Klasse W - a thing of beauty...

Wonderful photographs, one and all. I'm falling back in love with this camera again, and it does take a beating quite decently. It took another drop this weekend, from a friends desk, no issues at all. Well, except the sticky lens-cap problem, accidentally got some beer in there last summer and ever since it's been sporadically sticky, in spite rather rigorous, yet delicate cleaning. It sort of snaps back instead of slides back. Any tips to be offered here? Lubricant of some sort?
 
Absolutely adore this little camera:

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The Charlston I

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The Charlston II

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The Charlston III

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Strange Lovers I

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Strange Lovers II

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Trainride
 
I've read the thread, and a few of you have both the Fuji Klasse W and a Ricoh GR1 series camera.

I'm wondering why would you opt for the thicker Klasse W, with the (annoying) blinking AF assist light? The price for a used GR1s or GR1v is about the same as a new Klasse W, but I'm thinking more about the differences in actual handling and shooting situations.
 
Never had a Ricoh, for the me the choice was made by the following:

1) Looks. I prefer how the Klasse looks.
2) Warranty.
3) Fujifilm deserves a lot of credit for sticking with film cameras, so I like to support that.

Cheers

Garry
 
thegman said:
3) Fujifilm deserves a lot of credit for sticking with film cameras, so I like to support that.
Click to expand...

I'd like to as well, but the camera also has to be right for me. Since I've previously used a Ricoh GR1s (broken now) I wanted to hear others' opinion of the two cameras.
 
DavidKKHansen said:
I'd like to as well, but the camera also has to be right for me. Since I've previously used a Ricoh GR1s (broken now) I wanted to hear others' opinion of the two cameras.
Click to expand...

I quite agree, it is kind of a silly reason to buy, I know. My purchase won't make much difference, then I sell it, so it ends up on the used market anyway...
 
After falling into the trap of browsing this thread, I got lucky and got my paws on a Klasse W (silver). These are from the first two rolls of Delta 400 pushed to 800. Zero edits so that I can see the 'character' of the lens.

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Alas, it was not meant to be. After loading my 3rd roll, the Klasse died after 4 frames.
I switched it on to only find that it goes to 'MF', blinks, and refuses to retract the lens even in 'OFF' mode.

I would have to remove the batteries, yet it stays in 'open' mode. After batteries are inserted, it switches off, and goes back to the lens 'out' and all buttons are useless!

What a disappointment.
 
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Any chance the battery is somewhat dead? When they go it happens with little warning and the first thing you know is that the lights are on but nothing is working - and if the lens is out when it happens (usual) it doesn't retract.
 
Yes I've tried different batteries with no difference.
Yes Craygc, you are right about the 'lights' switching on, and the lens 'out'.
There goes my $$ down the drain, any my expectations in using this camera.

I dont even know if this is worth repairing, as the cost would then bring it to the cost of a Konica HexarAF/RF!
 
ok, i could have done this myself ^^ but thought there was none because everybody in the forums was so desperate about it... thank you very much 🙂
 
Just an update that my Klasse W was revived! I dont know why it died, and I really have no clue how it came back to life again. All my buddy did was to open the film back, and try to take a shot, after which, voila!

About 3-4 months ago, this very same Klasse died, with its lens extended, all buttons rendered useless. Inserting the batteries just made the lens extend, and buttons go into 'dead' mode. Every effort failed, except opening the film back and firing a shot.

I tried contacting Fuji (Japan), and they are unable to accept mail in's for repairs. It would have to arrive from a local Japan address. After repairs, they again would have to ship it to a local address in Japan.

Fuji Japan though, is very apologetic over this arrangement, and very helpful.

Here's to crossing all my toes that this Klasse lives on!
 
You could try to contact Bellamy Hunt (he's a sponsor here and goes by the name of "japancamerahunter", if you hadn't heard of him yet).

I'm pretty sure, that he could arrange the repair for you.
 
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