From 1959. I spent 30 years shooting 35mm. I doubt I ever enlarged a "full frame", rather cropping off some part of the length to make a final image/print. My first effort into medium format showed the same pattern with 6x9m, so I adopted the 6x7 format with several cameras and never did another 6x9. Given that Fuji, in making three series of this camera, and in both normal and wide lens options, I never really understood why they made it in 6x9cm format, yet it must be the most sold version of the bunch. I always wanted a 680, since I already had a number of 6x7 alternatives available, but I never bought one because it would be, for me, little used surplus. The build quality is superb; the lenses (90 or 65) are outstanding. For me, the fixed lens was a deal killer.
The 6x9 was popular in Japan for group foto's at tourist attractions. That's also the reason the Fuji's had a setting for the half length 120 film. Only four shots and the film could get developed, that worked quicker for the photographer.
@@erwindegroot8760 Since I shoot Pentax 67 (no mid-roll interchangeable backs), I'd find the 4-shot 120 roll format attractive. Even though it would be less cost-effective for its extra spool and packaging, it's too bad that format was never offered generally in the US. Since I got into MF in the mid-1980s, my solution was to buy extra bodies as prices dropped in the face of the "digital revolution".
I have a Fuji 645 - it's the only Medium Format camera that I'm happy to walk around with as it's fairly small and light for a 120 cam. I have a Yashica Mat, Mamiya 645 and Pentax 6x7 that I usually reserve for studio use nowadays. They are beautiful cameras that produce great results, but aren't fun to carry around.
After age 72, with mobility problems developing, I stopped hauling my Pentax 67 system around and turned to my little used Fuji 645 options, I had a GS645 and GS645W for years. I scored a terrific deal on a like-new GA645Zi. Now at 77, these are my primary cameras for serious photography in the future. As for the 67 equipment, I'll keep it for a year or two to see how much it gets used, selling it off if it collects dust.
Always happy to see my favorite series of medium format cameras discussed by a film channel! I use a GW670II as my main camera, and it's been the perfect tool for my photos-light and easy to use and focus, 10 shots is the right amount of photos for the time I'm out shooting, and I don't need a lot of shallow depth of field for landscapes and street scenes 😁 great video, I definitely can see why the 6x8 in particular could be awkward, since it's one of the more uncommon 120 sizes
I shoot exclusively in medium format and have several cameras including a few Hasselblads, a Mamiya RZ67, a few Super Ikontas and a Fuji GSW680III. In terms of image quality, my Fuji GSW is my best camera. It is also my favorite camera that I use the most and is the closest to my large format camera in terms of detail.
I own several medium format cameras, with formats ranging from 6x45 to 6x9. Despite having these various options, I find myself continually drawn to my Fuji GSW690III (wider version). It's remarkably reliable and has never let me down, unlike some of my other cameras in the 6x45 and 6x7.
Shanghai GP3 is offering fresh black and white 220. It's decent stock, although I strongly recommend stand development with DDX or another similar developer.
I sold my 690III last week. It was amazing I travelled all over Japan with it and it takes amazing photos. I sold it because I want to buy a hasselblad.
I bought myself a Moskva-5 6x6 / 6x9 folding camera a while back to get into shooting 120. It's really nice to take it slow and be very deliberate with my film shots, especially in 6x9 mode. It's almost the closest thing to shooting large format without diving into the deep end with sheet film, I think. And also, because it's an old folding camera, it's definitely not as rigid and precise as modern 120 models I have to do a lot of manual adjusting and compensating to get around it's various "quirks". For example, the top slide "rivet" is wearing down and doesn't always extend those final few millimetres, and the lens's focus is off requiring me to dial things in with the tiny range finder and then compensate for where it's ACTUALLY gonna focus on the film, etc. But it's still fun to use! I'm trying to decide whether I want to keep it as it, send it in for proper fixing and CLAing at a place like KEH down in the states, or sell it off for something like the Fuji GW690.
Back in the 60's-70's I used the 2 1/4 square cameras but stuck with 4X5 and 35mm. Last year I picked up a Fuji Six and have fun with it. I need to do a CLA for it, but once it is back in my bag, it will be my everyday carry for film cameras.
