First Rolls with the Fuji GX680 - The Largest Medium Format Camera

Head to squarespace.co... to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code KYLEMCDOUGALL
In this video, I’m sharing my experience shooting with the Fuji GX680II, after owning one for the past month, including some images, features I love, as well as some issues that I’ve had. This is a fully featured 6x8 medium format film camera that is very appealing but also can be a bit limiting, due to its size. It’s not going to be a fit for everyone, but for the right people, there’s a lot to love about it.
Brochure images from: ianbfoto.com/ (Also a great resource for buying GX680 gear)
►Follow me on Instagram: / kyle__mcdougall
►Order my new book 📚 ‘An American Mile’: bit.ly/3Og6Z45
►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►Mentioned / Recommended Gear(*these are affiliate link):
Fuji GX680II: ebay.us/H8fRoT
Fuji GX680III: ebay.us/tyOQ9M
Fujinon EBC GX 65mm f5.6: ebay.us/sT9Vtz
Fujinon EBC GX 80mm f5.6: ebay.us/XZQhjs
Fujinon EBC GX 100mm f4: ebay.us/KikTVN
Fujinon EBC GX 125mm f3.2: ebay.us/HdPOH9
Fuji GX680 Roll Film Holder IIIN: ebay.us/6a0eQZ
Fuji GX680 6x7 Mask: ebay.us/gS2jWC
Fuji GX680 6x7 Screen: ebay.us/AaIHFl
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
Where I source music for my videos (One FREE month with this link): fm.pxf.io/c/19...
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
→Instagram: bit.ly/2GuYV21
→Website: kmcdougall.com

[@smartereveryday]

This video is a vibe.

[@nelsonclub7722]

I had 5 of these at one time when I owned Lightstream Studios AKA Freezeframe - When they stopped making them - I went to France and bought the last remaining lenses (about 12) and 2 new bodies - We did architectural and brochures for Hamptons. 3 years ago I donated an entire unused full kit comprising of body, 2 backs (both types) and 14 lenses - some prototype bits and bobs including the one off Wedge shaped compendium hood to Fuji and it was on show at The Fujifilm House Of Photography Heritage Dept in Covent Garden London - I have not been there to see it as yet - and I know it has been to Japan for a tour as well. Great camera - still better than it's replacement the Fujifilm GFX100 but not as easy to use and does not require 6 rooms of processing machinery!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very cool. I'll have to pop in there and see if it's on display!

[@scstudios8]

I watch these videos just to remind me how hard it used to be. Light leaks, xrays at the airport, massively limited # of shots, changing rolls, film flatness, iso fixed by roll, film scratches due to bad processing, your life passing by as you scan everything... I had the Fuji GW690, pentax 67, mamiya 645 and various 6x9 press cameras. When the Canon 5d2 came out, that was an amazing leap forward for me. There is nothing like ripping off 200 shots during magic hour as the light constantly changes. I am a little surprised there are not more medium format digital cameras, because the bigger apertures look amazing for landscapes. Its like looking at a 3d image.

[@chanceclark2039]

TLDR: medium format digital is niche and the price can't be justified by the average consumer. The biggest drawback of digital medium format is simply price. Many options are available, most notably the Hasselblad lineup, but these tend to be in the 5-30 THOUSAND dollar range, which is just not a realistic price point for most users. The baseline medium format camera (no lens, grip, finder, etc) will set you back somewhere in the 5 grand range. For this price alone you could easily buy a FF digital camera with a few lenses, a grip, a tripod, batteries, sd cards, and even a mid-range printer to view your work. You can use this whole system with image composite technology to create a file with far more detail than the medium format digital camera. It just doesn't make sense to spend so much on something you will realistically never notice a difference with.

[@alen5d1]

You can get a pentax 645z or 645d and older lenses cheap. I love that Camer. I mainly shoot with the Fujifilm gfx 50 and 100 now. I still like to get the Pentax out every once in a while. It still makes beautiful images.@@chanceclark2039

[@jeejbeej]

​@@chanceclark2039 A GFX 50S can be had second hand for around 2000.

