Camera Review Blog No. 83 – Fujifilm GSW690II Professional

The GSW690II is not a camera you need, but they sure are fun to have. Initially designed for taking group photos of Japanese tourist groups, the camera has become a bit of a cult classic among film photographers. An all-mechanical wide-angle medium format rangefinder with the appropriate nickname of Texas Leica. This camera offers a big 6×9 negative and a wide-angle lens perfect for landscape and architecture in a portable package that will work flawlessly in any weather condition and excellent optics on the front. Thanks to James Lee for loaning this beauty out for a review.

CCR Review 83 - Fuji GSW690II

Camera Specifications
Make: Fuji
Model: GSW690II
Type: Rangefinder
Format: Medium Format (120/220), 6×9
Lens: Fixed, EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 (6 Elements, 4 Groups)
Shutter: Interlens Leaf Shutter, 1″ – 1/500″ + Time
Year of Manufacture: 1985-95

Background
Like all mid-century Fujifilm medium format rangefinders, the GSW690II traces its history to the increase in the tourism industry. The original two cameras were set up to take either 6×7 or 6×9 negatives. Lead designer Yamamoto Katsuhiko decided to look at two separate camera systems to develop foundational design choices. The first is the Graflex Combat Graphic, a camera specifically designed as a 70mm film rangefinder. The second is the Leica M-Series. The idea was to create a rangefinder with the ease of use of the Leica but combines the power and image size of medium format film. The original two medium formats interchangeable lens rangefinders came out of Katsuhiko, the GM670 and G690. While the 6×7 camera was aimed at print applications, the 6×9 would be for tour operators to take group photos, thanks to the sizeable 6×9 negative. Also, shooting only eight frames means that there could be a quick turnaround on the images. Initially released in 1968, the G690 came with four lens options 65mm, 100mm, 150mm and 180mm lenses. While most cameras of the rangefinder type had the shutter as part of the camera body, Fuji placed a leaf shutter (by Seiko) in the lens. To change out the lens, the photographer had to close a shutter to prevent accidental exposure of the film. Fuji released a minor update in 1969; the G690BL included an interlock to prevent the photographer from removing the lens without first closing the protective shutter. Fuji also re-released the original four lenses but in a black finish. Fuji continued to improve on its design and, in 1974, released the GL690. Fuji improved the lens mount and viewfinder and added a front-mounted shutter release. Fuji also released all-new lenses with improved rubberised focusing rings and added a 50mm lens. They also developed a 100mm lens with a semi-automatic exposure system. While the interchangeable lens camera was continued in 1979, Fuji released a more budget-friendly fixed lens copy, the GW690 with a 90mm f/3.5 lens and the GSW690 with a 65mm f/3.5 lens. Both cameras lacked any internal meter, a simple accessory (cold) shoe, and an odometer that counts the shutter releases to help photographers know when to have the camera serviced. Users complained about the lack of a bulb mode on the shutter (there was a time mode) and the noise generated by the odometer and shutter. It wouldn’t be until 1985 that Fuji released the updated GW690II and GSW690II. Both cameras were almost the same as the original model, but the handgrip changed from simple grooves to a checked pattern, the branding of Fujica dropped in favour of Fuji, two sets of strap lugs and a hot-shoe. The odometer and shutter mechanisms were made more silent. Production continued until 1995, when Fuji released the GW690III and GSW690III, completely overhauling the body design.

Camera Review Blog No. 83 - Fuji GSW690II
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 – Kodak TMax Developer (1+4) 6:30 @ 20C
Camera Review Blog No. 83 - Fuji GSW690II
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 – Kodak TMax Developer (1+4) 6:30 @ 20C
Camera Review Blog No. 83 - Fuji GSW690II
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 – Kodak TMax Developer (1+4) 6:30 @ 20C
Camera Review Blog No. 83 - Fuji GSW690II
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford HP5+ @ ASA-400 – Kodak TMax Developer (1+4) 6:30 @ 20C

Impression
The GSW690II is big; everything is big, from the handgrip, the shutter release, lens, and winding leaver. Yet, this camera took the idea of a fixed lens rangefinder and scaled it up, so all the controls got scaled up also. Nothing on this camera feels cramped or crowded. Not for the faint of heart or for someone who likes their cameras compact. But if you’re a fan of the mid-century fixed lens rangefinders, you will feel right at home with the GSW690II. The on-camera controls are few, with only the shutter release and big winding leaver on the top plate; your hot shoe and film counter control are also available. This knob has three settings; you have the option of a short 120 roll (4 exposures, so 020 format??), a standard 120 roll (8 exposures) or 220 (16 exposures). There is also a front shutter release button with a locking collar; this is great for having the camera in your bag, so you don’t waste a frame. The exposure controls are on the lens itself as the leaf shutter is housed in the lens assembly. Thankfully the two controls are different surfaces, with the apertures having a pair of raised sections while a grooved ring controls the shutter speed. Also, the clicks have different feels, with the aperture being solid while the shutter speed is far smoother in travel. The focusing ring is a rubberised checker pattern and is large enough to operate. The viewfinder is big and bright; it is a bit disorienting to have the lens barrel sticking out in one corner, but there are framing lines to help with composition, and the rangefinder patch is big and gives off enough contrast. The film is loaded in a typical manner with a hinged back door. Fuji included two spring releases on the bottom to help load the spools into the camera. If you are using 220 film, you will have to slide off the pressure plate and flip it over to the 220 sides before loading the film. While hefty in the hands, with a good strap, the camera is comfortable to wear either with the straps on the one side or in a more traditional configuration.

