Fuji GS645S vs. Fuji GS645 (Review & Sample Photos)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ธ.ค. 2016
- For this video, Jules and I went on a little photo walk in Wasserburg to test two affordable medium format rangefinders, the Fuji GS645S and the Fuji GS645. In this video, we share our thoughts and findings with respect to the overall handling, build and lens quality, as well as the early 1980s design. Of course, we also share some of the black and white photos we took during the photo walk.
Equipment used:
Fuji GS645
Fuji GS645S
Films used:
Kodak Tri-X
Development:
Spur Acurol N
ISO 250 films for 15 minutes with a dilution of 1:50
ISA 320 films for 120 minutes with a dilution of 1:200 and agitated once every 40 minutes in a semi-stand development.
Scanner:
Epson v550
Music:
/ omega9-ii
Photography & Cinematography:
Jules Bobach
Maximilian Heinrich
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
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Gotta love the 2016 ''Mamiya 6/7 It's really expensive 1000$'' Would love to buy one for that xD
Almost bought a 6 on ebay yesterday with a 150mm for $1200. Was outbid $50 with 10sec left!
Thank you for the comparison of these two cameras - the best video I have seen on these. Having owned a couple of GS645 cameras over many years, let me offer two cautions to potential buyers. For the GS645, being a bellows style camera, it is subject to pin-hole light leaks in the corners of the bellows after years of wear. The plastic Fuji used in the bellows has not worn well over the years, so if your purchase has not had a prior bellows replacement, plan that expense into your purchase, about $125. For the GS645S, know that the "crash bar" is not for decoration. The lens uses plastic in its mount structure and cannot take a hit on the front of the lens without breaking the mount. In use, the camera should never be left at close focus or with filters and/or lens cap such that the lens extends beyond the protection of its bumper bar. Never buy a GS645S which has play in the focus barrel, rough focusing movement, or which shows evidence of having been opened up for repair. [See the two plugs on the right side of the lens mount as viewed from the front of the camera. They have to pulled out to do any repair; they are soft plastic and will show if they have been pulled.]
Randall Stewart Thanks a lot for your kind comment and the extremely valuable advice for potential buyers. This is great!
I had a GS45S to and it broke in the light meter to lens setup on the 1st week of a 8+ week European trip. Had it fixed and sold on my turn home.
thanks for another excellent video. i bought a gs645s that had been involved in a bicycle accident. the rangefinder front windows were broken out but the camera and meter still worked. i got it for a good price and sent it off for repair. i will be receiving it back soon fully repaired and the bellows were replaced as well. your video has made me excited to take it out and do some shooting. my camera is the gs645s pro wide 60.
I've watched this video a few times over the years and it's always a helpful refresher on the pros and cons of these cameras. Thanks for this one and all the others you've made. Happy Holidays!
Keep up the fantastic work. These are by bar some of the best film photography videos on TH-cam. The format hits a nice mix between gear review and vlog. Very entertaining. Thanks!
Thank you soooo much, Matthew. This comment means a lot to us! Jules and I both really appreciate it. :)
Great job ! your videos are very informative, I'm always looking forward for the next video!!!
These are interesting cameras. Thank you for bringing our attention to them. By the way, I love that you gave an explanation on the post work. I think this is really helpful to see the whole process of how your creating the images after you shoot them.
kept going around and around with this and finally pulled the trigger on the gs645 (75mm). I have been looking for a medium format folder to take with me on bike rides and travels and this fit the bill! Now I will wait 'patiently' as it ships from Japan... :)
great videos as always. Glad that you are still keeping it going!
Great video. The master. Your English is impeccable. After seeing this video, it prompted me to begin shooting my GS645S, which I have had for app 2 yrs, and barely used after I bought a Contax G1. I shot a roll and I was blown away by the sharpness of the lens. Indeed, it is extremely easy to use. I think I will be using it a lot from now on. Once again, Thanks.
I just bought the 645 Pro based on your recommendation and I love it!!! Thank you so much! Keep shooting and stay inspired!
So glad to hear that. Enjoy the camera.
Great video on these two fine cameras. I am constantly amazed by the quality images produced from the Fuji rangefinders. The sharpness is quite amazing. Proud owner of two.
Thanks a lot for your comment. Glad you own two Fujis as well. Which ones exactly if I may ask?
