Fuji GS645S Professional

[Jim Simon]

Hello. Quick intro. I grew up with OM's, took to Leica M2/35mm Elmar (and still pursue this as it does create interesting images. Also have Summaron 2.8 which is still a bit new to me.) That's the background.
Onwards; not only does MF attract me, but I am a bit bored with the process of metering all the time for my M2 (Weston). It also means I carry a case of bits about, and quick snaps sometimes go by.
I have a Yashica Mat, and for a while took that and the M2 about. But that all adds up to too much bulk and fuss of cases.
Also have a Mju II which I really enjoy for it's instant use, but the lack of control; the fact that it hangs to its max f2.8 for ages and misses out on the quality of the lens in so many situations means it comes out rarely.
So; adding up what I would like; a metered camera that is, at least, quick to use if not an auto (which I rarely use on cameras with auto exposure), not too leica-expensive, one case, mid-wide angle lens, MF quality in one handy package... Does this = a Fuji gs645 with 60mm? What is this lens like? Does it blow out the highs or hang on to them like the Leitz does? I have found one for £249 (in UK).
I am aware that this is probably a thread that has been about before, or like any number of others, but if anyone out there has experience of this camera I'd appreciate a heads up on it, or advice about pursuing something else for similar money (Mamiya 645?). I think the Fuji in a case might work almost like a larger OM in its ever ready case - is this the case (pun intended).
Many thanks,
Jim.

 

[mcgrattan]

I have one of those Fujis. The viewfinder is big and really bright and parallax corrected, but the rangefinder spot (on mine at least) is a little dim by comparison so accurate focusing in low light sometimes takes a bit of time/care. The shutter is a leaf shutter, so the range of speeds is low. Top speed is only 1/500, so you won't be shooting outdoors with fast film and with the lens wide-open on bright days. The camera only allows you to set film speeds up to 800ASA [although obviously you can set it to that and just mentally compensate if the film you are using is faster]. The bumper round the lens is a bit fragile, too.

On the other hand, I love the lens. Very very sharp but with lovely smooth tonality to the images and the quality of images for such a compact package is amazing. For a while the Fuji was my main travel camera, and I took many pictures with it that I am still very happy with. I'm not aware of it being particular prone to blowing out highlights.

I shot this with it [just by way of showing a shot with some bright highlights]

 

[historicist]

I haven't owned that camera but have owned the GS645s, the folding one with the 75mm lens. So I'm extrapolating but a couple of points:

- vertical 6x4.5 may not be your cup of tea. I found it a bit limiting, and these cameras are more awkward to use in the horizontal position.

- they are a bit slower to use than a Leica, adjusting the aperture and shutter speed with your eye to the viewfinder is harder.

- rf spot is dimmer than leica but perfectly usable. It's no better or worse than the majority of this type of camera.

In the end the fact that I didn't like the vertical format was the deciding factor for me, and i got rid of mine. Could well be that you like it though.

Another camera you may want to look at is the Mamiya 6 (the 80s/90s one, not the 50s model) - it's a fair bit expensive but 6x6, rf equal to leica, light and lens collapses for travelling.

 

[kuzano]

A bit too light... and quiet.

A bit too light... and quiet.

I agree with the previous poster in terms of the image quality.

But the camera was so light and quiet, I almost forgot I had it with me at times. Great camera to use however, and the rangefinder and over/under meter were quite accurate.

I sold mine and opted for the slightly heavier GA645Zi, which gave me a bit more heft and a very good zoom from 55 to 90mm. In one sense the Zi is worse. It's so quiet, I often don't hear the shutter and film transport. As a result, I sometimes get shots I don't want. Honestly, I don't think I have ever used a medium format camera quieter than the Fuji Zi.

 

[skibeerr]

Congrats on the camera, personally I think the lens is very good and I have no experience with blown out highlights other than with wrong metering (my mistake).

You will have to remember to cock the shutter and put the focus on infinity every time you close the camera.

Other than that it is one of the greatest traveling cameras I know.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wim_b/sets/72157607413011376/

 

[wallace]

fantastic camera, light weight, superb lens and meter, but not quiet, period. Love mine.
No problem taking horiz. pics. I do it always. The camera has even 2 tripod threads for both positions.
250 pounds is a good price if the camera is in good condition.

This guy knows how to use that camera very well:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveglass/tags/fujigs645s/

or:

http://fiveprime.org/flickr_hvmnd.c...h=1&sort=Interestingness&textinput=fujigs645s



wallace.

 

[Bill58]

Obviously I don't know much about med. format, so I gotta ask if there is any advantage image-wise to them over 35mm IF you're not contemplating enlarging and mounting?

