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Fuji GX680

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Fujifilm GX680
Fuji GX680, a medium format camera with a bellows focusing mechanism
Fuji GX680 (III pictured with 100-200mm zoom lens, support rail, and AE eye-level finder)
Overview
MakerFujifilm
TypeInterchangeable-lensSLRmedium-format studio/field camera
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeFilm
Sensor size56 mm × 76 mm
2.2 in × 3.0 in
Film format120/220
Film advanceMotor
Film rewindMotor
Focusing
FocusManual
Exposure/metering
ExposureManual; aperture-priority automatic
Shutter
Shutter speedrange1⁄400–8s + B
Viewfinder
Viewfinderwaist-level
Optional viewfinderseye-level, autoexposure, and angle
Frame coverage100%
General
Made inJapan
Chronology
SuccessorGX680 II, GX680 III
References
[1]

TheFuji GX680is a series ofsingle lens reflexsystem camerasformedium format filmproduced byFujifilmwith interchangeablecamera lensesand interchangeablefilm holdersfor the unusualfilm format6×8 cm[i]on120and220roll film.The distinguishing feature of the Fuji GX680 is the articulating front standard, which runs on a rail connecting lens and camera body by abellows;the interchangeable lens is permanently mounted to a lens board.

In contrast to competing medium-format cameras, e.g.MamiyaRB67andRZ67andRolleiflex SL66,for some models of the Fuji GX680 the front standard can be shifted right, left, up and down forperspective control,and the front standard can also be tilted on horizontal and vertical axes to controldepth of fieldusing theScheimpflug principle.Therefore, the Fuji GX680 has many of the same camera movements of alarge formatview camera,only limited by restricted motions of the front standard and a fixed rear standard, making the camera also suitable forarchitectural photography.The Fuji GX680 has quite large physical dimensions for a medium-format camera, but compared to the typical monorail/studio large-format camera, the Fuji GX680 is more compact. Although the Fuji GX680 was designed for studio work due to its size and weight, a neck-strap was offered for mobile work.

Camera models

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The Fuji GX680 has been built in 3 model variants (numbers in parentheses are the production periods):

  • Fuji GX680 (1987–1995)
  • Fuji GX680 II (1995–1998)
  • Fuji GX680 III (1998–2007)

The 3 models differ externally only by slight modifications ondisplays,controls andrechargeable batteryversusbattery.The GX680 was introduced in 1987,[3][4]and shown at thePhotographic Marketing Associationconvention with nine lenses, which was held inChicago.[5]The original GX680 and GX680 II are powered by a rechargeablenickel-cadmium battery,which provides sufficient power for approximately 1000 exposures and recharges in 1 hour. Alternatively, for studio use, an optional DC power supply is available.[6]Externally, the original may be distinguished from model II by the focus locking mechanism. The focusing knob operated by the right hand has a "focus brake" lever coaxial with the focus knob on the original camera,[2]: 12 while the same function is performed by a "focus lock lever" that is on the front standard carrier on the model II.[7]: 12 The III/IIIS has the name prominently marked on the right side of the camera, above the shutter speed selector dial.

GX680 III demonstrating front standard rise and tilt movements

There is a second (Simplified) variant of the model III denoted with an "S" suffix (e.g., GX680 IIIS) which only allows linear extension of the front standard along the rails, and omits the tilt and shift movements of the standard model. In return, the IIIS is 12 oz (340 g) lighter than the regular model III.[8]

The Fuji GX680 system features interchangeablecamera lenses,viewfinders andfocusing screens,film holders(also forinstant film), batteries, andbellowsincluding the standard bellows, bag bellows for wide angle lenses and extended long bellows for telephoto lenses over 150mm. Optional accessories include 50mm extension rail sets forclose ups,a remote release, viewfinder correction lenses, neck strap, and bellows lens shades. Fuji produced a digital back for the GX680 but it was only available in Japan. In the US, Fuji partnered with the makers of the Luma digital back in the early 2000's.

