Edit: If the batteries die, you can keep shooting because the camera is fully mechanical. I also forgot to mention that the camera doesn't have auto exposure, but it's not a big deal in my opinion because of that reliable built-in light meter.
@emodeathdollsixx7834 жыл бұрын
What's the red botton ??
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
EmoDeathDoll sixx it’s a soft shutter button. I bought that separately. Link in description.
@mach_media4 жыл бұрын
Your vid got me over the line with this, well done. It’s in the mail from Japan!
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Haha congratulations! What was the clincher for you?
@mach_media4 жыл бұрын
Zain Riza portable, size, and the results.
@w33blord664 жыл бұрын
Amazing review man! I've had my eye on this camera for a while and you've definitely boosted my confidence in making the jump to Medium formate. And great point about the waist level viewfinder. Something like that seems a bit more novelty and would never work with the way I am accustomed to shooting. Subscribed!
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Ah I'm glad you've subscribed! Yeah I've got a video on the new 120 Ektachrome coming out shot with this guy. It's such a good travel companion as well. Just have to be careful with how you store it in your bag, because of the lens. Yeah, waist-level finders in general aren't my thing haha
@randallstewart1753 жыл бұрын
Camera case for the GS645S. Fuji included a thin cloth (fake suede) which will hardly protect the camera from dirt. It provides no physical protection. Same situation with the other GS645 models. My solution for a protective case for both my GS645 and GS645W was to visit a larger camera store and troll through all of their small, padded pouch type cases for digital cameras. It didn't take long to find a case the right size to hold the camera very safely and had some additional compartment(s) to store film, a few filters, cable release, etc.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
That's a really good tip!
@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel3 жыл бұрын
Zain the part is the hammer. I have long been looking for a camera that does exactly what Fuji offers. small. rangefinder and always portrait orientation 😍
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Look no further. This camera was made for you. That lens as well is still one of my all time fave lenses.
@ChrisJones-wy1wc4 жыл бұрын
Great review! I loved this when I first laid eyes on it and you've just sold it to me
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Haha awesome Chris. Hope you’re a subscriber now!
@ClamBrain4 жыл бұрын
No one ever mentions the best introduction to medium format photography, the Kiev 60.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
I'm not familiar with that camera. It looks quite bulky, which may be a reason why it's not got much attention. It's also 6x6 which is an unusual aspect ratio for many people.
@anthonymiller89793 жыл бұрын
Owned one of these, the GS645 with the bellows lens. Great camera. I'd like to find this version now but all sem to be in Japan and prices are around $500+ now days.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Well you're in luck if you're based in the UK. I'm sadly selling this camera. DM me @zainrizaphoto. I recently bought the Canon FD 85mm 1.2L to replace this guy.
@anthonymiller89793 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza I am in the USA
@anthonymiller89793 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza Sent you an email
@FlorinEmilGhebosu8 ай бұрын
Damn, I love watching reviews of cameras I own :)))
@ZainRiza7 ай бұрын
it's great aint it
@FlorinEmilGhebosu7 ай бұрын
@@ZainRiza indeed :D
@SR-qy6ul4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a great review! I've been looking for an inexpensive step up from my Brownie Hawkeye Flash for medium format. Cheers.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Nice one! Let me know how it goes, if you do pick one up.
@Louis-te7th4 жыл бұрын
just want to point out your awesome soft keylight. Looks amazing.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Ayyyy, thanks Louis! Soft light ALL DAY haha
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Louis hope you’re a subscriber now!
@thomasmoje59264 жыл бұрын
Like most amateur/hobby level photographers, I've grown up on 35mm film photography. However the inherent higher resolution enlargement capability of medium-format film negatives is not lost on me. I just love those sharp rich 'calendar photo' type photos and portraits taken with medium format film..therefore I'm considering making the foray into medium format. The twin-lens type medium format cameras do not especially appeal to me..but this camera looks like to be an ideal tool for me to get into medium format photography without spending my retirement nest egg on equipment. The question for me is more of film availability and processing..I do not develop film myself nor do I really want to get into that unless I have to. Informative video I will bookmark it for reference.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Thomas. It really is an awesome beginner medium format option. I hope you're a subscriber now!
