Backpacking Rangefinder Fuji GA645zi, Mamiya 6 etc..

hsakols · Jun 2, 2007

Hi
I live in Yosemite National Park and have the summer off and am looking for a light weight camera to take backpacking through the high sierra on 5-8 day trips. I already have a bronica sqa and a horseman vhr which I will use on shorter outings. For a longer trips I realize that I risk wrecking my knees try to carry too much photo gear. I will carry a compact tripod on all my trips.

I was considering the digital option (woops I shouldn't mention that here). However, I would need to make a substantial monetary investment and I already own a Minolta Multi Pro kick ass scanner.

So I'm wondering if it would be crazy to consider a Fuji GA645zi? I read in somewhere in this forum that it is tricky using a cable release with this camera in manual mode. My first choice would be a Mamiya 7 but they are still so darn expensive not to mention the wide angle alternatives.

Keep in mind I'm just shooting landscapes on a tripod. Would the Fuji fit the bill or should I keep searching for something more practicle.

If I could I'd bring my bronica with 3 primes.

www.yosemitecollection.com

copake_ham · Jun 2, 2007

I'd carry the Bronica w/primes and count my blessings that I have the Summer free in Yosemite.

[Note to self: Do not hate young people - you used to be one!

].

Have fun whatever you decide!

Terence · Jun 2, 2007

I have the non-zoom version, and they are light and tough. However, the manual mode is a bt of a pain, and they orient the shots vertically, which I just don't like for doing landscape shooting. My old Rolleicord gets dragged along much more often when I go out west. And it's even lighter. Unfortunately, no interchangeble lens.

Pinholemaster · Jun 2, 2007

When I backpack, I use a small 35mm Minolta CLE with a 28mm, 40mm and 90mm. Load up with Velvia, and I'm on my way.

I do have a Mamiya 7 system, but I can't justify the weight. The lenses are amazing.

I don't know the Fuji.

Are we all crazy? HA!

Michael W · Jun 2, 2007

I have a Fuji 645zi & haven't had any problems using a cable release in any mode. I'm not sure why people would say there was an issue with manual mode. The one issue I have with this camera is that it is problematic to manual focus. You press buttons on the back to choose a distance, e.g. 3m, 5m etc. There are not many choices, so it is difficult to get fine focus. I much prefer true manual focus by turning the lens barrel & confirming in the viewfinder. I think that's one of the reasons this camera is often referred to as a luxury point & shoot. Because it works best in auto focus mode.
Apart from that it's an excellent camera. Light, beautiful lens, reliable.

Jon King · Jun 2, 2007

I used the GA645i, not the zoom version, as a hiking camera for a year or so. I sold it and started building a Bronica 645RF system, but there were many pros to the Fuji. My intent with both of those cameras was to replace a 35mm camera, getting a much larger negative for not "much more" effort.

For me, the pros were (besides the 645 negative): it was physically compact - thin at least. it fit easily in a computer bag, or when hiking it was hardly noticeable on a camera strap. I usually carried it on my side, under my elbow, and I rarely was reminded that it was there. The AF was pretty basic, but very usable. Carrying around a tripod pretty much negates those advantages, for me at least. The difficulties of going to manual exposure or focus lead me to the Bronica. The quality of the camera did not.

On my hikes, I usually won't carry a tripod - just a string version, at best. If I were to haul a tripod around, I'd more likely bring my medium format tripod queen - a Koni Omega. I figure if I am going to haul extra weight around, I might as well get a bigger negative. If you already have a 6x6 Bronica solution, I'd be inclined to try to cut some weight elsewhere. A carbon fiber tripod is far cheaper than any new camera you are considering. So are titanium sporks

So, I guess I agree with George, including the 'counting you blessings' part. (ya lucky #@%$@%^) I was camping there for a week, many years ago, a summer there will be an amazing experience.

nworth · Jun 3, 2007

I regularly carry two Fuji 6X9s (a GW690 and a GSW690) in a Lowpro photo backpack on short (up to about seven miles) day hikes, and I'm pushing 70 years old. It's quite reasonable to carry MF gear on hikes. The Fuji 645 is actually smaller and lighter than many 35mm and digital SLRs, and its film is no more bother to carry than any other. You should be able to handle it even on long and strenuous hikes.

