FUJI GL690 - The Texas Leica

[@ethanmathison9957]

Earlier on ( I'm an OLD Guy ) , I had a FULL G-690 System with two bodies AND all four lenses, finders etc. It was SUPERB. I got poor for a while, and I sold it, but I Never forgot those spectacular 6X9 Negatives. The optics were SUPERB and the film flatness was perfect. Thanks for bringing it back for people to become aware of. It is a True CLASSIC!!!. ... If You like, I will send You an Image of the system. ... It took Me four Years on Ebay to complete the kit, to get it serviced and fully operational

[@alexbemanian]

Hi Ethan , really glad you enjoyed the video. Sounds like you had an epic setup, yes you’re totally right the 6x9 negatives are amazing. I wish I had a full setup with all the lenses, finders, etc. it’s been hard to find a lot of those items. Please do send me an image of your kit [e-mail] thank you for watching, cheers

[@MrPhotodoc]

The late Vivian Maier was French and loved the Rolleiflex camera but would have used this thing if it was available I'm sure. What a piece of work.

[@alexbemanian]

Yes indeed, The rolleiflex cameras are classic. Thanks for watching

[@michaelappleyard6300]

I bought one of these GL690 bodies in near mint condition two months ago and then the 100mm, 65mm and 180mm lenses, also near mint. In a word, the image quality from this outfit so far, using Kodak Gold 200 (metered at 100 ISO) is NUTS! The IQ is comparable to my Nikon D810 DSLR since the film grain is virtually invisible at A2-plus print size and the lenses are really sharp from edge to edge. You have to search hard to find the nice examples of this kit but the prices are still very reasonable on eBay. The weight, with the 100mm on, is almost exactly the same as a D810 with a 24-1200mm zoom at 1.75 kg ; so not too bad and certainly lighter than the equivalent 6 x 7 SLR cameras. The very smooth shutter operation really helps to avoid camera shake so it is actually a convenient walk-about camera which can be used without a tripod. Of course, you don't have to mind getting the odd curious look from a few folks on account of its comical size, which is why it is nick-named the "Texas Leica". Ironically, though, a 35mm Leica camera cannot match the IQ of the 690, simply because its negative is nearly six times bigger than with 35mm. Finally, the fact that it only shoots eight pictures per roll of film is actually quite liberating in a way because it makes one pick and choose the shots more carefully and one does not end up taking loads of extra ones just to finish off the roll.

[@alexbemanian]

Wow, you nailed it and I completely agree with those points you made. I felt the same way when I started shooting with the 690 and the 100mm lens, couldn’t believe how sharp that lens was from edge to edge. It’s hard to beat those beautiful 6x9 negatives. Sounds like you scored a really nice setup, especially with the three lenses. And yes the camera is large but no bigger than the dslr cameras we used, I love the rangefinder style, when the lens is off it packs away nicely. Would love to see some sample photos with all three of those lenses, if the 65 and 180 are as good as the 100 that would be epic. Thanks for watching , enjoy the new camera

[@vangstr]

killer photo @3:51. the colors look amazing and the sharpness is insane!

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you ! The 100mm Fujinon lens is so good

[@chrishb7074]

Nice to have a Nikonos V in the beach kit too !

[@alexbemanian]

definitely

[@farcushenderson]

3:17 god daaaaang my dude got the sparkly perfect water shot on deck whooooo woweee

[@alexbemanian]

@@farcushenderson thanks man I’m all about those water shots 🤙🏼

[@farcushenderson]

@@alexbemanian and we thank you for it

[@MikeC2K10]

Thanks for the review. I'm interested in one of these or a GW model. Maybe you know the answer: what is the purpose of the translucent white window next to the finder on the front of the camera?

[@alexbemanian]

Hey that’s a great question but I don’t know what the purpose of it is. GL GM or GW are all great cameras, I went for the GL so I can use different lenses, and I still only have one lol.

[@ChipSuey207]

That's the second part of the rangefinder system. That white box is the rangefinder patch portion.