[@RAN480L64]

They should do something with a fernel glass fake-image plane down-conversion rig like that one youtube guy did with his diy ultra large format camera, though he didn’t have an aperture so people didn’t appreciate the magical effect such a large image plane can have

[@winheiMR]

@holyjesus8603Es kommt ja auch auf die Verwendung deiner Daten an, Kino, Party, Freiluftkino, oder nur Internet. Der Aufwand wird sich nicht lohnen. So teuer sind die MF Bodys eigentlich nicht nur die Linsen sind extrem groß, schwer und teuer.

[@brandovisibelli]

This is actually the most complete camera ever made, for "not run&gun" photography. The tilt/shift is awesome for a semi compact camera like that. Love it!

[@martindrazsky7451]

Great camera. I bought an almost unused version III a year ago from Japan. With the loupe finder, 100/180 lenses. Total beast but so easy to work with once set up. Enjoy!

[@gobgobcachoo]

I rented one from the university while doing my MFA. Tried shooting in the field. I killed so many frames due to my unfamiliarity with using a darkslide. Absolute chonker but amazing quality and all the tilt/shift I'd ever need.

[@crissignori7482]

I’m don’t work out 🏋️‍♀️ with weights much any more so I wouldn’t even want to borrow it for an hour but I’m sure it works great. Certainly a very interesting camera. Best of luck on all your projects.

[@Isajaymes]

I honestly love this camera, I've carried it to the beach and even though it is heavy the image quality is just so good and has such a heavy medium format feel. It's absolutely unreal for portraits. Definitely a gem for a niche crowd.

[@dopamining7621]

I shot the RZ67 for years in Japan, but the GX680 was always my dream camera. For anyone looking at these from online sellers, be aware Fuji made two versions of these: Kyle's here in the video, and one without the rise/swing (tilt shift) movements. The latter has S in the name.They look the same, except of course the front standard is thinner and simpler on the S version and the price should be much lower.

[@kureki147]

The IIIS is what you're mentioning.

[@irvinwilson3245]

This is also an absolutely awesome camera for studio portraits. Of course you're not having to haul it around in that instance. They also made extension rails that are really easy to use for close up work.

[@lqr824]

did lenses reverse like on the Rollei 66?

[@neilbarclay2644]

Used this in the studio from the late 90's until 2014. Had a Leaf Aptus 75 on the back of it from about 2006/7. Insane image quality. Stunning camera!

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

what did you switch to ?

[@jrgenjorgenfotovakschool3894]

I used this beautiful camera in the studio and took it on location on a massive Gitzo tripod for photographing cars for brochure work. The Hasselblad, with its 120 film, was ideal for creating LP covers because for my work, I always had to crop to 6x4.5, losing 1/3 of my film in the process. Shooting at 6x8 allowed me to maximize the offered quality. Another aspect was when photographing a car in 3/4 front or 3/4 rear, I could use the lens adjustment to give the image a beautiful diagonal sharpness, and with a minimal aperture, keep everything in focus. Also with low on the ground perspectives I could give my image more sky by pushing the lens down. It's a top camera that you can't find digitally now!

[@logancampos7311]

Watched your video and sure enough two days later I found myself ordering one off of eBay! Can’t wait. Keep inspiring!❤

[@KyleMcDougall]

Enjoy!

[@larsvonlennep6405]

In my childhood I was into photography working with 35mm and 6x6 films...spending hours on the hunt as well in the darkroom and I still remember how facinationg the quality of medium format was...and I still remember the typical smell of the darkroom coming from the developing chemicals...analog photography was so much more touchy.

[@Tomyas663]

What an amazing chonker of a camera! Also the Hasselblad flexbody and the Bronica s2a with bellows attachments have movements, I have the latter and find it a joy to use!

[@martinking9076]

I used the GX680 system for ten years in my studio in Portugal. it is indeed a beast but in the studio absolutely unbeatable, I had the 65 ,80 and 180mm lens. I even used it handheld a couple of time shooting trucks and panning !

