And thank you for not using the T word when describing the camera! The lack of Bulb mode is the only reason I haven't bought one, the whole thing seems janky.
6x9 is an amazing format, however, most cameras that can shoot it are usually big and bulky. I think this camera is really worth it if you want a lighter camera with a sharp lens.
Thank you, it was the best way for me to describe its size. It is easy to focus, with a bright decently sized focus patch, well at least mine is bright. Tom
This camera came in formats of 6x9 (here), 6x8 and 6x7. If I were to buy one, Id look for the 6x8cm version. IMO the 1:1 1/2 format like 35mm is too wide and ends up being cropped down most times. I have used 6x7 for decades and I'd appreciate the slightly wider format of 6x8 cm. Bonus: the 6x7 and 6x8 give you 10 exposures as opposed to 8 here. All the same lens and body, just different film formats. My favorite feature: the 2nd shutter release on the front of the body. I've used Miranda SLR bodies which locate the shutter release the same. It is a very comfortable and natural location for the release, unlike the top plate; you hold the camera much more steady. Note that there is alternative cameras version with a 65mm lens, which is just as nice.
I have the GW670III and the GW690III and love them both. They are big, but not too heavy and the image quality, especially with b&w, is superb! Thanks for a great video!
One point not noted: For those (like me) who have always found the 2:3 frame ratio of 35mm format somewhat too great, always cropping out part of the image, Fuji made these cameras is 6x7 and 6x8 formats as well as the 6x9 shown here (670 and 680 respectively). I have used a 6x7c, Pentax for many years, but if I were going to buy a camera like this, I would buy the 680 version. Everything about the cameras is the same, except the 680 gives 10 frames per roll versus the 8 frames of the 690. The 680 versions are rare in the US, but fairly common in Japan, so look at ebay to buy one.
Great points. The gw670 looks like a great camera. The price for one is exceptionally higher than a gw690 equivalent, close to mamiya 7 territory. I'd also recommend the 6x8 version for film economy over the 6x9. Cheers Tom
I’m looking to buy this camera purely for night time photography, going by your images it can do the job really well. Just to clarify the hat technique you was describing when you take long exposures, do I simply cover the lens after the duration of the exposure (say 10 seconds for example) then wind the film or change the shutter speed? Thanks
@@xesse1 Yes , so when you finish your 10 second exposure, put a hat / lenscap whatever you have over the lens then wind on. I have never had my hat show up. It simply cuts all light and in turn ends the exposure there. Hope that helps!
Thomas Brown perfect, thanks for the quick reply. Just one more question. If I was to cover the lens with my hand, do I have to touch the lens to make sure it’s fully covered? I would be worried about touching it and causing camera shake
Nice straight forward video. Thanks. I've been considering one of these for a long time and have gone for the Mamiya 7ii in the mean time, but I think this will be my next.
Hey man, thanks for the vid. I just picked up the GW690II. What tripod are you using in this video? I have a tripod already, but am not confident it will be able to support this behemoth of a camera.
Thanks. It is a manfrotto brand tripod ball head. I don't have the model number unfortunately but it is designed for medium format cameras. I have had it for over 6 years and it has not let me down.
If the T setting works like in any large format lens (as it should), just trip the shutter the second time for the shutter to close. You can keep that hat on your head! In B setting, you have to hold the shutter down. In T it holds it for you till you trip it again.
Unfortunately this camera won't let you trip the shutter button the second time to complete the exposure. The two mentioned ways are the only options to do it.
Nice hack about using a cap to finish the long exposure, shutter release anyone? Did you adjust for reciprocity failure on those long exposures? I’ve use the 6x9 with 135 film and it gives me a lot of pano for my moneeeey.
Thanks! I don't think I accounted for reciprocity on the exposures in the video. All fell within 15seconds or less from memory. 135mm film in this camera looks like a bit of fun, I heard its a bit of a pain to load up though?
When they first came out I picked up both a Fuji 6X7 and 645 rangefinder cameras. Great glass and easy to handle. Went to the first generation GX-680's. The best glass I have ever used. They all paid for themselves.
