The "Texas Leica" is a great way to get into medium format. The lens it super sharp, the fully mechanical shutter and aperture are reliable and easy to use, the rangefinder is bright and clear, and the film advance is foolproof. You can get a faster lens with other systems, but with Delta 3200 film and push processing the camera is useful in any available light scenario and the huge negative makes film grain a non-issue.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Not going to write a long review, though I certainly could. Long story short, the GW690 is a great camera with sound mechanics and a very sharp lens. The huge 6x9 cm images are lovely and the camera is a good and somewhat cheap introduction into medium format for new shooters or 35 mm. shooters looking to step up their game. The 90 mm. focal length is about the same as a 50 mm on a normal 135 format camera and a good all-rounder. The rangefinder is pleasant and accurate to work with. Only real downside is that the camera has a T-mode instead of B-mode. If you don't know what that means you probably won't be bothered by it. It just makes it a little bit more of a hassle to shoot very long exposures, since you have to touch the camera while the shutter is open, risking shake.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It's not called the Texas Leica for nothing. It is big but surprisingly not unwieldy. Very simple and easy to use if you've ever shot film before. You need a meter but,there are plenty of good phone apps that work well. Excellent lens.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Finally finished my first roll of 120 film through this camera. Works wonderfully just need some practice with loading 120 film on to the reel but other than some slightly creased edges images look great.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an amazing camera. I could only give two stars for ease of use because it is a professional camera and needs an external light meter and is manual focus. Same withe the size and weight. It is huge. But that is the nature of the camera. But it is worth this effort because of the results it produces. It isn't a point and shoot. But you don't want it to be.
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