[@stevesanacore7459]

I used this camera for years back before digital. It was the perfect compromise between 4x5 and 6x6 or 645. With its shifting ability and its superb lenses, it was excellent. Perfect location camera for my resort work for both lifestyle and architecture. Sadly there was no digital future for it…

[@zarmindrow5831]

My go to camera for pictures of the kids around the house. It's always set up on a tripod ready to go. Weight doesn't matter at home. And decisive moment shots are way easier on this camera than a large format because you can correct focus instantly. Even with weird swings and tilts. You really should get the Fuji cable release for critical landscape work like that. That's a big mirror moving up and down so the mirror lock up feature and cable release are important. Both are implemented well on this camera. The cable release even has a little hook to hang it when not in use.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Had the release on order while filming this video.

[@PatrickWilson-k9n]

Yet another excellent and informative video from you Kyle. You have been one of my main inspirations in getting back into film photography. Keep educating and keep inspiring.

[@borromine]

I seriously considered this camera for a long time. 67 produces 10 images which makes for a very awkward contact sheet. 6x6 does 12 and 68 produces 9 which is the sweet spot for medium format. This is truly a exceptional system. Sort of the Atlas rocket if medium format. I eventually went with the Arca Swiss F compact 69 view camera. Which is much much lighter and with complete movements. Tho marginally slower to operate, it can go from 47 mm to 600mm and is all metal. The metric version is simply superb. Now that film is taking a back seat to digital this camera and lenses for it are affordable. I used most Schneider XL. The 110mm lens to this day puts everything else I have worked with to shame. The Nikkor 300mm f8 is absolutely tiny but is a 8x10 lens so movements are more or less infinite. For architecture it was the best! Great video! The roll film backs for Arca come 67, 68, and 69.

[@einarbreen7549]

I'm 53 and when I was a teenager my big hero was Morten Krogvold. He switched from Hasselblad to GX680 when it was released. He has shot so many beautiful photos with this camera that I still love.

[@robertsaunders5740]

For light leaks, with the lens off shine a small LED flashlight, preferably supported on a box with cloth around it. In a very dark room and look around the back and the bellows folds for pinhole light leaks.

[@robertsaunders5740]

This technique was used in the musical instrument repair shop to find bad pads on clarinet's and saxophone's. I also found light leaks in an antique folding camera bellows and used a bottle of red sealant to dab on each pinhole light leak as found on prints. I may still have it but it remained somewhat pliable. I do not recall the product name.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Actually just found it, shining a light through the dark slide slot shows that stray light is coming through at a certain angle.

[@robertsaunders5740]

@@KyleMcDougall Good to know and how will you fix it? If it is the soft material that fills a void you may be able to order new.

[@stevenhightop2518]

I rented the GX680 every chance I could in the 1990s. Almost always for people photography. Always loved it and the results.

[@joepphoto]

What an absolutely incredible system. Fuji really thought it through and took it to a next level. Feel like their working towards that level now with the GFX system, but it's great to see they really outdid themselves (and other manufacturers of the time?) with this system.

[@bigshooter461]

This chanell is one of the most affirming and compelling chanells I have found in this creative space of image capture and production. Your photographic process and the work you produce is compelling and the video production on this chanell os fantastic, it's truely better than most of what I see on broadcast Cable TV. It's fantastic to watch these videos, and be able to live vicariously through the experience you share with the equipment you shoot. Thank you, very honestly, for sharing this work. As an avid photographer with somewhat limited access to equipment ( the ideal equipment LOL ), so many of your videos I have come accross, have been in searches to answer questions I have about functionality and real utility in practical use of cameras like the Pentax 6x7. I love that I can watch your videos and what you share answers all my questions, because your practical consideration for function and deliverable results thoroughly exhausts all the same thoughts and considerations I have for these tools. I love that you are shooting this camera. It has been the medium format Camera that I compare and evaluate all other tools against for a long time now in my search for that next more capable tool. I recently after years of contemplating went back to shooting 35mm film. I still do, shoot digital, but film is a different exercise for me. I'm shooting 35mm because it is what I have access to right now and really, I'm just trying to familiarize myself with film stocks and develope a better sense of what I like and how to get it from different emulsions. Medium format is most deffinitly my end game and this is the THE Camera I have been eyeballing for a while, for all of the very reasons you describe in this video lens movement specifically, but variable frame size, available viewing options and swivelling back as well. I haven't seen too many of these around in the Toronto market but did find a few sellers in Japan with lots of availability. Pentax is also a Camera I have considered, again for many of the reasons you have pointed out, SLR function primarily. For me it's the image size and resolution that is appealing for large print work. I really enjoy the work you've shared and it's such a huge confirmation to see you using this camera, so many people I've had conversations with, about this camera whine about it's size and the workflow, if they even know what it is. It really was such a great video, too see that you are now shooting this marvelous beast. I should have known your journey would bring you here. I actually found this video searching for best phone apps to supplement my in Camera meters (Still haven't acquired a good spot meter), it was such a fantastic surprise to find this video. Great work! This video made day!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very kind of you! Glad to hear you enjoyed it, and I appreciate you taking the time to leave this.

