R. Bush Loc: Ogden, UT

I would like to converse with any UHH member who uses or has used the Fuji 6x9 film camera, particularly anyone who has experience with this rangefinder camera that was offered with the 65mm wide angle lens.

You can either post here on UHH, or send me a private message about your experiences with it.

I am interested because I am interested in buying such a camera. This camera is often called the Texas Leica. One of my biggest questions is about the optical quality of the 65mm lens. Will this give me landscape pictures that match or even come close to matching those that would be taken on contemporary medium format digital cameras?

I look forward to hearing from anyone who owns or has had experience with this largest format film camera.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That is an interesting question. I have not had the chance to compare Medium Format Film to Medium Format Digital. A cost problem for me. My guess would be not a matter of better or worse but different. Both should give you incredible images if you have the skill to get the most from either.

I have owned and used Medium Format Film cameras, a Pentax 6x7 (6x7cm), and used a Rolliecord and Yashica Mat (6x6cm) at school. I also currently own two large format 4x5 inch View Cameras. I've used 8x10" Burk & James cameras at work in the past. For my View Cameras I have 90mm, 120mm, 150mm, and 210mm lenses. For the Pentax 6x7 I had only two lenses but needed several more. I had a 135mm macro and 45mm super wide angle lens. That should be a bit wider than your 65mm on a 6x9 camera. I can't speak to the IQ of the Fuji with 65mm but I am sure it would give you great landscapes. Though, it is film and you can not easily "work it" the way you would digital unless you scan it first. That is assuming you want to do some Photoshop PP on the images. I would and do when I shoot film today. How much are they asking for the Fuji camera and lens?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

FYI.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-449772-1.html

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

R. Bush - Tho I have not used medium format film (or digital) cameras, I shot film from a wide range of cameras and avidly read camera magazines and books during that era. I recall quite clearly the respect given to medium format Fuji, Pentax and Rollei cameras, primarily due to the quality of the lenses. I recently tried out a Fuji X-Pro2 with a Fuji 56mm f/1.2 lens. The camera was really nice, but the lens, exceptionally fast and sharp, far exceeded all my expectations. If the camera and lens you are considering have been maintained in good condition, I'd be willing to bet you will be very, very pleased. Good luck. /Ralph

whitewolfowner

Have not used the camera but a 65mm lens on a 6 X 9 film or sensor sized camera is probably a normal to slightly telephoto lens. Usually to shoot landscapes, one wants a wide angle lens. I can tell you that the quality of the photo will blow out a digital medium format sensor, assuming the same quality lens is used. Digital is getting closer to film quality, but still has not gotten there yet.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I would suggest you post this question on either the Rangefinder forum or the APUG forum. Lots of folks use this camera and there is a lot of good feedback and discussion on it.

http://www.apug.org/forum/index.php?search/9557547/&q=fuji+GW690&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=72

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

A 65mm lens on 6 x 9 format has about the same field of view as a 26mm lens on 36 x 24 format.

whitewolfowner

You're correct, I was thinking in reverse or something. Guess I'm still waking up.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

"Normal" for 6x9 format is somewhere around 105 mm.
65mm is close to a 28mm on a, (ahem) so-called full-frame camera, so it's what I would consider wide angle.
(I'm awake, but not had my coffee so a little slow on the draw. RWR must get up early!)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

The fixed lens Fujicas are very good.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Yeah, I woke up the mocking birds this morning!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Ha!!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

The thread above has a lot to offer as does this one: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-443812-1.html

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Thanks...I decided against after I found out I was getting this:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-451350-1.html

I'll keep plunking away with my M645 in the meantime.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

At least you're shooting medium format....and now large?
I saw my YashicaMat yesterday.