Fuji G690 Users

<p>Wondering if there are any Fuji G690 users out there. I have a few questions. I'm also going to post in the Med format forum.</p>

<p>If you loaned me your's, I might be able to help you. :-)</p>

<p>I've got a GW690 and a BL690. Like them both but haven't been using them lately. I guess I like them because they are relatively simple, have good viewfinders and great glass.</p>

<p> I have the GSW 690 lll . Two of the best B&W prints I ever made, one 16x20, the other 20x24 were shot with this camera. The lens is amazing. With a little cropping you can do nice panoramics. Even though I don't use it as much as I did before ( I'm 81) I have no plans to relinquish this gem. Enjoy your camera.</p>

<p>I've had the fixed lens 65mm (GW690? first version) for at least 15 maybe 20 years now. Super simple to use ,great lens and fits in a fanny pack fairly easily. Probably put several hundred rolls of b/w neg and chromes through. I also have the "beast" the G690 with the interchangeable lenses. Ther was probably never a heavier med format roll film camera made. I've had that one for maybe a dozen years. I actually use it quite frequently. My questions are along the lines of service. I had a shop 4-6 years ago in Virginia I believe do my service but I've forgotten their name. The weakest link of the G690 is the dark curtain the allows you to change lenses mid roll. The springs seem weak and in cold weather will not pull back the curtain giving you a 6x6 or 6x7 or 6x8. Also I'm in search of the two hardest to come by lenses for this "system". That being the 50mm wide w/ viewfinder and 180mm tele w/ finder. Thought I'd roll the dice and see if anyone out there is using this classic. Absolutely beautiful glass....I call it my lazy man's LF....though it weighs more than my 4x5 field.</p>

<p>Robert, Igor at www.IgorCamera.Com has had several of these this year, you might give the site an occasional check. They are popular cameras, great shooters, and do not stay on the shelves very long. I own several versions, and also some of the best shots I have were made with them. I believe he also had one, I believe fairly rare, in 6x8. I am not sure they were sold in the US.</p>

<p>John</p>

<p>I have a G690 BL with standard, 65mm and 180mm lenses. It's a moose of a camera, but does a great job. I need to reseal it for use with 220 film. Works fine with 120. I have planned to shoot chromes in it and mount them in glass for projection in an equally moosey lantern slide projector.</p>

<p>The 100mm standard lens for the old (interchangeable) lens series, a Tessar formula, is one of the nicest lens's I've ever used in terms of tonality, color rendition, volume, 3-dimensionality, whatever you want to call it. Would answer that other thread about buying a camera to use a certain lens. For repairs, also try Peachtree Camera and Video in Atlanta. It's been years but professional outfit.</p>