[@bigshooter461]

@@KyleMcDougall I can be wordy at times, it's a consequence of the overly analytical consideration my mind gives to things of interest, but I am most certain you'e invested much more time in what you share with the community. It is appreciated! Thank you!

[@georgesealy4706]

Wow, I could not imagine shooting with that beast or transporting it anywhere for that matter. I had not even heard about it until this video. It has to be a special camera for high-level film photographers. I can understand the features and technology attraction. But wow, what an effort it takes! Thanks for sharing and giving us mortals knowledge of what exists. I know my limitations.

[@geofff6671]

I appreciate your dedication to using such great equipment and keeping it alive.

[@paulhyde1834]

I remember seeing the GX680 at the back of AP in the 80's/90's and was always fascinated by it! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I love the project of recording all the WW2 stuff - we're in east Sussex, by the coast, so have a great supply of locations....

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! So many places to explore here in the UK. That's an area that isn't too far from me. Hoping to get over there soon.

[@fixedit8689]

I got one off eBay about four years ago in fantastic condition. I’ve used it on a road trip up the California coast all the way to Canada. In two weeks I’ve shot almost 100 rolls of film. I also carried the Pentax 67 and a Rolleiflex TLR. Oh and a Canon 5D mklll. The next year I went towards Yellowstone with the same setups. This coming year post pandemic I am preparing for a southwest Journey .

[@george_edward_]

I've always loved your color work - so it's cool to see some color work from you again

[@domlabr]

I rented one for an annual report portrait shoot a long time ago. Some of the sharpest film based results I’ve ever shot. I dreamed of owning one for years afterwards but already had an RB67 system that I stuck with.

[@stephenkarlisch2090]

ooooh, finally someone did a nice video on the 680! I've owned mine since 2005(gx680iii), and its my favorite. Lots of haters out there, glad to see you praise the pros of the system and what a joy it is to shoot with. It was the bomb back in the late 90's and early 00's for all the top photogs out there.

[@ulyssesnathanialowen3831]

Kyle now I'm in bed for a week . recovering after a near cripping experience carrying this about !! there is a go fund page set up to help replace ,several muscles and spine !!

[@jorgenudvang3507]

I love the GX680. I used to have both the III and the IIIs, the latter lacking movements but being slightly smaller, it became my travel camera. I even took it on a motorbike trip in Cambodia, carrying the camera and lenses in a large backpack. I used to own the 50mm lens, which I mostly used for industrial locations, with Ektar 100. The quality of those photos is unbelievable! Now I only have the "S" model left, and plan to use it for portrait work.

[@ctphotographx]

Fun review. Thanks for the memory lane. Used that exact setup for commercial and editorial fashion in the late 1990's. The model agencies went wild over the images and said all the ladies wanted to shoot with me because of the giant camera I used... hand held lol.

[@kojpetersson]

Its a lovely camera, I used it for several years back in the days and although it has some auto features and I did move over to the RZ in the end but have a look at the Linhof Technical 6x9 that has more movement and is considerably lighter and more flexible. by swapping backs you can use 6x4,5, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 and I also used the polaroid back where you could use the smaller film that was a lot cheaper then the 5x4 polaroid back then. Also there was accessories pack you could get for it with a enlarger stand and a cold light head that you replaced the film back with and mounted on the enlarger stand and you had a medium format enlarger when you reversed the lenses. It also came with a standard pack of lenses (tessar if I remember correctly) and the cold light head was fantastic although not very powerful so it was a bit dark but it still worked. It worked as my main enlarger for several years.

