johnny9fingers
Well-known
I've been lusting after a G690, saw a sweet one on ebay with a starting bid of $479 & buy it now of $499, so I did a buy it now, yipee! And this Saturday I will pick up a Bessler enlarger and other goodies to complete my darkroom. Life is good 
sf
Veteran
That's cool. Those big negatives are going to be a blast in the darkroom. Your prints are going to be breathtakingly tonal and clear.
I want so badly to get back into darkroom work . . .
I want so badly to get back into darkroom work . . .
petesaunders@bl
Kafoozalem
Woah -- thats a big step up from the XA! I have the GSW690III -- gorgeous b&w negs which make the most mundane subject matter look really beautiful. You'll notice a smoother gradation of tone. Shadow detail is so much more subtle.
johnny9fingers
Well-known
Well, I've taken a few steps between the XA and the G690. Picked up a nice Yashica GN last year, then had an agfa isollette and a Fuji GA645. But really like manual rangfinders and can't wait to see the first prints from that big negative.
jan normandale
Film is the other way
XA to a G690 is still going to be a big buzz! Did you get the 100 mm or 65 mm with it? BTW don't forget to have fun!!
David Murphy
Veteran
Excuse my ignorance. Does the G690 have a mechanical shutter ? What lenses are available ? Any third party lenses ? Can any scanner handle this negatives format with ease ?
jan normandale
Film is the other way
mechanical shutter
definitely 65; 100; 180 ... rumoured 50 and 250
3rd party ; not that I know
scanner; probably a flat bed.. check some websites for specifics of mfgs models first tho
definitely 65; 100; 180 ... rumoured 50 and 250
3rd party ; not that I know
scanner; probably a flat bed.. check some websites for specifics of mfgs models first tho
johnny9fingers
Well-known
It came with the 100mm, and I do intend to have fun with it. I've really grown to love this camera, the ergonomics, the heft, and soon, the big negs..... And it's a joy to shoot, how can this not be fun. 9fingers
Abbazz
6x9 and be there!
jan normandale said:
Jan,
There is definitely a f/5.6 50mm lens for the G690 cameras (great lens: super wide, super sharp). Here is the picture:
There are some rumors on the web about a 250mm lens, but I have never seen one and there is no proof of its existence in Fuji publications. Either this lens has been planned but never released, or people are confusing with the 250mm for the Mamiya Universal RF cameras. The only tele lenses available for the G690 are the f/5.6 150mm (using the smaller frame in the built-in viewfinder) and the f/5.6 180mm (needing an add-on viewfinder).
Abbazz
Todd Frederick
Todd Frederick
Regarding scanners:
I'm not sure what is currently available, but I use an Epson Perfection 1640SU flatbed, from a few years back, with a negative unit that will scan up to 4x5 inches. The MF holder goes up to about 6x8.5 cm. You can also scan the full 6x9 by making a mask or just laying the neg on the glass. These are not expensive scanners and do a nice job, especially with MF and LF negs.
I'm not sure what is currently available, but I use an Epson Perfection 1640SU flatbed, from a few years back, with a negative unit that will scan up to 4x5 inches. The MF holder goes up to about 6x8.5 cm. You can also scan the full 6x9 by making a mask or just laying the neg on the glass. These are not expensive scanners and do a nice job, especially with MF and LF negs.
Todd Frederick
Todd Frederick
I receive my GL690 today and all seems well. I will run a roll tomorrow, but I do think I will be very impressed. I scan the negs and will share some samples when ready.