FujiGS645 missing viewfinder piece

[jasper fox]

Hi I have a FujiGS645 (http://imgur.com/lXSUF6R) and it looks like it's missing a piece of the rangefinder (compared to https://chemicalcameras.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/dsc09815.jpg). I was wondering if this is possible to replace in anyway and if not how does it effect the use of the camera. Just from using it it seems the light meter does not meter correctly and the focusing mechanism (yellow overlay) does not work correctly. Is this caused by the missing piece or some other issue?

Thanks so much

 

[Kirks518]

I will venture a guess that you have two separate issues.

The missing piece is affecting your metering, as my guess is the diffused section of the missing piece 'smooths' the light for the meter into one light. Without it, I think the meter may be getting confused by not seeing one light level, and seeing areas of dark and light.

The yellow overlay is probably out of alignment, and needs adjustment to be calibrated properly. Whether or not that's a DIY on that camera, I don't know.

What happened to the missing piece? How did it get lost/removed? My thought is there was some impact that caused it to come off, as well as knocking the RF out of alignment.

 

[jasper fox]

The camera was handed down to me and it was missing the piece, I assume it's near impossible to find a replacement for it barring buying another camera. When I move the focus ring the overlay is visible and moves slightly but then stops. I can live without the light meter but the focus would be nice, do you think it's possible to calibrate it myself.

 

[Kirks518]

I would say usually they are. I have a GA645, but haven't had a need to even consider it. There is a guy on youtube that has a number of videos about the GS645, you may want to check them out (he speaks Japanese, but pictures/videos are worth a thousand words). Link - daitocamera

 

[Kirks518]

Buying a parts donor camera may not be a bad idea if you plan on keeping it. There are no parts available from Fuji from what I understand, and having a spare on hand could prove invaluable. I have a spare parts body for my GA.

 

[jasper fox]

I'll have a look around, not too confident in camera repair but I guess I can have a go. Thank you!

 

[jasper fox]

I actually found a replacement window on ebay luckily! Now just to sort this focus out.

 

[Kirks518]

Nice!