Hello everyone!
What comes to mind when you hear "medium format camera"?
"Heavy and bulky"
"Focusing and exposure seem difficult..."
Many of you might feel that it's a bit intimidating.
However, there's a masterpiece that can significantly change your perception of medium format cameras.
That is theFUJIFILM GA645 Professional, which we will introduce today.
The FUJIFILM GA645 Professional, which we're introducing today, boasts a stylish black body that feels solid and doesn't resemble a typical medium format camera.
At first glance, the GA645 might look like a larger 35mm compact camera.
However, inside, it's a serious "6x4.5 format" medium format film camera with an image area approximately 2.7 times larger than 35mm.
Equipped with autofocus, automatic exposure, and automatic film advance, it can truly be described as amedium format camera that handles like a compact camera.
This time, we will explain why the GA645 remains highly popular in the used market, highlighting its features and showing its descriptive power through sample images taken with actual film.
3 Major Features of the FUJIFILM GA645 Professional
There are three main reasons why the GA645 is called "one of a kind."
① The world's first medium format camera with autofocus
Until then, most medium format cameras primarily featured manual focus, requiring careful focusing.
However, the GA645, despite being a medium format camera, is equipped with autofocus.
It quickly focuses with just a half-press of the shutter button.
This ease of use is addictive once you experience it.
② Full auto for both exposure and film advance – "leave everything to the camera"
The GA645 features program AE and aperture-priority AE, allowing the camera to automatically determine the exposure.
Furthermore, it has an auto-loading mechanism that automatically advances the film to the first frame after loading.
Even those who want to try using roll film but are unsure about loading or operation can enjoy shooting with a feel similar to a 35mm compact camera.
It's a camera that pleasantly defies the perception that "medium format is difficult."
③ The interesting feature of naturally composing in "portrait orientation" when held
When you hold the GA645 horizontally in the usual way, it creates a "portrait orientation" composition.
This is due to the film running horizontally.
For us modern users accustomed to smartphone screens, this "portrait orientation when held" sensation is actually very intuitive.
There's a joy in rhythmically snapping photos of people, cityscapes, flowers, and travel scenes.
Hands-on Review: The Descriptive Power of the SUPER-EBC FUJINON 60mm F4
The lens installed on the GA645 is Fujifilm's proud
SUPER-EBC FUJINON 60mm F4.
With a 35mm equivalent focal length of approximately 37mm, it's a slightly wide-angle standard focal length, convenient for snapshots.
This time, I took this camera to a park filled with spring light.
Please enjoy the rich depiction unique to medium format film.
Vibrant pink cherry blossoms blooming against the blue sky. True to SUPER-EBC FUJINON, contrast is maintained even in strong light, and the gradation of the petals is clearly rendered.
The richness of tone unique to medium format is evident in the contrast between the blue sky and the pink cherry blossoms.
Details are tenaciously preserved from highlights to shadows.
There's a depth and richness unique to film, different from digital.
People enjoying spring in the park. Holding the camera horizontally creates a wider, landscape composition. The sharp detail of the foreground foliage leading to the buildings in the background creates an impressive sense of depth.
Its mobility as a snapshot camera is also outstanding.
Just point the camera and press the shutter the moment something catches your eye.
Since the camera controls focus and exposure, the photographer can concentrate on "composition" and "shutter opportunities."
A close-up of the cherry blossom details. The gentle bokeh in the foreground and background is an expression only possible with a medium format camera, thanks to its larger film area.
The aperture value, shutter speed, and distance to the subject are displayed in the viewfinder, providing peace of mind during shooting.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom, filling the sky. The natural depiction across the entire frame reveals the high resolving power of the Fujinon lens.
Another variety of cherry blossoms, predominantly white. The intricate overlapping of thin branches is sharply separated, showcasing the rich information capacity of medium format film.
Who is it recommended for?
The FUJIFILM GA645 Professional is a camera we recommend for the following people:
・Those who want to try medium format film cameras but are unsure about the operation
・Those who want to capture high-quality film photos during daily walks or travels without adding much bulk to their luggage
・Those who want to enjoy rhythmic snap shooting with a portrait orientation feel
・Those who want the reassurance of autofocus and automatic exposure
The GA645, which combines the ease of "full auto" with the high image quality of "medium format," is a very sensible choice for reliably capturing beautiful shots while minimizing errors, even in an era of rising film prices.
While not quite pocket-sized, it's a medium format camera that can be carried in a small bag.
Easy to carry around, yet delivers professional-grade images.
The GA645 Professional is packed with such appeal.
Tips for choosing a used model
Since the GA645 is a camera with many electronic controls, checking its operation is very important when choosing a used model.
AF operation, lens extension, LCD display, film winding, shutter, and viewfinder display are all points that should be thoroughly checked beforehand.
At Five Star Camera, we carefully check these basic functions upon arrival to ensure that you receive a reliable unit.
For those who want to enjoy medium format film easily and authentically, the FUJIFILM GA645 Professional remains an attractive camera today.
If you're interested, be sure to check it out.
About FUJIFILM GA645 Professional
Released in 1995, it is a 6x4.5 medium format film camera.
Despite being a medium format camera, it features autofocus, automatic exposure, and automatic film winding, making it particularly easy to handle, similar to a 35mm compact camera.
It is equipped with the SUPER EBC FUJINON 60mm F4 lens. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of approximately 37mm, it is a slightly wide-angle standard focal length, suitable for snapshots and travel photography.
When using 120 film, it can take 16 photos. It's a camera that allows you to easily enjoy the rich tones of a large film area and the sharp depiction unique to Fujinon lenses.
Width, height, depth: approx. 166mm x 110mm x 66mm
Weight: approx. 815g (excluding battery)
Click here for a list of FUJIFILM GA645 Professional products
If you are looking for used cameras or lenses, please entrust us at Five Star Camera!
We not only sell but also buy.
You can check the actual items at both our Shinjuku and Toyama stores before purchasing, and we meticulously inspect each item when buying. Please feel free to contact us!
