Vickko
Veteran
I'm tempted to try a Texas Leica - GW690III or GF670 again.
I had one a few years ago but am going through a 6x9cm shooting urge again.
So, do you love it? Hate it? Use it? Know how to modify it to silence the shutter recoil noise?
Vick
I had one a few years ago but am going through a 6x9cm shooting urge again.
So, do you love it? Hate it? Use it? Know how to modify it to silence the shutter recoil noise?
Vick
thegman
Veteran
I used a GF670 a couple of times, loved it, and will likely be trading my Leica M3 for one this week. For 6x9 I have a Fotoman 69, which is a lot bigger and heavier of course than a GF670, but it's ultra-wide angle, swappable backs, ground glass etc. so a different beast really.
GF670 basically has no shutter noise, but don't know anything about GW690III.
Love the GF670, will probably buy soon.
GF670 basically has no shutter noise, but don't know anything about GW690III.
Love the GF670, will probably buy soon.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
The REAL Texas Leica is the Combat Graphic 70mm...
Fun camera but silly-expensive (I borrowed one once) and with next to no film available for it.
Cheers,
R.
Fun camera but silly-expensive (I borrowed one once) and with next to no film available for it.
Cheers,
R.
Mongo Park
Established
Bought a GW690II off the bay about a year ago with the intention of photographing "autumn" in an arboretum in Surrey and subsequently for landscapes. Only got round to using it for the first time about two weeks ago when I went to visit a friend up in the Lake District. Am absolutely blown away by the quality and detail in the photos (some landscape, architecture and portraits) - this being my first foray into medium format. I love it and intend to continue to use the camera together with my 35 mm film cameras, of course, as you can't beat portability of those compared to the Texan beast. Try one again I say.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Classic "Are you sure it's the best camera for what you want" question: have you considered a 'baby' Linhof?
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
f16sunshine
Moderator
I use a 690iii. Love this camera. The shutter noise is what it is... no point in playing it down. Image quality is tip top and I find the ergonomics to be perfect.
kmallick
Well-known
I am very interested in this thread as well since I have already succumbed to the lure of Mamiya 6x6 and 6x7's and Fuji GA645i.
Question: Do you have to meter manually for the GW690 and GF670?
Question: Do you have to meter manually for the GW690 and GF670?
kuzano
Veteran
RE the shutter noise...
RE the shutter noise...
Have been told the shutter noise on the GW and GSW models is actually the shutter count mechanism, which is pretty useless anyway, because the shutter is very reliable, well beyond the suggested 5000 count service. Frank Marshman says don't even bother to have the shutter serviced unless it causes problems. I've had a GSW with well over 10,000 count. When Fuji was still doing repairs on these cameras, I spoke with them a couple of times and they said "fuggedabout" the service interval recommendation on the shutter. They are relatively trouble free well beyond the suggested 5000 count. I have not checked Fuji in some time. They may still be doing the repairs. I've been using Frank Marshman (Camera Wiz) for some years now.
It would be interesting to know if the mechanism for the count can be disabled. I usually use the interchangeable GL690 and those cameras do not have a very loud shutter (they don't have a count mechanism-Leaf shutter in lens.) The GW/GSW also have a leaf shutter in lens, which is usually the quietest shutter, and no mirror slap. So, I tend to believe the story about the noise coming from the shutter count.
Send me your GW, and I will rip out the shutter count part and see what happens.
RE the shutter noise...
Have been told the shutter noise on the GW and GSW models is actually the shutter count mechanism, which is pretty useless anyway, because the shutter is very reliable, well beyond the suggested 5000 count service. Frank Marshman says don't even bother to have the shutter serviced unless it causes problems. I've had a GSW with well over 10,000 count. When Fuji was still doing repairs on these cameras, I spoke with them a couple of times and they said "fuggedabout" the service interval recommendation on the shutter. They are relatively trouble free well beyond the suggested 5000 count. I have not checked Fuji in some time. They may still be doing the repairs. I've been using Frank Marshman (Camera Wiz) for some years now.
It would be interesting to know if the mechanism for the count can be disabled. I usually use the interchangeable GL690 and those cameras do not have a very loud shutter (they don't have a count mechanism-Leaf shutter in lens.) The GW/GSW also have a leaf shutter in lens, which is usually the quietest shutter, and no mirror slap. So, I tend to believe the story about the noise coming from the shutter count.
Send me your GW, and I will rip out the shutter count part and see what happens.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Fuji introduced a AE 100mm lens with the GM670/GL690 which will also fit all earlier interchangeable lens mount Fujis. The meter is on the lens, with all other lenses you'd need an external meter. The later fixed lens GW/GSW (I/II/III) series all have no meter, nor AE.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I own a G690 BL, GM670 and GL690 with the 65/8.0, 105/3.5 and very rare 150/5.6.
