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Colorado CJ
25-Jun-2017, 19:26
I've been wanting one of these for many years. I finally won one on Ebay for a price I was willing to spend, and it is in exellent condition, where most are pretty worn looking.

So, what is it? It's a Fuji G690 BL medium format rangefinder. It's been known as a Texas Leica because it's HUGE (nearly 5 lbs), almost cartoon size and it's similarity to a Leica M3. It takes 6cm x 9cm medium format negatives.


I ran a test roll through it yesterday to make sure everything was working. It seems to work at all speeds and the rangefinder is spot on. These are nothing special, just some shots from around my shop. Because of the very large negative, I only get 8 shots per roll.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4240/35496473085_e7ff1b8167_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W5GGLD)G690BL Test 1 (https://flic.kr/p/W5GGLD) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4214/35365650131_c4dbe6eeb5_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VT9cEt)G690BL Test 2 (https://flic.kr/p/VT9cEt) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4255/35496472705_ef1e47ed44_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W5GGE6)G690BL Test 3 (https://flic.kr/p/W5GGE6) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4263/35456983416_a6d9ef8cca_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W2diSh)G690BL Test 4 (https://flic.kr/p/W2diSh) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr


Since this is very similar to an M3, handling and using it is very easy. It is the fastest medium format camera I've ever used, just what I wanted! I'll probably be taking it up into the high country tomorrow for some hiking and photography.

Merg Ross
25-Jun-2017, 21:23
Congratulations! I think you will really like its performance. Not a view camera, of course, but it makes so many things possible that you might otherwise miss.

I have the 6x7, and the lens is very sharp. Are you using it hand-held? Have fun!

chrism
26-Jun-2017, 04:12
The 690 is even good for portraits:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3895/14824496117_d3cfb8448d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ozZqdD)
Helen (https://flic.kr/p/ozZqdD) by chrism229 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrism229/), on Flickr

Mark Sawyer
26-Jun-2017, 09:42
After the past week's heat wave, you might also find a good deal on an "Arizona Leica"...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g139/Owen21k/leica-damage-fire_zpsjwlpkuax.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/Owen21k/media/leica-damage-fire_zpsjwlpkuax.jpg.html)

John Layton
26-Jun-2017, 11:03
Well Mark...the ever ready case looks a bit far gone - but the camera and lens should buff out just fine!

karl french
26-Jun-2017, 11:35
I've had a bunch of them myself. Great cameras. After a number of G690 and GL690 bodies I've settled on the GM670 as my favorite.

tuco
11-Jul-2017, 22:54
Congrats. I shoot a GSW690III a lot and take it all kinds of places. Did I miss what lens the camera is sporting in those nice images?

dentkimterry
12-Jul-2017, 05:19
I bought two of these, one with a 65mm and one with a 90mm. I use them when it's too windy for view cameras. Love them.

angusparker
12-Jul-2017, 09:09
The GW690III and GSW690III have to be some of my most favorite cameras. Love the fact that there are no electronics involved. The lenses are sharp and the weight not bad considering the size of the negative.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Colorado CJ
12-Jul-2017, 15:34
Congrats. I shoot a GSW690III a lot and take it all kinds of places. Did I miss what lens the camera is sporting in those nice images?

It has the 100 mm f3.5 lens.

It's sharp wide open.

This is quickly becoming my favorite camera, well, second to my Zone VI 4x5 anyway!

Here are a few more shots from it.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4258/35514519505_d726b53c5c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W7ickP)G690 BL Roll 2- 2 (https://flic.kr/p/W7ickP) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4282/35417610670_e82648f349_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VXJvHQ)G690BL Roll 3 - 1 (https://flic.kr/p/VXJvHQ) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35806156615_fe1e4d22d1_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Wy4UTR)G690BL Roll 3 - 2 (https://flic.kr/p/Wy4UTR) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4237/35806156465_5a5a8d6b62_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Wy4URg)G690BL Roll 3 - 4 (https://flic.kr/p/Wy4URg) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

Jac@stafford.net
12-Jul-2017, 15:47
My objection to the GSW690III is that it is not really wide.
.

karl french
12-Jul-2017, 16:16
Find yourself a G690 or GL690 and the 50mm f5.6.

tuco
12-Jul-2017, 16:28
I find the 65mm on my GSW690III plenty wide for a fixed lens, general purpose sight seeing camera. For me the focal length is good both for people and some scenery. Too much wider of a lens and it starts to become more special purpose. Of course everyone's milage will vary on that.

