Some love for the Fuji GX680III so big!

sixby45 · Aug 24, 2019

So I've been very intrigued for some time now about the Fuji GX680 series - see I love the RB67 rotating back feature but the larger film frame size of 6x9 of which I have had a few Fuji rangefinders like the GW690 II - III.

Having just assembled a kit and run the first roll through it is a joy to use. Things I like:

Great viefinder (waist level) clearer than most I've used.

Rotating back

Automated film winding and mirror advance

Giant negatives

Reasonable costs for lenses and accs.

Tilt and swing movements

Things to work on:

Weight for sure heaviest medium format rig I've used hand held yet - though really enjoying the looks I get using it for street style portraits

Number of frames - the happy medium of 9 per roll vs 8 on the Gw and 10 on the RB/RZ - still adds up though

Bellows - seems like every time I find a used camera with bellows they are covered in pinhole light leaks - definitely still painting them over with paint to cover em up

Needs a big roller bag to make it portable - see weight.

Ok I'm interested if anyone has anything to add from their perspective to this awesome rotating modernish kit

Happy posting!

cooltouch · Aug 30, 2019

I share your intrigue for the GX680 -- especially the Mk III. I've been eyeing outfits for a while, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. So it was nice reading your comments. I guess the only thing I'm concerned about with that camera is the level of electronics and/or LCDs that might not be as robust as one finds with cameras that aren't quite as high tech. With my shooting style, I probably would not restrict it to studio use, which I think is the way it has been traditionally used. Rather, field use, but with a tripod. I'm not so sure I'd want to try hand-holding that beast.

Here's a tip for you. One handy product I've found that works well for covering up pinhole light leaks is a product called Plasti-Dip. It comes in aerosol cans and liquid. It was originally intended to be used as an insulating material for tools. You'd dip your pliers handles or what have you into the can of liquid and it would coat them, providing insulation. But the stuff in aerosol is very handy for sealing bellows. Because it is a rubber sort of material, it is flexible, and it adheres well to various surfaces. It is available in a variety of colors, but I prefer black, for obvious reasons. Anyway, I've successfully used it to seal bellows from light leaks. I've also used it to get rid of shutter pinholes in some old rangefinder Canons I own. To get rid of the pinholes, I spray some of it onto a paper plate, and then I use an artist's brush to lightly dab the stuff onto the shutters of the camera, allowing it to fully dry between applications. It has worked very well for this also.

narsuitus · Sep 1, 2019

sixby45 said:
Ok I'm interested if anyone has anything to add from their perspective to this awesome rotating modernish kit

I would love to use the Fuji GX680 series and its swing and tilt features instead of the swing and tilt features of my 4x5 inch view camera.

narsuitus · Sep 1, 2019

On the other hand, I would never replace my smaller 6x7cm Mamiya RB67 for a larger 6x8cm Fuji GX680.

Saanich-20120407-00050 by John Roberts, on Flickr

glbeas · Sep 2, 2019

I have a Fuji 680iii i bought for a digital back but wound up never using it. Really cool design but nowhere near as convenient as my 4x5 cameras.

Roger Thoms · Sep 2, 2019

You might find this site interesting, it's in French so you may need to translate. http://www.galerie-photo.com/fuji-gx-680-boitiers-et-accessoires.html

Roger

StepheKoontz · Sep 2, 2019

It looks larger than my 4X5 field camera with a 6X12 back...

cooltouch · Sep 2, 2019

That Olympus OM-2 in the bottom of the frame puts things into perspective, doesn't it. What a beast -- but to me, a magnificent one.

btaylor · Sep 2, 2019

I too have looked at that camera, what a beauty. Like others have observed the bulk seemed overwhelming, I have an RZ67 and that is quite big enough in the field. If I want movements then a 4x5 seems more appropriate and versatile.

Nokton48 · Sep 2, 2019

DSC05656 by Nokton48, on Flickr

GX680 Completed 180mm 125mm F3.2 Makiflex by Nokton48, on Flickr
I do love the GX680 lenses, I have removed the cells and transplanted them into Seiko #1 mechanical shutters (even broken RB67 shutters, those are Seiko #1).

I use them on my 9x9cm Plaubel Makiflexes. I was out shooting handheld this morning with the 125mm F3.2 GX680 on my Makiflex Standard.

Nokton48 · Sep 2, 2019

Makiflex Standard 125mm F3.2 GX680 Tiltall Tripod by Nokton48, on Flickr

The Makiflex is focal plane shuttered, super duper smooth firing with no vibrations, and is bulky, but not as heavy as you would imagine.

Great for my uses.

sixby45 · Sep 4, 2019

cooltouch said:
I share your intrigue for the GX680 -- especially the Mk III. I've been eyeing outfits for a while, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. So it was nice reading your comments. I guess the only thing I'm concerned about with that camera is the level of electronics and/or LCDs that might not be as robust as one finds with cameras that aren't quite as high tech. With my shooting style, I probably would not restrict it to studio use, which I think is the way it has been traditionally used. Rather, field use, but with a tripod. I'm not so sure I'd want to try hand-holding that beast.

