Fuji GS645 Professsional or Leica?

[Lucadomi]

I was considering selling some camera in order to fund a Leica. My Fuji 645 folding camera is in great shape, with new bellows and everything. I was wandering if somebody had the chance to compare the pictures taken with the Fujinon lens with those taken with the Leica glass.
Is the Leica really that much better? Should I just keep the Fuji and forget about Leica?
Thanks.

 

[thegman]

In terms of technical image quality, the Leica will likely be quite a lot worse. We're talking about 6x4.5 vs. 35mm. If you're after technical resolution etc. then stick with the Fuji.

If you're after "character" etc. then it's anyone's taste/guess.

 

[KoNickon]

And of course you can't change lenses with the Fuji, so figure that into the calculus. Know also that you most likely won't be able to buy a Leica (a Leica M, anyway), much less a Leica with a lens, solely on the proceeds from selling the Fuji.

 

[sevo]

I was wandering if somebody had the chance to compare the pictures taken with the Fujinon lens with those taken with the Leica glass.
Is the Leica really that much better?

What Leica? The Fuji lenses are good by medium format standards - good enough that not even the best lens on a 35mm film camera can make up for the format decrease. A M9 with a current top price Leica lens could be said to match or even beat medium format film - but the same lens on a film Leica positively will not. And a ca. 300-500€ (that being what you can raise with the Fuji sale) Leica (including lens!) would be several steps off even that mark...

 

[Lucadomi]

Thanks for the answers. Very good points.
I wonder if the Leica is really overpriced after all.
I was considering getting one because I like rangefinders and the Leica seems to be the best rangefinder, at least in the 35mm field.
I just wonder if after going that far to spend the money for it I will look back at my pictures taken with the Fuji and regret the change.
Any other comparison/suggestion will be appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Lucadomi]

Thanks sevo.
I see that the size of the film really matters.

 

[thegman]

Is Leica overpriced? Certainly, if you're looking at specs vs. film SLRs. Compared to most things though, they're dirt cheap, as they hold their value. So you basically get the use of one for a while, sell it, and get your money back.

You'll love the build quality of a Leica, but the image quality compared to medium format may well leave you disappointed.

 

[Mackinaw]

Don't discount lens speed. The Fuji has a slow F4.0 lens while the Leica will, most likely, have something much faster. Plus the shutter on the Fuji is rather loud, very surprising considering it's a leaf shutter.

I have a Fuji GS645S (not the folder). I like medium format but much prefer my Rolleiflex to the Fuji. I prefer square format to rectangular, but that's just me.

Jim B.

 

[Lucadomi]

Yea, maybe I should just try it and resell it if I don't like it. I could wait to sell the Fuji and see how it goes.
I like MF the best and my Rolleiflex in particular (it is my main camera).
But I think 35mm has is own place and there is something about those Laicas.
Thanks for the good suggestions!

 

[5:00 PM]

Rest assured, all matters of build and handling aside, ANY MF camera crushes ANY 35mm camera like a grape. I continue to shoot some 35mm for no other reason than I love some of the cameras. For me that doesn't do anything for IQ or aesthetics, I just like the experience of using the equipment.

 

[jsrockit]

You have a Rolleiflex already? In that case, sell the Fuji and buy a Leica. Rollei and Leica is a very nice combo.

 

[skibeerr]

I have and use a Fuji 645 folder and owned a Leica m7 and summicron/elmar glass.

The first thing that comes to mind is ergonomics. Leica is so much easier to handle compared to the Fuji folder, click stops on aperture and time settings and a focussing ring that is in the right place. you also have the advantage of 36 frames versus 15 on the folder.

The Fuji lens is very nice, gives you a bigger negative and the camera can't be beaten for portability.

I started enjoying medium format more because I print whet and am no hero at it.
The larger negatives seem to print better.

 

[Mackinaw]

Rest assured, all matters of build and handling aside, ANY MF camera crushes ANY 35mm camera like a grape. .....

Well, 4X5 absolutely crushes medium format.

Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. I use them all (4X5 down to 35mm) and pick the one I need for the subject I'm photographing. There are no winners or losers IMO.

Jim B.

 

[brainwood]

The first thing that comes to mind is ergonomics. Leica is so much easier to handle compared to the Fuji folder, click stops on aperture and time settings and a focussing ring that is in the right place. you also have the advantage of 36 frames versus 15 on the folder.

I too, like Skilbear have a GS 645 and a Leica ( an M2 ) and have come to a similar conclusion. They both have their applications but ultimately the larger neg particularly with the Fujinon lens will give higher resolution results.

A lot will depend on your scanning though. I have a high end 35mm scanner and a cheap flatbed for 6x4.5 and theres little in it. In fact my 35mm scans are tonally better and probably as sharp.

That said I'm a real of the GS645 it's a joy to use, if a touch delicate and I love those big negs

 

[Lucadomi]

Thanks everyone for the good answers and suggestions.
I agree with brainwood. I am coming to similar conclusions.
I ended up getting a Konica Hexar RF with a VC 35mm 2.5 lens. I am still testing the camera but so far I really like it, and the lens too. It is true that scanning equipment also matters. I have a dedicated scanner for 35mm and flatbed for MF.
I couldn't let go my Fuji GS645 Prof. yet. I will have to try test and compare. I wish I could keep them both.

 

[brainwood]

I hope you get on with your Hexar - good choice. If you do some tests it would be great see them here in this thread.

Another thought from my experience of the GS645 is finding a good one can be a bit of challenge. There weren't that many made and the delicate design means many are now in need of work or worse. I would be reluctant to let mine go as finding another if I change my mind about keeping it could prove a frustrating task and I'm prone to changing my mind.

 

[Lucadomi]

I will try to test them side by side. The folding GS645 is very nice and I think it is probably true that to find a good one is not that easy. This my second one. The first one was a lost cause.This one looks great and got new bellows (which was not easy).
I really enjoy shooting the Hexar RF, very nice viewfinder with the 35mm framelines. Just finished the first roll. Will see what I get. I just wish the M mount lenses were not so expensive.
By the way, I know what you mean about changing idea about cameras I want or want to sell.

 

[mfogiel]

There is no contest in the resolution - 645 will be obviously better, but resolution is not everything, and the most important thing is to actually have a camera with you, when you want to take a photo. With a small 35mm camera this will be easier.

 

[meandihagee]

My GA645Wi stands undefeated by any 35mm or MF or digital. Of course, some people reading this will invoke Hasselblad, Mamiyas etc.

But if you're into this for photography and not for gear obsession, the Fujis are the right tool.

If you decide to sell your GS645 folder I'll be happy to buy it.

 

[thegman]

My GA645Wi stands undefeated by any 35mm or MF or digital. Of course, some people reading this will invoke Hasselblad, Mamiyas etc.

But if you're into this for photography and not for gear obsession, the Fujis are the right tool.

If you decide to sell your GS645 folder I'll be happy to buy it.

I think it would be fair to say, there is no "right tool". The Fujis are excellent, I'm sure, I think the GF670 is exceptional, but I would never say that they are "right" and others are just for gear obsessives.