Fuji G690BL Images POST CLA by Frank Marshman

[awbphotog]

Hello all!

I realize these photos could go in the "6x9 Photos Only" thread but I was absolutely amazed by the difference in sharpness in my images since I had my camera cleaned by Frank.

Frank looked over my camera some months ago, but I've just recently gotten my first rolls of film back from the lab. After getting my scanner to work again, I scanned selects from a couple of rolls last night and wanted to share them with you all. Most of the images are taken where I currently live, in Baltimore, MD, but some residual images are left over from my 'previous life' in Rochester, NY. All are on either Portra 160 or 400, scanned with Vuescan and a really crappy old Microtek i900 scanner.

Comments and criticisms are welcome. Please, enjoy!

Andy

 

[nlubis]

Those look great. I've not had much practice with mine. Need to go and shoot with it more.
Thanks for the info on Frank.
And a belated welcome to Baltimore.

 

[awbphotog]

Thanks, nlubis! Are you saying you're both a Baltimore resident AND a Fuji G690 shooter? We should walk around sometime and snap some photos! Thanks for the welcome!

Andy

 

[tsiklonaut]

Fuji 690 never ceases to amaze me in quality, it's the proper "Texas Leica"! (well, actually better than a Leica)

If it's not a secret, how much was the CLA from him?

I'm a possible future 690 owner so would be good to know what to expect. Does he CLA a GA645i as well?

 

[awbphotog]

tsiklonaut-

I've seen what you do with film...scanning wise, that is. Please do pick up a G690.

I had a problem with a lens whose shutter has scissored, leaving it stuck open, so I had both the lens and body cleaned by Frank (not Nick!) for $215. I believe the body alone is much less expensive, as all the workings are set in the lens. The body is really just a box with a [gorgeous] viewfinder. As far as I know, Frank does all Fuji bodies, but I would recommend contacting him re: GA645i as it's autofocus and could make things more tricky. Here's his info:

Phone: 540-867-9671

Email: camerawiz@msn.com

Address for shipping: Mr. Frank Marshman
1495 Needmore Lane
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

For reference, here is another thread I started shortly after sending my camera away to Frank. Along with other happy customers, this thread includes a photo of Frank himself taken with, you guessed it, a G690BL.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132739

Take care, and please do experiment with the Fuji RF bodies...they are incredible.

Andy

 

[tsiklonaut]

Sorry, had a typo, fixed it

Frank's services sound reasonably priced. Will wrote down the info you provided for future reference!

Thanks again,
Margus

 

[BLKRCAT]

Andy,

I thought I've fended off all of my GAS for these GW690 cameras... I had convinced myself that the speed of the lens wouldn't provide shallow enough DOF at medium distances. Looks like you've proved that the camera can perform wide open.

I do feel like I want one of these cameras. Just have to find one in decent order for a decent price.

 

[awbphotog]

Andy,

I thought I've fended off all of my GAS for these GW690 cameras... I had convinced myself that the speed of the lens wouldn't provide shallow enough DOF at medium distances. Looks like you've proved that the camera can perform wide open.

I do feel like I want one of these cameras. Just have to find one in decent order for a decent price.

Famous last words!

But really, the 100 3.5 is a 'bokeh' king when shot wide open. For what it's worth, I'm shooting with the interchangeable lens version (earlier model) of the G series. From what I understand, the lenses on the newer models are just as capable (if not more so) and would surely suit your needs. I picked up my G690BL from a fellow RFF'er, and have loved it since it came into my possession. Apologies for igniting an old flame. Honestly, I feel as though these cameras are quite underrated compared to other medium format options, and are surely built to last.

KEH has lots of bodies and the occasional lens for decent prices. Right now they have a couple of the desirable 65mm lenses with and without finders. I'll stop now!

Andy

 

[BLKRCAT]

Already a step ahead of you. I've flicked through all their pages. I think if I were to get one it would be the GL690. That way there won't be as much temptation for that elusive 65. I am weary of buying bargain bodies though. I have to see the camera first or buy from a trusted seller.

I'll start scouring around looking for one. Hopefully for my wallet's sake I don't find anything before the GAS fades away.

 

[Texsport]

The Fuji 100/3.5 indeed has shallow depth of field.

Even better is a combination of 100/3.5 or 100/3.5 AE + the Auto Up attachment allowing close up head shots with enogh bokeh to render parts of a face out of focus.

I've been thinking about sending my collection of 690 bodies and lenses to Mr. marsh man for some time. Your post may have finally convinced me!

Thank you.

Texsport

 

[nlubis]

Andy,
Yes and yes. It seems you're around Mt. Vernon area?
I'm up for walks. My email is my username @gmail.

cheers,
Nicky

Thanks, nlubis! Are you saying you're both a Baltimore resident AND a Fuji G690 shooter? We should walk around sometime and snap some photos! Thanks for the welcome!

Andy

 

[awbphotog]

The Fuji 100/3.5 indeed has shallow depth of field.

Even better is a combination of 100/3.5 or 100/3.5 AE + the Auto Up attachment allowing close up head shots with enogh bokeh to render parts of a face out of focus.

I've been thinking about sending my collection of 690 bodies and lenses to Mr. marsh man for some time. Your post may have finally convinced me!

Thank you.

Texsport

I've been wondering how hard it would be to find an Auto-Up. I understand they are a Japan only accessory? Shame, really. I'd use it for sure.

I live next to Penn Station.

Andy