@pepetrueno87222 жыл бұрын
Looks like a cool camera…
@ZainRiza2 жыл бұрын
It definitely is
@chefokazeio4 жыл бұрын
Awesomeness with your video man I am sold.i am looking for on right now
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tommy. Just remember if the lens isn't solid, leave it! haha. I hope you're a subscriber now!
@vc62184 жыл бұрын
Thank you x a milli for this! I think this is my next camera but not much on this model online!
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! Thank you for watching. You should check out my other videos where I shoot with the camera.
@vc62184 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza I will do that right now!! LOL I really want this as my walk around camera! I need to learn zone focusing though! Soon!
@horatiueduard3 жыл бұрын
Waist level finders are not a pain to use. You can get a higher view point than a normal viewfinder (like above your head) while actually looking through the viewfinder. It's not that hard, I got used to it in about 5 minutes. However, I do like 645 cameras. They get left out of conversations just because 6x7 is cooler.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I made this video over a year ago now and my view on WLF has completely changed haha.
@Garacha2224 жыл бұрын
This looks like a leaf shutter, so it should flash sync at all speeds. That's an advantage. For this camera, I'd probably use a rubber hood (instead of metal) so that any bumping of the hood won't hurt the lens. Single lens cameras are in a real sense actually zooms .... you just have to 'zoom with your feet' :)
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
It is a leaf shutter. I've used it with flash a couple of times and syncing it at any speed has been really nice.
@thingmon87283 жыл бұрын
Do you still shoot this camera? What's your opinion on it now?
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
I sold it end of last year. Opinion on it hasn't changed. I sold it because I had too much gear and I hate having too much gear. I still think it's an incredible camera but I just didn't need it for the work I've been creating lately. I needed the money to buy a lens that far better suits my work.
@thingmon87283 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza Word! Always gotta up the game appreciate the reply
@certs7433 жыл бұрын
Great video. Another very affordable medium format rangefinder is the Koni Omega Rapid series of cameras.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Daniel! Oooo intriguing. I've never heard of that line of cameras. Will check them out right now.
@Ineedahandle754 жыл бұрын
It looks kind of cool with the cow bar thing. I'm very tempted by one of these but can't decide between the 3 versions. I want it for landscape mainly.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Yeah I think the bar thing is cool as well haha. This one has a tripod mount so you can mount vertically and shoot landscape if that helps. Hope you're a subscriber now :)
@2WheelsGood.013 жыл бұрын
Just got one from Japan...I paid WAY too much, but can't wait to shoot.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
haha you're going to love it regardless.
@cavangriffin15144 жыл бұрын
Really loved this video, you've got yourself an easy subscribe
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! You’re awesome Cavan
@lkomaromi68784 жыл бұрын
Great video. I so agree about waist-level viewfinders.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Having said that, it's good for low angle shots, but that's it haha. Thanks for watching buddy. Hope you're a subscriber now!
@waldojpg4 жыл бұрын
I have a Fuji GS645 without the S. Even better in my opinion since the lens is closer to 'normal'. Love everything about it, except the slightly misaligned rangefinder, nice video :)
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
That's awesome. Your version is pretty cool in that it could easily fit in a big coat pocket.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Lukas Walter hope you’re a subscriber now!
@3slappyfin4 жыл бұрын
Great review and I really like the red shutter button you got! Where did you buy it from?
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man. I got mine from Amazon. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XNQNKNQ/ref=twister_B01N9EC8AQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I hope I've converted you into a subscriber!
@alponton6 ай бұрын
this is not a cheap camera in 2024 due in part to reviews like this one
@ZainRiza6 ай бұрын
cheap is relative
@dirtyprettykics3 жыл бұрын
I have to disagree about waist level finders. It’s about the user and the subject matter. I use a rolleiflex 2.8e extensively for the past 4 years. If your focus is model based I can see your point but With street portraiture I’ve never found issue. To call it a novelty or say that it sucks is a bit much. Gordon parks and Richard Avedon both used them to an extent and created polar opposite work. But thats discipline, you know. The whole one camera thing.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure I never say they suck in general. It's that *I* don't particularly enjoy them for reasons already mentioned... If you enjoy the WLF, power to you.