I'm really thinking about getting back into film in a big way, 6x9! Thanks for a look at a camera I didn't know about. I have a lot of respect for FUJI classic 35mm lenses so this looks very appealing! I'm primarily looking to shoot B&W that I can develop and scan myself!
The 'T' mode was a madness blip on the part of Fuji. I bought a Mk1 GW690 which has 'B'. They do exist. It looks like the 'II' and 'III' are cursed with 'T'. Totally agree - a fantastic image maker but one that I'd recommend be tracked down in Mk1 guise.
For T I use the case filters come in.. Glued in a piece of black flocked paper that I cut out using a cutting compass from DAISO. it’s a close fit with out disturbing the camera.
Great camera, I wanted to buy the third version some years ago but then I went for another aspect ratio and bought the GA645. The Fujinon lenses are amazing sharp and definitely you can see that from this video. I like the night photo of the circus tent a lot.
I got this camera too. It's pretty rad. How's the viewfinder on yours? Mine is a little dark. I'm wondering if that's just how they go or if that's my copy
@@shifteleven. My viewfinder is definately not pergectly clean but still fine to use. I have thought about taking it apart to clean up. Im pretty sure there is a video floating around that shows you how to remove the top plate of the camera to clean the view finder. I guess its not a job for the faint hearted.
I remember being tempted to push Delta 3200 to an intense degree on 35mm, but being afraid of having an image so grainy it wouldn't be usable. Have you tried any dramatic push processing with this camera? I'd love to see some low light documentary work and tips if you have any.
A mate of mine had one in his studio Perth back in the 80s. Fuji made some great cameras back in the 80s, but unlike now they were a minuscule player in the camera dept, film was still their bread & butter.
Hi! Photos are awesome! A question, how you measure to keep light with dark sky, yo measure on shadows or light or use spotmeter? Could you explain, thanks!!!
Sorry on the late reply, I only just seen this one now. Colour negative film is very versatile at night. I don't use a meter at night at all. I studies Fred Parkers chart 'ultimate exposure computer' early on and can eyeball most night scenes confidently. Have a google and you will find the chart easily, it is a good reference. :-)
Thanks Zach, I mainly went the 2 over the 3 for aesthetic reasons only. I Just like the original design over the newer one. They are all optically the same so you wont go wrong with any of them. 👍🏻
the ii looks a lot better I rekon, over that 90s styling of the iii. you might also consider a GL690, I think it's the best of the series and can be picked up for a similar price. supports interchangeable lenses (50,65,100,150,180) and has proper bulb mode.
Thank you. A couple of these images were made on an Epson flat bed, but the majority were digitized with a digital camera and a macro lens over a light pad. The digital camera method lets me stitch several shots of one negative into a beautifully detailed file. I have since sold my flat bed.
Thanks for making this video. One thing: With "T" you trigger the shutter once to open it and a second time to shut it. -- With large format cameras "T" is very useful, as you trigger the shutter once to open the shutter to check the pictures on your ground glass, and when you are done you press it again to take your actual shot. I don't know why this camera has it (as there is no ground glass) but this is how it works.
Thanks for the message. When in T mode on this camera you open the shutter by pressing the shutter button, but to close the shutter button can't be pressed again. The only way to finish the exposure is to wind the advance lever or physicaly turn the shutter speed ring on the lens. Tom
Does it have a setting to use 220 or is it ONLY 120? I've been looking to buy another medium format camera and I'm tied between this one and a Mamiya Press Super 23
Yep, there is a 220 setting. I guess it depends on what medium format camera you already have. The optics on this GW series alone make them a great camera!
I do not believe the camera to be ignored at all. The usefulness is simply limited by the 6:9 aspect ratio and the fixed 90mm f3.5 (45mm equivalent) focal length. The max aperture combined with a minimum 1/500th shutter speed demands you have the right ASA film for the conditions. Rangefinder focusing. Lack of availability. KEH has no copies stock. Ebay has nothing in North America. When the content and shooting conditions match the camera the images are sharp, contrasty and the camera is a convenient point and shoot.