I've a GL690, and it is such a fun camera to shoot. Another reason besides the look being a sized up 35mm range it got the name Texas Leica (as far as I can tell) was that before the GW range (so the G and GL ones) these cameras had interchangeable lenses! Due to all of these being leaf shutter the shutter is always in the lens, so even if you get a G or GL with a bad shutter, it is just a "new" lens away to fix it (sadly not an option for the GW)
Someone else mentioned Reflex just releasing new 220. So my “original” contribution to the comments is : “The GW680 is like a Minox compared to its cousin the GX680” Another nice vid Noah, wishing you a creatively challenging and satisfying year ahead.
Shooting wide angle panoramic sprocket hole photos on 35mm film is a blast! The Sprocket Rocket camera has a plastic lens, so this one must give nice sharp images, which is great.
I managed to get a CLA Agfa Isolette 3... it's an absolute beauty of a camera. It slows everything around you when you use it, just a joy to shoot with it and it fits in your pocket :)
I own a GW690 and a GSW680 III. I prefer the aspect ratio of the 6*8 format. I bought the GSW680 1,5 years ago. I wanted to try this format and I found it nice to have all format from 645 to 6*9, also I wanted something wider, I liked the 65mm on my RB67. I am really happy with the GSW680
Thank you, for sharing this medium format camera experience. Believe me, your camera is way more manageable than the Pentax 67 I owned back when I attended OIP (Ohio Institute of Photography) back in the 1980's. Today, I would love delve back into wet-film photography but companies that develop roll film is rare these days. As a advocate, the larger film frame size yields a greater resolution per shot! BTW: Mamiya 6x7 cameras were (and still are) revered for the great photo qualities! And when you step into the 4x5 format, you gotta think Ansel Adams probably thought it was a pain to get his shots with the format, but we all know the results were worth it!
I have a minty GW690 and thinking of selling it. Only getting 8 shots of 6x9 is expensive. I have a large format and a 6x9 back. This camera is a little large for street photography, which I use my 35mm for. The Hasselblad is good for printing large even if I have to crop down to 645.
6x9 is the original Brownie format, alongside 6x6 eventually. Fuji had a smart set up with 6x9 and 645 as half frame. In 2014 I got a GW690III because it was the best bang for the buck, literally. I was a bit shocked when opening the delivered box from Japan. Aspect ratio and shots per roll, the 6x8 is great, but their relative rarity makes them more expensive and me college self didn't afford it. Below $500 it was the 690 or a quite old Pentax 6x7. Mamiya 7 was about $1.2K. I kinda disgress on the mentioned difference across the GW's, lens is the same just film gate and winding changed. However, the Fujis are great and by cropping you get other formats including panoramic, that I never felt quite a need to get another camera. Recently I got a Super Ikonta, to have a complimentary shooting. Some of its sins are due to being a large medium format with the form factor of a 35mm RF. Well, 120 used to be an amateur format but 8-9 shots a roll is quite some high "fuel" consumption nowadays! Planning a long trip to Asia, which I wanted to do with medium format since 2012, 60 rolls in the fridge standing by. Damn! It will be a 10 year anniversary thing 😂
Is the bellows on the Agfa Isolette III light tight? I just replaced the bellows on both an Isolette III and a Record III (6x9 "version" of the Isolette). Seems to be a common problem.
This is a camera that intrigues me, mostly because it's a medium format rangefinder, but also due to the 6x8 format. Like the smallest medium format, 6x4.5, this format crops more easily to standard paper sizes than either 6x7 or 6x9 - and forget 6x6 if you hate wasting space on the print. But then, I do my own darkroom work. Currently l'm shooting 6x4.5 with a Mamiya slr, but I have always preferred rangefinders. Unfortunately, the rangefinders Fuji made in my preferred format all seem to have reliability issues. Not so the various Texas Leica variants. Oh, and by the way, there's a metal chassis under the plastic on your camera. It's a brick and will probably outlast the Pyramids.
