Fuji 680 GX Pro Camera Vs Fuji 690 Rangefinder

[braxus]

Thanks guys. As more modern the 680 is, I think the rangefinder 690 is more to my liking. I already have a Graflex 4x5 camera and two Pentax medium format kits (645N and 67II). I wanted something that had a bigger negative then both of those I already have, but not so big as the 4x5 kit. Well size isn't so bad, its the time to use it and get the shot I wanted to avoid. I'd really just use the 4x5 if I wanted to take my time on the shot. 6x9 sizing is a jump enough from the 67 I already have, plus is fits 4x6 prints easily. Im not sure 6x8 is a big enough difference from 6x7 to bother getting another kit for it. Im watching some GL690s right now and will make the jump when funds come through. I also like the GL for the fact you can swap lenses on it, as I might want to get the 65mm wide angle for it too for landscapes. The 100mm would be for portraits.

 

[narsuitus]

Can anyone comment on these cameras and help make a choice?

I prefer the 6x7cm Fuji with the 90mm f/3.5 normal lens (left) when shooting general photography.

I prefer the 6x7cm Mamiya with the 150mm f/4 SF-C telephoto lens (center) when shooting individual portraits.

I prefer the 6x9cm Fuji with the 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens (right) when shooting landscapes, architecture, and group portraits.


Medium Format Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[narsuitus]

The Fuji GX680 is huge compared to the Mamiya RB67.

Saanich-20120407-00050 by John Roberts, on Flickr

 

[DREW WILEY]

My two cents: if you want tilts n' shifts and are going to be bound to a tripod anyway, just get a 4x5 view camera. It will probably be lighter and less expensive than a GX680 anyway, give you an ever bigger negative, and will still accept roll film backs. If you want something you can hang around your neck or in a shoulder bag and easily hand-shoot, as well as use on a tripod, the Fuji rangefinders are wonderful. I happen to have the GW690ii, and it's a wonderful complement to my view cameras. But it is a rangefinder with a fixed lens. And I already have a P67 system as my heavier MF SLR, so no need for a Mamiya RB.

 

[braxus]

I have a Graflex 4x5 with 3 lenses already. I think we can agree the GL690 is a good choice for me.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I have a Graflex 4x5 with 3 lenses already. I think we can agree the GL690 is a good choice for me.

IMO you are going to regret the GL690 choice. There was a reason why Fuji went away form interchangeable lens design on such a large camera. I don't even know how many (or if) there are any GL690 bodies left on market that will not cause problems. Perhaps it is just what I see in offers, but when I went after Fuji 690s, it did not take me much search to figure the GL690 was far from logical choice. And while 6x9 negative is larger than 6x7, why go into another behemoth set up (since you already have Penatx 67II)? The fixed lens Fujis are as compact as they get (folders aside) and while large and heavy, they seem to have proven reliability history. As always, it is what you pick and buy, not the design itself. Lots of worn down, beat up examples of any of these are also available at falsely economic prices of course.

 

[GarageBoy]

I also second the mamiya press options if you want interchangeable lenses etc

 

[villagephotog]

I also second the mamiya press options if you want interchangeable lenses etc

I sort of accidentally talked myself into buying a Mamiya Universal 2 years ago, and I've grown to really respect this camera and system. It's very versatile for a medium format rangefinder, the 3 lenses I now have are very good (though one was damaged somewhere along its 50-year journey through life), and I can make extremely high quality images with it, when I use it carefully. I'm glad I chose it.

That said, it's quirky in many ways that I find charming but many would find annoying (4 separate levers just to expose the next frame of film? whaaa?), and it's a big, big unwieldy boy. I still haven't quite figured out how to deal with its bulk — i.e. how to carry it around and shoot with it without a major bother. If pared down to a single back and lens, it's more or less manageable, but in that case why not use a fixed-lens camera? I also still get frequently burned (well, burn myself) by its complete lack of safety interlocks (double-exposure prevention, shooting with the dark slide in etc.)

So, although I like mine a lot, I'm wary of recommending it to anyone who cares at all about a streamlined experience with their camera. It ain't that, if you intend to take advantage of its virtues (i.e. the interchangeable backs and lenses etc. that you mentioned.)

