Questions about Fujis

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giellaleafapmu

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Dear Folk,

I was looking ads on several sites and was wondering about the differences between the
Fuji GSW690 and GSW690II. Also, the 90mm f3.5 version is usually cheaper then the 65mm f5.6 one, is it just a general taste for wideangles in such a format or is there any other reason?

GLF
 
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The II changed the body cover, added a hot shoe, built-in shade and some other small details (release lock?) - but the core remained the same. The III received a entirely different rangefinder mechanism, and yet another body finish redesign.

The 65 is more rare, was originally more expensive, and is in higher demand.
 
The 65mm lens, being a wide-angle on the 6 x 9 format, is equivalent to about 26 or 28mm or so on the 135 format. Such a lens presents a greater challenge to correct to achieve satisfactory performance. It probably needs more elements, adding to the manufacturing cost. I imagine this adds to the final cost. It doesn't seem unusual for the normal lens to be the least expensive, unless it's very fast, like a Summilux or Noctilux for the Leica.

If I were buying a Fuji--and I might, you never know--I think I would like the 65mm also. Though it might prove too wide for general photography, it ought to be good for some landscapes and for architecture.

Good luck with it. Fussing over the choice is half the fun . . .
 
Rob-F said:
Good luck with it. Fussing over the choice is half the fun . . .
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Thanks to everybody, I am not really considering one of them, I was just wondering...

Since digital photography is out a lot of gear that was once very expensive has become so cheap that it is hard to resist sometimes...

Having a 5x7" enlarger in the darkroom adds the problem that...it would not even be a problem to enlarge to almost large format quality...mmmmmh 🙄

GLF
 
The fujis haven't really come down in price too much, and for good reason in my biased opinion. They were always pretty affordable anyway, compared to other things. As for choice, no need to fuss, just get one of each! The other question is 6x7 or 6x9, and I understand there was a 6x8 version in Japan. I know you are not in the market (yet) but it is fun to look.
 
I just acquired a gsw 690 II the other week and am very pleased with it, really sharp at f/5.6 but haven't gone into f/32 yet heh. If you find a good one with a low counter grab it if you can.
 
Ben Blacket said:
I like the first version best (pre II). Easier to turn shutter speed/aperture dials without the retractable hood.
GLF, you know they also came in 6x7 & 6x8?
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6x7 was there from the start - the last predecessor with interchangeable lenses already came as GL690 and GM670. As far as I can make out, the III were the first and only with a 6x8 version - there are a few sites on the net listing a GW680II, but none with pictures to confirm that, so I guess these are typos or one-off conversions.
 
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