Related Links:
Fuji related posts on Medium Format Digest

Notes:

The above table may be of some interest to those looking at the GS645 series Fuji rangefinder (see article for more information). The 75mm f/3.5 lens has less than 1% pin cushion distortion, but loses up to 1.6 stops (ouch!) in corners to light falloff. The lens is evidently diffraction limited by f/8, with a stunningly high (98%) center contrast rating! Sharpness improved from wide open by stopping down to f/5.6, after which the lens performance was rated as excellent in center. It received all excellent ratings in the edge performance. After seeing this, you can understand why so many users have been happy!

Related Postings

From: Donald Farra [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: FUJI 6X9 or Equivalent?
Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 

I own both Fuji GSW and GW 690 rangefinder cameras and love the
cameras.  They  have fixed lens, rangefinder focusing, with no metering,
nick named the Texas Leica, they use a leaf shutter so fill flash is not
a problem.  The GSW is like a 28mm lens on a Leica and the GW model is
equivilent to a 35mm lens on a Leica.

Personally if you are going to use for travel I would go with the GSW
model.  but a word of warning the 6x9 negative, means less shots per
roll and does require sometime custom printing, which can mean higher
costs for englargements.  But for standard 4x6 prints it is no problem.

If you want more shots per roll and want to use it for 8x10 inch prints
you might want to look at the GW670 model instead.  This version creates
6x7 cm negatives.  The lens is like a 38mm on a Leica (I think).

In any case this is a very expensive camera to get as a gift, you might
to talk it over with her before buying the camera.

Don      

[email protected] wrote:

> Anyone here use or have used a 6x9 fuji,
>
> What did you like about it, whats wrong with it? 
> Other than the specs, is there anythign the amatuer wouldnt notice
> that is a major flaw in the camera?
>
> I wanted to get this camera as a gift for a friend of mine, she loves
> the idea of medium format but doesnt want to bother with the hassels
> of a hasselblad, too much annoyance for her.
>
> Regardless i was curious to know what others think about it, also she
> travels a lot so lugging a tripod really isnt her thing. Thanks
>
> Al                           

From: Sergio Ortega 
Subject: Response to Fuji Rangefinders?
Date: 1998-03-10

I have owned a Fuji 6X7 rangefinder (model III) for several years now. I
have exposed several hundred rolls of film with it, so I feel like I have
discovered most of the camera's strengths, and weaknesses.  The best way
to describe the Fuji rangefinders: Basic.  No battery, no meter. fixed
90mm lens (65mm on the 6X9 Wide), no interchangeable backs, etc.  It's
really nothing more than a leaf shutter lens, a roll film transport
system, a rangefinder/viewfinder mechanism, and two or three other
controls.  Loading film is foolproof. The film advance lever feels rather
flimsy at first, but it works fine.  It does not have the same silky feel
found in Leicas, or other expensive cameras.  All the body controls feel a
bit imprecise, but they work well, every time.  The entire body is made of
a surprisingly tough, dull, black polycarbonate material.  When you first
pick up the Fuji, you are struck by how light it really is.  It is, by
far, the lightest medium format camera I have used.  It really does lend
itself extremely well to handheld photography.  Compared to the other
medium format systems I have owned (Pentax 67, Rollei TLR, Mamiya c330,
Mamiya RB), it is extremely light and portable--very good for hiking,
especially when you want to travel light.  Without a doubt, the best part
of the Fuji camera is the lens. The 90mm f/3.5 Fujinon SBC leaf shutter
lens is EXTREMELY good, sharp and contrasty.  (Fuji really makes good
lenses.  I have a Fuji 450mm large format lens and it is probably one of
the best I own.) It has a rather meager, built-in, retractable lens hood
which covers the lens controls when retracted. It uses reasonably small
67mm filters, though good luck using circular polarizers, or any type of
polarizer, with any rangefinder!  It has two shutter releases: one on the
top, in the center of the film advance lever, with a screw-in cable
release attachment; the second is on the front of the camera body, with a
locking lever to avoid unintentional exposures.  Quite frankly, the
shutter releases feel and sound tinny when released--kind of a loud,
metallic pinging sound.  Don't expect some slick, smooth,
expensive-sounding mechanism when you press the shutter on any Fuji. 
Still, it works beautifully. 

 The worst thing about the camera, in my opinion, are the shutter speed
settings.  Inexplicably, you only have speed settings from 1 second to
1/500 of a second.  There is no practical way to do timed-exposures longer
than 1 second!  You set the shutter on B, trip the shutter, and it stays
open.  To close it again, after the timed-exposure, you cannot simply
press the shutter button down again, or even let up on a locked
cable-release.  You have to either advance the film lever, or twist the
shutter-speed ring on the lens. Very clumsy! I suppose you can work around
this drawback, I have!  The rangefinder viewfinder is clear and bright,
the frame lines in the viewfinder automatically change when focusing,
showing the correct composition.  You cannot focus closer than about one
meter. 

In summary, the results I have gotten with this camera have been
excellent. Never one mechanical problem with anything.  The technical
quality of the negatives are excellent, my photography skills seem to be
the only weak link in the process.  Portability is its strong suit.  I
have heard it described as a "Texas Leica";  I think it's an accurate
description.  You cannot beat the price either. I'll say it again, this
lens is really, really good.  And the non-interchangeable, fixed lens
system keeps you from getting the itch to buy every other lens in the
system--there are none.  I have to say some of the best negatives I have
were taken with this camera.  I'll probably end up trading it
in and getting the Mamiya 7, or maybe evenn the Fuji 6X17.  Go figure! 

 

From: Sergio Ortega 
Subject: Centerfilters with Fuji 6X17 necessary?
Date: 1998-03-11

Does anyone have info on the need to use neutral density spot filters, or
centerfilters, on the Fuji 6X17 panoramic rangefinders, specifically with
the 90mm lens?  How about with the other lenses available in this system? 

With the 90mm, or other lenses, is the image circle sufficiently large,
and evenly illuminated, to cover the 6X17 format evenly out to the
corners?  I realize that with B&W film you can burn in the corners when
printing, if necessary, to compensate for the slight vignetting caused by
uneven illumination across the negative and into the corners.  

But I'm primarily concerned about using color transparency film,
especially with images having large sky areas.  I'd prefer sending 6X17
color transparencies to potential customers without this noticeable
darkening in the corners, especially since large sky areas are a common
subject element in panoramic images.  

I would rather not have to crop the 6X17 negative to remove the obvious
darkening in the corners, if any; this sort of defeats the purpose of
6X17.  How about the Linhof 6X17 system?, either with the Super Angulon
90mm XL, or 72mm XL lenses?  Do the Schneider lenses have larger image
circles and more even illumination in the 6X17 format? 

 Or would the Fuji lens(es) give better results?  Any preferences on brand
of centerfilter?  What degree of density gradation from center to
edges...1 stop?, 2 stops?  These types of filters are quite pricey, and
I'd rather not add to my collection of useless, expensive filters, if at
all possible.  Thanks for the help! 

------

You can go to the Schneider page (www.schneideroptics.com/large/large.htm. For the 47mmf5.6 XL, it is 3 stops down at the corners ofa 4x5 piece of film For the 47mmf5.6 XL, it is 3 stops down at the corners ofa 4x5 piece of film (166mm diag). It is about 2 1/2 stops down at a diag of 125 mm. For 5x7 (6x17), the 72 and 90 XL are similarly dimmed at the far reaches of their image circles (this is at f22, of course).

Don't know if Fugi has some magic for its lenses or not.

jdb

From: Sergio Ortega 
Subject: Response to Fuji Rangefinders?
Date: 1998-03-13

In response to Frank Sheeran:  I totally agree with your observations and
thank you for the valuable advice.  You're correct, It's not really such a
big problem.  And I've gotten pretty adept at carefully twisting the
shutter speed ring a tad to close the shutter at the end of my long
exposures.  I have not yet resorted to using a hat, though I have used the
lenscap. 

Even with timed exposures as brief as 2 or 3 seconds, there is no
perceptible loss of sharpness, or any blurring in the image indicating
movement.  With much longer exposures, taking minutes, it really is a moot
point.  Yet, doing this reminds me of using a lens cap with an old
shutterless barrel lens many years ago.  Crude but effective. 

My point seems to be that any moderately expensive modern camera like the
Fuji rangefinder, particulary one with the word "Professional" emblazoned
prominently across the front of the body, should at the very least have
the capability to conveniently do a long exposure, without resorting to
hats or lenscaps.  I can honestly say I've never owned, or heard of, a
modern camera or lens without this capability.  Even the oldest lens I
own, an ancient 10"  Kodak WF Ektar, in an equally old, unpredictable Ilex
shutter, allows me to close the shutter after exposures longer than one
second.  The Fuji does not! 

 

 
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (DKeysser)
[1] Re: HELP!!! Fuji GA645
Date: Sun Mar 15 1998

I purchased a GA645 this summer, mostly for
traveling in Europe.  I am a very serious amateur, not professional.  It
worked superbly...a very accurate meter, accurate auto-focus, excellent
lens (even wide-open) and mechanically reliabile.  I shot over 30 rolls of
120 film and still didn't wear out the battery.  It is very light, and
small (w/ the lens folded).  Because it has a leaf shutter, I was able to
handhold to very slow shutter speeds (necessary since the lens is only an
F4).  The only drawback is that the motor drive makes it a little noisy. 
This is a superflous feature, which I wish Fuji had skipped, since the
motordrive is not fast enough for true action photography. 

 Other than that, it is a wonderful camera, suitable for professional
work. By the way, it accepts 52mm filters, same size as the Nikon.  The
meter is not through-the lens, but it is east to adjust the Exposure Index
to compensate for a filter.  One hint....replace the standard lens hood
with a soft collapsible one, so you can leave it on while you take the
lens cap on and off. Good luck. 

Don Keysser  

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Mike)
[1] Re: Fuji 6x4.5 and 6x7
Date: Tue May 12 1998

[email protected] (Jason Buchanan) wrote:

I'm interested in getting a medium-format system, but i'm wanting it solely for outdoors photography only. I'm interested in the possibilities of a negative that can be enlarged a great deal and have some of the other benefits of MF cameras.

however... i'm curious... why so few posts about the Fuji cameras? I know that you get what you pay for, but for what I need this sounds like it would be a good performer for me. Granted, I could get a nice 35mm SLR but I like to be different :)

The fujis have excellent lenses and are great value for money, the results you will get will be very sharp, subjectively as good as any other manufacturer, contrast is also excellent. They handle well also.

What kind of costs should I expect if I get a 6x4.5 or 6x6 or 6x7 camera? Is it safe to assume that similar films are available for these sizes... fuji velvia, etc

Not all types are available in 120 size, but most are, including velvia, costs are higher per print, if you go for normal d+p service, but film costs are not much higher (buy in 5 packs), the quality is worth it, however, and makes you pay more attention to planning and composition etc.

i'm thinking about getting a fuji GW 670III 6x7... I like the larger film size, etc.

This camera is completely manual, you have to look at whether you mind reloading every 10 shots, metering off the camera, and focussing manually. The 645i is autoloading, 15 shots, multimode and autofocus.

The GW 670III is also physically quite large to lug aroung everywhere, which is why I bought a used GS645S with 60mm f4 lens and built in meter. Icouldn't afford a 645i :(. The 645S is about the same size and weight as a 35mm SLR and is definately different to one :) Results are great on NPS, NPH and Reala, but use a tripod to make the most of the sharpness.

What are some of the pros and cons of this camera (or the fuji 645), and the pros and cons of these film sizes...

You are limited on the 670 by the 1M minimum focus distance, the 645i autofocus cameras get around this and you can buy close focussing accessories. You really have to decide if this will limit your picture taking as if you take portraits you will not be able to take head and shoulder shots, which i've just discovered on my 645S

670 - no batteries to replace and no electronics to break.

I like the aspect ratio of the 6X4.5 size, but then the 6X7 is nice also. The one big advantage of 6X6 is that you don't need to rotate the camera 90 degrees to get landscape/portrait views, but you have to decide on the crop when you print.

Hope you make the right choice.

Mike

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: "Joe McCary - Photo Response" [email protected]
[1] Re: Fuji 6x4.5 and 6x7
Date: Tue May 12 1998

I have a Fuji 645 w60 (has 60mm lens) this lens is sharp! The camera is extremely light weight! and although it has a "meter" it is NOT through the lens. Kinds rides next to viewfinder in the camera. It has an onboard rangefinder that is usable (I have and use M Leicas so comparing the rangefinder to a Leica it is a joke BUT it is usable). It does fine for most subjects but certainly not the light meter of the 90s. The camera sells for used about $500-600 when available, you almost never see them. Fuji also makes a 645 with a 45mm lens! This would be their super wide body. I do not have one of these but have considered it. It has no rangefinder and I am not sure if it has a meter or not.

I hope this helps.

Joe McCary

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Wayne Firth [email protected]
[1] Re: Fuji 6x4.5 and 6x7
Date: Tue May 12 1998

I have a Fuji 645 with 45mm. It is very wide, no rangefinder, yes it has a meter like the other 645's. Zone focus sounds awkward but in practice is very easy and the camera sort of becomes a point and shoot. The lens is very, very sharp. The camera is very lightweight. They are kind of rare and sell for around $700.

Wayne Firth

From: Kim Fullbrook [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji GS670 or 690?
Date: 1998-05-06

I have a GW690III but no in-use experience of the 670. As far as I know, virtually the whole camera is the same including the lens except, obviously the frame size and relevant parts of the film transport.

The 690 does suffer from very slight fall off in the far corners at wider apertures which is noticeable in a mid-brightness sky. It is definite at f4, slightly visible at f5.6 and gone by f8. I haven't noticed in problems with barrel distortion, even on buildings, but then I'm not a picky architectural photographer. The lens performance has been praised highly in these pages, and I would agree, except for this falloff problem. If you need wide apertures and big frame size then forget this camera and go for a Pentax 67, but remember that the Pentax is a very heavy bulky beast.

When comparing the two Fuji cameras, bear in mind that the 690 frame size is actually only 82mm wide, not 9cm ! A typical 6x7 frame size on my Pentax is around 69mm, so the difference between the two, although visible is not that great. Personally I prefer the 3x2 aspect ratio of the 690.

From: Agnius Griskevicius [email protected]
Subject: where does Fuji GX680 fit in a grand scheme of cameras?
Date: 1998-03-25

I have been looking to purchase a medium format camera for use in a studio with strobes, and outdoors (with and without strobes). I strongly gravitated towards Mamiya RZ67 ProII, which, although not too small and light, has most of features I need. During my search I ran into Fuji GX680 cameras. At first, I got very excited, I loved the idea of being able to ajust the plane of focus, shift the lens arround, etc. But after playing with one at the rental store, my excitement quickly evaporated. First, this camera is huge, and I though RZ67 was big. Second, abilities to tilt the lens are quite limited, may be good for very tiny tweeks. In the studio, 4X5 view camera is far more capable for product photography. Outside, I don't see the reason to take GX680, a lighter field 4X5 has much better movements and large film area. Fuji does have an integrated film winder, but at what cost weight wise? What was GX680 intended to be? Studio camera for medium format? Also, why 6X8? Is it more accurated to tabloid size page? I would like to hear your opinions.

From: Agnius Griskevicius [email protected]
Subject: Response to How can Fuji justify the price of the close up accessory for the GA645?
Date: 1998-03-25

Fuji also sells a $300 neck strap for GX680. Go figure.

From: Brian R Jones [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji GA645
Date: 1998-05-22

I just visited Seoul, Korea on a business trip and was so tempted by the GA645 that I bought one. Brand new, in a box, Eurpoean Manual from a reputable dealer - for $750US. Then I started to check that I hadn't been ripped off and found your email thread:-). Looks like even in the US, this camera would cost at least $1200+. If $750 is too much, then there a few used Camera shops and I was offered a used GA645 for around $500, but you can bargin......

From: Gary Helfrich [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Fuji lens quality
Date: 11 Jun 1998

Bob Salomon [email protected] wrote:
: Then how would you know if they were as good as a modern Rodenstock Apo
: Sironar N or S or the Apo Symmar?

The implication in this statement seems to be that the current Rodenstock lenses have a marked superiority to the Fuji -W lenses. Can you support this, or it is just speculation?

: There is a big difference in lens performance that would be very obvious to
: someone who takes the time, trouble and expense to compare lenses head to
: head.

I've compared the current Fuji 125 CM-W against a 135 Sironar -S. Same camera, same subject, same lighting, etc. In most images, there was no difference between the lenses, even under 100x magnifaction. The resolving power of both lenses seemed to be as good as the film (E100S) could record. The only time there was a difference was when the shot had was taken into the sun or some other bright light source. In these images, the Fuji was noticeable better, and you did not need a Nikon microscope to see the difference.

I doubt that there is really much difference in optical performance between the "Big Four" (Fuji, Schneider, Rodenstock, and Nikon). Bob S has made a pretty direct statement here that the Rodenstock lenses are far superior to the competition. I would like to see this backed up with some facts other than an offer to send me some more Rodenstock propaganda.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Rodenstock lenses are world class. As are offerings by Schneider, Fuji and Nikon. My point is that none of these products has any advantage over the others, so why pay the extra money for the Rodenstock? I'd get the Fuji, and spend the money saved on something useful like film or travel.

Gary Helfrich

From: Bill Daily [email protected]
Subject: About the new Fuji GX680 III
Date: 1998-06-22

There's been a lot of interest in the Fuji 680 recently, and although I just missed the Fuji rep when he stopped by Calumet Chicago today, he left behind some literature that explains a bit more about what has changed. It's clear that Fuji continues to march to their own drummer in the MF SLR arena, but even if it's not your cup of tea (I've rented the 680 but it's not one I'll own) we should applaud them for adding to the market's variety. What's new (some of this is old news for those who read the trade press, and it may be on Fuji's web page, although they're usually the last to know!):

--In addition to the standard model, there's the new "S" version which forgoes shifts, tilts, and rises--to my mind, one of the main reasons to buy this camera--in order to save (are you ready?) 12 ounces. The standard (non-S) camera weighs about what it did before, almost exactly 9 pounds with standard accessories, back, and 135mm lens--but without batteries (they don't list weight with batteries anymore because there are a couple of battery options). The lightweight S weighs, um, 8 lbs, 4 oz. (About what a healthy baby weighs.)

