Fuji GW690iii | The "portable" camera that makes the biggest film negatives | Film Camera Review

[@kevin-taber]

The manual on these cameras says it’s best to change the shutter speed back to 1 from T to close the shutter. I’ve heard that using the film advance lever can harm the shutter. Just sharing so yours won’t get damaged over time.

[@CrunchyFingers]

That’s right! I actually use the ring but for some reason I forgot about it during making the video. I’ll pin this comment to spread the advice! Thank you 😊

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Hey, we're both record and camera collectors! I bought a GW690ii from a local FBM seller last year for just $120. I took the top cover off and cleaned the windows and mirrors, and it now looks and works great. It's a ton of fun and printing those 6x9 negatives is a thrill. I own a record store, Oil Capital Vinyl, here in Tulsa, which also features a darkroom in the back.

[@7evive]

Wow that's sounds like my dream place. I've been collecting vinyls since 7 years at least and got into film 4 years ago.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@7evive Ha, yes, it would be, were it not for the store being excruciatingly slow the past few weeks. I guess everybody is broke.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Oh that’s a great deal on the Fuji! If I’m ever in Tulsa I’ll make sure to drop by and say hi 😉

[@brianorakpohit]

I use this camera and Pentax 6x7. They're so different from each other but I think that's why I don't need anything else. I love both but value wise, the GW690 series has to be the best value for money camera in the world.

[@simonmountford5215]

Just found a GSW690 when rooting through my Dads stuff, never seen it before and he has alzhiemers so doesn't remember anything about it. I've bought 2 films for it and just watched your utube film. So I'm ready to shoot. Many thanks. My Dad is excited to see the results, so great all round.

[@CrunchyFingers]

I’m sorry to hear about your dads Alzheimer’s. I hope you both enjoy your time with this new old camera and make many cool pictures together 😊 if you have any questions in the future leave a new comment or just dm me on Instagram I’ll be happy to help if I can! If everything is working, here’s a fun idea! try to shoot some color positive film like “ektachrome”. You’ll get some big enough slides to be displayed in small light box or something like that.

[@simonmountford5215]

Thanks for you reply. Much appreciated

[@Narsuitus]

I use a 6x7cm Fuji GW670 III rangefinder with fixed 90mm f/3.5 normal lens and a 6x9cm Fuji GSW690 III rangefinder with fixed 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens. Love them both.

[@Dariochiaramarco]

Very pleasent, relaxed and clear video. Love it.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thank you ❤️

[@michaelvincent121]

One of the better camera reviews, would liked a few more samples but good job.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thank you and I definitely agree more samples would’ve been better for sure but I wanted to show the ability of the camera not my inability to take photos haha. If you’re interested we have done a couple more videos on location where we show all the photos. And again thanks for watching an commenting 👍🏼

[@michaelvincent121]

@Cain Ahmed wow what a winner you are

[@russellrabanal]

I've been using it for a year and man the photos you can create with it are just amazing. Great review. 👌

[@CrunchyFingers]

Absolutely amazing lens and a solid machine for sure! Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏼

[@comedwn]

just bought this camera cant wait to try some long exposures with the t mode wish me luck

[@CrunchyFingers]

Awesome! this is one of our favourites, we did another video on it where we shot some long exposures if you wanna check it out. and of course good luck with your new camera 😊

[@baileaf2783]

Involuntarily went "OOOO" out loud when the shot at 13:23 came up. This single image may have just convinced me to look into buying one of these cameras

[@robertyoung932]

Just bought the Fuji and found this very useful. Having used Pentax 67 (and still do) , I'm looking forward to even bigger negatives which will have less cropping to A4 or A3 proportions

[@CrunchyFingers]

Glad you found this useful ☺️

[@Senpatientulo]

Great video. I love my 1st gen. GW690. Along with my Bronica SQ-Ai these are my favourite workhorses.

[@ryanzidarich8555]

I have two of these big GW690 bad boys now, and a GSW690 coming in the mail soon. enjoyed your video. xoxox

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! These cameras came in so many different versions, I feel like a learn about a new one every week haha! I’m happy to know that you’ll be giving them all the love they deserve ✌🏼😊

[@etienneportail5122]

Thanks for the review. It is a beautiful camera, easy to use and - besides the great picture quality- I love the simplicity of it. But, the best camera is the one that you have with you - and since it is pretty big, I do not use it much. For me it is the medium format pendant to the Leica M2.