6x8 does seem to be a bit of an odd size, and if Fuji made 6x7, 6x8, & 6x9 cameras, just seems a bit unecessary? I guess? But the ability to shoot 220 is cool. The Agfa Isolette is a nice simple camera, the wind on does hurt your thumb if you shoot a few rolls in 1 outing though. A bit different operation considering you have to set the shutter speed and cock it and then you can't change without firing.
Great video as always, Noah! This camera is huge, for sure. But I'd still love to try it out sometime. Cool about the Isolette too. My granddad gave me his last year so I tried it out and I made a video about it on my channel, if you're interested.. :) Cheers from Sweden
I have had my GSW690III repaired in the UK by a local specialist (PPP Cameras :)). The shutter isn't made any more and finding a replacement might be tricky, but I think that a good repair person will be able to keep it going for you.
5:56 I have always wondered why? I mean, I know some cameras have this but why do you need to flip the pressure plate if it's the same in both sides as far as I notice. 7:56 Also, what if I reached 999 twice? it wouldn't be x10, right?
220 film lacks a paper backing on the film that actually gets exposed, so the pressure plate switches to keep the same focal plane. the microns of difference in thickness do matter
Subscribed! I've always wanted one of these Fujizillas, and couldn't help but click over; then your title sequence stunned me; then the video just kept getting better! Edit: 12:12 Ahah! Thanks Do you nkow anything about adaptors for using 35mm rolls in these MF cameras -- I realise that the FOV would change significantly --?
Good to see another great video from you sir. I’m hoping that Kodak hooks you up with one of the new super 8mm cameras for your thoughts and review.. if they actually follow through with production of those $5500 things that its. Then again, maybe they already have provided you with one? I know some of your footage was included in their initial advertising.
Multiple reasons to shoot medium format. These are my opinions, not trying to paint these as facts. Getting into the pinnacle camera system with 1st party bodies and lenses, the Hasselblad V system, is a lot cheaper than for example 35mm (Leica M system). There is "endless" resolution to crop if you decide to try another composition later. Medium format slides are big enough to look and appreciate on a light table without magnification. For the past couple of years, medium format film has been both cheaper and more available than 35mm (slide and colour neg). Finally the most subjective of my reasons, I seem to get more better thought out pictures per amount of pictures taken on medium format than 35mm, because there are so few of them to take. 36 frames feels like it will never end, if you're actually trying to make each one perfect. Maybe I only have like 10 good pictures in me at any one time. Getting back 10/12 good ones is excellent, while 10/36 feels like a waste of opportunity.
nice camera but.... i can hardly see any use for this one. being stuck with wide angle and slow lens is frustrating. Pentax 67 gives you tons of lenses including brilliant 105nn f2,4. you can enjoy nice rangefinder experience using Olympus XA wich is about the size of GW680 grip. and costs fraction of it's price.
It's more a matter of aspect ratio. If you prefer 1.33 to 1.5, all other things being equal you would prefer the 680. In my case I saw one available and jumped on it for the rarity factor. They were only marketed in Japan so having one is unusual. The extra frame per roll is nice. Sometimes I think about getting a GSW690 - wider lens with the longer aspect ratio to really leverage the extras.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
From 1959. I spent 30 years shooting 35mm. I doubt I ever enlarged a "full frame", rather cropping off some part of the length to make a final image/print. My first effort into medium format showed the same pattern with 6x9m, so I adopted the 6x7 format with several cameras and never did another 6x9. Given that Fuji, in making three series of this camera, and in both normal and wide lens options, I never really understood why they made it in 6x9cm format, yet it must be the most sold version of the bunch. I always wanted a 680, since I already had a number of 6x7 alternatives available, but I never bought one because it would be, for me, little used surplus. The build quality is superb; the lenses (90 or 65) are outstanding. For me, the fixed lens was a deal killer.
The 6x9 was popular in Japan for group foto's at tourist attractions. That's also the reason the Fuji's had a setting for the half length 120 film. Only four shots and the film could get developed, that worked quicker for the photographer.
@@erwindegroot8760 Since I shoot Pentax 67 (no mid-roll interchangeable backs), I'd find the 4-shot 120 roll format attractive. Even though it would be less cost-effective for its extra spool and packaging, it's too bad that format was never offered generally in the US. Since I got into MF in the mid-1980s, my solution was to buy extra bodies as prices dropped in the face of the "digital revolution".