I just found your channel, and I am truly enjoying your videos. I got into film photography two years ago, and back then there was very few channels featuring film photography. I am happy to see this is changing. Thanks for the work you put into these videos. And by the way, I love your hair :)
Alessandra C Thanks for your lovely comment. I really appreciate it. :) Glad to hear that you enjoy the videos. Let me know if there's something you would be particularly interested in.
Ahh! Thanks muchly, Max (and Jules), for some stuff on medium format rangefinders! Very helpful. ;) Very enjoyable video and photos, too.
As always, thanks a lot for your kind comment, Philip! We both really appreciate your feedback. :)
The GS645S was my first medium format camera - a gift from my boss back in 1991. I’m on my second now, and it’s still a fantastic camera.
The 60mm version arrived about a week ago and I just got back my first roll. I'm very happy with this camera. I love how light weight it is and yet it is very robust and solid. I can see this camera as one that I'll use quite a bit. The images came out great and the meter seems to be right on. I shot a roll of Portra 160 the images were just quick snapshots to verify that everything is working and it's all good. The lens is excellent. Hope to shoot a couple more rolls this weekend. Thanks for doing the review. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camera to anyone that wants to get into medium format film but doesn't want to break the bank on a Mamiya 6 or 7. This was the first roll of film that I've shot since the 1990's.
I am really glad to hear that you are happy with this camera and that it got you back into shooting film. Enjoy! :)
This helped me so much. Thank you both!
Love the content and style of your videos 👍
In 1982 I has a Nikon Fm and I still have it. A friend took our Wedding photographs with a Bronica ETRS and the photographs were very good indeed. This Bronica ETRS seemed , to me, to be more versatile than these two and perhaps of better construction? I have fond memories of film. Thank You for all of this.From the UK..
Excellent video and very informative. Thank you.
Bill Kunkle Thanks for your nice feedback. Glad you like it. :)
Once more, great shots !
Just got the GS645w and love the feel using it, waiting to see the Portra400 I just shot.
Thanks for this great video! Thinking of getting into film and this was really helpful
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for your kind comment.
Great gear review! I own the S model for 4 years now. Shortly after starting using it, I had an issue with the lack of contrast in the viewfinder split image circle. In order to improve this, I found an ND filter foil which can be purchased on eBay, normally used on Polaroid cameras. I cut a piece of this foil and placed it on the viewfinder glass in front of the camera. This increased the contrast substantially and for me was a great improvement to focus under difficult light conditions. Note that once this ND foil is in place, the ISO setting has to adjusted since the light sources going to the metering system passes through the ND foil. Cheers, Stephane
stephane roux Interesting solution. Thanks for sharing.
I just bought the 60mm version on ebay yesterday and have to wait for it to arrive from Japan. I've always enjoyed Fuji products and shoot a Fujifilm X-T1 digital. Very anxious to try out film again, which I haven't shot since the early 1990's. Great video!
Thanks a lot. Glad you liked the video and are getting back into film photography. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Have fun with the beautiful Fuji GS645S. :)
Ah, Wasserburg! Sehr schön!
Another great video, thank you.
Wow, the quality of those images is outstanding! I have been looking at a GW690 recently, but, as ever, remain indecisive. Maybe I should think about a GS645 for now as a more economical alternative, since I'm not really doing any landscape stuff at the moment, which is what a 6x9 negative is probably best suited for.
Nice coat by the way.
Eric Houge Thanks for your comment, Eric. Glad you liked the video and got interested in the GS645. As mentioned in the video, I can highly recommend these cameras. For an affordable price you get amazingly sharp lenses, medium format negatives, and a rather compact form factor. Plus you get 15 shots per role which also makes them a lot more economically than a 6x9 camera. ;)
Really enjoyed this video, thanks Max :-)
Thanks for your comment. Glad you liked it. :)
I just got back from Japan and got one in Osaka the GS645S , you can find them really easily ( I have always seen a couple at every camera shop I went to ) . Paid mine 39 800 Yen ( Bottom Price no tax ) The camera looks like it has barely been used :)
Another classy video.
