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Anonymous
Fuji GW690 III

Anyone used one of these?

I'll be getting some massive financial aid grants this fall and I want to splurge on a nice film camera for B&W landscape stuff. I'm torn between one of these and something like a Toyo 4x5 field camera. I want something relatively portable so I can hike around with (this is where the fuji will excel) that produces a large negative for fine prints (advantage 4x5). Budget is around a grand U.S.
>> Anonymous
you could try to get a mamiya 7- you might be able to find one for a grand, but that might be pushing it- check keh.com. i guess it might be a bit too pricey after the lens purchase, but keep it in mind if you want to splurge and get a really good investment.

but if you want the extra two centimetres of negative, go for the fuji. i haven't used one but photos i have seen from it look great. it should be fairly light, though it is large and won't fit in your pocket or anything.

another option is the pentax 6x7- not great for really low light despite the fast lenses available(mirror vibrations)and not great for fill flash (1/30 sync) but as far as straight natural light, not too dark outlandscape stuff goes, it is a great camera with great lens options, and sells for about your budget.

the gsw690iii is something i really want, it should be a great camera for your purposes, but keep your eyes open for other non-6x6 medium format cameras. good luck.

it's kind of big, but the gw690 is huge also. the pentax will just be heavier, with interchangeable lenses.
>> Anonymous
>>147158
I'm familiar with the operations and consideration of both types of cameras. I'm more looking for a specific opinion of the Fuji MF rangefinder, like if it's OMG AWESOME or FUCKING PAIN IN THE ASS. If the Fuji is a nice enough camera to work with I will consider it over the control of a 4x5. There probably isn't anyone on here who's used one but there's always a chance.

I did see Edward Burtynsky using teh Fuji in his documentary as a walk-around camera where he usually shoots 4x5 or 8x10 so I'm thinking it might be the way to go.
>> Anonymous
ahh, medium format rangefinders are fine for landscapes, just be careful about framing. sometimes i think rangefinders and slrs are worth their downsides just because you hold them to your face. i've used a waist level camera for awhile, and i'm just sick of it. it is a pain in the ass.

and as far as the metering goes, you should be using a handheld incident for landscape anyway.
>> Anonymous
>>147160
Thanks for the post. Sorry to use you as google but would you happen to know any of the models of the Horseman or Linhof 6x9 view cameras? Do they take 120/220?

The movements of the 4x5 are definitely a consideration and I know that in the future (when I'm done with school) I will own a view camera.
>> Anonymous
>>147166
There's probably reviews somewhere on the Internet. You're right /p/ probably hasn't used one. I hadn't even heard of it 'til now.
>> Anonymous
>>147170
Horseman 980, 985, VH-R. Linhof 2x3 Technika. All will take either cut film holders or rollfilm backs. The rollfilm backs are available in 120/220, 6x7, 6x8, and 6x9. There might even be some 6x6 backs out there.

I'm actually interested in the fuji rangefinders as well. I think I might pick up a GSW690 in the near future, but I want it as a walk around camera. I have a Gowland Pocket View 4x5 that I use for landscape work. I think either one is a poor compromise for the other.

My main concerns with the Fuji RFs is that I haven't heard great things about the build quality on them, and I'm not too big on dropping $500-1000 on a non-interchangeable lens camera. They are massively popular among pros in Japan though, so it's probably worth a try.
>> Anonymous
>>147184
The few Fuji RF's I've handled at shows seem tough enough, but they've got more plastic than a D40 and it really ruins the feel.
>> Anonymous
>>147212
Are you gonna take photos, or just fondle your camera the whole day?
>> Anonymous
>>147152

ok i haven't looked at what the other posters have said but i have quite a bit of experience with MF rangefinders. I have used one and have found it to be a bit ...well shitty. This is direct comparison to a mamiya7 which is a fantastic camera. The lenses are the real letdown on the fuji's.

Honestly go for a mamiya 7. the quality is fantastic.