K CD I bought mine off gumtree for $600 about 6 months ago. I also bought a mint in box Wide from Japan for $1300. Keep looking. They are out there And they are worth it.
These Fuji cameras are only available with wide-angle lenses. They are perfect for landscape photography...and that's it. They are very limited devices, therefore completely uninteresting for me.
Great work. Where do you process your 120 film and turn around time? How do you scan them? I, too, have this camera. It has been sitting in the bottom of my gear wardrobe for probably 12years. Love to play with them if I can find a reasonable place for processing the film. Thanks
Thanks for the review. I'm torn between the GW690II or GW690III. I think you helped me decide to save $200 and go GW690II.
No problems You won't go wrong with either camera.
And thank you for not using the T word when describing the camera! The lack of Bulb mode is the only reason I haven't bought one, the whole thing seems janky.
I was jamming to the music so much I had to remember to listen to the camera description lol
6x9 is an amazing format, however, most cameras that can shoot it are usually big and bulky. I think this camera is really worth it if you want a lighter camera with a sharp lens.
Images were route 66ish with a touch of Gregory Crewdson.
Love the comparison to a brick!! I have a Bronica GS-1, that must be two bricks! How easy is it to focus the Fuji?
Thank you, it was the best way for me to describe its size. It is easy to focus, with a bright decently sized focus patch, well at least mine is bright.
Tom
@@Thomasbrownphoto The only real brick is the Argus C3 all others are wannabe bricks.
If Portra 400 was a person it would be defiantly you 😅
Brilliant shots man. How did you meter?
Dude your compositions are amazing. Subbed!
Thanks so much!
2:02 is really awesome.
Great photos! Do you scan the negatives by your self?
This camera came in formats of 6x9 (here), 6x8 and 6x7. If I were to buy one, Id look for the 6x8cm version. IMO the 1:1 1/2 format like 35mm is too wide and ends up being cropped down most times. I have used 6x7 for decades and I'd appreciate the slightly wider format of 6x8 cm. Bonus: the 6x7 and 6x8 give you 10 exposures as opposed to 8 here. All the same lens and body, just different film formats. My favorite feature: the 2nd shutter release on the front of the body. I've used Miranda SLR bodies which locate the shutter release the same. It is a very comfortable and natural location for the release, unlike the top plate; you hold the camera much more steady. Note that there is alternative cameras version with a 65mm lens, which is just as nice.
I just bought one based on this review - I AM NOT disappointed. Amazing camera.
Nice one! They are great cameras for sure!
He also made me want to get one too. Not disappointed at all either!
wow, amazing photos.
CAN YOU SHOW ME THE REAR OPTICS OF THAT LENS FUJINON 90mm f/3,5?
Great review!
Your work is on another level!
Really lovely! How much post processing did you do on the film scans?
I have the GW670III and the GW690III and love them both. They are big, but not too heavy and the image quality, especially with b&w, is superb! Thanks for a great video!
I have a hard time choosing between all these variants. 😅 Probably a 690ii would be what I like the most optically
those pictures are ridiculous, great stuff
Cool video! Really liked it
One point not noted: For those (like me) who have always found the 2:3 frame ratio of 35mm format somewhat too great, always cropping out part of the image, Fuji made these cameras is 6x7 and 6x8 formats as well as the 6x9 shown here (670 and 680 respectively). I have used a 6x7c, Pentax for many years, but if I were going to buy a camera like this, I would buy the 680 version. Everything about the cameras is the same, except the 680 gives 10 frames per roll versus the 8 frames of the 690. The 680 versions are rare in the US, but fairly common in Japan, so look at ebay to buy one.