The film holders for the GX680 and GX680 II feature a backup ER-3 lithium battery to retain data.[6]

Comparison of key specifications
GX680[9] GX680 II[7] GX680 III & IIIS[10]
Power Source rechargeable battery (7.2V) 3× CR123A batteries (9V), optional battery holder
Display LEDs LCD
Error warnings Yes, audible and visual
Lenses EBC Fujinon GX or EBC Fujinon GX M[a]
Display Filmcounter Counter for camera & filmholder Counter for camera, filmholder & lens[b]
Film advance Yes, automatic to first frame & after last frame; motor-driven between each exposure via discrete film wind button
Data recording No Yes, with film holder III
Film 120/220 type 6 cm roll film[c]
Formats Portrait/Landscape by revolving the film holder, viewfinder mask coupled to the revolving film holder shows the actual orientation[d]
6×8 cm (56×76mm)
  • 6×8cm (56×76mm)
  • 6×7cm[e](56×69mm)
  • 6×6cm[e](56×56mm)
  • 6×4.5 cm[e](56×41.5mm)
Lens-Shift, max.[f] 15mm right, left, up; 13mm down IIIS: No motions
Lens-Tilt, max.[f] ±12° on horizontal and vertical axis
Communications connector[g] No Yes
Shutter Speed 1⁄400–8s, Bulb
Exposure Frequency[h] ca. 1 frame/s
ISO[i] 25-1600 25-3200
Mounting for neck-strap[j] No, extra neck-strap-set available Yes
Flash Yes, synchro-socket & test button provided on camera body; hotshoe on front standard
Exposure-Programs Manual (set Exposure-Time and Aperture manually),

Auto Exposure AE (Aperture priority, set Aperture manually, automatic setting of Shutter Speed depending on ISO-setting on film-holder in combination with Exposuremeter in AE-Finder)

OTF[k]-Exposure-Warning, -Display Yes, displayed via LEDs Yes, displayed via LCD
OTF-Sensitivity LW 4–18 at ISO 100 LW 5–19 at ISO 100
TTL-Light- & -Flashlight-Measure[k] No, only via AE-Finder
Weight 4146g[l] 4256g[l] III: 4070g,[m]2690g[n] IIIS: 3720g,[m]2350g[n]
Dimensions[l][o] 187 mm × 278 mm × 207 mm
7.4 in × 10.9 in × 8.1 in		 III: 188 mm × 274 mm × 213 mm
7.4 in × 10.8 in × 8.4 in		 IIIS: 188 mm × 274 mm × 187 mm
7.4 in × 10.8 in × 7.4 in
Notes
  1. ^The GX M-Lenses were introduced with GX680 III. An electronic Picture-Counter was included in the lenses, allowing the Fuji GX680 III together with film-holder III to show the counter for the film-holder, the camera and the lens for maintenance purposes. GXM-Lenses can be used on models GX680 and GX680 II, but show no counter there.
  2. ^Counter for lens only with GX M-Lenses and film-holder III
  3. ^120 and 220 type roll-film used different film-holders on models GX680 and GX680 II; model GX680 III used different replaceable film-cassettes in the same film-holder
  4. ^only viewable with 6x8 and 6x7 focusing screens on model GX680 III
  5. ^abcneeds adequate format-mask for film-holder III, adapt viewer by matching focusing screen with imprinted format border, changing of film-mask in the middle of a roll is not possible.
  6. ^abMaximum effective movement is reduced when using 50mm Lens or 100-200mm Zoom-Lens, also by combining different movements with any lens; model GX680 III S has no Lens-Shift or -Tilt
  7. ^enables mounting of Fujifilm DBP Digital Back
  8. ^via motor-film-advance in film-holder
  9. ^manual setting on film-holder or automatic setting viafilm bar code system
  10. ^sidewise eyelets on body
  11. ^abOTF is Off The Film, during the exposure a Silicon-Diode inside the camera-body measures the light reflected by the film in a central 25mm diameter circle, displays: over-/under- or correct-exposure after taking the picture; no Flash Control via OTF possible
  12. ^abcCamera body with 135mm/1:5.6 lens, film holder and rechargeable battery
  13. ^abCamera body with 135mm/1:5.6 lens and film holder, without (rechargeable) batteries
  14. ^abBody only, without batteries
  15. ^B×L×H

Parts and controls

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Most of the camera controls and a flash synchro socket are on the right side of the body, shown here with a 1m remote release. This is a bare body with bellows only; the revolving film holder would lock on to the prominent circular interface.
The left side of the body includes the interface for the camera battery. Again, a bare body is shown and the lens board interface can be seen in the front standard.