IMHO I think the VF'ers are better on the early/older Fuji's (original Texas Leica). Also because I own both 6x7 and 6x9 bodies I have 6 different FOV's with just three lenses.
The later GM670 and GL690 have higher magnification VF'ers and less cluttered framelines. I also like the added second shutter release. I call the 105/3.5 "the King of the Tessars," and if close focused and wide open its a Bokeh machine. The 150/5.6 is a Sonnar, and the 65/8.0 is a Super Augulon.
I have had all my bodies CLA'ed because the VF'ers got hazy over the decades BTW. Often I carry two using a Black Rapid harness for one and a neck strap on the other. Built like tanks. Recently the pickings have become slimmer I noticed.
Cal
IMHO I think the VF'ers are better on the early/older Fuji's (original Texas Leica). Also because I own both 6x7 and 6x9 bodies I have 6 different FOV's with just three lenses.
The later GM670 and GL690 have higher magnification VF'ers and less cluttered framelines. I also like the added second shutter release. I call the 105/3.5 "the King of the Tessars," and if close focused and wide open its a Bokeh machine. The 150/5.6 is a Sonnar, and the 65/8.0 is a Super Augulon.
I have had all my bodies CLA'ed because the VF'ers got hazy over the decades BTW. Often I carry two using a Black Rapid harness for one and a neck strap on the other. Built like tanks. Recently the pickings have become slimmer I noticed.
Cal
kuzano
Veteran
Yes.. no meter in the GW/GSW. I do however have the metered AE100 lens for my GL690.
I think the GF has a meter. Big deal. I use my Gossen Luna Pro on everything.
I don't know about the GF670. I won't own the camera. Reasons:
1) Way too expensive 3-4 times what you can buy the Texas Leica RF for. The TLRF can be found in great condition for $500.
2) 6X7 only. I won't shoot that format. Too close to square. 6X9 is the same 2:3 aspect ratio as 35mm. Also, I like 6X12 and 6X17 Pano. I can shoot 2-3 frames with the 6X9 and stitch for up to 6X24. This helps me forego the $3000 to $4000 expense for a dedicated Pano system, like the GX617.
3) It folds shut. Folders have bellows. Bellows are maintenance issues eventually.
Did I mention it was too expensive. The difference equates to MANY rolls of film and MUCH processing.
Did I mention I pay very low processing costs through Walmart Send Out... 10 day turnaround, no postage, pocket change pricing on processing. No scanning.
thegman
Veteran
GF670 will shoot 6x6 and 6x7. I have just ordered a GF670, for me it'll be a 35mm replacement camera, so a built in meter is one less thing to carry about.
kuzano
Veteran
Enjoy the camera. If it was actually a 35mm replacement and had the 6X9 format (2:3 AR) much like MANY of the older folders, I'd consider one.
But then, the $1200 to $1700 price tag would be a killer for me. I'm a car/motorcycle guy, so my other toys fall in lower price ranges, as long as the camera's provide the same results as the more expensive counterparts.
I'm sure you will have a great time with your GF
thegman
Veteran
Enjoy the camera. If it was actually a 35mm replacement and had the 6X9 format (2:3 AR) much like MANY of the older folders, I'd consider one.
But then, the $1200 to $1700 price tag would be a killer for me. I'm a car/motorcycle guy, so my other toys fall in lower price ranges, as long as the camera's provide the same results as the more expensive counterparts.
I'm sure you will have a great time with your GF
Fair enough, personally I prefer 6x6 to 6x9, I find framing simpler that way.
edouard
Member
Attachments
ruby.monkey
Veteran
The frame counter is silent. The noise is all shutter.
Phantomas
Well-known
Looks like a Fisherprise camera. Bought it, it arrived, the moment I saw it I knew it was going back on sale.
KenR
Well-known
I have the GSW690 and love the camera and the results that I get with it - view camera quality. Shutter noise? Not a problem for me - this is not a stealth camera, everyone can see it from 50 yards away, so if used on the street, everyone is going to know that you are taking their picture well before they hear the shutter firing. More limiting is the weight of the camera and the need to change rolls every eight shots (always at the wrong time).
SixtiesM2
Rio's pal
I had the same reaction I started to read the title.
"Texas Leica = Combat Graphic."
"Texas Leica = Combat Graphic."
Spanik
Well-known
Have a G690BL and it is the only rangefinder I'll keep. Love the sight of a 6x9 slide. Don't know why anyone would call it loud, the shutter isn't louder than a C330 or a Bronica RF. Advancing the film is louder than that. And compared to a Kiev60... Only thing that I don't like much is changing the film. A bit fiddly compared to other camer's.
You're sure you don't mean a Fuji GA645Zi?
You're sure you don't mean a Fuji GA645Zi?