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#1
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About Fuji GSW690 and GX680
Given that film is dead , I was thinking about expanding my MF
arsenal (that already counts various PentaconSix / Kiev60 bodies, lenses, accessories, and a good Pentax 645 system) with some larger gear. :-) My filmscanner reads up to 6x9cm, so I was considering either the Fuji GSW-690 (the RF with 65/5.6 ultrawide lens) or the GX 680 bellow SLR. I know, they're such different cameras; but before heading to one direction, I'd like to know more about them. Expecially the non-obvious stuff: peculiar weaknesses and/or strong points, things to be warned about when buying used, differences between various series, and so on. :-) My main use would be landscape shots, with some cityscapes as well. Portability is not my primary concern of course, or I've had ruled out the GX 680. :-) Come on guys, let me know! :-) Thanks, Fernando |
#2
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Depends how mobile you want to be. Don't think of the GX680 as a field
camera unless you have two small boys and a donkey as beasts of burden to assist you. While I don't own the GSW690, I do own it's fraternal twin the GS670. It's light (relative, say, to a Pentax 6X7), rugged, reliable, and has a fantastic lens. The lens on the 690 is equally fantastic. And the price is right--- used ones go typically for about $600 in really good condition. For a camera that will go anywhere and give you a big neg, it's great. Even hiking with a lightweight tripod and the Fuji will not overload you. True, you don't get interchangeable lenses, but I find I can make do with one lens just fine for about 85% of my shots. As Ernst Haas once said, "The best zoom is your legs." Fernando wrote: Given that film is dead , I was thinking about expanding my MF arsenal (that already counts various PentaconSix / Kiev60 bodies, lenses, accessories, and a good Pentax 645 system) with some larger gear. :-) My filmscanner reads up to 6x9cm, so I was considering either the Fuji GSW-690 (the RF with 65/5.6 ultrawide lens) or the GX 680 bellow SLR. I know, they're such different cameras; but before heading to one direction, I'd like to know more about them. Expecially the non-obvious stuff: peculiar weaknesses and/or strong points, things to be warned about when buying used, differences between various series, and so on. :-) My main use would be landscape shots, with some cityscapes as well. Portability is not my primary concern of course, or I've had ruled out the GX 680. :-) Come on guys, let me know! :-) Thanks, Fernando |
#3
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Depends how mobile you want to be. Don't think of the GX680 as a field
camera unless you have two small boys and a donkey as beasts of burden to assist you. While I don't own the GSW690, I do own it's fraternal twin the GS670. It's light (relative, say, to a Pentax 6X7), rugged, reliable, and has a fantastic lens. The lens on the 690 is equally fantastic. And the price is right--- used ones go typically for about $600 in really good condition. For a camera that will go anywhere and give you a big neg, it's great. Even hiking with a lightweight tripod and the Fuji will not overload you. True, you don't get interchangeable lenses, but I find I can make do with one lens just fine for about 85% of my shots. As Ernst Haas once said, "The best zoom is your legs." Fernando wrote: Given that film is dead , I was thinking about expanding my MF arsenal (that already counts various PentaconSix / Kiev60 bodies, lenses, accessories, and a good Pentax 645 system) with some larger gear. :-) My filmscanner reads up to 6x9cm, so I was considering either the Fuji GSW-690 (the RF with 65/5.6 ultrawide lens) or the GX 680 bellow SLR. I know, they're such different cameras; but before heading to one direction, I'd like to know more about them. Expecially the non-obvious stuff: peculiar weaknesses and/or strong points, things to be warned about when buying used, differences between various series, and so on. :-) My main use would be landscape shots, with some cityscapes as well. Portability is not my primary concern of course, or I've had ruled out the GX 680. :-) Come on guys, let me know! :-) Thanks, Fernando |
#4
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By all of the accounts that I've read, the Fuji Medium Format equipment is
"excelent stuff." However ... you had better do it quickly ... I received a posting on a newslist today regarding Fuji's exiting the Medium Format camera marketplace. The text is copied below ... followed by a couple of URLs you can check if you want additional information. [The GX617 has been on the 'Esoteric' page of my WANT List ... for a long time.] = = = = = Fujifilm's medium exit Last week's prediction in BJP that just two or three companies will continue to serve the medium format market is a step nearer reality with the news that Fujifilm has ceased production of its cameras The admission came from Richard Linney of Fujifilm UK, recently appointed as product manager of the newly formed Photo Imaging Group, in which the company's professional and consumer units will now operate. While confirming that the company has stopped manufacturing medium format bodies, Linney said that Fujifilm is still making accessories for the GX617 and GX680 and still has stock of these models available for retail. He added: 'The factory