Fujica GL690 / GM670 Lens System Reference
Camera System: Fujica GL690 Professional / GM670 Professional Mount Type: Bayonet with Safety Lock Compatibility: Interchangeable across GL690, GM670, and G690BL Common Features: All lenses feature Seiko #0 leaf shutter, 72mm filter thread
Complete Lens Lineup Overview
The Fujica GL690/GM670 system offers six professional lenses ranging from ultra-wide 50mm to telephoto 180mm, all optimized for the large 6x9cm and 6x7cm formats.
Quick Reference Table
| Lens | Focal Length | Max Aperture | Angle of View (GL690/GM670) | Closest Focus | Weight | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUJINON SWS | 50mm | f/5.6 | 90° / 83° | 3.3 ft (1m) | 595g | Super Wideangle |
| FUJINON SWS | 65mm | f/5.6 | 75° / 68° | 3.3 ft (1m) | 610g | Wideangle |
| EBC FUJINON AE | 100mm | f/3.5 | 53° / 47° | 3.3 ft (1m) | 700g | Normal (Auto) |
| FUJINON S | 100mm | f/3.5 | 53° / 47° | 3.3 ft (1m) | 605g | Normal (Manual) |
| FUJINON TS | 150mm | f/5.6 | 36° / 32° | 6.6 ft (2m) | 913g | Telephoto |
| FUJINON TS | 180mm | f/5.6 | 30° / 27° | 8.2 ft (2.5m) | 1,025g | Telephoto |
1. FUJINON SWS 1:5.6 f=50mm (Super Wideangle)
Overview
Ultra-wide perspective lens offering the widest angle of view in the system. Ideal for architecture, interiors, and dramatic landscape compositions.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Optical Formula | 8 components, 8 elements |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 90° (ultra-wide) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 83° (ultra-wide) |
| Aperture Range | f/5.6 to f/45 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 3.3 ft (1m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 75mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 84mm |
| Weight | 595g |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 leaf shutter
- Speed Range: B, 1 to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: M & X contacts (all speeds)
Optical Performance
- Coating: Standard FUJINON multi-coating
- Performance: Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness for architectural work
- Sweet Spot: f/11 to f/16
Finder System
- Type: Galilean optical finder (separate viewfinder)
- Mounting: Accessory shoe on camera body
- Frame: Bright-line frame with parallax marks
Recommended Hood
- Type: Wideangle lens hood (specific to 50mm)
- Purpose: Minimal flare protection without vignetting
Applications
Best For: - Architectural photography - Interior spaces - Dramatic landscapes - Environmental portraits with context - Real estate photography
Considerations: - Extreme wide angle requires careful composition to avoid distortion - Depth of field is extensive even at f/5.6 - Foreground elements appear very large/close
Sample Exposures (ISO 100)
| Scene | Aperture | Shutter Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Sun | f/16 | 1/125 | Architecture detail |
| Open Shade | f/8 | 1/60 | Interior with window light |
| Overcast | f/5.6 | 1/30 | Landscape, use tripod |
2. FUJINON SWS 1:5.6 f=65mm (Wideangle)
Overview
Wide-angle lens offering excellent coverage without extreme distortion. The practical wide lens for general photography, landscapes, and reportage.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 65mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Optical Formula | 8 components, 8 elements |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 75° (wide) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 68° (wide) |
| Aperture Range | f/5.6 to f/45 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 3.3 ft (1m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 75mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 82mm |
| Weight | 610g |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 leaf shutter
- Speed Range: B, 1 to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: M & X contacts (all speeds)
Optical Performance
- Coating: Standard FUJINON multi-coating
- Performance: Excellent overall sharpness, minimal distortion
- Sweet Spot: f/8 to f/11
Finder System
- Type: Galilean optical finder (separate viewfinder)
- Mounting: Accessory shoe on camera body
- Frame: Bright-line frame with parallax compensation
Recommended Hood
- Type: Wideangle lens hood (specific to 65mm)
- Purpose: Effective flare protection
Applications
Best For: - General landscape photography - Street photography with context - Environmental portraits - Documentary/reportage work - Press photography
Considerations: - More natural perspective than 50mm - Easier to compose without distortion concerns - Still offers generous depth of field
Popular Use Case
This was a favored lens for press photographers, offering wide coverage while maintaining natural-looking perspective and allowing close working distances.