--The camera is now touted as "multiple format." The new Multiformat III film back can do 6x8 (9 exposures on 120), 6x7 (10), 6x6 (12), or 6x4.5 (16). The slickest aspect of this capability is that you just slip the appropriate mask into the viewfinder and the camera figures out the rest. Also new are the cassette inserts; rather than buy separate 120 or 220 backs, you just buy separate inserts and put them in the III back.

--New power supply options: Both the film holder and the camera have improved here. The film holder now uses two lithium CR-2s instead of the old built-in battery which had to be turned in for servicing. The biggest change is in the body power supply. I don't see any AC/rechargeable options anymore. Instead, the body is powered by 3 lithium CR123s, said to last for 3000 shots before needing replacement. In addition, Fuji now offers an optional 6AA alkaline battery pack (no lifespan given) and will soon offer a 2AA battery pack because "fewer batteries help protect the environment"; it will have a "revolutionary step-up device" letting it output 9V instead of 3.

--The camera now offers data imprinting on the edge of the negative, between the emulsion code and the image area. Imprintable data include DD/MM/YY, aperture, shutter speed, an infinitely selectable 3-character alphanumeric, and last, a 3-digit sequential number (you don't get all of these when shooting it at 645 because there's not enough space). Not to nitpick, but considering how closely spaced Fuji's lens lineup is, having the lens' focal length imprinted might be handy sometimes.

--Speaking of the lens lineup, the lenses are all the same for the III (from the spec sheet, anyway) except they now have an "M" designation to denote that they have a built-in shot counter. Fuji more than any other maker seems to like these "odometers," even putting them into their bargain 6x9s; I'm not sure what good they do except to the person buying the camera used, but studio users may find them valuable (the body and the film holder each have their own counters as well!). There is one new lens, a 115 mm f/3.2 (apparently Big Green thought that huge gap between the 100 and the 125 was unacceptable!). The 3 f/3.2 lenses are now called "MD"; unlike the 125 and the 180, however, the 115 doesn't also come in a cheaper f/5.6 version. The old lenses all fit the new III.

--Still speaking of lenses, this new brochure is clear about a limitation that users of the 50mm 680 lens have discovered: Maximum permissible rise and fall for this lens is 9mm in vertical format and 12mm in horizontal format. This single limitation steered me to a view camera instead of the 680; I do a lot of architectural-type stuff, and being able to rise less than 12 percent of the negative's height was just not enough. For studio use, however, the rise is probably sufficient, and with all of the other lenses in the lineup rise and lateral shift is 15mm; fall is 13mm (there is no movement of the back possible). These figures may diminish slightly when swings and tilts are used.

--For the record, the lens lineup is (all are f/5.6 unless noted): 50, 65, 80, 100/4, 115/3.2, 125 (5.6 and 3.2), 135, 150/4.5, 180 (5.6 and 3.2), 190/8, 210, 250, and 300/6.3. Fifteen total.

--Let's see, what else... The III has Fuji's barcode-reader for film, as do all of Fuji's newer cameras, and it also has their little easyload hook-thingy to help start new rolls....The LCDisplays in the body and the film holder are now backlightable with the push of a button....there's a PC interface plug to transfer data to a computer....the body has a new ridge to make it "more" handholdable, and Fuji offers a new neck strap.... there are new remote releases (1 meter or 5 meters), and the audible warnings have adjustable volume in case you're 15 feet away....

That's all that strikes me offhand. I've had very good experiences when I've rented the II version of this camera; I love the lenses, the solid construction, the mini-view-camera-like movements. The new battery options (and, perhaps, the slight improvements in ergonomics) may make it more useable in the field than before, and it continues to be a stellar studio camera. The only reasons I don't buy one are price (don't have figures yet, but it's sure to go up in light of multi-format options and renamed lenses) and the limited movements, especially laterally and vertically for the widest lens. Competing only with the Hasselblad ArcBody (which is certainly more useful for architecture with its full-movement wide-angle lenses, but has a notably smaller negative after cropping) the 680 is the closest anyone's come to a MF "SLR view camera," and it may be the answer for many who want more flexibility than a fixed-lens camera...but want to avoid the slowness of the bellows-and-darkcloth route.

From: Agnius Griskevicius [email protected]
Subject: Response to About the new Fuji GX680 III
Date: 1998-06-22

I have used mark I version of this beast, and I loved it. I rented RZ67 before, and found Fuji to be a much more fun to use than RZ. I took the camera to Death Valley, and although weather was not cooperating (it was raining/snowing over there) I still got some nice shots. I loved the ability to laid down the lense and get that nice plane of focus at higher apertures. Using 300mm lense, the vigneting was pretty severe, don't even thing about shifting the lens in a vertical back position. If I had extra cash to spend, this is a really neat camera, however, for the "real world" I think it is just better to get a blad/bronica and a 4X5. 6X6 is better for fashion as it is so much lighter and more handholdable, and for serious studio work you can't beat the flexibility of a 4X5 system.

From: James Chow [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji GX617
Date: 1998-06-21

I bought my G617 used in mint cond. (counter on 4) w/ leather case, cable, center filter for 240,000 yen in Japan this past March. I think the G617 is a much better deal than the GX617, in that you get everything (filter, case, etc.) for one price. For me, a 90mm or 105mm is just the right focal length, so I wouldn't have bought more than one lens if I had a GX617. The G617 is also lighter and smaller than the GX617. Panorama cameras seem to be in high demand these days. I use mine as a supplement to my wide angle 6x6 lens, so I wasn't willing to pay a lot for a 6x17. BTW, the GX617 requires a battery (!) to trip its electromagnetic shutter. The G617 is purely mechnical. The G617 has no lines in it's viewfinder, so it gets a little tricky to frame a shot if you wear glasses (I just remove my glasses). I do find that I use my 617 more than I originally expected (and my 40mm wide angle lens less often), partly because it doesn't take anymore work to get a chrome that's three times larger and that shows a lot more detail.

Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] A Fuji camera similar to the Rollei SL66

>Has anyone used the Fuji GX680III. It seems to be a camera very similar
>to Rollei's SL66, of course, without the nice Zeiss lenses.
>
>Here's a description of the camera from Fuji's web site:
>> GX680III PROFESSIONAL CAMERA SYSTEM
>> Medium format SLR camera system comprising the
>> new GX680 III camera body featuring a multi range
>> format up to 6 x 8cm. New ergonomic design and
>> advance electronic features, as well as new standard
>> replaceable photo cell battery operation. Full range of
>> camera movements, frame advance and frame marks in
>> the camera's real image viewfinder that changes to
>> match the format - whether horizontal or vertical. 14
  PINE 3.89   MESSAGE TEXT          Folder: INBOX  Message 165 of 203  61%

>> EBC Fujinon lenses with focal lengths 50mm through
>> 300mm including specialty GXD 180mm f/3.2 and GXD
>> 125 f/3.2 lenses are available.
>
>--
>Erich Champion : mailto:[email protected]  : 408.536.6497 Voice
>User Education : Adobe Systems Incorporated : 408.537.4040 Fax
>--

Yes, I have used the camera. In fact I was a consultant on the project and some design changes were made based on my input.

It is like the SL66 only superficially. It is really more like an RZ Mamiya, but with front lensboard movements.

I didn't buy one because I do not like the weird 6 X 8 format and initially they did not plan to offer a 6 X 7 back for it. Later they realized that if they wanted to sell any outside of Japan they had to make a 6 X 7 back.

Also, they do not yet have a prism finder for it. They have a mirror finder but it is dismally dim and hard to use. I can not deal with a "waist level finder" so that doomed the camera for me. If they ever make a true prism finder for the 680 I would probably buy one.

It is totally electronic and runs off a rechargeable battery, like the Rollei 6000 series. The shutter is, however, a mechanical one with electronic timing, and is cocked by a built in micro motor.

Like the SL66, you do not have to index the film when loading the magazine inserts. However, instead of using a mechanical widget to know when the film comes into position, it uses an IRED system. I'm told that it will not fog infrared film, however.

The lenses are GREAT. Transparencies I shot with this camera are some of the sharpest and contrastiest I have ever shot with anything.

It is a heavy beast, however, and pretty much a studio only machine. They recently introduced a simplified model without front movements which is lighter and might be possible to hand hold.

Bob

From Medium Format Digest:
From: James Chow [email protected]
Subject: Response to Horseman SW612
Date: 1998-09-08

I originally was considering getting a horseman SW612 and have played with it in shops and camera shows. On the plus side, it's very compact, the size of a Mamiya 7. OTOH, it appeared as if the film would be a little tricky to load, as the film and take up spool are close to one another, so you have to wind the film outwards and around. Instead of the horseman, I ended up buying the Fuji G617, mostly because I got the Fuji w/ filter for a fantastic price. Optically, it's not as sharp as my schneider/zeiss glass for my Rollei 6008, but still is quite good...you have to stop it down a lot, though. I've used it for shots of flower beds from about 10 ft away w/ very good results, as well as the typical landscape shots and some verticals. One thing about 6x17 is that you can always crop, and you can use it in place of a tilt-shift lens for architecture (in some sense) by cropping out the bottom portion of the image, leaving about a 6x12 with no converging verticals. The Fuji loads like a 35mm SLR...much easier to load than the Horseman.

From Medium Format Digest:
From: Lennart �str�m [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji 680 Mark 2 vs Fuji 680 Mark 3
Date: 1998-09-08

One big difference between Mark 2 and Mark 3 is the new multiformat-magazines that is introduced along with the Mark 3 model. You can use the same magazine for 4,5x6, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x8. That, I think, is a great improvement. And the new camera has a better design in black. Looks much better!

From Medium Format Digest:
From: James Chow [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji G 617
Date: 1998-09-08

I own a Fuji G617 and have looked at the GX617. The GX617 has a better viewfinder (etched lines) that's removable (since lenses are interchangeable). The shutter also has a electromagnetic release, so it requires a battery. Also, the rear film compartment door opens downward while the door on the G617 opens to the left like in a conventional 35mm SLR. The GX617 is larger and a bit heavier. The release mechanism on the door is also different, but this is a minor detail. Optically, both offer a 105/8 Fujinon lens. I don't know how/if they differ in performance, as I haven't used the GX617 w/ 105/8, but you have to stop down the G617 quite a bit to get enough DOF towards the edges. I suspect the Linhof 617 w/ the schneider super angulon XL is going to be a little sharper and it focuses a little closer. For the money, I think the G617 is a much better deal than the GX617. I got mine in Japan with case, cable, and center ND filter in virtually new condition (counter was on 4...fewer than 50 exposures taken) for less than the price of a used lens for the GX617. The breathtaking 6x17 chromes make those of my 6x6 seem diminuitive, albeit the 6x17 chromes aren't quite as tack sharp.

--------------

From Medium Format Digest:
From: Richard Fateman [email protected]
Subject: Response to Fuji GS645 news
Date: 1998-09-20

Although it is true that Fuji claimed to not have any more bellows, and (I have heard) they may now have a supplier, so do I have a supplier...

Universal Bellows Co. Inc
25 Hanse Avenue
Freeport, NY 11520

made a bellows for me for $48 including postage. It took a month; I had to send them the old one, and I especially encouraged them to make sure they did not make it any thicker when folded up. They did ok.. The camera closes though perhaps a tad snugger than before.

Learning to remove and replace the bellows was helped by 3 calls to the Fuji people in S. Calif. (Louie), and some of the info wasn't quite right for my camera model. In fact you have to remove only 4 screws, but to get to 4 of them you have to move the lens assembly off its bracket, requiring that you remove 4 more screws. 2 of them with 2-dot unconventional heads, and 2 that are visible only with the camera half folded.

From Medium Format Digest:
From: Uwe Mader [email protected]
Subject: Response to Where can I get an instruction manuel or even a xerox copy
for a GS645 fujica camera?
Date: 1998-10-02

Try calling Fuji Canada at (905) 890-6611. I contacted them regarding the same thing and they were so kind as to send me one free.

From: [email protected] (lemonade)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji_Gx680iii
Date: Fri, 25 Dec 1998

[email protected] (ARTGR) wrote:

> Has anyone had experience with this system?  I currently own a manual   Rollei
> SL66 that I am considering selling in favor of something newer.  The Rollei is
> a good camera and I love the ability of the bellows focusing to get in real
> close to an object such as a flower, but it doesn't have what I call  the view
> camera features of the Fuji system.

I used the 680 some and you will find it very different from your SL66. Whether it will work for you depends a lot on exactly what kind of photography you will be doing. Without that, I can only bring up the following issues and experiences I had:

1. The camera is huge, and the mirror action is monumental. Handholding it is possible, but laughable.

2. The shift movements are a little limited: no action in the rear, and not all that much in the front. Further, as the bellows get scrunched up towards infinity focus (in a plane parallel to the film plane), less and less movement is available. You have good close focus ability with the bellows, but not macro capability with the regular 150mm lens. I didn't see how you could reverse mount the lenses, although it might be possible and I just didn't see it.

3. I found it somewhat hard to focus, i.e. the image didn't seem to snap in and out as clearly as on a Hasselblad.

4. There are no depth of field markings on the lens/bellows, something I missed.

5. It depends on proprietary Ni-Cad batteries, which you don't have to deal with on your SL66... since the camera is so huge though, hardly any one uses it much further than a few hundred feet from an AC outlet or car cigarette lighter. You still have to plan the recharging schedule though. If you are thinking about using it any further away from your car or studio, I'd advise you to start a rigorous programme of weights and calisthenics first.

6. You only get 9 shots out of 120 film.

7. It is nowhere near the aesthetic and tactile pleasure to use and behold of an SL66. It has lots of plastic and isn't pretty. Quality and reliability seem OK though.

As for results: while many have raved about the quality of the optics, I have to say my experience gave nothing to write home about. Maybe it was because of the difficulty I had focusing; it was not because of an inadequate tripod though, because I used a massive Manfrotto. Actually, the camera itself wasn't so bad to lug around- it, 150 mm lens, along with some film and three battery packs, plus Sekonic, fit, just barely, into a Lowe Magnum 35 camera big. The tripod was a killer though.

Also: I believe the one I used was a 680ii, not the latest model. I don't think that the differences are terribly significant.

If you really want view camera movements, you'd probably be better off with something like a Horseman with roll film back, unless the system really appeals to you for other reasons. It does have its uses and potential, and I can think of some styles of photography where it would fit in well, for certain photographers. While I didn't think it was the greatest, I also didn't finish with a bad feeling about it- except in my arms and shoulders.

--

From: [email protected] (gary gaugler)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji_Gx680iii
Date: Fri, 25 Dec 1998

I'd agree with this post, having used the 680-II for some time now. I still have it and use it. It is best used for shoots that are a short distance from the car. For perspective control in the field, it works very well. The rotating back makes horizontal or vertical frames a cinch. The major advantage of the 680 is the AE finder. With this, exposure is a snap. I mostly use the 680 for night shots since I prefer the Pentax 67 for sunrise & sunset work. The main reason I have the 680 is for movements--primarily PC. Shooting houses and architecture necessitates correcting to vertical lines. The 680 does this.

A view camera would do this too. I went from 4x5 to the 680. I still wonder about the Horseman 120 roll model(s) and the baby Linhofs. Dunno yet. I'm not yet sure what an optimum roll film body/system is. So far, the 680 works. And again, the auto exposure AE finder is indispensible.

Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (DWA652)
[1] Re: Fuji GX-680 III users
Date: Sat May 08 1999

>I have done some research on this camera and I have just about made the
>decision to buy the camera and a few lenses.  I know its not cheap- I've
>been budgeting for it for months.  Can any 680 users could you please
>share any hints on the body, if there there lenses to avoid.  I was
>looking to purchase the 65, 80, 180 (5.6) and the 250.   Any other
>advice would be appreciated.   I don't have a local store that stocks
>pro Fuji stuff - so even a recommendation of store would be helpful.
>
>thank you
>Jim Roetzel
>Ohio

Jim,

I have the GX-680 and love it. The 65, 100, and 180f5.6 that I have are all extremely sharp. An outstanding system.

One thing to consider is that the lenses can be found used. I keep a list of "Photo Retail Links" on the Links section of my web page with used camera dealers. I have had good experiences buying GX-680 stuff from Keh, Midwest Photo (they carry it - not sure if I have bought 680 or other MF stuff there but they are reputable), and Camera Crazy. Good experiences with all.

God Bless,

Don Allen
http://www.DonAllen.net

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]
[1] My impressions on the Fuji GA645 Professional.....
Date: Sun May 09 1999

Hi,

I wanted an automatic medium format camera, that had autofocus, autowind, autoexposure, and a built in flash....kind of like a point and shoot medium format (the best 35mm point and shoot I have seen is the Pentax IQ Zoom ...auto everything, built in flash, water proof, data, IR remote...unbelievable camera!) ...and the best MF one I could find was the Fuji GA645 line.

I looked at the 645i/zi, but it appears they only have a few features over the standard GA645, and to me, didn't justify the cost difference. I believe the only differences are the film loading is more automated, the ASA is automatically set if you use film that has bar code ASA on it, and it has two shutter release buttons. All three features just didn't warrant twice the $$ for me, so I ended up getting a GA645 Professional....

First impressions are the camera is a bit larger than I expected, but I have since come to be OK with it. It's not very heavy....I believe it's around 2lbs. The viewfinder is very bright, and very usable (has useful information in it, and parallax corrects).

I have only used it for a few days now, so I can't really say much about picture quality....but I can tell you what I don't like about it operationally. First, it doesn't automatically shut off. Second, in the 'programmed' mode, you can't tell it to use the flash every time, you have to be in 'A' mode (aperture priority) and set the f stop manually, or it will use the flash when it thinks it should (P mode...).

Third is the strap. It is on the wrong side, and interferes with the opening of the film door. I like to wrap the strap around my right hand, since the shutter release is on the right side of the camera, and hold the camera ready for use, like that. It is awkward the way it is.