in Japan can still manufacture these models if there is a large enough order.' He was keen, however, to state that the company will be able to deal with reburbishes of all models saying: 'We have been led to believe by Japan that they will service the medium format range and make repairs', adding that this may continue for seven to 10 years. This move will be of little surprise to many as rumours have been circulating about the demise of Fujifilm's medium format range since March last year, when a Fujifilm spokesman admitted to BJP that it was likely that the GA645zi, the GW670 and GW690/GSW690 models would be discontinued. Graham Rutherford, who is shortly to retire from his position as Fujifilm's director of professional imaging in the UK, responded at the time saying that no decision had been made about the future of the range. He did say though that some countries had decided to stop selling the cameras. He added that the UK market remained healthy and hoped that plans to phase them out would therefore be reversed. Instead, production continued to be scaled down as Fujifilm staggered the termination of different models. Medium format news from editor in chief at Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 15:05 During and after photokina some things happened in the medium format sector, too. Short summary: There are new cameras, but new flops as well: ALPA widened its accessories for the ALPA 12 with some fine lenses and mo see New lenses and accessories for the ALPA 12. Bronica: Tamron (which bought Zenza-Bronica) informed about the fact that the whole range of medium format SLRs will be discontinued as of October 31, 2004. Depending on local laws in the different countries repair service will continue for a given time: In the States for example repair service for all warranty and out-of-warranty repair service obligations will continue for seven years until October 31, 2011. The Bronica RF645 range finder medium format camera will continue to be distributed, In the future, Bronica will "dedicate even more resources to developing optics for the digital age, particularly those for digital SLR cameras, currently the fastest growing segment of camera products according to industry analysts". Contax: No news. They are not very engaged in the medium format sector any more, seemingly. Hasselblad announced the H1D, basically a H1 with integrated digital back (22 megapixels) and improved communication between body and back. Latest rumours assume discontinuance of the 200 series (read at MacGuardians). Further information at Hasselblad. Mamiya introduced a digital medium format camera: see Mamiya ZD and Mamiya ZD Back. Pentax Germany recently updated its price list for consumers and the whole medium format equipment is still available: Pentax D price list. Rollei is selling its analogue medium format cameras still quite well, especially in South East Asia: see Interviewing Rollei. WICA: The sturdy and well thought-out WICA is available. See The WICA. (thoMas) = = = = = http://db.riskwaters.com/public/show...ml?page=195980 http://www.photoscala.com/node/view/417 |
#5
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By all of the accounts that I've read, the Fuji Medium Format equipment is
"excelent stuff." However ... you had better do it quickly ... I received a posting on a newslist today regarding Fuji's exiting the Medium Format camera marketplace. The text is copied below ... followed by a couple of URLs you can check if you want additional information. [The GX617 has been on the 'Esoteric' page of my WANT List ... for a long time.] = = = = = Fujifilm's medium exit Last week's prediction in BJP that just two or three companies will continue to serve the medium format market is a step nearer reality with the news that Fujifilm has ceased production of its cameras The admission came from Richard Linney of Fujifilm UK, recently appointed as product manager of the newly formed Photo Imaging Group, in which the company's professional and consumer units will now operate. While confirming that the company has stopped manufacturing medium format bodies, Linney said that Fujifilm is still making accessories for the GX617 and GX680 and still has stock of these models available for retail. He added: 'The factory in Japan can still manufacture these models if there is a large enough order.' He was keen, however, to state that the company will be able to deal with reburbishes of all models saying: 'We have been led to believe by Japan that they will service the medium format range and make repairs', adding that this may continue for seven to 10 years. This move will be of little surprise to many as rumours have been circulating about the demise of Fujifilm's medium format range since March last year, when a Fujifilm spokesman admitted to BJP that it was likely that the GA645zi, the GW670 and GW690/GSW690 models would be discontinued. Graham Rutherford, who is shortly to retire from his position as Fujifilm's director of professional imaging in the UK, responded at the time saying that no decision had been made about the future of the range. He did say though that some countries had decided to stop selling the cameras. He added that the UK market remained healthy and hoped that plans to phase them out would therefore be reversed. Instead, production continued to be scaled down as Fujifilm staggered the termination of different models. Medium format news from editor in chief at Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 15:05 During and after photokina some things happened in the medium format sector, too. Short summary: There are new cameras, but new flops as well: ALPA widened its accessories for the ALPA 12 with some fine lenses and mo see New lenses and accessories for the ALPA 12. Bronica: Tamron (which bought Zenza-Bronica) informed about the fact that the whole range of medium format SLRs will be discontinued as of October 31, 2004. Depending on local laws in the different countries repair service will continue for a given time: In the States for example repair service for all warranty and out-of-warranty repair service obligations will continue for seven years until October 31, 2011. The Bronica RF645 range finder medium format camera will continue to be distributed, In the future, Bronica will "dedicate even more resources to developing optics for the digital age, particularly those for digital SLR cameras, currently the fastest growing segment of camera products according to industry analysts". Contax: No news. They are not very engaged in the medium format sector any more, seemingly. Hasselblad announced the H1D, basically a H1 with integrated digital back (22 megapixels) and improved communication between body and back. Latest rumours assume discontinuance of the 200 series (read at MacGuardians). Further information at Hasselblad. Mamiya introduced a digital medium format camera: see Mamiya ZD and Mamiya ZD Back. Pentax Germany recently updated its price list for consumers and the whole medium format equipment is still available: Pentax D price list. Rollei is selling its analogue medium format cameras still quite well, especially in South East Asia: see Interviewing Rollei. WICA: The sturdy and well thought-out WICA is available. See The WICA. (thoMas) = = = = = http://db.riskwaters.com/public/show...ml?page=195980 http://www.photoscala.com/node/view/417 |
#6
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Sad news. I have three Fuji rangefinders-- the GS645S, the GA645zi, and
the GS670. Wouldn't trade them. The GS645S (60 mm lens) is simple and indestructible. After ripping the shutter unit off the front of the lens when the camera dropped from my shoulder into whirling bicycle spokes, I was able to repair it myself with a pair of tweezers and jeweler's screwdriver set. It's still working good as new. It banged around Europe with me for a decade, and is still going strong. Fantastic lens, as does its fancier zoom sibling, and its larger cousin. Apart from my Rollei SL66, there are no cameras I'd rather shoot with. Never could understand why they didn't sell millions more of them. Nothing fancy, just great performance, and great glass. I've done 16X20's of negs made with the 645 with Delta 400 film that are sharp and very fine-grained. What more could one expect from a simple machine. RSD99 wrote: By all of the accounts that I've read, the Fuji Medium Format equipment is "excelent stuff." However ... you had better do it quickly ... I received a posting on a newslist today regarding Fuji's exiting the Medium Format camera marketplace. The text is copied below ... followed by a couple of URLs you can check if you want additional information. [The GX617 has been on the 'Esoteric' page of my WANT List ... for a long time.] = = = = = Fujifilm's medium exit Last week's prediction in BJP that just two or three companies will continue to serve the medium format market is a step nearer reality with the news that Fujifilm has ceased production of its cameras The admission came from Richard Linney of Fujifilm UK, recently appointed as product manager of the newly formed Photo Imaging Group, in which the company's professional and consumer units will now operate. While confirming that the company has stopped manufacturing medium format bodies, Linney said that Fujifilm is still making accessories for the GX617 and GX680 and still has stock of these models available for retail. He added: 'The factory in Japan can still manufacture these models if there is a large enough order.' He was keen, however, to state that the company will be able to deal with reburbishes of all models saying: 'We have been led to believe by Japan that they will service the medium format range and make repairs', adding that this may continue for seven to 10 years. This move will be of little surprise to many as rumours have been circulating about the demise of Fujifilm's medium format range since March last year, when a Fujifilm spokesman admitted to BJP that it was likely that the GA645zi, the GW670 and GW690/GSW690 models would be discontinued. Graham Rutherford, who is shortly to retire from his position as Fujifilm's director of professional imaging in the UK, responded at the time saying that no decision had been made about the future of the range. He did say though that some countries had decided to stop selling the cameras. He added that the UK market remained healthy and hoped that plans to phase them out would therefore be reversed. Instead, production continued to be scaled down as Fujifilm staggered the termination of different models. Medium format news from editor in chief at Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 15:05 During and after photokina some things happened in the medium format sector, too. Short summary: There are new cameras, but new flops as well: ALPA widened its accessories for the ALPA 12 with some fine lenses and mo see New lenses and accessories