Thank you. :)
Hi Max. Yet another stunning video presentation! I'm continuing shooting film and currently have a few 35mm cameras as well as the Hasselblad 500c. I think the exposures you got were spot on and since I didn't see an external light meter I'm thinking you guys used the internal metering system.. Did you find it pretty much spot on? After seeing this video I'm now seriously thinking of adding one of these to my kit... Thanks again for a GREAT video!
Batesphotos Thanks for your kind comment. Yes, we didn't use an additional light meter in this case and the built-in meters work perfectly fine.
Nice video,this channel gives a fresh view of analogue photography I have just subscribed hoping to see more content like this.I occasionally shoot with a Bronica RF 645 which is quite similar to your Fujis I found the default portrait format took some time to getting used to but I am fine with it now.looking forward to seeing more of your channel all the best for the future.
Graham Stokes Thanks so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate it. Feel free to give us recommendations what we could improve. :)
Jules and I are both quite drawn to the Bronica RF645. It's supposed to be such a great camera. I recently spent quite some timing looking into purchasing it but then decided against it. Reading your comment makes me wonder whether this was the right decision. ;) How do you like the camera?
MAX+ONE Portrait Photography
The RF 645 is well built but at the same time not to heavy,the viewfinder is very clear and the rangefinder patch is very contrasty with all the shooting info down the right hand side.I only have the one lens which is the 65mm f.4 while not that fast is very sharp,I believe there was only three lens made a 45mm,65mm and a 100mm.
The camera is a great walk a round as it is not to bulky.
Hope you get chance to try one sometime.
Graham Stokes Thanks so much for your quick response. Sounds very intriguing. :) I'll do my best to give it a try at some point. Sounds amazing.
Love the video Max!
Thanks so much for your comment. :) I really appreciate it.
Thanks for the interesting video. The times of these prices are now unfortunately over. I just bought a GS645S in Japan and with all the costs that come with it, I will end up around 600 euros. You can certainly buy something cheaper if you buy a camera with clear signs of use, but the prices of 2016 are unfortunately no longer current. Here in Central Europe, the cameras are offered from about 850 euros as far as I could see. I'm already excited about the camera because I finally want to shoot medium format. I like 35mm lenses on 35mm cameras, so I think the focal length will also suit me. Weiter so und alles Gute :). LG
Thanx for your review, all my doubts have gone! And my gs645 is already waiting for me on a post office.
Dmytro Prutkin Sweet! Sounds great. Enjoy it. :)
If you’re an OM user then having all the controls on the lens is second nature! (Ok perhaps not setting the ISO)
Great shooting... Did you guys push the film?
Thanks Max .. I’ve bought this camera 3 times now.. thanks to this video 😅
Thank you for the great review on the both cameras, I have 2 medium format cameras, but both canwras are very heavy, one is just monster of medium format, the othere bit smaller and lighter and practical to shoot hand held, im traveling to Paris in month and I was looking for lighter and more compact medium format camera witch I found this two on Ebay and wanted to know if they are good cameras ,after watching your review definitely I'm going to buy the GS645s model cause it has wide angle lens and I'm a fan of wide angle les for landscape , buy the way I have subscribe to your channel before and watch few of you review and I like your reviews, very useful and constructive !
Revisiting this video after our conversation on IG. Have you tried long exposure (using bulb) with these cameras? It's so weird! You have to press the button on the lens to open the shutter, then press the shutter button to close it. But it closes only after the amount of time specified in the speed dial. I.e., if you let it for 1s, then do 10s in bulb mode, you're doing an 11s exposure. I didn't have the chance yet, but I'll definitely try it.
Sorry about my late response. No, we haven't tried that. This sounds really weird. :)
Great great review! Just Subbed! Any chance to review the GA645 series?
Another wonderful and informative video. Have you or Jules ever shot with a Fuji GA645Zi? I am potentially interested in acquiring one, and would definitely appreciate your opinion(s). Thank you, keep up the awesome videos, and frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr :)
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Christmas & new year wishes as well as your question.
First of all, we wish you a happy new year and merry Christmas, too. :)
Secondly and unfortunately, both of us haven't tried the Fuji GA645Zi so far but would certainly be curious how it is. Personally (this is Max commenting), the zoom lens puts me a bit off and I am not drawn to buying one. Nevertheless, I'd love to try it if I get a chance to do so. :)
I'm not a fanatical fan of zoom lenses as well, and thank you for your replies.