3. EBC FUJINON AE 1:3.5 f=100mm (Normal - Automatic)
Overview
The flagship lens of the system, featuring the world's first Electron Beam Coating (EBC) and fully integrated automatic exposure system. This is the standard lens for general photography.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Optical Formula | 3 components, 4 elements |
| Coating | Multilayer EBC (Electron Beam Coating) |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 53° (normal) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 47° (normal) |
| Aperture Range | f/3.5 to f/32 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 3.3 ft (1m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 80mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 83mm |
| Weight | 700g (heaviest due to AE system) |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 fully automatic exposure electronic shutter
- Auto Speed Range: 8 seconds to 1/500 sec
- Manual Speed Range: B, 8 seconds to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: X contact only (electronic flash)
Automatic Exposure System
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Film Speed Range | ASA 25-800 (1/3 stop increments) |
| Exposure Control | Aperture-preferred automatic |
| Metering Range | EV 0.6 to 19 (at ASA 100) |
| Photocell | CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) |
| Metering Angle | 15° (center-weighted) |
| Battery | 6V Silver Oxide (Eveready No.544, Mallory 4G13) |
| Battery Check | Built-in test button |
| Warnings | Overexposure, underexposure, camera shake, battery low |
Optical Performance
- Coating: Advanced EBC multilayer coating for superior contrast
- Performance: Excellent sharpness across the frame
- Sweet Spot: f/8 (exceptional sharpness and contrast)
- Characteristics: Neutral color rendition, high contrast
Finder System
- Type: Built-in rangefinder with bright-line frame
- Frame: 100mm frame in viewfinder (automatically selected)
- Parallax: Automatic compensation
Applications
Best For: - General photography (standard field of view) - Portraits (natural perspective) - Street photography - Documentary work - Wedding photography - Press photography
Automatic Exposure Advantages: - Rapid shooting in changing light - Aperture-priority allows depth of field control - Reliable metering system
Considerations: - Requires battery (always carry spare) - Check battery before important shoots - X sync only (no bulb flash capability) - Slightly heavier than manual 100mm
Operating the AE System
Automatic Mode: 1. Set shutter speed ring to "A" 2. Select desired aperture 3. Camera sets shutter speed automatically 4. Press S.S.C. button to preview selected speed
Manual Mode: 1. Set both aperture and shutter speed 2. Use like standard manual lens 3. Ignore meter (works as mechanical lens)
4. FUJINON S 1:3.5 f=100mm (Normal - Manual)
Overview
Manual-only version of the 100mm normal lens. Lighter and simpler than the AE version, preferred by photographers who prefer full manual control or want to save weight.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Optical Formula | 3 components, 4 elements |
| Coating | Standard FUJINON multi-coating |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 53° (normal) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 47° (normal) |
| Aperture Range | f/3.5 to f/32 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 3.3 ft (1m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 75mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 83mm |
| Weight | 605g (lighter than AE version) |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 leaf shutter (fully mechanical)
- Speed Range: B, 1 to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: M & X contacts (all speeds)
Optical Performance
- Coating: Multi-layer FUJINON coating (not EBC)
- Performance: Excellent sharpness, very similar to AE version
- Sweet Spot: f/8 to f/11
- Characteristics: Neutral color, good contrast
Finder System
- Type: Built-in rangefinder with bright-line frame
- Frame: 100mm frame in viewfinder
- Parallax: Automatic compensation
Recommended Hood
- Type: Exclusive hood for 100mm (bayonet mount)
- Purpose: Effective flare protection, convenient mounting
Applications
Best For: - Same as AE version (general photography, portraits, street, documentary) - Preferred when: full manual control desired, battery dependence unacceptable, weight savings important
