Which would seem like a better choice...Fuji GX680 or RZ67II

[infidel]

I am considering the purchase of a Fuji GX680III or RZ67II....especially with

the continued decline of medium format equipment. Yet, I am conflicted. The

Fuji offers mulitiple format sizes, great lens, lens movement (althought limited

compared to full view cameras), etc..... The RZ doesn't offer movement but

does offer continued support and the option of a digital back. The purpose of

the gears would be primarily studio work, but I would like the option of taking it

outside every once in a while.

 

At present, my equipment consists of the Balcar Concept lights, Bronica SQ-

Ai and PS lenses, Fuji GSW690, Canon 20D, Multi-scan, epson 4000, etc... I

tend to use the 20D primarily for proofing and small image needs, and back-

up with film in case larger blow-ups are needed.

 

I have chosen every piece of equipment carefully due to costs and format

advantages. Given the provided equipment....which one would you chose?

What I would like to add is more depth-of-field and some perspective control.

I have to admit, my experience with large format cameras are limited.

Preferring the SLR viewing, I find composing with an inverted image

awkward. I don't shoot high volume. I don't forsee being able to afford the

purchase of a large digital back anytime soon. Hopefully I'm wrong.

 

Given the available equipment, which would you add and why?

 

All responses are greatly appreciated.

 

Loc

[troyammons]

You can buy a shift tilt adapter for the RZ. I see them a lot cheaper than this on ebay, but only occasionally.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=135405&is=REG

 

But even if its $800 you could set up a used LF camera and one lens for that much.

 

I have never used the fuji, but I do own the RZ II pro. One thing for sure the RZ is much more common and there are a ton of lenses around for it, especially if you include th RB lenses.

 

Also RZ and RB lenses are a lot cheaper than the fuji lenses.

 

I just picked up a mint 50mm RZ lens for just over $300. It would be 4x that for a fuji 680 WA lens.

 

Although you dont seem to have much interest now in LF, you may want to try it sometime. I bought my Sinar F1 for $600 and a very sharp normal lens for $400, so its not that bad either. Movements are nice, but that RZ viewfinder is superb.

 

Actually you could probably pick up a RZ and a LF camera with a couple of lenses each for the cost of the 680 and 3 lenses.

[will_legge]

Neither, it does not sound you have a use for them. Save your money

until you actually need something.

[streetlevel]

I would say neither - given that you already have a 6x6 bronica system. If you need more flexibility than it can offer, I'd go with a large format camera and a rollfilm back. You can get more system for the money, more options down the road, and get a few choice new lenses for your SQ-Ai.

 

Caveat - if you are seriously considering moving up to digital capture, and don't want to deal with largeformat scanning backs...then I'd go with the RZ.

[david_lau4]

the Fuji 680,

 

If you own a fuji 680, the options of shooting on smaller formats is pointless. I've owned my

Fuji for years and its great. Super sharp. Shame no one makes a full 6x8 back.

 

But in terms of Value The RZ67 wins, so many spare parts around.