david b
film shooter
It seems that in Japan, Fuji released a GSW680III as well as a GSW690III model.
Is this correct?
If so, can anyone help me find one?
Is this correct?
If so, can anyone help me find one?
freeranger
Well-known
freeranger
Well-known
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28764853@N00/sets/72157603962497631/
A set taken with a GSW680III
I'd say its not a myth.
A set taken with a GSW680III
I'd say its not a myth.
P C Headland
Well-known
Not a myth - I believe they were only marketed in Japan, where the format is/was quite popular.
They do pop up on ebay and even KEH from time to time.
They do pop up on ebay and even KEH from time to time.
david b
film shooter
Well,
I want the GSW680III so if anyone ever sees one for sale, please let me know.
I want the GSW680III so if anyone ever sees one for sale, please let me know.
kuzano
Veteran
At the risk of buying a very expensive camera???
At the risk of buying a very expensive camera???
Read this text from the Camerapedia site:
Fuji had brought out a (nominally) 6×8 camera in 1986, the GX680 professional studio SLR. Perhaps for the Japanese market only, it brought out 6×8 versions of these rangefinder cameras: the Fuji GW680III Professional and Fuji GSW680III Professional in March and November 1992 respectively. Like the 6×7 models, these differ from the 6×9 models only in having a smaller film gate and different gearing and numbering for the film advance mechanism: the dimensions and weights are the same as for the 6×9 models, and in Japan the prices were too.
If you find a GSW680, because of it's limited production, you are probably going to have to pay a premium price. If the only differences (and it makes sense to me) is that a GSW680III is simply a GSW690III with a smaller film gate (1/2 cm on each end), different gearing (which is doubtful) and slightly smaller frame lines (maybe), then why not just buy a GSW690III and modify the film gate.
There are a ton more 690III's out there, plus you can also look at the 690II. In fact, if I wanted to shoot 6X8, I could do so with my G690bl and interchangable lenses, whereby I have the choice of 100mm or the 65mm.
I don't think the gearing is a big issue, since I doubt you will get an extra frame by going from 6X9 down to 6X8... if so, only on 220 film.
The frame lines may be an issue, but I suspect not very big.
Just letting out some ideas here. You may never see a GSW680 on this side of the pond again, so why give up the opportunity to shoot in the meantime. In the last few days I have seen no fewer than 4 GSW690 variants on eBay. Never seen a GSW680 on eBay ever.
At the risk of buying a very expensive camera???
Read this text from the Camerapedia site:
Fuji had brought out a (nominally) 6×8 camera in 1986, the GX680 professional studio SLR. Perhaps for the Japanese market only, it brought out 6×8 versions of these rangefinder cameras: the Fuji GW680III Professional and Fuji GSW680III Professional in March and November 1992 respectively. Like the 6×7 models, these differ from the 6×9 models only in having a smaller film gate and different gearing and numbering for the film advance mechanism: the dimensions and weights are the same as for the 6×9 models, and in Japan the prices were too.
If you find a GSW680, because of it's limited production, you are probably going to have to pay a premium price. If the only differences (and it makes sense to me) is that a GSW680III is simply a GSW690III with a smaller film gate (1/2 cm on each end), different gearing (which is doubtful) and slightly smaller frame lines (maybe), then why not just buy a GSW690III and modify the film gate.
There are a ton more 690III's out there, plus you can also look at the 690II. In fact, if I wanted to shoot 6X8, I could do so with my G690bl and interchangable lenses, whereby I have the choice of 100mm or the 65mm.
I don't think the gearing is a big issue, since I doubt you will get an extra frame by going from 6X9 down to 6X8... if so, only on 220 film.
The frame lines may be an issue, but I suspect not very big.
Just letting out some ideas here. You may never see a GSW680 on this side of the pond again, so why give up the opportunity to shoot in the meantime. In the last few days I have seen no fewer than 4 GSW690 variants on eBay. Never seen a GSW680 on eBay ever.
david b
film shooter
I will be buying a gsw690III in the next week or so, if not today.
But in the meantime, I am putting the word out for the 680.
If it happens, great. If not, so be it. Not a big deal.
But in the meantime, I am putting the word out for the 680.
If it happens, great. If not, so be it. Not a big deal.