People and scenery

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4175/34689344845_7de94fdf44_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/URnXEv)
Vineyard (https://flic.kr/p/URnXEv) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/28684748423_a4a33e9e73_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KGLQkZ)
Mud and Muck 2016 (https://flic.kr/p/KGLQkZ) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr

And one I just posted

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/35717759211_2d57cf4234_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WqfRqF)
Fort Rock, Oregon (https://flic.kr/p/WqfRqF) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr

Peter De Smidt
12-Jul-2017, 16:43
I'm with Tuco:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o7p5g29ra2gg7zc/London%20Eye%20Framed.jpg?raw=1

Roger Thoms
12-Jul-2017, 18:25
Peter, that's really cool, where you take it?

Roger

Peter De Smidt
12-Jul-2017, 18:33
Thanks, Roger. That's the London Eye from about 12 years ago now.

Colorado CJ
12-Jul-2017, 19:05
Great, now I'm going to have to go look for a 65mm lens! :D

Some really nice shots there guys.

mpirie
13-Jul-2017, 05:17
Likewise, i have the 65mm (GSWIII) and 90mm (GWIII) versions and love them both.

Beautiful negatives and lovely lenses.

Bill_1856
13-Jul-2017, 07:00
For me, "only 8 shots on a roll" would be a blessing.

Colorado CJ
13-Jul-2017, 07:55
For me, "only 8 shots on a roll" would be a blessing.

Yes it is. Coming from shooting large format, having to get through a roll, even just 8 exposures, is hard some times.

I usually set my shots up and don't just snap away. 8 exposures is ideal, any more would be too much.

Greg Y
13-Jul-2017, 08:09
I've had a bunch of these over the years & also for a stretch had both the 65 & 90mm versions. The 65 with asa 400 film, focused at hyperfocal distance is a wonderful point & shoot. The lenses are contrasty & sharp. The Fujis spoiled my darkroom experience w/ 35mm, even with Leica lenses & were my gateway to 5x7. I just bought another one; a GW680lll with a 90 for an upcoming trip to the Dolomites. The 50% increase in negative size over my much-loved Rolleiflex does make a difference on big prints.

tuco
13-Jul-2017, 08:42
... 8 exposures is ideal, any more would be too much.

When I'm at an event shooting people pictures, 8 frames is not much and I'm constantly loading film which is an issue sometimes.

Greg Y
13-Jul-2017, 09:46
Tuco, I found the same for aerial work. I've still got a few pro-packs of 220 HP5.

Jim Galli
13-Jul-2017, 12:47
Had one, ran a single roll of film through it, liked it, never picked it up again, and lost it in a horse trade. I can't think of 8 things to take a picture of these days.

tuco
13-Jul-2017, 13:08
Had one, ran a single roll of film through it, liked it, never picked it up again, and lost it in a horse trade. I can't think of 8 things to take a picture of these days.

Damn, that's kind of a sad story.

Jim Galli
13-Jul-2017, 13:29
Damn, that's kind of a sad story.

Not really. Just means 8X10 is probably the correct fit for me.

tuco
14-Jul-2017, 10:02
Say, since this seems to be a good thread for Fuji Rangefinder talk, I have a question about shooting long exposures and the T-Mode on my GSW690. Over on the medium format thread, I posted a Fireworks shot (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?109274-MF-(6x4-5-6x6-6x7-6x9-6x12)-B-amp-W-film-images-sharing&p=1398810&viewfull=1#post1398810). Here I used the T-Mode on this camera for the first time while taking the picture. It was a surprise and unexpected behavior. The shutter stayed open and didn't close on the next press like I assumed it would.