The listed controls and parts are available on the camera:

  • Controls on the right-hand side of the camera body:
    • Shutter release button
    • Power off & film advance (Single/Continuous/Multi) mode selector
    • Film wind button (following amulti-exposure)
    • Mirror up/down switch
    • Shutter speed selector dial (including Bulb and Auto Exposure)
    • Flash synchro socket
    • Flash synchro test button
    • Remote control shutter release socket
    • Communications connector (only on model III)
  • Controls on the left-hand side of the camera body:
    • Battery lock button (model I/II only)
    • Side Cover Lock Release button (model III only)
    • Battery interface (model I/II only)
    • Battery Holder III interface (model III only)
  • Controls on the top of the body:
    • Spirit level
    • Viewfinder lock release lever
    • LEDs or LCD (post-exposure monitoring)
  • Controls on the bottom of the body:
    • Battery compartment (model III only)
  • Controls on the back of the body:
    • Revolving film-holder lock release button
  • Controls on the lens:
    • Aperture selector lever
    • Aperture stop-down (depth-of-field preview) lever
  • Controls on the front standard:
    • Focusing knobs and Focus lock lever
    • Tilt, Shift, and Swing knobs and locks
    • Hot shoe (on front standard)
    • Lens lock lever

Lenses

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All EBC Fujinon GX(M) Lenses have been equipped with aCentral shutter(Flash synchronisation is possible at all shutter-speeds), the lenses have good reputations. Electric contacts on the lens board and the lenses are used to control the central shutter from the camera body. The shutter in all lenses is electronic and made bySeiko.Levers on the lens control the aperture.

EBC Fujinon Lens 35mm-equiv. FL & aperture Aperture range Filter (mm) Mass (g) Dimensions (mm) Elements/ groups MSRP (×1000¥)[11] Notes
50mmf/5.6 GX (M) 23mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 112 1250 115 × 115× 125 12/9 267 cannot be used with full movements due to smaller image circle
65mmf/5.6 GX (M) 30mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 95 1190 107 × 107 × 116 10/9 225
80mmf/5.6 GX (M) 37mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 95 1100 101 × 107 × 113 8/8 190
100mmf/4.0 GX (M) 46mmf/1.8 f/4–45 82 910 101 × 107 × 101 8/8 147
115mmf/3.2 GX MD 53mmf/1.5 f/3.2–32 95 870 101 × 107 × 95 8/6 183
125mmf/3.2 GX MD 57mmf/1.5 f/3.2–32 95 895 101 × 107 × 96 8/6 178
125mmf/5.6 GX (M) 57mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 82 545 101 × 107 × 80 6/5 142
135mmf/5.6 GX (M) 62mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 82 565 101 × 107 × 79 6/6 122 the most common "kit lens" for this system
150mmf/4.5 GX (M) 69mmf/2.1 f/4.5–45 82 705 101 × 107 × 91 6/4 153
180mmf/3.2 GX MD 82mmf/1.5 f/3.2–32 95 1030 101 × 107 × 105 7/5 160
180mmf/5.6 GX (M) 82mmf/2.6 f/5.6–45 82 800 101 × 107 × 104 6/6 195
190mmf/8.0 GX SF 87mmf/3.7 f/8–64 82 690 101 × 107 × 104 3/3 156 unique aperture design for soft out-of-focus regions
210mmf/5.6 GX (M) 96mmf/2.6 f/5.6–64 82 835 101 × 107 × 103 5/5 160
250mmf/5.6 GX (M) 115mmf/2.6 f/5.6–64 82 925 101 × 107 × 105 5/4 164
300mmf/6.3 GX (M) 137mmf/2.9 f/6.3–64 82 1100 101 × 107 × 139 5/5 229
500mmf/8.0 GX (M) 229mmf/3.7 f/8–64 82 1660 101 × 107 × 245 6/6 395 Supplied with an optional mounting rail, which stabilises the lens but prevents camera movements entirely. Tilt functions not usable. Introduced in 1999.[12]
100–200mmf/5.6 GX (M) 46–92mmf/2.6 f/5.6–64 105 2150 118 × 118.5 × 176 14/11 398 optional (not supplied) mount of support rail under the camera and a support ring on the lens is necessary, tilt functions not usable, 80mm rail extension cannot be used