Setting the shutter speed in manual mode is awkward. Some of the controls/settings are not very intuitive, and I believe they could have done a better job at it.

I also believe a professional camera should have a 3/8" tripod socket, not a 1/4". You can always use an adapter to make a 3/8" into a 1/4", but not the other way around.

I almost feel like buying another Pentax IQ Zoom/WR/Date and sending it to Fuji and ask them to make a medium format camera like that, because it just has so many excellent features, and is so intuitive to use. The Fuji is close, but is lacking in some areas, and I was hoping they would get it right on the zi, but, alas, it still has the same problems.

Overall, I really like the camera, it is so much more usable than my Hasselblad for personal/travel use. I am going to have to learn to live with the fixed focal length lense though ;-) The zoom feature of the zi didn't really appeal to me, and I heard it was pretty lame anyway.

Any other comments on this camera, or any similar camera would be greatly appreciated!

FYI I picked this one up on eBay for $750 including the GA flash (which sells for $220!) and 17 rolls of film!

Austin Franklin
[email protected]

From: [email protected] (DaveHodge)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GS645S
Date: 21 Aug 1999

I have had one for 10 years. I bought it to use as a lightweight MF travel camera, and overall I have been very pleased with it. I have made lots of 16x20 monochrome and color prints from negatives made with this camera.

I want to warn you of a serious design flaw in this camera. The metal bar that is supposed to protect the fragile shutter mount, does not protect it if you put a UV filter, lens hood and cap on the lens. When you do that, you have made a rigid structure that protrudes 3/8 in. beyond the metal bar. After I had to have my shutter replaced twice (it was not cheap!) because I banged the front of the camera, once when it was in a camera bag, I now just keep a UV filter on the lens and skip the rest of it. Also, when I am traveling I wrap it in bubble wrap and put in my carryon bag to protect it.

Good shooting. Carefully handled it is a great camera.

From: F&HG [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Tip for Fuji 6x7 and 6x9 owners
Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000

I have found that the Nikon DR3 right angle viewfinder works great on my Fuji GW670III (it screws into the same thread as the existing eyepiece). It has plus & minus diopter eyepiece correction settings and allows me to look down into the "camera" as opposed to bringing it up to my eye or me going down low to bring my eye to it for a waist level shot. This is my preferred way of working and wanted to share it with others who may not know about this "fit"

Frank

Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000
From: Randy Vaughn-Dotta [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Fuji G617 focusing screens, ND filter usage, etc., questions

Roman,

I have been using the same model Fuji you now have for 8 years and here is a list of the my favorite accessories I use:

1- ground glass & dark cloth
     (the thick1/8" one from local glass shop)
      for composition only.  I usually just hold it
      in place by hand although I have seen table
      cloth spring clamps covered with baloons in
      used to great advantage. I was told they can be
      gotten in the housewares section of larger stores.
2- metric hand-held range-finder.  
      Since the scale of the Fuji lens is metric I got
      a metric range finder from the local surveying
      store.
3- I made a sign to put in the film reminder slot
      on the back of the camera .  It reads "Focus Stupid"
      because it is easy to forget to focus when the
      camera range finder always shows a sharp image.
4- A small hand-held mirror to hold over and near
     the lens to see the aperature and shutter speeds.
     Often my lens is at eye level or higher and it is
     difficult to see the lens to set it.
5- An illumninated stop watch for night time long
     exposures exposures. I don't wear a watch!
6- A locking cable release.
     I use a locking cable release for the lens shutter
     release to hold the lens open during ground glass
     composing.
7- Center filter
     I always use mine.  Tried it the other way on my
     camera and found the lighter center or darker outer
    (however you want to characterize it) objectionable.

If you have other questions write.

Randy Vaughn-Dotta

Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000
From: Roman Gill [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Fuji G617 focusing screens, ND filter usage, etc., questions

Thanks Ellis! I also enjoy reading your replies in photo.net ... Roman

Roman Gill wrote:

 > I recently acquired an excellent
condition Fuji G617 camera and am also a new member of this list server.
Being new to panaromic photography and this cameras, I'm hoping some more
experienced users of this camera can answer the following questions for
me: 


>Question:Apparently, it's tricky framing photos with the G617 (due to
the rangefinder design, I suppose).  Have you found this to be an issue?

Answer: Actually it is not that tricky. if you can just see the bubble level in the notch at the bottom of the viewfinder your eye is centered. If most of your subjects are fifteen feet or more away the horizontal and vertical framing is very accurate. If you are worried about parallax correction then after you frame the image raise the camera about an inch and a half and you'll be lined up correctly.

 > >Question: From your experience, should one use the centre ND
filter all the time with this camera or only under specific lighting
conditions? Does digital image manipulation in Photoshop negate the need
for the centre ND filter?  

Answer: When I had a G617 I used the center filter all the time. It will save you a lot of hassle, time & money as opposed to getting those 17 cm long images drum scanned.

> Question: Are there any other tips you can share with me to make my
experience with this camera more enjoyable?

Answer: The camera is best at f/16 to f/22.5. You need to think of composition more as a flow from side to side rather top to bottom. Shoot a lot of film, practice makes perfect. These cameras are fun to use. Ignore those who claim it isn't a 'true panoramic camera' because it only covers about 90 degrees. Bring two cable releases so you can trigger the lens separately if you want to for multiple exposures. Did I mention have fun?

> Thanks,
> Roman

You're welcome,
Ellis Vener
Houston, Texas

Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: RE: Fuji G617 focusing screens, ND filter usage, etc., questions

Hi,

 BTW, stacking a standard filter behind the center filter (in my case, a

Heliopan) caused severe vignetting at nominal apertures.

One comment on this comment, if I may. I use polyester filters instead of screw on's for just this reason. However, my Heliopan narrow profile polarizer works just fine with the center-weighted filter, as long as I don't also try to put on the lens shade.

And a further note on plarizers. The effect is very strange on blue sky days. The angle of the lens is wide enough that you get very different polarizing effects across the frame. The left side can be very light while the right side can be very dark. And that isn't what your eye say at all. I only polarize the sky if there is a little showing and I want separation from the clouds.

Note: Beattie makes an Intescreen focusing glass for this camera for about $200 or less. (phone 423 479 8566). I've never used one, but it has to be much better than frosted glass or plexi.

I like the idea of the metric range finder. May check into that.

Craig

http://members.aol.com/cspanoramx

From: John Sparks [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GW 680 rangefinder ???
Date: 1 Dec 1999

I've seen several postings from people in Japan about a Fuji 6x8 camera. Apparently, Fuji sells a 6x8 rangefinder in Japan. Don't know about anywhere else.

With the 6x8 Fuji SLR and the 6x8 back for the RB and this rangefinder, 6x8 seems to be a somewhat popular format in Japan. Does anyone know of a 6x8 (9 exposures on 120) back for a 2x3 or 4x5 view camera?

John Sparks

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2000
From: Frank Williams [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: recent panorama-camera-prices

There have been two Fuji G617's auctioned at ebay recently for about $1700 to $1800. Each of these auctions included center filters as well as various other accessories. I ALLLmost bit on one of those.

[Ed. note: for camera info; likely sold long ago?]
rec.photo.marketplace
From: gene [email protected]
[1] FS: Fujica GM670 Professional
Date: Sat Feb 05 2000

FS: Fujica GM 670 Professional - Yes, this is the rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses. This is an unusual, perhaps rare, camera. The package includes and aperature priority, EBC 100mm - f3.5 "auto electro" lens. This lens is light meter controlled in aperature priority mode and produces crisp, saturated images. In addition to the body and lens, the package includes a original hood and camera strap. Wide angle and telephoto lens were made for this camera and can be found (although you have to look hard.). I am asking $875 plus aprox. $20 for shipping and insurance.

March 22, 2000
From Photonet Ad:

http://classifieds.photo.net/gc/view-one.tcl?classified_ad_id=304211

Fujica G690BL medium format 6x9 rangefinder with both the 100mm/f3.5 and 180mm/f5.6 lenses. This is a somewhat hard-to-find early 70s (circa) interchangeable lens rangefinder camera (lenses are single coated, and very, very sharp). Condition of the body is exc-, no major dents or dings, but brassing and with overall wear. The viewfinder eyepiece is not original, having been replaced with a silver framed "window". The 100mm lens is also in exc- condition, with general wear and a (very small - 1mm long) mark on the front element, which has no effect on the pictures. The 180mm lens is exc+, close to mint- , with perfect glass. The body has just been completely overhauled by Camera Wiz of Harrisonburg, VA. At the same time, the lenses were checked and pronounced in fine working condition (no work was performed on the lenses, but the rangefinder was calibrated to be accurate for the given lenses). Camera and lenses are fully functional and perform very well. You'll be blown away by the black and white negatives this camera produces. A very useable medium format camera for not a lot of money. There were also 50mm, 65mm, 150mm, and 250mm lenses produced for this camera (although only the 65mm and 150mm lenses are practically findable in the USA). JPEGs on request. Buyer pays shipping and insurance. 15 day money back guarantee if items are not as described (less shipping). $1100 + shipping.

[Ed.note: this camera is presumed sold, but info is listed in that it highlights some options and common problems etc...]
Fujica G690BL 6x9 rangefinder with 65,100,180 lenses

photo.net : Classifieds : photo.net : One Ad

advertised 3/27/2000 by Daniel Kreithen

Fujica G690BL 6x9 rangefinder with 65mm/f8, 100mm/f3.5, and 180mm/f5.6 lenses. In addition, includes the finders for the 180mm and 65mm lens. The 180mm finder is the original, the 65mm finder is from a Mamiya Universal camera (and is better than the original Fuji finder, if you ask me). Includes lens hood for the 100mm lens and 180mm lens, as well as cases for the 180mm and 65mm lenses. Condition of the body is exc, with some general wear and slight brassing. The rangefinder has recently been adjusted to be accurate with the lenses being sold with it. The 100mm lens has very clean glass and has had a recent CLA, and is in exc+ condition. The 180mm lens has clean glass and is also in exc+ condition, with the exception of some wear on the breech-mount ring. The 65mm lens is exc-, with general cosmetic wear but good glass. All lenses are properly timed at all speeds (with the usual exception, being leaf shutters, of being slightly off at 1/500th...this is a normal occurrance), and the body is in good working order. All lenses are single coated: the 65 is a modified Biogon-type lens, the 100 is a Tessar type, and presumably the 180 is a Sonnar type (but I'm not certain of the last one). These lenses produce extremely sharp pictures, and are the best thing about this setup. You'll be impressed by the negatives this thing produces. Please e-mail with any questions. Buyer pays shipping and insurance. $1800 + shipping.

Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999
From: "Stephe" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: need help on fuji gsw690 vs. gsw690iii

Chin-Fan So wrote in message ...

>hi there, i just wonder if someone will know the difference between the old
>model fuji gsw690 and the new model gsw690iii, because someone is selling me
>the old model for CAD1,000 and the new model here is 1,700. If I won't use
>the newe featurein the new model, then i would go for the old one.

I think the main differences are the newer one has a bubble level built in and has a polycarbonate body instead of metal.. Same lens etc so I wouldn't worry too much about it..BTW those have one of the best lenses I've ever used on them! :-)

Stephe

Date: Sat, 08 Apr 2000
From: LoveThePenguin [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji medium format question

I use a GA645 and love it.

There are time when I wish I'd gotten the GS645 rangefinder becuase of the slightly faster lens. (f3.5 vs f4.0) But I'm happy with the model I've got.

The only question concerning the GS645 model would seem to be bellows durability. But as I understand the situation, Fuji put a much better replacement bellows on those that need it.

Other than that the GA models have received no bad reports that I've heard about.

With respect to optics, they're hard to beat!

Collin

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 1999
From: "Rick Rieger" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format,rec.photo.help
Subject: Re: need help on fuji gsw690 vs. gsw690iii

There is a Fuji GSW690ii, and I believe a Fuji GSW690. The model ii is identical to the iii except for a metal body vs. plastic, a spirit level on the iii, slightly easier loading on the iii and different strap lugs. I'm not sure about the model before the ii. There was a model with interchangeable lenses. FWIW, I've heard this one was trouble, but I have no first hand knowledge.

Rick Rieger

Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: User Opinions/comments on Fuji GX680 III camera ?

Hi,

I have a Fuji GX 680 I and have used it some years. The best with that camera is the amazing lenses and the tilt, shift and swing. The optic resolution is better than any other MF or LF camera I have used. It's to compare with some of the best lenses to Nikon or Canon made for the 35 mm format. However I know one MF lens which is not far from the Fuji quality and it's the 150 mm lens to Mamiya 7. But that lens is worse when using in harsh lighting.

The reliability is also very good. I saw a film cassette which had passed 100 000 exposures.

I use the camera on tripod or on a piece of plywood leveled by wedges. One can go down to about scale 1:1 with the standard bellow and the quality is still the same... I can't understand that. It should be done with a lens with floating lens elements but here it works anyway...

It's nice to could do shift, tilt and swing without using a focusing frosted glass, a black piece of cloth and the image upside down... But the camera is too big but I overlook with that because the result will be so extreme...

But the shift, tilt and swing are limited and sometimes one have to use an regular LF if the deep of field should be infinite... ...but if I use this Fuji GX 680 and e.g. Fuji Reala I get a better contrast and resolution and bokeh than with any other LF even if the lens at the LF has the brand Rodenstock... no bad said about that brand! It's my favourite brand as enlarger lenses but I also use the Fuji GX lens 65mm/5.6 as enlarger lens and it works from scale 1:1 to about 50:1. Explane that if you can!

Cordially

Harald

From: [email protected] (DWA652)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GX-680 III Lenses
Date: 10 Jun 1999

>   I wonder if anyone of you are using the Fuji GX-680 III camera.
>Debating whether to get the Mamiya RZ or this moster.
>Also, what is the diference between the GX, GXD and the GXM lenses on
>the Fuji 680. Appreciate all answers.
>Carl.

It is a great camera, I use the GX-680 I. The lenses are fantastic - the best that I have found in MF. I believe the GXM lenses are for the new GX 680 III. You can probably find info on either Fuji's page or B&H's page (links to both are in the Links section of my web page).

God Bless,

Don Allen
http://www.DonAllen.net

From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Rollei vs Leica traveling

The GA645i is the version that can read the barcodes off of Fuji film and sets the film ISO on the camera. There are two ways of overriding this. First, you can manually set the ISO to whatever you want, overriding the barcode (if you use Fiji film). Second, there is an exposure compensation provision (if memory serves).

Overall, I love the camera, but I do have one peeve: the fingernails rub against the base of the lens mount. Nothing major, but this might leave marks on the body, no matter how much you trim the nails. I also wish the flash would pop-up on its own when needed in-doors and I wish you could have easier manual control over focus and f-stops.

The plastic body and the many electronics do not bother me, but it is clear this camera, like all other electronic cameras, will never become a classic.

Andrei D. Calciu
NEC America, Inc.

From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000
From: "Kotsinadelis, Peter (Peter)" [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Rollei] Re: Rollei vs Leica traveling

Yes and no. While the 45mm lens on your 645W is spectacular the zoom is everybit as good as the 60mm F4 lens on the standard 645. The only hassle with the zoom is that it is slow. Its F4.5 - 6.9 which often caused problems when using slow film like Velvia (which I rate at ISO40)

Peter K

Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Christopher John Woodhouse [email protected]
Subject: Cheap Fuji GX680 neckstrap

I read disbelievingly that the Fuji neckstrap was over �100. It's true! Fortunately the Mamiya RB / RZ strap seems to work and can be picked up considerably cheaper

--
regards [email protected]

Monochrome gallery www.users.zetnet.co.uk/ktphotonics/gallery

Enlarging meter support, techniques and darkroom ideas...
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From: Dave Pearman [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000
Subject: Re: Cheap Fuji GX680 neckstrap

> > I read disbelievingly that the Fuji neckstrap was over �100.  It's
> > true!  Fortunately the Mamiya RB / RZ strap seems to work and can be
> > picked up considerably cheaper

I think you'll find the reason the Fuji strap is such a ridiculous price is that the GX680 I/II didn't have any strap lugs (mine certainly doesn't)... so the strap is a huge, complex affair which includes a big bracket that fits around the camera! The Mark III does have strap lugs, which is presumably why the Mamiya strap fits?

> Do you actually hand-hold yours?

Actually, yes - I find it helps while looking for the best position/angle. Then you put it on top of a (large) tripod! ;-)

Dave Pearman
Editor in Chief, PC Plus
http://www.pcplus.co.uk

From: [email protected] (DWA652)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 12 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Fuji gx680III "monster?"

>Fuji gx680III: landscape photography as it would with P67 or Hasselblad or
>Mamiya or what ever; is it possible to be happy shooting on the field with
>it? I know it's heavy and bulky, I wonder if it is actually possible,
>considering 5x7 or 8x10 users may not go out there much lighter the Fuji
>owners (if there is any).
>Please Fuji gx680III experienced opinion's welcome.
>Thank you.

I shoot the Fuji GX-680 (I) for Texas wildflowers every year. Love the lens movements, etc. I have yet to hike with it very far though. But it is just as easy to use in the field as any other MF camera (perhaps easier), as long as you are mounting it on a tripod. It is much faster to set up and use than my 4x5.

God Bless,

Don Allen
http://www.DonAllen.net

From: Teymoor Ghashghai [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Fuji gx680III "monster?"

I knew a landscape photographer named Jack Haley a while back who used the gx680 when he wnet back packing. He loved it. Having movements like a 4x5+ made it worth it to him. He's gotten some incredible photos with that camera.

-T-

http://rocko.csuchico.edu/~teymoor
........

maab wrote:

> Fuji gx680III: landscape photography as it would with P67 or Hasselblad or
> Mamiya or what ever; is it possible to be happy shooting on the field with
> it? I know it's heavy and bulky, I wonder if it is actually possible,
> considering 5x7 or 8x10 users may not go out there much lighter the Fuji
> owners (if there is any).
> Please Fuji gx680III experienced opinion's welcome.
> Thank you.

