Another take on the Fuji 6X9....
Another take on the Fuji 6X9....
The Fuji 6X9 cameras:
G690
GW690
GW690II
Gw690III
And the same range of models in th 670... come with 90 or 100mm standard lens
The GSW model ranges come with 65mm lens which meets your wide angle req.
There is one exception... The early G690 and G690bl had interchangable lens with optons of 65, 100 and 180. These older cameras are often available for around $500 with the normal 100mm lens. The 65mm lens is a premium that often sells by itself for $500+. The 180 is very rare (read expensive)
The older model is all metal and a real TANK!!!! (read durable and heavy). The G690 has a shutter curtain for lens changes midroll. That curtain is the weak link, but still working on most of the G690's I have seen.
The later GW and GSW models are fixed lens, more plastic (lighter) but very good also.
Fuji lenses EBC are incredibly sharp and render wonderful colors and tonality.
I was lusting after Panoramic Fuji equipment, when it struck me that if I use my Fuji G690bl (even with the 100mm lens), I could fabricate a panning head, take two pics that overlap and stitch them together in Photoshop CS3. Since having that idea, I have found three other photographers who do just that, and their work is phenomenal. In fact, I can imagine taking 3 shots and coming up with the equivalent of a 6X24 image with stitching.
Now, if I had the 65mm lens, it would be more effective in terms of wide angle, but remember that the 6X9 format "normal" lens is 90-100mm, and the perspective effect would be more near normal with the longer lens, while the stitching would achieve the wide angle for landscape, or other photography.
I have attached a pic of my Fujica G690bl.
I have owned and used a number of the 645 models, but the 645 is really only 2.7 times the area of a 35mm, while the 6X9 is vastly larger. The 645's are smaller and more transportable, but the Big Fuji's are really managable. Considerably moreso than large format starting at 4X5 inches.
However, your other option would be a moderate large format camera, with a roll film back allowing you to shoot up to 6X17cm on the 4X5 cameras available. They make 6X17 roll film backs that extend back a bit from the placement of the ground glass to achieve the 17cm. At that point, you add the benefits of movements for perspective and focus control, plus a huge selection of lenses from super wide to telephoto. You could buy a camera for well under your budget, plus a lens. However, the large format decision is ripe with future expenditures. But you could get in and be shooting some very nice landscapes for the budget you mentioned.
I bought a Calumet (Gowland Pocket model rebranded) 4X5 for $200 in excellent condition. A 90mm wide angle lens in shutter for another $200. A Bogen 3035 tripod and 3055 ball head for $75. A new Kodak ReadyLoad (new and improved) for $75. The only other expense is film and processing. I have a local lab who does large format processing.
Sorry to go on so long here, but the format decision is really important. Staying with 120 roll film leads me to encourage you to look serious at the Fuji platform. There were thousands built, and at any given time on eBay, there are at least a half dozen or more of just the 690 with 90mm models. There are often two or three of the GSW models with the 65mm lens (fixed). Plus an occasional real early model with the interchangable lenses. If you are not a real gear guy who can deal with issues, I would step up for III series with a low shutter count. Most of the later cameras have a shutter actuation counter.
Be very cautious on eBay. I teach eBay classes, so I stay quite up on the auction site. There's an increasing amount of fraud sneaking into the system. Look for long term and consistent stream of 99+ % feedback and question sellers til you're satisfied if you go that way.
I've enjoyed every Fujica Fuji that I have ever owned including the GA645Zi. But I have to say the GA645Zi was not a camera that I regarded as reliable as most of the other models. I have seen a lot more Zi's with problems, than any other Fuji, other than the poor bellows of the GS645 folding camera.
Good luck