I think you will be amaze how good the zoom lens is super sharp but auto focus is hit and miss fortunately the viewfinder has a bright focus distant that you can check your focus.
I have used the GS645 for years and purchased a GA645Zi last year. These are quire different cameras. The ZI is much bigger and heavier than the GS645. The Zi works most conveniently if you use its automatic features, whereas the GS is all manual. Finally, the GS645 can go on for ever, whereas the Zi is electronically based; if it fails, it 's history. The lenses in both cameras leave nothing to be desired. Personally, I prefer the convenience of the Zi, except where traveling favors the small size and weight of the GS645.
Great serious video!
excellent review!
Thanks a lot. :)
Great video as usual. Considering Fuji GS645, just wanted to know how is the ranger finder ? Is it bright and easy to focus ?
Thanks for your comment. Yes, the rangefinder is very bright and easy to focus. Very similar to my Leica M6. I had no trouble focusing it at any time. Hope this helps.
love the shot with the chains and cyclist
Karl Thanks so much. :)
Great great video !!
And I'm pleased to see stuff about these Fuji 645 rangefindercameras !!
I'm very interested in these cameras.
One question... you mentioned your friend bought one of these cameras in japan (ebay) ?
Maybe you or your friend is interested in getting one of these fuji 690 cameras , and I would really appreciate it to see a video about these cameras.
Thanks a lot for your kind comment, Lutz. :)
Jules bought only the close-up lens & viewfinder kit from Japan, the cameras here in Germany and the Netherlands. We are also occasionally looking into the 690 series but are really interested in getting a GF670 which is unfortunately usually rather experience. But a 6x9 medium format rangefinder sounds quite intriguing as well. We'll take another closer look at them. :)
i actually really like those close up shots
Yeah, me too. Glad you like them. :)
Jules has the exact same blue and white Olympus strap as me :)
Thanks for video, I have big brothers of those: Fuji GW690 I and GSW690 II (wide). The only difference is that are completely manual, it would be nice that they have light meters. 6x9 is more like 35mm aspect ratio, and you get 8 negatives. But nevertheless they are great cameras, so called Texas Leica.
I much more prefer GW690 with f3.5 and cca. 42mm focal length when converted to 35mm. I must admit I really like that focal length, much more than 28mm equivalent on wider one.
Can you tell me where did you bought those red clips for negatives, I would like to have those?
As mentioned in the other comment, the 6x9 Fuji rangefinders are quite interesting as well and I thought about getting one before.
The red clips are from Jobo and were bought on eBay.
Thanks for info.
Hey guys! I love your video very much. This camera in two iteration is really an forgotten jewel. Yet It will become jewel in hands of real master(s). Thumb up!
P.S. Considering that your scanner is not some sophisticated state of the art blah blah piece of equipment your scanning jobs are extraordinary.
Can you make video or tutorial on scanning job please? Cheers!
Does the close focus diopter and finder only work with the 75mm version?
nice review
The Fuji/Fujica GM670 to an even larger degree feel like scaled up Leica Ms. They have replaceable lenses and a lovely viewfinder/rangefinder.
Which of the 3 versions is most recommended? Mainly landscapes
They have leaf shutter, yeay!!!!
You have Bromide drag on some of the negatives, the best 6 X 4.5 SLR is the Bronica ETRS(i), your opinion on that camera series would be nice.
Thanks for your opinion and feedback. I hadn't heard of the Bronica ETRS(i) to be honest. Looks like a very interesting camera to me but I will probably not test/review it any time soon since I am quite happy with my Mamiya 645 Pro TL as you know. :)
Cool midium format camera👍
Just missed one for £240, absolutely gutted!
Can you tell how the metering on the 75mm Version is working? Center weighted? Spot metering? Thank you.
Hast du Erfahrungen mit Langzeitbelichtungen bei der GS645S gemacht? Hab heute so eine Kamera bekommen und das Einstellungen für Langzeitbelichtung lässt Verwackler erahnen.
I'm interested in one of these, Max. In that you're experienced with them, what do you think of using the 35mm equivalent S for portraiture? Normally I'd think 35 would be too wide - I guess "tall" in this case. Also, do you happen to know if the lenses are radioactive?