From: Idris [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Fuji GA-645Zi

The GA 645Zi is a great camera, ergonomically better than the GA 645i and the GA 645Wi, feels better, too. The pics from the camera is also excellent, the lens is on the slow side so Fuji's NPH 400 is a great companion. I do heartily recommend it, it's a rather bulky P&S, also the flash is quite inefficient, which also make ISO 400 films helpful.

From: [email protected] (MPS)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: cautions.. Re: Fuji RFs vs. Plaubel Makina

[email protected] (Robert Monaghan) wrote:

>Personally, I'd probably look at the Fujis or perhaps the Mamiya 6/7 RF if
>I had kilobucks to spend for repairability issues etc.

One thing that both bothers and intrigues me is the seemingly large supply of very slightly used Fuji RFs claiming very low usage. In the last week I've seen numerous references to GW690's and the like, claiming counter numbers of 37, 45, etc. for approximately 1/2 what one would cost new from B&H. I find it somewhat hard to believe that there are legions of folks out there who bought the Fujis, shot a few pics and then all of a sudden decided that they'd take a 50% loss rather than experimenting further.

The way I figure it, either there's a heck of a lot of folks who really valued their first few rolls so highly that they believe the pics from them are worth over $13 a piece, (just for the thrill of shooting them with the Fuji), or there's a heck of a lot of folks that are in bad financial shape, or......... perhaps the Fuji RF's have some serious glitches that aren't apparent until one expends a few rolls. Hmmmmm, Got any insight into that one? ;-)

mps

From: [email protected] (Heavysteam)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 07 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: cautions.. Re: Fuji RFs vs. Plaubel Makina

some serious glitches that aren't apparent until one expends a few rolls.

I think it has to to with the same reason there are so many Contax G's and Mamiya 7's around-- they intrigue the well-heeled amatuers who find after shooting for awhile that their photos don't magically look like the ones they see on the calendars or it is hard and expensive to get film processed and printed...... and the cameras go bye bye. Rangefinders are an acquired taste. Although I shoot with SLR's in 35mm and medium format, I do love my rangefinder cameras but--- and this is a big but---- they don't always produce what I expect and I suspect it will take quite a bit more time for me to master them. (If I ever do.) Sell 'em though? Not me.

From: "eMeL" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: cautions.. Re: Fuji RFs vs. Plaubel Makina

> > One thing that both bothers and intrigues me is the seemingly large
> > supply of very slightly used Fuji RFs claiming very low usage. In the
> > last week I've seen numerous references to GW690's and the like,
> > claiming counter numbers of 37, 45, etc. for approximately 1/2 what
> > one would cost new from B&H.  I find it somewhat hard to believe that
> > there are legions of folks out there who bought the Fujis, shot a few
> > pics and then all of a sudden decided that they'd take a 50% loss
> > rather than experimenting further.

Some poeple just cannot get used to rangefinders. It took me a very long time to be *absolutely* sure what I'm capturing on film with my Fujis (I use both - GW and GSW 690) or my little Hexar. After years of using (mostly) 6x6 SLRs (Hassy, Rollei) with WLF, 35 mm SLRs (Canon F1N with interchangeable viewfinders) and a variety of view cameras, it was hard for me to get used to a small, distorted and partially obscured by the lens barrel image presented by the Fujis. I was finding the image hard to compose, hard to focus (no visable focus plane like in SLR), and hard to keep the camera level. And - this is the biggest gripe - I just couldn't get used to operating the Fuji while mounted on a tripod: talk about akward viewing!!! And this cheap-sounding shutter with no B and convenient T setting!!! I really would like to have a talk with the engineer who designed this piece of dung.

The big sharp and contrasty negative is the reward for all this PITA, of course, and that's why keep using them.

As for the counter, after two years the GW has 106 and GSW (three years old) only 67, but I use 4 other cameras in my regular shooting. Keep in mind that each number represents 10 releases of the shutter.

Michael

Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Christopher John Woodhouse [email protected]
Subject: Re: Fuji gx680III "monster?

I have a 180mm f3.2 Since when was that slow for 6x8 WITH MOVEMENTS?? I have 180 and 100mm lenses. They are extremely good and make my friend with a 5x4 very green with a 12x16" print.

There is no mistaking the shutter firing, so I did a back to back test on camera shake, on a tripod with and without mirror lock and then on a neckstrap, down to a 60th second. Surprisingly the differences were marginal and certainly at wide apertures, focussing accuracy on the target was more significant.

I have found a camera bag (I think it is American) called a Porter Case, which takes the camera, two lenses, two backs and a Lee filter system. This bag has wheels (it looks like one of those carry-on plane bags) and an extendable handle. The neat trick is the handle can tilt 90 degrees and it becomes a trolley with the bag being the base.

The issues on metering are probably irrelevant for serious photographers who will probably opt for a spot meter and a simple look up table to accommodate bellows extension.

BTW the Mamiya RB neckstrap fits this beast, at considerably less cost.

from Joachim Inkmann [email protected]:

> David Greenfield wrote:
> > Technically, the Fuji specs seem to blow away the mf field. Not only
> > does it offer tilts/shifts like the Linhof and Horseman but the Fuji
> > also offers TTL metering,
> Yes, but the TTL metering occurs on the film plane during the exposure
> if I understand the camera specification correctly. This means that you
> are informed afterwards if your exposure setting were right - not very
> helpful.

> > And Fuji's lenses are generally outstanding.

> but slow and very expensive, at least in comparison to Pentax 67.
> Joachim

--
regards [email protected]
Monochrome gallery www.users.zetnet.co.uk/ktphotonics/gallery

Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000
From: [email protected] (David Greenfield)
Subject: Re: Fuji gx680III "monster?"

Robert Monaghan [email protected] wrote:

> besides 4x5 and 5x7, the real competitors for the GX680 would be any of
> the mini-view/press/rangefinder.. cameras such as the horseman, Linhof
> Techs, and the like which can use rollfilm and provide a range of
> movements.

There's a thread going on about the camera on photo.net right now. Here's what's been said so far:

--------------

From: Dave Jenkins [email protected]
Subject: Using the Fuji GX680 for Commercial Work
Date: 2000-07-22

This is not a question, just a recent experience I'd like to share with the list.

A growing interest in the Fuji GX680 system for the past several months finally led me to rent one for an extensive catalog shoot. After working with it all this past week, I have to say it's a big, ungainly honker, but what a marvelous camera system! The front standard movements were more than enough for my needs on this shoot, which sometimes included product setups that extended seven feet front to back, with every item required to be in perfect focus. With its ability to extend depth of field by tilting the front standard, it can do things my Hasselblad (and the RB I owned before it) can't even dream of doing.

In the past, I've normally used 4x5 for this client, not because 2-1/4 image size was inadequate for their needs, but because of the camera movements. Since the client had five people working with me full time on this shoot to acquire and organize the products and props and help set up the shots, the time the 680 saved over the 4x5 translated into at least a day and a half, or 60 man-hours saved for them. And of course there was a considerable saving on film cost as well.

Anyway, I am extremely impressed with the GX680 and would like to hear the experiences (good and bad) of other users. I love my lovely little hand-holdable Hasselblad, but oh, you kid!!

--------------

From: Dave Jenkins [email protected]
Subject: Response to 645 Is Not Big Enough...Where Do I learn 4x5
Date: 2000-07-22

Jim, I've been using the Fuji GX680 recently, and based on the results I've seen so far, I believe you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference in a 40x60 print from 4x5 or the Fuji if you used any of the sharper, finer-grained films.

--------------

From: Lakhinder Walia [email protected]
Subject: Response to Using the Fuji GX680 for Commercial Work
Date: 2000-07-22

It is fun to use GX680. I think it is very fast to setup and use. I have not been able to convice myself that I need it to replace my 4x5 and 35mm combo! It could potentially replace both for my style of working. But 4x5 has lot of movements for nature work. And 35mm is simply much easier to handle than a GX680. Even my 4x5 is lighter than this camera setup! The only think I really dislike is the large filter sizes of GX680 lenses. There are quite a few threads relating to user experiences-- if you search for "fuji 680".

From: [email protected] (FOR7)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 18 Aug 2000
Subject: Re: Manual Focus with Fuji 645Zi impossible?

>The september issue of Peterson's Photographic has a review of Fuji 645
>> Zi. It says the Zi is "not a rangefinder" and the image in the
>> viewfinder always looks sharp. So you have to either use the AF or the
>> distance scale to focus. So is manual focus difficult or even impossible
>> with this camera? Are the 645W and Wi also not rangefinder-coupled? I
>> always thought the Fuji 645's are rangefinders and am debating hard
>> between them and the Mamiya 7II as a MF travel camera, now that was a
>> surprise!
>>
>> Howie

I use the GA645 so some things might be different with the Zi though I don't think so.

The focus point is in the center of the viewfinder and when you half press the shutter button the lens will focus and you will also get an approximate distance displayed in the viewfinder of the subject that it has focused on.

Sort of like a confirmation. Say you want to take a picture where your subject is not going to be in the center of the picture, which would account for 99% of all your pictures if you are the least bit selective of your focusing point, then you would lock the focus and then recompose. Sounds good unless your exposure changes which will often be the case. In that case you will need to use focus lock. To do that you focus on your subject by half pressing your shutter button and then you lock the focus by pressing the manual focusing button and while holding it you recompose and you half press on the shutter button again to get a new meter reading. You will also now see your approximate focus distance in the viewfinder start flashing. Your focus is now locked to the point that you can let go of the manual focus button while still holding the shutter button halfway down. Press all the way to get your picture.

The GA645 is not as fast as a modern 35mm from pressing the shutter button to the shutter opening so that must be taken into consideration. What I wish Fuji would have done was at least put the manual focus button in close proximity to your thumb by the shutter button. On the GA645 it is in the lens release button area of a say a 35mm body. Very awkward. They could have also just used an AE lock button to lock exposure or like in my Canon Elan IIe given you the ability to use a single rear button(the AE lock in this case under a custom function) to lock focus indefinitely and let the shutter half way activate only exposure lock. That would have been outstanding!!

Lastly one can also go into a completely manual focusing mode which is a guestimation way of doing it. You simply select a rough estimation of your distance which will be displayed in the viewfinder. Not much personal experience there to help you with any opinions of it's effectiveness in that mode. The AF works great so long as you know its limitations and how it works.Otherwise it is an awesome camera with no competition for what it does. Razor sharp too.

E.T.
[email protected]

Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000
From: "John Shafer" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Review of FujiCamera

Got owner-posted reviews of all the Fuji medium format cameras at my site. Here's a link to the medium format camera index page:

http://www.photographyreview.com/reviews/mediumformat_cameras/

Hope that helps!

--
John Shafer
[email protected]
www.PhotographyREVIEW.com
Owner-posted camera reviews, camera talk and art!

Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Christopher John Woodhouse [email protected]
Subject: Re: Fuji 680 or Pentax 67 ?

Well it looks like opinions abound, since I have owned RZ, RB, 680 III, Hassle, Mamiya 7, Mamiya 645, Bronica SQA, I guess I can discuss the 680 with some experience!

My current camera is the 680III. It is HEAVY. I own, 65, 100 and 180mm lenses. In practice, I don't find them as sharp as the 90/140 KL lenses from Mamiya. Mind you the f3.2 aperture on the 180 probably is the reason. Anyway, I'm selling the lens in favour of a 150f4.5 hoping to get sharper portraits.

Critical focussing is a might more difficult too. The multiformat back is useful for warming the model up with 645, then switching to 6x8 for the better shots. However, focussing with movements is really easy, since you can move and view at the same time. You can even do it on the fly, say with a shallow DOF side portrait.

For support A manfrotto hex plate IMHO is too small, opt for the large plate on the hex base.

The camera goes off with a bang whirrrr. Really loud, but this is all post shutter mirror flap. I did some tests for shake, tripod / ML, tripod / normal, and handheld normal. Surprisingly very little difference to the pictures...at 1/60th second and a 180mm.

The other issue, sounds silly, but can be really annoying. This camera is such a beast that if you take pictures with others (club, studio etc.) you will draw such silly comments, that it will be hard to concentrate on the matter in hand!

One photographer asked me 'does it need a photographer to operate?' to which I replied, 'does a Porsche need a driver?' kind of sums it up.

--
regard Chris Woodhouse
email [email protected]
darkroom support homepage http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/ktphotonics

message from "eMeL" [email protected] contains these words:

> The problem with LF cameras is viewing.  This side of Gowlandflex, there
> aren't many LF reflex cameras :-)
> Fuji 680 is a SLR camera with a set of (limited by LF standards, but quite
> generous in practice) front movements, electronically controlled shutter,
> motorized operation, AE operation, interchangeable viewfinders, etc., and a
> battery of great lenses.  And the whole shebang comes in one - compact
> comparing to LF - piece.  The downside is its cost.  When the 6x8 negative
> is enough, the 680 beats every LF camera (with or without RF adapter) hands
> down.  I much prefer it over a 4x5 for simpler setups.  Of course, there are 
> jobs that only a LF camera can tackle...

> Michael
>
> John Halliwell [email protected] wrote 
> > Problem is, why not just use a 5x4 camera with 6x9 roll film back,
> > probably cost less as well?
> >
> > --
> > John
> >
> > Preston, Lancs, UK.
> > Photos at http://www.photopia.demon.co.uk

Date: 22 Oct 2000
From: [email protected] (OorQue)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji 680 or Pentax 67 ?

>The Fuji can do both jobs.  It shoots fine with zero movement.  I love my
>GX680's.  But also keep in mind that you can use Quickload film for many 4x5
>applications and this is much easier than messing with film holders.  A
>reflex viewer also helps.

After using a Bronica SQ-Ai alongside my Galvin view camera for a few months, I decided that the Fuji GX680 III -- effectively, a combination of the two -- was probably the perfect camera for my purposes and rented one for a weekend earlier this year to see whether I was correct.

While I didn't mind its weight or bulk, I found its movements -- about the same as the Galvin, except it has less swing available -- much too limited for serious architecture work. While I'm sure they're more than adequate for most landscape work and come in handy in the studio, I definitely wouldn't recommend it for architectural shooting. In the end, I bought a used Toyo 23G instead, as it has 120mm of rise/fall and 70mm of shift available, way more than enough for anything I'll ever shoot.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed using the Fuji and if I could afford to maintain more than one system (which, sadly, is not the case), then I'd buy one for general use.

Date: Sat, 02 Dec 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (T.R. Fineran)
Subject: Re: Fuji GS645 professional

I am the owner of TWO GS-645 Fuji cameras. Everything that I've read here about the cameras is true. Very compact, ease of travel etc. The one down-side that I didn't see mention of, is bellows leaks. I've had to replace bellows on both of mine. This can be a very costly repair. Approx. $200.00. In looking at or evaluating used cameras, it's very difficult to determine if the bellows are "light tight". Beware!!!

--
Regards
Tom Fineran
[email protected]

From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: Mark Bergman [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Fuji GSWIII with 5.6/65mm - any good?

I had both the original (with interchangeable lenses) and now the G690GWIII (6x9 with 90mm lens). I always thought the first version lacked in contrast, it certainly didn't compare with my Rollei TLR, even with the larger negative. However the newer one is a very nice lens. I wish they would put a light meter in the camera though. It would make it a true 6x9 P&S

From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Fuji GSWIII with 5.6/65mm - any good?

> It is a great camera. Very heavy. Lens is not interchangeable and you may
> or may not find it too wide. There is also one with a 90mm lens available.
> You may want to consider buying both. As an alternative, you may want to
> look for a G690 or something like that. That is the first version of the
> camera and it came with interchangeable lenses (65, 90, 150 or 180).
>
> I used to have the original one with interchangeable lenses, but finally
> sold the darn thing because the weight was killing me.
>
> The lenses are superb and there is no vignetting to speak of.

From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Fuji GSWIII with 5.6/65mm - any good?

> From: Lucian Chis [email protected]
> Reply-To: [email protected]
> Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Rollei] Fuji GSWIII with 5.6/65mm - any good?
>
> Hi Nathan,
>
> The camera used to be available a while ago in interchangeable lens mounts.
> Kind of rare on the used market.

I used to have one of them back in the 70s. I don't remember the model designation. I had wide angle, normal, and tele lenses. I only kept the outfit for a very short while but don't recall just what I didn't like about it. May have been that the lenses were very slow. Fuji has talked on and off about reintroducing the camera, but so far only talk.

> I have had and used the II version (I am fairly sure the changes between the
> II and III models are mostly, if not entirely cosmetical). The lens is
> excellent and I have some great transparencies to prove it. Rangefinder is
> adequate, and shutter is silent. I seem to remember two releases, and the
> weird 4 setting for half od 120 film which is exclusively available in
> Japan) The camera can run 120 and 220 as well (8 and 16 exposures
> respectivelly. Feels like a Compur Leica on steroids, except with a modern
> viefinder. Built in shade is pretty nice, soft cases are a joke.
> The only curiosity is that its B setting is a T actually (or it doesn't have
> a B; it's been a couple of years!).

I have the GW670 II . I looked at the III and agree that the only changes are cosmetic and unimportant, so I kept the II . Those half size 120 rolls were available in the USA from Konica for a while. May still be. One nice feature on this and most other Fuji cameras is the cumulative exposure counter on the bottom of the camera. It advances one number for every ten exposures, so easy to keep track of how much use the camera has had, and easy to know when to have the shutter overhauled.

> You will like it if you have either your enlarger or a medium format scanner
> (or a slide projector for that matter. 6X9 fits nicely in a Magic Lantern 3
> 1/4X4" (8X10cm) glass mount, if you have a modern magic lantern projector
> (Like a Slide King 1 or 2). The only problem I have is that I can't project
> verticals yet (I am working on this))

One reason I bought the 6 X 7 and not the 6 X 9 is that slide mounts are readily available for 6 X 7 for use in Cabin or Gottschmann projectors.

Bob

From Rollei Mailing LIst:
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: "R. Peters" [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Fuji 645 Folders

The Fuji Folders are interesting cameras, but I seem to note a lot of them being sold with replacement bellows. Don't understand how such a recent camera should need to have the bellows replaced unless abuse is more prevalent today.

