Fuji GX680

[glbeas]

I was doing a little snooping and ran into some ebay ads for the Fuji GX680. I like the looks of the system with the rotating back and front perspective control. I have no way of knowing from looking at ads how solid and reliable these cameras are and what downsides there may be to them. Anybody have some practical experience to share with me?

[David A. Goldfarb]

I know that thomassauerwein is a big fan of this system. He hasn't been around APUG much lately, so you might e-mail him from his user profile.

They seem to be solid, reliable, and quite bulky--comparable to a 3x4" Graflex reflex camera in the bulk department.

[Peter De Smidt]

I'm afraid that I don't have any first hand knowledge, but they look like great studio cameras. Down the road, way down the road unfortunately, I'd like to get a medium format studio camera, and right now I'm leaning to either an RZ or Fuji system. I'm a big fan of the 6x8 centemeter frame size, and so Fuji's in the lead. My worries with any of these cameras are the electronics. Another problem with Fuji is that since there aren't many in the US, there aren't as many good repair places for them, as opposed to, say, Hassleblad or Mamiya.

[Peter Williams]

The Fuji GX680 was my first camera and it is still my favorite. At the prices today, I don't think that there is a better camera value out there. The camera is definitely big, but like anything else, you get used to it. The rotating back is great. The ealier models came with rechargeable batteries, but you can still order the AA battery holder directly from Fuji for $75 shipped - stay away from the ones on Ebay - insanely overpriced. The earlier films backs, for the mark I and mark II systems, have non-user replaceable batteries in them and they have to be sent to Fuji for replacement if they die. I have used the same back for the past two years without incident. I just picked up another back for $65 off of Ebay so I don't really see that as an issue either. Focusing is fast and easy, the lenses are fantastic and the controls are all easy to use. I love that with bellows focusing I don't have to buy macro specific lenses. When it comes down to it, it just feels right to me. I can't see much chance of the prices falling any lower than where they are now, so if you bought one you will likely be able to get your money back if it doesn't suit you. If you ever make it to Dallas, you're welcome to come by and check it out.

Peter