The 4 exposure rolls were only available in Japan and were meant for the tour industry. The tour guide would get 4 group shots and hand the roll off to a runner and prints would be ready when the tour was over . I have a GW690 but the collector in me also wants a GSW690 too. It isn’t my favorite medium format camera but it is fun to use and slides from it are just spectacular
I have been using it since it was introduced, purchased new; in conjunction with a Minolta Spotmeter I absolutely love this rangefinder camera; so sharp.
It is the III model. I have been shooting Tri-X rated at 200 with outstanding results in D76 1-1 (no Extol for me). I am ready for a change and am considering the Rollei Retro 80S
I can see where that 6x9 aspect ratio might take some getting used to, but I’ll bet those big negatives are gorgeous to look at. Slides on a light table - even better!
So basic that it seems unlikely that anyone who would buy it would have any confusion over its operation. The lenses (90mm or 65mm) are extremely good. I always wanted one of the 6x8cm models, "680" , as I have 6x7cm cameras and really don't like the 6x9cm format. I always crop 35mm negatives, so I'd have the same wastage in a 690. Never took the plunge because I know I'd rarely use it. IMO it is now an excellent option for those who would sell a body part for a Mamiya 7 but only use one lens. Since you could buy 5 of these for the price of a Mamiya 7, you can afford both the 65mm and 90mm models. For those inclined, there are so many reasons not to buy one of the early Fuji models with interchangeable lenses that the subject is worthy of its own video.
Mine's a GW690 111. The neg ratio is the same as full frame 35mm. This makes digitising with a full frame camera easy, and the resulting files are pin sharp. OK it's not an everyday urban camera, but great for landscape or architecture.
I would love to give a GSW690III a go; they look so much better than the II on purely visual impression. And yeah, the images they produce are incredible, but certainly not an everyday camera, but one for landscape and architecture for sure! Thanks for watching 🍻
I literally just sent a venmo for this camera from a buddy who was selling his off. This vid was super helpful. I personally would prefer 6x9 aspect ratio since I'm coming from 35mm and at this point I see in that aspect ratio for the most part. I have a hart time with the more square formats. Great vid. Subbed.
I have had several of these Fuji cameras starting with the GSW690ii and then the G690 followed by the GM670 which I have all sold and now currently on a GW67iii. I’ve been extremely pleased with everyone of these cameras and agree with you on the optics… You can’t go wrong with a Fujinon lens
Any of the fixed lens 670 camera would be a welcome addition to my toolkit! The real shame is how prohibitively expensive they are on the used market. Yes, you cannot go wrong with Fujinon glass! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your video. For general subjects, I shoot a 6x7cm medium format Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 90mm f/3.5 normal lens. For landscapes and architecture, I also shoot with a 6x9cm medium format Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens. Love them both.
I hate how everyone focuses on the size of this camera. As much as you want to think it, this isn’t a 35mm run and gun Leica. It’s a medium format wonder. Is a hassleblad too big? Or a rolleiflex sl66? Ofcourse not And when you compare this camera to those, it gets a lot more portable in our eyes, now doesn’t it?
Thank you for this I'm gradually working through it I think a big hook is actually the timing of those two E string bass notes at the very end of the main passage. It underlines the hypnotic feel to that main section.
I have the GSW690iii. It is a great camera. I do a lot of landscape photography and it is perfect. I do love the vintage cameras and when paired with my Rollieflex they make a perfect pair of cameras. Happy shooting!
The four exposure setting was an accomodation for photographers in Japan that asked Fuji for a way to shoot quick, short rolls that could be shot at events and places like amusement parks and then be shuffled off to a darkroom on premises where they would be developed immediately, printed and the prints picked up by the consumer at the event or park on their way out the door.
I love my GW690 because of the quality it produces, but I don't use it enough because of its weight, and like you mentioned, because I'm not a rangefinder person. I do want to shoot slide film on it though! Really enjoyed learning more about the camera's history at the beginning of the video.
I have an original version GW690 with the 90mm lens and love the camera. However, I have never been a fan of the 3:2 aspect ratio whether in MF, or 35mm, so often crop. To me the original version is the best choice. It has a separate lens hood which makes using filters much easier. Also, in my example anyway, it has a B setting on the shutter rather than the rather strange T variant. Finally, the original feels less plasticky than the II and III. I think I should photograph my 690 next to my X-Pro2 and X100T to show the family lineage.
