GS645 Bellows Repair

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GrantLee63

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I just acquired a GS645 that needed a new bellows. I sent it out a couple days ago to a highly recommended repair shop - Camera Wiz in Virginia - and was told it would be approximately 3 weeks to get back.

Anyone who knows anything about these cameras know that the original bellows did not last long at all. What I am interested in, is finding out how long replacement bellows have been lasting. Hopefully longer than the original.

Anyone care to comment?
 
GS645 Repair

GS645 Repair

Frank Marshman at Camera Wiz in Harrisonburg, VA is often mentioned on photo.net as an expert with Fuji rangefinders.

1-800-471-8133; 540-434-8133

Unfortunately, he does not have a website but he can certainly be reached with the numbers above. It's been over 3 weeks since I sent my GS645 in for a bellows replacement and CLA, but haven't received it back yet. I'll keep this forum posted with the results.

BTW, his fee was $180, which is VERY reasonable .....
 
Last year I bought a used GS545S, the one with the "crash bars" and 60mm f/4 lens, from a table vendor at a big camera swap meet. Like with eBay it helps to really know your stuff to avoid mistakes, and I didn't.

Nifty camera, but with several problems. Here are notes from my record: Shortly after purchase, I had CameraTechs in Seattle check it out. Meter response is non-linear; ok at daylight exposures but underexposing in less light. Asked also about sticky rangefinder action, but they say not feasible to repair/lube this annoyance. Also noted square plastic base around lens is slightly separated at upper left, unsure if there is light leak. All in all, this rig is less than expected, especially the rangefinder. This analysis led to purchase of Bronica RF

Heard about Frank Marshman at Camera Wiz in Harrisonburg, VA.
Sent camera 7/9/03 after phone conversation.
Phoned to check 7/25: He did receive it but hasn't yet done the work, maybe this weekend. Mentioned loss of rubber eye-cup and he said Nikon N90 cup and diopters all fit and he'd see if he could find one for me.
8/1 Called again to check... all fixed. He says there was impact damage to the front, plastic stuff all cracked inside (reason for gap in front bezel?), calibrated meter ok at EV 7-15, clean & lube RF, adj shutter, cleaned glass, etc. Paid $135 by VISA will ship either today or Mon 8/4. Received on 8/11/03 Very clean and smooth!
 
I'm partly adding to the thread to try out the site and posting procedure.... I had Frank do a Fuji folder two years back. The camera worked perfectly when returned (and continues to). Friendly, good service and very moderate pricing, too. Add my vote to the Camera Wiz ledger!
 
Sorry ..... So many forums, so little time 🙂

I've had my folder back from Frank now for a little over 2 weeks. As expected, he did an outstanding job. The camera functions as new, and that 75mm Fujinon lens is stellar !

Again, if ANYBODY needs to have a GS645 (or any other Fuji Rangefinder for that matter) repaired, send it off to Frank.

Regards,

GrantLee63
 
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