[@fp.3710]

I love my GL690! I recently found the super rare close up lens attachment that allows you to do portraits with this camera. It's so rare that in six years of searching I've only seen two, and i bought one of them!

[@alexbemanian]

wow, thats really cool. I didn't realize there was a close up attachment. That is probably the biggest downside of the rangefinder cameras, they cant focus as close as others. I love the GL too, its amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@fp.3710]

@@alexbemanian kzbin.info/www/bejne/p56kiopreMuSfNk

[@johnpeterson7264]

I’m very interested in this system and much appreciate your posting on it. Thank you !

[@alexbemanian]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching. It’s an excellent camera system.

[@chris_jorge]

Another fire vid. Panoramas are so underrated!! Probably because they don’t play nice with IG

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks Chris! I would shoot all panos if it was a little easier to do on this camera, nothing beats it in 35mm! Yeah IG needs some better features for photographers, thanks for watching man!

[@AndrewJacksonSE]

I love my 670 and 690 and have the 50, 65, 100 and 150 mm lenses - all super nice glass.

[@alexbemanian]

Sounds like a great setup! I would really love to try some of those lenses someday, especially the 50mm. I haven’t come across many of those 50mm’s

[@guccimain89]

Your content is great. Keep up the good work!

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for watching William, I appreciate that!

[@jkchekpo]

Thanks for the quick review!!

[@alexbemanian]

no problem thanks for watching!

[@daniellefernandes8423]

Beautiful images

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you !

[@borasao3329]

Nice review, I've got Fujica GM670, with 65mm f5.6. its great

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you ! I’ve always been interested in the 65mm lens, did yours come with an external viewfinder?

[@borasao3329]

@@alexbemanian Yes, comes with an external 65mm viewfinder

[@TheFilmFellow]

Hi Alex, I’ve been interested in this camera for quite some time now. There are a few different medium formats to choose from coming from 35mm but in my humble opinion this one makes the most sense considering the aspect ratio doesn’t chance. I went from 35mm to 645 and although I really love my Mamiya 645 Pro TL in some ways I feel I’m always having to “adapt” when I shoot 645. Enjoyed this video.

[@alexbemanian]

Hey thanks for the feedback, I originally went from 35mm to 645 too (i have the mamiya 645 1000s). Once i went to 6x9 it was really hard to pick up the smaller formats because the image quality is so beautiful. You brought up a good point about the aspect ratio from 35mm to 6x9 being the same, its really nice having all your images in the same ratio especially when your shooting different formats. If you have the chance, go for the 6x9 sometime, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[@dlyon9673]

Nice video. Your photos look great!

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

Camera is interesting; but your shots are superb... really great.

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you , I really appreciate that.

[@aaronthecameraguy]

Great shots man! Really loved the video.

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you Aaron! Really appreciate that

[@Linked02]

Such a great series and aesthetic. What camera are you using to film your videos though?

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you! I'm using the canon r5 for all the video footage.

[@joeb3619]

Really cool video! You mentioned a video with a 35mm conversion to shoot panos but I couldn't find it in your channel. I'm shooting a GW690 and would be very interested in how you do your conversion!

[@alexbemanian]

thank you Joe! yes, i took the video down because i was going to make a better video explaining how to do it. But i just made it public again on my channel if you want to check it out. "35mm panoramic" theres a few other videos on youtube on how to do it as well, hopefully this helps. good luck!

[@instography]

Did you take it down again. I can't see it. @@alexbemanian

[@alexbemanian]

@@instography yes I did , what are you having trouble with? You can email me at [e-mail] maybe I can help

[@instography]

No trouble. It looks like a cool effect and makes me regret selling my x-pan. I was in the middle of printing some parts to hold the film so it would just have been interesting to watch. But no worries. Thanks for the offer. @@alexbemanian

[@gusspanos630]

Hi Alex, I like your video and the the images that the GL690 produced. I'm just getting into the medium format game and trying to figure out which way to go; 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9. There's a lot of food for thought. One question though. I tried to open the video on how to adapt 35mm film into these cameras for panoramic photos. I clicked on the link, but I got a screen that said the video is not available; same as the person below. I will email you to see if you can shed some light on the subject. Thanks again!

