Fuji GX617 (with 300mm lens)
Introduction
While Hasselblad's Xpan is a popular choice for panoramic photography, there are
also two major choices in 617 format, using a 168 x 56mm (3:1 ratio) on 120 or
220 rollfilm. Naturally these are considerably larger and more cumbersome than
an Xpan, but offer a substantial increase in quality over the Xpan's much
smaller 35mm-based image size. The 617 bodies are made by Fuji and Linhof; while both companies previously made fixed-lens cameras, each currently offers a
body with several interchangeable lenses. They are similar in size, weight, and
operation, but each offers different coverage at the long and short ends of the
focal length spectrum.
In early 2000, I chose Linhof based on its all-metal construction and use of Schneider lenses. Since that time, I've wished I had chosen the Fuji instead due to its ability to use a 300mm lens. Finally, in October 2002, I decided to replace the Linhof with a Fuji GX617. Investigating the cost of a Fuji system against expected returns from selling the Linhof, I was surprised to learn that it was cheaper simply to keep the present Linhof setup and add a Fuji body with dedicated 300mm lens.
Linhof 617SIII (with 180mm lens)
Body
The Linhof body is extremely tough; one could probably run over it with a car
with few ill effects. Of course, remove the lens first if you want to try this
at home. It is totally mechanical without electronic features of any kind, and
is therefore very simple. It accepts either 120 or 220 rollfilm, for which it
can be adjusted by sliding its pressure plate. A roll of 120 gives four
exposures; a roll of 220, eight.
The Fuji, while less robust than the Linhof, is nevertheless
well-made of what appears to be a carbon-fibre type of composite material. It's
very similar in size and weight to the Linhof, and also accepts 120 or 220
rollfilm by using a reversible pressure plate. It uses a small lithium battery
to operate its electronic shutter, but can also be used without the battery if
one uses a secondary shutter release attachment and a slightly more cumbersome
means of operation. I find it more user-friendly for several reasons. The back
is hinged along its bottom edge, unlike the Linhof back which pulls completely
off and must then be set in a clean and dry location while film is being
reloaded. Fuji also includes a true film-winding lever rather than Linhof's
quirky hand crank. Ground-glass attachment backs are made for the current models
of both Fuji and Linhof cameras, which are attached for composition and focus,
then removed prior to exposing the film. Of course, these ground glass backs can only
be used prior to loading film, since neither camera has a darkslide or other
means to prevent light from striking film if the back were opened midroll.
Lenses
The Linhof 617 system includes 72mm, 90mm, and 180mm lenses; a 250mm is
apparently now available from some sources, although in my opinion there is not
enough difference from the 180mm to make it worthwhile. It seems odd that Linhof
didn't choose to make a 300mm to compete more directly with Fuji. Each lens requires a matching viewfinder
for proper framing; the latter includes a bubble level to make certain that the
camera isn't tilted upward (causing convergence), but strangely not the
seemingly more important direction of left-to-right to maintain a level horizon!
The optics are actually Schneider large format lenses, each in a dedicated 617
mount with helical focus.
I've not seen a need to go as wide as 72mm, so I have the 90mm and 180mm lenses. The 72mm and 90mm lenses
require a large (95mm) center filter to correct light falloff common to all wide-angle view
camera lenses; this unfortunately eats 1.5 stops of light, but is a must when
using transparency film. One may be able to get
by without it and later correct the falloff during printing when using negative
film. The two lenses that I have both offer superb quality with crisp, contrasty
images.
Fuji offers 90mm, 105mm, 180mm, and 300mm lenses. The older G617
model has a fixed 105mm lens, presumably the reason why Fuji kept this lens in
the present lineup despite the fact that it's little different from the 90mm.
Because I bought the Fuji exclusively to use with the 300mm lens, I have no
experience with the other focal lengths; given the high quality of Fuji lenses,
I have no reason to believe that they're anything but excellent, as is the
300mm.
Scale focus is the only means of focusing a 617 camera; there is no built-in
rangefinder and no way of viewing through the lens to focus, unless one uses the
Fuji's ground glass prior to loading film as noted above. It's actually quite
simple; just estimate the subject- or hyperfocal distance. Small apertures are
required, as with all large format lenses; Linhof recommends that f/16 should be
the largest aperture used, and I typically use apertures between f/22 to f/32,
going to f/45 if need be.
Since here is no provision for a darkslide in either model, midroll lens changes
must be done in a changing bag or darkroom. This is a considerable
inconvenience, and very cumbersome in the field. One wishes that a darkslide
could have been provided. Since I use only the 300mm lens with the Fuji, this
problem does not apply to it, but a single body with three lenses would surely
be even more inconvenient than my present arrangement.
My method of use in the field
A 617 camera is bulky and heavy. The Linhof requires a mid-sized shoulder bag of its
own, which holds the body, two lenses, changing bag, spotmeter, film, cable
release, plus a few
filters and small accessories; the Fuji also has its own bag. Since I have
two 617 bodies with lenses and accessories, it becomes difficult knowing what to
carry if I'm not shooting close to the car. Due to this bulk, it can't really be
carried afield at the same time as another "system" camera such as a
4x5 or Fuji GX680; using it requires a separate hike, or a location close
to the car. I've actually carried my GX680 and a 617 simultaneously for limited
distances, but I can't stress enough how difficult it is to do this, and avoid
doing so if at all possible.
Update: February 2005
I've recently added a Canham MQC 5x7 camera with dedicated 617
rollfilm back to my equipment selection. It will enable me not only to obtain
panoramic images with a larger lens selection than the Linhof and Fuji bodies
offer, including 450mm and 720mm long lenses, but also to allow a full range of
movements such as tilt, swing, and rise. I look forward to using this camera in
the field soon, and will publish a full review here in the near future.
As always, feel free to email me if you have
questions regarding the Linhof or Fuji 617 cameras.