Fuji GSW645 S pro rangefinder repair

[walter23]

Have any of you got experience with repairing the rangefinder mechanism in a fuji GS 645 (the 60mm f/4 lens, non-folder)? I've got the option to get one with a rangefinder that "sort of works" (it is very sluggish but eventually the split images reach the proper registration which appears to match the focus distance). If the rangefinder is sluggish like this, is it likely that all the components are functional but just require lubrication or a reseating or something? I've heard that parts are difficult to find for this camera, and I would like to get the rangefinder working. The rest of the camera is in great shape, so it would be a fine portable landscape camera for hyperfocal / scale focusing.

 

[Biggles]

No, but I have some experience dealing with Fuji factory repair on a GS645 folder, and it was better than expected. If all else fails, and you're in a major metropolitan area, check to see if you have a Fuji distribution or service center nearby, and bring the camera to the service counter.

 

[Doug]

...(it is very sluggish but eventually the split images reach the proper registration which appears to match the focus distance). If the rangefinder is sluggish like this, is it likely that all the components are functional but just require lubrication or a reseating or something?

Hi Walter -- Sounds very similar to my experience with a GS645S that turned out to have multiple problems... broken plastic in the lens mount area, non-linear meter response ... and a sticky RF patch perhaps similar to your problem.

My RF patch would follow the focus just fine one direction but sometimes stick unmoving when focusing the other direction. (distant to close, or close to distant I forget which way was sticky). It would eventually snap back on its own or in response to jarring the camera. It turned out to need cleaning and lube.

There's a Fuji specialist who seems to have parts... he replaced the broken internal plastic part on mine anyway, and did a great job bringing the camera up to like new in operation for a very modest charge:

Frank Marshman at
Camera Wiz Camera Repair
169B Pleasant Hill Road
Harrisonburg VA 22801
800/471-8133; 540/434-8133

 

[walter23]

I ended up buying it. Nice little camera; the seller threw in a handful of useful B&W and colour filters for next to nothing. Worst case it'll be a great little landscape camera, and I suspect I can resell it for close to what I paid for it (even with the broken RF).

I'm hoping I can fix the rangefinder myself. I've no real idea where to begin or how difficult this will be, but I've located a bunch of screws that might be worth unscrewing.

Anyway, I guess I'm in the rangefinder club now.

 

[Doug]

Wow, looks great! Virtually unused... I'd agree this is a fine little landscape camera, partly because it's so easy to carry along on a hike/walk.

 

[walter23]

Has anyone got a pdf repair manual for this (or any other GS645 model with the same body / rangefinder configuration)? I'm a bit loath to pay the $30 or whatever for one from some pirate on ebay. I don't really want to just start unscrewing things without something of a plan.

 

[Doug]

Frank Marshman fixed three significant problems with my GS645S and gave it a full CLA and checkup for $135. Might be better long-term to send him yours, which would seem to need less repair than mine. Best of luck in any case... 🙂

 

[walter23]

Frank Marshman fixed three significant problems with my GS645S and gave it a full CLA and checkup for $135. Might be better long-term to send him yours, which would seem to need less repair than mine. Best of luck in any case...

My main motivation to avoid doing that is the prospect of cross border shipping halfway across the continent 🙂

I mean, I order stuff from the US often enough, but it's an unnecessary hassle and shipping risk. It's a good option to have as a last resort though.