A Lens Board Adapter accessory permits the use of large-format camera lenses fitting Linhof Technika type lens boards, but the shutter of these lenses is not controlled by the Fuji GX680, so they must be pre-focussed and then manually triggered after the mirror is locked up. The adapter is intended for use with Fujinon-W 180, 210, 250mm; Fujinon-SF 180mm; Fujinon-A 180, 240; and Fujinon-T 300mm lenses.[6]

Accessories

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As the Fuji GX680 series are system cameras there is a wide range of accessories:

  • Viewfinders:
    • Folding waist level viewfinder (default), including a pop-up 2.5× magnifier with -1 diopter lens
      • Alternative 2.5× magnifier lenses were available for the waist level finder with different diopter powers: -4, -3, 0, +1, +2, +3
    • "Magnifying Hood" (waist level, equipped with a 4×loupethat can be moved over the focusing screen area)
    • Angle Finder (eye-level viewing, adjustable diopter)
    • AE viewfinders - each equipped with centre-weighted Exposure Meter (including flash), enablingaperture priorityautoexposure:
      • "AE Finder FL" (waist level, view from above)
      • "AE Finder III" (eye-level, adjustable diopter)[12]
    • Focusing Screens (especially for different formats on model III)
  • Carrying:
    • Neck-strap (model III default accessory) & Neck-strap-set
    • Carrying Case
  • Backs/Image capture:
    • Instant film-holder
    • 120/220 Roll Film Holder
    • Film Holder III (introduced with GX680 III) adds interchangeable masks for 6×4.5, 6×6, and 6×7 formats (along with default 6×8 format with no mask) and adjusts the film advance accordingly;[8]the masks must be installed prior to mounting the back on the body, and the format cannot be changed mid-roll. Single model of film holder used with two different interchangeable film-cassettes for 120 and 220 type film.
    • Digital Back Fujifilm DBP for GX680
    • Mosaic Engineering Luma / Luma II (digital backs with a 36 mm × 24 mm (1.42 in × 0.94 in) sensor; resolution is 3072×2048 (Luma) or 4008×2672 (Luma II); requires host computer)[13][14][15]
    • Film-Holder Adaptors for Hasselblad 6×6, Contax 645 and Mamiya 645 backs (other makers digital backs can also be mounted to Fuji GX680 by interchangeable mounts, most digital backs have smaller formats than 6×4.5 format)
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Extension Rail Sets to extend the standard (65mm) Focus-Rail
      • 40mm
      • 80mm (introduced with GX680 II)
    • Bellows for long focus-movement or wide angle-lenses
    • 1m and 5m Remote Release
    • Bellows-Lens-Shades, Lens-Hoods
    • Rechargeable Battery, Charger, Battery Holder
[edit]
  • Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Long-Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder, Roll Film Holder IIIN (landscape orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX 210mm 1:5.6 (Tilt left, Shift left)
    Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Long-Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder, Roll Film Holder IIIN (landscape orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX 210mm 1:5.6 (Tilt left, Shift left)
  • Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Long-Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder with flipped up Magnifier, Roll Film Holder IIIN (portrait orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX 250mm 1:5.6 with mounted Bellows Lens Shade II
    Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Long-Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder with flipped up Magnifier, Roll Film Holder IIIN (portrait orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX 250mm 1:5.6 with mounted Bellows Lens Shade II
  • Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Standard-Belows, Folding Waist-level Finder, Roll Film Holder IIIN (landscape orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX MD 125mm 1:3.2 with mounted Lens Hood GX80mm
    Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Standard-Belows, Folding Waist-level Finder, Roll Film Holder IIIN (landscape orientation) and EBC Fujinon Lens GX MD 125mm 1:3.2 with mounted Lens Hood GX80mm
  • Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Extended Wideangle Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder, EBC Fujinon Lens GX 65mm 1:5.6 and opened Instant Film Holder II
    Fuji GX680III Professional Body with Extended Wideangle Bellows, Folding Waist-level Finder, EBC Fujinon Lens GX 65mm 1:5.6 and opened Instant Film Holder II
  • back-view of opened Roll Film Holder IIIN with replaceable Film-Cassettes III 120 and 220 for Fuji GX680III Professional
    back-view of opened Roll Film Holder IIIN with replaceable Film-Cassettes III 120 and 220 for Fuji GX680III Professional
  • filmside-view of Roll Film Holder IIIN (without Format-Mask in the format 6x8cm) with depicted Format-Masks 6x4.5 cm, 6x6cm, 6x7cm for Fuji GX680III Professional
    filmside-view of Roll Film Holder IIIN (without Format-Mask in the format 6x8cm) with depicted Format-Masks 6x4.5 cm, 6x6cm, 6x7cm for Fuji GX680III Professional
  • Fuji GX680III Professional viewfinder-mask in landscape-position with Focusing-Screen B
    Fuji GX680III Professional viewfinder-mask in landscape-position with Focusing-Screen B
  • Fuji GX680III Professional viewfinder-mask in portrait-position with Focusing-Screen B
    Fuji GX680III Professional viewfinder-mask in portrait-position with Focusing-Screen B
  • Fuji GX680III Professional with interchangeable Focusing-Screen 6x4.5 cm
    Fuji GX680III Professional with interchangeable Focusing-Screen 6x4.5 cm
  • Mounting the Long-Bellows on Fuji GX680III Professional
    Mounting the Long-Bellows on Fuji GX680III Professional

