I love the GS645l but it's problem prone....
I love the GS645l but it's problem prone....
I meant the GS645.
First and major...I have never had one that did not need a new bellows. It's virtually impossible to find one with an original bellows that does not leak light. The bellows problem was the primary reason for a short manufacturing life span. So, I only buy them if the price leaves room for a bellows replacement .... $150 by a good repair person.
Second, as mentioned in the manual....it is imperative that the shutter be cocked and the lens set on infinity before closing the camera. Ignoring this rule will damage the shutter linkage and do other damage in the works.
The camera definitely fires without film. I've had three and can attest to that.
The rangefinders almost always need adjusting. Loading film is tricky. You have to maintain pressure on the film roll while engaging the takeup spool. That's also covered in the manual.
Bottom line, it's a phenomenal, pocketable 645, with a good meter and one of the best lenses you will find in a small 645. I just got my third one back from a rebuild by Frank Marshman at Camera Wiz. New bellows, rebuild rangefinder, rebuild shutter, fix frame counter, check meter, test with film. The replacement bellows is hardier than the original bellows material.
All told, I am in this rebuilt camera just under $500, which what I feel it's worth. To do that, you have to be able to buy them for under $250. However, people are constantly paying $500 or more for them on eBay, with no idea about the bellows problem, or the history of replacement.
If you are in the camera right, send it to Frank. If not, get your money back if possible. It sounds like a very bad GS645.
Sorry to be the bearer of harsh news, because I truly like the GS645. Fuji lenses are incredibly good, as are the shutters, and a well maintained GS645 is a great camera.
AFTERTHOUGHT....Never trip the shutter when the camera is closed. Remember, the camera must be cocked before closing, and the shutter button must never be pushed until the camera is once again in the open and locked position. There is a shutter lock which should be engaged manually when the camera is closed.