[@timothyhyde4565]

I like my GW690II very much--also it's wider brother the GSW690iii--but I still find myself wanting 6x7. I think I'll spend the extra dough to get the GW670ii, about 3 times as pricey. Thanks for the terrific video.

[@ZeptonicScientist]

Dude, this was such a great video, super relaxing and your photos are just stunning! I'm really thinking about getting one of these and this video just made me want one even more!

[@CrunchyFingers]

thank you so much for the very kind comment! so glad you found the video useful, we have one coming up on how to shoot panoramas with this camera! looking forward to see the photos you take with the fuji gw690, feel free to tag us on instagram ☺️

[@sandnd7266]

great video about a great camera, keep it up and waiting for more !!!!

[@GirdHerd]

I agree....keep film alive. Great review. I have two Pentax 6x7s and am considering buying a Fuji GW690iii.

[@IainMorrison]

I've just bought one of these and this video was VERY useful! I can't wait to get out there and do my own shots.

[@mattdavis9986]

Waiting impatiently for my Bronica ETRS to sell on ebay so I can buy one of these. Thanks for the great video

[@Caballeroshot]

There's something about that lens that is just unique to this camera, wish I hadn't sold mine.

[@ThePhotofit]

That’s a very helpful review mate. And great to watch a video where the background music doesn’t overpower the dialogue. Terrific pictures too! Thanks.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thanks for the kind words I do admit the music was a bit too loud, it was my first video, too bad I can’t edit it after it’s been uploaded

[@SantiagoChamo]

I use one of those as a cheap hasselblad xpan alternative using 35mm film

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

Hmm, how many pictures do you get on a 36 roll? And how does the counter behave to more pictures?

[@SantiagoChamo]

@@tekoppentekoppen761 around 12 or 13. It depends on how you manage to put the roll into the camera, you don't have to worry about the counter because you have to set the camera like you are feeding it with a 220 film roll.

[@hajmanek]

On my shopping list for next year, thanks for introduction

[@tobywoolgar9517]

I have just bought this lovely fella 😀 great information thanks alot

[@WOSHIYEBO]

Thank you for sharing

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thank you for watching and commenting 😊

[@keepondoubletruckin8466]

Thank You

[@paulpiasecki]

Hello, is there a link for the 3D printed 35mm gate? Nice video!

[@leonbogman5074]

Great quality videos! Thanks!:)

[@thethirdman225]

Anybody got a link to the plans for the 3D printed adapter for 35mm?

[@Matiyanezc]

It was hard to concentrate having probably my most fav album ever by nick drake fives leaves left 😍😍😍

[@carlitodcreative]

I am very tempted to get one but I like the look of the mark 2 better what are your thoughts?

[@alanshortis958]

Just a small note: if this is anything like my GW670II, you can also end a time exposure by moving the exposure dial. Less prone to camera shake than using the winder, but still probably worth covering the lens.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Yes I did miss that or accidentally edited it out but you’re correct and it’s apparently better for the camera mechanism to do it as you suggest. Thanks for the comment 😊👍🏼

[@diegopendinorodriguez4829]

CAN YOU SHOW ME THE REAR OPTIC OF THAT GIANT LENS EBC 90mm F/ 3.5 ?

[@ShahzadBPhotography]

Hey I'm considering getting my first MF film camera and came across your video on this one! Absolutely love it! I do a lot of studio based portrait work and was wondering how well this camera scales for such work! Thank you!

[@CrunchyFingers]

Hey! As much as I love this camera I can’t recommend it for studio work. For that I would recommend my other favorite MF camera the Mamiya RZ67. The fact that the fuji has a fixed lens & 1 meter minimum focus distance makes it more suitable for travel IMO. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do amazing things with it in the studio I’m just pointing out some potentially frustrating limitations. The RZ is much heavier but way more modular & capable, making it the perfect camera to leave in the studio. Oh and if you want even more features check out the fuji gx680 that one is similar to the RZ and is probably heavier but has tilt/shift which makes it by default even more capable than the RZ when it comes to things like product photography. I’m sorry if this was long and confusing but I hope it helps 😊

[@davidselby8115]

Hi I just acquired one of these and I’m really impressed. The T mode is a bit odd for long exposures and in the case of mine the tripod socket being fixed into the plastic casing is a little unsteady which can introduce movement. Is this a feature that is common or did I just get a dud?