3x 3 frame strips of 6x8 fit perfectly in the (vertical) Printfile 120-3HB
Source: GW680III owner
I have a Fuji 645 - it's the only Medium Format camera that I'm happy to walk around with as it's fairly small and light for a 120 cam. I have a Yashica Mat, Mamiya 645 and Pentax 6x7 that I usually reserve for studio use nowadays. They are beautiful cameras that produce great results, but aren't fun to carry around.
After age 72, with mobility problems developing, I stopped hauling my Pentax 67 system around and turned to my little used Fuji 645 options, I had a GS645 and GS645W for years. I scored a terrific deal on a like-new GA645Zi. Now at 77, these are my primary cameras for serious photography in the future. As for the 67 equipment, I'll keep it for a year or two to see how much it gets used, selling it off if it collects dust.
Always happy to see my favorite series of medium format cameras discussed by a film channel! I use a GW670II as my main camera, and it's been the perfect tool for my photos-light and easy to use and focus, 10 shots is the right amount of photos for the time I'm out shooting, and I don't need a lot of shallow depth of field for landscapes and street scenes 😁 great video, I definitely can see why the 6x8 in particular could be awkward, since it's one of the more uncommon 120 sizes
I shoot exclusively in medium format and have several cameras including a few Hasselblads, a Mamiya RZ67, a few Super Ikontas and a Fuji GSW680III. In terms of image quality, my Fuji GSW is my best camera. It is also my favorite camera that I use the most and is the closest to my large format camera in terms of detail.
I own several medium format cameras, with formats ranging from 6x45 to 6x9. Despite having these various options, I find myself continually drawn to my Fuji GSW690III (wider version). It's remarkably reliable and has never let me down, unlike some of my other cameras in the 6x45 and 6x7.
5:50 The only company I’m aware of that has anything to do with new rolls of film in 220 format is Reflx Lab. They re-spool Kodak Aerocolor IV 2460.
Shanghai GP3 is offering fresh black and white 220. It's decent stock, although I strongly recommend stand development with DDX or another similar developer.
I sold my 690III last week. It was amazing I travelled all over Japan with it and it takes amazing photos. I sold it because I want to buy a hasselblad.
i just imagine the Spidermen pointing at each other meme when you talk about seeing some one with a 67
I bought myself a Moskva-5 6x6 / 6x9 folding camera a while back to get into shooting 120. It's really nice to take it slow and be very deliberate with my film shots, especially in 6x9 mode. It's almost the closest thing to shooting large format without diving into the deep end with sheet film, I think. And also, because it's an old folding camera, it's definitely not as rigid and precise as modern 120 models I have to do a lot of manual adjusting and compensating to get around it's various "quirks". For example, the top slide "rivet" is wearing down and doesn't always extend those final few millimetres, and the lens's focus is off requiring me to dial things in with the tiny range finder and then compensate for where it's ACTUALLY gonna focus on the film, etc. But it's still fun to use!
I'm trying to decide whether I want to keep it as it, send it in for proper fixing and CLAing at a place like KEH down in the states, or sell it off for something like the Fuji GW690.
Back in the 60's-70's I used the 2 1/4 square cameras but stuck with 4X5 and 35mm. Last year I picked up a Fuji Six and have fun with it. I need to do a CLA for it, but once it is back in my bag, it will be my everyday carry for film cameras.
Another great video! I have a GSW690III. Use it mostly with Velvia and Provia. Love the large images on a light table.
I have a Yashica a TLR and a Vermeer 6x17 curved plane pinhole camera...love both, but really really love the TLR.
I've a GL690, and it is such a fun camera to shoot. Another reason besides the look being a sized up 35mm range it got the name Texas Leica
(as far as I can tell) was that before the GW range (so the G and GL ones) these cameras had interchangeable lenses! Due to all of these being leaf shutter the shutter is always in the lens, so even if you get a G or GL with a bad shutter, it is just a "new" lens away to fix it (sadly not an option for the GW)
Someone else mentioned Reflex just releasing new 220.
