No silly, I’m not talking referring to the movie! I am talking about the reintroduction of a medium format rangefinder into my photo system. Thankfully it’s not GAS (Note: for the uninitiated see my previous discussions on Gear Acquisition Syndrome), as I have actually been happily and productively using it now for two years! I don’t write about my gear that often, so now that it has stuck, time for a quick update!
A lot has transpired, so here are the cliff notes. For a period of my life I used the Plaubel Makina 670 medium format folding rangefinder camera, equipped with the outrageous fixed Nikkor 80mm f2.8 lens. I had that camera for a long time and it replaced everything I owned. As have discussed before, the 80mm on 6×7 equates to a 40mm when using a 35mm camera and it may be an ideal focal length if you were to only have or wish to use one lens. It was a quirky but spectacular combination. Not for everyone, but it travelled all over the world with me until it started to develop some interesting problems. I regrettably sold it and replaced it with a more modern Mamiya 7II medium format rangefinder camera, equipped with the equally great Mamiya 80mm f4.0 lens. I made some very nice pictures with that camera too but realized while visiting a West Bank refugee camp that rapid film changing was not its strong suit. It also wasn’t a folder.
This experience forced me to think about the best tools for me, for the job at hand. So back to Leica rangefinders and single lens reflex cameras for situations where having these types of camera made sense for me.
My Leicas have served me well all these years and continue to do so, but several years ago I started trying a few medium format rangefinders out. Could I recreate the Plaubel experience … and did it matter anymore?
Some interesting cameras came through my doors, often not staying very long. First I tried another 670. The magic was gone and so out went the Plaubel. Mamiya 6 … not for me … still didn’t like the square format. Mamiya 7 … been there, done it. Bronica RF645, nice in some ways but the negative was not large enough for me to make a difference. Bessa III … another quirky folder that didn’t do it for me. I finally decided to try the “Texas Leica”. That’s right; I’m talking about the Fuji GW690 6X9 format camera with a fixed 90mm focal length lens (Note: Fuji made three variants of this camera, all using the same body and lens; the GW690, GW680 and GW670. They produce 6X9, 6X8 and 6X7 negative sizes respectively and the 90mm lens becomes roughly a 40, 45 or 50mm lens equivalent in 35mm terms depending on the negative size.).
I located a nice GW690 in Japan and pulled the trigger. Here is what I found after trying one myself. The weight is fine, despite what you have read by people that haven’t used one. The 40/45/50mm equivalent fixed lens is a wonderful all rounder. I already knew that from previous experience. It was also a fine performer. Finally it had a similar form factor as my Leica, albeit MUCH larger. Reasons for choosing 6×9 – the largest negative for greatest quality and the same longish aspect ratio as 35mm that I really like. I provide this information because there is so much disinformation about this wonderful camera/lens ensemble. And because it just happens to be a real bargain!
I thought I had found the makings of real happiness. A 35mm rangefinder together with a 6×9 rangefinder make a nice combo and I began experimenting with carrying both in the same bag. One for high-level resolution re: landscape and architecture, and the other for speed of handling for candids.
Then it happened. I was communicating with another photographer and he told me he had a late near mint Plaubel Makina 670 that had been given a CLA by the German factory just before they shut down this service. You probably know where this is heading. I couldn’t stop myself and the deal was done!
Guess what … third time has turned out to be the charm! If this opportunity hadn’t come around perhaps I would still be using the Fuji. Don’t know, but what I can tell you is that the feeling I had so many years ago with my first 670 was back! Not sure what transpired with #2, but I have had a blast using this camera and results speak for themselves … for me! Now for those that will say, but wait it’s electronic and you don’t like electronic cameras; you’re right. However, I have removed the battery and don’t use the meter. Nothing to clutter the viewfinder … same look as with my Leicas.
So what’s going on? For now I have settled into a routine that utilizes the Plaubel for a variety of applications including candid situations where I know I won’t be hurried or don’t require the fastest of response in close quarters. When the Plaubel is not the appropriate tool for the job I am using my Leicas. Tri-X film with both systems. In the last month or so I have exposed some twenty rolls of 120. And I really don’t feel conflicted over which camera/format to use. Either camera would work well, but I have found what is the right combination for me at this time, and what’s more, I feel a new sense of energy and excitement. What could be better!
Stay safe,
Michael