Leighgion
Bovine Overseer
I just acquired a GS645, but unfortunately it has issues out of the box. While the lens clearly rackets in and out with focus, the rangefinder patch is almost totally unresponsive. When it's freshly opened up it sometimes responds for one stroke of the lever from infinity to 1m, but then pretty much stops. I intend to take this up with the seller, but I appreciate any insight if this is a serious issue far as repair goes or not.
Also, is it normal to be unable to fire the shutter with no film in it? The cameras got working batteries and the meter LEDs are lighting up, but I can't seem to cock the shutter.
Appreciate any insights.
Also, is it normal to be unable to fire the shutter with no film in it? The cameras got working batteries and the meter LEDs are lighting up, but I can't seem to cock the shutter.
Appreciate any insights.
Pablito
coco frío
Don't know about the first part but many MF cameras will not fire without film.
kuzano
Veteran
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.
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.
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Leighgion
Bovine Overseer
Thanks for all that info, Kuzano.
I was aware of some of it, but are you saying that it's both damaging AND possible to trip the shutter while the camera is closed? The manual gave me the impression that wasn't possible. The shutter button appears to lock when closed.
Mmf, the camera supposedly had a light-tight, replaced bellows but I just checked it with a flashlight and I can see leaks.
I've heard of Frank at Camera Wiz a couple times. Do you have contact info? I'm waiting to hear back from the seller, but it'd be nice to have my options in a row.
I was aware of some of it, but are you saying that it's both damaging AND possible to trip the shutter while the camera is closed? The manual gave me the impression that wasn't possible. The shutter button appears to lock when closed.
Mmf, the camera supposedly had a light-tight, replaced bellows but I just checked it with a flashlight and I can see leaks.
I've heard of Frank at Camera Wiz a couple times. Do you have contact info? I'm waiting to hear back from the seller, but it'd be nice to have my options in a row.
kuzano
Veteran
While not possible to trip the shutter closed, it puts undue pressure on the shutter linkage, which was one of the weak links that took the camera out of production. This is one of the things Frank strengthens in the CLA or as he calls it, the rebuild. I will send you the info on Frank/Camera Wiz.
Bryce
Well-known
Definitely take this up with the seller!
I have a "s" model and it has served me well, though it was in pristine condition when I bought it and has needed one repair.
The problem in mine was that the rangefinder mechanism would stick, and it turned out the old lubricant in the system was the cause.
Hope this sorts out for you!
I have a "s" model and it has served me well, though it was in pristine condition when I bought it and has needed one repair.
The problem in mine was that the rangefinder mechanism would stick, and it turned out the old lubricant in the system was the cause.
Hope this sorts out for you!
Leighgion
Bovine Overseer
Thanks for the reply, Bryce. Lubricant issues sounds pretty logical for what I'm seeing in mine.
I've left the seller a message, but I'm feeling rather pessimistic about the outcome even though he has a lot of good feedback selling photo gear. Discovered last night the bellows, which supposedly had been recently replaced and light-tight, definitely has leaks.
Kuzano's given me the Camera Wiz contact info, so I'm ready to call up Mr. Marshman and pay him for his Fuji doctoring services.
I've left the seller a message, but I'm feeling rather pessimistic about the outcome even though he has a lot of good feedback selling photo gear. Discovered last night the bellows, which supposedly had been recently replaced and light-tight, definitely has leaks.
Kuzano's given me the Camera Wiz contact info, so I'm ready to call up Mr. Marshman and pay him for his Fuji doctoring services.
green original
Newbie
Dear all, I have recieved a GS645 recently and found that it with serious light leaking problem. Can who please tell me where can I get a replacement near in Asia? Thank you for your assistance.