Selling a used Fuji GW690 III 6x9 Medium Format Film Camera with a lot of accessories and film to shoot with.
Note: the film has been kept in a dark place but some of it is between 2-3 years old but should still be good.
Comes with:
- Fuji GW690 III 6x9 90mm f/3.5 Medium Format Film Camera
- Filters:
-- Hoya 67mm Yellow #K2 (HMC) Multi-Coated Glass Filter for Black &
-- Hoya 67mm ND (NDX8) 0.9 Filter (3-Stop)
-- Tiffen 67mm Circular Polarizing Filter
-- Moment 67mm Cinebloom Filter
- 9 Rolls of Film:
-- (4x) Kodak 100 TMax
-- (4x) Kodak Portra 160
-- (1x) Ilford HP5 Plus 400
- (3x) Ziv FC120-5B 120 Film Storage Canister (5-Rolls)
- Ruggard Three Pocket Filter Pouch (Up to 77mm)
- Leather Camera Strap
- Original Fuji Camera Manual
- Vello TSR-40 Threaded Shutter Release Cable (15.75")
- Manfrotto MPMXPROA5US Aluminum XPRO Monopod+
Fuji GW690 III, also affectionately known as the "Texas Leica."
Fuji GW690 III (Texas Leica) – An Overview
The Fuji GW690 III is a medium format film camera that harks back to the days when photography was tactile, mechanical, and deliberate. Here's a detailed breakdown of this iconic camera:
Format and Frame Size:
- The GW690 III captures images on 120 roll film, producing massive 6x9 cm negatives. Yes, you read that right—each frame is nearly the size of a playing card!
- The 6x9 format provides exceptional detail, dynamic range, and a unique aesthetic.
Design and Build:
- The GW690 III is hefty but purposeful. It weighs around 1510 grams (that's over 3 pounds), earning it the nickname "Texas Leica."
- Its rangefinder-style design is reminiscent of classic Leica cameras, hence the playful moniker.
- Engineers carefully selected materials to strike a balance between robustness and portability.
Lens:
- The fixed lens is an EBC Fujinon 90mm f/3.5.
- EBC stands for "Electron Beam Coating," which enhances lens performance by reducing flare and improving contrast.
- The 90mm focal length provides a slightly wider-than-normal field of view, making it versatile for various genres of photography.
Shutter and Focusing:
- The GW690 III features a No. 0 interlens shutter with five straight blades.
- Focusing is manual, achieved through a rangefinder mechanism. The minimum focus distance is one meter.
- The rangefinder patch in the viewfinder helps you nail precise focus.
Exposure Control:
- This camera is fully mechanical—no batteries required!
- You have complete control over exposure settings:
- Shutter speed: Ranges from 1 second to 1/500 second.
- Aperture: Adjust the f-stop on the lens barrel.
- ISO: Set your film speed (typically 100 to 400).
Film Loading and Frame Count:
- Load a fresh 120 roll film into the back of the camera.
- The GW690 III yields 8 exposures per roll of 120 film or 16 exposures on 220 film (if you can find it).
Viewfinder and Composition:
- The bright viewfinder displays frame lines for composing your shot.
- Composing with such a large frame requires deliberate framing—no room for hasty decisions here!
Handling and Shooting Experience:
- The GW690 III demands intentionality. It's not a rapid-fire camera; each frame matters.
- The satisfying mechanical sounds—the winding lever, the shutter release—add to the experience.
- It's a conversation starter—people will ask, "What kind of camera is that?"
Results:
- When you get your negatives developed, prepare to be amazed. The level of detail and tonal range is breathtaking.
- Portraits, landscapes, and street scenes all come alive in a way that smaller formats can't replicate.
Legacy and Rarity:
- The GW690 series has become legendary among film enthusiasts.
- Fuji discontinued production, so finding a well-maintained GW690 III is akin to discovering buried treasure.
In summary, the Fuji GW690 III is a time machine—a portal to an era when photography was deliberate, tactile, and magical. If you're lucky enough to shoot with one, embrace the process, savor each frame, and create images that resonate beyond pixels and screens.