Elm Street YWCA
Fujifilm GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 – Flic Film Black/White & Green (1+49) 11:30 @ 20C
Victoria Hospital for Sick Children
Fujifilm GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 – Flic Film Black/White & Green (1+49) 11:30 @ 20C
The Castle
Fujifilm GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 – Flic Film Black/White & Green (1+49) 11:30 @ 20C
Allan Gardens
Fujifilm GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford Ortho+ @ ASA-80 – Flic Film Black/White & Green (1+49) 11:30 @ 20C

Experience
Despite its size, the GSW690II is a camera that you could probably carry around all day without too much trouble; the only place it takes up room is in your camera bag. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, Loading film can result in losing a frame. You have to make sure that your start points are lined up with a pair of small (easily missed) red dots on the take-up spool side of the exposure window. Pull the backing paper across, and then use the film advance to wind it through; it takes a couple of full pulls and then a quarter-to-half pull to align the arrow. Once there, close the back and pull away; the camera will automatically stop at the first frame. I have found that the viewfinder is big, bright, and easy to use; although some people have asked about a diopter to help, I cannot find any indication that Fuji released such an accessory. It is essential to pay attention to the frame lines as you have a big lens sticking out into your frame, so you may lose some of your images when composing. But don’t worry, that doesn’t affect the final result. And most importantly, the rangefinder patch is big, bright and makes focusing a breeze. Especially since the big focusing ring is super smooth and has the right amount of resistance to allow for fine focusing, the camera does lack an internal meter, so you will be forced to use either the Sunny-16 method or carry an external meter. I used my trusty Gossen Lunasix F for this review, although a shoe-mounted meter like the Reveni Labs would be the perfect companion. Alternatively, a pocket spot meter would also not be a bad choice. The exposure controls on the front of the lens assembly can be a bit trying, but each set has a separate window and are in different colours. Additionally, each setting is controlled by a different style ring and has a different click. The shutter is pretty silent, and the release on the front gives an excellent alternative if you don’t want to reach up top. The camera does not have a hair trigger, which is reasonable given the limited number of shots on a roll. It surprises me how short the throw is on the film advance lever; they could have gone with a long pull but instead decided to keep things short and go with a double pull.

Twice a Lady
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-W f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 – Blazinal (1+25) 9:00 @ 20C
A Hotel for Royalty
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-W f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 – Blazinal (1+25) 9:00 @ 20C
Facade Dreams
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-W f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 – Blazinal (1+25) 9:00 @ 20C
Central Public
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-W f=65mm 1:5.6 – Ilford FP4+ @ ASA-125 – Blazinal (1+25) 9:00 @ 20C

Optics
I have never met a Fuji lens that I didn’t like, and that GSW690II is no different. The lens has six elements in four groups and a 65mm focal length. That doesn’t seem too wide, but if you consider that you’re working with a 6×9 negatives, it’s equivalent to a 28mm lens. This isn’t an ultra-wide lens, but it’s a good angle of view for most applications with the camera. It also helps keep distortion down and makes it easier to shoot handheld down to 1/30 of a second. To address the elephant in the room, the lens is only f/5.6, relatively slow. Don’t let that get you down; this isn’t a camera designed for close focus, so with 28mm, even shooting at f/5.6, you will have your entire frame in focus. The shutter has five straight blades, which, when stopped down (f/32), you will get some star rendering of points of light. To get anything close to bokeh out of the lens, you will have to get in super close and open it up. Because the lens is comprehensive, you will get some problems with flare; thankfully, there is an integrated hood that works to keep the flare down. If there is one clear thing, the images are sharp. Especially when paired with a sharp film that is well developed. I got my best results from Ilford Ortho+ and Kodak Plus-X.

Flatened
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Kodak Plus-X @ ASA-125 – LegacyPro L110 (1+63) 9:30 @ 20C
The Creek Bed
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Kodak Plus-X @ ASA-125 – LegacyPro L110 (1+63) 9:30 @ 20C
Long Way Down
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Kodak Plus-X @ ASA-125 – LegacyPro L110 (1+63) 9:30 @ 20C
Ravine
Fuji GSW690II – EBC Fujinon-SW f=65mm 1:5.6 – Kodak Plus-X @ ASA-125 – LegacyPro L110 (1+63) 9:30 @ 20C

The Lowdown
The Fuji GSW690II is not a small camera by any means, it will take up a lot of space in your camera bag. But if you love the idea of a rangefinder and don’t mind manual controls and carrying around an external meter. Although, a hot shoe meter like the Reveni Labs or a plethora of new shoe-mounted meters released in 2021 is a perfect match for the camera. In that case, the GSW690II might be a camera worth a second look. Ideal for those who like wide-angle and big negatives that are excellent for landscape and cityscape work. While most 6×9 cameras are old box and folders, the Fuji GSW690II is a modern camera and still has plenty of life left. But don’t expect an easy ride to get one; they are available on the used market but come at a cost. You will most likely be buying the camera from a Japanese seller. For the original model, you’re going to be paying between 630-850$; for the II model, 850-1,100$ and for the III, look at 1,500$ and up. So it’s more of a pick your pain moment in choosing which one to get, but you may get lucky and find one at a better price point. From there it is only a matter of the camera’s age and condition. Thankfully being all mechanical, getting these things repaired is reasonably straightforward, with most camera repair folks being able to do work on Seiko shutters and adjusting the rangefinder. Plus with native 220 it’s a perfect option for the new CineStill 400D film in 220 format. While the GSW690II is not a camera I would add to my toolkit, my choice is worse on the pocketbook, a fixed lens Fuji 6×7 rangefinder.

Further Reading
Don’t only take my word on the GSW690II, check out these other reviews from fellow bloggers.
Film Shooters Collective – Fuji GSW690II Professional Review

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *