Jack, can you recommend Fuji GX680 III over Sinar F2 and P2?
First off, speaking only generically, I will simply repeat that shooting *portraits* or anything involving people with a view camera -- even one with a sliding back -- is not an "easy" process. Yes it can be done, but it takes some doing to get the hang of it and get good enough to be proficient at it. OTOH, if the portraiture you want to do is only casual, then being proficient is not necessarily a requisite. With any SLR, you have the advantage of "direct viewing" which certainly facilitates composition, focus and capturing momentary expressions. Also, even as big as the GX system is, it is still smaller than a view camera, and it *can* be used hand-held if desired, though this is probably a minor consideration.
On the flip side, the view camera with all of its movements available on both front and rear standards, can be a benefit with *product* or still life style shooting. However, most -- say over 90% -- of the convenience of composition is available with only front movements. Lastly, there is the issue of magnified and accurate focus, and here a properly tuned SLR will out-perform the best view camera, unless you have a good "live focus" option with your DB.
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As to specific recommendations, I really only have loose suggestions. I have never owned the GX680 system, but have used it. I understand the biggest advantage to the 3 over the 2 or 1 is the battery design -- the 3 takes AA's maybe? Anyway, do some careful homework before buying. Note there are also a few generations of lenses, and some of the latest were marked "D" and supposed to be better-tuned to digital sensors.
Sinar F versus P. I have owned both the P and P2 and used the F. For the extra cost, I feel the geared, self-locking movements on the P are worth their weight in gold when it comes to both composition and ease/convenience of use. However, the tilts and swings are asymmetric and may not be set optimally for the smaller DB format? Perhaps Thierry can weigh in here. I don't know if the X is still made, but it was kind of an economy version of the P2 without the ability to change formats IIRC, so maybe represents a nice compromise? I am sure Thierry can give you more specifics on these options.
So in conclusion, knowing what I know about cameras, knowing how I shoot, and knowing what works best for my brain:
1) if I were doing both portraiture and still life in a dedicated studio or on location, I would lean toward the GX over the view camera;
2) if I were doing mostly still life (or product) and only occasionally (less than 1x per month) portraiture in a dedicated studio only, I would probably choose a view system with a sliding back.
3) if I were planning on doing anything on location or in the field, then I would probably choose the GX. However, I might then might also consider a more portable view camera dedicated to MF like the Linhof 679 or Rollei XAct.
My .02 only,