[@eltinjones4542]

I love the colour images that can be got from medium to large format film cameras and your's don't disappoint Good luck with the purchase 📷👍

[@BrianGeorgeGaming]

Love it. I've been wanting one of these for a while. I think I might have to make one my next camera purchase.

[@steveanderson506]

I had 3. Love this camera in and outdoors.

[@jr8440]

For me it is the peak of (Medium Format) analog Kameras. Glad to see a review here. I wish stuff like these was still made

[@bardofhighrenown]

Coming from someone who shoots digital it's funny to hear someone talking about the worry of quality loss over stepping down to medium format, the same way someone would talk about going from full frame to crop. It's a reminder that no matter how big your sensor is (or film) there is always something bigger and you should just shoot what you enjoy

[@llamacide73]

I full-time assisted a photog in the 90's that had a couple of the GX680s. Awesome camera. We shot architecture, portraits, tabletop product and lifestyle advertising on that thing. Loved that thing! We even adapted it early on for one of the Kodak DCS digital backs in the early 2000's.

[@obscurazone]

Never even heard of this camera before it looks fantastic with the shifting built in! Really wish they'd look at making a large format/field camera-esque version of their GFX with shifting like this built in. It would be so great for fine art/commercial architecture and landscape work. I'd snap one up! But I guess there just aren't enough of us "slow photographers" out there anymore sadly.

[@lukinoway]

As a long time RZ67 owner, i'm amazed about the visual similarities between both cameras. Although the Fuji has some neat extra features that do make it more versatile.

[@theonlinething1039]

It's been my main studio camera with a digital back for the past 10 years. I have the third version, and I absolutely love that camera.

[@orionhunter8558]

My favorite part was when he GX680’d all over the place. Haven’t seen any good content on this, very glad to see someone showing it some love.

[@AddFilmmedia]

Well, that took me back about 25 years... Those were the days... 🙂

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

nice! I assisted a photographer 20 years ago and his camera of choice was the RZ67, though we also shot on a Sinar 10x8. I loved them both and often handheld the RZ on my own fashion work. Never knew about his camera though. Really nice.

[@Emariess]

My mum used to shoot on this for studio work back in the day, she sold it as she doing more and more weddings and got a Bronica. It's great to have inherited the Bronica but I always wanted to get my hands on this one.

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

This camera is a beast, I purchased a 680 iii 10 years ago from another photographer with a set of 3-4 lenses and they are all amazing

[@AlexfromHollywood]

I remember working with these as a young assistant in the mid-late 90's. Thing was a tank. I liked it! The lens/accessories were quite impressive

[@skumcat]

I have used this one with Phase One p45+ digital back. They lenses was better than my new Hasselblad. Man I loved this camera!

[@RewDowns]

Hey I have that camera! Such a rare camera to see on youtube, it's cool to see somebody actually talking about it!

[@danienelphoto]

Big and chunky... just like I like it! Weirdly, it is what I love about the RB67 too!

[@davidselby8115]

What an amazing system. I would just say though that for a relatively small outlay you can get a GW690 with no frills but amazing images in 6x9 format

[@ddkeydd]

please make a video about the Fuji GX680 III

[@lqr824]

As an engineer I geeked out about this system in the mid-90s. I actually shot mostly Canon and Leica M, though before going Leica a Contax G was my walk-around outfit. I also tried the Rollei SE66 which was a tiny bit similar to this though smaller and steam-powered, not electronic. I really liked my Mamiya 7 with 43, 80 and 150mm lenses though and would recommend that for anyone who wants MF but also wants to work relatively fast.

[@kernzilla]

pleasure to watch this! shot this for a short amount of time back in the late 20th century lol. just something magical about loading a 220 roll and knowing you have 18 chances (17 if you didn't load it correcly!) to create something special, and with an incredible amount of detail. thanks for making this vid 👏👏

[@PaulSaxbyPhotography]

Awesome camera, I remember hiring one for a job about 20 years ago. The lenses are incredible. Given you have a Horseman 4x5 I was surprised you didn’t opt to try a Horseman roll film camera. Over the years they have produced some amazing cameras, yes, as standard they are 6x9 but 6x7 backs are available. They even have a 6x12 camera. I own a beautiful Horseman 970, with a 6x7 back. I really enjoy using it, and it packs down really small, making it easy to transport. Great video, I hope the project works out for you.

