Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
A friend has told me of a GA645i - private sale, not too far away, I've arranged to view it at the weekend. I have only seen pics of these, and not much came up when googled, so I have some queries and misgivings. Battery dependant?, fully auto?, abillity to overide?, I think the lens will perform, so is it worth bothering with, - if the price is 'right'? ( if so, I may buy to resell ), what do you think?.
Cheers, Dave.
Cheers, Dave.
freeranger
Well-known
I have just started using mine again after leaving it sitting in the cupboard for a while. The lens is amazing. Exposure compensation is easy to access but the manual controls are not so intuitive. I'd recommend it, even if you do sell it on eventually - its worth it just to see the look on people's faces when it emerges from its soft case!
FA Limited
missing in action
i have a GA645W and it's fantastic, no complaints.
totally brainless MF experience, treat it like a point and shoot.
shot with slide, the meter is impeccable, lens seems sharp
totally brainless MF experience, treat it like a point and shoot.
shot with slide, the meter is impeccable, lens seems sharp
kuzano
Veteran
I shoot a GA645Zi... more bang for buck...
I shoot a GA645Zi... more bang for buck...
For not much more price than the GA645... you can add Zoom 55 to 90mm. Otherwise much the same camera.
However, neither of these cameras would be good candidates for those fixated on independence from batteries (no operation at all w/o batteries) or manual over-rides.
Otherwise, superb cameras, dependable, sharp images, good AE metering, and accurate fast focus. All Automatic. Exposure compensation is really the only management offered to the user.
I've used a number of the GS and GA series 645s from Fuji and never been unhappy with any of them as regards images.
But, if you really must have manual functions, stick with the earlier GS series, ie GS645S (Wide 60mm lens and true rangefinder), or the scale focus GS645W (45mm lens). The first GS (GS645) is a folder in which the bellows material was poorly chosen and must be replaced. I doubt seriously if any lightproof original bellows still exists on one of these, but with a bellows replacement the GS645 is a nice camera with a 75mm lens... again all manual operation except for metering. All the GS models only required a battery for metering... otherwise all functions are manual.
All the Fuji 645's have superb lenses and are all good if purchased in good operating condition.
I shoot a GA645Zi... more bang for buck...
For not much more price than the GA645... you can add Zoom 55 to 90mm. Otherwise much the same camera.
However, neither of these cameras would be good candidates for those fixated on independence from batteries (no operation at all w/o batteries) or manual over-rides.
Otherwise, superb cameras, dependable, sharp images, good AE metering, and accurate fast focus. All Automatic. Exposure compensation is really the only management offered to the user.
I've used a number of the GS and GA series 645s from Fuji and never been unhappy with any of them as regards images.
But, if you really must have manual functions, stick with the earlier GS series, ie GS645S (Wide 60mm lens and true rangefinder), or the scale focus GS645W (45mm lens). The first GS (GS645) is a folder in which the bellows material was poorly chosen and must be replaced. I doubt seriously if any lightproof original bellows still exists on one of these, but with a bellows replacement the GS645 is a nice camera with a 75mm lens... again all manual operation except for metering. All the GS models only required a battery for metering... otherwise all functions are manual.
All the Fuji 645's have superb lenses and are all good if purchased in good operating condition.
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CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
I, unfortunately, had two separate bad experiences with Fuji AF 645s and i would say these cameras are anything but "dependable," with "accurate...focus."
I bought a 'used' GA645zi a few years ago. I shot a casual test roll. I was mainly checking the meter, and the lens' sharpness. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the results, but i wasn't being very critical, as i wasn't testing it with any critical procedure - i just walked around and snapped with it. So, i then took the camera to south america on a two week vacation. When i returned, i was saddened to find that film looked okay, but scanning showed that the images weren't really in focus. I looked back at the earlier test roll and found that the images at nearer distances and at wider apertures were problematic. Because, though, there were enough shots on that roll at moderate distances and/or at smaller apertures, my overall 'assessment' didn't really reveal a problem. With the issues on the travel pictures evident, i sent the camera to Fuji for inspection. They informed me that the camera's AF module needed to be calibrated. They fixed it at a reasonable cost, but i sold the camera shortly thereafter. In addition to the lost confidence, i didn't really like the zoom at the expense of lens 'speed.'
