What's Wrong With the Fuji 690 Series?

[JChrome]

As of focusing, a couple of days ago there was a video of Kip Praslowicz (sp?) who worked with Fujis and in that one he was quick as lightning.

I am slooooow shooting it, and film cameras in general. That is however because I take my time.

He does look quicker but I think he's shooting with the GSW690 with the 65mm lens. The wider lenses focus faster and have longer DOF so he'll hit the focus more often.

I could be crazy enough to bring the 6x9, but it isn't practical to me yet.

I travelled with my GW690 mkIII through India and was really happy I took it. I sold the GW and then bought a GL690 which I took to Colorado. Hiked 20 miles with it around my neck and was really happy I did (no light meter, all guesstimation).

Christmas in Mumbai

Call me romantic but there's nothing like traveling with one body/one lens. It simplifies things and really makes you learn the camera.

 

[JChrome]

Unfortunately tests that cannot be controled experiments with only a single variable do not really or necessarily present scientific proof. Then there is the uncertainty principle that any experiment one concieves can actually can create a result that can be contradicted. Basically there is no absolute truthes and scientific thought is more like religion or philosophy (a system of beliefs).

Perhaps I have too much education; that's probably why I get confused. LOL. In the end people believe what they want to believe whether truth or lies.

Cal

Really interesting. I agree that rigor and control are very important in situations like these. And comparing 135mm Zeiss glass to 120 Fujinon EBC glass is apples and oranges. But I still think a comparison would be fun, even with the caveat that the rigor is lacking. I mean, after all, even in this thread people were saying how the IQ of a 35mm neg could equal a 6x9.

I'm not after 'scientific proof' per se. Just some fun comparisons that could highlight the differences between each.

 

[lawrence]

Lawrence,

Jeremy outlines the proceedure for RF alignment. I took the top plate off my GM670 following Jeremy's pioneering. It is pretty straightforward, but I will add that the switch from single to roll on the back needs to be centered upon reassembly to index the switch correctly. It is a basic straightforward camera that has an impressive commercial build quality to it. Kinda built like a pickup truck.

Your example looks to be in great condition. I assume a ler one from around the mid 70's.

The foam seal replacement is very easy to replace. I bought a 1/16 inch thick sheet of foam for a few dollars at a hobby craft store. It featured a double side tape on one side. Basically the hard part is stripping out the old foam. I used alcohol and a small 6 inch straight edge as a tool with alcohol preps I got at work (hospital). The trick here is using fresh wipes as they get gummed up fast.

Best of luck.

Cal

Thanks for the info, Cal, it's very helpful

Lawrence

 

[lawrence]

You're gonna have some fun 🙂 Let us know what you think. I certainly love my GL.

I am tempted by the AE more for the multicoated glass than the AE function. I typically find the thing that slows me the most with this camera is the focus, not adjusting the exposure.

One thing I'm looking forward to is using the AE with my Vivitar 285 for fill-in flash. Got to say this looks like a 'real man's' camera...and I'm only 5'7" 😱

 

[Ezzie]

Vivitar 285? Wimpy little thing. The 281 however, now that is a man's flash 😉

I quite miss my G690BL, the 100/3.5 lens was certainly spectacularly sharp. I now have the little GA645Wi instead, and am just as happy with it.

 

[Prest_400]

Really interesting. I agree that rigor and control are very important in situations like these. And comparing 135mm Zeiss glass to 120 Fujinon EBC glass is apples and oranges. But I still think a comparison would be fun, even with the caveat that the rigor is lacking. I mean, after all, even in this thread people were saying how the IQ of a 35mm neg could equal a 6x9.

I'm not after 'scientific proof' per se. Just some fun comparisons that could highlight the differences between each.

Theoretically the 6x9 lenses might have less sheer resolving power, given that the negs don't need as much magnification later on.
But given the FOV and FL difference, giving lesser DoF for the 35mm FOV in the larger format, must account for a heavy difference in the look.
I recall reading a description on an article that the GW was like having a single shot Brenizer effect on wide apertures.

Edit/addenedum: Fast 35mm 135 lenses might compete in DoF with the 6x9s but the difference in tonality of medium format adds to the ethereal effect.

One thing I'm looking forward to is using the AE with my Vivitar 285 for fill-in flash. Got to say this looks like a 'real man's' camera...and I'm only 5'7" 😱

I must say that due to lack of strap I have not been carrying it discovered out in the streets. But it is a beast.
I thought about flash as well, full sync is great for fill.

 

[Calzone]

Theoretically the 6x9 lenses might have less sheer resolving power, given that the negs don't need as much magnification later on.
But given the FOV and FL difference, giving lesser DoF for the 35mm FOV in the larger format, must account for a heavy difference in the look.
I recall reading a description on an article that the GW was like having a single shot Brenizer effect on wide apertures.

Edit/addenedum: Fast 35mm 135 lenses might compete in DoF with the 6x9s but the difference in tonality of medium format adds to the ethereal effect.

P,

The Fuji glass was really great 40 years ago, and today modern 135 glass gets pretty much close to perfection if you cherry pick some of Nikon and Canon SLR glass or you use modern Leica glass. I agree with you that as far as resolution goes 135 can compete with 6x9.

I also agree with you that the real reason to shoot 120 is for the broad tonal range and the massive mid range that distinguishes the medium.

Your insights I think are spot on.

Cal

 

[Prest_400]

P,

The Fuji glass was really great 40 years ago, and today modern 135 glass gets pretty much close to perfection if you cherry pick some of Nikon and Canon SLR glass or you use modern Leica glass. I agree with you that as far as resolution goes 135 can compete with 6x9.

I also agree with you that the real reason to shoot 120 is for the broad tonal range and the massive mid range that distinguishes the medium.

Your insights I think are spot on.

Cal

Agreed.
A few systems do compete or surpass the best 35mm lenses (Mamiya 7, Hasselblad, Contax).

But as originated in the thread... Fuji 6x9's are going for a song. Need a few GW690 to pay for a single Leica lens. Bang for the buck. It possibly is the philosophy behind the system as well.

When I researched around, there were quite a few opinions that the Fuji 6x9 lenses weren't the sharpest. But I think that this combination of Large Medium Format, Rangefinder and reasonably modern is one of the best options here.

Other options at the price range of a GW690 are TLRs or smaller format systems. The Pentax 67 is also recommended but it's pricier, an old 6x7 goes for the price of a GW690II. Not quite comparable.

 

[Calzone]

Agreed.
A few systems do compete or surpass the best 35mm lenses (Mamiya 7, Hasselblad, Contax).

But as originated in the thread... Fuji 6x9's are going for a song. Need a few GW690 to pay for a single Leica lens. Bang for the buck. It possibly is the philosophy behind the system as well.

When I researched around, there were quite a few opinions that the Fuji 6x9 lenses weren't the sharpest. But I think that this combination of Large Medium Format, Rangefinder and reasonably modern is one of the best options here.

Other options at the price range of a GW690 are TLRs or smaller format systems. The Pentax 67 is also recommended but it's pricier, an old 6x7 goes for the price of a GW690II. Not quite comparable.

P,

I also shoot a Pentax 67II with the AE prism (I also own the most powerfull dedicated flash). One lens in the Pentax 6x7 system really stands out the 75/2.8 AL which I own. The Pentax has what I call "beast factor." LOL. I like the Fuji's because in this reguard the Gl690 and GM670 are rather tame.

I consider the 100/3.5 a remarkable lens and I consider it "The King Of The Tessars." As far as signature, it has it.

Cal

 

[JChrome]

Agreed.
A few systems do compete or surpass the best 35mm lenses (Mamiya 7, Hasselblad, Contax).

But as originated in the thread... Fuji 6x9's are going for a song. Need a few GW690 to pay for a single Leica lens. Bang for the buck. It possibly is the philosophy behind the system as well.

When I researched around, there were quite a few opinions that the Fuji 6x9 lenses weren't the sharpest. But I think that this combination of Large Medium Format, Rangefinder and reasonably modern is one of the best options here.

Other options at the price range of a GW690 are TLRs or smaller format systems. The Pentax 67 is also recommended but it's pricier, an old 6x7 goes for the price of a GW690II. Not quite comparable.

I've gone through two different P67 bodies and numerous lenses. They are just fantastic.

In terms of pricing, you'll pay more for a 67 body, but less for the lenses. For example, the 55mm SMC is much less than the 65mm Fujinon F8. So if you're looking to have a systems camera with lots of interchangeable lenses, the P67 will be cheaper in the end.

The Fuji 690 series is really high on the bang for the buck meter. But the P67 is as well because of the lenses. Other interchangeable lens MF cameras that are high on the bang-for-buck scale:

- Mamiya RZ67 and RB67. Those lenses are superb and cheap.
- Mamiya C330
- Mamiya Press (one of the other few cameras that is capable of 6x9)
- Bronica SQ

We live in a wonderful world indeed.

 

[awbphotog]

I've gone through two different P67 bodies and numerous lenses. They are just fantastic.

In terms of pricing, you'll pay more for a 67 body, but less for the lenses. For example, the 55mm SMC is much less than the 65mm Fujinon F8. So if you're looking to have a systems camera with lots of interchangeable lenses, the P67 will be cheaper in the end.

The Fuji 690 series is really high on the bang for the buck meter. But the P67 is as well because of the lenses. Other interchangeable lens MF cameras that are high on the bang-for-buck scale:

- Mamiya RZ67 and RB67. Those lenses are superb and cheap.
- Mamiya C330
- Mamiya Press (one of the other few cameras that is capable of 6x9)
- Bronica SQ

We live in a wonderful world indeed.

Indeed. I bought a 65mm f/4, 150mm f/3.5, and 80mm f/2.8 for the Bronica system for under $200! 😱

I can't seem to get along with the P67...it feels like cheating after using the G690 exclusively for so long. That being said, it is a wonderful camera and some of the lenses for it are GORGEOUS. I am more of a one camera one lens guy, and thus the G690 + 100mm f/3.5 is pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a camera. Plus it's black paint over brass...*drool*

 

[Prest_400]

I didn't think about interchangeability at first. The P67 system has very cheap lenses around indeed!
The RB67 is a brutal system, in all aspects 😀 and the title of boat anchor might not be too far off. And they are going for rock bottom (no pun intended) if bought from Japan.

