GS 645 Folder

[Richard Black]

😎 I just received my old folder back from Camera Wiz where Frank worked his magic and brought this thing back to life. It needed a new bellows, dud, and some other parts he makes. I think I'm falling in love with this neat little beast. It has everthing I want, compact, meter, great lens, and is quiet. My only wish is the rangefinder would be brighter. I posted two photos in my gallery for those of you who enjoy these things to comment. The bokeh is quiet nice, see the fire hydrant.

 

[wlewisiii]

Those are very nice. Is this the 75mm lens version? I've been wanting one for a long time.

William

 

[Nick R.]

Real nice, Richard. What film is that?

I was looking to buy a 645 before I bought my 670. The only hint of a negative I've heard about your camera was that the foldout bellows wasn't stiff enough to take advantage of the excellent lens.

 

[Doug]

Congratulations, Richard! Frank is a wizard with the Fujis alright. He worked over my GS645S, and it's been delightful since. I expect you'll continue to enjoy using yours.

 

[Richard Black]

Yes, it is the one with the 75mm lens. I don't know if the bellows are what keeps the lens stable. The supports that fold out seen strong enough to keep them in line. I have shot only one roll so far, and I must say that I am pleased. I have other folders and this one seems to be the best. Sharp photos, you can read the lettering on the fire hydrant quite clearly. It was scanned with an Epson 3170 from the print made by Moto Photo. And yes, Frank is a wizard! 😀

 

[Richard Black]

Does anyone know where I could get the lens hood for this camera? I know it takes a dedicated lens hood, or so I have been led to believe. Are there options? Thanks

 

[Flinor]

The lens hood for the folder is right up there with unobtanium. It bayonets in place and has threads for 40.5mm filters and I don't know of any alternative because of the non standard bayonet. When I got my GS645 it came with two hoods so I put one up on ebay hoping to get $20 0r $25. I don't remember the exact numbers but it pulled something like 32 bids and almost broke $100. Now I wish that I had it as a spare. You'll love the camera, mine is high on my list of unsellables.

 

[Richard Black]

Thanks for the info. I agree with your assessment. This will be one of the last I will sell. I really hope to leave it to one of my grandsons. Its a joy to use. I will keep my eyes out for a hood, but I don't have much hope. I wish there was an alternative. Would it be possible to alter an hood to fit?

 

[Flinor]

I just took a look at my lens and the hood. The hood is plastic and only about 1/2" deep and sectioned to make room for the door. I'd guess that it's more of a filter holder rather than a flare buster. I didn't have the hood with my first GS645 (I started looking for another about an hour after I left the post office after selling it) and i don't remember any flare problems. The bayonet is keyed so that it only fits one way and has interior 40.5mm threads. There are a lot of talented hackers on this list so some one might be able to come up with something but if you're not a big filter user I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Richard Black]

Gerry,
Thanks for the info. I think I will use color film in the 645 and avoid the whole filter thing. I have a bunch of 40.5mm filters, for Russian lenses, but I can't see trying to use a polarizer on a rangefinder. If I want b&w from it, I'll try to see how contrasty it is without filtration. I don't think it will flair much. Will see. 🙂

 

[Flinor]

You're probably better off doing that and not worrying about the hood. The lens is reasonably contrasty and since it's not a TTL meter b&w filters become a minor pain of adjusting ASA or calculating filter factor in your head. Just use it and enjoy, Richard.

 

[Richard Black]

I went against my plan and used some Ilford XP 2, old stuff, and am shock at how they came out. I posted two photos in my gallery, Front End and Fountain, I know original titles but hey, and I think both came out nicely. Thanks for all the help. I plan to take some engagement pictures for a couple this weekend with it. I like the vertical framing!

 

[Doug]

Hi Richard -- Glad to hear you're liking it! I too rather like the normal vertical framing as it seems half or more of my pics are in that orientation. XP2 can be gorgeous, can't it... especially if given "generous" exposure to smooth it out the more. And the camera is so light and compact, easy to have with you everywhere...

 

[Richard Black]

Doug,
I find it almost as convenient to use as the Bessa R I have. It weighs a bit more and the viewfinder is not as bright, but it is quick to focus and fits well in the manner in which one uses rangefinder cameras. Yes, I am becoming a great fan.

 

[DougK]

I think you guys are about to cause me to have another G.A.S. attack... and just when I was beginning to believe I have enough cameras.

 

[Richard Black]

Doug K,
You better stop reading this NOW! I got mine and sent it to Camera Wiz and he preformed his handiwork and I have no reservations at all. It is sweet!

 

[Richard Black]

Update on Use

Update on Use

😀 I was asked to take some engagement photos and some of the wedding dress. I used the 645 and I believe the bride will be impressed. I used some Kodak T400CN for the engagement pics and some Fuji NSH 400 for the dress. The 645 with its vertical orientation was superb. I'm considering it for the wedding. Comments?

 

[Doug]

Sounds good, Richard! Do you feel sufficiently familiar with the controls to do the wedding with it too? I have to admit I'm slower and a bit clumsy with my GS645S because the controls are different from my other cameras.

 

[Richard Black]

😎 The more I use it the more comfortable I am with it. It just take some time. It won't be the primary but it can be used to fill in on some of the incidental shots. The negatives are great.

 

[Richard Black]

Here is one of the latest taken with this wonderful camera! This is in my back yard and taken on the new BW400CN. It is becoming one of my favorite films. 🙂