Fuji GA Rangefinders in comparison to Mamiya 7

[keytarjunkie]

I currently have a Mamiya 7 and 80mm, and I'm strongly considering getting the 43mm (so much $$ though). I am traveling for five months, and I would prefer to shoot 4x5 but I won't have room for that camera, hence this dilemma (I'm not sure I'll even have room for a tripod!) Anyway, I need a backup camera besides my digital point and shoot.

I was thinking about the Fuji GA645, GA645i, or GA645Zi. I know their reliability is not so wonderful (LCD bleeding, dials not working correctly, etc) but I was wondering if anyone could recommend one as a backup to the Mamiya 7. I am strongly in favor of the zoom model, and the price has dropped in the past year, but I've seen amazing results from the standard model's 60mm lens and I want to make sure the zoom lens will be on par. I'm also curious about viewfinder experience between the standard and zoom models.

I know 6x4.5 won't be quite as nice as 6x7 (I have experience with Mamiya 645 SLRs) but I am really looking for a secondary, smaller, backup camera that might be easier to bring around with me while still using the same type of film. The addition of metered modes and a flash is a huge advantage to me - I'd rather have that then the folder GS model, which arguably will be more expensive and break easier.

Any thoughts?

 

[benlees]

I've had them all except the zi- which I wouldn't mind getting because of the recent price drop. Although I haven't used one, the zoom is supposed to be sharp sharp. The GA can be had quite economically and would be a great back up. I miss mine! The little Fuji's are a bit different than the Mamiya: film is portrait position and the camera is quite a bit louder. The autofocus seems quite clunky but I don't think I ever had a shot out of focus. The 6x4.5 frame size is perfect for 11x14 prints, which is quite useful.

 

[GaryLH]

If u don't mind spending a little more, how about Bessa 3/Fuji 670 (6x6 or 6x7) or original Bessa 2 (6x9).. Normalish lens however, but they are both folders and really not much bigger then the Fuji u are already thinking about. They are all rf though not af. The Bessa 2 u will need to bring external light meter or use sunny f16 rule.

Of the Fuji u are looking at, I am partial to the zi. Check Dante Stella website, he has excellent writeup on the Fuji ga family.

Good luck
Gary

 

[ssmc]

Sadly I've never used a M7 so I can't compare it but I have a GA645 (late version, non-i) and it's really a very good camera. You're right, the lens is pretty amazing, very sharp and appears totally devoid of lateral CA.

The only real "gotcha" I've found (the hard way) is that you really do have to read the manual w.r.t. how to hold the camera in landscape orientation for the AF to work properly. You must hold it with the grip down (i.e. with the camera covering your face, the exact opposite of how I prefer) or risk AF errors. A very large percentage of my landscape-oriented shots are OOF - sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. You can tell by the orientation on the neg which way it was held and guess what, the ones shot the other way around are spot-on. This is annoying but not a deal-breaker - I'm just glad I found out within the first few rolls. Used "as directed" the AF is very accurate. I thought the explanation of why you had to hold it that way was kind of hokey and I paid the price...

MF is something probably best used as an emergency-only kind of deal. Not only are there a limited number of steps but the actual implementation means it's not something you'd want to use in a hurry. However If shooting from behind a window you'd have to use MF so at least it's provided.

I carry mine in a Lowepro Apex 120AW which fits the camera and several rolls of film, and has pockets for filters. You can only get to 1/700s above f/9.5 so an ND filter would be worthwhile for faster film. The camera can imprint data outside the frame which is extremely useful.

If you get one, try to get the original lens hood. Non-original hoods may block the AF sensors. The stock one is 20mm deep x 68mm diameter. Compare to a Nikon HR-2 52mm hood, which is 25mm deep but 85mm in diameter.

 

[sevo]

My Zi has been all over Europe, on my neck, and has not been failing so far.

 

[DolphinDan]

RE: Fuji GA645s and Mamiya 7

RE: Fuji GA645s and Mamiya 7

Hi,

I own the GA645Zi and GA645Wi. I love my Zi; I use it all of the time. The zoom is actually 55mm, 65mm, 75mm, and 90mm. I find I mainly shoot at 55mm, both landscapes and people. And 55mm and 65mm gives you a focal length close to 60mm, plus you have 75mm and 90mm for closer shots. So obviously I prefer the GA645Zi over the other models. I have not tried a Mamiya 7 yet...