[@lonerangefinder3974]

I was going to say the same thing. I have a 4x5 and just picked up a 67 and 612 back. Added a ground glass with markings for both, plus 69. Seems like an easier way to go

[@Herkulez1981]

O wow , i tried one month ago a mamya medium format analog camera from 97 (last year of produktion ) and i fell in love with analog photography .will def buy one medium format to shoot portraits with NeXT to my old 5d3s

[@jimjimgl3]

Similar in many ways to the RZ67 bodies I primarily used (also Pentax 67 and Sinar P2 4X5). This was a fav for architectural guys. I did lots of lifestyle and portraits and food and the RZ67 just more maneuverable or really less parts that could cause a problem(tilt/shift)... Strangely, back during film days I think if you did work that required tilt/shift you just went with a 4x5. Towards the end of when I was shooting film I was lugging the P2 (4x5) camera with me on jobs overseas. I think I was addicted to the polaroids more than anything else but the film I shot back then still some of my favorites.

[@bbones3318]

Great video. Man. I shot with that camera for a decade (version II) and schlepped it all over the world on work. Probably my favourite camera of all time. I ended up going back to an RZ because I like hand holding more and my style shifted where being tripod bound was not doing it and I was liberated by the "smaller" size of the rz. but having tilt shift swing rise built into every lens is an absolute dream that I dearly miss. The 180 3.2 is one of my favourite ever lenses. Damn I miss this camera.

[@barryburns911]

It's great to get your take on the GX680. Have you looked into digital backs for it? There are a few KZbin videos that discuss the topic. Todd Eckelman hails the GX680iii as the "best medium format camera ever made." He adapts a phase one back to it. Cheers!

[@richardsmith2289]

The Pentax 6x7 was my main camera for about 20 years. It was very good in the field, handled well, and perfect for mobile use, but it was not a studio camera as most of the other 6x7s were. It was also pretty basic and all manual so you needed good skills and thorough technical knowledge to use it successfully. The Fuji 6x8 was developed near the end of the film era and was much more advanced. I always thought it would be a great camera to use but never got the chance.

[@Philg-z5r]

I always wanted one of these. Beautiful camera. Superb lenses too.

[@stevenpam]

I wanted one of these so badly back in the day (when they were still current). They were an oddball camera then and still are!

[@HirokawaBoys]

You're content is always very informative and entertaining at the same time. Arigato from Japan!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MacShrike]

Very beautiful camera!. Thanks for sharing the experience

[@colnagocowboy]

It's a real beautiful camera I first saw it while on vacation (1988) in a shop in Denver Colorado

[@pbasswil]

So extremely appealing - it seems to offer the ultimate of everything. But I know I personally wouldn't have the patience to invest all the time & $$ necessary to getting a good one plus accessories, learning to use its near-infinite features, and working out all the bugs inherent in a 3 or 4 decades old system. Every moment of fussing & fiddling & web-searching it took, I'd be thinking to myself, "I could be working on images and creativity, and here I am working as a mechanic and detective..." But not everyone is like me, and I'm glad you're into this awesome box, and are gradually figuring out its quirks.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Totally understand your point, and it is relatable.

[@wv_]

I have seen this guy for sale in FotoŠkoda in Prague and Kitamura in Tokyo and every time I pause, scoff at the ridiculousness of it but also feel the urge to buy it just to fool around with for a few weeks… I bought an RZ pro II and I’m not making that mistake again (shot three rolls and still haven’t sold it) 503CW is enough for me. Great to see a video on it to soothe that curiosity.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

I’m old enough to remember considering this as a new model. Wish I would’ve got one then.

[@drewcigna8197]

Kyle always gets me intrigued by cameras I've never heard of. Loved this one.

