Fuji GX 680 questions......?

Dear Apug MF Experts,

A friend of mine is retiring and has been shooting mostly Hasselblad.....I asked him what would be another option
With less expensive but good quality glass.....he immediately responded the Fuji gx680.....questions..

A) looks like they make a version, 1-2-3, which one is most desirable?
B) is the lens quality on par with mamiya rb/Rz lenses?
C) the camera looks large, will be using tripod/indoors.
D) what’s the differences on the bodies, some don’t have tilt, rise on front standard?
E) they make a 180mm 190sf 210 and 250 mm which in your view would be best for portraiture?
F) any sample photos taken with this 6x8 would be icing on the cake...

Kind Regards

Harlequin

A) 3 is the best, it uses lithium batteries. 1&2 use a rechargeable pack, most of which need to be re-celled. There was a AA pack available, but that is difficult to find. There were also some upgrades to the v3 that are desirable.

B) Yes, probably better, but often slower. (limited to the RB and GX lenses I had)

C) It is SIGNIFICANTLY larger and heavier than a Hasselblad. It is significantly larger than an RB.

D) There was one model made without shift or tilt (GX 680 III S).

E) I have only used the 180mm on your list, so I cannot compare.

Also: you need a special cable release, and they are different between the I & II and the III, and they are not compatible. And they are hard to find (hence $$$)

The sliding loop finder is useful if you plan to use tilt.

ALL of the GX680 lenses are outstanding. I have modified most of them to fit my focal plane mechanical SLR from the early 1960s (actually it is a VERY similar camera, just mechanical). The Plaubel Makiflex.

The really HOT GX680 glass are the F3.2's. The 180mm is too sharp for some! The 115mm and the 125mm F3.2 lenses are standouts as well. Have not met one I didn't like.

The 180mm F3.2 is a cult lens from what I have found so far.

DSC05616 by Nokton48, on Flickr

DSC05656 by Nokton48, on Flickr