It is curious that the Fujis get a lot of slack for being huge, but the Pentax is in some dimensions bigger IIRC. It must be the enlarged 35mm form factor and its perception within the public.

The SLRs must have a thunderous shutter sound, I doubt that the ping of the Fujis is comparable.
I recall the GW690 being a bit louder compared to my OM-1.

 

[Calzone]

I didn't think about interchangeability at first. The P67 system has very cheap lenses around indeed!
The RB67 is a brutal system, in all aspects 😀 and the title of boat anchor might not be too far off. And they are going for rock bottom (no pun intended) if bought from Japan.

It is curious that the Fujis get a lot of slack for being huge, but the Pentax is in some dimensions bigger IIRC. It must be the enlarged 35mm form factor and its perception within the public.

The SLRs must have a thunderous shutter sound, I doubt that the ping of the Fujis is comparable.
I recall the GW690 being a bit louder compared to my OM-1.

P,

The Pentax 67 is a true "Monster." LOL. The shutter is mighty loud indeed. The glass is mighty good though. The 75/2.8 AL is the most modern lens (ASPH?) and perhaps this is why I favor it. Mine is equipt with the grip.

I think carrying two rigged Fuji's is easier than carrying my Pentax 67. The way I carry two Fuji's is with one Fuji on a Blackrapid sling strap as the "hot" camera that is my shooter and with the second camera on a neck strap.

Understand that I have an unusually thick and ugly neck like a football player even though I am 5'10" and weigh only 150 pounds. My body is further deformed because my right arm from carrying heavy cameras in my right hand (ready to shoot) all the time is supersized and noticibly bigger than my left arm. Also note that my tailor says that my right arm is about an inch longer than my left which he says is a lot.

Shooting big cameras can alter your body over time. Mine now is deformed from heavy cameras.

Cal

 

[Moto-Uno]

^ Another great way to deform the skeleton over time is to kick start large displacement
motorcycles. Ask my chiro. Peter

 

[JChrome]

I am more of a one camera one lens guy, and thus the G690 + 100mm f/3.5 is pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a camera. Plus it's black paint over brass...*drool*

I am also a one camera one lens kind of a guy. And while I really enjoy the 100 3.5, I'm looking forward to the 150 5.6 as my one lens for awhile.

And definitely a +1 in regards to the black paint over brass... My GL has been brassing nicely. I love the look.

 

[awbphotog]

I am also a one camera one lens kind of a guy. And while I really enjoy the 100 3.5, I'm looking forward to the 150 5.6 as my one lens for awhile.

And definitely a +1 in regards to the black paint over brass... My GL has been brassing nicely. I love the look.

I can imagine the 150 would be quite a nice lens to have. It's quite rare! Post some photos once you've got them. I'd love to find a nice example some day.

 

[JChrome]

The 'Bay really goes in fits and spurts!

I was browsing it about a month ago and one seller had a 180mm and 65mm F5.6 for sale. Both in great condition for very little. I regretted not getting the 65 F5.6. They are rare. The 180 seems to be a rare bird as well. But I don't suspect there's enough of a difference between it and the 150 that makes me want the 180 much more than the 150. That and the 150's framelines are in the viewfinder of the GL.

Just the 65 F8 for around $400+ and the 50 F5.6 for $1,000+ are what's on the bay now. It's been pretty dry recently.

I'd love to get my mitts on a 50. Gonna have to patiently wait for a lesser expensive one to show up.

 

[Spanik]

The 65/5.6 is very rare, I haven't seen one at all. The 50 for $1000 is low (depending on state of course). A couple of years back they went for $2000+.

Having the framelines in the viewfinder is a good thing. Those extra viewfinders aren't fun.

 

[awbphotog]

The 'Bay really goes in fits and spurts!

I was browsing it about a month ago and one seller had a 180mm and 65mm F5.6 for sale. Both in great condition for very little. I regretted not getting the 65 F5.6. They are rare. The 180 seems to be a rare bird as well. But I don't suspect there's enough of a difference between it and the 150 that makes me want the 180 much more than the 150. That and the 150's framelines are in the viewfinder of the GL.

Just the 65 F8 for around $400+ and the 50 F5.6 for $1,000+ are what's on the bay now. It's been pretty dry recently.

I'd love to get my mitts on a 50. Gonna have to patiently wait for a lesser expensive one to show up.

Just had a look on KEH and saw the 150 5.6 for $399! I wish I could justify that purchase right now. Someone else grab it quick!

 

[Calzone]

^ Another great way to deform the skeleton over time is to kick start large displacement
motorcycles. Ask my chiro. Peter

M-U,

Another way is to race mountain bikes and find out years later that you broke your collar bones and never realized they were broken.

My right fist has two gigantic knuckels from fist fights. Now its pretty hard to hurt my hand again. Pretty much have a hammer fist.

Cal