Also have heard that at least on some models, the linkage between the body and shutter is subject to failure from the Camera being opened and closed. Sorry, I can't talk specific models, this was just from memory and from a time when I was tempted and reading owner comments. Maybe someone else can fill in the detail.

bob

From ROllei Mailing LIst;
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: Austin Franklin [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Rollei] Fuji 645 Folders

> The Fuji Folders are interesting cameras, but I seem to
> note a lot of them being sold with replacement bellows.

Some, true...but I've got two, neither with a replacement bellows (though I did buy an extra one just in case).

> Also have heard that at least on some models, the linkage
> between the body and shutter is subject to failure from the
> Camera being opened and closed.

The model number for the folder is GS645 Professional. I've had no problems (except a badly done repair to the hot shoe, which was an easy fix) at all with the two I have, and I use them quite a bit... If you don't put the focus to infinity, and cock the shutter then try to close it you will break it.

From Rollei Mailing LIst:
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: John Hicks [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Fuji 645 Folders

you wrote:

>The Fuji Folders are interesting cameras, but I seem to note a lot of them
>being sold with replacement bellows.
>
>Also have heard that at least on some models, the linkage between the body
>and shutter is subject to failure from the Camera being opened and closed.

Apparently the bellows are pretty shoddy.

As for mechanical failure, the shutter _must_ be cocked and the lens focused to infinity before attempting to close the camera; if not, and a little too much force is used, things break.

It's really a case of designers not considering human nature and of owners who think that if something doesn't do what's expected, force it. Fuji even put warning stickers on the late batches of the cameras and people still broke 'em.

**Topic Alert**

The little Fuji RF is lots easier to focus than a Rollei in available darkness, therefore there's justification for owning at least one of each. {g}

John Hicks

[email protected]

From: Tim Daneliuk [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 07 Mar 2001
Subject: Re: Fuji GA645

[email protected] wrote:

> Are there any lens test results for the GA645 series of cameras?  I'm
> interested in comparing the zoom with the 45 or 60 primes.  The zoom is
> kind of slow at the long end.
>
> How do the GA645 lenses compared with other medium format lenses?   There're
> so many lens tests/evaluations on the web for 35mm but relatively few  for
> medium format.  Any pointers?  (I know about the Monaghan site.)
>
> Regards,
> Ying

I have a 645Zi. This is not scientific, but subjective - at 16x20, you can just begin (barely) to see some slight difference between the Fuji and my Hasselblad T* CF/CFi lenses. This is probably more psychological than real, since I need to feel all that money spent on 'Blad lenses was really worth it ;)

The Fuji is just awesome. I carry it a lot on business trips when I don't have the time or space to carry the bigger guns. I am very happy with it. The only complaint I have is that the zoom isn't wide enough and it isn't long enough. For this reason, I am considering a trade into a Bronica 645RF which has lenses from 45mm through 135mm.

If you do a keyword search on my last name on deja, you should be able to find a review of the Zi I posted here about a year ago... --

Tim Daneliuk
[email protected]

From: [email protected] (FOR7)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 08 Mar 2001
Subject: Re: Fuji GA645

I own the GA645 and my results are ridiculously sharp! I haven't directly compared with a Hasselblad like the above poster but at this level I wouldn't worry about possible slight difference in sharpness. The pics are razor sharp! Fuji has an excellent reputation with lenses and that is why I also use Fujinon enlarging lenses.

E.T.
[email protected]

From ROllei Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2001
From: Nathan Wajsman [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Update needed on Nathan's Fuji

Hi Lucian,

Sure, here are my impressions:

HANDLING

The camera feels solid but not too heavy, film loading is much easier than on my Rolleiflex, I would say on par with a manual 1970s 35mm SLR (like my Leicaflex SL). The viewfinder is nice and bright, maybe not completely like Leica but good enough, and the rangefinder focusing is easy. The 65mm lens does intrude in the lower right hand corner of the viewfinder, I guess it is inevitable with such lenses--Fuji had to strike a compromise between keeping the camera size down to something manageable, having a decent max. aperture on the lens (5.6 in this case), while needing to cover the 6x9 format.

RESULTS

I have now shot enough rolls with the Fuji to comment on its performance. In short, brilliant! Now, I must say that part of the joy may be just seeing the big negatives and transparencies on the light table, but this is NOT my first medium format experience (I have in the past owned a Mamiya TLR and a Hasselblad and now also have a Rolleiflex TLR). The lens on the Fuji is excellent; even when I look at the edges of the image with a good loupe I can see no evidence of softness or undue distortion. The camera has also proved eminently handholdable due to its Leica-like shape (size does not bother me that much, I love the R8 for example). The second shutter button, designed for vertical shooting, is very helpful in this regard.

In my initial impressions I remarked on the easy film loading. It is easy but I discovered that the recommendation in the manual to press slightly with the finger on the feeding spool when winding the backing paper onto the take-up spool should be taken seriously. I neglected to do it on one of my rolls and when I finished it and took it out, it was not wound tightly onto the take-up spool as it should be. I was lucky and it did not get fogged, but still.

I should also add that the lens coped beautifully with some contre-jour snow scene shots. Even with the sun in the picture, there was no detactable flare.

In summary, this camera does not have the solid feel of my Leicas, nor the sex appeal of my Rolleiflex, but it takes darn good pictures at a reasonable price, using the largest medium format film size. I am very pleased with it.

Nathan

Lucian Chis wrote:

> Nathan,
>
> I wonder if you have formed an opinion about your GSW690 (Texas Leica).
> Do you want to share it with us.
>
> Lucian

--
Nathan Wajsman
Herrliberg (ZH), Switzerland

e-mail: [email protected]

From: [email protected] (Don Allen)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 03 Jun 2001
Subject: Re: The Best Medium-Format Camera Ever, period? The RZ67 Pro II?

>Please direct me to at least one site which shows the Fuji lenses
>equalling the Mamiya ones on technical test. I haven't found any such
>site. The Mamiya lenses are the awesome ones, AFAIK....

The Fuji lenses are among the sharpest I have ever used, including Pentax, Mamiya, etc. And the EBC coatings are the best coatings for color in my opinion.

>By the way, what does the shutter on the GX680 go up to?

It has an electronically controlled lens shutter with flash synchronization at all speeds.

As far as weight goes, I normally use and recommend a tripod. The GX-680 is handholdable (you can even buy a strap for it), but yes it is heavy. But if you want quality - use a tripod!

The GX-680 has a motor drive, bar code reading of film, multi-format capability, front lens movements, etc. - more features than any other MF system I would guess.

God Bless,

Don Allen
http://www.DonAllen.net
Photos + a large set of photo links including my PHOTO BOOK LIST - NOW WITH BOOK REVIEWS!!!!

Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: Christopher John Woodhouse [email protected]
Subject: Re: Fuji 680 or Pentax 67 ?

All the centre positions have indents, so it is very quick to straighten out. To carry this camera, I use a wheely bag, just like the ones you use for plane carry-on. My back cannot hold this baby and a big tripod. Don't know about the shift lens, but generally, if a lens has to cover a wider field of view, the compromise of optics generally indicate that a lower overall sharpness and flare is unavoidable. On 6x7, the lower magnification compensates slightly, for 645, I think you require everything you can get, rather like 645.

I have had focussing problems with off-centre images. I have just ordered a new screen, with two microprisms, one centre and one 2/3rds up the screen, ideal for portraits. However generally, the focussing has far better snap than the hassleblad accumatts.

BTW the fuji accepts a linhoff lens board to use LF lenses.

from John Halliwell [email protected] contains these words:

> Christopher John
> Woodhouse [email protected] writes
> >Well it looks like opinions abound, since I have owned RZ, RB, 680
> >III, Hassle, Mamiya 7, Mamiya 645, Bronica SQA, I guess I can discuss
> >the 680 with some experience!
>
> How easy is it to shoot with zero movement (i.e. does it lock easily as
> if it was a 'rigid' camera). I'm considering 6x7, if the Fuji can easily
> be used like an RZ I might also consider looking in that direction
> (although I haven't researched prices yet so it may prove to be
> unworkable).
>
> I'm also interested in a 5x4 field camera (mainly for architecture), but
> can't see myself messing around with sheet film and film holders. I'd
> probably end up using a 6x9 roll film back. If the Fuji can do both
> jobs, and depending on cost I might be interested.
>
> I'd also be interested in any comments on how useful the Mamiya 645
> shift lens is?
> --
> John
> Preston, Lancs, UK.
> Photos at http://www.photopia.demon.co.uk

From Rangefinder Mailing List;
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001
From: Jeff Spirer [email protected]
Subject: RE: Fuji GW670III

[email protected] wrote:

> I need information about the Fuji GW670III.
>
> Is that camera usable handheld ?

I had the GSW690III for a brief period of time. It's the same body with a different lens and a larger image size. I found it difficult handheld, with the rather clunky shutter and an awkward feel in my hands. Feel is, obviously, very personal. As a result, I sold it and bought a Mamiya 7.

There were other things I didn't particularly care for not necessarily related to handholding, including the lens shade setup, the long exposure operation, and the distortion in the finder.

Jeff Spirer
www.spirer.com

Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001
From: "Tom Bloomer" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: GSW670III vs Mamiya 7 II

For the cost of the Mamiya 7 II with the 80mm lens you could buy both the GW670 III and the GSW690 III and a hand held incident meter. The Mamiya is supposed to have sharper lenses, but you would be hard pressed to beat the quality of the Fuji EBC optics. If you plan to work from a tripod and expect to be particular enough about your lighting to use a hand held meter/

The Fuji is a very serious camera for landscapes. If you plan to do exposures longer than 1-second, the Fuji does not have a "B" shutter setting. Instead you have to set the shutter to "T" and either change the shutter speed to close the shutter or put on the lens cap and advance the film to the next frame. The Mamiya is smaller, sexy, and has auto exposure.

For landscapes I personally prefer the 6x9 aspect ratio.

--
Tom Bloomer
Hartly, DE

...

From: [email protected] (FOR7)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 28 Jun 2001
Subject: Re: SV: Fuji GA645Zi

>>
>http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&safe=off&th=52fda03fd19d6bb4,24&rnum=1
>&ic=1&selm=3802AB65.1E083266%40tundraware.com
>>
>http://groups.google.com/groups?q=daneliuk+645Zi&hl=en&safe=off&rnum=2&ic=1&
>selm=38BE007F.E085FA35%40tundraware.com
>


>Great info, thanks!
>
>Regards
>Calle Sl�ttengren, Sweden
>http://www.swede.com/slattengren
>http://www.swede.com/calle

Try this link and you will have enough info on the camera to read for a day. Also consider the GA645 with 60mm and 45mm lenses. I own the 60mm and I have never seen sharper images in this format size. Incredible quality. What surprised me most is the sharpness of alot of my handheld shots. Great cameras and very small.

The link will likely get cut off through my posting with AOLs newsreader so if it does just copy and paste the whole address.

http://www.photo.net/search/search?sections=static_pages§ions=bboard§ions=comments&query_string=Fuji+GA645zi

E.T.
[email protected]

Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2001
From: "Jeff S" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GA645Zi

"Calle Sl�ttengren" [email protected] wrote:

> Hello!
> Has someone here any experience of Fuji GA 645Zi? I need a smaller MF as
> a complement to my Hassy.
> Regards
> Calle Sl�ttengren, Sweden
> http://www.swede.com/slattengren
> http://www.swede.com/calle

I heartily recommend the GA645zi providing that you are aware of what it can and can't do well. Be aware that the GA645zi is not the best low-light camera (45-90mm f/4.5-f/9.6 lens). I use Kodak Portra 160VC and Tmax 400 with good results-during the daytime. But the -zi is so compact that I can also carry a Leica M6 + 35/2, 50/2 and 90/2!

Though it offers full manual control, it's really designed to be used on automatic, and the autofocus and light metering are very good. It is fairly noisy, so for quiet events, once again I use the Leica.

Since buying this camera, I've been burning up much more rollfilm than previously, the 6x4.5 negatives are a joy to work with in the darkroom, and I love the data imprinting on the edge of the negative.

Jeff S
(former owner of 4 Hasselblads and 1 Rolleiflex SLR-lovely cameras, but you try hiking with them!)

From Rangefinder Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001
From: Joachim Hein [email protected]
Subject: RE: Fuji Folder (GS645) Bellows

Hi Paul,

there is quite some discussion on that in the medium format digest (at least used to be some time ago).

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a?topic_id=35

Hope that helps, Joachim

Paul Jasinski wrote:

> Does anyone have any experience replacing the bellows on the Fuji
> folder?  While I am pretty handy, I was leaning more toward having a
> repair person do the work.  Or am I missing an easy-to-do-it-yourself

To: [email protected]
Subject: New Site?
From: [email protected] (David F. Stein)
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 

Bob,

Have you seen this yet?

http://www.fujirangefinder.com

Sincerely,
DFS


From: Mark Schretlen [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: I need a filter holder for Fuji GS645
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 

The GS645 is a folder, whereas the GS645S (with the lens roll bar) is not. 
The lens hood for the GS645 is a filter holder which takes a 40.5mm thread. 
The plastic lens hood snaps into place kind of like a two-pinch lens cap 
with only a single side release - one side of the hood is notched --\___/-- 
against the fold-out cover and the other side has a release for the snap. 
It's easy to use and easy to lose. Apparently, the Hunt brothers still 
hoard them.

 
Robert Monaghan wrote:
> 
> from http://www.pluggedindesign.com/misc/gs645s_1640suphoto.htm
> says it is a 49mm filter thread on the GS645; you can use whatever filter
> holder series you want with a matching thread adapter, I presume?
> see related issues http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/bronfilters.html filter
> FAQ
> 
> HTH bobm


From: Babar de Saint Cyr [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Difference in Fuji GW690III vs GW690II
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 

> Used GW690II cameras seem pretty reasonably priced...what's the
> difference between the II and III?  Does either one have a light meter?

Never ! :)

GW690III vs GW690II:

Plastic body
Bumper to eject spool
Bubble
Viewfinder more clear (maybe)

Babar


From: Stephe Thayer [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Difference in Fuji GW690III vs GW690II
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 

C.L.Zeni wrote:

> Used GW690II cameras seem pretty reasonably priced...what's the
> difference between the II and III?  Does either one have a light meter?

No meter. The III has a plastic (polycarbonate) body instead of metal. The 
III also has a buble level. I have a GSW690II and have handled a III and 
didn't see any reason to spend the extra $$$ a III was going to cost.
-- 
 
  Stephe


From: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Which medium format to get?
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 

It's funny ... when I decided to get back into 645 format, I first looked
at the Bronica RF645. Seemed a perfect fit for my kind of shooting: a
manual focus RF camera with the equivalent of a 40mm lens and a 28mm lens
plus AP-AE automation. I was a little put off by the price. Then I came
across a Fuji GA645 available very inexpensively and decided to give it a
try. 

I've shot four rolls of film with the Fuji now and I must say that I am
extremely impressed with it. The handling is very good, it's light and
reasonably compact for the format, the focusing and exposure systems have
been right on the money in every case, and the lens is just spectacularly
good. I found a GA645 accessory flash unit for it at a very reasonable
price too (bought it because they've optimized the pattern for the
vertically oriented frame) and discovered that, clever lads, they included
a slave trigger in the flash unit so you can use it on camera alone or in
conjunction with the built in flash for even better flash
control/coverage. 

Wow. I'm very impressed with this camera. It feels plasticky and the
controls are so spare it looks like something is missing, but it's a
remarkably capable camera as long as you can deal with the fixed lens. I'd
still love the Bronica as well, but I question whether I'll ever spend the
money for it.

Godfrey

[email protected] (FOR7) wrote:

> >The Fuji GA645 series or GS645 series.  I have the GA645 autofocus.  It
> >really is point and shoot and everyone you show the pictures to will say
> >"What kind of camera do you have"?  If you are coming from 35mm you will be
> >shocked and will never go back to 35 unless maybe for slides.  This camera
> >says professional on it but it's more for just point and shoot, I wouldn't
> >suggest a pro to use it for weddings due to the auto focus, even though it's
> >failed me only a handful of times, if you are really serious get the manual
> >focus GS645.
> >-Hugh
> >
> 
> Actually I've heard of quite a number of professional wedding photographers
> that are using the AF Fujis.
> 
> E.T.
> [email protected]


From: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Q for Fuji GA645 users
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 

Thanks for the note, ET.

Some plunging through the medium format digest archives brought up the
info that yes, the Nikon FE/FE2/FM/FM2 eyepieces have the same threaded
fitting and work well. I found a collapsible rubber lens hood with 52mm
thread that I've used on 35mm lenses for 35mm format. Coverage/angle of
view is about the same; I'll do some testing to see how whether it
vignettes but I believe it should be fine. 

It fits nicely in the supplied thin camera case with the lens hood and cap
fitted. 

> Once you get used to using the AF to its best abilities you will be shocked at
> the detail that you are going to get. 

Yes, I expect there's a learning curve to understanding the focus and
exposure systems. I went through the manual in detail last night and now
understand all the controls and settings. 

> Remember to use the camera for some time to get used to. It is not like
> shooting other cameras. It takes a bit of getting used and to master it BUT

Why do so many of the cameras I like most seem to be in this class?

> ... Maybe my only very slight regret is not buying the Wide version instead. 

I considered that and spent some time with the W version at the dealer
before buying this one. I just find that the approximate coverage of a
35-40mm lens in 35mm format suits my shooting better than most other
lenses, although if I find I really really want a Wide as well, the dealer
is interested in some equipment trades to finance one of those. 

> ... Oh by the way, remember to remove the lens
> cap before shooting because I guarantee you'll foul up plenty of shots if you
> are used to looking through the lens.  :)

grin> Yeah, I shoot with a lot of viewfinder cameras ... Leaving a rigid
lenshood in place while shooting and not replacing the lens cap until
you're done with a session works very well to prevent this problem. 