 

[JoeV]

Then there is always the new Fuji/Voigtlander Bessa III folder. If you can find one. And if you can justify the expense. I've heard (from reading the reviews here on RFF) that it is one nice camera.

~Joe

 

[shadowfox]

Obviously I don't know much about med. format, so I gotta ask if there is any advantage image-wise to them over 35mm IF you're not contemplating enlarging and mounting?

Bill,

I regard the 6x4.5 as a cropped 6x6. The amount of details recorded are enormous compared to 35mm negative, so is the tonal range. You don't have to print or scan at high resolution to appreciate it.

Consider this example:

Two things, first, the chillies and the knots on the wood won't look as detailed with 35mm. Secondly, the DoF is shallower at the same aperture as a 35mm shot. The above shot is 45mm at f/2.8, but it looks like f/2.0 doesn't it?

The combined effect of the two yields images that are (to my eyes) unique to larger than 35mm formats.

 

[shadowfox]

Does this = a Fuji gs645 with 60mm? What is this lens like? Does it blow out the highs or hang on to them like the Leitz does? I have found one for £249 (in UK).
I am aware that this is probably a thread that has been about before, or like any number of others, but if anyone out there has experience of this camera I'd appreciate a heads up on it, or advice about pursuing something else for similar money (Mamiya 645?). I think the Fuji in a case might work almost like a larger OM in its ever ready case - is this the case (pun intended).
Many thanks,
Jim.

I'd consider the more modern version, Fuji ga645.

 

[sebastian toombs]

I'd consider the more modern version, Fuji ga645.

seconded. the ga645w is nice too, but may be a bit too wide...

 

[Jim Simon]

Thanks all. I bought it. I like fully manual cameras and I like mid-wide angle lens - so fixed lens is no prob.. More modern cameras may be more automated, but that's not a plus in my book, especially as I got this for £250 and other options spoken about are rather more!
Will let you know how it goes if anyone's interested!
I've appreciated the help.
Jim.

 

[Duncan B]

Hi can someone help me. I just got the GA645 Pro ( without manual) and cant work out how to change from 220 to 120 setting.....

Help ! 🙂

 

[ChrisN]

With the camera back open, you will see the film pressure plate in the middle of the back door. Lightly push the presssure plate against the door, and slide it to the correct position.

 

[sevo]

IIRC electronic switching was only introduced with the Zi (or maybe i). You push down the pressure plate and shift the pin in its centre to the position of choice. A match, toothpick or other non-scratching pointy item does help...

Sevo

 

[Duncan B]

Thanks guys. Ive taken 3 rolls on 220 setting of 120 film. The camera automatically rewound after 15 shots and seemed ok....will they turn out? Im guessing ive buggered them up....

Thanks for that.Plate switched across.

 

[sevo]

Thanks guys. Ive taken 3 rolls on 220 setting of 120 film. The camera automatically rewound after 15 shots and seemed ok....will they turn out? Im guessing ive buggered them up....

If you haven't been shooting full-frame head portraits in the dusk, you should be fine - I have often forgotten to readjust the pressure plate when shooting 220, and barely ever saw a difference. If I did, it was mostly in close-up or macro work (where the GA won't get you in any case).

Fully open shots would be slightly out of focus - but in most cases, the none too big aperture of MF lenses will account for that. And on the GA, the AE program selects very conservative apertures in any case.

Sevo

 

[djonesii]

Shooting 220 as 120 should have almost no effect at all ..... I've done it a few times. The only issue is the 16 frames left on the roll, a bit of a waste.

Dave

 

[Duncan B]

Thanks guys, I shot 120 roll as 220.....out of focus hey? I can do that myself 🙂🙂

 

[johnalex141r]

GS645s

GS645s

Thanks all. I bought it. I like fully manual cameras and I like mid-wide angle lens - so fixed lens is no prob.. More modern cameras may be more automated, but that's not a plus in my book, especially as I got this for £250 and other options spoken about are rather more!
Will let you know how it goes if anyone's interested!
I've appreciated the help.
Jim.

Sorry for being on vacation. I have two GS645S cameras (60mm lens) one of them I purchased new back in the day.

I think they are great cameras; still use them. In fact, last time was yesterday for one of them.

Ok - in case you have not had other info:

1) look at http://www.antiquecameras.net/fuji645cameras.html - sometimes the owner posts here;

2) both of my GS645S cameras have "sticky" rangefinders. Sigh. Warmer weather is better for them; otherwise I just zone focus. (I do have the rebuild manuals available from EBay, maybe one cold winters evening)

I think these are fantastic cameras, btw. I usually shoot xp2 or sfx200 in them, although I do have some tri-x (320 asa) in 220 saved for a special occasion.

Have fun with yours; JohnS.