Fuji GS645s - fragility

Jessestr · Apr 10, 2016

I found a good deal on eBay, and decided to have a quick look online. Was searching for a travel camera that is medium format.

I decided to buy it but it was after that, that I read about the fragile shutter mechanism if you bump the lens? Is it really that bad or is internet overreacting?

Thanks

Dali · Apr 10, 2016

Never bumped mine so I can't really answer your question...

Apart from that, this is a good choice as a travel camera despite the vertical framing. Enjoy it (without bumping it...)!

luvcameras · Apr 10, 2016

I used to use a Fuji 645Zi and LOVED it. Point and shoot Medium Format... Not a robust camera - but build was good enough for me.... here's a guide I wrote years ago on these cameras Dead Link Removed

frank · Apr 10, 2016

Thank you for your site, luvcameras, I reference it frequently.

Ive had the GS645W (Shouldn't have sold it.) and still have the folding GS645. Great lenses.

piu58 · Apr 11, 2016

I have a GA654Zi. It is as robust as any other camera. I never had an issue.

frank · Apr 11, 2016

The issue is with the GS645 cameras. The one with the crash bar is susceptible to shutter damage from being knocked. The folder version's bellows were made from a material that didn't prove robust, and its film transport mechanism could be damaged by rough use.

The autofocus Fuji 645's are not included in this concern.

telletdl · Apr 12, 2016

I think it is probably true that the lens mount on the GS645S is a bit fragile, but that is what the guard is for. My camera has a small crack in the plastic surround where the guard is mounted, but no apparent damage to the lens. I put some electrical tape on it and no problems yet. The guard itself doesn't seem too strong, but good enough to protect the lens, I think. I've traveled a bit with mine and it hasn't let me down yet - and I don't treat it too kindly. Great lens and meter in a light package.

Jessestr · Apr 13, 2016

telletdl said:
I think it is probably true that the lens mount on the GS645S is a bit fragile, but that is what the guard is for. My camera has a small crack in the plastic surround where the guard is mounted, but no apparent damage to the lens. I put some electrical tape on it and no problems yet. The guard itself doesn't seem too strong, but good enough to protect the lens, I think. I've traveled a bit with mine and it hasn't let me down yet - and I don't treat it too kindly. Great lens and meter in a light package.

Thanks !

Arthur R. · Apr 1, 2017

The shutter button and frame counter mechanisms are a poor design on the part of Fujica. The frame counter doesn't always click properly, and the lever doesn't set to it's initial position and this interferes with the shutter button hitting the parts which trigger the shutter. If you disable the frame counter by removing the spring and that lever, then it works fine. No CLA or repair needed.

Johnkpap · Apr 1, 2017

I have a GS 645W with a super sharp 60mm and the crash bar it has traveled all over the world with me went to the USA with me photographed NY,Boston and the Grand Canyon, went to India and to London, the camera has never let me down.

Johnkpap

M. Axel Wikstrom · Apr 2, 2017

It's what I use when I can't take a larger medium format camera, like on motorcycle trips. It's with me now on a trip. A little plasticky, but still a solid camera if you take care of it.

noandra · Mar 19, 2019

Arthur R. said:
The shutter button and frame counter mechanisms are a poor design on the part of Fujica. The frame counter doesn't always click properly, and the lever doesn't set to it's initial position and this interferes with the shutter button hitting the parts which trigger the shutter. If you disable the frame counter by removing the spring and that lever, then it works fine. No CLA or repair needed.

I have a problem with my Fuji GS 645 wide. The view counter is not advancing and the shutter will not operate as a result. I gave it to a repairman twice, but the problem is still there.
I had seen on photo.net that the concern could come from a broken plastic part to pick up. But I do not see which part it is.
I just saw your message where you said that the worry can be solved by removing a spring and a lever.
Could you tell me more? Where is this lever and spring? So we lose the use of the counter of view but the film still hangs after each arming of the camera?
I hope you can see my message and help me.
Thank you.

M. Axel Wikstrom · Mar 19, 2019

M. Axel Wikstrom said:
It's what I use when I can't take a larger medium format camera, like on motorcycle trips. It's with me now on a trip. A little plasticky, but still a solid camera if you take care of it.

Guess I didn't take good care of it. The rangefinder mechanism vibrated apart on the back of my motorcycle awhile back - to be fair, it was while riding 50+ MPH over very rough rocky desert terrain in southern Utah.

TomasMartoch · Dec 3, 2019

frank said:
The issue is with the GS645 cameras. The one with the crash bar is susceptible to shutter damage from being knocked. The folder version's bellows were made from a material that didn't prove robust, and its film transport mechanism could be damaged by rough use.

The autofocus Fuji 645's are not included in this concern.

I just bought gs645s and winding lever just cracked. So, I would like to disable the counter. Is there anybody who knows how?

macfred · Dec 3, 2019

Never had the GS645s but a Fuji Fujica GS645 with EBC Fujinon S 75mm 1:3.4 (leaking bellows but a very nice cam) and two GA series cameras (GA645 with EBC Fujinon f/4 60mm and GA645Wi with EBC Fujinon f/4 45mm).
No problems so far with the GA series, though these travelled all over Europe stuffed in my backpack. Great and reliable tools for hiking and travelling !

edit : Just saw this is an old thread ...

Johnkpap · Dec 3, 2019

noandra said:
I have a problem with my Fuji GS 645 wide. The view counter is not advancing and the shutter will not operate as a result. I gave it to a repairman twice, but the problem is still there.
.

Try another repairman

Also I really don't think the People at Fuji designed it for a Motorcycle trip across the utah !!!! but a Nikon Nikkormat FT2 might just do it ........

Johnkpap

Fuji GS645s - fragility

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