[@SergioMusel]

This is the MOST studio camera I've ver held in my hands, the Rolleiflex 6000 series are very similar cameras, just bare bone studio monsters

[@michaelappleyard6300]

For those who do not believe in compromise, there is 6 x 9! That led me to buying the Fujica GL690 rangefinder camera recently, together with the 65, 100 and 180mm lenses. It obviously does not have the versatility needed for the work shown in the video but, of the medium format film camera choices out there, it turns out one of the more manageable. The weight, at around 1.75 kg with the 100mm lens fitted, is similar to a Nikon D850 with a zoom lens and the rangefinder focussing is decently accurate. It even has IBIS (of sorts) - i.e. Inertia Based Image Stabilization. This is on account of the weight, the smoothness of the leaf shutter and the decent ergonomics - so shooting hand-held is usually an option. And the image quality is top-notch. Just saying.

[@philparker97]

I'm looking forward to future videos featuring this beast of a camera!

[@burneshollyman2621]

I justn got one based on your video and some subsequent research. I got the GX680 III and off to the races. How you carry it to airfields and further is beyond me :-) I do studio portraits. But thanks for the video because you got me started on this journey.

[@danieltaylor1494]

Having come from shooting large format for years, something it teaches you is to slow down and consider your shots vs going gung ho on them. Normally woukd take a small point and shoot digital w me and scout shot locations in advance w a small notebook. When got home would review shots and notes to determine if woukd take the 4x5 F1 I had out. Living in Washington state, there is no shortage of breathtaking shots to be had. After my divorce had to sell it. I wanted to get back into photography but wanted something a lil more affordable. So found the ver 1. Have the 6x8, 6x7 backs w a 100 and 150mm lens. Something I found useful was the trigger release. I was not aware of the loupe finder... very interesting! I do plan on getting a ver 3 in the future. However, my status is more hobby... not professional. So funds dictate my ability to spend what can afford/shoot when can. I currently live in Texas, and inspiration is harder here, but I am trying. Thank you for showing love for this camera... it's nice to see people using it. It is definitely a camera for everyone and takes some getting used to, even for me at times. But I love it! Love the idea of the masks and replacement view screen that can pick up on sizes. Very helpful!

[@jnrickards]

Thanks for the review. Before I bought my Bronica GS-1 in Feb 2021, I momentarily considered the GX680 until I read someone's comment that the RB67 and GS-1 were monsters, and the GX680 was a monster's monster. Yes, the SLR+movements was intriguing to me too, but not enough to overcome the weight, the GS-1 is at the limit of my backs strength. I learned a lot from this video, thanks.

[@MichaelGAubrey]

The image circle for most of these lenses is big enough that they can be used straight on for 4x5. But it takes work to transfer them from the automatic shutter to the specific type Seiko #1 shutter that they fit in. Still, there's really nothing like a modern 125mm f/3.2 and 180mm f/3.2 on 4x5.

[@MeAlexSenna]

The best Medium Format for the true professional, lens selection and features make it the King of the valley. If you can tame it. ❤

[@mdbdoc]

wow… what an incredible system. thanks for sharing.

[@mikaelackelman]

Good choice and nice vid. Best camera I’ve ever owned. Carried it even when hiking for a week. Better work muscles while carrying the gear you really like than work out the gym and choose gear only because of weight. Gx680 is pure joy to work with and lenses are simply superb!

[@cliveprothero-brooks6384]

I just bought one of these this summer love the camera I have the Mk. III mainly because of the the better battery situation they improved it, I had to solder in two batteries on the older mags but they only took 10 min. the new back is easier to instal the CR2`s which you can buy as rechargeable.

[@johnwesleybrewer]

Definitely one of my favorites I barely use it because film is so expensive, but it has produced my favorite pictures over the years

[@kataklasm5621]

I've got a Mk1 that I love to bits. It's absolutely the best full-size camera (as opposed to a small everyday carry camera) for me. I'm using it for landscape/nature and urban photography and it's fantastic for that! The only thing I miss is an easy way to use a digital back in an easy manner. You can adapt for example IQ backs but need to use a very annoying shutter box for it to make it work which means using it handheld doesnt work anymore.

