Some love for the Fuji GX680III so big!

[wjlapier]

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!

I'm curious about the backs. Is the III and IIIn the same back? They have their own 120/220 inserts? And finally, can earlier generation backs be used on the IIIs camera?

I'm using the IIIs again but thinking about getting another back.

 

[Jason Berge]

I'm curious about the backs. Is the III and IIIn the same back? They have their own 120/220 inserts? And finally, can earlier generation backs be used on the IIIs camera?

I'm using the IIIs again but thinking about getting another back.

 

[sixby45]

I'm curious about the backs. Is the III and IIIn the same back? They have their own 120/220 inserts? And finally, can earlier generation backs be used on the IIIs camera?

I'm using the IIIs again but thinking about getting another back.

Hi there - yes indeed all backs work across models, or at least the type before IIIN work fine, though the IIIN will likely lose the multi format mask functionality for non type III camera bodies. Good 120 film backs can be found from 50-80 dollars used and work quite well.

 

[Jason Berge]

View attachment 238958

All the information the OP asked for is on the sheet from the brochure I posted. Most relevant is the not at the bottom of the page.

 

[wjlapier]

All the information the OP asked for is on the sheet from the brochure I posted. Most relevant is the not at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for the brochure. There are two III film backs it looks like. III and IIIN. Are they the same?

It looks like if I want to use version I and II backs I need to make sure the battery is good or don't remove the back until the film roll is used up. Correct? I'm not looking to have many backs, just maybe one backup and a 220 insert to finish off my remaining 220 film ( and any more I might pick up ).

Thanks again.

 

[sixby45]

The IIIN is the most recent type, which takes either 120 or 220 inserts to determine film types. The older cheaper non-N backs have either 120, or 220 marked on the back itself, and a single insert, that is not interchangeable. You don't HAVE to replace the battery in the older backs, doing so requires cutting and re-soldering a new battery with leads into the back - but without the battery you will lose the number of shots taken when the power is switched off on the camera itself, or the back is removed. Also not sure if this is normal, but before I changed the batteries in the older backs, the connection must not have been great, as the circuits died, the back gave errors and upon rotation, it would lose power and freak out. Since I've replaced all my batteries no more issues and the backs work as normal. Since this was the case with 4 separate older 120 backs, I can only say it looks like when the battery dies sometimes it doesnt die gracefully and causes circuit issues inside.

The IIIN backs I should point out, are pretty nice with their removable battery and multi format capability, however I find the older ones fine for my work - your preference will come down to cost.

As a final note - I actually have an old 220 back if you wanted to pick one up cheap though I am out of batteries to replace that particular older one since redoing all my 120 backs.

Happy GX680 Shooting!

 

[tomkatf]

If anyone is interested in buying a pretty comprehensive 680III system, feel free to PM me.

 

[glbeas]

Yeah I have a system stashed away too, even have a digital back with it. No longer have time to play with it.

 

[wjlapier]

What are some options for strap connectors for the III version? Pentax 645 work?

 

[wjlapier]

I'll answer my question partially. I don't know about the Pentax 645 connectors but just recently purchased a Mamiya strap ( I think 645 ) and the connectors fit the GX680IIIs perfectly. Nice blue and black strap with no name on it.

 

[MattKing]

Which Mamiya 645 - the connectors differ.

 

[wjlapier]

Which Mamiya 645 - the connectors differ.

This one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mamiya-1-W...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[MattKing]

The colour of that strap and the hard to see clips makes me think that it might be for the 645 Super/Pro/Pro Tl.
Are the two clips slightly different? The proper Mamiya strap has different clips, because the end on the winder's side has to clear the winder.

 

[wjlapier]

The clips look identical. Pretty nice actually. I shot the IIIs with a monopod last year but wished I had a strap so I wouldn't have to always deal with the monopod.

 

[wjlapier]

New bellows from Sandeha Lynch:

 

[moto-uno]

^ Is this the same fellow from "Filmwasters" ? Nice looking piece of gear . Peter

 

[sixby45]

New bellows from Sandeha Lynch:

W

Wow - love those red bellows! Amazing Any links to Sandeha Lynch? Thanks!

 

[Roger Thoms]

New bellows from Sandeha Lynch:

Sexy!!!

 

[wjlapier]

Wow - love those red bellows! Amazing Any links to Sandeha Lynch? Thanks!

http://www.sandehalynch.com

 

[Ari]

What are some options for strap connectors for the III version? Pentax 645 work?

I bought the OP/TECH Super Pro strap, Type B (not the "A" version).
It clips onto the GX680 perfectly, and makes shooting the GX680 handheld a breeze.
Really comfortable, well-designed strap; $25, so a bit pricy, but well worth the extra money.

 

[sixby45]

Thanks! Totally ordering a set once we get through some of this social distancing.

 

[Ari]

Also would like to add: the same strap fits the Pentax 6x7 perfectly.
I have a right-hand grip on mine, so I modded the grip to accept a strap lug, and this has been a very good way to use both a RH grip and an excellent strap.

 

[Martin Konrad]

hello, I just discovered this forum via a search as I try to convert GX680 lenses to Arca Swiss.
I have seen the images Nokton48 posted, thats very close to what I want to do. If you could tell me a bit mare about
the conversions I would be very grateful.
Do I need to add the shutters for mirrorless (Fuji GX100) or can the aperture be set manually?

I do not have the 20 posts required to email you directly...
Thanks

 

[narsuitus]

@Martin Konrad

You may get more responses if you ask your question in a new thread.

 

[Nokton48]

hello, I just discovered this forum via a search as I try to convert GX680 lenses to Arca Swiss.
I have seen the images Nokton48 posted, thats very close to what I want to do. If you could tell me a bit mare about
the conversions I would be very grateful.
Do I need to add the shutters for mirrorless (Fuji GX100) or can the aperture be set manually?
I do not have the 20 posts required to email you directly...
Thanks

Look at my Makiflex thread here:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/plaubel-makiflex-standard.69178/page-24

It's a lot of pages to read but the details are in there. No need to repeat