I have a GW690, the first version and it is fun to use. My only issue at first was remembering to remove the lens cap before shooting. I have been thinking of getting a GSW690 III but yes the price is a little off putting. I just recently ran a roll of E100 through it and the slides are just beautiful. If the slide film wasn’t so expensive I think that is all I’d ever use in it
Yes, the rangefinder curse! I’ve done that once and lost half a roll! Which would not be bad save only 8 shots per roll! Oh man slide film in 6x9 would be stunning!! Thanks for watching 🍻
I have a 690 III somewhere in my closet. bought it around 1999, I bought a Nikon D1x in 2000 and dont' think I every went back to film since then. I put a 77mm diopter on it and put a sheet of frost plastic inside with back open to calculate what the focus needed to be at certain distances. It was great for close up landscape work. I need to dust it off and take it out. I orginally bought it for doning large group photography, but have never ever used it for that purpose. I wonder if it still would out resolve a 60mp sony full frame sensor? what do you think???
The 690III is nice, you should get it out and dust it off and take it into the field! As for out-resolving, I make a point not to compare digital to film. Both are excellent and have their place; comparing them is a wasted effort. Enjoy each for what they are :) Thanks for Watching!
Thank you. If you had to choose between Fuji's 65mm and 90mm lenses which would you prefer? There's a Fujifilm GSW680 III on sale locally and it's a 65mm lens. Maybe not so good for portraits?
I would go for the 65mm as primarily a landscape/urbanscape photographer it suits by style more. And while the 90mm would be better for traditional portraits, the 65mm could work for environmental portraits! Thanks for watching 🍻
I am old; 76 years old but with the camera I always had a CLA done (clean, lubricate and adjust) to keep it as new; purchased for $1,250 new.
The 4 exposure rolls were only available in Japan and were meant for the tour industry. The tour guide would get 4 group shots and hand the roll off to a runner and prints would be ready when the tour was over . I have a GW690 but the collector in me also wants a GSW690 too. It isn’t my favorite medium format camera but it is fun to use and slides from it are just spectacular
Ah! Thank you for the information. That makes sense! Thanks for watching 🍻
I have been using it since it was introduced, purchased new; in conjunction with a Minolta Spotmeter I absolutely love this rangefinder camera; so sharp.
It’s an amazing camera and to be honest, I’d love to add the wide-angle 6x7 version but the cost is insane! Thanks for watching 🍻
It is the III model. I have been shooting Tri-X rated at 200 with outstanding results in D76 1-1 (no Extol for me). I am ready for a change and am considering the Rollei Retro 80S
I can see where that 6x9 aspect ratio might take some getting used to, but I’ll bet those big negatives are gorgeous to look at. Slides on a light table - even better!
Oh the negatives are amazing! It’s a shame I didn’t shoot slide film through it! Another time maybe! Thanks for watching 🍻
So basic that it seems unlikely that anyone who would buy it would have any confusion over its operation. The lenses (90mm or 65mm) are extremely good. I always wanted one of the 6x8cm models, "680" , as I have 6x7cm cameras and really don't like the 6x9cm format. I always crop 35mm negatives, so I'd have the same wastage in a 690. Never took the plunge because I know I'd rarely use it. IMO it is now an excellent option for those who would sell a body part for a Mamiya 7 but only use one lens. Since you could buy 5 of these for the price of a Mamiya 7, you can afford both the 65mm and 90mm models. For those inclined, there are so many reasons not to buy one of the early Fuji models with interchangeable lenses that the subject is worthy of its own video.
I never even knew they made an interchangeable range finder. oh well. I guess the optics sucked?
Mine's a GW690 111. The neg ratio is the same as full frame 35mm. This makes digitising with a full frame camera easy, and the resulting files are pin sharp. OK it's not an everyday urban camera, but great for landscape or architecture.
I would love to give a GSW690III a go; they look so much better than the II on purely visual impression. And yeah, the images they produce are incredible, but certainly not an everyday camera, but one for landscape and architecture for sure! Thanks for watching 🍻
I have an original GSW 690 (version 1). I love that big hunk of film and its format. I hear more people like 6x7 or 6x6 but I like the 6x9.
Oh nice! Also I love 6x6, but 6x9 has grown on me! Thanks for watching 🍻
I literally just sent a venmo for this camera from a buddy who was selling his off. This vid was super helpful. I personally would prefer 6x9 aspect ratio since I'm coming from 35mm and at this point I see in that aspect ratio for the most part. I have a hart time with the more square formats. Great vid. Subbed.
Square format is difficult to compose with! It took me many years to figure it out! Enjoy your 690 and thanks for watching 🍻
I have had several of these Fuji cameras starting with the GSW690ii and then the G690 followed by the GM670 which I have all sold and now currently on a GW67iii. I’ve been extremely pleased with everyone of these cameras and agree with you on the optics… You can’t go wrong with a Fujinon lens
Any of the fixed lens 670 camera would be a welcome addition to my toolkit! The real shame is how prohibitively expensive they are on the used market. Yes, you cannot go wrong with Fujinon glass! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your video.