ChuckP · Jun 3, 2007

I use a Fuji GA645Zi on a tripod. The cable release problem is that you can not lock in an exposure or focus and then adjust the camera for proper composition. Like you would when pressing the shutter botton halfway down. When the camera doesn't point to the area I want to use for exposing or focusing I just use the manual mode. You also have to use manual to use B shutter setting for longer than 2 second exposures. I find the meter works great for me. But I use only B&W. I use auto focus most of the time with no problems. Or I'll use a guess focus manual and stop down for depth of field. Closeups down to the 1 meter limit are very sharp. I am very happy with the lens. And having the zoom makes a compact outfit. I'm sure a Mamiya 7 would be a better option based on bigger negative size. But like you I'm put off by the cost of a three lens outfit.

keithwms · Jun 3, 2007

The Zi would indeed make a nice hiking camera. I used to carry that and a 645W for walks and hiking and they make a good combo. For general purpose landscape, I think I'd prefer the ga645W to the Zi.

I sold my Zi and W for a mamiya 6, that is something else to consider- the lenses are now absurdly inexpensive and they are some of the best ever. That's not a knock on the ga's... those are a lot of bang for the buck. I mostly miss the ga645W though, because my interests tend wide.

David Brown · Jun 3, 2007

Unless you want/need the zoom lens, I would suggest the Fuji GS645 rather than the GA. It's all manual with a fairly accurate built in meter. Just another suggestion to make your decision easier.

coriana6jp · Jun 3, 2007

I had a 645zi for a while, it was a nice light weight camera that traveled very well. The zoom lens was the sharpest I have ever used, for a zoom. However the things I didnt like where the crazy manual mode, as well as the limited range of the zoom.

I broked down and bought Mamiya 7II system, with 4 lenses and havent looked back. Its expensive, but the lenses are top notch. Not to mention the negatives are bigger than the ZI.

One option is to look for an older 7 body and not the 7II, its quite a bit cheaper and you can use all the current 7II lenses.

Hope it helps.

Gary

papagene · Jun 3, 2007

How about the Fuji GSW690 II or III? Great 65mm lens.

gene

luvcameras · Jun 4, 2007

The Fuji Zi is one of my all time favorite cameras - with 400 speed flm, its perfect for hiking. Size, incredible amount of features, fill-flash at EVERY speed, 4 focal lengths, sharp lens....all for about $ 600 used ! I have blown up pics to 16x20 with no problem. People complain the lens is too slow...but outside with 400 speed film its not an issue....is it a low light camera - NO, but outdoors its nearly perfect...

See my Fuji 645 Camera page

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm

Dan

Photo attached - 400 speed film with camera's little flash for fill.....

mcgrattan · Jun 4, 2007

I use a GS645S as my standard 'travel' camera. I have yet to see pictures from any other camera that are better in terms of a 'clean' sharp rendering. It's a truly amazing lens.

The meter is fine, and the camera is fairly compact too. The only problem I find is that the rangefinder spot is a bit dim which makes focusing in low light slightly difficult.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 4, 2007

The Fuji GS645 has been my Day Hike camera for years. The lens is superb. I use my GS645 on a carbon fiber tripod.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 4, 2007

I also use a Fuji GSW690 III as a day hiking camera. Nice camera, Great WA lens!

temujin · Jun 29, 2007

i bought a ga645zi a year ago for field use, and have been amazed by the quality of the images i get from this camera. the lens is sharp, and i get sharper prints from this camera than from my bronica gs-1, despite the smaller negative. however, i normally use this camera loaded with asa400 film with no tripod, and use the autofocus. when used handheld, i can just autofocus on the subject, focus lock, reframe, and shoot. but if you really depend on a tripod and remote release, this probably isnt the camera for you. as others have pointed out, the manual focus mode is not amenable to fine tuning, and autofocus isnt compatible with remote release. its a wonderful camera for handheld use, though.

sanking · Jun 29, 2007

The Fuji GA645Zi is a great camera. Light, compact, rugged, and the zoom lens is super sharp, though the range is not all that great. And it has a great auto-focus and auto-exposure system , with AEL lock for both. I just hate to say this because I would really like to buy two or three more and don't want to run the price up.

