Fuji GA645 - crazy metering

[gs363]

The meter on my Fuji GA645 is jumping all over the place when I set the camera in Aperture Priority mode. When turning the exposure dial, the f-stop changes as it should once or twice, but then jumps a few f-stops at the next single rotation. It seems that there is something wrong with the electronics. Has anyone experienced this problem? And does anyone know who repairs these cameras in the United States? Thanks.

 

[gs363]

Talking to myself

Talking to myself

Phototech, the repair shop in NYC, diagnosed a problem with the electronics and is repairing the camera. Replacing some microchip, checking the AF, and performing a CLA will cost a mere $230. So much for the bargain I thought I had gotten on craigslist. Still, I like having such an easy to use MF rangefinder. Hopefully, this repair will give me a few year of trouble-free shooting.

 

[cmedin]

Ouch! These cameras are generally rock solid, sorry to hear you had troubles with yours. How much did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? A nice one will run you $450+ in good condition so maybe it's not as bad as you think.

 

[Doug]

It will be good to have the assurance it's in top form. I pretty much assume that any used camera I get will likely benefit from CLA and a good checkup.

 

[sepiareverb]

My zoom model did this every once in a while, but only when it was really really cold (-10°F or colder). I always assumed I was pushing the envelope for the electronics there.

 

[gs363]

Price was right

Price was right

Ouch! These cameras are generally rock solid, sorry to hear you had troubles with yours. How much did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? A nice one will run you $450+ in good condition so maybe it's not as bad as you think.

I bought the camera for $325 on Craigslist in New York from a professional photographer about a month ago. It didn't exhibit any problems then, and I trust that the seller wasn't trying to cheat me. The camera, which is in great cosmetic condition, had fewer than 1500 shots on its counter.

 

[cmedin]

Well, it's not a great deal considering the repair cost, but if you plan to use it for a while it's well worth the investment. They're wonderful cameras.

 

[Stu W]

I had my hands on one a couple of years ago. It had a similar problem that was related to the automatic iso system. Did you try to override it? Stu

 

[cmedin]

Only the GA645i had the DX coded film reading feature. The plain GA645 did not.