Fuji GSW690 - I, II or III?

seadrive · Jan 5, 2011

Hi guys and gals,

I'm looking to pick up a GSW690 to go along with my GW690, and I need some advice on which model to look for.

Have any of you used all three models, or even two? Are the II and III worth the extra money (seems like about $125 more on KEH)? Do some people actually prefer the original over the later models?

Any advice would be appreciated. TIA!

Steve

papagene · Jan 5, 2011

I have a GW670 II and a GSW690 III. To me the II is a little more robust than the III, but I think you would be happy with either. Great cameras!!

Barry S · Jan 5, 2011

I previously owned a GSW690II, sold it, regretted it, and bought a GSW690III. I agree with gene that the II feels a bit more solid than the III. It may be easier to find replacement parts for the later models, but these are basic cameras that don't have a lot of problems.

seadrive · Jan 6, 2011

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.

According to what I've read, the III is actually a little bit heavier than the II, although most people think the II feels more solid. As you say, I'm sure either one will be fine.

Thanks again!

EdSawyer · Jan 6, 2011

Get the III. Better ergonomically, the latest lens coatings, parts more likely to be available, other minor usability improvements.

peterlat · Jan 6, 2011

Buy either the II or III--it makes little difference. The only real 'upgrades' are the rubberized body coating and the horizontal-only bubble-level (basically useless) on the III. I'd get whichever model has been better cared for, or has lower mileage, or has had a CLA. Either way, great cameras.

seadrive · Jan 6, 2011

Does the lens on the II have a built-in lens shade, or did that first appear on the III?

Barry S · Jan 6, 2011

seadrive said:
Does the lens on the II have a built-in lens shade, or did that first appear on the III?

Both the II and III have the built-in shade. I really hate that shade--but not enough to saw it off.

seadrive · Jan 6, 2011

Barry S said:
Both the II and III have the built-in shade. I really hate that shade--but not enough to saw it off.

Hahaha... just out of curiosity, what is it about the lens shade that you don't like? Or do you just dislike lens shades in general?

Barry S · Jan 6, 2011

Lens shades--I love. However, the one on the Fuji is permanent and it slides back and forth--usually back, when you don't want it to--covering the shutter speed dial and focusing rings--and making a general nuisance of itself. Your choice: saw or gaffers tape.

crumpet8 · Feb 23, 2018

Barry S said:
Lens shades--I love. However, the one on the Fuji is permanent and it slides back and forth--usually back, when you don't want it to--covering the shutter speed dial and focusing rings--and making a general nuisance of itself. Your choice: saw or gaffers tape.

Haha this sounds like a nightmare, about to pick one of these up though I think

RattyMouse · Feb 23, 2018

crumpet8 said:
Haha this sounds like a nightmare, about to pick one of these up though I think

Another zombie thread is reanimated.

narsuitus · Feb 23, 2018

Fuji Medium Format Rangefinders by Narsuitus, on Flickr

Old thread !

sepiareverb · Feb 23, 2018

I think all these “what camera” threads are coming back up so “you should get a hasselblad” can be inserted.

MattKing · Feb 23, 2018

sepiareverb said:
I think all these “what camera” threads are coming back up so “you should get a hasselblad” can be inserted.

Are you saying that Sirius is actually a Russian bot?

DREW WILEY · Feb 23, 2018

If there were a Russian bot involved, a glitzy-painted Holga would win over the Fuji every time!

Sirius Glass · Feb 23, 2018

MattKing said:
Are you saying that Sirius is actually a Russian bot?

I do not know a bot that.

flatulent1 · Mar 10, 2018

Actually, taking a saw to that pesky hood sounds like a good idea. Aftermarket hoods are cheap.

Monday317 · Mar 13, 2018

flatulent1 said:
Actually, taking a saw to that pesky hood sounds like a good idea. Aftermarket hoods are cheap.

I agree!

norm123 · Aug 23, 2019

I have the GSW690 wich I can remove the shade. For filter holder like Lee system, it's easy.

sixby45 · Aug 25, 2019

Hmm I've had both the II and the III - I actually prefer the III since to me it's covering made it easier to hold instead of the checkered plastic grips - and the viewfinder on the III switched to the gold patch I believe modelled on the leica version of the rangefinder.

To me the II rangefinder patch was bright but I found the III easier though people seem to have their own opinion of course as I've heard that the II is brighter etc.

Both II and III are awesome - I'm not a fan of the I since it's got a cold shoe and usually more clicks on the shutter.

Either one will make amazingly large negatives though and is very portable - I've used it for street shooting and events as well as portraits in studio and it delivers in spades!

mshchem · Aug 25, 2019

sixby45 said:
Hmm I've had both the II and the III - I actually prefer the III since to me it's covering made it easier to hold instead of the checkered plastic grips - and the viewfinder on the III switched to the gold patch I believe modelled on the leica version of the rangefinder.

To me the II rangefinder patch was bright but I found the III easier though people seem to have their own opinion of course as I've heard that the II is brighter etc.

Both II and III are awesome - I'm not a fan of the I since it's got a cold shoe and usually more clicks on the shutter.

Either one will make amazingly large negatives though and is very portable - I've used it for street shooting and events as well as portraits in studio and it delivers in spades!

And the film spools are easy to change. I love these cameras.

sixby45 · Aug 25, 2019

Oh yes! Forgot the III updating to pop buttons vs twist locks waaaay faster for me

destroya · Aug 26, 2019

I have the I and the III. I prefer the I as it does not have the messed up hood that always seems to get in my way. But I use them both happily. If I could get the GSW in a model I, I would but its not available, hence the III

Fuji GSW690 - I, II or III?

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Fuji GSW690 - I, II or III?

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