elaydad
Member
Is this camera too bulky to travel to Europe with ?
Fuji GA 645 ZI
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fbf
Well-known
No, but one thing I would consider is that the camera only focus down to 1m(if i remember correctly). You might miss some closeup shots. Otherwise the camera is superb
MatthewThompson
Well-known
That's a subjective question. If you're used to a pocket cam ten the ZI will seem like a farm implement. If you're shooting a DSLR or similar, it's comparable. They're no Rollei35, but for a portable MF solution it's hard to beat.
JohnTF
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Mine made a number of trips to Europe, did just fine. Carried it on the shoulder, not very heavy, certainly not big for MF.
Krosya
Konicaze
I used to have one years ago. It has a slow but superb lens. Photos from it are very nice, but since 645 is not my fav. format - I prefer 6x6, and lens was a bit on a slow side - I sold it to get a Leica M6. Well, now I sort of miss it. I did take it on a trip to Europe one and it was fine for most things.
kuzano
Veteran
Fuji relative sizes by picture
Fuji relative sizes by picture
Here is a pic of my Fuji's. Compared to the big G690 and GSW690 the GA645Zi is smaller, particularly in depth. The small fuji in this picture is a Fuji e900 point and shoot digital.
The Zi is no pocket camera, other than a big pocket on a car coat or such.
It's a wonderful camera, as long as you can deal with a couple of realities about this type of camera. Because of the way film is transported (sideways), the format is Portrait (vertical). That's true, however of the Bronica RF645, which is slightly bigger.
The only landscape format 645s are SLR system cameras, which are bulkier.
If you plan on shooting a lot of horizontal (landscape) format, the likely posture is camera turned 90 degrees to the left and the right hand over the top of the camera to reach the shutter button. There is a cable release on the right side, so it might be more comfortable to use a short cable release.
The lens is SHARP, the focus very accurate and has manual over-ride, Zoom is 55 - 90mm. The AF uses rangefinder focus, no patch.
They can still be serviced. I use an East Coast well known service called Camera Wiz.
I think it would be safe to say that you won't find a smaller 645 with Zoom function and AF.
I did sell mine because I am shooting mostly 6X9 and large format now.
Fuji relative sizes by picture
Here is a pic of my Fuji's. Compared to the big G690 and GSW690 the GA645Zi is smaller, particularly in depth. The small fuji in this picture is a Fuji e900 point and shoot digital.
The Zi is no pocket camera, other than a big pocket on a car coat or such.
It's a wonderful camera, as long as you can deal with a couple of realities about this type of camera. Because of the way film is transported (sideways), the format is Portrait (vertical). That's true, however of the Bronica RF645, which is slightly bigger.
The only landscape format 645s are SLR system cameras, which are bulkier.
If you plan on shooting a lot of horizontal (landscape) format, the likely posture is camera turned 90 degrees to the left and the right hand over the top of the camera to reach the shutter button. There is a cable release on the right side, so it might be more comfortable to use a short cable release.
The lens is SHARP, the focus very accurate and has manual over-ride, Zoom is 55 - 90mm. The AF uses rangefinder focus, no patch.
They can still be serviced. I use an East Coast well known service called Camera Wiz.
I think it would be safe to say that you won't find a smaller 645 with Zoom function and AF.
I did sell mine because I am shooting mostly 6X9 and large format now.
MatthewThompson
Well-known
This is how I shoot SLR cameras, but the first time I picked up a GA I naturally rotated it clockwise and operated the release with my right thumb. Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.
Zonan
Well-known
Since I shoot mostly 6x9 and 4x5 now, this is my "compact" camera. Had one a few years ago, sold it, really missed it and bought another a few months ago. Superb optics. Yes, it's slow, but the metering and focus are top-notch. The results are really outstanding- I frequently take it when I am going "light". If you want superior IQ, this delivers.
ivansanzana
Member
HELP! I have a GS645Zi and the round eyepiece is missing, this piece holds all the other components in place, I have looked everywhere, does anybody have a camera for parts or knows of one? please email me back, many thanks!!! ivansanzana@hotmail.com
