Thoughts on Fuji GX680 III ?

[MarkP]

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So I'm looking at options for a MF film system. I've just discovered this camera and read a few reviews. The only real downside seems to be its significant weight and size. Otherwise it appears to be an outstanding 6x8 system camera with excellent lenses.  The camera, lenses and other accessories are remarkably cheap.

 

Does anyone have experience with this camera?

 

Thanks in advance,

Mark

Edited September 23, 2017 by MarkP

[adan]

You know the old line about "What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object"?

 

The GX680 is the "immovable object."

 

I guess it depends on what you want to do. It is a wonderful high-production-volume studio camera, with large-format tilt/shift controls combined with fast shooting speed (roll film). And Fuji build-quality and optics are always very, very good. If you want to shoot a catalogs-worth of small products in half the time of 4x5, with 4x5 perspective/DoF controls, it can't be beat.

 

But it is simply too massive to actually take anywhere except by car, or hike with, etc. Literally a large-format camera without large-format image quality. You can get real 4x5 film "field" cameras that produce better IQ, and weigh less, even adding in a couple of lenses. You can get equal image quality from a host of other MF cameras (including 6x9 folding "press" cameras) that are more portable. Even a Mamiya RB/RZ-67 or Pentax 6x7 (the other "King Kongs" of the MF world) will be easier to carry out into the real world, and almost as inexpensive.

 

There's a reason the GX680 is cheap these days. Its primary design mission (high-volume studio photography) has been taken over by digital, and it is not a great choice for use outside the studio. Except aerobic exercise.

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[Jeff S]

A 2009 LuLa review...

 

https://luminous-landscape.com/fuji-680/

 

The industry has changed a lot since then, but that doesn't affect how one gets along with a camera... or not. Personal tastes of course vary.

 

Jeff

Edited September 27, 2017 by Jeff S

[wattsy]

There's a reason the GX680 is cheap these days. Its primary design mission (high-volume studio photography) has been taken over by digital, and it is not a great choice for use outside the studio.

 

 

In a nutshell.

[StS]

Indeed, this camera requires a tripod, a sturdy and heavy one.

 

Stefan

[Sandokan]

Try the 670 instead. One of my favourites and you have the option on loading for 6x6 or 6x7 images. 

[MarkP]

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Thanks for your replies everyone. I had completely forgotten I had started this thread as it initially sat idle for a few days.  

GX680III is clearly off the agenda.

 

Ravi, Iill look at the 670. 

:-)

[MarkP]

You know the old line about "What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object"?

 

The GX680 is the "immovable object."

 

I guess it depends on what you want to do. It is a wonderful high-production-volume studio camera, with large-format tilt/shift controls combined with fast shooting speed (roll film). And Fuji build-quality and optics are always very, very good. If you want to shoot a catalogs-worth of small products in half the time of 4x5, with 4x5 perspective/DoF controls, it can't be beat.

 

But it is simply too massive to actually take anywhere except by car, or hike with, etc. Literally a large-format camera without large-format image quality. You can get real 4x5 film "field" cameras that produce better IQ, and weigh less, even adding in a couple of lenses. You can get equal image quality from a host of other MF cameras (including 6x9 folding "press" cameras) that are more portable. Even a Mamiya RB/RZ-67 or Pentax 6x7 (the other "King Kongs" of the MF world) will be easier to carry out into the real world, and almost as inexpensive.

 

There's a reason the GX680 is cheap these days. Its primary design mission (high-volume studio photography) has been taken over by digital, and it is not a great choice for use outside the studio. Except aerobic exercise.

 

 

Thanks for your, as always, detailed and knowledgeable reply Andy. Much appreciated.

Edited October 22, 2017 by MarkP