the GS 690 series - price vs newness?

[pellicle]

Hi

after dipping into 6x9 with a Bessa (or two) I'm thinking that I'm sufficiently sold on this to commit to buying a GSW690. I've read a few things here and there (well, quite a few really) but I'm thinking that I'd tend towards the budget end by getting a GWS690 rather than a GSW690III and save the money.

What I don't know from my reading is if I'll loose much by getting the older one.

I don't really mind flash issues and this site seems to suggest that the rangefinder is not as contrasty as on the older ones. He also suggests that if its a 65mm lens model then it has to be a mid 90's II (although the one I'm looking at on KEH doesn't say that).

Thanks

 

[Chazzy]

The model that intrigues me is the one with interchangeable lenses. But it is old enough that I am wary of the possible difficulty in getting parts for it.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I've the normal not the wide. First model. Outside of being newer I didn't see anything with the II or III that made me want them over the I.

The older model with the interchangeable lenses are cheap enough but the problem is finding extra lenses. What's the point of buying a body and then getting stuck with just the normal lens? OTOH supposedly the normal lens on that model is quite nice. .

 

[pgomena]

I own the GW690III. I find the viewfinder is not easy to focus in some lighting conditions. The contrast is not the best. I put a tiny square of opaque black tape on one of the viewfinder windows, right over the focus spot, to increase the contrast. The III has a rugged plastic body and is lighter than the older models. I generally like the camera. The lens is superb.

I would not hesitate to buy a low-miles older model. A man I know did some amazing work with one.

Peter Gomena

 

[papagene]

I have the GSW690 III and it is a very nice camera. The lens is as sharp as a tack. I also have the GW670 II, and this lens is just as sharp. As far as the GSW690 goes, I think you will be quite happy with either model and quite pleased with the results.

gene

 

[Lee L]

I have the GW690II with the 90/3.5. I think that the III may have a better finder, but I've only looked through one briefly 18 months or so ago, and the impression didn't last, so it may not be that much of an improvement. I have a 40mm hotshoe finder made by Cosina Voigtlander for 35mm cameras, and it gives a much better feel for what the camera's seeing than the small, cramped finders on the 690 bodies. It's very close to the correct framing for the 690 with a 90mm.

I'd seen lots of Hassy and Mamiya RB shots from studio work before getting my 690III, and both B&W negs and transparencies from the 690II surprised me with their sharpness and contrast. It looked very close to 35mm resolution standards transferred to MF.

Lee

 

[Barry S]

I had a GSW690II until very recently. Functionally, there's almost no difference between the II and III versions, but I believe Fuji announced that the pre-III model shutters are no longer repaired by them (lack of parts?). That was some time ago, so it may no longer make any difference. Theses are simple cameras and the shutters don't fail very often, so I would certainly consider an older model as long as there aren't too many exposures on the counter. BTW, I've owned many fine lenses and the 65mm Fuji on the GSW was one of the best--in any format.