Advantages Over AE: - Lighter (95g difference) - No battery required - M & X sync (bulb flash capability) - Simpler mechanism (potentially more reliable long-term) - Lower cost (when available)
Manual vs AE Choice:
Choose Manual if: - You prefer/require full manual control - You shoot mostly with external meter or Sunny 16 - Weight is a concern - Battery availability is uncertain
Choose AE if: - You want convenience of automatic exposure - You shoot in rapidly changing light - You prefer aperture-priority workflow - EBC coating is important to you
5. FUJINON TS 1:5.6 f=150mm (Telephoto)
Overview
Medium telephoto providing compressed perspective and selective focus. Excellent for portraits, candid photography, and detail work.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 150mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Optical Formula | 4 components, 5 elements |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 36° (telephoto) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 32° (telephoto) |
| Aperture Range | f/5.6 to f/45 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 6.6 ft (2m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 75mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 85mm |
| Weight | 913g |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 leaf shutter
- Speed Range: B, 1 to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: M & X contacts (all speeds)
Optical Performance
- Coating: Standard FUJINON multi-coating
- Performance: Sharp with good contrast
- Sweet Spot: f/11
- Bokeh: Smooth out-of-focus rendering
Finder System
- Type: Built-in rangefinder with bright-line frame
- Frame: 150mm frame in viewfinder (automatically selected)
- Parallax: Automatic compensation
- Viewfinder: 150mm frame appears when lens mounted
Recommended Hood
- Type: Telephoto lens hood (specific to 150mm)
- Purpose: Essential for contrast and flare control
Applications
Best For: - Portrait photography (flattering compression) - Candid/street photography (comfortable distance) - Detail shots in landscape work - Product photography - Selective isolation of subjects
Considerations: - Minimum focus 6.6 ft (2m) - longer than normal lenses - Depth of field significantly shallower than 100mm - Camera shake more visible - use faster shutter speeds - Heavier than standard lenses
Recommended Shutter Speeds
Handheld Minimum: 1/125 sec (1/250 sec preferred) Tripod: Recommended for best sharpness, especially at f/5.6-f/8
6. FUJINON TS 1:5.6 f=180mm (Telephoto)
Overview
Long telephoto providing maximum reach in the system. Strong perspective compression and very selective focus. Excellent for distant subjects and abstract compositions.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 180mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Optical Formula | 4 components, 5 elements |
| Angle of View (GL690) | 30° (long telephoto) |
| Angle of View (GM670) | 27° (long telephoto) |
| Aperture Range | f/5.6 to f/45 |
| Aperture Steps | ½ stop click stops |
| Closest Focus | 8.2 ft (2.5m) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm P=0.75mm |
| Front Element Diameter | 75mm |
| Lens Barrel Diameter | 90mm |
| Length | 97mm (longest) |
| Weight | 1,025g (heaviest) |
Shutter System
- Type: Seiko #0 leaf shutter
- Speed Range: B, 1 to 1/500 sec
- Synchronization: M & X contacts (all speeds)
Optical Performance
- Coating: Standard FUJINON multi-coating
- Performance: Good sharpness, requires careful technique
- Sweet Spot: f/11 to f/16
- Bokeh: Very smooth, creamy out-of-focus areas
Finder System
- Type: Albada finder (separate optical viewfinder)
- Mounting: Accessory shoe on camera body
- Frame: Bright-line frame with parallax marks
- Note: Rangefinder focusing still via camera body
Recommended Hood
- Type: Telephoto lens hood (deep, specific to 180mm)
- Purpose: Critical for contrast and flare control at this focal length
Applications
Best For: - Distant subjects (wildlife, sports from distance) - Extreme perspective compression - Abstract detail work - Selective isolation with very shallow DOF - Architectural detail from distance
Considerations: - Minimum focus 8.2 ft (2.5m) - limits close work - Depth of field extremely shallow even at f/16 - Tripod essential for sharp results - Heavy - consider weight when traveling - Requires excellent technique
