The Fujifilm GW690III: A Professional's Medium Format Marvel
Introduction
In the realm of medium format photography, few cameras have garnered as much admiration as the Fujifilm GW690III. Released in Japan in February 1992, this camera has earned its place in the hearts of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. Nicknamed "the Texas Leica," the GW690III stands out for its remarkable build quality, exceptional image performance, and unique design that caters to landscape and travel photographers. In this blog post, we will delve into the features, benefits, and limitations of the Fujifilm GW690III, highlighting why it remains a favorite in the medium format world.
The Texas Leica: Design and Build Quality
The Fujifilm GW690III is part of Fuji's prestigious "Professional" line, which consists of nine medium format cameras designed to meet the demands of professional photographers. Its moniker, "the Texas Leica," is a nod to its large body, reminiscent of the Leica M series, and its outstanding image quality. The camera's robust build ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable companion for photographers venturing into diverse and challenging environments.
The GW690III features a fixed 90mm f/3.5 lens, which is equivalent to approximately 39mm in 35mm format, making it ideal for both landscape and portrait photography. The lens is renowned for producing clean, sharp images with fine details, smooth tonal transitions, rich colors, and exceptional detail. The camera's large body and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and operate, even during extended shooting sessions.
Exceptional Image Quality
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm GW690III is its ability to produce large negatives, measuring 6x9 cm, which are approximately 2.7 times larger than those of 35mm film. This significant increase in negative size results in images with remarkable detail and clarity. The 90mm f/3.5 lens plays a crucial role in delivering this exceptional image quality, providing sharpness and minimal distortion across the frame. Here are some examples I shot recently using Kodak Portra 400 Medium Format film.
The lens's optical performance is complemented by the camera's precise rangefinder focusing system, which ensures accurate focusing even in challenging lighting conditions. This combination of a high-quality lens and reliable focusing system makes the GW690III a powerful tool for capturing landscapes, portraits, and travel scenes with stunning clarity and depth.
Smooth Tonal Transitions and Rich Colors
The Fujifilm GW690III is lauded for its ability to produce images with smooth tonal transitions and rich, vibrant colors. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for landscape photographers who aim to capture the subtle nuances of natural scenes. The camera's medium format negatives allow for greater dynamic range and color depth compared to smaller formats, resulting in images that truly stand out.
Whether capturing the warm hues of a sunset or the delicate details of a forest, the GW690III excels in rendering colors accurately and beautifully. The camera's ability to handle a wide range of tones makes it a versatile choice for photographers who demand high-quality results in their work.
Built to Last
Durability is a key consideration for any professional camera, and the Fujifilm GW690III does not disappoint in this regard. Constructed with a solid metal body and high-quality components, this camera is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its robust design ensures that it can handle various environmental conditions, making it a reliable choice for photographers who often find themselves in challenging shooting situations.
The camera's manual operation further contributes to its longevity. Without reliance on electronic components that may fail over time, the GW690III offers a straightforward and dependable shooting experience. This simplicity is appreciated by many photographers who prefer the tactile and intuitive nature of manual controls. This was a big reason why I got this camera!
Limitations in Close-Up Photography
While the Fujifilm GW690III excels in many areas, it does have some limitations, particularly when it comes to close-up photography. The fixed 90mm lens, although superb for landscapes and portraits, is not well-suited for macro or very close-up shots. Photographers looking to capture fine details in subjects at close range may find this limitation restrictive.
However, this drawback is often mitigated by the camera's exceptional performance in other areas. For those who primarily focus on landscapes, travel photography, and portraits, the GW690III's strengths far outweigh its limitations. I intended this as a travel camera, although it's pretty large, I don’t have to change lenses. Just take it out and shoot a composition. I want to do some travel related photographs and maybe a photo book down the road.
Value for Money
Despite its professional-grade features and performance, the Fujifilm GW690III is considered a good value in the medium format market. Its reputation for producing high-quality images, combined with its durable build, makes it a worthwhile investment for serious photographers. While the initial cost may be higher compared to some other cameras, the long-term benefits and reliability of the GW690III justify the investment. I found mine from a reputable camera store source on Ebay in Japan. It was very clean with a low shutter count.
The camera's enduring popularity in the used market is a testament to its value and performance. Many photographers continue to seek out the GW690III for its unique combination of features and image quality, ensuring that it remains a relevant and desirable option even decades after its release. There are other versions of this camera such as the original GW690 & the GW690 II. These look cooler than mine since they have mostly aluminum top and bottom plates and a better grip but I wanted the last of this generation because parts are supposedly easier to find if it needs any maintenance down the road. Here’s an article about the version II from the “Film Shooters Collective.” https://www.filmshooterscollective.com/analog-film-photography-blog/fuji-gsw690ii-professional-review-michael-fauscette-4-12
Conclusion
The Fujifilm GW690III is a standout camera in the medium format world, offering professional photographers and enthusiasts a powerful tool for capturing stunning images. Its robust design, exceptional image quality, and smooth tonal transitions make it an excellent choice for landscape and travel photography. While it has some limitations in close-up photography, its overall performance and durability make it a valuable addition to any photographer's kit.
Size comparison next to my Fujifilm XPRO 2.
For those seeking a medium format camera that delivers on both image quality and reliability, the Fujifilm GW690III remains a top contender. I’ve enjoyed using this rangefinder style camera and Its enduring reputation as "the Texas Leica" speaks to its ability to meet the high standards of professional photographers, ensuring that it will continue to be a cherished and trusted companion for years to come.
