I think my comment on the German vs Japanese glass was a generalization. It's only based on the lenses I've owned, and truly, as you mentioned, not everyone sees the differences (they are readily apparent to me though). I have owned a number of Fuji MF cameras and just had to give up getting images that I liked from them. On the other hand, the lenses on the Bronicas (w/ the exception of the Nikkors) and Mamiyas I found too contrasty. These are just MY observations, and they're valid to me only. Not everyone has the same set of peepers.
My only film is Tri-X, and the images from the Fujis didn't work for me. But if I put the same film in a Rolleicord/Rolleiflex/Bessa II or most any German camera, I get exactly what I'm looking for. There is a noticeable difference. For what it's worth, I recently bought an R Canon 100 f2 lens, and it images almost exactly like a Leica, but that isn't the norm.
If I shot landscapes I suspect the Fuji 690 would be an excellent performer, especially using color slide film. You're not looking for lens "character" in that instance, you're looking for large film negatives and high resolution. The Fujis have excellent pressure plates, and hold the film nice and flat.