[@pandjichristian7872]

Incredible system. Almost purchased it. But opted for a fully non electronic RB67ProSD. Still want it though. I can imagine beautiful environmental portraits that could be done with that tilt/shift system. Enjoy!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Can't go wrong with an RB.

[@luisv7117]

I love that camera when you did show the Pentax and them the Fuji wow, at one time I had a Mamiya Sekor 35mm, I had also Pentax K1000, Nikon D90, D5600, D700, D750 and finally Sony A6000 and recently I got again the Panasonic Lumix DMC 200 2.8 from the 28mm to 600mm fix lens.

[@mikehessphotography]

I have wanted one of these for probably 20 years. It started back in the film days, waned in the digital years, and has come back lately. My biggest fear with getting one is keeping it powered. I have heard that batteries are exceptionally rare.

[@janradtke8318]

Actually batteries are no problem. There is also an adapter for an external power source.

[@saullotzof]

I have a brilliant example for sale. It runs off of AAs. Been very reliable for me.

[@bobby350z]

One more thing, has someone done side by side with this camera and gfx100? Thanks.

[@zerlionngo395]

Love all your videos. Hope you can talk more about these camera movement and its application with examples

[@StrangelyIronic]

I used to use an RB67 Pro SD years ago, but I swapped over to a 645 Pro TL and haven't gone back for walk around use. I still use the RB67, but nowhere near as much after getting the more compact 645 Pro TL. I also have a Pentax 645Z that's big compared to the Fuji 50R I had prior, but I have a large collection of Pentax 645 lenses from all over the years of production, so it makes more sense. Even then, my kit I use for work, travelling around doing photojournalism and lifestyle portraiture, currently consists of two MFT bodies (E-M5.III/G9) that when combined with the MFT lenses I love (Olympus 45/75mm f1.8, Sigma 30/56mm f1.4, PanaLeica 42.5mm f1.2, Om-System 20mm f1.4, and Olympus 12-40mm/40-150mm f2.8 zooms). My travel/work partner uses a pair of Pentax KP bodies. I have a D750 that's a fun camera, but between the cost and weight of getting all the same focal lengths (for any full frame option, not so much DSLR with used pricing) I can carry with my MFT system, it's not really worth it for me personally. For the turnaround I need sometimes, film doesn't make sense for me (getting to and covering an event in the afternoon and images due by later that evening).

[@dps6198]

I have a GW690II that I use as a vacation camera. I always use a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release cable. The images are incredibly sharp and with 100 ISO film can be enlarged almost indefinitely. It is a heavy camera. It's not likely as heavy as yours. It does take time to get accustomed to the weight.

[@akaimagez]

I had the version 1 and I loved it. Deep down inside I am still a large format photographer. And yes, it is slow photography, but so rewarding.

[@andrewleslie6709]

Fantastic camera. I always get asked questions about it when I am out and about.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

Great for those fast moving club subjects

[@dfigphoto]

This is medium format’s best kept secret. Having used the gx680 III for long exposures at night in NYC, it’s one of the very few cameras I regret selling. Even more so than the rz67, p67, m6, and even mamiya 7. The gx680 felt mature. The only prob I had was sourcing out the dedicated shutter release cable. Aside from that, it’s a damn near perfect system.

[@manilamartin1001]

wow. you are incredibly dedicated. Congrats on the camera.

[@edwarddorsheimer2055]

An alternative to this camera is the Arca Swiss 6x9 model f series. Much lighter. A fantastic monorail view cameras

[@jakewestbrook3214]

OK, I want one of these now- I'm willing to bet this is about the same aspect ratio as Imax 70mm as well.

[@andreas_resch]

Love the GX680. Such a beast. But I will have to sell it, because I just don't use it any more. For my hiking trips it's too heavy and I don't do local shootings these days.

[@icantcnobodycam]

About time we get a up to date review on this beast ! Thank you Kyle 🔥🙏🏾

[@VincentCascio]

I shot with the RZ 6x7 for a lot of years. I did weddings and landscape as well as street photography. It was heavy and the equipment was very pricy at the time. I miss it and would love to go back to film. 6x7 film was great, the images were amazing, and making large images was very satisfying. I just may go back to film (6x7).