Two More From the Fuji GW690II

Adding to my last post, with two more 6x9 medium format images from Jones Gap State Park in South Carolina.

This is a detail shot of the water at my feet . To give an idea of the scale, I'd say the rock at top was about six feet away. I love the deep darkness and blue cast in the water

 

 

This image didn't appeal to me at first, but I've grown to appreciate it.

 

Both were shot on Kodak Portra 400. No filters were used.

 

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Fuji GW690II - Monster Rangefinder Medium Format Camera

Over the holidays, this camera popped up at KEH (keh.com) at an unbelievably low price.

Fuji GW690 II

 

A Fuji GW690II, this big beast shoots 6x9 negatives on 120 medium format film. The camera is in KEH's "BGN" (bargain) condition, which as usual means that it's fully functional. This particular camera has a few bumps and scratches, but the shutter counter has a low number, and the lens glass is just plain perfect.

 

I've long been a fan of Fuji's optics, and enjoy their medium format rangefinder cameras. I used to have the earlier version BL690, which had interchangeable lenses. The GW690II has a fixed 90mm f3.5 lens, and it's a beauty.

 

This is a big, heavy camera. In my opinion, it's best on a tripod.

 

Here's a shot from my first roll shot in the camera, on Kodak Portra 400.

 

 

The detail in this image is incredible. I've made an 8x12 working print. Next stop, 12x18!

 

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Another Birthday Portrait with the Mamiya Universal Press

A few days back, I posted an image I shot of my daughter on her birthday, taken with the Mamiya Universal Press (MUP) and Polaroid back, loaded with Fuji FP100C pack film. I also shared a scan of the color negative I recovered from that shot. (Click Here) to see that post.

 

Today, I'll share another shot from the same time and place, only this one was made on Kodak Portra 400 color negative film, using the MUP's 6x9 film back.

 

Birthday Portrait, by Reed A. George

Mamiya Universal Press Camera, 150mm f5.6 Lens

Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

 

I just got the negatives back from The Darkroom (thedarkroom.com). I actually made a mistake with this roll of film, and exposed the Portra 400 at settings for Portra 160. No problem. The Darkroom pulled the processing by 1.5 stops, saving the pictures for me. I'm pleased with the result.

 

I really enjoy shooting the MUP. It's a very large, heavy beast, with matching impressive lenses. But, when you have the time to set it up and think about your shot, it's great fun to use. This is slow photography. I like it.

 

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Found Another Mamiya Universal User - and Review

Image Source: http://snapitseeit.com/camera-review-mamiya-universal/

 

A few months back, my medium format shooting capability was significantly expanded when my friend Dennis Gallus sold me his lovely Mamiya Universal Press (MUP) camera kit.

 

I've been searching for other users of the MUP online, and well, there aren't very many of us left. I recently found this review of using the MUP with instant film on one of my favorite new sites, Snap It | See It.

(Click Here) to read the review, which also remarks on using the MUP with flash, something I have yet to try.

 

I've been distracted from the MUP recently, with several other new-to-me cameras. I've simply got to get more hours in the week(end)s to shoot the MUP.

 

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October's Skeletons From The Closet Results - Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 6X9 Medium Format Folder

In October, my chosen camera for the SFTC series was a newly-refurbished Zeiss 521/2 folder, which shoots 6x9 images on 120 medium format film.

 

(Click Here) to read a little about the camera.

 

Even though it was autumn, perfect time to get out and shoot some landscapes with the nice big 6x9 format, I was pretty busy during October, and only really got out once with this camera. Here are five selected shots out of a total of sixteen (two rolls of Kodak Porta color negative film) I shot.

Early Reds, by Reed A. George

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folding Camera

 

Korean Bell Garden, by Reed A. George

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folding Camera

The Korean Bell Garden is at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. It's a lovely place to walk, photograph, and picnic. The two shots below are of cypress trees in the native Virginia swamp area.