[@CaTa_VT]

Nice video. This is one of my most used cameras in my collection. I have the 100mm f3.5 auto electro lens (uses aperture priority AE) and the later version of the 65mm F5.6 with the round viewfinder. It's a nice slow paced camera for street and landscapes.

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you, I have been really curious how that 100mm auto electro lens performs, it looks cool. And I am hoping to pick up the 65mm at some point. I agree, it's a nice slow pace, I use it for landscapes a lot.

[@CaTa_VT]

@@alexbemanian My copy has been pretty great and you can still use it manually. It was also the only lens in the lineup that had an EBC coating which cuts down on some glare and ghosting. With the 65mm you have to slow down even more if you want to have the aperture wide open since you need to focus with the rangefinder and then set the range on eyepiece to get the framelines dialed in. Sometimes you can find a good deal by finding it attached to used 690 bodies. There is also a pretty rare 50mm that I haven't seen go for less than $1000 but the few pictures people have uploaded using it are really great.

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for the tips, having the coating on the lens is probably nice, definitely a benefit of the newer GW’s too. Those 65’s seem to be few and far between. A few people have mentioned that rare 50mm, didn’t even know there was one available until recently. i would love to see the results it produces, nice and wide.

[@CaTa_VT]

@@alexbemanian There are a few photos on flickr taken with the 50mm including some 35mm film panoramic shots. For a good deal on a 65mm I'd recommend using a service like Buyee and checking yahoo japan auctions. I got my 65mm with the viewfinder on a G690 BLP under $400 (ebay prices are so bad on some things I get a lot of stuff from japan now)

[@mmatiasautio]

Nice video and images! I have the even older Fujica BLP G960. The rangefinder patch is a bit dim, but the pictures come out excellent. It’s definitely one I take with me when travelling.

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks Matias! I love the looks of the older bodies like yours and the GL690. And yeah I agree , the results are excellent and it’s perfect for traveling. love the compact rangefinder cameras.

[@northof-62]

I chose the GM670 in the 70s . Still use it. There are two 65mm lenses for these. I have the old one with max f/8 aperture. The 1974 65mm goes to f5.6. All in the wiki of course.

[@alexbemanian]

I do prefer the 6x7 format overall. That’s awesome your still using your GM670, i would love to try either of those 65mm lenses sometime. Thanks for watching

[@federicogg318]

Hello, excuse my question, I am looking to buy a FUJICA GM670, the price is 800 dollars, do you think it is a fair price or is it too expensive? The camera is in very good condition with a 100mm f3.5.

[@northof-62]

@@federicogg318 It looks to be the price level at the moment. Be sure to ask: 1. Do the shutter setting ring and the focusing ring on the lens move freely (not stiff)? 2. Have the shutter speeds been tested? 3. Is the shutter curtain working? Inspect the camera & lens images closely for wear, haze and fungus as best you aer able to. Good luck.

[@northwestdepressed]

I love my G690, but it doesn't have the shutter curtain. It's really cool seeing yours with one and I bet that makes it a lot easier when shooting and you want to change lenses. Also, I agree with you that it's not ideal to only get 8 shots per roll, but sometimes I have so much fun shooting mine that I'm more annoyed having to stop and load the next roll.

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for watching, yeah the shutter curtain is a nice feature, now I just need that 65mm lens! I’m with you on these cameras, so fun to shoot with. Also I really enjoyed your g690 video, great photos man!

[@northwestdepressed]

​@@alexbemanian Thank you! Yours was really great too, complete opposite landscapes though, hahaha. Also, I've read about, but never seen a Fujinon SWS 50mm f5.6 for these cameras and I'm kinda on a hunt.

