Fuji GX680II First Impressions

[patrick_drennon]

Received a new GX680 (w/ a 100 f/4) before Christmas 2000. I've now

put several rolls of Velvia and T-Max 100 through it and wanted to

give first impressions. I plan on providing more detailed evaluation

on lens performance vs. Pentax at a later date.

 

1. Size- this is the most frequently mentioned drawback to the

system. It's a HUGE camera but quite well designed to be used

handheld with the neck strap. Wouldn't recommend it for extended

length of time and it is MUCH better on a tripod or camera stand but

I've taken several shots in the studio at low angles handheld with

great success.

 

2. Movements- likely the only justifiable reason for the purchase of

this camera (aside from digital back options at a later date). I've

used a Sinar 'F' for 17 years and I admit this camera does not have

the breadth of flexibility in movements but it does satisfy the 80/20

rule in that it will cover more than 80% of the needs I'll ever have.

One note here: The standard bellows that comes with the camera is

mostly useless for movements unless the object is quite close to the

camera. I don't even use that bellows any more and just leave the

standard wide angle bellows on it all the time.

 

Design- very intuitive and well executed. Camera feel is solid and

back removal and replacement is flawless. Polaroid back isn't

phenominal but is workable. Placement of controls is easy to get used

to and reflects an attempt to cover a wide range of needs in an

elegant and simple fashion. Didn't buy a prism or automatic finder.

Long time users of the system felt it to be a waste of money. At this

point I'd have to agree, may change my mind later but I've had a

prism finder on every camera I've owned (except view of course) and

expected to miss this feature, I have not to date.

 

Image- Literally the best I've ever seen. I say this without having

tested it with the Air Force charts. I don't think I'll ever wish

that I'd shot it on 4X5.

 

More to come.

[patrick_drennon]

Sorry guys, it's a GX680III not a II. Didn't hit enough I's and did a poor job of proofing.