Introduction
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I fully accessorized and optimized my Fuji GW690III, a legendary 6×9 medium format rangefinder also known as the “Texas Leica.” If you came here from YouTube or want to nerd out over how to turn a barebones camera into a battle-ready field machine, you’re in the right place. You can also watch the full build and demo here.
The Camera: Fuji GW690III
- Shoots 6×9 cm negatives, the biggest frame size before large format
- Fixed 90mm f/3.5 Fujinon lens
- Fully mechanical, no built-in meter, no batteries
- Incredible sharpness and detail, ideal for landscapes, architecture, and portraits
I call it the Cathedral of Clarity, because it transforms light into memory with intimidating precision.
Hot Shoe Style Upgrade
Nikon ASC-02 Hot Shoe Cover
- Leather-and-metal hot shoe cap from Nikon
- Adds class and protects the shoe
- Subtle nod to my Nikon roots (since 1994)
Optional Swaps:
- Bubble level hot shoe insert
- Basic black plastic cover
Viewfinder Enhancement
Nikon DR-5 Right-Angle Finder
- Screws into eyepiece
- Rotatable for storage or vertical shooting
- 2x magnification to make the small rangefinder patch more visible
- Helps with low-angle compositions
This isn’t about looking fancy, it’s about changing your perspective. Truth isn’t always found head-on.
Front-End Mods
Lens Cap Swap
- Replaced the friction-fit Fuji lens cap with a 67mm pinch cap
- Easier, more secure, doesn’t interfere with the hood
Protective Filters
- B+W UV filter for physical protection
- B+W ND filter for shooting wide open in daylight
- B+W 81A warming filter, great for Ektachrome E100 to tame the blue tones
Tripod & Quick Release System
Arca-Swiss Monoball Fix Plate
- NOT the traditional Arca-Swiss, this is the Monoball Fix
- Very thin, quick snap-in, super secure
Gitzo GKTBB1 Tripod
- Compact, stable, and fits in a backpack
- Paired with a two-stage locking clamp
- Lock prevents accidental drops even when partially open
Also acts as a handle when angled, useful for carrying this big machine around.
Cable Release & Long Exposure Tooling
Italian Shutter Release Cable
- Vintage-style whisper click, made in Italy
- Screws into shutter (not usable with vertical release)
- Supports Bulb and T (Time) exposures
- Has a locking B mode to hold shutter open manually
Mini Mod: Hood Fix
- Small strip of matte tape inside lens hood mount
- Increases friction so hood stays extended
- Reduces internal reflections
Loading Film: Step-by-Step
- Transfer old take-up spool to the opposite side
- Insert fresh roll of 120 (e.g., Kodak E100)
- Align film using crease tab and insert leader into take-up spool
- Wind until arrows align with marker
- Close back, wind to frame 1
- Lock the shutter release to prevent accidental firing
Pro Tip: Keep the film path straight, tensioned, and clean, this beast deserves it.
Final Thoughts
The Fuji GW690III is not a camera for everyone, and that’s what makes it special. It doesn’t just capture images; it documents existence. There are no pixels, just silver halides and dye layers recording the real. This is reality projected onto film, with no interpretation.
Every accessory I’ve added has a purpose: stability, visibility, functionality. None are for looks, but all of them bring me closer to the kind of shooting that feels sacred.
For the full walkthrough and footage, watch the video here.
Stay analog, stay present.