See also

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^6×8cm are the nominal dimensions; actual image size is 56 mm × 76 mm (2.2 in × 3.0 in).[2]: 11 

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Fujifilm Professional Cameras: GX680 III".Fujifilm. Archived fromthe originalon January 7, 2001.
  2. ^ab"GX680 Professional"(PDF).Fuji Photo.Retrieved22 December2020.
  3. ^"What's New: Swing-shift SLR".Popular Science.June 1987. p. 95.Retrieved7 January2020.
  4. ^Grundberg, Andy (March 22, 1987)."Camera: A Case for Using Lighter Equipment".The New York Times.Retrieved7 January2020.
  5. ^O'Connor, Thom (May 22, 1987)."Major manufacturers snap into action with autofocusing SLR systems".Chicago Tribune.Retrieved7 January2020.
  6. ^abc"Fuji GX680 Professional (brochure)"(PDF).Fujifilm Imaging & Information. 1986.Retrieved7 January2020.
  7. ^ab"Fujifilm GX680 II Professional".Fujifilm.Retrieved7 January2020.
  8. ^ab"Fujifilm Unveils the New GX680 III and GX680 IIIS Professional Cameras: Multiformat cameras featuring the new barcode system"(Press release). Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. February 12, 1998. Archived fromthe originalon February 18, 1999.
  9. ^"Fujifilm GX680 Professional".Fujifilm.Retrieved7 January2020.
  10. ^"Fujifilm GX680 III Professional / GX680 IIIS Professional".Fujifilm.Retrieved7 January2020.
  11. ^"GX680III / IIIS Professional"(in Japanese).Retrieved2014-08-25.
  12. ^ab"Fujifilm Introduces New 500mm Lens and AE Viewfinder III for the Highly Acclaimed GX680 III Professional Camera System"(Press release). Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. February 18, 1999. Archived fromthe originalon April 27, 1999.
  13. ^"Luma Digital Camera Back".Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Archived fromthe originalon March 13, 2003.
  14. ^"Luma II".Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Archived fromthe originalon June 5, 2003.
  15. ^Cohen, Peter (November 3, 2001)."PHOTOPLUS: fuji gives Luma buyers camera, Power Mac".MacWorld.Retrieved22 December2020.

Further reading

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  • Moore, Peter (June 1988). "With the Pro in Mind: Fuji's GX680 Combines View Camera Flexibility with SLR Ease".Modern Photography.Vol. 52. pp. 41–43, 88.
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