So how do you take long exposures without grabbing the lens to rotate it off of T-Mode or advance to the next frame to close the shutter? The fireworks shot shows you need to cover the lens before advancing the frame.

Peter De Smidt
14-Jul-2017, 14:50
Put the cap over the lens and use the film advance lever.

Jac@stafford.net
14-Jul-2017, 15:01
[...] I used the T-Mode on this camera for the first time while taking the picture. It was a surprise and unexpected behavior. The shutter stayed open and didn't close on the next press like I assumed it would.

The shutter is broken, or your release cable has too much throw and does not retract fully which is not unusual.

karl french
14-Jul-2017, 15:18
Nope. I believe that is how it's supposed to work. Rotate off of T is how it is described in the instruction manual.

People have complained about this for a long time.

http://www.cameramanuals.org/fuji_pdf/fujifilm_gw690_iii.pdf

Peter De Smidt
14-Jul-2017, 15:21
Karl's right. It bothered me a bit st first, but the workaround is ni problem. If it a really long expisure, just advance the fim winding lever.

Chauncey Walden
14-Jul-2017, 15:23
On the Fuji pressing the shutter release on T only locks the shutter open. To get the shutter to close you either have to change the shutter speed or wind on (in most cases it would be advisable to have something covering the lens before touching the camera, of course.)

tuco
14-Jul-2017, 15:42
Okay, I wasn't sure if this convoluted procedure is how Fuji expected you to do long exposures on this thing.

BetterSense
14-Jul-2017, 18:50
Does anyone know of a similar camera that is not so big? Other 645 rangefinders all use batteries. I guess if the GW690 is too big I could jump to a TLR.

B.S.Kumar
14-Jul-2017, 21:30
The folding Zeiss Ikonta cameras are quite good, but no wide angle lenses.

Kumar

DG 3313
27-Nov-2019, 18:55
197892

GW690III and TMY

Colorado CJ
28-Nov-2019, 18:13
I was just notified of this old thread.

Still shooting my G690BL somewhat (getting more into medium format digital right now).

Here are a few shots taken with some Ektar 100.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4373/35721556093_f8f149f14d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WqAj7a)Ektar Roll 1 - G690BL 1 (https://flic.kr/p/WqAj7a) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4336/35721554413_c47e49acd6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WqAiBc)Ektar Roll 1 - G690BL 5 (https://flic.kr/p/WqAiBc) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4421/36530510635_d00b2a8c90_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XE5q7g)Ektar Roll 1 - G690BL 2 (https://flic.kr/p/XE5q7g) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4433/35721553433_c45a5c3c06_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WqAiji)Ektar Roll 1 - G690BL 7 (https://flic.kr/p/WqAiji) by Andrew Marjama (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55229792@N03/), on Flickr

austin granger
29-Nov-2019, 12:22
I'm a big fan of the "Texas Leica" as well. I've been experimenting with the new Ilford Ortho film in mine.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49135325033_31b9debf2b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hRVohr)Blowing Grass, Columbia River Gorge (https://flic.kr/p/2hRVohr) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49133159983_c2583beec7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hRJhFZ)Mercedes, Portland (https://flic.kr/p/2hRJhFZ) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49133355252_f4d58732f8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hRKhJG)Portland (https://flic.kr/p/2hRKhJG) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

Roger Thoms
29-Nov-2019, 12:29
I'm a big fan of the "Texas Leica" as well. I've been experimenting with the new Ilford Ortho film in mine.

Certainly an appropriate camera for someone named Austin.:) I've got the 68 version and really like it.

Roger

Drew Wiley
29-Nov-2019, 15:46
Was out today with both my Texas Leica and aP67 w/165 Tele. Nice casual combination in a large shoulder bag. Fast changing light and unpredictable wind, showers. Got out ahead of the big storm due tomorrow.

