Fuji GA645 vs Mamiya 6

campy51

Subscriber
Joined
Oct 16, 2014
Messages
1,241
Location
Boston area USA
Format
Multi Format
I have the Mamiya 6 now and have been thinking about getting the GA645 for the auto focus. I struggle to focus the Mamiya quick enough to take candids of my grand kids. I have several 6x6 cameras to use and would like something in a different size. I know the Fuji GW series is an option but then I would struggle with the focus on that also. Will I be disappointed in the switch?
 

4season

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
2,071
Format
Plastic Cameras
campy51 said:
I have the Mamiya 6 now and have been thinking about getting the GA645 for the auto focus.
...
Will I be disappointed in the switch?
Click to expand...
Maybe: I owned both cameras in the 1990s, and was very fond of the GA645's general ease of use. But remember that the autofocus is 1990s technology, and by today's face-detecting, eye-tracking standards, it's pretty slow. Is this an option: Mamiya 6 with faster film, smaller aperture, and focusing via the lens DOF scale?
 

xya

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
1,057
Location
Calais, Köln
Format
Multi Format
I use my GA a lot, I have the wide version, a GA645Wi. even if this is 90s technology, it is spot on and IMHO it isn't slow. I would say that only 1 shot in a 100 is a miss. if you go for it, go for the "i" version, it's the latest. and go for a reliable seller with a warranty. they are really wonderful cameras, you frame (with parallax correction) and the camera does the rest.
 
Last edited:

mshchem

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
15,375
Location
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Format
Medium Format
I've had both. I prefer the Mamiya. I probably should have held onto the Fuji for the "I'm getting old factor" It's very dated autofocus but it works pretty well, barcode on Fuji films set film speed, can print between frames pretty cool little camera. Don't get rid of the 6, maybe get a deal on a fuji?
 

4season

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
2,071
Format
Plastic Cameras
campy51 said:
Is $1100 too much for one in near mint condition? It seems high to me.
Click to expand...
I think those sorts of prices are nuts, but people are willing to pay it, so that is the de facto market value. Most of my own eBay activity over the past couple of years has been as a seller, not a buyer, because I feel I can usually get the highest sale prices there.
 
OP
OP

campy51

Subscriber
Joined
Oct 16, 2014
Messages
1,241
Location
Boston area USA
Format
Multi Format
Well I ordered the GA645 that has a count of 1900 in mint condition. I have 30 day return so I will see if it handles better than my Mamiya 6. If it does the Mamiya may be up for sale soon. I have other 6x6 cameras to use in that format.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…