Great points. The gw670 looks like a great camera. The price for one is exceptionally higher than a gw690 equivalent, close to mamiya 7 territory. I'd also recommend the 6x8 version for film economy over the 6x9. Cheers Tom
I’m looking to buy this camera purely for night time photography, going by your images it can do the job really well. Just to clarify the hat technique you was describing when you take long exposures, do I simply cover the lens after the duration of the exposure (say 10 seconds for example) then wind the film or change the shutter speed? Thanks
Also, would the hat/what ever you’re using to cover the lens, show up in the image?
@@xesse1 Yes , so when you finish your 10 second exposure, put a hat / lenscap whatever you have over the lens then wind on. I have never had my hat show up. It simply cuts all light and in turn ends the exposure there. Hope that helps!
Thomas Brown perfect, thanks for the quick reply. Just one more question. If I was to cover the lens with my hand, do I have to touch the lens to make sure it’s fully covered? I would be worried about touching it and causing camera shake
Nice straight forward video. Thanks. I've been considering one of these for a long time and have gone for the Mamiya 7ii in the mean time, but I think this will be my next.
Thanks Evan, Yes its a great bit of gear. That Mamiya certainly is a good setup too!
You call that giant negs? Try 8 X 10 in. for a change.
Great camera . Shoots in 6x9 like Mario Giacomelli
Did you push the Portra 400 for the low light shots?
hey, the results are incredible!
Great advice with the long exposure ! thank you !
Hey man, thanks for the vid. I just picked up the GW690II. What tripod are you using in this video? I have a tripod already, but am not confident it will be able to support this behemoth of a camera.
Thanks. It is a manfrotto brand tripod ball head. I don't have the model number unfortunately but it is designed for medium format cameras. I have had it for over 6 years and it has not let me down.
Hei man,
Those night images were made using the existing exposure times on the lens or you went into "T" mode for a longer exposure?
Great images!
Hey there! Most of the night scenes were done in T mode. Thank you!
If the T setting works like in any large format lens (as it should), just trip the shutter the second time for the shutter to close. You can keep that hat on your head!
In B setting, you have to hold the shutter down. In T it holds it for you till you trip it again.
Unfortunately this camera won't let you trip the shutter button the second time to complete the exposure. The two mentioned ways are the only options to do it.
Nice hack about using a cap to finish the long exposure, shutter release anyone? Did you adjust for reciprocity failure on those long exposures?
I’ve use the 6x9 with 135 film and it gives me a lot of pano for my moneeeey.
Thanks! I don't think I accounted for reciprocity on the exposures in the video. All fell within 15seconds or less from memory. 135mm film in this camera looks like a bit of fun, I heard its a bit of a pain to load up though?
When they first came out I picked up both a Fuji 6X7 and 645 rangefinder cameras. Great glass and easy to handle. Went to the first generation GX-680's. The best glass I have ever used. They all paid for themselves.
I'm really thinking about getting back into film in a big way, 6x9! Thanks for a look at a camera I didn't know about. I have a lot of respect for FUJI classic 35mm lenses so this looks very appealing! I'm primarily looking to shoot B&W that I can develop and scan myself!
The 'T' mode was a madness blip on the part of Fuji. I bought a Mk1 GW690 which has 'B'. They do exist. It looks like the 'II' and 'III' are cursed with 'T'. Totally agree - a fantastic image maker but one that I'd recommend be tracked down in Mk1 guise.
Cool video, background music is somehow annoyingly repeatitive....
Solid vid. $500 bucks for as a steal. And who else was bopping their head to this music.
For T I use the case filters come in.. Glued in a piece of black flocked paper that I cut out using a cutting compass from DAISO. it’s a close fit with out disturbing the camera.
Absolutely gorgeous photos. I’m really tempted to get a Texas Leica. Just need to sell of some other cameras first…
Great camera, I wanted to buy the third version some years ago but then I went for another aspect ratio and bought the GA645. The Fujinon lenses are amazing sharp and definitely you can see that from this video. I like the night photo of the circus tent a lot.
Are you glad you went with the 645?
@@tboyd175 Totally, no regrets whatsoever.
Hey Tom, not sure how I missed your channel. Subbed mate!