Godfrey


From: [email protected] (FOR7)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 13 Dec 2001 
Subject: Re: Q for Fuji GA645 users

>Thanks for the note, ET.
>
>Some plunging through the medium format digest archives brought up the
>info that yes, the Nikon FE/FE2/FM/FM2 eyepieces have the same threaded
>fitting and work well. I found a collapsible rubber lens hood with 52mm
>thread that I've used on 35mm lenses for 35mm format. Coverage/angle of
>view is about the same; I'll do some testing to see how whether it
>vignettes but I believe it should be fine. 
>
>It fits nicely in the supplied thin camera case with the lens hood and cap
>fitted. 
>
>> Once you get used to using the AF to its best abilities you will be shocked
>at
>> the detail that you are going to get. 
>
>Yes, I expect there's a learning curve to understanding the focus and
>exposure systems. I went through the manual in detail last night and now
>understand all the controls and settings. 
>
>> Remember to use the camera for some time to get used to. It is not like
>> shooting other cameras. It takes a bit of getting used and to master it BUT
>
>Why do so many of the cameras I like most seem to be in this class?
>
>> ... Maybe my only very slight regret is not buying the Wide version
>instead. 
>
>I considered that and spent some time with the W version at the dealer
>before buying this one. I just find that the approximate coverage of a
>35-40mm lens in 35mm format suits my shooting better than most other
>lenses, although if I find I really really want a Wide as well, the dealer
>is interested in some equipment trades to finance one of those. 
>
>> ... Oh by the way, remember to remove the lens
>> cap before shooting because I guarantee you'll foul up plenty of shots if
>you
>> are used to looking through the lens.  :)
>
>grin> Yeah, I shoot with a lot of viewfinder cameras ... Leaving a rigid
>lenshood in place while shooting and not replacing the lens cap until
>you're done with a session works very well to prevent this problem. 
>
>Godfrey
>
>

Oh and remember to give a little tension to the film with your finger when
initially loading and prewinding a roll of film, otherwise you may get some
looseness and fogging. It is mentioned in the manual but for some odd reason
people that own the camera and supposedly have read the manual see to know
nothing about it and then complain when a roll winds up loose.

E.T.
[email protected]  



Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Well, ok, you have convinced me, anyone wanna a 47mm?
From: [email protected] (Dawn Yancy)
Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002 

Stephe [email protected]> wrote:

> > 56mm on 6x9 is equal to 24mm. 65mm is like 28. I need something now 55-60.
> 
> 
> Buy a 65mm 6X9 fuji rangefinder..  Said this once before so I doubt you'll
> listen this time either. The WHOLE CAMERA will be less than what a really
> good 6X9 lens costs and it still won't be as good as the lens on the fuji.

Phil Greenspun, head mucketymuck at photo.net has a good line about
Fuji's 645 rangefinders, which I think applies to the 6x9 as well. He
says:

    |    Fuji has done great things to promote this format. They 
    |    make 645 lenses that are just as good as Hasselblad's 
    |    6x6 lenses. They charge less than half the price. Then 
    |    they throw in a perfectly good body behind the lens for 
    |    free! 

I think that's the case here as well. They sell a top-notch 65mm lens
and basically throw in a rangefinder for free. The camera was recently
discontinued, but there are new units still available for sale from the
usual suspects.


From: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: FUJI 645W   - any advice?
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 

> I am thinking of investing in a Fuji  645 Wi .  Does anyone have any
> experience with using this camera.  What are the plus/minus points ?

I recently obtained a Fuji GA645 (60mm lens). It is proving to be quite a
nice camera, with a fantastically good lens. It is remarkably nice to
carry, the AF is proving to be very accurate as is the exposure system.
It's an excellent carry around medium format camera, can be used like a
big point and shoot for casual shooting or, switched to manual mode, can
be used as a very serious professional camera. I like the full information
data recording feature too.

The GA645Wi model is equipped with the wider 45mm lens and is otherwise
much the same, with approximately the field of view of a 28mm lens on 35
format. The i versions have a couple of nice updates, like a second
shutter release button. 

Another camera in this class which is worth looking at is the Bronica
RF645. It is similar in being a 645 viewfinder camera but is a manual
focus rangefinder with manual film wind instead of the more automated
Fuji. With interchangeable lenses, you can buy the body and 45mm lens, add
the 65mm lens later. It's not so approachable as a point and shoot, but is
otherwise pretty similar in use.

Godfrey


From: "Amr Ibrahim" [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: FUJI 645W   - any advice?
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 

As with the other two Fuji AF cameras (the Zi, and the 60mm), the 45mm has a
lens which is extremely sharp and with contrast that is legendry.  Actually
all three are very difficult to beat on E6 film.  The 45 also shares with
them the same teething problems.  Perhaps the most widely quoted concerns
are: a)  film loading, and b) focusing issues.  However, rest assured that
both of these two issues are user-induced and are very easy to avoid.  Here
are further details:

1.  Film must be loaded in a manner to ensure the appropriate tension in the
taking spool.
2.  There is a minimum focusing distance (1 meter), that if ignored will
naturally result in a blurred picture.  Other caveats related to AFocusing
in general remains in place, of course.

And yes, in my journey with the three cameras, I have done the two mistakes.
I have also done the first mistake with the GS645 model (another legendry
lens, I am referring to the 60mm).

I fully recommend Fuji line, and the three served me very admirably in my
extensive travel.  I would acquire the 60 mm first, and if I have the money
would go for the Zi model before the 60.  Having said so, the 45mm is also
very nice to have; and yes there is a difference between the 55mm (minimum
of the Zi), and the 45mm.  If you are considering the Zi, try to get the
black version as it attracts less attention. You can get the GA60 and GA45
(non i models) cheaper than the i.

As for Bronica...a nicely built camera, but I am disappointed that you no
longer can get the 135mm which is going to be replaced by the 100mm.  If
this is the case, then the Fuji is a much better camera with its zoom and AF
capability.

Best of luck.

AI

"clamlapper" [email protected]> wrote...
> Hello
>
> I am thinking of investing in a Fuji  645 Wi .  Does anyone have any
> experience with using this camera.  What are the plus/minus points ?
>
> Any other cameras I should consider ?
>
>
> Thanks
> Patrick


From: "Jeff S" [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Feedback on Fuji GS645 folder
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 

The lens is good; the problem is that the camera's focusing mechanism
isn't a model of precision so getting best results out of it is a
hit-or-miss affair. Rather fragile, and you can't fold it shut with a
hood or filter in place, which might explain why the ones I've seen for
sale are generally missing said hood. The Fuji GA-series AF cameras and
the Mamiya 6 are much more reliable "folding" cameras. The Mamiya is the
better street shooter, but I prefer the look of the Fujinon glass. Lately
I've been doing street shooting with a Fuji 6x9 and it works surprisingly
well though small it's not.

Jeff S

"JessKramer" [email protected]> wrote:


> Any feedback on the folder with the 75mm lens.  Considering one for
> travel and street shooting


From: [email protected] (Foto28)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 17 Jan 2002 
Subject: Re: Lenses for Fuji GX 680?

I second the recommendation to deal with Robert White...first-rate in every
way.

The 50mm lens is rectilinear, not fisheye. It's very large, takes 112mm filters
(!), and has more limited movement capability than the other lenses.

There is no actual macro lens; you can focus any lens in the system closer than
comparable focal lengths on other cameras due to the 680's bellows focusing
system; if you use the 80mm extension rails, you can get magnification well
over life-size with the shorter lenses.

Tele lenses include 210mm, 250mm, 300mm, and 500mm. All are absolutely superb
quality, unmatched by anything else I have used.

Image size is 76x56mm in the default 6x8 format; you can buy masks for 6x7,
6x6, and 645 formats as well.

Regards,
Danny Burk
www.dannyburk.com



From: Erik ..
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format,rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GX680
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2002 


chiropter [email protected] wrote:

> I own Fuji GX680 with 180 and 300 mm lenses as well as other
> accessories. Sometimes I feel I am not getting what I should
> from this expensive camera. For example, the same object
> shot with Nikon F4 appears better than the result from Fuji
> GX680.  They say the lenses (Fujinon series) are excellent,
> but the sharpness of resulting images do not seem as they
> should be.  I am not sure whether such results come from
> minute misadjustment in the lens attachment mechanism or
> whether they are the inherent limit of the lenses'
> resolution.   I would like to communicate with photographers
> who own the same camera or have experiences with it,  hear
> their opinions and improve my knowledge and skill if I am
> missing something. Please contact me through this group or,
> for continuous future contact, e-mail me.  Thanks.



There are several possible reasons, included among which are:

1)  Your mirror needs re-setting by a competent repairer,

2)  Your focusing screen is incorrectly seated,

3)  Your eyesight is not what it used to be, 

4)  You are in the habit of using over-wide apertures that offer
    little depth of field to cover small errors in focusing,

5)  You are not able to hold the camera sufficiently steady (it is
    VERY heavy!) and/or you aren't using a tripod when you should,
    especially when using slower shutter speeds.


Try renting or borrowing a medium format AF SLR (Pentax, Contax,
Mamiya) and use it on a tripod making sure you locate carefully
the camera's focus point on the subject.  If you find that the
results are sharp you should address the problem areas I listed,
one by one, until you identify the problem.

I hope this is useful.  Good luck!

--
Best regards,
Anthony Polson



From: [email protected] (RWilkin440)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Date: 04 Feb 2002 
Subject: Re: Fuji GX680


I also doubt the problem is with the glass. But why assume? Buy a test target
on film and tape it to the film plane of your camera. Then take the lens out of
a slide projector and use the projector as a light source to project the image
of the test target through the camera lens. Compare the results with a test of
another lens you have confidence in. I bought my 6x6cm test target from Four
Designs, 9400 Wystone Ave, Northridge, CA in 1993. It is a multiple image of
the 1951 USAF test target. You can determine resolution in terms of line-pairs
per mm but you have to make your own subjective determination of pass/fail at
any particular resolution level. This is the reason for the reference lens.
Presumably you will apply the same subjective pass/fail criterion to both
lenses.




From: [email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rolleiflex SL66 advice
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 02

...
>Fuji GX 680... Has tilt and shift bellows.  Probably the most full-featured
>studio SLR (forget about handholding it in real life...) ever produced.  A
>tad pricey, but cameras and lenses don't get much better (if ever...) than
>the GX.

Apart from no-fisheye, and no significant wide-angles....but hardly any
120/220 SLR does great on the latter....the best ever was the Kowa 35mm
for 6x6....
--
Bye,
Willem-Jan Markerink



From: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Questions about the Fuji GA645ZI
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002


Rangefinder/AF cameras' limitations generally circle around flexibility
and accuracy: since you're not looking through the lens, framing is not as
precise as an SLR and you cannot fit lenses beyond a relatively limited
range due to focusing accuracy of the rangefinding mechanism (not much of
an issue with a fixed lens camera, of course... ;-). Macrophotography is
similarly limited due to both focusing and framing accuracy limitations.

On the plus side, given a range of focal lengths and working range
suitable for your photographic needs, Rangefinder cameras tend to be
lighter, less noisy, less prone to vibration and less intrusive than their
SLR counterparts.

The Fuji GA series cameras are pretty darn neat. The GA series data
imprinting is superb: it prints camera mode, exposure, date and EV
compensation settings on the edge of the film, outside of the image area.
I have the GA645 and have found its 60mm lens to be superbly sharp and
contrasty; the zoom lens in the GA645Zi lens a bit more focal length
flexibility at the cost of a little lens speed. They are handy to carry
and great street/portrait shooters as well as being good for landscape and
most general purpose photography.

For me, AF took a little getting used to; I now understand what it sees
and can get pinpoint accuracy through the range. The Program/aperture
priority AE/Manual exposure system has been excellent.

All in all, the Fuji GA cameras are very handy, fast handling and return
excellent results. They're not as flexible as an SLR, of course, but their
advantages generally attract me more than carrying heavy SLR equipment.

Godfrey

[email protected] (Paddleman) wrote:

> Due to my aging eyes I'm looking to go from my Pentax 645 into an auto focus
> 645, maybe the 645N. Most of my shooting is portrait or landscapes.  While
> looking around, I found that I liked the Fuji GA645Zi but I do have a couple of
> questions from those folks in the know.  What are the real advantages or
> limitations of rangefinder cameras in general; I realize that a fixed zoom lens
> does have it's limits.  Information that I find on this camera states that the
> data can be printed on the frame, does that mean on the picture itself or on
> the negative edge like the 645N?  Fuji's web page has very little detailed
> information about their products.
>
> Regards,
> Gary



From: Stephe [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GW670II 6x7 Rangefinder reviews?
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 


Terry Fry wrote:

> After some years away from Medium format, I wanted a decent camera to do
> some occasional
> medium format work.  I've seen the "Texas Leica" before, but never used
> it.
>
> Anyone have pros/cons of this camera?

The 6X9 is about the same physical size and uses the same lens. Unless for
some reason getting another frame or two on a roll is a "BIG" deal, I'd got
with the 6X9 version. It gives you the option of printing a full frame 5x7
ratio print or cropping a -wide- shot using a 4.


The pro's on any of the 6X? fuji's: good film flatness, rugged construction
and probably the best lenses in all of the photo world. The cons: one focal
length, total manual control (I don't see that as a con really ) and the
worst thing is the "T" setting (bulb type setting for exposures longer than
1 sec.) It doesn't close the shutter when you release the shutter
button/cable release. You have to either turn the shutter speed dial to
another setting or wind the film to shut the shutter. In use it means you
have to cover the lens (with a cap or a hat) at the right time and then
wind the film. Besides that, I can find no faults with the normal lensed
versions, the 65mm 6X9 model has a slight problem of the lens being seen in
the corner of the finder. It's something you learn to live with being such
a wide angle of view.
--

  Stephe



From: "eMeL" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GW670II 6x7 Rangefinder reviews?
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002

Sherman Dunnam [email protected] wrote > ...
> I've never even handled one of these cameras so I really am clueless

Yes, you are...

> but...
> doesn't the shutter close on the 'T' setting by simply pressing the cable
> release a second time?  I have a bunch of cameras (and lenses in shutter for
> LF) and on the 'T' setting they all open with the first press of the release
> and close with the second.


Nope, that's the weirdness of this otherwise wonderful camera.  You need to
either move the shutter dial to a different speed OR start winding the film.
In both cases - as noted in the previous reply - a black hat is highly
recommended.

The "T" setting in this shutter apparently means in Japanese "open once,
close never."

 :-)

Michael



From: BBFoto [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GW670II 6x7 Rangefinder reviews?
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002


I have the 670II (not the wide) and it is solid.  I dropped it from about 10
feet once, and other than a slight scratch, no problem.  I just got a 20x30
print back, and it is amazingly sharp.  The lens is superb, but is not
interchangable, if that's important to you.  I've used it at weddings (not as
the only camera), for large groups, portraits, landscapes, most everything.  It
is big and heavy.  My only real complaint is the sound the shutter makes. It is
a loud, resounding "CHUUUUNG."  Can be annoying in some situations.

Now for some photographer humor (I hope.)  (True story)  I was in a board room
with some executives that wanted a group shot.  We were waiting for one that
was late.  I was standing there holding my Fuji when he burst into the room,
looked at me with my camera and exclaimed "My God, you've got a big one!"  I
replied "Thank you for noticing.  Now, what do you think of my camera?"
Brought the house down!  Almost ruined my shoot, because I couldn't get them to
stop giggling.

BBFoto

Terry Fry wrote:

> After some years away from Medium format, I wanted a decent camera to do
> some occasional
> medium format work.  I've seen the "Texas Leica" before, but never used it.
>
> Anyone have pros/cons of this camera?




From: "Amr Ibrahim" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Bronica 645 Rangefinder vs Fuji GA645?
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002


Sam:

I would like to say that you shall not see a major difference in 
capabilities between the Fuji 645Zi and the Bronica.  The Bronica stops 
at 45mm, and ends with the 100mm; this is against 55 and 90mm for the 
Fuji.  Both are limited, and Bronica with its 135mm was supposed to have 
an edge; alas it did not happen.  May be Fuji is a tad slower at the 
long end, but a 400 asa slide film (I only shoot E6) will solve this 
issue.    Fuji has a built-in flash that is--as you know from the 60mm 
model--is very adequate for the fill-in flash as the well the autofocus 
as bonus.

The Z model shall make the 60mm redundant no doubt;  I still have the 
60mm as it now became the camera that shall go anywhere that other MF 
should not go, e.g. canoeing, and skiing; I am also considering a retro 
move to monochrome and dedicate it as such.  If you do have a choice, go 
for the black model rather than the chrome.  It is a stealth camera 
indeed, and in travel photography it is "unmatched, and unparalleled".  
The 45 mm is also fantastic for architecture photography, but may be you 
shall also consider it as redundant with the advent of the Z model. 

Enjoy. 

AI

 "Sam Anderson" [email protected] wrote ...

  Thanks for your input.  I currently have the GA645 (w/60mm) and you 
are correct about the performance.  I thought I might want more 
capability so I was considering the GA645Zi or the Bronica RF645.  I 
don't have experience with Bronica equipment but I know the resale on 
Bronica is not favorable.  With the GA645Zi I would have 55-90 but I 
don't know if that is enough to sell me though it probably is, 
especially for the right price.  Still debating the Zi or keeping what I 
have.

  Sam

   "Amr Ibrahim" [email protected] wrote ...
    Sam:

    With Bronica stopping its lens range to the 100mm, I would like to 
suggest keeping to the Fuji GA645Zi model.  Its zoom range is 55 to 90, 
well built and with legendry performance.  The performance of the other 
two Fuji GA series (the 60 and the 45) is also superb.  The price of the 
three models in the second hand market is very favorable nowadays.  I 
have experience with the three models, and you shall not be disappointed 
by them.

    Enjoy.

    AI

"Sam Anderson" [email protected] wrote ...

      Does anybody have experience with the Bronica 645 Rangefinder 
camera?  Please share your experience with this camera, expecially with 
the lens and meter performance.  I currently have a Fuji GA645 but I 
would like interchangeable lenses.  AF is not important to me.  Thanks!

