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  #11  
Old 26th May 2011, 11:36 PM
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I've also been looking into a MF "point & shoot".
The Fuji wins hands down for portability and the GA645 ZI is favourite;

Fuji 645 models

Do some searches to check-out reviews and to see if it fits the bill.

Afterwards you'll be able to join this forum too!
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Last edited by MartyNL; 26th May 2011 at 11:41 PM.
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  #12  
Old 27th May 2011, 06:25 AM
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Although I am lucky to have a Mamiya 7 and a couple of lenses the system is still quite heavy to do serious walking with. I am also in the habit of taking 35mm gear as well so I am often torn between taking the M7 system or my Nikons but not both. So about 6 months ago I started looking for a lighter MF camera that could go out with my Nikons. In the end I settled on the Fuji GS645S and have found it to be ideal for this purpose. The lens is fanatstic too. I bought mine from Ffordes for a tad under £300 with a six month warrenty. For the money I think you are talking about the GS645S needs some consideration.

Neil.
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  #13  
Old 27th May 2011, 07:39 AM
Keith Cocker Keith Cocker is offline
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My Billingham Hadley Pro has a Rolleiflex (2.8F) - (meter is reliable with a bit of judgement), film, hood, a couple of filters, a Rolleinar (or 2) and plenty of room for my wallet, phone etc. I can happily walk round all day with that. Even room for a small book!
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  #14  
Old 27th May 2011, 12:12 PM
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I'll add a +1 to Marty's recommendation of the later Fuji 645. I use a GA645 for the sort of situations you describe. Compact, great viewfinder, auto-focus and auto-exposure when you need it (and both very accurate), manual operation when you want it, excellent 60mm lens. In the hand it feels more robust than similar cameras in 135 format. I used it with good effect at my niece's wedding, where I wanted good quality negs to make nice prints, but did not want to seem to be competing with the pro photographer. It's only failing (shared with other rangefinder-style cameras) is the difficulty in using filters that require through-the-lens viewing (polariser and grads).
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  #15  
Old 27th June 2011, 09:54 AM
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I thought I'd give a bit of an update on this. Thanks for all the kind advice by the way.

I was still undecided what to get but I recently dropped on a GS655S for cheap so gave it a go. Put a roll of provia through it yesterday to test it out. Rangefinder is a touch out of wack and the bullbar round the lens is a bit wobbly but if the test roll shows the glass is ok then shouldn't be too bad to fix.

Despite being bulkier than the folding version it feels lighter, and the side tripod thread is a nice touch. The rangefinder spot seems quite critical about your eye being centered on the finder (for it to be visible), compared to how I remember the folding model. Anyone know if this is normal?
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  #16  
Old 27th June 2011, 10:22 AM
Dave miller Dave miller is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveP View Post
I thought I'd give a bit of an update on this. Thanks for all the kind advice by the way.

I was still undecided what to get but I recently dropped on a GS655S for cheap so gave it a go. Put a roll of provia through it yesterday to test it out. Rangefinder is a touch out of wack and the bullbar round the lens is a bit wobbly but if the test roll shows the glass is ok then shouldn't be too bad to fix.

Despite being bulkier than the folding version it feels lighter, and the side tripod thread is a nice touch. The rangefinder spot seems quite critical about your eye being centered on the finder (for it to be visible), compared to how I remember the folding model. Anyone know if this is normal?
I once had the Wide version and I do remember that the using the rangefinder took a bit of practice for the reason you describe.
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  #17  
Old 27th June 2011, 10:49 AM
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The rangefinder on the Fuji GS645S is not the best I've used but it does the job once you get used to it. On the plus side the veiwefinder is very bright.

Neil.
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  #18  
Old 27th June 2011, 03:33 PM
Aynsley Cooper Aynsley Cooper is offline
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If that fails, I'd throw in a second suggestion to try a GA645zi.
Hold one, and if you can live with its operation, focus and lens setting, its a good left-field Fuji offering.
Finding a very fine condition one may be a touch tricky..

Last edited by Aynsley Cooper; 27th June 2011 at 03:34 PM. Reason: ...(even) poor (er) grammar!
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  #19  
Old 27th June 2011, 05:13 PM
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I have a Fuji GA645zi and I love it!!!
Ultra sharp lens, a joy to use... It turned out my perfect travel companion... its always in my bag!
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  #20  
Old 27th June 2011, 07:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
I once had the Wide version and I do remember that the using the rangefinder took a bit of practice for the reason you describe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by B&W Neil View Post
The rangefinder on the Fuji GS645S is not the best I've used but it does the job once you get used to it. On the plus side the veiwefinder is very bright.
Ahh, thats good to know, thanks for the input.
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