So, a few years later/a few months ago, i bought a used GA645i, based on the wonderful net/forum comments. This time, i checked the test roll with the previous experience in mind. This camera has similar problems. I sent it to Fuji, again, thinking i could just have the AF calibrated, and then i'd be satisfied with it. Fuji, though, said the AF module, as well as the main power circuit board needed to be replaced entirely. That procedure was estimated to cost $700 or so (if i recall) - more than i paid for the camera itself.... I declined and returned it to the seller after a bit of a brouhaha.
So, i guess my point is this:
If you go forward with it, TEST IT. And, look critically at the film, then make scans/prints. Shoot it at the widest apertures, at various distances. Make sure the AF is accurate. If it isn't, make sure it's an easy fix. But, then, consider that even if you are initially happy, that may not last forever. As much as i did like the non-zoom version, even if i could get one that worked, i don't think i'd ever really TRUST it. I bought it for travel photography. I would forever be paranoid that the camera would become 'un-calibrated' somehow. Maybe through just the plane vibrations during a 13 hour flight -who knows.... With an AF 'rangefinder,' you cannot tell if the thing is working. Even when you're conscious to pay attention to the distance readout in the viewfinder, you just don't know. I recall looking at the distance constantly - to be sure - but... that means you're distracted from the other things you're supposed to be thinking of while shooting, and 2) in my experience, the distance still seemed Right - if you're shooting something 2.5m away and the thing says it's focused on something 3m away, are you going to question it? In my usage, the AF wasn't THAT far off. Just enough to make everything soft somehow.....
So, i got a Bronica RF645 to replace the GA645. It's solid. It's roughly the same size as the Fuji. The lens(es) are sharp, with good bokeh. It's manual focus and wind so it's a bit slower in operation, but i feel like i know that it's doing what i expect. I suppose the rangefinder could go out of calibration, but just like with the M7 or Zeiss Ikon, that's not something i feel is very likely. When i got it, the vertical alignment was already slightly off and the images were still sharp. Got that fixed under warranty, and i'm happy.
I bought a 'used' GA645zi a few years ago. I shot a casual test roll. I was mainly checking the meter, and the lens' sharpness. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the results, but i wasn't being very critical, as i wasn't testing it with any critical procedure - i just walked around and snapped with it. So, i then took the camera to south america on a two week vacation. When i returned, i was saddened to find that film looked okay, but scanning showed that the images weren't really in focus. I looked back at the earlier test roll and found that the images at nearer distances and at wider apertures were problematic. Because, though, there were enough shots on that roll at moderate distances and/or at smaller apertures, my overall 'assessment' didn't really reveal a problem. With the issues on the travel pictures evident, i sent the camera to Fuji for inspection. They informed me that the camera's AF module needed to be calibrated. They fixed it at a reasonable cost, but i sold the camera shortly thereafter. In addition to the lost confidence, i didn't really like the zoom at the expense of lens 'speed.'
So, a few years later/a few months ago, i bought a used GA645i, based on the wonderful net/forum comments. This time, i checked the test roll with the previous experience in mind. This camera has similar problems. I sent it to Fuji, again, thinking i could just have the AF calibrated, and then i'd be satisfied with it. Fuji, though, said the AF module, as well as the main power circuit board needed to be replaced entirely. That procedure was estimated to cost $700 or so (if i recall) - more than i paid for the camera itself.... I declined and returned it to the seller after a bit of a brouhaha.
So, i guess my point is this:
If you go forward with it, TEST IT. And, look critically at the film, then make scans/prints. Shoot it at the widest apertures, at various distances. Make sure the AF is accurate. If it isn't, make sure it's an easy fix. But, then, consider that even if you are initially happy, that may not last forever. As much as i did like the non-zoom version, even if i could get one that worked, i don't think i'd ever really TRUST it. I bought it for travel photography. I would forever be paranoid that the camera would become 'un-calibrated' somehow. Maybe through just the plane vibrations during a 13 hour flight -who knows.... With an AF 'rangefinder,' you cannot tell if the thing is working. Even when you're conscious to pay attention to the distance readout in the viewfinder, you just don't know. I recall looking at the distance constantly - to be sure - but... that means you're distracted from the other things you're supposed to be thinking of while shooting, and 2) in my experience, the distance still seemed Right - if you're shooting something 2.5m away and the thing says it's focused on something 3m away, are you going to question it? In my usage, the AF wasn't THAT far off. Just enough to make everything soft somehow.....