[@alexbemanian]

haha yes completely different landscapes , I would love to head up to the Pacific Northwest again sometime though, it's beautiful. Wow, didn't know there was a 50mm, man if you get a hold of one I would love to see how that goes, super wide!

[@sophietucker1255]

I have a GW690 which is the fixed lens 90mm f3.5. I like it but is not my favorite of my medium format cameras. 8 exposures is a rather limited number of shots. There is another version of the camera called the GSW690 which has a fixed 65mm lens. It would be nice to have an interchangeable lens but when I was looking for one I was never able to find a good GL690 body. They will shoot 220 film but right now there is only one choice out there and that is the Shanghai Seagull 100 ISO in black and white.

[@alexbemanian]

I agree the 8 shots is rather limiting and costly. But if you nail the shot the results are usually worth it. The GL690s are a little harder to come by, I would really love to try that GSW or just the 65mm lens on my camera. Thank you for watching Sophie!

[@albertcapizzo1332]

Thanks for the informative video! Unless I missed it though I would have like a word about why it was a "Texas" Leica.

[@alexbemanian]

Glad you enjoyed it. People have nicknamed it as the Texas leica for one, it’s a massive camera, and two it’s a rangefinder design. It looks a lot like some of the leica M cameras.

[@Bonsees]

Great shots! I haven’t used my GW690 II for a while now, I should 😆

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you ! Get out there and shoot 🤙🏼

[@eggs-benny]

great video! thanks for sharing

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for watching!

[@1550592535]

hey! how do you think the 100mm lens compares to the fixed lens from the gw690iii?

[@alexbemanian]

Hey, that’s a good question, I’ve never actually used the newer gw cameras so I can’t say. But considering how sharp the old 100mm is, I’m sure the 90mm on the newer gw is even better, I think it has some coatings that improved it. I mainly went for the older body so I could use different focal lengths. Thanks for watching

[@35mm21]

I had one of these for a while. It was a real pleasure to shoot but I was never super happy with my images -- I had problems with the rangefinder calibration which my repair shop was able to fix but even then I didn't think the lenses really did the large image format justice. They were fine, but my RB67 pictures were way sharper. Maybe that's because I shot the RB on a tripod. But its also possible I had a bad copy of the 100mm. Hard to say with gear that old.

[@alexbemanian]

Ah thats a bummer, I've heard some of these have problems and need the rangefinder to be re-calibrated. I can understand what you mean, I'm an RB shooter too and I feel way more confident using a waist level view finder VS a rangefinder patch for focusing, I missed focus on close up subjects a lot more with the GL690. I'm sure the tripod helped with the sharpness on your RB shots, I haven't used a tripod with the GL its been all hand held so far. And thats a good point, hard to tell with all these cameras being so old now, so when you get a good one, hold on to it. I'm always amazed by the RB's results. Thanks for the feedback

[@35mm21]

@@alexbemanian I had a GW690 which I was very happy with but I sold it to get a GM670 because I wanted interchangeable lenses. It was fun to use at least!

[@alexbemanian]

I’ve been looking to get a gm670 too, 6x7 is my favorite format

[@ParanoiaWire]

Nice video, mate. To me 8 shots per roll just means quicker turnaround. While when I chose a rangefinder, the min focus length is ready to give up. Meter? There is plenty of ways to get around, including guestimation😂 However I do feel pain that fuji gave up the interchangeable lens design when moving on to gw690😢

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks man, appreciate it ! I’ve learned to love the 8 shots especially because of the 6x9 ratio. Yeah I wish Fuji kept the interchangeable lens design, it makes it so much more of a complete system. That’s the main reason I went for the GL, besides the price. Thanks for watching, cheers

[@p.9608]

2:40 omg... why is no one talking about how bis your hands are? The RB-Tank looks so tiny in your hands...😲

[@alexbemanian]

haha the RB is definitely a tank! It's so much easier holding the fuji

[@briglnai]

I have a GSW690 with the longer lens... How do you stop the camera from exposing (no locking mechanism) when you transport it in a backpack? I also used it as a Texpan-Mod with 35mm panoramas... I paid like 450 directly from Japan.

