Comparing lenses for Fuji GX617

[rogerxnz]

I am interested in buying a GX617. I understand the 105mm is the standard lens but does anyone know where I can see comparison shots with the 90, 180 and 300mm lenses?

Anyone know of an outfit for sale?
Roger

[Richard H]

Roger,I have Fuji 617 kit with the 90,180 and 300mm lenses. Top notch glass. I have no experience with the 105. I am contemplating selling the Fuji to help finance the purchase of a new Leaf aptus 12 for my Rz system.

[markymarkrb]

Roger,

I have a Fuji GX617 with a 105mm 180mm and a 300mm also with the ground glass adapter.  I also have other extras if you are interested.  I don't have any small shots to show you that I can post but here is the break down 

90mm = 89degree picture angle
105mm = 80 degree picture angle
180 mm = 50 degree picture angle
300mm = 30 degree picture angle

Obviously, there is no zoom on any of these lenses so I think of it as basically how far do I want to hike?  If you use a 300mm lens, you are still shooting panoramic but it is like you have gone further down the canyon for your shot.  The neatest thing about these cameras is playing with the depth of field and getting everything right next to you to infinity in focus.  It really takes some beautiful shots.  Each of these lenses has a different ability with DR on how close your closest subject can be. I wasn't planning on selling mine right away but I would if the offer was right.  It really is a sweet camera and I hope you pick one up I also have a few more accessories with  the camera that you would need to start shooting.  Let me know if you want to talk price.  Mark

[David Entrican]

I have the 90mm, 180mm and 300mm lenses. The 90mm gets used the most - possibly around 70% of the time, then 25% of the time I'd use the 180mm, and 300mm 5% or less.

I've attached some photos taken in Salcombe, Devon, UK.

The 90mm and 300mm are actual shots with those lenses, and I've cropped the 90mm to illustrate the focal lengths of the 105mm and the 180mm.

Hope this gives you some idea.
Best wishes

David

http://www.orange-skies.com

[rogerxnz]

Thank you for your responses. A special thank you to David for his images.

I am still considering whether to buy a GX617. I am concerned I will not use it enough and I am better to stick to stitching images from my Leaf 75 back.

Because of my limited need for such a camera, I have fixed a budget of USD2,300 for one with a 105mm lens. I know this is a pathetic amount for a camera which cost so much originally but this is what one is worth to me. If anyone has one with a price that low, please PM me.
Roger

[Ellis Vener]

Because of my limited need for such a camera, I have fixed a budget of USD2,300 for one with a 105mm lens.
If that is your circumstance, look for a Fuji G17 instead of a GX617. The G617 uses the same lens but it is part and parcel of the body as is the finder. You'll want a center weighted filter as well. If you cannot find the Fuji, I used to use a Heliopan 1.5x CWF with mine. The Filter diameter is 82mm. If you have a choice of more than one G617 shoot sample shots with each. My G617 was terrific but I've read reports from others which were not so laudatory.

When I started looking for an interchangable lens 6x17cm camera I decided to go with a (no long discontinued as the maker is dead) Hanchett V-Pan Mark III (http://www.igorcamera.com/panoramic.htm and http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/vpan_1.html - iam not associated with either site) as it offered shift (vertical and horizontal) , tilt and swing - but only on the lens standard , could focus infinitely close (interchangable bellows and additional rails), and could use lenses from 72mm to as long as are made ( I used lenses  from the 72mm Schneider Super-Angulon XL to the 720mm Nikkor-T).

If I were looking for a newer camera with rear movements I'd look at the Canham 5x7 MQC body  (http://www.canhamcameras.com/5x7.htm) combined with Keith's 6x17cm rollfilm back (http://www.canhamcameras.com/Roll%20film%20back.html)

Despite of it's versatility, with one exception,  the 6x17cm format photos  that continue to make the most money for me as stock photos were shot with the G617. Simplicity has its merits.

[rogerxnz]

Thank you, Ellis, for your very helpful info.

I selected the GX617 because I want to take the camera into the bush in a back pack and I consider being able to remove the lens (at least between films) will make it easier to pack.

Your other suggestions are too bulky and slow to set up for me (with no view camera experience except with a Hasselblad Flexbody!).
Roger