I got this camera too. It's pretty rad. How's the viewfinder on yours? Mine is a little dark. I'm wondering if that's just how they go or if that's my copy
The viewfinder in mine seems pretty good. I frequently use mine at night with no dramas. They are good cameras!
@@Thomasbrownphoto cool. Maybe it's time for me to send it in for a cleaning. Cheers!
@@shifteleven. My viewfinder is definately not pergectly clean but still fine to use. I have thought about taking it apart to clean up. Im pretty sure there is a video floating around that shows you how to remove the top plate of the camera to clean the view finder. I guess its not a job for the faint hearted.
I remember being tempted to push Delta 3200 to an intense degree on 35mm, but being afraid of having an image so grainy it wouldn't be usable. Have you tried any dramatic push processing with this camera? I'd love to see some low light documentary work and tips if you have any.
Great pictures, you really make the camera look good. You also make me want that camera more than a Pentax 6x7, which is why I clicked on this...
Thank you, they are basic but very capable camera's. I don't think you will go wrong with either the P67 or the GW690.
came here through the American car photo on Flickr. Nice trick with the hat, Thomas :)
Thank you!
Hey Thomas. Are you able to load 35mm for panoramic
You can do it with the 35mm adapter kits sold online. I haven't personally done it with the GW690ii but seen others who have.
Thomas Brown Thanks Thomas! I’m on eBay right now!
I think use on EOS R.
A mate of mine had one in his studio Perth back in the 80s. Fuji made some great cameras back in the 80s, but unlike now they were a minuscule player in the camera dept, film was still their bread & butter.
Top rewiev. Thx
Awesome man!
Great video! I think I will get one. Does the shutter count at the bottom matter for these camera ?
Thank you that was really informative 👍❤️
Hi! Photos are awesome! A question, how you measure to keep light with dark sky, yo measure on shadows or light or use spotmeter? Could you explain, thanks!!!
Sorry on the late reply, I only just seen this one now. Colour negative film is very versatile at night. I don't use a meter at night at all. I studies Fred Parkers chart 'ultimate exposure computer' early on and can eyeball most night scenes confidently. Have a google and you will find the chart easily, it is a good reference. :-)
Nice vid, Thomas. Just wanted to ask why you opted for the 'ii' over the 'iii' ? I'm looking at the options currently. TIA
Thanks Zach, I mainly went the 2 over the 3 for aesthetic reasons only. I Just like the original design over the newer one. They are all optically the same so you wont go wrong with any of them. 👍🏻
the ii looks a lot better I rekon, over that 90s styling of the iii. you might also consider a GL690, I think it's the best of the series and can be picked up for a similar price. supports interchangeable lenses (50,65,100,150,180) and has proper bulb mode.
My exposure counter seems to be stuck in between 9 & 10 - any reason as to why this could be happening?
Linked to your video on my portal page on the Texas Leicas: www.johanniels.com/en/medium-format/152-texas-leica
nieks nefotkina su medium formatu nakti. lashara
lašara !!!!!
Excellent video! Do you scan your photographs using a regular scanner or a quality drum scanner?
Thank you. A couple of these images were made on an Epson flat bed, but the majority were digitized with a digital camera and a macro lens over a light pad. The digital camera method lets me stitch several shots of one negative into a beautifully detailed file. I have since sold my flat bed.
@@Thomasbrownphoto Thank you.
@@Thomasbrownphoto I use a flatbed, but with a different software than the stock one, it gets better images than the local shops noritsu.
Thanks for making this video. One thing: With "T" you trigger the shutter once to open it and a second time to shut it. -- With large format cameras "T" is very useful, as you trigger the shutter once to open the shutter to check the pictures on your ground glass, and when you are done you press it again to take your actual shot. I don't know why this camera has it (as there is no ground glass) but this is how it works.
Thanks for the message. When in T mode on this camera you open the shutter by pressing the shutter button, but to close the shutter button can't be pressed again. The only way to finish the exposure is to wind the advance lever or physicaly turn the shutter speed ring on the lens.