So my “original” contribution to the comments is :
“The GW680 is like a Minox compared to its cousin the GX680”
Another nice vid Noah, wishing you a creatively challenging and satisfying year ahead.
Shooting wide angle panoramic sprocket hole photos on 35mm film is a blast! The Sprocket Rocket camera has a plastic lens, so this one must give nice sharp images, which is great.
A GW670 would be so amazing they are so rare though and when they come up they go for a lot!
I managed to get a CLA Agfa Isolette 3... it's an absolute beauty of a camera. It slows everything around you when you use it, just a joy to shoot with it and it fits in your pocket :)
I own a GW690 and a GSW680 III. I prefer the aspect ratio of the 6*8 format. I bought the GSW680 1,5 years ago. I wanted to try this format and I found it nice to have all format from 645 to 6*9, also I wanted something wider, I liked the 65mm on my RB67.
I am really happy with the GSW680
Thank you, for sharing this medium format camera experience. Believe me, your camera is way more manageable than the Pentax 67 I owned back when I attended OIP (Ohio Institute of Photography) back in the 1980's. Today, I would love delve back into wet-film photography but companies that develop roll film is rare these days. As a advocate, the larger film frame size yields a greater resolution per shot! BTW: Mamiya 6x7 cameras were (and still are) revered for the great photo qualities! And when you step into the 4x5 format, you gotta think Ansel Adams probably thought it was a pain to get his shots with the format, but we all know the results were worth it!
I have a minty GW690 and thinking of selling it. Only getting 8 shots of 6x9 is expensive. I have a large format and a 6x9 back. This camera is a little large for street photography, which I use my 35mm for. The Hasselblad is good for printing large even if I have to crop down to 645.
Nice video Noah, I found it informative and most likely helpful to others to know that not all ways into medium format are expensive.
I actually just had a roll of PX 125 in 120 in my hand 5 minutes ago-LOL! I also have the 1954 AGFA ISOLETTE Mk 1, a little harder to shoot (IMO).
6x9 is the original Brownie format, alongside 6x6 eventually. Fuji had a smart set up with 6x9 and 645 as half frame.
In 2014 I got a GW690III because it was the best bang for the buck, literally. I was a bit shocked when opening the delivered box from Japan.
Aspect ratio and shots per roll, the 6x8 is great, but their relative rarity makes them more expensive and me college self didn't afford it. Below $500 it was the 690 or a quite old Pentax 6x7. Mamiya 7 was about $1.2K. I kinda disgress on the mentioned difference across the GW's, lens is the same just film gate and winding changed. However, the Fujis are great and by cropping you get other formats including panoramic, that I never felt quite a need to get another camera. Recently I got a Super Ikonta, to have a complimentary shooting.
Some of its sins are due to being a large medium format with the form factor of a 35mm RF. Well, 120 used to be an amateur format but 8-9 shots a roll is quite some high "fuel" consumption nowadays!
Planning a long trip to Asia, which I wanted to do with medium format since 2012, 60 rolls in the fridge standing by. Damn! It will be a 10 year anniversary thing 😂
Is the bellows on the Agfa Isolette III light tight? I just replaced the bellows on both an Isolette III and a Record III (6x9 "version" of the Isolette). Seems to be a common problem.
Reflex Labs sells new 220 color negative film
This is a camera that intrigues me, mostly because it's a medium format rangefinder, but also due to the 6x8 format. Like the smallest medium format, 6x4.5, this format crops more easily to standard paper sizes than either 6x7 or 6x9 - and forget 6x6 if you hate wasting space on the print. But then, I do my own darkroom work.
Currently l'm shooting 6x4.5 with a Mamiya slr, but I have always preferred rangefinders. Unfortunately, the rangefinders Fuji made in my preferred format all seem to have reliability issues. Not so the various Texas Leica variants. Oh, and by the way, there's a metal chassis under the plastic on your camera. It's a brick and will probably outlast the Pyramids.
have you tried going into the darkroom with 120 films ? this is where it shines the most :-)
6x8 does seem to be a bit of an odd size, and if Fuji made 6x7, 6x8, & 6x9 cameras, just seems a bit unecessary? I guess? But the ability to shoot 220 is cool.