[@juanhein8]

Great video!!! Thanks for it!! I’ve just got one and started with the first roll. Any advices with the focus system? I am finding it a bit tricky. I also use reading glasses and I am afraid I am not getting it right. Thanks in advance, J.

[@CrunchyFingers]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! and yes I know what you mean, sometimes the focusing patch on this one seem completely invisible! It’s certainly small but when i do see it, I find it to be quite clear. Well a couple of things could help. Firstly, what I do with any camera basically, is approximate distance with the zones on the focus ring that way when I do look I have a smaller range to work with. secondly, and I'm not exactly sure about this one, the glasses situation, since I'm short sighted i don't have a problem seeing close objects so I cant speak from personal experience, If you usually use diopter adjustment on other cameras, check what strength suits your eyes the best, and then you can find diopter rings that can go on the view finder, and if the fuji ones are hard to find, the Nikon FM system diopters should fit apparently. I hope this helps! and thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@fabster3333]

Great detailed cool vid. Cheers !

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@nickharp7726]

In regards to shooting 35mm with adapters, what exactly happens with the finished roll? There’s no reverse option like on a point & shoot for example so is the exposed 35mm film wound up in a 120 spool? Thank you.

[@CrunchyFingers]

You need to use a dark bag or do it in a dark room. There’s another video on the channel showing how to do it.

[@elstcman5]

Just bought the GSW690III this week. YOU SIR, get a SUBSCRIPTION. This was the best video I've seen on this camera on the internet.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thank you for the very kind comment! I hope you enjoy this camera as much as I do and more! If you use Instagram tag CrunchyFingers in those 6x9 photos! And as always thanks for watching 😊

[@GaIvatr0n]

Really dope! Loved the vibe, subbed! Would you recommend this over a Mamiya 645? The application would be street/fashion and portraits. I can't decide but want something lighter than the RZ.

[@CrunchyFingers]

I believe the 645 is more suitable for those purposes, also you get more shots per roll which is more suitable if you’re working with models and so on.. We have a faulty mamiya 645pro, and I love that one for street! Thanks for watching And commenting

[@GaIvatr0n]

@@CrunchyFingers Really appreciate the feedback, thanks alot for that! Will go for the 645 for sure!

[@johnnyace6169]

Tripod in Tmode You can release it with shutter cable

[@MyPartytime69]

Great video, I’ve been curious about the Texas Leica. I shoot mostly on GX680 and large format with Fujinon lenses. But I really like rangefinder cameras. do the frame lines move when you focus to correct parallax like it does on a Leica m6?

[@CrunchyFingers]

Yes, I can confirm that they move by shrinking the frame lines towards the bottom right corner as you get closer, however i don't own a Leica m6 so I'm not sure how that one behaves. Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@patrick_vande_ven]

Yeah man awesome camera!

[@jonjon1217]

Thank you. Do you know how much difference there is between the various models of the Fujica 5x9 series of cameras. There are videos of other models but I haven't found any comparisons. I love the images these cameras get but I'm not sure if the differences between each model makes enough of a difference for me to buy one over another.

[@CrunchyFingers]

I guess you meant to say 6x9, so as far as I know is that all the new ones are pretty similar some of them have a wider lens. But if you want you can look at the older version with interchangeable lenses if that’s something that interest you, Fuji GL 690 if I remember correctly, not much info on that one last time I checked but I plan to get one someday if the price stays down. Hope this helps

[@alextrenthem7161]

so how do you rewind the 35mm film if you are trying to do panoramas? i just picked up one of these cameras

[@CrunchyFingers]

You have to rewind manually by hand in side a pitch black room or a changing bag. We already shot a video covering all the tips and tricks of shooting panorama and I’m editing it right now! We’ll post ASAP!

[@alextrenthem7161]

Crunchy Fingers awesome! Can’t wait to try this out

[@juliusd.2541]

I’ve been contemplating getting one of these cameras to break into MF. Never used a range finder before so I’m a little hesitant, but it appears to be an excellent camera with plenty bang for your buck. How do you like using this since you’ve posted this video?