      Sam



Thanks for your input.  I currently have the GA645 (w/60mm) and you are
correct about the performance.  I thought I might want more capability so I
was considering the GA645Zi or the Bronica RF645.  I don't have experience
with Bronica equipment but I know the resale on Bronica is not favorable.
With the GA645Zi I would have 55-90 but I don't know if that is enough to
sell me though it probably is, especially for the right price.  Still
debating the Zi or keeping what I have.


For what it's worth, the rangefinder in the Bronica is _very_ nice. It's
orders of magnitude better than the RF on the Fuji GS645S, and much easier
to use than that on either the Voightlander Bessa R or Mamiya 7II. (Although
the Mamiya 7II on display at Yodobashi may be defective its so bad.)

Also, FWIW, I wasn't impressed with the range of the zoom on the GA645Zi. It
seems to me that it's a normal to normal zoom, not enough to make much of a
difference. And the lens is slow. If it were f/5.6 fixed aperture and 2x I'd
be less unenthused. The camera is, however, the most comfortable camera to
hold I've ever held in my (large and scrawny) paws.

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan




From rollei mailing list:
Date: Thu, 10 May 2001 
From: Kevin Ramsey [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Medium format wide angle

Hi Andrei:
I rent the Fuji several times a year for the tilt, shift, swing, rise, and
fall, and for the following reasons:

-When I need the convenience of an automatic-wind roll back.
-When setup and breakdown time is limited.
-When I need to quickly switch from vertical to horizontal throughout a shoot.

I find that the Fuji occupies the niche between the extremely limited
tilt/shift lenses available for medium format and the time consuming setup
needed for large format. Would I own this camera? I don't know. I only need
its functionality and ease of use occasionally, most of the time I prefer
to use the tilt/shift/swing lenses for my Canon, but sometimes I need the
greater flexibility and larger film size that the Fuji offers. I mentioned
it to Javier because I thought it might meet his needs and offered options
not offered by the 903 or the Mamiya.

About three years ago I was hired to shoot a new school building that had
classroom and athletic spaces. The architects also hired a "famous"
photographer to shoot the same space. He spent three days shooting with his
8x10 Sinar. I rented the Fuji and shot for one day. His photos were
beautiful, and arguably better than mine. But the limitations of the large
format (and perhaps his working style) meant that most of his images were
about the space, not about the use of the space. The Fuji allowed me to
quickly move to where the action was and capture the kids using their new
environment, while still affording me some of the view camera versatility
to show off the architecture and manipulate perspective distortion. The
result? Only his image of the exterior of the building ended up in the
architect's brochure, eight of my images filled up the balance.

Of course, he got paid for three days work for that one image, so maybe I
did make the wrong choice.

Kevin



From rollei mailing list:
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Medium format wide angle

I was involved in testing this camera early on and made a number of design
change suggestions which were implemented.  It is a great camera for the
studio but just too bulky and heavy for hand held work, even though they
do make a U shaped bracket with handles on both sides.

To me its major limitation is that there is no prism finder for it, and this
makes any sort of action photography difficult.

Bob

> From: [email protected]
> Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Rollei] Medium format wide angle
>
> I know a still life/ product photographer here in New York who owns and uses
> 8x10 and 4x5 view cameras but also thought it necessary to buy a  Fuji 680
> with two lenses.  Just from the spec sheet the  680 has got to be a marvelous
> camera, complete with all the bells, whistles and automation you could want.
> Arthur


From rollei mailing list:
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 
From: "Fox, Robert" [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Rollei] Large format.

Jose,

If you're not wed to buying Rollei/Linhof, checkout the Fuji GW680III, which
comes complete with full movements; can use any medium format (6x4.5, 6x6,
6x7, 6x8, 6x9, 6x12) and adjusts film/finder/counter automatically; has
complete range of Fujinon EBC lenses, but also comes with adapter lens board
to use almost any 4x5 lens you want. It's a full camera system that was
designed to utilize all the advantages of MF and some of the main advantages
of LF. Technically it's a very slick camera.

R.J.



From rollei mailing list:
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Large format.

> From: Fox, Robert [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 1:22 PM
> To: '[email protected]'
> Subject: RE: [Rollei] Large format.
>
>
> Jose,
>
> If you're not wed to buying Rollei/Linhof, checkout the Fuji GW680III, which
> comes complete with full movements; can use any medium format (6x4.5, 6x6,
> 6x7, 6x8, 6x9, 6x12) and adjusts film/finder/counter automatically; has
> complete range of Fujinon EBC lenses, but also comes with adapter lens board
> to use almost any 4x5 lens you want. It's a full camera system that was
> designed to utilize all the advantages of MF and some of the main advantages
> of LF. Technically it's a very slick camera.
>
> R.J.


As the folks at Fuji will tell you, I had some design input on this camera.
I worked with one of the prototypes and made a number of suggestions which
were implemented in the production camera.

The camera does not have full movements.  It has front movements only.
It was designed for studio use, not architecture.  It was inspired by the
Arca Swiss monorail 4 X 5 SLR from some years earlier.

Bob


From rollei mailing list:
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Large format.

Eric Goldstein at [email protected] wrote:
> I know a LOT of studio pros who shoot this camera and really like it...
> don't think it handles 612 though...?

You're right, no 612.  I don't think it goes any bigger than the Japanese 6
X 8 format.  That was chosen because it matches common metric print sizes in
Japan.  I wish they had made it 6 X 7, since it would have then been smaller
and lighter.

Bob



From: "eMeL" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Filters with Fuji Rangefinders ?
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002

"kauai82" [email protected] wrote...
> I am interested in Fuji Rangefinders. How does one use a polarizor

Some pola filters have markings (or paint your own...) so you just look through
it, adjust the effect, note the position of markings and install on the lens
exactly in the same position.  Caveat - remember that with some wide-angle
models of Fuji (say, GSW690 with a 65 mm lens) the field of view is so wide
(approx. that of a 28 mm lens on a 35mm camera) that the degree of polarization
(esp. the sky...) may not be even...

> or
> graduated ND filters with a Rangefinder ?

It's a guess, but using filters with a very soft line of demarcation (very
gradual darkening) helps a bit.  I use B+W screw-in grad filters - they work
fine for me, but test before you buy, perhaps you may like square, "system",
filters better...

> It seems from what I can read that
> they take fairly good pictures.

I've used Fuji GW 690 and GSW 690 for years and can confirm that... Simple,
sturdy bodies and excellent lenses  - a winning  combination.  One wart - these
pesky B times on the shutter cancelable only by moving the shutter speed ring to
a different setting or by advancing the film... Booo!

Good shooting!
Michael


rom: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji GA645zi ?
Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2002


I use the GA645 model, with 60mm lens. I find it a very convenient and
handy camera, remarkably capable even despite the single focal length lens
and relatively slow f/4 lens. The lens is very very sharp and contrasty,
focus is  bang on every time if you target your subject accurately before
framing. I also switch it to manual focus and set focus by zone and DoF
often, very easy to do and very reliable. I like the full information
printed on the negative and the ability to easily tweak the exposure withe
EV compensation or full manual setting.

I have the Fuji accessory flash for it, despite the fact I rarely use
flash, because the Fuji accessory flash includes slave operation which
allows one to use both flashes to illuminate a broader area.

The GA645Zi model would simply allow more flexibility at the expense of a
slight bit of lens speed. My understanding from others who have one is
that the lens is of similar quality.

For non-Fuji films, you just set the ISO value manually. I shoot most of
the time with Kodak and Ilford film.

Godfrey


From: [email protected] (CharlesW99)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 10 Jun 2002 
Subject: Help deciding between Fuji GS 645S Pro, GS 645 Pro, or the folder


Hi There!

I've decided this year to get a new(er) Medium format compact camera, such as
one of the Fuji 645. I still see the Fuji GS 645 folders turning up for around
$600, but my brother mentioned something about problems with the alignment,
which is why Fuji went to the more rigid body....

When I looked into the first rigid body, which is the Fuji GS 645S Pro, I see
there is a bar that loops around the lens, which I assume maintains the
alignment of the lens. I like the idea that it has a manual advance (one less
thing to go wrong) even thoough it lacks the AF and the nifty pop up flash of
the GS 645 Pro. Also, the 645S is the least expensive at around $500 used.

On the other hand, although there is more it seems to "go wrong" the autofocus
GS 645 Pro is in the same price range as the classic, original folder. Is the
classic folder that much more compact? I have only seen the folder on the
internet, and not handled one.

Also, I see a GS 645 I Pro. What does the "I" signify?

Anyone out there that's a Fuji 645 fan? Any websites that have evaluated these?

Thanks!

Charlie



From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Help deciding between Fuji GS 645S Pro, GS 645 Pro, or the folder
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 


"CharlesW99" [email protected] wrote:
> Anyone out there that's a Fuji 645 fan? Any websites that have evaluated these?

That's me. I like my GS645S. A lot.

> When I looked into the first rigid body, which is the Fuji GS 645S Pro, I see
> there is a bar that loops around the lens, which I assume maintains the
> alignment of the lens.

The roll bar is really just for show. I guess it protects the lens
structure, though.

> I like the idea that it has a manual advance (one less
> thing to go wrong) even thoough it lacks the AF and the nifty pop up flash of
> the GS 645 Pro. Also, the 645S is the least expensive at around $500 used.

You're missing something here: "GS" are manual cameras, it's the "GA" models
that are automatic. I think there are four out-of-production automatic
models: GA645 (60mm/4.0), GA645W (45mm/4.0), GA645i (60mm/4.0), and GA645Wi
(45mm/4.0). The "i" just means a few extra bells and whisles. (The GA534Zi
is the current model with a zoom lens.)

They are all great cameras with great lenses. At least the "i" versions
record exposure information on the film, which is very nice. I prefer manual
focus cameras, so I like the GS645S, but the GS645W is a guess-focus camera
with a slower lens, so I'd probably look at the GA645Wi for a wide angle
camera.

My guess is that the GA series would be just as reliable as the GS cameras,
if not more so. The latest model (the zoom version), at least, is much
better made than the GS645S: the GS645S is, after all, a plastic camera
(it's much lighter than an Olympus OM-1N). It's a funky ultra-basic camera
that works. The GA645Zi is a modern high-precision high-tech wonder. Sort of
a Contax G on steroids. The folder and the GS645S are rather anacronistic,
even for the mid-80s they were produced in.

> Is the
> classic folder that much more compact? I have only seen the folder on the
> internet, and not handled one.

I've not handled the folder version either. My take on the folder is that
it's probably worth avoiding. The bellows are said to be problematic, and
the plastic material just doesn't seem the right thing mechanically to make
a folder out of.

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan



From: [email protected] (Godfrey DiGiorgi)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Help deciding between Fuji GS 645S Pro, GS 645 Pro, or the folder
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2002


I always wanted a GS645 folder until I handled one. It felt cheap,
plasticky and wholly too expensive for its build quality. Problems with
the bellows (and expensive replacement), a somewhat finicky mechanism for
the folding lens standard, etc always made me decide against one. The
other GS models are much more appealing to me, even if the feel remained
somewhat cheap. The rigid GS645W was the one I keep looking for, I bought
Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta A and B cameras for pocketable folders, they're
much nicer to use in my opinion.

Then I tried a GA645. Full data imprinting, a pretty darn accurate meter
and AF focusing system, adequate manual overrides convinced me. Much less
"cheap" feeling than the GS series. I bought my GA645 last year for $550
used, almost bought a new GA645i model but the differences weren't
significant enough to me for the extra cost. The lens is terrific and it
is light and works great.

The latest GA645Zi has improved build quality even further and the zoom
lens has given a little focal length flexibility in exchange for 1 EV of
lens speed. Still a great lens, still an excellent handling camera. A
little more "mainstream" in control organization than the GA645 original
but much the same flavor.

Really can't go wrong with these cameras. As long as your need isn't for a
systems camera with interchangeable lenses, they work very well and
produce superb results.

Godfrey


From: Jeff [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad?
Date: Thu, 04 Jul 2002


Actually, I think some of the coolest pro photo products these days  come
from...Fuji! At one point, I owned 4 Hasselblads and a number of lenses,
but now I simply carry a Fuji MF camera with zoom lens-it's a fraction of
the size and weight of the Hasselblad, and it records exposure data on the
edge of the film, so I don't have to jot notes down, and it lets me use
either 120 or 220 film without purchasing any additional hardware. If I use
Fuji film, it scans a barcode printed on the paper backing and correctly
identifies the film type. It even keeps track of how many shots I've taken
with it, so I know when to send it in for maintenance! All this in a camera
which collapses into a compact, flat package when it's powered down. I also
like the look I get from current EBC-Fujinon optics, and evidently,
Hasselblad regards them highly enough to claim them as their own, in the
case of the XPan/Fuji TX-1 ;-)

Speaking of the Xpan, that's likely to be my next "Hasselblad", and this
Leica M owner is really eager to see what Fuji's take on the 35mm RF camera
can do.

Jeff

ArtKramr wrote:

> Just as no one has improved on the M Leica, no one has improved on the
> Blad designs. The original Blad has inspired dozens of designs all based
> on that 6x6
> SLR that was fully modular. But  when we look, at them all; the Bronica,
> the
> Rollei 6x6 SLR's and a dozen others, none have  been able to outpace the
> Blad in quality or performance and very few are the blads equal, even
> those that also use Carl Zeiss lenses. Is the world waiting for a new
> brilliant designer to move the ball foward, or are we at the end of the
> line in MF SLR's?
>
> Arthur Kramer
> Visit my WW II B-26 website at:
> http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer


From hasselblad mailing list:
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 
From: Jeff Grant [email protected]
Subject: RE: [HUG] XPAN List or other good site etc?

Try:

http://www.fujirangefinder.com/


From: "eMeL" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format,rec.photo.equipment.misc
Subject: Re: Which filter system for Fuji MF Rangefinders (Lee vs Cokin)?
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 


"Tony Terlecki" [email protected] wrote...
> Also what does one do about the built-in lens hood for the Fuji
> rangefinders when using filters? The hood must be extended to get to
> the shutter speed and apeture dials but by extending this hood one
> cannot attach any of these filter systems!

Yep - this is a major problem with this camera.

Make yourself a mounting frame from a few pieces of plastic and wire and Velcro
it to the outside of the lens shade.
I've been using a variety of 'system" filters this way on both the GW and GSW.
I hate Cokin (it's crap, and I'm being charitable here) but you can choose from
filters made by such reputable outfits as B+W, SinghRay, etc.

Good shooting!
Michael



From: Jeff [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Which filter system for Fuji MF Rangefinders (Lee vs Cokin)?
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 2002



Tony, the Lee polyester filters are very thin and flexible; I see no easy
way to "slot" them into anything unless they're mounted in their cardboard
mounts. I assume the prices you are seeing for the cardboard are not per
unit.

Don't hacksaw your GSW! The hood can be easily removed with just a minor
bit of disassembly. Here's how:

1) Close-focus the lens, revealing two black setscrews on the lens barrel,
remove the screws.

2) Remove the two little handles on the aperture ring

3) Remove the outer lens barrel

4) Slide the lens hood backwards, off the lens barrel

That's it! Hope your local dealer stocks jumbo lenscaps though.

Jeff

Tony Terlecki wrote:

> Jeff wrote:
>> Funny you should mention the GSW and the Lee filters because I was just
>> thinking this one over this morning when I was out photographing, and
>> here's an untested idea that I mean to try: Lee makes an inexpensive
>> holder which is held in place by an elastic band. I'm thinking if it can
>> simply be slipped over the Fuji's lenshood, then all is well. Otherwise,
>> it's back to the drawing board. I've only used the Lee polyester filters
>> once before and had no problems, save that I would definitely mount these
>> into their (extra-cost) cardboard mounts for easier handling.
>
> Do the Lee filters not have a built in mount then that slots into the
> filter holder? Having not seem them I wouldn't know but the cardboard
> mount you mention seems to cost more than the actual poly filter! Is one
> needed for each filter?
>
> As to the hood - I am seriously thinking of taking a hacksaw to it and
> then just using a different hood with the filter system!


From: [email protected] (Tony Terlecki)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Q: GW690III
Date: 11 Sep 2002


"roland.rashleigh-berry" [email protected] wrote 
> The GW690III has a hood that slides out, thus exposing the aperture and
> shutter speed controls. On my camera it is already removed, since the person
> who owned it used a Cokin filter set a lot of the time and didn't want to
> remove it, set speed and aperture and replace it again and again. I have the
> hood but have not found out how to remove the sleeve underneath so that I
> can put it back. I've taken off the lugs that control the aperture. I
> thought that would free it. I've unscrewed the two screws of the ring behind
> it that I thought would release this sleeve but it just stays put. It
> rotates frrelly but I can't see what is keeping it there. How do I remove it
> so that I can put the hood back?


I haven't yet removed my hood but here's some instructions someone
gave me for doing it. I presume you can just reverse the procedure to
put it back on.

1) Close-focus the lens, revealing two black setscrews on the lens
barrel,
remove the screws.

2) Remove the two little handles on the aperture ring

3) Remove the outer lens barrel

4) Slide the lens hood backwards, off the lens barrel

Cheers,
Tony Terlecki


From rangefinder mailing list:
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002
From: Gerry Rosen [email protected]
Subject: RE: Fuji RF 645

Paul Jas wrote:
> Hi, I too have noticed many have a Fuji folder in thier camera bag.
> While I dont have a hood to sell, I have been thinking about buying a
> Fuji folder myself.  I cant afford the Bronica 645 RF or Mamiya 6 or 7
> and I have heard that the Fuji lens is great.  Guess I am intrigued by
> having a modern 645 folder.I was wondering what others who own it had to
> say.  I read Dante's post a while back that compared several fujis and
> he seemed to point more to the GA645.  Is this one I should steer clear
> of on Ebay since the bellows are so prone to be bad?  Are there any
> other quirks to watch out for?  If you are curious, I would like to sell
> my Yashica Mat 124G and put some cash in for the Fuji. Thanks

Hi, Paul,

I had a Fuji folder for several years and found it to be an excellent
travel camera. Good lens, accurate meter, fair VF/RF. The downside is
the weak bellows and I sold mine when I found out that Fuji had stopped
stocking the bellows and regretted doing it 30 seconds after it left my
hands. i did some research since and found other sources for a bellows
if I needed one so I went looking and bought another Folder. I've since
found out that Fuji has the bellows in stock again so I'm going to order
a spare and just enjoy the camera. I'm very comfortable with the 75mm
focal length but I understand that most people prefer something a little
wider.

