Pretty good comparison of the features of these cameras. For what it's worth, the filter size on the GA645Zi is 52mm, not 49mm like the GS645W. The design flaw of the GA645Zi LED screen connector is that when the door is fully open, it can stress the connector, eventually breaking some of the wires in the some 15 wire cable. Not fully opening the back door avoids that stress. If the problem already exists, know that a repair company in Poland has started offering parts or a full repair for the cable. I own and use both of these cameras, and they are good as he says. For those attracted to the GS645W, note that there is a GA645W or Wi (2 versions), which offers all of the basic automation of the Zi, but use a fixed 45mm, 4.0 lens, somewhat sharper then the GS and a stop faster. Oddly, they sell used for about the same price, probably from fear of electronics failure in the GA version.
Thank you for the info and filter size correction. Yes, there is a fascinating video here on TH-cam of the GA645Zi LCD display problem being repaired by Fototech of Warsaw Poland.
@@mkphotonet They were charging about $100 for the part(s) and $200 for the parts and labor to do the job. After looking at the work required, I'd be pleased to pay them the extra $100 to do the job..
One year later, update. That Polish repair company has apparently discovered the market demand for repairs to the LED on the GA645Zi. It is reported that they have increased the repair price by another $100.
For all the technology in the GA645Zi, it is a shame they didn't engineer in a vertical film transport, which would have given landscape orientation framing. I had an Olympus Pen EE back in the 80's, and I hated that camera because of the portrait orientation. I would rather accept the extra weight to have landscape orientation plus interchangeable (and faster) lenses on a 645 SLR.
@@mkphotonet Thanks. I actually think I might own a variation of this. It just looked a bit wider than I remember. I have a graveyard of cheap flashes I acquired on eBay as some don't live up to expectations or last long after acquisition 🙂
I _really_ like that image of the Picasso sculpture in the snow! I've always liked the idea of a compact, medium format point-and-shoot with a great lens. I've been looking at these for a while. Every so often I see these on eBay and am tempted. I didn't realize 645W wasn't a rangefinder though. I would have been pretty disappointed. 😄 My favorite film camera for just carrying around (although it's a bit of a lug) is my Mamiya 645 Super. I'm a bit of a Mamiya fanboy. The 7 is _far_ too expensive for me, though!
What a great video. You’re a good teacher! I’m glad that you talk slowly do that a student an easily follow you and assimilate the information you’re teaching. So much detail in comparing the cameras. I learned a lot! Thank you!
Wow, very thorough, easy to understand comparison video. Thanks for all the work putting this together.
Pretty good comparison of the features of these cameras. For what it's worth, the filter size on the GA645Zi is 52mm, not 49mm like the GS645W. The design flaw of the GA645Zi LED screen connector is that when the door is fully open, it can stress the connector, eventually breaking some of the wires in the some 15 wire cable. Not fully opening the back door avoids that stress. If the problem already exists, know that a repair company in Poland has started offering parts or a full repair for the cable. I own and use both of these cameras, and they are good as he says. For those attracted to the GS645W, note that there is a GA645W or Wi (2 versions), which offers all of the basic automation of the Zi, but use a fixed 45mm, 4.0 lens, somewhat sharper then the GS and a stop faster. Oddly, they sell used for about the same price, probably from fear of electronics failure in the GA version.
Thank you for the info and filter size correction. Yes, there is a fascinating video here on TH-cam of the GA645Zi LCD display problem being repaired by Fototech of Warsaw Poland.
@@mkphotonet They were charging about $100 for the part(s) and $200 for the parts and labor to do the job. After looking at the work required, I'd be pleased to pay them the extra $100 to do the job..
@@randallstewart1224 So good to know that there is a someone to keep these cameras operational. The price is well worth it.
One year later, update. That Polish repair company has apparently discovered the market demand for repairs to the LED on the GA645Zi. It is reported that they have increased the repair price by another $100.
For all the technology in the GA645Zi, it is a shame they didn't engineer in a vertical film transport, which would have given landscape orientation framing. I had an Olympus Pen EE back in the 80's, and I hated that camera because of the portrait orientation. I would rather accept the extra weight to have landscape orientation plus interchangeable (and faster) lenses on a 645 SLR.
they are nice cameras, but for sure not at today prices.
Is there a cable release on the GS645W?
You can screw a cable release into the chrome shutter button on top.
Very informative video - thank you. Curious which fill flash you were using. The size is well matched to the camera.
Vivitar Auto 252 flash. Small, cheap and you can find them for $10.
@@mkphotonet Thanks. I actually think I might own a variation of this. It just looked a bit wider than I remember. I have a graveyard of cheap flashes I acquired on eBay as some don't live up to expectations or last long after acquisition 🙂
Excellent video Martin! Thanks!!
Great video, thank you for posting!
just bought my ga645zi pro, arriving in 4 days. thank you for not only detailed comparisons but also functionality and using guides.
I _really_ like that image of the Picasso sculpture in the snow!
I've always liked the idea of a compact, medium format point-and-shoot with a great lens. I've been looking at these for a while. Every so often I see these on eBay and am tempted. I didn't realize 645W wasn't a rangefinder though. I would have been pretty disappointed. 😄
My favorite film camera for just carrying around (although it's a bit of a lug) is my Mamiya 645 Super. I'm a bit of a Mamiya fanboy. The 7 is _far_ too expensive for me, though!
Lovely. Thank you,
Great & helpful video! Looks like you're in AZ. I loved living there.
Thank you C. Yes, many photo opportunities in AZ.
Wonderful video, thank you!
What a great video. You’re a good teacher! I’m glad that you talk slowly do that a student an easily follow you and assimilate the information you’re teaching. So much detail in comparing the cameras. I learned a lot! Thank you!
Thank you Annette.
very usefull!!! thankyou for this information!