Here's a tip for you. One handy product I've found that works well for covering up pinhole light leaks is a product called Plasti-Dip. It comes in aerosol cans and liquid. It was originally intended to be used as an insulating material for tools. You'd dip your pliers handles or what have you into the can of liquid and it would coat them, providing insulation. But the stuff in aerosol is very handy for sealing bellows. Because it is a rubber sort of material, it is flexible, and it adheres well to various surfaces. It is available in a variety of colors, but I prefer black, for obvious reasons. Anyway, I've successfully used it to seal bellows from light leaks. I've also used it to get rid of shutter pinholes in some old rangefinder Canons I own. To get rid of the pinholes, I spray some of it onto a paper plate, and then I use an artist's brush to lightly dab the stuff onto the shutters of the camera, allowing it to fully dry between applications. It has worked very well for this also.

Thanks so much for the pinhole repair advice I’ve been mostly using tough nail polish but this is not always a longer term fix

sixby45 · Sep 4, 2019

Roger Thoms said:
You might find this site interesting, it's in French so you may need to translate. http://www.galerie-photo.com/fuji-gx-680-boitiers-et-accessoires.html

Roger

Thanks Roger awesome info - there aren’t a lot of sites with info on this camera compared to some other more well known systems to be sure.

Roger Thoms · Oct 20, 2019

sixby45 said:
Thanks Roger awesome info - there aren’t a lot of sites with info on this camera compared to some other more well known systems to be sure.

Missed your reply, your welcome! Yes I thought that site was great, it’s amazing how many accessories were made for the GX680 system. I was out shooting with mine today, total joy to use. Yeah the camera is heavy, but seriously my backpack weighs 26 lbs with 3 lenses and two film backs plus light meter, compendium hood, eye level finder, etc. the pack is totally comfortable to carry. Since I shoot fairly close to the car I use a Ries J100/J250 combo which I hand carry. Is this setup for everyone, of course not, it’s just one system that works well for me and that I enjoy using.

Roger

sixby45 · Oct 25, 2019

Thanks Roger - sounds like a good shoot! I'm going to try some more measured work in the studio as it gets colder but having a blast with the system. As an update - definitely buy a few film backs as I've now got two of four which are not working - they just wind the whole roll of film and don't find the start mark - anyone seen this happen? Thanks! And a recent portrait from an outdoor shoot to follow.

sixby45 · Oct 25, 2019

sixby45 · Oct 25, 2019

And another quick shot : Sky under the stairs - Fuji gx680iii 100mm f4 6x8 film - Kodak portra 400.

Roger Thoms · Nov 11, 2019

LOL, been feeling like I need something between my 135mm and 210mm so I start looking for a 180mm. Well I find one, it a little pricey but happens to be attached to a camera and come with a film back, AAA battery holder, shutter release cable, and loupe finder. Got to love these cameras, big and heavy = cheap!

Roger

sixby45 · Nov 26, 2019

Hi Roger - for sure! Especially from Japanese sellers - usually cheaper to get a whole camera setup with the lens you want and sell the body for parts or keep it around for repairs

Kino · Nov 26, 2019

Why do you people show me these things...

sixby45 · Nov 26, 2019

Kino said:
Why do you people show me these things...

Because this system is tons - literally - of fun! Seriously a good used system from Japan can be only about 100 dollars before shipping and more of course for recent models but the comparative cost for bodies and kits lenses are extra cheap also buying cheap old 120 film backs and rehabbing them with new batteries gets pretty easy after the first one

Kino · Nov 26, 2019

It's like waving a bottle of whiskey in front of an alcoholic...

sixby45 · Jan 26, 2020

Hi everyone - it’s been awhile but I shot a very fun studio meet yesterday and wanted to say that after repairing the film backs the GX680 performed admirably and it was a real conversation starter I was also using my oft used type S version which is slightly lighter and more compact since I use this rig handheld more and more. Notes - the viewfinder is still bold and bright with easy to see focus pop - I do have the 90 degree finder but don’t use it so much when I know I’ll be handholding the system - as for film backs I have replaced the dead batteries in my original 120 dedicated backs - not the type IIIn and they are performing great.

I’ll post some photos such as the portraits shot on the gx680 180mm lens when I get the negatives back - but really had a fun time. This camera is fast becoming my favorite though it did get heavy carrying the full kit to and from - I may need a wheeled case after all

anyone thinking of one try it out KEH had a type three for 300 last week so still pretty reasonable for giant negatives with ultra sharp glass!

Arthurwg · Jan 26, 2020

cooltouch said:
.. I guess the only thing I'm concerned about with that camera is the level of electronics and/or LCDs that might not be as robust as one finds with cameras that aren't quite as high tech. .

Yes, I would worry about this. I think the simple fact is that the electronics in all these older cameras will be impossible to repair before too long if they aren't already. I had two Hasselblad prism meters fail over the last year, and no one seems to be able to fix them. Apparently there are no parts available for this.

Jason Berge · Jan 26, 2020

Arthurwg said:
Yes, I would worry about this. I think the simple fact is that the electronics in all these older cameras will be impossible to repair before too long if they aren't already. I had two Hasselblad prism meters fail over the last year, and no one seems to be able to fix them. Apparently there are no parts available for this.

I have found them to be pretty good in terms of reliability. Just exercise reasonable care in their storage and watch the humidity and they should be fine. I have three and have had no issues so far (touch wood) in 10 years of ownership. And as others have said they are reasonably cheap these days. I have one in the cupboard as a "spare parts donor", thankfully not needed yet, but cheap insurance, as there are no parts. The warehouse Fuji stored them in was destroyed in an earthquake around 2010, at-least that is what I was told by Fuji when I last had something looked at. (lens with loose retaining ring) which thankfully was a simple fix.

Some love for the Fuji GX680III so big!

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