The Agfa Isolette is a nice simple camera, the wind on does hurt your thumb if you shoot a few rolls in 1 outing though. A bit different operation considering you have to set the shutter speed and cock it and then you can't change without firing.
i’d love to see you review the holga camera at some point :)
Can still get new 220 film from Shanghai (GP3) and from Reflx Labs as of recent.
Great video as always, Noah! This camera is huge, for sure. But I'd still love to try it out sometime.
Cool about the Isolette too. My granddad gave me his last year so I tried it out and I made a video about it on my channel, if you're interested.. :)
Cheers from Sweden
Nice!
Will these cameras be able to be repaired now and in the future?
I have had my GSW690III repaired in the UK by a local specialist (PPP Cameras :)). The shutter isn't made any more and finding a replacement might be tricky, but I think that a good repair person will be able to keep it going for you.
5:56 I have always wondered why? I mean, I know some cameras have this but why do you need to flip the pressure plate if it's the same in both sides as far as I notice.
7:56 Also, what if I reached 999 twice? it wouldn't be x10, right?
220 film lacks a paper backing on the film that actually gets exposed, so the pressure plate switches to keep the same focal plane. the microns of difference in thickness do matter
@@mxnevermindOh I see, thanks buddy!
Subscribed! I've always wanted one of these Fujizillas, and couldn't help but click over; then your title sequence stunned me; then the video just kept getting better!
Edit: 12:12 Ahah! Thanks
Do you nkow anything about adaptors for using 35mm rolls in these MF cameras -- I realise that the FOV would change significantly --?
7:40 6:8 ratio is the same as the GFX cameras, though -- so perfect for mixing with 50R (or perhaps, a Lumix GX9)
Looks a lot more convenient than my old Pentax 6x7… 😅
Good to see another great video from you sir. I’m hoping that Kodak hooks you up with one of the new super 8mm cameras for your thoughts and review.. if they actually follow through with production of those $5500 things that its. Then again, maybe they already have provided you with one? I know some of your footage was included in their initial advertising.
One can only hope
Cool
As the owner of a 6x17: perverse?? 😂
I've been trying to warm up to medium format for 30 years
Multiple reasons to shoot medium format. These are my opinions, not trying to paint these as facts.
Getting into the pinnacle camera system with 1st party bodies and lenses, the Hasselblad V system, is a lot cheaper than for example 35mm (Leica M system).
There is "endless" resolution to crop if you decide to try another composition later.
Medium format slides are big enough to look and appreciate on a light table without magnification.
For the past couple of years, medium format film has been both cheaper and more available than 35mm (slide and colour neg).
Finally the most subjective of my reasons, I seem to get more better thought out pictures per amount of pictures taken on medium format than 35mm, because there are so few of them to take. 36 frames feels like it will never end, if you're actually trying to make each one perfect. Maybe I only have like 10 good pictures in me at any one time. Getting back 10/12 good ones is excellent, while 10/36 feels like a waste of opportunity.
nice camera but.... i can hardly see any use for this one. being stuck with wide angle and slow lens is frustrating. Pentax 67 gives you tons of lenses including brilliant 105nn f2,4. you can enjoy nice rangefinder experience using Olympus XA wich is about the size of GW680 grip. and costs fraction of it's price.
Hasselblad 503CX + 50mm, 80mm & 150mm.
why is 6*9 weird?
You wouldn't have a Pentacon you'd like to run through for us would you?
I don't get the point of the 680. Just get the 690 - you want the LARGE negative, right? :)
It's more a matter of aspect ratio. If you prefer 1.33 to 1.5, all other things being equal you would prefer the 680. In my case I saw one available and jumped on it for the rarity factor. They were only marketed in Japan so having one is unusual. The extra frame per roll is nice. Sometimes I think about getting a GSW690 - wider lens with the longer aspect ratio to really leverage the extras.
So did you fuck up during the recording to necessitate the weird audio gating and processing, or in post? Cause it's kinda distracting.
Both! Enjoy!
hi
Hello!
Because 35mm is for hipsters
Currently considering a Texas Leica, although only getting 8 shots is a bit off-putting. Reflex Lab make new 220 film at least.