Thanks for your comment, Philip. A 35mm focal length is certainly not my first choice when shooting portraits. But I enjoy shooting that focal length to complement a set with wider shots of the model if the context is interesting enough. You can take a look at the following photo set where I switched between 85mm, 50mm, and 24-35mm lenses: maxplusone.net/high-heels/
Maybe this helps to illustrate my point.
This is also the reason why I am reluctant to buy the 645S for myself since I would primarily use it for street photography and prefer to rely on my Leica M6 or Yashica Mat 124G for that.
Unfortunately, I do not know whether these lenses are radioactive.
Yes, you make a good point. I could use the 35 for landscapes, too, but I too want to make sure the camera can make for happy use with plenty of portraiture, above all..There's a nice S for sale over here in the UK, you see. :)
Hey, do You got from Japan? No european sellers appear on ebay?
Sorry about my late response. We got one of them from Japan, the other one from Europe. There are occasionally offers in Europe as well. You just need to be a bit patient. :)
Wondering what other alternatives are out there for Medium Format cameras that are more compact/similar to 35mm shooting experience, and that dont cost too much ..?
p.s-. Does Medium Format cameras have Aperture Priority mode as well?
I have a mamiya645, price is not bad on those compare to other mf cameras, and it does have aperture priority.
This is great. I am now looking into purchasing one of these cameras. Thank you
Chris Rodwell Cool, thanks a lot for your feedback. Enjoy the camera if you get one. :)
Hi ..wich one would you prefer ?
is that the focusing patch is very difficult to look at while focusing?
Peter Cheung Thanks for your comment. No, not at all. Both cameras feature a very nice focusing patch that is fun to use. I didn't have any trouble using it.
I am very interested by the 60.
Philippe Phaure It’s a great camera. Just give it a try. :)
my 35mm rangefinder also has all controls on the lens. sounds like id be right at home.
Maybe you should give it a try. :)
notice you forgot to mention the Mamiya press cameras ( super 23 & Universal) 6 x 9 format, which are good systems, made of metal, and have a wide range of interchangeable film backs, which this camera does NOT have, also you HAVE to finish a roll before changing film stocks, whereas on the super 23 and universal, all you have to do is insert a dark slide, change backs and keep on shooting!!
Well, while the Mamiya press cameras are technically rangefinders, they feel more like a smaller Graflex than a compact Mamiya 6 or the Fuji GS645 series. ;) So we deliberately decided against bringing these in for comparison. But, of course, you are right that they are a potential alternative for certain purposes.
Hi there! I know that this video is from 2016, but I'm triyng to buy the fujica gs645 professional in europe and not from japan but I can't find any store or seller in europe. Can you help me out? Thank you very much!!
Good video
El Sabrososki Thanks! :)
Did you prefer the 75mm or the 60mm lens ???
It really comes down to your use case. In this particular case, I preferred the 60mm.
Good in depth review of these two cameras, I currently have the GW690ii, an excellent camera, I am in the market for a wide angel MF, and the GS645 is what I am leaning for. I also have a 500cm, and though of getting a wider lens for it, but for hiking one of these seems a better option. The Blad weighs several ounces more than my GW690. Again, thanks for the post of this video, good work!
a few shot on my GW690:
www.flickr.com/photos/nickademusss/22227684540/in/dateposted-public/
Very sexy photographers, mediocre photos, great video❤️
These are now 900 Euros for the 60mm one
Wow. Well, those were the days back then.
If a Leica camera was a person, it'd be you. lol
Oh come on...have you NOT heard of Thorsten Overgaard? :)
А как на счёт этого fuji? th-cam.com/video/bzbKae9kAJ4/w-d-xo.html
I must say, I think y’all totally missed the mark with utilizing B&W. The colors in that town look amazing, should have used color. But great video.
6х4.5 it's not serious. Real medium format 6x9
you never do the camera justice with these mediocre pictures. If anyone wants to check out a good analog youtuber check out Negative Feedback or Kyle Mcdoughal.
There is no artistic style identifiable in all but a few photographers here on TH-cam. All are bloggers trying to get clicks and earn revenue. Kyle McDougall is no different - he just seems to walk down his own street and take photos of garage doors and other odd things (and a total yap- fest) . At least Max & Jules take the time to go somewhere special for a photoshoot. These videos are intended for us to gain some insight into the cameras we are intending to purchase. It is definitely not a virtual art gallery tour for your leisure time.