@michaelofmelrose4 жыл бұрын
like your enthusiasm, good video, I will consider this, do have several meduim format already.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Michael J Daily thanks mate. If you have a few already, then you probably don’t need another haha. I use mine mostly for when I’m travelling or for street. I hope I’ve converted you into a subscriber.
@johnharrison8045 Жыл бұрын
What websites do you recommend to buy analog cameras? I am very interested Fuji GS645S amazing video!!
@ZainRiza Жыл бұрын
ebay is a good place to start but you buy at your own risk. Look at seller reviews before purchasing. Otherwise, I'd look up local analog camera shops online. If you're looking for the GS645S in particular then you'll definitely be going to ebay. These cameras all seem to be in Japan. Extremely difficult to find them outside of Japan. Hope that helps.
@johnharrison8045 Жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza Ebay is a good place to start but you buy at your own risk. Look at seller reviews before purchasing. Otherwise, I'd look up local analog camera shops online. If you're looking for the GS645S in particular then you'll definitely be going to ebay. These cameras all seem to be in Japan. Extremely difficult to find them outside of Japan. Hope that helps.
@swisswildpicsswp30953 жыл бұрын
Interesting vid! My first medium format was a Minolta Autocord. Very underrated. I find it much better than a Yashica, for about half the price. I'd love a Fuji GS645 but I prefer to save a bit more for a Pentax 65
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
The Pentax 645 is a strong contender. I've never heard of the autocord. I'll check it out for sure.
@swisswildpicsswp30953 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza Oops, I meant Pentax 6x7 of course. You should definitely check out the Autocord. Best bang for your buck in the TLR category! I must admit I have a soft spot for Minoltas
@mealstolearn4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this great video. I will retire mine it's just not working properly now been to camera shop twice but still not fixed. I will keep it because it is my 1st MF camera.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
damn I feel ya, man. I took my favourite lens to get fixed and it ended up coming back worse off. RIP your camera haha. Also, I hope I've made you a subscriber :)
@ghw71924 жыл бұрын
Mine has been in the shop 3 times: twice for film advance problems, once for focus issues and when the aperture locked, I decided that it looked nice sitting on a shelf. Both my Fuji GW670III and the GW690III have been trouble free for many hundreds of photos, but the 645 is not so well made.
@ConstantThrowing3 жыл бұрын
Love this channel
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
What precisely about it?
@ConstantThrowing3 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza nice presentation, handsome presenter, funny style of edit, comprehensive guides and info.
@vangstr3 жыл бұрын
This camera does make the Mamiya 7ii scared as far as performance! I had the Mamiya 7ii.
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
I've used that Mamiya and not going to lie, I absolutely loved it.
@cowboyyoga3 жыл бұрын
Great video! Thank you ! )))
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
@cowboyyoga3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, great video! )))
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
No worries!
@DanRegueira4 жыл бұрын
Damn just when I was decided on the bronica etrs for my first medium format camera you might've sold me on this one! Ugh thanks for a great review and added indecision, bro! Hahaha
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Apologies haha!
@DanRegueira4 жыл бұрын
Zain Riza ended getting the GS645S instead. I agree with your philosphy of minimalism and I do a lot of photojournalistic work. Thanks for the informative review! And also saving me from the money hole of a modular camera like the ETRS.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Daniel Regueira another convert! Haha
@smallbirdsongs4 жыл бұрын
This is a very helpful review, thank you truly! One question, if you don't mind: do the self-timer and T switch work together, so that one can take long exposures without shaking the camera? Many thanks!
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
That's a really good question. I was curious myself and yep, just tested it and that does indeed work!
@jesperbent36853 жыл бұрын
Great review!
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jesper!
@randallstewart1754 жыл бұрын
The features which qualify a camera for "best" are quite subjective, however their negative character should knock them out of consideration, which IMO applies to the GS645S. Specifically, the focus helix and mount of the lens on the GD645S is extremely vulnerable to breakage with no parts or repair now available. That guard bar around the lens is not there to be stylish. Even a modest rap on the lens from the front or the side probably will break the threads in the focusing assembly. You must remove filter(s) or hood from the lens for storage, as they will extend beyond the protection of the bar. A significant percentage of such cameras for sale have suffered this damage, which can appear as lens wobble in the mount and/or rough focusing. On the positive side, the camera body is light and strong, the meter is good, the focusing adequate, and the lens is very good. As a starter 645 format camera, I'd prefer a Mamiya 645 SLR.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
I have the Mamiya 645 Super as well. I think they're both amazing beginner medium format cameras. I understand the bar is to protect the lens. I particularly like the look of it haha. I also say in the video to avoid any copies of this camera that have any kind of lens play/ wobble. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it. What's your main shooter at the moment?
