Fuji 69gsw111, Viewfinder Problem

[julian bell]

I've just bought myself the Fuji 69gsw 111. So far I'm very pleased with it's handling and results. But I'm not sure about the viewfinder, finding it both unclear and dark. I read somewhere that some users of this camera use alternative hotshoe mounted viewfinders, from such makers as Voightlander, and Leitz, and maybe others as well. Does any member have any knowledge of this? I would appreciate any feedback.

Regards

Julian

 

[TimVermont]

I have the same camera, and don't find the viewfinder dark or unclear. Is it uniformly dark, or could some kind of film or haze be the culprit? Fuji Photo's service center in New Jersey is excellent-but don't know if you are in the US. Search on Fuji and Service to find the earlier thread with the address.

Best,

Tim

 

[Gibran]

I had this camera and indeed found the viewfinder its only minor flaw but one that bothered me to no end. On my GSW 690 111, the viewfinder was not too dim but the major issue I had was with the major distortion and the not so bright frame lines. I was always struggling to see the left frame line and and make sure everything was straight due to the major distortion. If I had kept the camera, I would have purchased either the 28mm Voigtlander Finder for just over $100 or so OR sprung for the new Zeiss 25/28 Finder which is supposed to be the best one ever made..and it should be for what it costs! The Voigtlander is supposed to be very good and the equal of the Leitz finders. The only drawback with an accessory finder is that you will not have the benefit of the changing framelines nor the ability to focus without going back to the normal finder.

I've just bought myself the Fuji 69gsw 111. So far I'm very pleased with it's handling and results. But I'm not sure about the viewfinder, finding it both unclear and dark. I read somewhere that some users of this camera use alternative hotshoe mounted viewfinders, from such makers as Voightlander, and Leitz, and maybe others as well. Does any member have any knowledge of this? I would appreciate any feedback.

Regards

Julian

 

[papagene]

I also have the Fuji GSW690 III and like Tim I have no problems with the viewfinder being unclear and dark. Tho under certain lighting conditions, the frame lines seem to disappear. But this is a common complaint of the Fuji's. I usually just pass my hand infront of the viewfinder and the lines re-appear momentarily so I can get an idea where they are.
I like using my Fuji's a lot, wish I had more free time to get out with them.

gene

 

[MARTIE]

I've had no such experience, (nor have I heard of any) and I also second the route of the fuji sevice centre quick, effective and relatively cheap.
I broke the viewfinder glass on my gsw 690III while on holiday - I fashioned it together, continued to use it and got greatshots. When I got home, it was fixed within 10 days for 100euro's and my holiday insurance paid but if they hadn't I would have gladly paid - I wouldn't be without it.

 

[sanking]

I had this camera and indeed found the viewfinder its only minor flaw but one that bothered me to no end. On my GSW 690 111, the viewfinder was not too dim but the major issue I had was with the major distortion and the not so bright frame lines.

I have this camera and agree with the above. My viewfinder is very clear, but the frame lines are hard to see and there is a lot of distortion. I thought about using an external viewfinder but that would probably create more problems than it sould solve.

Sandy

 

[Tonglen]

Hi,

I had a Fuji GW 6x7 III and found the viewfinder brightness decent.
The exactness of the framing lines was somewhat approximate, though.
Excellent color rendition and contrast from the lens.
In a side-by-side comparision of the same scene on RDP III, the Fuji actually looked better to me than the Zeiss glass on my Hass, fwiw.

Best,

Brian