🟡 Medium Format Point & Shoot Camera that's Lighter than a Leica! | Fuji GA645 Review & Photos

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

✅ Check price on eBay - (UK) ebay.to/2T1Imy0 (US) ebay.to/31evCsm ⭐️ Patreon: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ▶️ Watch Next: Hasselblad H2 Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIqzn3aIh76kjJo 📝 Blog post with photos in full res! mrleica.com/fuji-ga645-review/

[@davidellinsworth22]

When you demonstrated the AF I was suddenly reminded that I need to book a dental checkup

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha, yes it’s not a stealth camera! :)

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I just got one of these after wanting one for a long time, and I'm very impressed! That lens is seriously good. Super sharp and detailed photos. The flash is surprisingly good too, works very well for subtle fill-in stuff, unlike most point 'n' shoots I've tried. And it's just a joy to carry around all day after having mostly used Hasselblad 500C and Pentax 6X7 cameras :-) Great channel btw, just found it!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Happy to hear you found this great camera ..and the channel! I appreciate the feedback. 🙏🏻

[@ridovicsandras]

just got one, really excited to try it out and thanks for the review!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and congrats! I got some really nice images from mine. See full res on the blog if interested.

[@avcle]

I’ve owned my GA645i for almost a year now and I absolutely love it. I also own a Mamiya C330 and Hasselblad 500cm, yet this is the medium format camera that I reach for most of the time due to how light and easy it is to carry around. The lens on it is superb as well. As much as I love my C330 and 500cm for different reasons, I would consider this my favorite medium format camera that I own (this is purely based off of my style of shooting).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi thanks for checking out the vid. Yes I think it comes down to what you shoot. The lens is excellent but for my style I tend to use other cameras more. It would be perfect for a trip though.

[@swalker558899]

So helpful, thanks so much for posting!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, no problem. I was using mine only yesterday!

[@jacovanlith5082]

Matt, you need to plug your ears. There is a spcial designed macro attachment. Consisting of a macro lens plus a frame of bended spokes. Focussing distance and format ratio are fixed for easy shooting. Somewere in my photographic pigsty I have a fat leaflet of the GA 645. Do you want to have a copy of the leaflet this crazy noisy sound machine?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jaco, I replied to this so maybe it was a duplicate 👍🏻

[@darrellantonephotography]

Not sure if you'll see this but I have a GA645 - f/4, 60mm camera. While it's not wide, it DOES say GA645W Professional down the right side on the front. I believe the camera works great and I bought it from a reputable location. I wanted to know - is this some sort of unique version or maybe is it an error on Fuji's part?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Interesting! Maybe someone used two cameras to build one working one (most likely)

[@darrellantonephotography]

@ Ok I was thinking the same thing. Just curious if I stumbled upon some rare edition lol. Thanks for replying!

[@Superbustr]

@Matt Osborne Do you think you could put a macro filter (to improve the close focus capabilities) on the front filter thread and still be able to autofocus the camera?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

There might be a branded one that works but a standard one I think no as the camera won’t focus closer than 0.7m and let you take picture. Some cameras were made with macro lens attachment but I can’t remember for this one.

[@jacovanlith5082]

Matt, you need to plug your ears. There is a spcial designed macro attachment. Consisting of a macro lens plus a frame of bended spokes. Focussing distance and format ratio are fixed for easy shooting. Somewere in my photographic pigsty I have a fat leaflet of the GA 645. Do you want to have a copy of the leaflet this crazy noisy sound machine? @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jacovanlith5082 thanks Jaco! I was aware of the clip up type adapter so sorry if I forgot to mention in the video. (Probably as I’d never owned or used it). I don’t need the document but many thanks!

[@gilshua4143]

Hi Matt. I really like your reviews ! you mention a lot of practical comments ! I was wondering would you cover Fujifilm Pro GW690 ? what is your take on it ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi thank you! I’ve not got that camera nor used one but if I ever do I’ll be sure to make a video!

[@4WHEELBIKER]

Glad you posted this. I started to buy this camera many times for its ease of use. It's got to be the easiest medium format camera to shoot especially on the go. However, I couldn't part with my Pentax 645 so never purchased the GA645.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

4WHEELBIKER thanks, yes I would say the Pentax would be a better all rounder of the two if you can only own one. 👍🏻

[@allys537]

I just got mine from Japan today, it was a CLA'd one and was in great shape... with a great big price too! I noticed my lens racking back and forth isn't nearly as noisy as your copy. I was expecting a freakishly clown-like loudness but I was surprised as it's quite restrained, I think many of them are loud because they need some lubrication or something is scraping as the motor works. included was a repair slip for my copy, it was just repaired in September 21 for up down wheel and a CLA done. These cameras are getting quite expensive!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ally, interesting about the noise, thanks!

[@bradl2636]

I purchased my GA645 used (EX+) in 2008 and I'm glad I did. Yes noisy. I have used it street and wedding. It's a beast.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Brad, you got it at a great time! I think for wedding set shots it's perfect.. I would use for groups if say doing a 35mm wedding though I usually use the Mamiya 6.