So, i got a Bronica RF645 to replace the GA645. It's solid. It's roughly the same size as the Fuji. The lens(es) are sharp, with good bokeh. It's manual focus and wind so it's a bit slower in operation, but i feel like i know that it's doing what i expect. I suppose the rangefinder could go out of calibration, but just like with the M7 or Zeiss Ikon, that's not something i feel is very likely. When i got it, the vertical alignment was already slightly off and the images were still sharp. Got that fixed under warranty, and i'm happy.
benlees
Well-known
You should definitely look at the camera. I have the GA645 which I bought with a faulty flash- don't have a lot of money so I take chances on the ones people are afraid to. Worked out very well (this time:angel
; it is a really great camera. I love mine. It is a small brute that makes brutish noises! AF sounds a bit chunky- definitely not a Hexar AF. Great lens, however. Very easy to use in manual. A fun, flexible camera. Getting 16 shots of 120 is very nice.
If you can get it for between $400-500 and seems to be in perfect shape grab it. Any less and you could try it and then sell it for a profit.
; it is a really great camera. I love mine. It is a small brute that makes brutish noises! AF sounds a bit chunky- definitely not a Hexar AF. Great lens, however. Very easy to use in manual. A fun, flexible camera. Getting 16 shots of 120 is very nice.If you can get it for between $400-500 and seems to be in perfect shape grab it. Any less and you could try it and then sell it for a profit.
fidget
Lemon magnet
I have one too! A GA465 (without the "i"). It's a fantastic camera. Can be full P&S but also manual and a few shades between. I guess that most use as an overgrown P&S with plenty of possible compensation features.
At the right price (and as has been said, if a good one) is unmissable.
Dave...
At the right price (and as has been said, if a good one) is unmissable.
Dave...
photogdave
Shops local
I shot a wedding with one. I was worried about the AF noise but it wasn't as issue at all. It sounds loud to the shooter but the sound doesn't seem to travel far.
5:00 PM
It's a light machine
Just do it. I've acquired both the GA645 and the GA645Wi in the past couple of months and I'm just thrilled with them. Admittedly there is a lot that could potentially go wrong with these cameras, but both of mine (one with an insanely high shot count over 16300 exposures - weddings? Photo IDs?) have dead-accurate AF and are making simply gorgeous pictures. This series is the perfect compliment to a DSLR, light enough to keep in your bag and capable of IQ that will just blow away anything digital below the D3x-level.
If you haven't already seen it, Dante Stella wrote the definitive (or at least the most popular) review some years ago: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/ga645.html
If you haven't already seen it, Dante Stella wrote the definitive (or at least the most popular) review some years ago: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/ga645.html
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JohnTF
Veteran
I've used just about all of them, No problems with any of them, the GA 645, and the GA 645Zi offer a lot in a small package and are very quick to use. Battery life is very long, but you do want a spare set in your bag. It has a battery life indicator.
Great MF bang in a small package.
I also used it at a couple weddings.
Results look like MF.
I learned the hard way a few times about testing cameras though, and would look at the number of actuations and take a roll to test.
I had no problem quickly using the exposure compensation when I thought it was necessary.
Regards, John
Great MF bang in a small package.
I also used it at a couple weddings.
Results look like MF.
I learned the hard way a few times about testing cameras though, and would look at the number of actuations and take a roll to test.
I had no problem quickly using the exposure compensation when I thought it was necessary.
Regards, John
Tuolumne
Veteran
I have a GA645zi. It's a totally automatic P&S medium format camera. Incredible lens. Never had any problem with focusing. It's almost too easy to use. With 220 film you get almost as many shots as with a 35mm camera. It's definitely worth experimenting with.
/T
/T
I have a GA645Wi that focuses perfectly wide open and is remarkably easy to handhold in even the 1/8-sec region. The Zi is a little later model and *looks* different, though I'm not sure how much different it is internally, other than the zoom lens. I've avoided the zoom because of the slow max aperture... And pair the 45mm Wi with a Bronica RF645 & 65mm lens, a good combination.
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
Thanks for all the info folks! - I'll examine carefully, and hope for a good deal!.
Cheers, Dave.
Cheers, Dave.
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
Thanks for that!...and welcome to RFF
Dave.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
I've got the GS645 folder (in my Avatar on the left).
It's manual, with built in meter and rangefinder focusing, so it may be more the sort of thing you're after (but I'm not selling mine!).