for the ALPA 12. Bronica: Tamron (which bought Zenza-Bronica) informed about the fact that the whole range of medium format SLRs will be discontinued as of October 31, 2004. Depending on local laws in the different countries repair service will continue for a given time: In the States for example repair service for all warranty and out-of-warranty repair service obligations will continue for seven years until October 31, 2011. The Bronica RF645 range finder medium format camera will continue to be distributed, In the future, Bronica will "dedicate even more resources to developing optics for the digital age, particularly those for digital SLR cameras, currently the fastest growing segment of camera products according to industry analysts". Contax: No news. They are not very engaged in the medium format sector any more, seemingly. Hasselblad announced the H1D, basically a H1 with integrated digital back (22 megapixels) and improved communication between body and back. Latest rumours assume discontinuance of the 200 series (read at MacGuardians). Further information at Hasselblad. Mamiya introduced a digital medium format camera: see Mamiya ZD and Mamiya ZD Back. Pentax Germany recently updated its price list for consumers and the whole medium format equipment is still available: Pentax D price list. Rollei is selling its analogue medium format cameras still quite well, especially in South East Asia: see Interviewing Rollei. WICA: The sturdy and well thought-out WICA is available. See The WICA. (thoMas) = = = = = http://db.riskwaters.com/public/show...ml?page=195980 http://www.photoscala.com/node/view/417 |
#7
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"Stacey" posted:
"... A really stupid "B" setting, they call it "T". When you trip the shutter, it stays open until you either move the speed ring or recock the shutter so you basically have to use a lens cap to close the shutter. ...." That's (IMHO) not "really stupid" when you realize that it is the "Time" setting, for long exposures. The first time you trip it, it opens the shutter. The second time you trip it, it closes the shutter. IMHO: It works a *lot* better than the "B" setting, which you have to keep the cable release pressed for the total duration of your exposure ... especially if you are trying to make something like a two minute (120 second) night exposure. |
#8
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"Stacey" posted:
"... A really stupid "B" setting, they call it "T". When you trip the shutter, it stays open until you either move the speed ring or recock the shutter so you basically have to use a lens cap to close the shutter. ...." That's (IMHO) not "really stupid" when you realize that it is the "Time" setting, for long exposures. The first time you trip it, it opens the shutter. The second time you trip it, it closes the shutter. IMHO: It works a *lot* better than the "B" setting, which you have to keep the cable release pressed for the total duration of your exposure ... especially if you are trying to make something like a two minute (120 second) night exposure. |
#9
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Fernando wrote:
Given that film is dead , I was thinking about expanding my MF arsenal (that already counts various PentaconSix / Kiev60 bodies, lenses, accessories, and a good Pentax 645 system) with some larger gear. :-) My filmscanner reads up to 6x9cm, so I was considering either the Fuji GSW-690 (the RF with 65/5.6 ultrawide lens) I owned one of these and the lens is fantastic. The weak point a A really stupid "B" setting, they call it "T". When you trip the shutter, it stays open until you either move the speed ring or recock the shutter so you basically have to use a lens cap to close the shutter. It has a noisy shutter, not a lot of vibration but makes a loud -clunk- that I've never heard a leaf shutter make. It has a fairly small rangefinder spot, I ussually ended up scale focusing. The lens intrudes into the viewfinder due to it's wide angle and also has some distortion that the lens doesn't have. Did I say the lens and it's coating are fantastic? I ended up selling mine mainly because I got bored with the angle of view. I think the 90mm version might be more useful? -- Stacey |
#10
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Fernando wrote:
Given that film is dead , I was thinking about expanding my MF arsenal (that already counts various PentaconSix / Kiev60 bodies, lenses, accessories, and a good Pentax 645 system) with some larger gear. :-) My filmscanner reads up to 6x9cm, so I was considering either the Fuji GSW-690 (the RF with 65/5.6 ultrawide lens) I owned one of these and the lens is fantastic. The weak point a A really stupid "B" setting, they call it "T". When you trip the shutter, it stays open until you either move the speed ring or recock the shutter so you basically have to use a lens cap to close the shutter. It has a noisy shutter, not a lot of vibration but makes a loud -clunk- that I've never heard a leaf shutter make. It has a fairly small rangefinder spot, I ussually ended up scale focusing. The lens intrudes into the viewfinder due to it's wide angle and also has some distortion that the lens doesn't have. Did I say the lens and it's coating are fantastic? I ended up selling mine mainly because I got bored with the angle of view. I think the 90mm version might be more useful? -- Stacey |
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