Considering Fuji GX617

[amellice]

Hello everyone, I'm considering investing in Fuji GX617. What should I be looking for in this system? I did some research and found one that comes with the 105mm lens, center filter 2x ND, lens shade, view finder, focusing screen and 2 CR123 batteries

So I think it's complete, but I'm not sure about couple of things like what the center filter is used for? What tripod mount works with it? Also what about shutter release cables?

Thanks

 

[Dan Fromm]

With a 105 on 6x17, the corners will be down ~ 1.5 stops from the center. This is roughly what a 90 does on 4x5. A center filter will even out exposure, can be very useful with reversal films. Many people here and on LFPF have said that they shoot 90s on 4x5 without a center filter.

 

[mshchem]

My Fuji 6x9 rangefinders are pure mechanical , not sure why you need batteries ? I've seen Velvia 6x17 at B&H years ago . Breathtaking ! Very neat but with modern film get a 6x9 and crop
I've been able to restrain myself , but if I could get a good deal on one I would probably snap and pick one up .
Best Mike

 

[amellice]

thanks guys for your help appreciate it

 

[karl]

I've had one for a few years. I love it. Started with the 90, then picked up the 180. Got rid of the 90 when I need something that had a closer minimum focus. The 105 is better in that regard than the 90. I use the 180 more than any of the other lenses. The center filters are a must with the 90 & 105 in my mind, even with Black and White film. The batteries are for the electromagnetic shutter. They last a long time. Still on my first set of batteries.

I paid $1900 for my GX617 body and the 90 with center filter a few years ago. Which was a very fair price at the time. I did see a deal on ebay for a body + 105 with center filter recently. $1700ish.

Here's what I've done with mine over the last few years. Though I'm not shooting with it much since I've been obsessed with banquet cameras recently.

https://www.flickr.com/search/?sort...=1&tags=gx617&user_id=26027328@N00&view_all=1

 

[karl]

The body has a standard 3/8 inch threaded tripod socket. I lucked into a custom Really Right Stuff Arca Swiss adapter on ebay. Not sure if it is still in production, but it fits the big square tripod socket base of the camera perfectly. A variety of quick release adapters would fit.

Standard screw in cable releases work fine with the camera. There is a socket in the shutter release button (which is battery powered) and one on the lens shutter (which is mechanical.) You must use the shutter release on the lens for 'B' and 'T' exposures (longer than 1 second.)

 

[macfred]

I've had one for a few years ...

https://www.flickr.com/search/?sort=date-taken-desc&safe_search=1&tags=gx617&user_id=26027328@N00&view_all=1

Karl, thank you for your unexcited, reduced and fresh report on the FUJI GX6117 - I really appreciate it.
BTW - Remarkable photographs !

 

[amellice]

I've had one for a few years. I love it.

Thanks Karl for all the info on the GX617, I like your shots too

 

[karl]

My pleasure. And thanks for the kind words on my work with the GX617. I need to give it some exercise.

 

[Craig]

Those are really remarkable photos. I really like how the format emphasizes the vastness of the land, it works very well. I'm surprised to hear that a lot of those are shot with the 180, I would have expected a wider angle. I suppose that's the format playing tricks with my brain.

 

[LJH]

Make sure you look at the Shen Hao 617 cameras before you commit to the Fuji.

Way more options for both lenses and shooting options, and probably cheaper and easier if you're wanting to add more lenses.