Fuji GW 670 II
In 1985 Fuji replaced the GW 670 with the GW 670 II. The original launched in the late 1970s, and the GW 670 II improves on the original but is more of a refinement than a radical new version. The GW line was fixed-lens alternatives to the Fuji’s interchangeable-lens GM line.
This is a big camera. It is a range finder but don’t expect a Leica M portability. The nickname “Texas Leica” is not just a reference to the 120 format. This is a two handed camera that comes in at over 3lb (1.5 kg). The star here is the 90mm f/3.5 Fujinon EBC lens. The controls are all on the lens. The shutter goes from 1 second to 1/500 second, plus T mode. Focus is down to 1 meter. On a 6x7 cm frame (technically 56 x 68.5 mm negative) the 90 mm lens gives an equivalent of about a 45 mm lens on 35 mm film.
This thing is truly a mechanical camera. No auto anything, no meter and no auto exposure. On the body of the camera you have film selection for 220 (now defunct) film, 120 film for 10 exposures and 5-exposure 120 half-roll. So today your only real option is 120 for 10 exposures. The film advance is manual and huge to advance the large frame size. And there is a hot-shoe that allows for flash across all shutter speeds.
My Take:
What a beast. A simple, blunt instrument beast. Don’t let the “Professional” in the name scare you away, this is a dead simple camera to operate. That is, after I figured out that the retractable lens hood was covering the aperture and shutter speed settings.
You will need a separate light meter of use the Sunny 16 rule to guess your settings. Focusing is easy and smooth. Holding on to this thing feels satisfying and awkward at the same time. It is huge! Measuring about 7 1/5 inches wide. A Leica M body is just over 5 inches wide. If you want to mess with your brain (and why wouldn’t you?), shoot the GW 670 II and a smaller rangefinder back to back.
This is not a camera that I want to carry around all day. But it is so much fun to use and gives a nice large negative, so having it available for the right time is a plus. The simplicity and build quality make me guess that this thing will be working longer than I have the strength to lift it. The one issue mine has is the black paint is peeling off the back and top rather aggressively.
If you get the chance, you should shoot the GW 670 II. I would also advise bringing a friend to help you carry the thing.
Lens: Fujinon EBC 90mm f/3.5
Film: Kodak Portra 800
