I've also seen a wonderful shot or two from someone shooting 3200 handheld in a train or subway station at night. But I agree that it is best for a limited, well-planned sequence of 2, 4, 6, 8 shots, with a good meter in hand.

 

[Messsucherkamera]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd draw on the vast experience here to tell me whether I need to expand my arsenal, or if I'm just continuing my quest to own every camera known to man.
I own several vintage 35mm rangefinders, and a Mamiya 7 with 80mm only.
I also use a Rolleiflex 3.5F quite a lot (but I'm not allowed to speak of that here!) 🙂
I shoot film only for pleasure, keeping the jobs I do for the digital gear which I am heavily invested in.
I LOVE my Rollei, and I'm really only getting to grips with my Mamiya, but I'm not sure if it sings to me the same way.
I am craving a Fuji GW690III, mainly for the larger negative, and because I really like rangefinders now.
Do you think it fills a gap not already serviced by the Mamiya purely on the larger negative?
I can be easily swayed here away from getting it unless some of you speak out with some love for this camera! 🙂
Would love to hear some thoughts from those who own/have owned one and even used one along side the other cameras I mentioned.
Thanks
Bren

JMHO, but it doesn't sound like you "need" another camera - if you are a photographer. If you are a camera collector, it's a different story.

If you are a photographer rather than a camera collector, I would suggest taking the gear you already have and using it more often. Set a goal of exposing 100 rolls of film in the next 3-6 months, then putting together a portfolio from that 100 rolls.

I have come to believe that a photographer should have one portfolio of 20 outstanding images for each camera they own. If they don't they are not making enough photographs. I am not there yet but I am making progress in that direction.

From where I stand, the whole point of being a photographer is not to amass a collection of cameras and lenses that rivals the inventory of a medium size camera retail store. The point is to amass a collection of outstanding images that are visually arresting - images that relfect mature photographic vision, insight and visual impact.

In the early years of my photographic life, I had a raging case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome. When I realized that I had a fantastic collection of cameras and lenses - but most of the few images I made with them were crap - it was a sobering realization.

I gave it some thought and came to realize that I had my priorities upside down. Having a nice collection of cameras and lenses should have been my #2 priority while making arresting images should be my #1 priority. It had not been up till that point.

Many people have enough equipment but continue to chase the equipment pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I have done that too and I came to realize that it is a fool's errand.

In the end, I'd rather be regarded as a great photographer than as a great camera collector. It is extremely rare that a person is both.

JMHO.