Fuji GA645 issue

[mcf]

I recently purchased a Fuji GA645 from Mufsuds in the UK. They stated the camera was in excellent condition but, it has a well known flash problem (flash fires even when closed down). I told them I'd wait a week or two to see if it bothers me (I'm too laid back)... however, in the last day or so, the flash has stopped; however, the camera now only focuses/meters correctly once, and then locks up after one shot. By locking up, I mean: refuses to meter and focus again and the LCD screen blinks the last shot setting.

The only way to get out of this is to open and close the film door. Obviously not a viable solution. (Even turning the camera off and on again doesn't work.)

Anyone else have similar experience and a fix? I'm likely to send it back to Mifsuds. (They state 6 month warranty on used kit, so should be fine.)

 

[benlees]

I've had a few GA's but never your current problem. I had the flash problem: I took off the top plate and "fiddled" with the wires (can't remember exactly what I did- years a go). That fixed it. The manual is online so if you haven't already read it, it would be a good place to start as there maybe a lock out setting that is being triggered. Might be an easy fix.

If you have no luck, you have the warranty (which is excellent). In my experience the GA's are quite reliable, and for the price produce the best results I've seen, but do have a couple trouble spots.

 

[Pioneer]

Battery?

Battery?

Using the flash on mine drains the battery fairly quickly.

Maybe the flash did not turn off but drained the battery to the point where the camera cannot try to charge the flash in addition to operating the camera.

 

[mcf]

Thanks both. It's not a battery problem (fresh batteries just in). Shame, it's a lovely camera. But it does confirm my suspicions that it's best to go mechanical on film cameras. :bang:

 

[Darshan]

Thanks both. It's not a battery problem (fresh batteries just in). Shame, it's a lovely camera. But it does confirm my suspicions that it's best to go mechanical on film cameras. :bang:

Don't give up on it so quickly, it's a pretty reliable camera and shoots great photos. I have been using my GA645 for more than 5 years without any issues and my other 2 frequently used cameras are OM2n and XA4 - none of them mechanical.

Your issue is very unique, never heard of it before. If opening the film door fixes it briefly, maybe the problem lies with resetting the camera after a photo is taken (it may not be recognizing that a photo has been taken). My suggestion is to show it to a knowledgeable tech and see what he/she says.

Hope it starts working again.

Regards,
Darshan

 

[Dante_Stella]

Send it back if you can. Not to be excessively pessimistic, but these are not expensive cameras, at least not expensive enough for that type of repair.