[@alexbemanian]

I'm not exactly sure since the GL690 is slightly different than your edition but on my camera if I want to lock the shutter I can do it by closing the light shield (shutter curtain). On the GL690 the shutter wont fire unless the light shield is released, it's a nice function the camera wont allow you to shoot a blank. I love shooting the 35mm panoramas too, great cameras!

[@briglnai]

@@alexbemanian yea, makes sense, my doesn't have the curtain, so I cannot lock the shutter release... but yea, for me it's "only" a camera for special occasions 😁 it's fine...

[@alexbemanian]

Ah that’s a bummer, it definitely hurts when you waste a shot with only 8 on a roll!

[@marvinmyshorkie]

Cool vid!

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for being my number 1 fan Hanako

[@camerafusion]

I love mine!

[@alexbemanian]

Your video on the g690 inspired me to pick one of these up in the first place, so thanks man !

[@Myscopia1]

great video!

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it

[@lucianocontenta640]

what do you think about lmamiya 7 lens and fujigl690 lens,'ì?tkhs for answer

[@alexbemanian]

I don't have a Mamiya 7 but I did own a Mamiya 6 and the lenses were amazing. The 100mm on the Fuji GL690 is extremely sharp though and I love the photos it takes. The mamiya glass might be slightly better but i don't think you would ever notice a difference unless you print really large. Thanks for watching.

[@eddyjcreative100]

Great Video...follower. thanks

[@alexbemanian]

Thank you , I appreciate it 🤙🏼

[@jimpix8019]

Nice video Alex🌀 Made me a bit nostalgic. I grew up with film cameras in the 70’s. I had an RB67… nice. I also had a Rolleiflex f2.8 TLR. Beautiful camera. I still have a rollfilm back for my 5x4 camera. Very useful. Although I have some Nikon DSLR’s now, I still have a Nikon FM2 & F90 35mm… I’ve had several Nikons over the years. F3 was so versatile. I still get to use my old lenses on My new DSLR’s too. Good old F-Mount. (That’s why I’m in no rush to get a mirror less camera). Good luck with your channel. May the Force be with you.🌀 Jim🌀 (-: :-)

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for the feedback Jim! Yes, i do love those cameras from the 70's, especially the RB67. I have been looking into large format cameras, it would be great to shoot 4x5 and have a rollfilm back as well so I could shoot both, hopefully soon. Those Nikons you mentioned are legendary and I would definitely hold onto them, and I don't blame you for not rushing into mirrorless, sounds like you have a good setup. Thanks for watching , glad you enjoyed

[@jimpix8019]

@@alexbemanian (-: :-)

[@randallstewart1224]

To expand a bit on the video, this model of Fujica was preceded by two earlier model in the late 1960s, and it was follow by the much better known GW and GSW fixed lens versions. there were a total of seven difference lenses made to fit these earlier versions. The pre-GW/GSW models like this one, and the lenses to fit them, were not widely marketed in the US, if at all. As a result, it is hard to find a body and 100mm lens, and nearly impossible to find the other lenses. They also have a reputation for breakage, and with no parts at all, anywhere, to make a repair, buying one as a primary user could get iffy fast. From the original in 1969 through the end of the run sometime in the 2000s, most model differences were to update styling and for some minor internal improvements. One thing: That internal shutter on the film gate is to block light for a lens change. It is not designed to be operated every time you change a roll of film, just to keep dust out of the camera. If you use it like shown here, I can tell you which part of your camera will need repair first. Folks who own the Mamiya 6/7 models have the same shutter, and they get the same warning.

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for all the feedback Randall. I didn’t know there were so many lenses originally made for this older system. I know the light shield can be really fragile on these cameras, I was lucky to find one that worked. Since i only have the one lens right now I try not to open and close it much, but thanks for the tip. I also had the Mamiya 6 and loved that camera, but eventually my film advance lever jammed and broke.