Although I have heard some criticisms, I think it's a brilliant camera, the lens is very good and the metering and rangefinder spot work very well. It fold down to a very managable size for MF and as such is a good travel camera. It's not light but probably no heavier than a Leica M with a decent sized lens on.
I'll bring mine to the Manchester meet if I don't end up overloaded.
It the meantime here's a pic from it.
It's manual, with built in meter and rangefinder focusing, so it may be more the sort of thing you're after (but I'm not selling mine!).
Although I have heard some criticisms, I think it's a brilliant camera, the lens is very good and the metering and rangefinder spot work very well. It fold down to a very managable size for MF and as such is a good travel camera. It's not light but probably no heavier than a Leica M with a decent sized lens on.
I'll bring mine to the Manchester meet if I don't end up overloaded.
It the meantime here's a pic from it.
Attachments
Papercut
Well-known
I'm not saying anything new, but if you get a good copy and/or test the camera before buying these are good to great cameras.
I picked up a GA 645 (AF, non-zoom) a couple months ago from KEH for $379. An earlier GS 645 from them had a broken frame counter (not a deal breaker) and messed up film advance (deal breaker), so it was only getting 6-7 frames per roll. But in both cases the negatives are truly beautiful. They both metered accurately. And the AF is spot on on the GA. It's not small, but it's not really heavy and the grip is well designed and comfortable.
I picked up a GA 645 (AF, non-zoom) a couple months ago from KEH for $379. An earlier GS 645 from them had a broken frame counter (not a deal breaker) and messed up film advance (deal breaker), so it was only getting 6-7 frames per roll. But in both cases the negatives are truly beautiful. They both metered accurately. And the AF is spot on on the GA. It's not small, but it's not really heavy and the grip is well designed and comfortable.
photogdave
Shops local
Another great thing about this camera is you can shoot one-handed, while holding a coffee in the other hand!
That's true, Dave, and it makes selfies easier too!
photogdave
Shops local
More great things to say about this camera:
I just got back a roll of B&W from the lab and I'm re-blown away! I haven't shot with this camera for about a year and I had forgotten how sharp the lens is and how much of a noticeable difference there is between 35mm and MF, even at 4x6 print size!
There is so much fine detail and subtle tonality in the prints - and I shot with Delta 3200! It's amazing how 3200 ISO film in MF can actually give you results that look better than 400 ISO in 35mm! I usually don't shoot as much MF as I'd like because of the bulk of the equipment, but the Fuji puts all this into a package no bigger, and a little lighter, than a typical DSLR!
You would have to spend thousands of dollars for a D700 or 5D to get close to this kind of quality from 35mm, but this camera exceeds that (in my opinion) for just a few hundred bucks. With the exposure info printed on each frame I'm not missing anything by shooting with the Fuji vs a high-end DSLR. Yes I know, I'm missing interchangeable lenses, TTL flash etc etc, but I'm talking about basic image quality up to 3200 ISO.
Anyway, awesome camera!!!
I just got back a roll of B&W from the lab and I'm re-blown away! I haven't shot with this camera for about a year and I had forgotten how sharp the lens is and how much of a noticeable difference there is between 35mm and MF, even at 4x6 print size!
There is so much fine detail and subtle tonality in the prints - and I shot with Delta 3200! It's amazing how 3200 ISO film in MF can actually give you results that look better than 400 ISO in 35mm! I usually don't shoot as much MF as I'd like because of the bulk of the equipment, but the Fuji puts all this into a package no bigger, and a little lighter, than a typical DSLR!
You would have to spend thousands of dollars for a D700 or 5D to get close to this kind of quality from 35mm, but this camera exceeds that (in my opinion) for just a few hundred bucks. With the exposure info printed on each frame I'm not missing anything by shooting with the Fuji vs a high-end DSLR. Yes I know, I'm missing interchangeable lenses, TTL flash etc etc, but I'm talking about basic image quality up to 3200 ISO.
Anyway, awesome camera!!!
momus1
Established
I would buy one from K.E.H. to get the 60 day warranty. These cameras have excellent (and then some) optics, but they're plastic wonders w/ older electronics and they don't make parts for them anymore. My GS645s has been in the shop twice now for shutter issues. I'm entertaining the idea of building or modifying an existing folder to use the Fuji lens and put a reliable shutter behind it in the lens board. Normally I would sell such a camera and move on, but the lens is just too good to abandon.