For general subjects, I shoot a 6x7cm medium format Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 90mm f/3.5 normal lens.
For landscapes and architecture, I also shoot with a 6x9cm medium format Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens.
Love them both.
Nice! I would love to try a 6x7 fuji rangefinder but they’re expensive! Thanks for watching 🍻
I hate how everyone focuses on the size of this camera. As much as you want to think it, this isn’t a 35mm run and gun Leica. It’s a medium format wonder.
Is a hassleblad too big?
Or a rolleiflex sl66?
Ofcourse not
And when you compare this camera to those, it gets a lot more portable in our eyes, now doesn’t it?
I actually dislike the ergonomics of the Hasselblad! And yes this is a wonderful camera! Thanks for watching 🍻
Thank you for this
I'm gradually working through it
I think a big hook is actually the timing of those two E string bass notes at the very end of the main passage. It underlines the hypnotic feel to that main section.
I have the GSW690iii. It is a great camera. I do a lot of landscape photography and it is perfect. I do love the vintage cameras and when paired with my Rollieflex they make a perfect pair of cameras. Happy shooting!
Cheers! Oh yeah these cameras are asking for landscape work! Thanks for watching 🍻
Such a large camera. Think I'll stick with my 6x9 Zeiss folder.
I’m with you there! Thanks for watching 🍻
Great review Alex, it sold me on the gsw690ii. Also nice seeing a video taken in the gta for a change!
Excellent! And thanks for watching 🍻
I love the intro lol
Such a cool camera. I have the folding Fuji gf670 and it’s great.
😊 I would love to try the GF670!
The four exposure setting was an accomodation for photographers in Japan that asked Fuji for a way to shoot quick, short rolls that could be shot at events and places like amusement parks and then be shuffled off to a darkroom on premises where they would be developed immediately, printed and the prints picked up by the consumer at the event or park on their way out the door.
Awesome! Thanks for clarifying and watching 🍻
I love my GW690 because of the quality it produces, but I don't use it enough because of its weight, and like you mentioned, because I'm not a rangefinder person. I do want to shoot slide film on it though! Really enjoyed learning more about the camera's history at the beginning of the video.
Thank you! Yeah Slide film would be magical! Thank you for watching 🍻
I have an original version GW690 with the 90mm lens and love the camera. However, I have never been a fan of the 3:2 aspect ratio whether in MF, or 35mm, so often crop. To me the original version is the best choice. It has a separate lens hood which makes using filters much easier. Also, in my example anyway, it has a B setting on the shutter rather than the rather strange T variant. Finally, the original feels less plasticky than the II and III. I think I should photograph my 690 next to my X-Pro2 and X100T to show the family lineage.
Awesome! Another good thing on the original is that they’re the most affordable! Thanks for watching 🍻
I have a GW690, the first version and it is fun to use. My only issue at first was remembering to remove the lens cap before shooting. I have been thinking of getting a GSW690 III but yes the price is a little off putting. I just recently ran a roll of E100 through it and the slides are just beautiful. If the slide film wasn’t so expensive I think that is all I’d ever use in it
Yes, the rangefinder curse! I’ve done that once and lost half a roll! Which would not be bad save only 8 shots per roll! Oh man slide film in 6x9 would be stunning!! Thanks for watching 🍻
I have a G690BL.. with the 65mm, 100mm, 180mm. The 100mm has the the built in light meter
Sweet!
I have a 690 III somewhere in my closet. bought it around 1999, I bought a Nikon D1x in 2000 and dont' think I every went back to film since then. I put a 77mm diopter on it and put a sheet of frost plastic inside with back open to calculate what the focus needed to be at certain distances. It was great for close up landscape work. I need to dust it off and take it out. I orginally bought it for doning large group photography, but have never ever used it for that purpose. I wonder if it still would out resolve a 60mp sony full frame sensor? what do you think???
The 690III is nice, you should get it out and dust it off and take it into the field! As for out-resolving, I make a point not to compare digital to film. Both are excellent and have their place; comparing them is a wasted effort. Enjoy each for what they are :) Thanks for Watching!
Thank you.
If you had to choose between Fuji's 65mm and 90mm lenses which would you prefer?
There's a Fujifilm GSW680 III on sale locally and it's a 65mm lens. Maybe not so good for portraits?
I would go for the 65mm as primarily a landscape/urbanscape photographer it suits by style more. And while the 90mm would be better for traditional portraits, the 65mm could work for environmental portraits! Thanks for watching 🍻
Cool!
Is the model you shot with considered more mechanical than electronic so that it's easier to repair?
Keep up the good work!
100% mechanical no batteries required.
Sir, why are you reading the copy? Present this in your own words for a more personalized presentation.
I read from a script which I have written myself. It makes my life so much easier! Thanks for watching 🍻