Cypress, by Reed A. George

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folding Camera

Cypress, by Reed A. George

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folding Camera

 

Golds Against a Blue Sky, by Reed A. George

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folding Camera

This camera does a decent job, but it's not nearly as nice as my other 6x9 folder, the Agfa Record III. This is for several reasons. First, the lens is not of the same quality. The Zeiss has a Novar, which was the entry level lens, well below the venerable Tessar that was also available on this camera, whereas the Agfa has a gorgeous Solinar; both are 105mm f4.5 lenses but the Solinar is much sharper. Next, the Agfa has a real viewfinder, where the Zeiss has a simple metal frame that you look through. The Agfa has a rangefinder, and while it's uncoupled, meaning that you have to transfer the measured distance from the rangefinder to the lens focus ring, the Zeiss has no such rangefinder at all. Worse yet, you can't even mount an accessory finder on the Zeiss Ikonta, as there's no accessory shoe. Same goes for an accessory exposure meter, like my CV Meter II, an excellent companion to vintage manual cameras.

So, while I'm not unhappy with the Ikonta, I can clearly say that I prefer the Agfa Record III as a 6x9 folding shooter's camera. That said, it was fun to shoot the Ikonta, and if you have all the time in the world to set it up on a tripod, take a rangefinder and exposure meter out of your bag or pocket, and carefully set up the camera, it's capable of making some very nice images.

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Skeletons From The Closet Camera for October: Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 Medium Format Folder

 

Zeiss Ikonta 521/2 6x9 Format Folding Camera

ca. 1947-1951

 

This month's camera is from deep in the closet. A somewhat random ebay purchase from years back, I don't remember what I paid for it, but I remember thinking hey, if it's a Zeiss camera, it's got to be worth that much. It wasn't a lot.

 

I have not used this camera much to date, largely because the shutter was a little sticky, and more importantly, the shutter trigger, which loads as part of the film winding process, was a little unreliable. That's all fixed now, thanks to Jurgen Kreckel. You may remember that I sent off my lovely Agfa Record III to Jurgen for service. When I did that, I decided to get this camera fixed up as well. It came back working very smoothly, and is now ready to get out and shoot.

 

(Click Here) if you want to contact Jurgen Kreckel (certo6). I recommend him highly for service of folding cameras. I think he's the best in the business.

 

Although my 521/2 shoots 6x9 format (very large negatives) on 120 film, I don't expect it to replace the Agfa Record III as my current favorite folding camera for a couple of reasons. First, while my Record III has the top of the line Solinar lens, my Zeiss has the second tier Novar 1055cm f4.5 lens. The Novars are not bad lenses, just not as renowned as the Tessars. Second, the 521/2 has no rangefinder built-in, not even an uncoupled one like the Agfa does. And further, there's not accessory shoe to even mount up a finder to it. So, it's guess focus and guess exposure. Far less convenient than the Agfa in this respect.

 

My 521/2 has a Compur shutter, with speeds from 1 second to 1/250, plus B. F-stops range from 4.5 to 32. Close focus is at 1.5m.

 

Well, I'll get it out and shoot it this month. Let's see what it can do!

 

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August's Skeletons From The Closet Camera - The Agfa Record III 6X9 Folder

My camera for this month is a real prize. My Mom found it in an antique store. Here it is:

 

Agfa Record III 6X9 Camera with Solinar 105mm f4.5 Lens

 

This camera is really nice. Made from 1952-1955, the Record III has an uncoupled rangefinder, and importantly, an accessory shoe. This is important to me because I like to use my Voigtlander VC Meter II, which mounts in the shoe. The Agfa Record III was available with an Apotar or Solinar lens; mine has the higher end Solinar. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/500 second, relatively fast for this type of camera.

 

(Click Here) to read more about the Record III.

 

The uncoupled rangefinder allows you to use a split image in the finder to judge distance, which you read off of the dial on the top of the camera, and then make the same setting on the focus ring of the lens.

 

When I received the camera, the lens looked pristine, but the shutter was sticky, and the rangefinder was completely stuck. I shipped it off to Jurgen Kreckel (Certo6) for repair. Jurgen very quickly gave it a complete service, including a brand new bellows. He does excellent work, and specializes in folding cameras.

 

(Click Here) to go to Jurgen's website.

 

I've shot a couple of test rolls already. Be ready to be impressed by this camera in the coming days.

 

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