New Fuji GX680III

I have heard that Fuji has come with a new SLR camera GX680 III. It4s only two years since GX680 II came. Has anybody some info about this camera, and the new lenses who will come. Can you use the same filmmagazine etc.

Pall Stefansson

Photographer

From:

"Andrew Cook" <awcook@email.msn.com>

1:12

<p>

Subject:

Re: GX680III rumor?

<p>

<p>

Yes. Here's the press release.

<p>

FUJIFILM UNVEILS THE NEW GX680 lII AND GX680 IIIS PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS:

MULTIFORMAT CAMERAS FEATURING THE NEW BARCODE SYSTEM

PHOTO PLUS, NEW YORK, NY,�Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. proudly introduces

the third generation of the GX680 series of professional cameras, the new

GX680 lII and GX680 IIIS Professional. Offering multiformat capability, a

multifunctional film holder and featuring Fujifilm's innovative Barcode

System, the new GX680 lII and the lighter, more compact GX680 IIIS set new

standards for studio professionals.

Perfect for outdoor work and hand-held shooting, the GX680 IIIS is 12

ounces lighter than the GX680 III, yet retains all the benefits of this new

generation of cameras with the sole exception of bellows movements.

Multiformat Convenience

Fujifilm's GX680 lII Professional series offers photographers the

convenience of shooting in all four commonly used formats with one camera.

By simply snapping a format mask into the film holder, the GX680 lII and

GX680 IIIS accommodate 6x8 cm (the film holder's default format� actual

image size 56x76 mm), 6x7 cm, 6x6 cm and 6x4.54 cm. The cameras

automatically detect which format film is being used and adjust the number

of frames per roll accordingly. Both cameras use easy-to-insert focusing

screens for the different formats.

The GX680 lil series also have a revolving filmback feature, which makes

switching from horizontal to vertical so easy, it can now be used with all

of these formats.

Multifunctional Film Holder III

The Film Holder lII featured in the GX680 lII series is a reengineered

version of the original.

Professionals can enjoy several advanced functions including:

7 Automatic advance to first frame even when detached from camera. There is

no need to look for a start mark -- simply load a roll of film. The

automatic advance is a must-have for pros who need to catch great shots in

a hurry.

7 Data recording in the unused film area alongside the frames, including

date, time, exposure values (Tv, Av) and a six-digit frame number.

Record-keeping is now quick and easy, as it is no longer necessary for

photographers to keep notes manually.

7 A large LCD that displays critical settings at a glance. Blinking marks

indicate if something is not ready or malfunctioning. Data to be recorded

and the format being used are shown as well, permitting quick confirmation

of current settings.

7 Separate shot counts for the lens, body and film holder, which can also

be displayed on the LCD (this applies to the new Film Holder lII and GXM

lenses).

7 Fast switching between 120 and 220 film -- without changing the film

holder. Simply snap in an interchangeable film cassette.

Fujifilm's Revolutionary Barcode System The GX680 lII and IIIS both utilize

Fujifilm's Barcode System, which enables advanced communication between the

film and camera and automates adjustments to different film types. When a

film with a barcode label is loaded, the film holder's built-in barcode

scanner reads film speed, film length and film type from the label and

adjusts the camera settings accordingly or issues a warning alert. This

opens up a whole new realm of operating ease for professional

photographers, and minimizes mistakes due to erroneous settings.

Pros can look forward to a host of other new features when they use

Fujifilm's new GX680 lII and GX680 IIIS Professional cameras, including a

new backlit LCD on film holder so photographers can see settings clearly

and easily when working in a dark environment, and a conveniently placed

bulge in the camera bottom that makes the GX680 lII easier to grip by hand.

In addition, the GX680 lII cameras use Fujinon EBC lenses with large image

circles and superb optical accuracy. The new GXM series lenses now have

shot count memory. All functions are powered by lithium batteries, which

don't require recharging.

"By combining multiformat capability and a multifunctional film holder with

the Barcode System, Fujifilm's new GX680 lII and GX680 IIIS Professional

cameras represent a technological breakthrough in medium format

photography," said Steve Herstatt, Product Manager, Professional Products,

Professional and Photofinishing Markets Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A.,

Inc. '1hese cameras will be welcomed by professional photographers as it

provides them with Fujifilm's superior quality and the convenience of

state-of-the-art automation."

Professionals can look forward to the same great features they've come to

expect from Fujifilm's GX680 series, such as:

7 A high-speed motor drive and electronically controlled lens shutter,

which greatly simplifies the photographer's workload, letting him/her

concentrate on the important creative aspects

7 Exposure monitor issues a warning when the exposure settings are wrong,

when a frame has not been exposed at all, or when flash synchronization is

not functioning properly

7 Synchro-test button tests the X-contact connections without releasing the

shutter. Permits test firing of flash

7 Last frame alert sounds when the last frame on film has been reached

7 Standby monitor indicates when the camera is ready to shoot

7 Variety of lens bellows movements, including rise, fall, swing, tilt and

shift (not available in the GX680 IIIS)

The new GX680 lII and GX680 IIIS Professional cameras will be available

Spring 1998.

<p>

--

Andy