BLOWN AWAY BY THE FUJI GW690

Roger Cole · Mar 8, 2015

Tony-S said:
Meh. 6x9 never turned me on. Same for 35mm. But great camera, that's for sure!

So what do you like, sheet film only? Or is it the aspect ratio you don't dare for?

The prices on the 690 are tempting; I'm just not a rangefinder kind of guy. Might get used to it if they are that good though.

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Tony-S · Mar 8, 2015

Roger Cole said:
So what do you like, sheet film only? It is it the adjective ratio you don't dare for?

Nah, I try to print to the standard 4:5 papers, so I'm happy with that aspect ratio in a camera. That's all.

Roger Cole · Mar 9, 2015

There is a G670 also then. Slightly more (one?) shots per roll too.

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Prest_400 · Mar 9, 2015

Less common are the GW670 II and III; and the GW680III. 4:5 and 4:3 ratios IIRC
I wanted a change from 2:3 ratio but this camera was a lotta bang for the buck. I'll crop if it does not quite work in that format.
The 680 seems like a nice compromise. One extra frame and not as much cropping by the mask. Remember that the body is the one of a 6x9 with its bulk.

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andreios · Mar 9, 2015

Yes, 6x8 negs are great - just the right compromise between 6x7 and 6x9. Although it was marketed only in Japan, it fits European tradition well - it's roughly the same ratio as 9x12 or 18x24cm sheet film formats - and prints nice on european sizes of paper

Kawaiithulhu · Mar 9, 2015

My only 120 back is a 6x9 with an 80mm lens up front; I figure that as long as I'm going outside my usual 35mm/4x5 I may as well push the boundaries a bit. I don't shoot very often and I'd rather crop to a tighter ratio than lose a shot from not having the width

Either way, your enthusiasm is rubbing off and I may have to find one of these for summer road trips.

gzhuang · Apr 30, 2015

Ektar 100 Sample

Hanging at the old rail with the GA645zi.

macfred · Apr 30, 2015

^ @gzhuang : Very nice photographs - I fear the guys with the 6x9 format are going to lapidate you for posting `half frame'
Move over to (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Gunfleet · Apr 30, 2015

A cheap way in to this format is an antique Zeiss 6x9. I have an ikonta from I think about 1930. it has a tessar lens. You can't carelessly shot straight into the sun but apart from that.

gzhuang · Apr 30, 2015

Fret not 6 x 9 half frame would be 35mm (2.43 Factor)

macfred said:
^ @gzhuang : Very nice photographs - I fear the guys with the 6x9 format are going to lapidate you for posting `half frame'
Move over to (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

TheFlyingCamera · Apr 30, 2015

gzhuang said:
Fret not 6 x 9 half frame would be 35mm (2.43 Factor)

35mm is NOT half-frame for 6x9. It's less than 1/4 frame - 24x36mm vs 58x85mm-ish. 6x4.5 is roughly half-frame for 6x9.

gzhuang · Apr 30, 2015

TheFlyingCamera said:
35mm is NOT half-frame for 6x9. It's less than 1/4 frame - 24x36mm vs 58x85mm-ish. 6x4.5 is roughly half-frame for 6x9.

645 (1.54 factor)

Rick A · Apr 30, 2015

gzhuang said:
645 (1.54 factor)

It's not about factor, it's area of the negative, simple math not rocket science.

narsuitus · Apr 30, 2015

LMNOP said:
This camera has completely taken my breath away. Somebody on this forum said, "Make sure you're sitting down when you see those negatives." - They were not kidding!

I completely understand!

When I viewed the first black & white negatives from my medium format FUji rangefinders, I was so overwhelmed by the image quality that I have been unable to shot 35mm black & white ever since.

https://flic.kr/p/92o73R

Mainecoonmaniac · Apr 30, 2015

I ordered one from Japan also. I think there's a glut in Japan. The lens is razor sharp. The mechanics of the camera is so simple. The film roll counter on the bottom says the shutter is near the end of it's life but I got a good deal on it. I plan to take it on my trip to Greece and Turkey this summer. I printed 16x20 BW prints with Fuji Acros negd and it's pretty much grain free and scary sharp. I don't like the tonality of the film and prefer Arista EDU 100 or Arista EDU 400.

gzinsel · Apr 30, 2015

When thedo numbers toll over' It is recommended that the shutter get cla.it doesnt mean it is dead or stop working. A friend of mine has rolled over his twice. Its all a bunck of hooey ! The people who shoot film know that 10,000-20,000 Exposures isnt all that

much. When it rolls over, thats 10000 exposires. Just get a CLA! Will ya. There no big deal.
much.

Mainecoonmaniac · Apr 30, 2015

Glad to hear that At least the shutter is underrated. Sounds pretty much bullet proof. A CLA is cheaper than a shutter or getting a new camera.

BLOWN AWAY BY THE FUJI GW690

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Tony-S

Roger Cole

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andreios

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gzhuang

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BLOWN AWAY BY THE FUJI GW690

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