Which Fuji GW 690 do I choose?

[RedLion]

I have a choice between a Fuji GW 690 II and a Fuji GW 690 III. The only material difference between them (other than the models themselves) is that the II has 1500 fewer shots on its counter and the III is about $100 more in price.

Which one do you choose?

Joe

 

[sevo]

The counter is fiction - anyone who can handle a screwdriver can reset it within three minutes. The III has a somewhat nicer rangefinder, but depending on your subjects that could be rather unnoticeable and irrelevant. Otherwise both of them are quite equivalent - Fuji does not seem to have altered or updated the lenses throughout the GW/GSW series.

$100 difference is smaller than usual, though - either one is expensive or the other is cheap. Thoroughly check the III - if it has no hidden flaws, it is the better buy among the two...

Sevo

 

[EdSawyer]

Go for the III, no question.

Lens coatings changed among the versions, among other things.

-Ed

 

[Mister E]

I've messed with them all. There is largely no difference between them. They all have excellent image quality, but the GW690III is a much faster camera to shoot because you can change film easily with one hand.

 

[Beemermark]

I've had all the versions I,II, and III, 6x7, 6x9. The lenses are far superior on the II and III (compared to the I) but other wise they are pretty much the same.

As far as the film counter is concerned it is fiction. Can you imagine what a film counter on your M3 would say? The Fuji are pretty rugged box cameras with fantastic lenses. I also shoot large format and have pre-WWII lenses that function great. What is there to wear our? I ran a Fuji II 6x7 past 999 once and it was still going strong. I've never had one cleaned or lubricated. I take it places I wouldn't take my view camera.

 

[Pirate]

Got my GW690 II yesterday and found there was a stripped thread and nut on a gear that connects to the top counter and effects the cranking mechanism. I was able to get everything back together as there was about half a thread left on the nut/shaft that would let it hold. Tomorrow I'm buying some nail polish to help glue it down to stay until I can get it to a proper Fuji shop for replacement of the parts.

I chose the II over the III because it has more of a boxy look. I don't care for the rounded corners on the III. That was really my only reason for the choice. This thing is huge though! I call it my Clown camera. It looks like a big over sized Leica M3 that a Clown would pull out of an over sized hand bag and start shooting water into the crowd with.

 

[sevo]

I've had all the versions I,II, and III, 6x7, 6x9. The lenses are far superior on the II and III (compared to the I) .

Sure? The EBC 65mm on the G series is not visibly different from that on my GSW II in resolution and flatness of field - and with the normal going the big step from 100mm Tessar to 90mm double Gauss on the G/GW transition I'd have expected no more significant changes there as well after the GW. That said, the old 100mm (in particular the EB coated AE) is a outstanding lens with its own character as well.

 

[Sjixxxy]

I've messed with them all. There is largely no difference between them. They all have excellent image quality, but the GW690III is a much faster camera to shoot because you can change film easily with one hand.

I'm curious to know the one handed reload process. I tend to use two, but even then I bumble quite a bit and wouldn't call it fast by any means.

 

[gliderbee]

Great cameras to use in the wintercold too. This is with a GSW690III, taken two weeks ago.
The scan doesn't do these negatives justice: when you look at these with a 10x loop, the amount of detail is enormous. I keep looking at them from time to time just for pleasure.

Stefan.

 

[Arvay]

I've got II and IIIw
- the patch better in III
- film loading more convenient in III (thanks to red knobs)
- I do not know why but I like handling of II more
If you feel comfortable with the patch in II go for it. It's cheaper

 

[mathomas]

Love my III, but have nothing to compare it with. Astounding detail from this camera. It's awesome. I think you'll love either one.