Greg
29-Nov-2019, 17:20
Resisted for years on acquiring a GSW690III, but then finally came across one in near mint condition with under a 100 roll count and took the plunge. have been using the camera for over a year now. My observations:
1. Replaced the OEM neck strap with a "heavy duty" strap from UPstrap. Much prefer walking with my camera hanging over my shoulder rather than in front of me, and this strap stays on my shoulder.
2. Thin foam seal in the back deteriorated and had to be replaced. Off eBay, got some sheets of thin foam with an adhesive back. Was a pain to manually remove the deteriorated OEM foam, should have got and used some adhesive remover which would have made the job a lot easier. New strips of foam went in easily.
3. Have yet to use the camera on a tripod, and strictly use it hand held.
4. Always use Ilford HP5 plus film and expose using the Sunny f/16 rule. Far more accurate than a small clip on exposure meter that I used for a time.
5. Favorite MF equipment to take with me on hikes is the GSW690III and a NOBLEX 6/150UX (with tripod) in a small backpack. Use the same film with both which simplifies things.

austin granger
29-Nov-2019, 21:45
Certainly an appropriate camera for someone named Austin.:) I've got the 68 version and really like it.

Roger
I remember getting flack for my name when I was a kid and now there are little Austins running around everywhere. I paved the way for those guys!

The 6x8 version is pretty rare I think. I've never seen one in the flesh.


Was out today with both my Texas Leica and aP67 w/165 Tele. Nice casual combination in a large shoulder bag. Fast changing light and unpredictable wind, showers. Got out ahead of the big storm due tomorrow.


Resisted for years on acquiring a GSW690III, but then finally came across one in near mint condition with under a 100 roll count and took the plunge. have been using the camera for over a year now. My observations:
1. Replaced the OEM neck strap with a "heavy duty" strap from UPstrap. Much prefer walking with my camera hanging over my shoulder rather than in front of me, and this strap stays on my shoulder.
2. Thin foam seal in the back deteriorated and had to be replaced. Off eBay, got some sheets of thin foam with an adhesive back. Was a pain to manually remove the deteriorated OEM foam, should have got and used some adhesive remover which would have made the job a lot easier. New strips of foam went in easily.
3. Have yet to use the camera on a tripod, and strictly use it hand held.
4. Always use Ilford HP5 plus film and expose using the Sunny f/16 rule. Far more accurate than a small clip on exposure meter that I used for a time.

You guys are tough. After a few attempts, I decided that the Texas Leica is a one-camera-at-a-time camera. I did carry mine all the way to Easter Island though! :-)
https://live.staticflickr.com/853/43169488174_bbd76aabb4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28LJUQf)Moai, Rano Raraku, Easter Island (https://flic.kr/p/28LJUQf) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

Peter De Smidt
29-Nov-2019, 23:16
Here's one made with my GSW690III:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8lf818cxjnzdp35/London%20Eye%20Main%201-0400_1200.jpg?raw=1

Michael Teresko
29-Nov-2019, 23:33
GW690II Acros 100 Rodinal 1:50

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49041484773_1371c2ed69_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hHCqQV)191110-1 (https://flic.kr/p/2hHCqQV) by Michael Teresko (https://www.flickr.com/photos/miter/), on Flickr

jon.oman
30-Nov-2019, 18:11
Here's one made with my GSW690III:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8lf818cxjnzdp35/London%20Eye%20Main%201-0400_1200.jpg?raw=1

Nice!

Greg Y
30-Nov-2019, 20:42
GW690lll Ilford HP5 print on Foma Variant iii FB
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46811044455_634d84dcdb_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ejwQDn)IMG_8386 (https://flic.kr/p/2ejwQDn) by , on Flickr

austin granger
16-Jan-2020, 17:31
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49393028252_cccd3f264c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ifGbto)Headstone, Eastern Washington (https://flic.kr/p/2ifGbto) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49370172211_e5e7059e2d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2idF3aH)Genesee, Idaho (https://flic.kr/p/2idF3aH) by Austin Granger (https://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/), on Flickr

tuco
7-Feb-2020, 06:20
For fun

2019, Fuji 400H, Tetenal 1-liter kit

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49497277462_27135af28b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ipUu8y)
Evergreen Fair (https://flic.kr/p/2ipUu8y) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr

2018, Delta 3200

https://live.staticflickr.com/1844/42570661000_92d4bc3938_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27RPLnN)
Fair Atmosphere (https://flic.kr/p/27RPLnN) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr


Same here

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48654584467_a123d09876_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h8rsRZ)
Lemon Booth (https://flic.kr/p/2h8rsRZ) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/1853/30501528698_625f7f38a8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NtjiPQ)
The Lemon Booth (https://flic.kr/p/NtjiPQ) by tuco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yo_tuco/), on Flickr


GSW690III

Drew Wiley
7-Feb-2020, 10:06
I've done a few trips exclusively with the GS690II. Got a lot of nice shots I otherwise wouldn't due to the rapid ease of use good depth of field, and not needing to worry about any different perspective. But I've also lost a lot of shots for lack of telephoto or normal lenses, flare in the lens (hard to shade well), lack of correction of vertical trees etc, and of course the enlargement limitation of med format. But still I think it's one of the smartest camera investments I've ever made. Got it cheap enough that I don't need to be paranoid about having it out in the rain and snow, or getting a little scar here or there. The primary lens was in perfect condition, not even any dust inside.
The viewfinders always seem to get hazed at bit over time, but remain functional. I distinctly like the 6x9 shape more than 6x7 (though I often shoot a P67 too for its wide lens selection, particularly tele use in bad weather when view camera bellows become kites). Give me a crisper print on 16x20 paper than cropping down 6X7 to similar shape. A very fun practical camera, especially when I want to just carry a casual light shoulder case instead of a full pack. I mainly shoot Acros or TMX100 in it, or Ektar for color, or TMY400 for handheld use, which it excels at.

tuco
7-Feb-2020, 10:53
Well, for me, I try not to think about lost shots because of a fixed focal length. Especially with walking around pictures. Instead, I concentrate on what kind of pictures the focal length will do. And surprisingly, again for me, it narrows my focus of what I'm looking for which can make things easier. For the weight, I'd rather walk around with a tripod than the weight of say a 300mm lens for 6x7+ format. If I expect I'll need a different focal length before I head out, I have other cameras that cover a comprehensive range of medium format lenses.

Drew Wiley
7-Feb-2020, 11:32
Totally different style. For the P67 equipped with a 300 lens I necessarily use the same larger Ries tripod and external-frame backpack as for 8x10 work. I had a limited budget and had to make a choice. A few years ago I came upon an extremely clean M7 with 80 lens at a very tempting price. I didn't take the bait, because for even less I got BOTH a mint P67 300EDIF lens, which I had long wished for, as well as a fully functional GW690II, with its preferable 6X9 proportion. When I need to save pack weight and space on especially long backpacking trips, I take my little Ebony 4X5 folder and 6X9 roll film backs, plus a selection of three compact lenses, typically a 105, 180, and 300. Either the Fuji RF or a beater P67 stays hidden in the car for quickie road work; if something gets taken, it won't be horribly expensive to replace. The pricey gear will be with me in my pack. Plus I have a few full 4X5 holders for any more serious shots encountered. Too many toys = too much fun!

tuco
7-Feb-2020, 12:38
Yeah, I have Pentax 67 I use for its telephoto lenses. I also have a M* 300mm EDIF and 6x7 Takumar 600/4. I've used a travel tripod on the lens mount plus mono pod on the camera body when using that M* 300mm sometimes. I just don't raise it but to waist-level and I can get by okay without having to lug my larger tripod around.

Drew Wiley
7-Feb-2020, 13:29
I've successfully shot it at higher speeds resting on a jacket atop a car roof "sniper" style. But I prefer to bolt it directly to the platform top of the Ries without any intervening tripod head just like the 8x10. Steady even in storms if a bit of smart timing between gusts is used. It's quite windy here at times. The Texas Leica is easier to hand shoot than even my Nikon. I prefer to use my smaller Ries not only for 4x5 but even the smaller camera, but substitute a much lighter CF unit for backpack and airline travel. It's fairly easy to take both a P67 equipped with a 165 lens plus the Texas Lecia because the latter doesn't weight much more than an additional P67 lens; that way, I still have a handheld shooting option allowing somewhat slower speeds if necessary. That has sure come in handy when unremitting mountain storms have made any kind of tripod use unrealistic.