My "new" Fuji GS645S

[richterjw]

<p>I have been, for some time, in search of the right medium format camera for me, which I can haul around with my other gear or by itself when I just want one camera and film. And it think this might be "the one". I haven't quite burned through the first role. But I really like the camera body, and I love the handling. I'm excited to take this hiking with me very soon. Just wanted to share my new acquisition.</p><div></div>

[luis_rives]

<p>I had this camera for a while. Two major complaints about it. First, I shoot most of my photos horizontally and I had to turn the camera 90 degrees every time I wanted to frame a composition horizontally so after a while it was very inconvenient. Second, and this applies to several of Fuji's MF models, was the lack of interchangeable lenses. Having made so many MF models over the years, I don't understand why Fuji could not come up with an interchangeable lens model(s) similar to the Mamiya 6 and 7. I also have the GW690III and I like this one very much, but my main complaint is the same lack of interchangeable lenses. The lens on the GS was sharp and I am not suprised because Fuji knows how to make great lenses.</p>

[steve_mareno1]

<p>Careful with the shutter speed adjustments. Easy does it. I have had 2 of these fail, and KEH had no parts to repair my last one, so they kept the camera and refunded my money.</p>

[dougmiles]

<p>The vertical frame orientation, common to non-SLR 645 cameras (and half-frame 35's), bothers some... But I take about an even number of vertical shots vs horizontal, so I have to turn any camera one way or the other half the time anyway!<br /> I have a Fuji GS645S too, bought at a camera swap meet, and I've wondered if the seller knew the lens mount was broken... It wasn't immediately evident, but it seems the camera is vulnerable to impact damage despite the front "bumper". Mine also had a sticky RF patch that responded well to cleaning and lube. Camera Wiz in Harrisonburg VA (800-471-8133) is the guy with the parts and expertise on Fujis.<br /> The camera has attractive characteristics. The very light weight and compact size make it so very easy to have at hand, and unlike nearly all interchangeable-lens RFs, its framelines change size as well as position as you focus to more closely resemble the framing that will be on the film. On the other hand the shutter has a noise-maker attached to it (related to the shot counter I'm told) so you get this CLACK each exposure. Oh well, enjoy! :-)</p>

[h._p.]

<p><img src="file:///Volumes/Data%20i7/Data/Harvey/Pictures%20for%20Postings/1999%20and%20Before/Marinemechanics2copy.jpg" alt="" />I used one of these for press work in the late 'eighties. They're fast, sharp and have a superb finder. The bad news is that bumper bar is there for a reason. The lens mount is very fragile and surprisingly light pressure can sheer the three small screws that link the front of the barrel to the rear. I had mine repaired twice before cutting my losses.</p>

<p>I have absolutely no idea why Fuji didn't build it with a sensible lens housing.</p>

[leicaglow]

Enjoy. I had one too, back when they were expensive, and really liked it. It is a great way to carry around a reasonably

small MF camera. I had no complaints with mine. I used it for casual architectural work.

[Mike Gammill]

<p>Great, lightweight versatile camera with useful format. I've had one for several years and really like it. The 60 mm lens (equivalent to 38 mm in 35 mm camera) is a useful semi-wide optic for most situations. </p>

[richterjw]

<p>Doug, thanks for the repair/parts info. Hopefully, I won't need it. All the rain down here in Alabama this weekend really foiled my plans to burn some film through this thing.</p>

[sfcole]

<p>I had the standard folding version w/75mm back about 1991. It was an ok camera, but not tremendously versatile. If I remember correctly, you couldn't use filters on it. I prefer the Mamiya 6.</p>

[jim_peterson2]

<p>I had the 75mm folder version as well and loved it. But when I got the opportunity to upgrade to the GF670 I did so and haven't looked back. Nevertheless, Fuji rangefinders are fantastic and Fuji has rightly earned a huge amount of respect and appreciation for their commitment to this type of camera!</p>

[william_y]

<p>Hey folks I need an answer quickly if possible. I have a gs645s wide60 that I like very much. I've never taken flash pictures with it, and need to do so tomorrow morning (May 11)? I'll use the aperture setting indicated by my electronic flash unit for my film speed. Question: should I set my Fuji at a shutter speed of 1/30 for flash? Other rangefinders I own use 1/30 for flash, but my slr's use 1/60. So I just want to check for sure.<br>

<em><strong>Thanks much! Hope you can confirm this for me.</strong> </em><br>

PS: Love this camera - medium format photo quality without the bulk of a medium format SLR. The only thing on my wish list for this camera would be easier to focus. Maybe it's just because my eyes are getting older and I wear glasses. I don't know. I find it a little difficult to focus.</p>

<p> </p>

[mjferron]

<p>Nice camera overall and a sharp lens. 2 nits from me were the hard plastic shell and more of a nit was the loudish cheap sounding shutter.</p>

[bill_boyd]

<p>I bought this camera new in 1990 and I still have it. My main use for it is to save weight on long hikes while still shooting medium format. The lens is a bit soft wide open, but stopped down it is quite sharp. My rangefinder got gummed up a few years back but I followed the procedure detailed elsewhere in these forums and was able to free up the movement again. The link goes to one of my many photographs with this camera.<br /> http://www.photo.net/photo/17413353</p>