Tom
Great video, Thomas. Could you share the techniques that you use to make your night time images, please? They are stunning!
Thank you Quantrell, anything, in particular
you would like to know? I will add it to the list. Cheers , Tom
Thomas Brown awesome! Looking forward to it. Maybe metering and how to shoot film at night? Thank you!
What eyepiece is that on the back??
It is a Nikon mount eye cup, they share the same viewfinder thread size.
Very nice video, very nice photos, and a nice review.
Awesome video! Great shots, subbed!
Thank you!
At 0:46
The rangefinder has like 4 lines on it. Is that the 90mm focal range?
That is the rangefinder of the standard gw690ii. The 90mm lens - with a feild of view close to 40mm in 35mm format.
YOu mentioned there is no light metering in the camera? How do you meter then ? External light meter or app ?
Yeah, I use an external meter or app.
@@Thomasbrownphoto Can you recommend any of either?
It’s too small. 😬
Which type of film did you used to the night photos ? thanks
Hi there, it is marked what film is used under each photo.
Great pictures! How did you scan your negatives?
Thank you. I digitise with a digital camera, macro lens and light pad. I found it more effective than the old tech crammed in most flat beds.
Does it have a setting to use 220 or is it ONLY 120? I've been looking to buy another medium format camera and I'm tied between this one and a Mamiya Press Super 23
Yep, there is a 220 setting. I guess it depends on what medium format camera you already have. The optics on this GW series alone make them a great camera!
@@Thomasbrownphoto I have the Mamiya C220, great camera!
@@julioespana79 I'd say that a 6x9 Fuji would work very well alongside your Mamiya then.
hi may i know what film is being used for these images? Thanks!
Hi there, the film is noted below each photograph. 🙂
@@Thomasbrownphoto ok thanks buddy! I cant seem to get the same result as yours >.> mine is so grainy
so the T mode works like any other camera's T mode...cool
I guess so... Coming from a camera with just bulb mode, the T mode can be a bit strange to get used to at first. Thanks for the comment ✌.
@@Thomasbrownphoto No problem,mamiya Rb67 has it too :)
Awesome video work buddy!
Came from 35mm Film Photography group :D
Oh! thanks for stopping by to check it out man!
I do not believe the camera to be ignored at all.
The usefulness is simply limited by the 6:9 aspect ratio and the fixed 90mm f3.5 (45mm equivalent) focal length. The max aperture combined with a minimum 1/500th shutter speed demands you have the right ASA film for the conditions. Rangefinder focusing. Lack of availability. KEH has no copies stock. Ebay has nothing in North America.
When the content and shooting conditions match the camera the images are sharp, contrasty and the camera is a convenient point and shoot.
damn you got one in really good condition. congrats. I did stumble across your night shots on flickr earlier.
Yeah I gues it is in good condition for a 85 model. Definitely has been used though!
I wish they were still $600AUD
K CD I bought mine off gumtree for $600 about 6 months ago. I also bought a mint in box Wide from Japan for $1300. Keep looking. They are out there And they are worth it.
are there interchangeable lenses?
The GW series are fixed lens cameras. The earlier G and GL series have interchangeable lenses.
How do you focus? Split screen in the viewfinder?
Aki Sasaki it’s a rangefinder camera
Ditch the background music. IMO, it's dstracting and unnecessary.
It's on there for good now mate, I ain't re doing it.
These Fuji cameras are only available with wide-angle lenses. They are perfect for landscape photography...and that's it. They are very limited devices, therefore completely uninteresting for me.
Tell that to Sage Sohier
Great work. Where do you process your 120 film and turn around time? How do you scan them? I, too, have this camera. It has been sitting in the bottom of my gear wardrobe for probably 12years. Love to play with them if I can find a reasonable place for processing the film. Thanks
Develop yourself, you can do it for less than a dollar per roll compared to 8-15 dollars at a shop
The 90mm compares to a 39mm in 24x36 format (2.3x factor).
Yes, I did say "about 40mm". 🙂