Fuji GS645W Review: You’ll Love it or Hate it!
My Fuji GS645W in all its plastic glory
The Fuji GS645W is a distinctive medium format rangefinder camera that has captivated the hearts of film enthusiasts and professional photographers alike since its introduction in the early 1980s. Known for its compact design, sharp optics, and reliable performance, the GS645W continues to be a sought-after camera in the film photography community. In this blog post, we'll delve into the features, pros, and cons of the Fuji GS645W, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering adding this classic camera to their collection
Chunky, yet small for a medium format camera!
The Fuji GS645W at a Glance
The Fuji GS645W is part of Fuji's GS series of medium format cameras, which were designed to offer high-quality images in a portable and user-friendly package. The "W" in the model name stands for "wide," referring to its 45mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens, which is equivalent to approximately 28mm on a 35mm camera. This lens choice makes the GS645W particularly well-suited for landscape, street, and travel photography. While some might find this camera an absolute blast to use (particularly for its incredible image quality), some may find it a chore to use. Read below to find out why!
Portland Cherry Blossoms shot on my Fuji GS645W on Kodak Portra 400 film.
Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just over 800 grams, the GS645W is remarkably portable for a medium format camera. Its slim profile and ergonomic design make it easy to carry and handle, whether you're on a city stroll or hiking in the mountains.
Fujinon 45mm f/5.6 Lens: The fixed 45mm lens is renowned for its sharpness and clarity, delivering excellent image quality with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. This wide-angle lens provides a broad field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and dynamic street scenes.
Built-In Light Meter: The GS645W features a built-in light meter, simplifying the process of achieving correct exposures. This is especially beneficial for photographers transitioning from 35mm to medium format, as it reduces the guesswork involved in manual exposure settings.
Bright Viewfinder: The camera boasts a bright and clear viewfinder with a well-defined rangefinder patch, making it easier to focus accurately and frame your shots precisely.
Solid Build Quality: Fuji's reputation for durability is evident in the GS645W. Constructed with high-quality materials, this camera is built to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring longevity and reliability.
The Fuji GS645W has an epic light meter!
Pros & Cons of the Fuji GS645W
I have a love hate Fuji GS645W. First the love. Yes, it’s small, lightweight, and has a cool retro-future look. The images are SHARP, and the built in light meter is SPOT ON. You would think that by looking at the images that it is almost a perfect compact 120 film camera. So what’s the issue? The biggest two I have are 1. The lens only opens to F5.6, making this not an ideal low-light camera. Even with a film like Portra 800, it’s still a tricky camera to use in low-light settings. The second? there is NO FOCUS PATCH. To some this is not a big deal, but it really adds an extra step to the process of measuring your distance. While I would say most of the time I nail focus, there is that odd photo that even when measuring as accurate as you can, it just misses the mark. A focus patch would have been such a nice addition to this camera. Below are some pros & cons that will help you learn more about the Fuji GS645W:
Pros
Portability: One of the biggest advantages of the GS645W is its portability. Unlike many medium format cameras that are bulky and cumbersome, the GS645W is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go.
Sharp Optics: The Fujinon 45mm lens is a standout feature, providing exceptional image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors. The lens's wide-angle perspective is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes and dynamic street scenes.
Ease of Use: The built-in light meter and bright viewfinder make the GS645W user-friendly, even for those new to medium format photography. The camera's straightforward controls and intuitive design allow photographers to focus on creativity rather than technical details.
More Exposures: Because of the more compact 645 sized negatives, you get 15 shots per roll, vs something like the Pentax 67 where you get 10 per roll. Think of the GS645W as almost a “half frame” medium format camera. those extra 5 shots really make a big difference!
Cons:
Fixed Lens: While the 45mm lens is excellent, the lack of interchangeable lenses may be a drawback for some photographers. Those who prefer the versatility of multiple lenses might find the fixed focal length limiting.
Durability: The GS645W is FRAGILE. It has a plastic casing, and the controls are all on the lens. Make sure you are careful when handling the GS645W, and it will reward you with great images!
Limited Maximum Aperture: The f/5.6 maximum aperture can be a limitation in low-light situations. Photographers may need to use higher ISO film or a tripod to achieve the desired exposure, which can be less convenient in certain scenarios.
Manual Focus: The GS645W is a manual focus camera, which can be challenging for photographers accustomed to autofocus systems. Achieving precise focus requires practice and patience, particularly in fast-paced shooting environments. It also has no focus patch - so you will have to get used to focusing based on distance.
Price and Availability: As a vintage camera, the GS645W can be expensive and difficult to find in good condition. Prices on the second-hand market vary, and sourcing replacement parts or servicing the camera can be challenging due to its age and rarity.
A very rare low-light handheld shot with the Fuji GS645W that wasn’t blurry!
Conclusion
The Fuji GS645W is a remarkable medium format rangefinder that offers a unique combination of portability, sharp optics, and ease of use. Its compact design and high-quality lens make it an excellent choice for landscape, street, and travel photography. However, the fixed lens, limited maximum aperture, and manual focus may pose challenges for some users.
Ultimately, the Fuji GS645W is a camera that rewards those who appreciate the craft of photography and are willing to embrace its quirks and limitations. If you're looking for a medium format camera that delivers stunning results without weighing you down, the Fuji GS645W is undoubtedly worth considering.