@randallstewart1753 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza Historically, a Pentax 67ii, however at 74, I have acquired a GA645Zi as a lighter option.
@yhangr4 жыл бұрын
I bought one and had CLA on it. It is really beautiful and working great. The store who did my CLA also fixed the broken light meter! However, the rangefinder path is really dimmer than other cameras, such as the fuji GW690 II, or the Olympus 35 RC. Still, it is better than the Olympus XA. How is the rangefinder path in yours? It would be a perfect camera if the rangefinder was a little easier to see!
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
I bet yours is worth a lot more now. I completely agree with you, man. The rangefinder patch could just be a bit brighter and it would compete with the best rangefinders, but given the price, performance and everything else, you can almost let it slide. So long as it's not too bright or too dark, the RF patch is fine, but yes if only it could just be a bit brighter haha. I sold my XA because the viewfinder was just too small for me personally.
@randallstewart1753 жыл бұрын
The relative dim status of the viewfinder/rangefinder is part of the character of this camera and its two companions, the GS645 and GS645W. The reason is that the light meter reads light coming through the viewfinder. 75% of the light coming into the viewfinder is diverted to the meter, leaving only 25% for viewing.
@yhangr3 жыл бұрын
@@randallstewart175 Thank you so much for your explanation!!
@mach_media4 жыл бұрын
What film would anyone recommend for getting used to this camera?
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Get some portra 400 or fuj pro400h for colour. Some tri-x for BW. Those are my favourites for 120 film.
@danzelcastillo37003 жыл бұрын
Looking to get one of these Fuji medium formats!! There’s just so many choices though: the GW670, the GW680, or the GS690. I’m not sure which format would be the best for me. What factors should I consider? Any help?
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
The cost, the size and usability, the maintenance, the aspect ratio, the lenses that come with each camera. Each one will give you a different number of frames per roll.
@danzelcastillo37003 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza I’m gonna assume that 6x4.5 will have the most frames and 6x9 gives the least ?
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
@@danzelcastillo3700 yep exactly. Also be aware that each format produces a different aspect ratio as well.
@oliverlison4 жыл бұрын
beautiful video. What song are you using?
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Oliver. I can't remember the song. I got it off MusicBed.
@JoeSusco4 жыл бұрын
Great review. Ive found you can get 16 shots out of a roll if you're careful. Love that camera.
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
I've never been able to. Would love to know how to haha. Thank you for watching. Hope you're a subscriber now!
@sebvz894 жыл бұрын
Bronica never gets mention either :(
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
I have had my eye on the GS-1 for a while.
@nightsbeatswitchgood4 жыл бұрын
These are still $300-$500 :( I wish 120mm wasn't so expensive...
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Have you looked at TLRs? Like the C330? Or yashica Mat?
@nightsbeatswitchgood4 жыл бұрын
Zain Riza i actually haven’t much! Thanks for the suggestion!
@tigerareyouthere4 жыл бұрын
300-400 pounds, 7 months later more like 600-700 euros (from Japan, so excluding import costs and all that jazz) 😜
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Have prices gone up that much already??
@tigerareyouthere4 жыл бұрын
Zain Riza yeah pretty crazy right! I got lucky and found one for €480 but it needs a CLA and new bellows
@jesperbent36853 жыл бұрын
...no cool and great review
@ZainRiza3 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it.
@filmniyom4 жыл бұрын
Like👍
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
thank you
@tasost21614 жыл бұрын
So stupid they dind make these cameras 2 formats , 6x4.5 and 6x6
@ZainRiza4 жыл бұрын
Are there any other 6x6 rangefinders aside from the Mamiya 6?
@tasost21614 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza bessa III 6x6 and 6x7
@tasost21614 жыл бұрын
@@ZainRiza i would like a compact camera like Fuji with 6x6 format