Gerry




From: "roland.rashleigh-berry" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format,rec.photo.equipment.misc
Subject: Re: Fuji GW690III + Lee Filter System
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2002 


From what I gather, the people who bought these cameras from new sometimes
asked for the hood to not be on the camera and the manufacturers obliged by
not fitting the hood and sending it separately in the box. This was by
special arrangement with the retailers. This hood is all-metal and tough. It
can not be persuaded off. You could cut it with a hacksaw but even if you
could do a neat job you have to cut through the lip that keeps it on the
lens barrel and you will no doubt cut into the plastic of the lens barrel
when trying to do that. There is absolutely no way you could disassemble the
lens as an amateur to get it off. There is a spring trap inside. You can
take 4 screws off safely but you actually have to take the lens apart to
free this ring. And when you unscrew the fifth obvious screw it goes
"sproing" and you just lost your half stops for the aperture adjustment and
if you don't put this screw back exactly in the right place then you have
lost your aperture adjustment period.

This is a spring trap and you must not take it apart. It should only be sent
off to Fuji to remove this hood. It is a horrid design. If you intend to use
filters with this camera on a frequent basis, then this hood is best
removed. But not by you. By Fuji. And if you think you need the hood in the
future then make one out of cardboard or something.

Roland


"vic" [email protected] wrote...
> I also have the GW690III but the built in hood makes things more
> challenging.
> I was wondering what others have done to adapt filter systems other than the
> screw in type filters.
> Vic
>
>
> "Tony Terlecki" [email protected] wrote 
> > I've just bought a Lee filter system to use with all my equipment but there's
> > problems with my GW690III. I've still to remove the built-in lens hood but I notice
> > that even with it removed there's no way that the Lee 67mm adapter ring is going
> > onto this lens filter thread. Outside of the lens barrel containing the thread to
> > attach a filter is another barrel which, because it protrudes beyond that of the
> > inner threaded barrel, makes it impossible to attach the Lee adapter.
> >
> > Anyone else using a Lee filter system with these Fuji rangefinders? What are you
> > doing to get around this?
> >
> > Frankly, whomever designed the built-in hood and that recessed filter thread on the
> > lens needs his/her head examined!
> >
> > --
> > Tony Terlecki
> > [email protected]


From rangefinder mailing list:
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 
From: Douglas Anthony Cooper [email protected]
Subject: Re: Which Fuji 645?


>
> Do any of the list members have thoughts on selecting a Fuji 645 camera
> - either the mostly mechanical rangefinder GS645S or one of the GA645
> models? I mostly interested in the models with the 60mm focal length
> lens.


I shot with the GA645Wi for a while, and loved it.  I only sold it on
ideological grounds -- didn't want to begin relying on autofocus.  That
said, the results were superb.  It's *very* small for medium format, and
ergonomically spectacular.  (Get the one designated "Wi" rather than just
"W", as I believe the second shutter release -- nicely placed -- is only on
the later model.)  The autofocus is not particularly fast, but it's
adequate.  The rangefinder (really a viewfinder) is okay -- I've never been
fond of the blue-ish color of the Fuji viewfinders, relative to the clear
Mamiyas.  But the handling is fantastic, and it's nice and thin; carrying it
is considerably easier than carrying a 35mm with anything but the smallest
lens.  (Interesting anecdote:  the guy who turned me onto this model was my
trusted film expert at B&H.  The only worker who wasn't Chasidic, and he was
*very* un-Chasidic -- he was a punk with a shaved head who bred rats in his
basement.

The lens on the GA645Wi was the first to convince me that not all Fuji
lenses have the characteristics generally noted:  they're supposed to be
incredibly sharp, ultra-contrasty, with lousy bokeh.  Sharp and contrasty,
yes, but in a way I associate with Zeiss, and the bokeh was in fact quite
respectable.  The following image was shot with this camera, and illustrates
(very slightly) the out-of-focus characteristics:

http://www.dysmedia.com/Photography/Travel/kyotochild.html

The other Fujis -- the "Texas Leicas" -- strike me as pretty interesting,
but since you actually have to rely on the rangefinder with these (to, uh,
find range), I think I'd prefer to work with a Mamiya 6 or 7.  The Mamiya 6
in particular is a great bargain these days, if you can live with the
format.


from rangefinder mailing list:
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 
From: Jeffery Smith [email protected]
Subject: RE: Texas Leica's little brother


To be honest, I had considered an autofocus Fuji 645 based on Dante
Stella's recommendation, but I balked after seeing it dead last in the
consumer poll on www.photographyreview.com. I recently bought a GS645
folder on ebay (it still has not arrived). I ruminated quite a bit over
the GS645 camera, but am glad I didn't buy it...it wasn't until your
post here that I realized that it has no rangefinder. Not that it is
that necessary on a wide angle camera, but it would have shocked me when
I got the camera home and looked at it.

Jeffery

C. Kevin O'Hagan wrote:
> When I wanted to shoot wide, the old M4/21 was hard to beat, but years
> ago I found a MF wide made by Fuji; the GSW645. A sans-rangefinder 645,
> 45mm EBC lens that proved sharp, satisfying and unobtrusive. Get past
> the zone focusing (the metering was the same as the GS645 rangefinders
> w/60mm & 75mm lenses) and enjoy stunning medium format results. I later
> bought a GSW690 and don't often justify taking out this big gun. It's
> really nice, great wide Fujinon EBC glass, but the size is overwhelming;
>
> a tripod and panorama head should be standard accessories: this one does
>
> not shoot from the hip. The  670's and 690 's are deliberate cameras;
> top quality and great value, but the dwarf the average guy. Fuji 645's,
> even the point and shoot GA's, are a great and affordable way to go.



From: "Denny Wong" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: new Fuji 645 camera
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002


http://www.fujifilm.co.jp/news_r/nrj1000.html


From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: new Fuji 645 camera
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002


"Fred" [email protected] wrote:
> Gee doesn't this look so much like the new Hasselblad H1??  :- )
>
> >http://www.fujifilm.co.jp/news_r/nrj1000.html

Couldn't possibly be {g}: the list price for the kit is US$4,500. Figure a
sticker price of US$4,000 plus an in-store credit of 10% for a cash
purchase, and you're well under $4,000 including tax.

(This assumes the camera kit comes with the 80mm/2.8 lens, which is US$1,650
list as a separate purchase, which looks to be a correct assumption.)

Body = 369,000 Yen
Kit = 540,000
80/2.8 = 185,000
(The last four entries in the table are lens hoods.)

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan


From: 4season [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Newbie going from 35mm to medium-format
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002


At the risk of sounding like a broken record, look at the Fuji GA645zi:
It's a killer on-the-go sort of camera and there's literally nothing else
to buy except film: Batteries, strap, case, lens shade; they're all
included in the base price. If you want something a bit more conventional,
have a look at the Bronica RF645 (I haven't actually shot with it). The
Bronica should be a better street shooter's camera too, since it doesn't
have the -zi's AF lag time.

The 6x4.5 format tends to be significantly easier for me to print at 8x10
and 11x14 than 35mm, yet the cameras and lenses are still small enough to
be very handy.

I'm no longer a big fan of 6x6 because quite frankly, not so many of my
compositions benefit from a square negative, yet I don't like to crop
unless absolutely necessary. I admit that 6x6 makes sense if you buy an
SLR with waist level finder, since you never have to turn the camera to
shoot vertical compositions. My favorite 6x6 camera is probably the
Hasselblad SWC. Hasselblad wants way too much money for new ones, and they
promote them as special-purpose cameras, but in fact, they take great
snapshots too.

I've owned a Mamiya Six rangefinder camera, and have fussed with the Mamiya
7 as well. Very nice cameras but changing lenses on the Bronica RF645 is
much, much easier. I simply didn't care for Six optic's out of focus
rendition very much. Though very sharp, I also find it rather
harsh-looking. I suspect this isn't a quality issue; rather, someone at
Mamiya deliberately designed it that way.

I became something of a 6x9 convert the other summer when I purchased a
Fuji GSW690 III: I love working with the camera and think shooting an IMAX
movie must be something like this! But to be honest, in order to see a jump
in quality in my 8x10 prints, I have to take pains to hold the big camera
really steady. In faster, looser, shooting, I think I'm getting about all
the quality I'm going to get with my 6x4.5 camera. But when I have Delta
400 or Pan F loaded in the big 6x9 camera and manage to fire off the
shutter ever so gently, the clouds part, angels sing, and beams of light
shine down from the Heavens! Yeah, that good, which makes the multitude of
slightly-soft photos all the more aggravating. Yes, I suppose I could put
it on a tripod more often, but that would be too obvious, wouldn't it.

Having owned 3x Kiev 60s, 3x Hasselblad SLRs and a Rolleiflex SLR, I no
longer think of the MF SLR as being the best choice for everyday,
not-sure-I'll-find-a-photo-op-but-want-to-carry-a-camera-just-in-case
situations. I tried carrying a stripped-down Hassy outfit along on my daily
rounds but simply found it too heavy and too awkward.



From: "Jeff" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Newbie going from 35mm to medium-format
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 

...(quotes above posting)

I've been shooting with a GSW690III and a G690 for the past few months. Even
at 1/15th and 1/8th my shots are quite sharp. Sharper than with my 35mm SLR
and my D7 digital cameras.
Specially the G690 with it's metal body (5 lbs.) and very quiet (and
predictable) shutter release.

For 8x10's I'm very happy with my GS645 folder, but there's something about
those 6x9 landscape shot sthat is breathtaking (even under a 5x loupe).

Jeff


From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Fuji GX645AF
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 

There's an interview with the Fuji developers in this month's Asahi Camera.
I started to do a pirate translation, but that's more than anyone wants to
read. Here are a few points of interest.

1. Fuji brought a proposal for a dual-format (6x6/645) camera to the table
but Hassy vetoed it, since they wanted a hand-holdable camera.
(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

2. Why does the shutter only go to 1/800, not 1/1000? We tried, but decided
that reliability would be compromised.

3. Did you have Zeiss in mind when designing the lenses? No. Of course, we
did make a point of achieving superior performance. 

4. Why are the lenses such clunkers? The in-lens shutter requires that there
exist a narrow point in the optical path, and that increases the size of the
elements before and after the shutter. And we decided that we would not
compromise quality for size.

5. Fuji insisted on supporting the film barcodes and backs that handle both
120/220, and Hassy insisted on the "ready manual focus" (I guess that would
be always-available manual override of the AF???) and the built-in dark
slide. (This latter one caused the Fuji designers loads of grief.)

My take is that it sounds to me as though Fuji designed the camera and let
Hassy put their name on it. Since I like Fuji cameras and lenses, I see that
as _good_ news.

It looks as though both will be available in Japan, the Fuji in black and
the Hassy in gray at a hefty price premium.

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan 



From: [email protected] (Foto28)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 05 Feb 2003
Subject: Re: Fuji Discontinues all film cameras


>What about the Hasselblad ArcBody and FlexBody?

Poor substitutes, IMO.  I'm very much a proponent of the GX680 :)

For those who are interested in learning more about the GX680, I've got a
comprehensive review on my site; also a new comparative review of GX617 vs
Linhof 617SIII. Go to www.dannyburk.com and then to reviews.
===============
Danny Burk
www.dannyburk.com - fine art photography



From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji Discontinues all film cameras
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003


"Foto28" [email protected] wrote:
> >What about the Hasselblad ArcBody and FlexBody?
>
> Poor substitutes, IMO.  I'm very much a proponent of the GX680 :)

The GX680 is certainly a lovely beast with an amazing set of lenses, but
there are many 6x9 field and view cameras available, many of which are
cheaper, lighter, and more flexible than the GX680.

The Horseman, Hanza (sp?), Ebony, Fotox (sp?), Arca Swiss, Cambo (sp?),
Linhof, Alpa, all look a lot easier to use (well, easier to lug anyway)
than the GX680. (Sorry about the spelling: I'm looking at a Japanese book
that phoneticizes everything.)

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan


From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Newbies and the Kievs
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 
"DH" [email protected] wrote 
> What is a Japanese RF camera?
> I'm one of these newbies! :)

The Fuji GS645S. It's 6x4.5, not 6x6, but the 60mm f/4.0 lens is amazingly
sharp. Built-in meter that works quite nicely. (They were made in the late
1980's, so the meters are still reliable.) The rangefinder is a bit hard to
focus with, but still quite usable; easier than a TLR that has not had a
modern screen installed, IMHO. They're around US$350 in the shops in Tokyo,
but a bit more at KEH. There are other Fuji models. The GA645 and GA645(i)
are autofocus, the GA645W and GA645Wi are wide angle (45mm f/4.0) autofocus,
and a bit more expensive. If you like the 60mm lens (a bit wider than the
usual 75 or 80mm lens) in a 645, you should own one.

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan


From: David Livingstone [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Fuji cameras rumours again
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003

Last week's Amateur Photographer magazine (U.K) has this :-


Fujifilm Professional is "scaling down" production of its GA645Zi,
GW670 and GW690/GSW690 cameras, but has no plans to discontinue its
GX617 panoramic and GX680 view cameras.

In a statement Fuji said it wanted to "dispel rumours" that the
GX617 and GX680 were to be phased out.

http://www.amateurphotographer.com/cgi-bin/wwwthreads/showpost.pl?Board=
latestnews&Number=221&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5

rdgs
--
David


From: Jeff [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Feedback on Fuji GW670III or GW690III or GSW690III
Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 

Albert,

Last year I decided to go hunting for a 6x7 rangefinder.
Not being able to afford the Mamiya 7 prices, I setteled for a deal on a Fuji G690.
This camera, with it's 100mm lens, blew me away.

Then it came the hunt for additional lenses. Forget about it. I nearly bought
into overpriced, abused lenses.

Instead, I managed to score a GSW690III in good shape for a very good price.

The 2 cameras complement each other very well.
Last fall I shot landscapes with the G690 loaded with 50 ISO film and the
GSW690III loaded with 100 ISO film.

For indoor shots, the G690 with it's faster lens can produce sharp images
handheld all the way down to 1/15 and 1/8 properly braced.

If I need to shoot in poor lighting with the GSW690III, then I load it with 400
ISO film and forget that it has a slow lens.

BTW, I own 2 digital cameras, but 6x9 still rules. My 16x20's prove it.

A few weeks ago, I scored a 180mm lens for my G690. Now I'm fully 6x9 enabled.

Jeff.

Albert Yang wrote:
> I would like to know from you fuji MF-RF owners, if after all this time,
> you find the non-changable lens as limiting as it first sounds..
>
> I'm still wanting one, despite the every present digital nipping at the
> heels..
>
> I hear the trannies from these cameras make people swoon and weak at the
> knees..
>
> Thanks.
> Albert



From: "Mike Elek" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Fuji 6x7 & 6x9 Rangefinders Discontinued ?
Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 

According to Black and White magazine, Fuji is discontinuing production of
the GA645Zi, GW670 and GW690/GSW690. These cameras should be available until
the current supplies are sold off.

--
-Mike Elek
replace "nospammers" with "prodigy"
http://host.fptoday.com/melek/pages/cameras.html


From: "Norman Worth" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Feedback on Fuji GW670III or GW690III or GSW690III
Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 

The GW690 is a very basic camera. You pay for an excellent lens and shutter
and get a well made, simple box for them. It has a simple optical
viewfinders that gives about 93% coverage at infinity. No parallex
correction. I have not found this to be a problem. Closest focus is 1
meter. While parallex could be a problem there, I seem to be able to aim it
well enough. My gripe with the viewfinder is that the rangefinder image is
too small, making it hard to focus.

"Chris Fynn" remove%20chris_fynn%20@%20hotmail.%20com%20.remove wrote
> "Norman Worth" [email protected] wrote 
> > I have a Fuji GW690 and a Fuji GSW690. I usually select the one that will
> > be most useful for the current job and go with it. It hasn't been much of
> > an inconvenience. There are occassions when I lug both of them around
> > (heavy), but it's seldom a necessity. A normal lens, such as that on the
> > GW670, is very versatile.
>
> Is there any parallax correction in the viewfinder of the Fuji GW690?
>
> I see that the viewfinder shows only 75% at 1m and 95% at infinity.
>
> Do you know what the actual area covered at the minimum focusing distance
> of 1m is?
>
> - Chris


From: [email protected] (JCPERE)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 12 Aug 2003
Subject: Re: Fuji GA645z

> "MJS" [email protected]
>I am looking at a Fuji GA645z....i would be interested in people that have
>had experience with this camera....It looks like a nice unit...but am not
>sure about the smaller format 6x4.5...as compared to the 6x7 or 6x9 i
>normally work with....But it sure beats some of the old clunkers i drag
>around.....in terms of size....
>Thanks
>Merv

I just used one on a recent trip. I normally use a ground glass camera but
time and crowds make it hard at some locations. I would say that over the long
haul the larger the film the higher the percentage of technically good
negatives. So 6x9 (or larger) will always win that battle. At least for me. 

I found the camera very easy to get used to. It's my first auto focus/exposure
camera. I did find I needed a tripod most of the time for the type of
landscapes I like. I soon tired of the auto features and found I used a lot of
manual settings. I am used to guessing distances as I use old folders. I did
find the meter to work very well with B&W negatives. Only problem was with
very low light which needed a separate meter. For me the thing was the zoom
lens. Nice to not have to carry and change lenses. But range may be short for
people used to more options.

I suppose the best thing was that I took photos with this camera that I might
not have otherwise. Small, light and easy to use. On the other hand some
things I wish I had taken the effort to get the 5x7 out. Especially big
landscapes. I also found that the camera performed better than the old Agfa
Isolette folders (Solinar lenses) I had been using as my small travel camera.
But when the Agfa's are on they can produce just as good an image. The Fuji is
just more consistent for me. And much easier to use. Just wish they would
make a similiar camera in the 6x9 size.

Chuck





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