Gear
Fuji GW690III
If ever I have purchased a piece of equipment that has made me feel as though I've captured a magic bullet, the medium format Fuji GW690III rangefinder camera has been it. While it is larger than a 35mm rangefinder, it is still of a size and shape that there is no issue for me to not sling it over my shoulder wherever I go.
January 7th, 2011
I spent the evening experimenting with different configurations of the Fuji GW690III and Metz 45CT-4 flash. It may not look it, but the configuration shown below is surprisingly agile for the size of the equipment. While holding the camera with just my right hand, the Metz Flash acts much like the pommel on a sword. It counter balances the camera rather well.
Fuji GW690III vs Leica M6 Size Comparison
While the Fuji GW690III may seem obnoxiously larger than the petite Leica M, it isn’t that bad in practice. Hell, I’m so adjusted to the size and weight of the Fuji now that anytime that I do use the M6 without a flash bracket attached, it feels like I have one of those little purse-sized dogs that all the socialites love hanging over my shoulder. The Fuji is like a nice reliable Labrador in comparison.
Just a little more random rambling while I'm at it. I've used an MKII as well as the MKIII. In my humble opinion, the MKII feels and functions more nicely. Less plastic and more metal in the IIs. Not that this makes the MKIII bad in any sense, they are still both great cameras.
Some events I've photographed with the GW690III: Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival 2014, The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2011, Polar Plunge 2011
Loading the GW690III
Oh hey. I make a short tutorial video on how to load this camera.
10 Archived Comments
I like the dog comparison and I fully agree. Leica is about the small size and the small format for those who want that. It doesn’t mean they are a replacement or even a contender for larger format sizes. I used to love my GW690III (and I still have it) but have been using it less since getting a GF670W which is a lot easier to use because of the built-in meter.
Did you have to buy a special bracket to hook everything together? I just got the GW690iii and love it — fun camera — a little fill flash might be fun… I have the Metz I use with a Rolleiflex / Hassey — I’d love to figure out how to use it with the Fuji (physical hookup – not technical 🙂 )…
b
Hi;
I have recently bought the Fuji Gw690 III and Metz flash 45CT5 system. I have heard that because of voltage issue that can damage cameras, it is advisable not to connect the Metz flash directly to the camera, digital or film. What set-up do use with your Metz flash? is the voltage issue true for these type of flashes? if it is what step or device can be used to prevent damage to camera?
Fuji 6x9s have no electronics in them, thus nothing to fry from too much voltage. Connect any way you prefer and start shooting.
super foty
czy to slajd czy negatyw
czym skanowane ?
pozdrawiam Dariusz
that is a very uncummon leica M6, whit the big M6 logo. very rare.
The 6×9 Fujis are fantastic cameras!
Anybody who wants more info is cordially invited to read my blog about these cameras here:
http://toyotadesigner.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/fuji-6×9/
I give it very high ratings. Image quality is outstanding. I’ve had non-photographers say “Wow, that is the clearest photos I’ve ever seen” after showing them simple 4x6s made with it. The only time I get bad exposures is when I’m using auto flash and something in the scene, like a street sign or reflective vest tricks the flash sensor, but I doubt that would be a problem if you are going to be shooting wedding portraits. I’ve learned to watch for those elements now and set it to fully manual flash if they’re around. Since it is completely manual, any other bad exposures are completely my fault.
Takes a little brains to operate, but the trade off is amazing image quality.
I’ve just bought a Fuji GW690III and I think I might invest in a Metz flash for some portrait work at the weddings I shoot (I shoot with D3’s and D700’s at weddings), out of interest how do you rate this camera overall and how do you get consistently good exposure with it ?
Thanks for any advice.
John.
Thanks for the Metz idea!