Fuji GA645W VS Fuji GSW690III

[Fujiowski]

So I currently own both of these cameras in the non-wide versions (FUJI GA645 and FUJI GW690III). I'm thinking of picking up either the FUJI GA645w and FUJI GSW690III (28mm equivalent) but not sure which one to get.


With the GA645w I don't have to worry about using a meter but the GSW690III will give me better photos. On the other hand since the GA645w is fully automatic it would make a better street camera, kind of like the Ricoh GR.



One thing that I haven't done yet is taken two or three photos with either of the cameras I have now and stitched them together in Light Room and see how those results look.


Anyways, what do you guys think?


EDIT: Also, what do you think about the GSW690 and GSW690II compared to the III version? I know there's a chart I read somewhere that explained all of the differences between the three models but for those of you that actually own any of the variants what are your thoughts?


:bang:

 

[Prest_400]

Give me one 😂

I've just got a GW690III like you ,and in paper I find the 645 would compliment real well as a more convenient camera compared to the all manual GW.

Probably the most important point is for how you want the Wide angle for. If landscapes, perhaps the GW with larger neg and slower lens (5.6) and lack of automation is a non issue.
mkII and mkIII were the most similar IIRC, cosmetic differences mainly with some ergonomic (grip shape) and maybe the most important is the easier loading with the button spring. IIRC mkI has no hotshoe and no retractable integrated hood.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[benlees]

The 6x9 will give you bigger negs but not better photos, unless you know something about these cameras that no one else does 😛. In which case you have your answer: 6x9.


Unless you are unable to take a couple steps backward there isn't a huge difference in angle of view between the reg and W models. I've had both at the same time and sold the W in the end, but YMMV.

 

[Oren Grad]

EDIT: Also, what do you think about the GSW690 and GSW690II compared to the III version? I know there's a chart I read somewhere that explained all of the differences between the three models but for those of you that actually own any of the variants what are your thoughts?

https://web.archive.org/web/20160311012942/http://www.dantestella.com:80/technical/gw.html

One thing that occurs to me that Dante didn't mention is that the generation II and III cameras have built-in lens hoods, the generation I cameras used separate hoods.

 

[Graybeard]

I have several Fuji 6x9 cameras and have brought them with me on trips across North America and Europe. I have been pleased with my images and a 6x9 negative is a pleasure to work with in the darkroom.

That being said, a 6x9 Fuji is a bulky and heavy camera to carry in a shoulder bag for a day's shooting (on foot) in the field. The 6x9 negative size allows 8 shots per roll and a decent day's supply of film can be bulky.

I now carry a Rolleiflex if I'm going to be on foot all day. Lighter camera and more exposures per roll while maintaining a negative size sufficient for a decent 16x20 print. If I'm walking for only an hour or two, a Fuji is just fine.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Dante_Stella]

Hi, and I apologize I have not reposted that article in some more convenient place.

Plusses for the GSW690III
- Great rangefinder
- Handles like an oversized Leica
- Overall quieter (though it does "ping")
- 2:3 aspect ratio, with a default "landscape" orientation (rather than 4:5 portrait)
- Doesn't need batteries

Plusses for the GA645W
- Retracts into a relatively flat package
- AF can focus in any light (b/c it has active and passive)
- Loads faster
- More shots per roll (15 or 16 depending on the generation)
- No big real-world resolution loss over 6x9
- Can imprint data outside the frame
- Focuses more reliably in super-poor light
- Electromagnetic shutter release means less vibration in long handheld- or steadied exposures
- Built in fill flash

... And all of that said, as you yourself might have observed, there is not a huge advanatage to the "37mm" versions over the "28mm" versions, and neither of these wider cameras have an in-finder level, so you may see some tilt. Your next stop is probably really a GL690 with a 50mm. That's wider enough that you really see it.

D

 

[Fujiowski]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Can you guys tell me more about the GL690? I've never even heard of it until now. What is a GL690 with a 50mm equivalent to in 35mm format?


EDIT: I just read that it would be equal to about a 20mm on full frame? I'm interested in the GL690 now but why do you think that it's not as popular as the GA645 or GW690 models?


Also, what are the other GL690 lenses (65, 100, 180) equal to in 35mm format?

 

[Fujiowski]

Regarding the FUJI GA645w, how can you tell the difference between the two models? I have read that the earlier ones only shoot 15 frames and the newer ones shoot 16 frames per role. Does the GA645wi shoot 16 frames while the GA645 only 15 or are there two different versions of the GA645w?

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I'd take the 6x9, 6x8 (my favourite), 6x7.....over 645 any time....but that comes from my preference for printing from larger negatives.
The 690 is a much older camera with interchangeable lenses. It is a metal beast. The wide & tele lenses are harder to find. I'd go to the Mamiya 7 if i was after an interchangeable lens camera...

 

[Oren Grad]

Can you guys tell me more about the GL690?

http://www.lallement.com/pictures/G690.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20160719024834/http://www.dantestella.com:80/technical/g690bl.html

To which I'll add:

* It's a beast. A veritable boat anchor.

* Most of the ones you'll find on the market these days are bruised and battered. It's not like the GW/GSW series, where there are still plenty of clean ones floating around.

* The 50's are scarce.

* Rough focal length equivalence: 50 = 21, 65 = 28, 100 = 43, 180 = 77.