Bronica Gs-1 or Fuji Gs690 which do you prefer

[canongary]

Looking at buying either a Gs-1 or a Fuji Gw690.i do have a couple of bronica's now but would like a 6x9 camera.
I'd like to hear some pro's and con's
Thanks Gary

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Both are great cameras but are not comparable. The Bronica is a large SLR with interchangeable lenses (of top reputation). The Fuji is a big rangefinder camera, the famous "Texas Leica."

You know the line you'll get here: buy both.

 

[Maris]

I went through a similar decision making process a few years ago.

What I ended up with was a 6x7 format Bronica GS-1 and a set of lenses of which I use the 65mm the most.
The next camera was a 6x8 format Fuji GSW680. This camera also has a 65mm lens which is well suited to the landscape pictures I do. I decided against the 6x9 format because I think it is a bit long and does not fit well on the 8x10 photographic paper that I use the most. The Bronnie 6x7 and Fuji 6x8 formats make efficient use of the 8x10 aspect ratio.

In use the Fuji rangefinder camera is more compact, easier to handhold, and facilitates the use of dense filters such as infrared because there is no viewfinder blackout.
The Bronica GS-1 offers all the SLR advantages: precise framing, close-up capabilities, interchangeable backs, lenses, and viewfinders.

I'm glad I have both cameras.

 

[canongary]

I do have an S2a , Ec , and a etrsi .I enjoy using all but I would like to shoot more landscapes and was thinking 6x9 would fit the bill.i am partial to the bronica's but the rangefinder style of camera seems easier to use.

 

[itsdoable]

...but would like a 6x9 camera.

That's easy, because the GS1 is not 6x9.

Personally Iike the GS1 better, as I prefer the SLR viewing rather than a rangefinder. But if I want 6x9, I get out the Fujifilm GW...

 

[Sharktooth]

Unlike the Mamiya RB/RZ, the Bronica GS1 does NOT have a rotating back. This means you have to turn the whole camera 90 degrees to take a vertical format shot (portrait orientation). It's almost impossible to do this with the standard waist level finder. You can use a prism finder to view vertical shots, but it's a heavy camera, and it's not that ergonomically friendly in portrait orientation. Hand held shots in either landscape or portrait mode are much easier on the Fuji rangefinders.

The GS1 needs batteries to power the electronic shutter, while the Fuji doesn't need any batteries since it is completely mechanical, and doesn't even have a light meter. If it's working properly, the electronic shutter in the GS1 should be much more accurate than the mechanical one in the Fuji, however. Due to the electronics, there's a greater risk that a GS1 could turn into a doorstop if it has a critical electrical failure.

Like most rangefinders, the Fuji can't focus closer than about 3 feet, and the newer models don't even have interchangeable lenses, so the GS1 is the clear choice if you need those.

 

[canongary]

Sorry meant 6x7 the fuji is 6x9

 

[itsdoable]

Sorry meant 6x7 the fuji is 6x9

If you are interested in 6x7, then there is the Fujifilm GW670, which is a 6x7 version of the GW690, and a little harder to come by. It's really a decision between SLR or Rangefinder ergonomics.

 

[abruzzi]

I’ve never used the Fuji—I have no doubt that they are great cameras, but I don’t really like rangefinder/viewfinder shooting. I much prefer the wider aspect of 6x9, but still prefer the GS-1 for faster or handheld shooting. For slower, tripod shooting I ended up with view cameras—currently, after trying several, I have settled on a Horseman VH when small is paramount, and a Arca Swiss F-Line 6x9. Obviously these are about as far as you can get from the Fuji or GS-1 and still remain medium format.

In the end, I think the decision between your two choices comes down to RF vs. SLR and fixed lens vs. multiple lenses

 

[OAPOli]

I have a GW690 and the lens is really good. SLR vs RF is an common dilemma but I have to say the Fuji has not disappointed me even for portraits and critical focus. I had a Bronica SQ which was never as pin sharp in comparison. Lovely images though. And maybe the GS-1 is better.

 

[Paul Howell]

I use a Mamiya Universal and have the 6X7 and 6X9 backs, I rarely used the 6X7 back. Although the 6X7 is a good match for 8X10 I print 6X9 on 11X14 and the 6X9 is a good match. In terms of a rangefinder VS SLR, not sure about the Bronica but with my Kowa 6X6 SLR there is a very long black out as the mirror is not instant return and I need to cock the shutter to bring mirror down. Fuji has really good lens, built in meter, for less money you can find a Mamiya Press or Universal with interchangeable lens.

 

[craigclu]

I've had both. I can echo that they are both very capable machines. As I've gotten older, I'm less willing to haul the GS-1 gear in the field and I'm prone to grabbing too many lenses (just in case!). I've a Mamiya 7 kit that actually gets used the most as a body/50/80 and 150 all fit in a smallish bag and is portable in practice. I've had all manner of the big Fuji's and found my favorite to be a GSW680III and was the last of the Fuji gear to find new homes. I liked the format for my duties and print sizes, even for the petty reason of fitting negative sheets nicely with 3 clips of 3. It just seemed I was reaching for the Mamiya constantly and was certainly happy with the Mamiya optics, too. I'm 90% hand-held incident metering so the fact of the camera having or not having a meter had little to do with things for selecting one over the other and might be a deal breaker for others. Also, remember that range finders require much less in the way of support and much lighter tripods can serve quite well vs what is needed to deal with large slr's.

 

[abruzzi]

not sure about the Bronica but with my Kowa 6X6 SLR there is a very long black out as the mirror is not instant return and I need to cock the shutter to bring mirror down.

the GS-1 is the same. Some don't like that--understandably--but it is a non issue for me. I never look to take a second shot soon after the first.

 

[canongary]

After being away for a few days I've done a little thinking about it and I think I'll go along the 6x7 format instead of 6x9.and even that I'm still on the fence about it ,I'll have to do some research about the bronica.
I want to thank all of you for your input and suggestions into this discussion.ill let you know what the outcome will be later on
Gary