Fuji Professional GW690III 6x9cm medium format film camera.
Sold16 following
Price: $950.00 Payment method: PayPal Item condition: 9 Shows signs of use, but very clean Shipping instructions: USPS Priority insured. Lower 48 US only!
I have a super clean Fuji GW690III "Texas Leica" I'm looking to part with. This is the late model with composite body. It's had about 450 "rolls" though it, but it lived most of it's life in a portrait studio, so there is hardly any external wear/tear. It probably never left the tripod. The internals are also super clean with little or no signs of wear on the pressure plate or film guides. These were workhorse cameras built to stand up to heavy use.
I found this gem a few years ago when a portrait studio was clearing out their film camera inventory. I had the opportunity to sift through about a dozen copies, and this one was in the best condition.
I have put about 9-10 rolls through it since then, and it works perfectly. No light leaks, seals are springy and the door shuts and locks solidly, shutter speeds seem correct, f-stop and shutter wheel clicks are crisp, no oil on the blades, no separation, etc.
The lens elements are in great condition. No cleaning marks or coating issues that I can see. To the naked eye, the elements appear clear and nearly dust free. Shining an LED flashlight from behind reveals some fine dust (nothing big), and a little haze on the inner surfaces. It could probably use a professional cleaning one of these days, but I don't think there's anything that will affect IQ. I've taken photos in various lighting conditions with both color and BW film, and my images are all clear and crisp. They also have gorgeous bokeh!! Something this lens is known for and why it was used for portraits.
Other notes: The viewfinder appears clean and clear to the naked eye, but shining a flashlight reveals some light haze on the internal glass surfaces. The rangefinder patch and frame lines are bright and crisp. The RF patch is bright and contrasty, and it's amazingly easy to align the images to achieve focus. Focus is also spot on at every distance, including infinity.
The only real sign of wear is some light scratches and edge nicks on the retractable lens hood, and some light rub marks on the base. Otherwise the body is remarkably clean. No cracks in the composite. Rubberized areas are tight. No paint wear or noticeable scratches except for one on the lens mount base, right next to the vertical shutter button. (Probably from a fingernail)
Comes with original lens cap.
I hate to let this gem go, but I'm just not shooting film these days and I could use the $ for other interests.
Price includes fees and USPS Priority Mail insured shipping. Lower 48 US only.
Fuji Professional GW690III 6x9cm medium format film camera.