[@Xingqiwu387]

IF ONLY Fuji had made this camera in square format! Great review!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks..see the camera featured at the end of today's video. That offers 6x6 ;)

[@user-nx8dk9hm8z]

Hi Matt! Were all those portraits in the video taken with the GA645? If so, incredible!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes. I add portraits to each camera video from that specific camera as examples. Thanks!

[@gusatvoschiavon]

For me the built-in flash is the main reason that I want one It looks so out of this world

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the flash can be useful and yes i'm sure the retro look will be very fashionable at some point!

[@edwardyu833]

Great video. I just got this camera. Have a question for you appreciate your answer: do you find the shutter release button to be a bit stiff to fully press - for me no problem to half press to focus (similar to other cameras) but when you try to take the photo and trigger the shutter, it takes more force than other cameras that I came across and could cause more camera shake. Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Edward, not really. Mine getting sticky in cold weather though, even after serving it for that reason. Great camera still.

[@miguellopez-araus7020]

This camera reminds me the contax g1 that i have. Its a rangefinder fake. I used to have quite a few out of focus shoots in every roll. Never the less i love the look of the camera and the quality of the negatives when they come out well focused.😊

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Miguel Lopez-Araus thanks yes I remember one roll in particular where I had lots of misses but normally it’s quite good. Yes I like the negatives 👍🏻

[@tikkathreebarrels]

Excellent review! Currently shooting 6x6 TLR and today I received a Voigtander Perkeo I off the back of the review you did. How would you rate the GA645 against a Mamiya 6 or 7?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

TLR are nice. Did you spot my old Rolleicord vid!? I need to use my TLR more. Perkeo - great. Mamiya 6 is better for sure. Mamiya 7 better on paper but not my favourite.. I prefer 645 format to 6x7.

[@anthonymiller8979]

My only concern with importing from Japan is it seems nearly every one listed has some sort of fungus or haze in the lens. I was told the humidity in Japan makes this more of an issue than elsewhere.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great point Anthony, yes do check the descriptions and photos but you can get some fine items from there without issues.

[@moot6794]

Have you ever experienced after finishing a roll, the film has unfurled into a loose state within the collection spool? And then upon opening the film-back to collect the film, the film is exposed to light leaks? This has happened to me a few times on this camera as well as the Fuji GW690III. I'm wondering if it's a design flaw with similar Fuji cameras as I have seen it mentioned online in regards to the GW690.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Moo T thanks, no I’ve not but then I’ve not shot 100s of rolls with it so maybe I’ll see it in the future. Thanks for sharing that.

[@moot6794]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the video, by the way! It’s been a while since I’ve shot mine and I pulled it out after watching your video. Excited to take it out again 👍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Moo T no problem and ha likewise, I think I need to out a roll through mine too! :)

[@jacovanlith5082]

Best camera for very fast moving objects. Good for Grand Prix motor car racing shots along the tarmac The auto focus noise will every Ferrari driver slow down his car. The Fuji GA 645 makes the sound of a jamming gear box of a race car.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Jaco!

[@YoramPomer]

I also own this camera. Bought it new many many years ago but never really got enthusiastic in using it. Yes, it’s loud. But it’s also very reliable and the view finder is one of the best I have used for composition . But the camera is not for me. BTW, the noise in your video doesn’t do justice to the actual noise that it makes. One last comment, before this I had a Rollei 6002. Now that is loud! It’s like shooting with a gun instead of taking photo’s :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yoram Pomer thanks for confirming the noise ha. Yes like you I didn’t quite get into it. Too automated for me.

[@toulcaz31]

It seemed to be a fun camera when it was around $400. Nowadays it’s way overpriced for the noise it makes and what it is.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nico! Agreed.. especially when you can perhaps get 2-3 Leica iii cameras for that price! :)

[@toulcaz31]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom or some Bessas or Ikontas

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nico Cazals anything fully manual I generally prefer! :)

[@russellnaughton5152]

Just getting one on eBay for aBout 1600 oz$ great camera

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats and thanks Russell! I hope to take mine out on my next trip 👍🏻 Enjoy :)

[@russellnaughton5152]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - Dear Matt I have watched your KZbins for about a year now - Leica Nikon shooter for 40 plus years. M4 / beautiful red iiif / M4-P/ SL with lenses mainly Voigtlander want to become Patreon but working out how to pay has presented challenges but I will sort that out soon. All the best from Lockdown just ended in the land down under Oz

[@jacovanlith5082]

An auto rewind roll film camera ? Dutch desease?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha

[@Byron5369-k8p]

That is outrageously loud haha

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry Brian, it's one of my older videos so I was probably still working things out.

[@Byron5369-k8p]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Oh no I meant the camera shutter! I was thinking of buying this camera for street photography but the shutter was a deal-breaker. Great review all the same.

[@jessekoskinen]

That noise is quite something.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks ha, yes not a good something! :)

[@alzathoth]

of course its over $1000...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It sounds expensive where you are, normally £400 ish maybe here