Regarding the GA645/GA645i; I find the control layout on the GA645Zi much easier to use than the GA645Wi (which is the same as the GA645/GA645i). In particular, the dial for turning the power on and choosing PASM modes is on the back for the GA645/Ga645/GA645Wi models, which I find annoying and difficult to switch between. The GA645Zi has this dial on the top right. Also, the GA645Zi has the flash on the top left side, so red eye is less of an issue when photographing people. The GA645/Ga645i has the flash above the lens, so you have the usual issues with red eye when photographing people. You can also read Dante Stella's review of these cameras here:

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/ga645.html

Regarding reliability, I bought my GA645Zi used from KEH.com about 4 years ago, and it is still running great. My GA645Wi on the other hand needed a CLA. So make sure you get the camera cleaned and all before deciding whether or not the lens is sharp.

Regarding the sharpness of the GA645Zi's lens, check out Sandy King's review here:

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum51/48756-comparing-two-fuji-ga645zi.html

Hope this helps.

Namaste
Daniel

I currently have a Mamiya 7 and 80mm, and I'm strongly considering getting the 43mm (so much $$ though). I am traveling for five months, and I would prefer to shoot 4x5 but I won't have room for that camera, hence this dilemma (I'm not sure I'll even have room for a tripod!) Anyway, I need a backup camera besides my digital point and shoot.

I was thinking about the Fuji GA645, GA645i, or GA645Zi. I know their reliability is not so wonderful (LCD bleeding, dials not working correctly, etc) but I was wondering if anyone could recommend one as a backup to the Mamiya 7. I am strongly in favor of the zoom model, and the price has dropped in the past year, but I've seen amazing results from the standard model's 60mm lens and I want to make sure the zoom lens will be on par. I'm also curious about viewfinder experience between the standard and zoom models.

I know 6x4.5 won't be quite as nice as 6x7 (I have experience with Mamiya 645 SLRs) but I am really looking for a secondary, smaller, backup camera that might be easier to bring around with me while still using the same type of film. The addition of metered modes and a flash is a huge advantage to me - I'd rather have that then the folder GS model, which arguably will be more expensive and break easier.

Any thoughts?

 

[Texsport]

Mamiya lenses are superb, but I opt for more negative and the excellent Fujica 690 series of lenses.

Can't teach speed and you can't compete with 6X9 IMHO.

Texsport

 

[philosli]

I have GA645 and GA645W. Amazing cameras! Both lenses, as many have said, are super, super sharp.

The manual focusing mode is designed for zone focusing. And it is very easy to use if you really want to zone focus, AND you print out the DOF table in the manual and stick it to the camera back for quick reference (you do need to shrink it when printing to fit). I use it all the time. I guess I mainly use it not for a quick snapshot, but in a more deliberate fashion.

 

[EdSawyer]

thoughts

thoughts

get the 43, regardless! It's a fantastic lens and well worth the $. Perhaps the best wide angle lens ever made for any format. You will not be disappointed, believe me. If it comes down to cost, get that before getting any backup camera. Secondly, I'd opt to get a spare Mamiya 7 body if you really feel you need a backup. that said, the Mamiya 7 is as reliable as anything, and you shouldn't really need a backup - they are way more rugged than people give them credit for. And getting yet another new camera right before a trip is not really a great idea (another new thing to learn, etc.). If it was me, I'd bring a portable 4x5 (Chamonix Saber would be my first choice) and the Mamiya 7 would be a backup to that. ;-)

 

[shadowfox]

I had the GA645wi.
One of the most reliable and high-quality medium format camera I've used.
No LED bleeding, all dials works all the time.

Get it, you'll enjoy it.

 

[jammcat]

The GA645 is great, and compact as far as MF goes. The AF is great-- the lens is sharp, and the ability to shoot 220 (if you can find it) makes shooting almost as convenient as 35mm, but with larger negatives/positives.

I sold mine for a GW670III-- which I'm selling because I can't stay away from my original love, the Rolleiflex. Still-- neither here nor there. Go with one of the fuji 645 afs. They're all great.

 

[tsiklonaut]

Bought my GA645i for very similar reasons - to compliment my Pentax 67 and function also as a standalone lightweight camera for those lighter hikes etc when I don't want to carry my heavy medium format bulk.

I can echo much that's been said here. The problematic with LCD-s is the newer zooming (although very limited) "Zi" version. Older prime-lensed "i" and "non-i" don't have those issues, they have brighter and arguably more sharp lenses plus bigger-brighter viewfinder that just inspires you to shoot. Yet seeing how cheap the Zi-s go now, still worth risking me thinks since they all in GA-series seem to be very capable all-the-bling-included cameras (I personally love the fill-flash as well - been helpful in many occasions on the road).

So far no regrets with my "i". I reviewed it here and here if it's any help.

 

[sanmich]

If you want backup, a mechanical camera would make sense: I would take a fuji 6x9 or 6x7, 90mm lens, version II in good nick.