 

[Daire Quinlan]

I still haven't quite figured out how to deal with its bulk — i.e. how to carry it around and shoot with it without a major bother. If pared down to a single back and lens, it's more or less manageable, but in that case why not use a fixed-lens camera? I also still get frequently burned (well, burn myself) by its complete lack of safety interlocks (double-exposure

This ^^ x100. I have a press23 and it's literally the most un-ergonomic camera I've ever used. The body is tall and rectangular, the back is long and rectangular but at right angles to the body, the lens sticks out the front, the normal handle is on the left hand side ... it's a nightmare to carry around. I did alleviate some of the problems with the interlocks by getting that back that serves both as a handle and shutter release, it makes it barely usable
I subsequently bought a GL690 for 6x9 and I much prefer carrying it around than the Mamiya. Handles much better, everything interlinked etc.

 

[GarageBoy]

The reason I suggested it was the OP was hell bent on picking up the GL690 with the 100 - the Mamiya in regards is a LOT more reliable

I've used a graflex XL - I know how on top of everything you have to be (did I shoot that frame yet?)

 

[braxus]

Im not hell bent on getting it, but I see it as the best option for what I want. That said- what is so bad about the interchangeable lens part of the GL690 that everyone keeps complaining about?

 

[MattKing]

That said- what is so bad about the interchangeable lens part of the GL690 that everyone keeps complaining about?

Nothing.
It is the age of the GL690 and the relative scarcity of parts and equipment that is in good shape that constitutes the problem.

 

[macfred]

It is the age of the GL690 and the relative scarcity of parts and equipment that is in good shape that constitutes the problem.

This!
I was looking for a GL690 with lenses in good shape for more than 2 years - couldn't find a reliable kit and ended up with a GSW690 II (65mm f/5.6 fixed lens) and a GW670iii (90mm f/3.5 fixed lens).

 

[johnha]

I was in a similar situation, owning a P6x7 and looking for a lighter range finder, looked at the GL690. When I found one I could look at, it didn't seem that much smaller or lighter than the Pentax (and had no option of metering).

During my research it seems the dark slide/curtain covering the film when changing lenses (leaf shutters) become unreliable and don't open or close fully - partly the reason why Fuji went away from interchangeable lenses.

I get on fine with the 6x7 format and stuck with the Pentax, it's versatility makes up for slightly heavier and larger.

 

[braxus]

So basically its the curtain that is the issue. Many have said the 100mm lens is better then the newer one on the GW camera. This is why I was leaning towards the GL. Now the reason being is a more pleasing bokeh on the 100mm for example. Is the bokeh on the GW that much worse, or is it an acceptable difference? Another reason I wanted the GL was to have both a normal and wide angle lens. I don't get that option when the lens is fixed. Can someone show me some portrait pics shot on the GW, so I can see what the quality of the lens is like?

 

[papagene]

Here is one from the GSW690 III of Mills Lake RMNP:

 

[4season]

I owned a GSW 690 III: Lovely camera but IMO when shooting handheld in a more casual (not always super-steady) manner, the size advantage versus 6x4.5 is often negated. These cameras were favorites of Japanese photographers who used them for group photos at scenic spots, and the camera would generally be set atop a tall tripod. Loaded with short rolls of 120 film, I think they'd get 2 or 3 exposures per roll, which is just about perfect for this application.

Have only seen a GX680 in person once and recall thinking it was about the size of my head, and the notion of putting a strap on it and dangling it from my neck seemed laughable.

 

[macfred]

Not so much portraits with my GW670iii - 90mm f/3.5 ...

T-MAX 100

Ektar

T-MAX 100

 

[macfred]

Here is one from the GSW690 III of Mills Lake RMNP:

Beautiful photograph!

 

[macfred]

Found another one :

T-MAX 400

 

[papagene]

Thank you macfred. I use the GW670 II in tandem with the GSW690 III... a great combo.

 

[macfred]

Thank you macfred. I use the GW670 II in tandem with the GSW690 III... a great combo.

For me the other way round GW670III and GSW690ii ... Anyway, sturdy and tough tools; great lenses.

 

[braxus]

Being your shots are from 6x7, that would be a different taking lens. Im curious about the 90mm on the GW690ii or 690iii. Im leaning towards the ii because its cheaper and the iii isn't much different.

 

[macfred]

GW690II vs GW690 III :
The lens and the shutter are the same.
Film spool releases are different - the one on the GW690iii is easier to operate. Viewfinder on the model II is dimmer - so the RF patch appears a little brighter.
There is a plastic body covering on the model iii. Others reported the ii might be more sturdy - I don't see this point. The iii is actually 20g heavier compared to the ii.
I would go for the one in best condition - lots of GW690iii from Japan in minty shape.

 

[braxus]

Would there be any reason I couldn't or shouldn't go down to the version 1 of the GW 690 over the 2 version? Prices are almost half of the 2, but Im not sure there is any reason not to buy the 1 version and get the 2.