Sandy King

luvcameras · Jul 4, 2007

The Zi is one of my favorite cameras....the only issue is that the lens speed is slow. If you use 400 speed film, the issue is minimized. See my Fuji 645 page here:

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm

Thanks
Dan

Russ Young · Jul 4, 2007

Dan-

That's one fine webpage you have- thanks. How about expanding it to the other Fuji 120 formats???

Russ

craigclu · Jul 4, 2007

I happily used a folding GS645 for many years and now rely upon a Bronica RF645 for this sort of duty. Great optics, very substantial build and gratifying camera to use. I'm constantly about $1000 to $1500 from true happiness as I don't have a long optic for it, though!

luvcameras · Jul 5, 2007

Russ Young said:
Dan-

That's one fine webpage you have- thanks. How about expanding it to the other Fuji 120 formats???

Russ

I have. Here is the Fuji Page for 6x7 and 6x9 Fuji's

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fuji670.htm

Dan

Hughjb · Jul 5, 2007

How about a "foldable", I have a Zeiss Ikon. This are truly pocket cameras capable of delivering an incredibly sharo 120 image.

Do keep in mind that you need a separate viewfinder for focusing, I have a few of them and are a lot of fun.

Check this link for some info

http://www.certo6.com/cam/ikonta.html

Hugh

Alan9940 · Jul 6, 2007

I just recently bought a nearly mint condition GA645Zi because I was tired of carrying all the crap required for DSLR photography, and have never been impressed with any digicam results that I've personally seen. Besides...I love film!

This camera is truly a gem! It can easily be carried anywhere, the autofocus system locks focus on nearly any subject (except low contrast, etc, where you would expect issues), the lens is tack sharp, and the metering system seems (at least, so far) without fault. Loading film is MUCH easier compared to my Pentax 67; the weight difference is obvious! I don't use a cable release with it, but I'm aware of the issue whereby you can't lock focus/exposure and re-compose. Not a real issue for me. The only minor drawback for me is that the camera has to be held in a vertical orientation in order to shoot landscapes. Not really a big deal handheld, but kind of a pain when on a tripod.

Like Sandy, I don't want to "sing its praises" too much cuz I might want to buy another...one loaded with B&W and one loaded with color.

Oh, and the limited zoom range? IMO this shouldn't affect your buying decision. Hey, feet still work!

Have fun.

sanking · Jul 6, 2007

Alan9940 said:
I just recently bought a nearly mint condition GA645Zi because I was tired of carrying all the crap required for DSLR photography, and have never been impressed with any digicam results that I've personally seen. Besides...I love film!

This camera is truly a gem! It can easily be carried anywhere, the autofocus system locks focus on nearly any subject (except low contrast, etc, where you would expect issues), the lens is tack sharp, and the metering system seems (at least, so far) without fault. Loading film is MUCH easier compared to my Pentax 67; the weight difference is obvious! I don't use a cable release with it, but I'm aware of the issue whereby you can't lock focus/exposure and re-compose. Not a real issue for me. The only minor drawback for me is that the camera has to be held in a vertical orientation in order to shoot landscapes. Not really a big deal handheld, but kind of a pain when on a tripod.

Like Sandy, I don't want to "sing its praises" too much cuz I might want to buy another...one loaded with B&W and one loaded with color.

Oh, and the limited zoom range? IMO this shouldn't affect your buying decision. Hey, feet still work!

Have fun.

Damn, hope no else jumps in here to praise the Fuji GA645Zi. If this keeps up I will never be able to buy another one at a reasonable price.

And let's hope none of the Leica gurus discover the GA 645Zi because the 6X4.5 negative of this camera really blows 35mm film out of the water.

Sandy King

Backpacking Rangefinder Fuji GA645zi, Mamiya 6 etc..

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