Fuji* GX680 II | Frank Titze

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Fuji* GX680 II

Overview

The Fuji* GX680 II is a professional, modular medium-format SLR camera that was produced by Fuji* between 1995 and 1997 succeeding the very similar GX680 being produced since 1986. The Fuji* GX680 II was replaced by the Fuji* GX680 III being produced till 2010. The Fuji* GX680 II is part of the GX680 series, which is known for its unique combination of features from both a medium-format camera and a large-format view camera.
Key Characteristics:

Large Film Format: The camera uses 120 and 220 roll film to produce up to 6x8 cm negative. This is larger than the more common 6x7 cm format and significantly larger than 6x6 cm or 6x4.5 cm, providing exceptional image quality with fine detail and smooth tonal gradations.
Camera Movements: The most distinctive feature of the GX680 series is the inclusion of "camera movements" on its front standard. Similar to a large-format field camera, the lens can be shifted up, down, left, and right, and also tilted and swung. This allows photographers to control perspective and depth of field, making it an excellent tool for architectural, product, and still-life photography.
Modular System: The Fuji* GX680 II is a system camera. This means various components are interchangeable, including:
- Lenses: It uses a series of high-quality EBC Fuji*non lenses, all of which have built-in leaf shutters for flash sync at all shutter speeds.
- Film Backs: The camera can accept different film backs from its native 6x8 cm, 6x7 cm, 6x6 cm and 6x4.5 cm.
- Viewfinders: It can be used with a standard waist-level finder or various other inlcuding an AE (auto-exposure) prism finders.
The GX680 series have an electronically controlled camera with a motorized film advance, which automates winding and framing after each shot. This was a significant feature for its time, allowing photographers to focus more on composition.
The Fuji* GX680 II is a large and heavy camera make it best suited for use on a sturdy tripod in a studio setting.

In summary, the Fuji* GX680 II is a highly capable and versatile camera that bridged the gap between medium-format and large-format photography. It offered the high-resolution of a large negative with the convenience of a roll-film system and the creative control of view camera movements.

Evaluation

(++) 6×8 cm, 6×7 cm, 6×6 cm (and 6×4,5 cm ) Formats
(++) Camera Movements, despite being all not geared
(+) Full Electronically controlled - E.g. Mirror up and down (!) Feature.
(-) Large and Heavy - Nnearly only for Tripod or Similar Use
(-) Still Struggle with (new Battery) Battery Life

That sounds like a risk for the repair-abilty, but that camera is so big (== has space) and electric schema are available that even a replacement with a new microcontroller are thinkable.

26.08.25

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