Info on GS645S

[brocktopus]

Hello all, i'm new to the forum and new to rangefinders! I have just bought my first rangefinder, a Fuji GS645S. I have not recieved it yet, but it should be in this week or the next week. I am just wondering ,seeing as this is also my first medium format, i am looking for some tips you might have on simple handling of the camera. I am actually most aprehensive about loading and unloading film, a i constantly fear exposing it. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brock

 

[MicheldeG]

fuji gs645w

fuji gs645w

I just bougy one myself. See for a free manual: http://66.49.230.119/prof_pdf/fuji_gs645s.pdf and more information ; http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm

It seems bumping with the lens to an object will jam the shutter mechanism, in spite of the safety bar. Be carefull. Today i made some prints from the first roll. I think the lens is beautiful. Good luck with your camera.

 

[Bryce]

I'm a happy GS645S owner, its my main camera and has been for a couple of years.
Loading film is pretty straightforward, the instructions in the manual are probably better than I can give. The only pointer is this- when you start winding the roll, with the back still open, apply just a smidge of pressure to the fresh spool to create an extra bit of drag. This will ensure the takeup spool is winding tightly.
That said, I've gotten a poorly wound roll out of the camera exactly once in several hundred rolls, and that was before I began the routine above.
I'm sure you'll be impressed with the lens, it is outstanding, from wide open.
As MicheldeG mentions, the 'rollbar' is there as a stopgap solution to the camera's weakly constructed front end...
Also, you'll find the DOF markings are hopelessly optimistic. I recommend a homemade DOF chart based on 35mm standards for truly sharp images, which is the camera's strongest suit.
Enjoy!