FUJI GW690 reparability

Blimeyo · Jul 5, 2022

I recently came across a Fuji GW690 with an issue of jumping exposure. As it is being sold much lower for this defect, I was contemplating purchasing it and having it serviced.

Being a fully mechanical camera, I am under the impression that the GW690 can be repaired without worries about the lack of parts and so forth. On the flipside, I understand that this is a common problem with the Olympus Pen F which is also fully mechanical but unfixable due to the lack of parts. Does any one here have any experience or knowledge on this particular issue? Thank you very much for your time

Dan Daniel · Jul 5, 2022

Which version?

Not sure if this applies, but a counter problem with a GW690III is often tied to a plastic gear in the frame counter drive. It turns out that there is a metal version of this gear- same dimensions, teeth pattern, etc.- in the wind system of a Pentax K1000. The Pentax gear needs some machine work done to make it fit in the location on the Fuji.

I would expect this kind of custom machine work and assembly to be in the $125-200 range, to give a rough ballpark for your thinking.

There may be better and cheaper ways to fix this problem. I'll be curious to see what other people have encountered. I think Frank Marshman has retired but he might still reply to emails? He certainly knows these cameras. Jimmy Koh might also be worth reaching out to.

Blimeyo · Jul 5, 2022

Dan Daniel said:
Which version?

Not sure if this applies, but a counter problem with a GW690III is often tied to a plastic gear in the frame counter drive. It turns out that there is a metal version of this gear- same dimensions, teeth pattern, etc.- in the wind system of a Pentax K1000. The Pentax gear needs some machine work done to make it fit in the location on the Fuji.

I would expect this kind of custom machine work and assembly to be in the $125-200 range, to give a rough ballpark for your thinking.

There may be better and cheaper ways to fix this problem. I'll be curious to see what other people have encountered. I think Frank Marshman has retired but he might still reply to emails? He certainly knows these cameras. Jimmy Koh might also be worth reaching out to.

The first model.

To be honest I have no idea what the actual issue is. The seller only said "jump exposure" which seems to be more of a term for videography rather than photography. My guess would be an uneven exposure across the frame.

Edit: Seller just said responded that it takes several shots and stop

Munky · Jul 5, 2022

Contact Fuji Miami, they have all fuji -related, they might have a donor!

Huss · Jul 7, 2022

PCW

www.precisioncameraworks.com

or site sponsor Zachs Camera Repair

Eff64 · Jul 10, 2022

Have you tried asking Bellamy Hunt? https://www.japancamerahunter.com/
Select “contact”.

I have never contacted him about repair places, but he lives in Tokyo, and found me one of those Fuji 6x9 in 2017, and shipped it to me in the states.

gone · Jul 11, 2022

I would be concerned about parts, based on what happened w/ my Fuji GS645. It was bought from KEH (the old KEH), and when the shutter needed repair they did the work under their warranty. When it later needed the shutter fixed again, they kept the camera and refunded my money because there were no more parts available to fix it.

I loved the images from that camera, but if you can't get parts anymore.......

moto-uno · Jul 12, 2022

Save some more money . Peter

reddesert · Jul 12, 2022

Dan Daniel said:
Which version?

Not sure if this applies, but a counter problem with a GW690III is often tied to a plastic gear in the frame counter drive. It turns out that there is a metal version of this gear- same dimensions, teeth pattern, etc.- in the wind system of a Pentax K1000. The Pentax gear needs some machine work done to make it fit in the location on the Fuji.

I would expect this kind of custom machine work and assembly to be in the $125-200 range, to give a rough ballpark for your thinking.

There may be better and cheaper ways to fix this problem. I'll be curious to see what other people have encountered. I think Frank Marshman has retired but he might still reply to emails? He certainly knows these cameras. Jimmy Koh might also be worth reaching out to.

I'm guessing this particular problem camera would be best avoided. More generally, for a known problem like this, it seems like someone could 3D-print replacement gears to the correct shape out of a durable material. Yes, it would still be plastic or resin (although you can get 3D-printed metal parts), but if it lasts for another 20-30 years that would be useful.

GregY · Jul 12, 2022

"I would be concerned about parts, based on what happened w/ my Fuji GS645. It was bought from KEH (the old KEH), and when the shutter needed repair they did the work under their warranty. When it later needed the shutter fixed again, they kept the camera and refunded my money because there were no more parts available to fix it.
I loved the images from that camera, but if you can't get parts anymore......."

I've had a bunch of the mechanical Fuji Texas Leicas (6x7,6x8,6x9, both w 65mm and 90) starting with the original 690 interchangeable lens model. Mine had taken a 60 foot fall...& still worked. I never had the slightest problem with any of them. They're leaf shutter cameras so shutter service isn't very complicated.
Re: the "jumping exposures" might be a film transport issue or it could be caused by poor film loading technique. If it were cheap enough i'd chance it....but there are lots of them around, although prices have risen dramatically in the past couple of years.
Historically, the 6x9 cameras are far more reliable than the metered 645 models which were known to have problems.

grain elevator · Jul 12, 2022

Blimeyo said:
more of a term for videography rather than photography. My guess would be an uneven exposure across the frame

That's impossible as it has a leaf shutter. Better ask the seller to be more specific.

FUJI GW690 reparability

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency