Alpha_Geist wrote:
The 67II is my only medium format camera. I wouldn’t mind getting another medium format film camera. I’ve heard wonderful praise about the GW690. Plus, it’s a fixed lens and no need to swap lenses. Are there any specifics I need to look out for when shopping for one?
IIRC, the version III like Desmo has, has a redesigned lens and therefore the best optically.
Joel
My apologies for the late reply. I was in the first sentence of my reply when I had to respond to work. Anyhoo!!! Now that I have a bit of free time, I’d like to complete my reply.
I’m taking it that if I were to look for a GW690, I should look for the latest version (III) since age and potential issues with the viewfinder will less likely be a problem on the more “newer” models, correct? The shutter count on the bottom of the camera is for the number of rolls shot, but not the frame you’re on? From the model number, I’m guessing that the format is 6x9. How many shots do you get on one roll of 120 film? I need to check if my scanning masks support the 6:9 ratio.
I’ll definitely have to take you up on your offer! Plus, I’ll get the chance to meet zee l’artiste behind the camera! I’ll PM you later today, but I’m usually free on Sundays and will sometimes shoot downtown before work (3pm) during the end of the work week.
ocean2059 wrote:
Fully agree with Huss' comments earlier. I've had version II of the Fuji GSW690 (65mm f4.0 lens) and I really enjoy using it despite its size. Here is an image taken recently with expired Fuji Provia 100F film.
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1joel1 wrote:
IIRC, the version III like Desmo has, has a redesigned lens and therefore the best optically.
Joel
Thank you for the recommendation gentlemen! Is there any concern about the rangefinder mechanism ever needing adjustment? (I believe it is a rangefinder type, right?)
Thank you for the recommendation gentlemen! Is there any concern about the rangefinder mechanism ever needing adjustment? (I believe it is a rangefinder type, right?)
Mine GSW690 is in good condition without any mechanical and optical defects considering its age. The rangefinder is not as contrasty as my Leica M3/M5 but pretty accurate and fully usable. I got my copy from a store in Osaka, Japan during a business trip more than 10 years ago. The camera never has had any problems since then but I didn't use it very regularly for the last five years. Regarding different visions, I believe that the latest version, version III has many plastic parts as version II has more metal parts. Of course, you know that there are two cameras, same body but different lenses, GSW690 with 65mm f/5,6 lens (correction to my earlier post, f/5.6, not f/4.0), and GW690 with 90mm f/3.5 lens.
ocean2059 wrote:
Mine GSW690 is in good condition without any mechanical and optical defects considering its age. The rangefinder is not as contrasty as my Leica M3/M5 but pretty accurate and fully usable. I got my copy from a store in Osaka, Japan during a business trip more than 10 years ago. The camera never has had any problems since then but I didn't use it very regularly for the last five years. Regarding different visions, I believe that the latest version, version III has many plastic parts as version II has more metal parts. Of course, you know that there are two cameras, same body but different lenses, GSW690 with 65mm f/5,6 lens (correction to my earlier post, f/5.6, not f/4.0), and GW690 with 90mm f/3.5 lens. ...Show more →
Great info! I didn’t know that the two versions had different focal lengths. I figured it would be the same FL, but with a better lens design and manufacture. For the 6:9, what would that 90mm equate to in terms of a 35mm camera? From the posts above, it appears to be a bit wide.
Alpha_Geist wrote:
Great info! I didn’t know that the two versions had different focal lengths. I figured it would be the same FL, but with a better lens design and manufacture. For the 6:9, what would that 90mm equate to in terms of a 35mm camera? From the posts above, it appears to be a bit wide.
It's strange how stressed out I get about dust on my own scans, and then I see it on other people's scans, and most of the time I think "Dust does not ruin the picture."
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