[@AndrewJacksonSE]

I have to admit to using the lens change shutter quite a lot as it is the only way to lock the shutter release if I wind on a frame and don’t shoot it. Had to make repairs on the “perfect working order” 690 I got from eBay to fix the wind on and shutter cocking mechanism, but these are fairly simple mechanical cameras so it wasn’t too bad.

[@Foxglove963]

In addition, the camera has got nothing to do with Texas.

[@quite1enough]

I;m trying to locate 6x8 versions (6x9 is a bit too much for me), and seems like all this medium format fuji camera has risen in price in last years quite painfully ;( Also I look for GS645 with collapsible 75mm f/3.4 lens, it's really compact but there's a sticky shutter issue when shooting in colder environment, and I'd like to take some winter shots as well... there's also really interesting macro adapter for GS645, and I really wanna try macro medium format

[@alexbemanian]

The 6x8 version would be really cool, I think I’ve only come across one of those on eBay before so I’m assuming there’s not many out there. I want the 6x7 version but it was a little too pricey. I’ve had my eyes on that gs645 as well, would love to try it out, especially shooting macro stuff. Thanks for watching John!

[@35mm21]

The GM670 is a 6x7 version of this camera. I don't think they made a 6x8 version of this camera, but they made a 6x8 of the later version GW/GSW fixed lens cameras.

[@alexbemanian]

I would love to get the GM670, 6x7 is my preferred format. Fuji did a great job with all those medium format cameras.

[@ListenandLearnEnglish]

I have the gs645 but didn't know about the macro. Cheers

[@alexbemanian]

I’m thinking about picking up a gs645, looks like a great compact camera

[@haimtoeg]

There's also a 50mm lens which is amazingly sharp.

[@alexbemanian]

@@haimtoeg I would love to try that 50mm

[@haimtoeg]

@@alexbemanian you should - it is fabulous, not always available and not cheap when it is, and also requires an external viewfinder. Allegedly it is the same optics used for the GX680 system. I was lucky to find mine at a good price.

[@KingGameReview]

I shoot a GFX 50R with a Summicron 50, so I guess that's like a modern Texas Leica 😆

[@alexbemanian]

That’s a killer setup! I tried the 50r for a few months and it was epic, love the modern rangefinder design.

[@bbreeg26]

*add to cart*

[@tunasunga5089]

Pete Sampras?

[@alexbemanian]

lol

[@ethanmathison9957]

I TRIED TO SEND YOU AN INTERESTING EMAIL ALEX, BUT IT BOUNCED, AS ADRESS UNKNOWN

[@alexbemanian]

That’s weird [e-mail] should be fine, maybe the File was too large ?

[@GizmoMaxx]

THE TOKYO LEICA 100% 🩷🇯🇵

[@theonlinething1039]

No idea who came up with that stupid texas leica name, but it's misleading cause it's such a wonky plastic brick, but I still absolutely love this camera

[@alexbemanian]

This version is all metal, no plastic.

[@theonlinething1039]

Yeah there is an older one which is all metal, but it still doesn't remind me of leica quality wise. I think it's just the rangefinder@@alexbemanian

[@alexbemanian]

@@theonlinething1039 the GL690 is all metal and the GW’s have a plastic outer shell. I agree the nickname is cringy, but yeah I can see why people label it Texas Leica, it’s a massive rangefinder camera. Definitely not Leica build quality, but makes up for it in the image quality.

[@theonlinething1039]

Ah lol I mistook one camera for the other, I just didn't read that this is about the GL, I'm sorry, that was clearly my mistake. When I hear Texas Leica I always think about the GW690@@alexbemanian

[@alexbemanian]

@@theonlinething1039 lol no worries, yeah the GW’s are way more common and a lot of people shoot ‘em.

[@rotfai45mm]

There ia also a 180mm telephotolens with 180mm finder for this Fuji GL690 ......

[@alexbemanian]

Thanks for the heads up, would love to try out a 180 on this camera