Recommended Usage
Handheld: Not recommended except bright sun at 1/250-1/500 sec Tripod: Strongly recommended for all serious work Cable Release: Essential to avoid camera shake
Lens Selection Guide
By Photography Type
| Photography Type | Primary Lens | Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/All-Around | 100mm (either) | 65mm | Start with 100mm, add 65mm for versatility |
| Landscape | 65mm | 50mm, 100mm | 65mm most versatile; 50mm for drama; 100mm for detail |
| Portrait | 150mm | 100mm | 150mm flattering compression; 100mm for environmental |
| Street | 65mm | 100mm | 65mm for context; 100mm for tighter framing |
| Architecture | 50mm | 65mm | 50mm for interiors; 65mm for exteriors |
| Press/Documentary | 100mm AE | 65mm | AE lens for speed; 65mm for coverage |
| Product | 100mm (either) | 150mm | 100mm for general; 150mm for small items |
Starter Kit Recommendations
Minimal Kit (1 lens): - 100mm (either version) - Covers 80% of general photography
Standard Kit (2 lenses): - 100mm (either) + 65mm - Excellent versatility for most work
Professional Kit (3 lenses): - 65mm + 100mm (preferably AE) + 150mm - Complete coverage from wide to portrait
Complete System (4+ lenses): - 50mm + 65mm + 100mm AE + 100mm Manual + 150mm + 180mm - Maximum flexibility
Filter System
Common Thread Size
All lenses share 72mm P=0.75mm filter thread, allowing filter sharing across the system.
Recommended Filters
| Filter Type | Use Case | Impact on Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| UV/Haze | General protection, always on | None |
| Polarizer (Circular) | Sky darkening, reflection control | -1.5 to -2 stops |
| ND 3-stop | Long exposures, large aperture in bright light | -3 stops |
| Yellow (K2) | B&W film contrast | -1 stop |
| Orange | B&W dramatic skies | -1.5 stops |
| Red (25A) | B&W maximum contrast | -3 stops |
| 81A Warming | Correct cool light | Minimal |
Lens Hoods
Each lens has specific hood designed for its focal length:
| Lens | Hood Type | Mounting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm | Wideangle | Screw-in 72mm | Shallow to prevent vignetting |
| 65mm | Wideangle | Screw-in 72mm | Medium depth |
| 100mm | Exclusive | Bayonet mount | Convenient bayonet system |
| 150mm | Telephoto | Screw-in 72mm | Deeper for longer focal length |
| 180mm | Telephoto | Screw-in 72mm | Deepest for maximum protection |
Recommendation: Always use appropriate hood - improves contrast and protects front element.
Maintenance & Care
Storage
- Store with front and rear caps
- Keep in dry environment with silica gel
- Avoid extreme temperatures
Cleaning
- Use lens tissue and proper cleaning solution
- Avoid touching glass elements
- Clean filter more often than lens itself
Service
- Shutter CLA every 5-10 years
- Professional service for shutter issues
- Keep filter threads clean for easy mounting
Availability & Collecting
Current Market (as of documentation)
Commonly Found: - 100mm S (Manual) - Most common, affordable - 65mm - Popular, moderate availability
Less Common: - 100mm EBC AE - Premium, sought after - 150mm - Available but less common
Rare: - 50mm - Uncommon, specialized use - 180mm - Rare, heaviest and longest
Condition Considerations
Check When Buying: - Shutter accuracy (all speeds) - Rangefinder coupling (proper focus registration) - Glass clarity (fungus, haze, separation) - Aperture blades (smooth, oil-free) - Filter threads (no cross-threading damage) - Cosmetic condition (less important than function)
Conclusion
The Fujica GL690/GM670 lens system offers professional-quality optics with excellent coverage from ultra-wide to telephoto. The shared 72mm filter thread and leaf shutter design provide practical advantages, while the optical quality is more than adequate for professional medium format work.
The 100mm lens (either version) remains the versatile cornerstone, with the 65mm as the ideal complement for a two-lens kit. Adding the 150mm completes a professional setup for most photography needs.
Related References:
- Fujica GL690/GM670 Complete Manual - Full camera operation guide
- Depth of Field Field Guide - DOF calculations for medium format
- Photography Filter Reference - Filter exposure compensation guide
Document Version: 1.0 Last Updated: 2026-05-23 Source: Official Fujica lens specifications and documentation