[@CrunchyFingers]

I think you hit the nail on the head there, bang for your buck is the key! Honestly I’m not a big fan of range finders either.. that’s why I’ve been neglecting this one since I got the RZ. However I can’t stress how good this camera is for the price. It never failed me even in the harshest conditions.. I can’t say the same thing about the rz or rb. It’s so simple and fool proof. The only thing I would say that maybe the gw670iii is a better option for you considering that it’s the same amazing lens but you get a tighter frame, for me personally that’s a preference. Also you get 2 more shots per roll.. however I have no idea about the prices nowadays might be more expensive.. either way it’s a great camera and possibly the one of the few range finders worth the money in my opinion. Hope this helps ☺️

[@Sameh-bass]

👏👏

I have also recently got one of these. Already shoot a few rolls with it and love it so far. I also plan to use it with 35mm adapter. Anything to watch for when using 35mm film? Can I use the full length of the film if I set it to 220?

[@CrunchyFingers]

yes you must set it to 220 im posting the panorama video today stay tuned! 😊

@@CrunchyFingers thank you. Will watch the video.

[@anthonymorton3074]

i got one and like it

[@peem1244]

Hi Crunchy, really good review of a stunning camera. One of my favorites alongside the Mamiya6/7. PS. I found the music really, really annoying. Thanks for sharing.

[@CrunchyFingers]

Thanks for the feed back. The music was used to cover up the background noise. In fact if you listen closely you can hear it. But you do with what you have.. 🤷‍♂️

[@onairsebcycling]

Loved the chill out music!

[@onairsebcycling]

Looking to buy the original gw690 that does not have a lock. Will it still fire if i don't wind the film? Can I use it as a lock or it will do a double exposure on the same frame if I accidentally press it? Thanks!

[@CrunchyFingers]

I'm not 100% sure, but the mk3 doesn't have a way of unlatching the film winding from the shutter cocking mechanism. And I don't see why they would take that feature away if they already had it in a previous model, it's possible, but since the theme of this camera seems to be simplicity and reliability, my guess would be that it wont double expose and should function as a lock if you don't advance after taking a photo. hope this helps :)

[@RocketinExile]

How did you meter? Great work.

[@CrunchyFingers]

🙏🏼 thank you! I use a Pentax digital spotmeter, using the zone system I place my mid tones on stop 6 or 7 generally but it can change depending on the scene and the film stock. I plan to make a video tutorial in the future 😊

[@RocketinExile]

@@CrunchyFingers thank you. I look forward to that tutorial!! I have that meter.

[@MM-mo9hn]

Do you know how to calibrate the rangefinder in this model? is it under the hotshoe?

[@CrunchyFingers]

I’m sorry I can’t help you very much there since mine seems to be accurate. From what I can see is that you have to open the camera. A quick google search will be helpful. Altho I just thought of something and maybe it’s worth mentioning, if the camera is missing focus double check that the pressure plate in the back is on 120 and hopefully you won’t have to open it 😊

[@MM-mo9hn]

@@CrunchyFingers Thats alright, thanks for your help :) Mines been focusing fine i just know one day ill have to adjust it haha.

[@DanielDeRudder]

Nice piece of gear. It seems you were able to pick up a brand new GW690?

[@CrunchyFingers]

Almost! It has few very light scratches on the body but it works beautifully! the light seals and lens look super fresh however! definitely a keeper ☺️

[@keithschuessler3435]

Do you set the pressure plate to 220 for use with 35 mm film stock?

[@CrunchyFingers]

Yes, I’ve done another video on the topic, check out if you’re interested in shooting 35 on that camera, there’s also useful info in the comments there ☺️

[@kthschsslr]

@@CrunchyFingers I found it minutes after typing that comment. Should’ve returned and deleted it. You do a really good job here.

[@TXLorenzo]

Turn the background music down please.

[@williamstroud5449]

Only bad part of your video is music a little loud, distracting. But it made up my to one. Thanks.

[@eyebidder]

Can you turn down the music since I can't hear you very well!!!!!!!

[@Shortfusefilm]

Are you Lebanese bro?

[@CrunchyFingers]

Haha close but no, maybe 1/4 Lebanese actually

[@Shortfusefilm]

@@CrunchyFingers hah! That's great man. And you like King Crimson and Nick Drake! Can't get any better :)

[@colinire15]

Dump the 'musak' - you don't need it and it's really annoying.

[@DanielDeRudder]

I agree totally.