Rangefinder Fun | Fuji GS645s

There comes a time when you just have an itch to try out a rangefinder. They're different. They're tricky. They're quiet. I was fortunate to find a good deal on a Fuji GS645s medium format rangefinder with a 60mm (wide angle) F4 lens, and in extremely good condition.

The rundown: The lens is built-in and non-detachable and the settings are entirely manual. ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and Focus are all adjusted on the side of the lens itself. This definitely makes for a jammed up area where the slightest movement can push the wrong dial. But even I, with my over-sized, clumsy fingers, have gotten used to it.

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

The minimum focus is 1 meter, not amazing, but still acceptable for portraits.

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

Fuji GS645s Rangefinder

The thing to get used to with rangefinders is figuring out how to focus. I won't get into the science and math of it (jump on wikipedia if you care), but basically, to focus, you have to match up a "ghost subject" with the actual subject in frame. When those two align, you are in focus. See my poorly drawn gif below for reference:

Rangefinder Focusing example

The fact is, the Fuji GS645s is pretty slow to focus. Especially since in order to focus you have to manipulate a slider rather than a lens ring. One way around this is to get good at scale focusing. If you're just doing street photography and using a smaller aperture, all you need to do is practice estimating distances; setting the lens to the distance rather than eyeing things up. It's surprising how fast and efficient that can be and it lets you shoot nonchalantly from the hip!

A weekend on Orcas Island.

What I love about this camera versus my other medium format cameras is how small, nimble, and quiet it is. It's really light and fits into most 35mm-specific bags that I have. And being mirrorless, rather than a loud slap, the shutter sounds more like a light flick. Additionally, the lens has a sort of "cage" that protects it from damage, which is quite convenient for when setting the camera down or when packing it snuggly in a bag.

More black and white with the FujiGS645S

Color images with the FujiGS645S

In the past, I didn't find myself reaching for this camera very often because it FEELS so difficult to use. The dials are weird. The focusing is weird. And you need a lot of light (the largest aperture is only F4). But, I am ALWAYS pleasantly surprised with the results. It produces really sharp images with consistent quality. And without the mirror slap, you can shoot handheld down to 1/30th. As I continue to use it more, I've become more comfortable with the settings, and have really learned to love it.

The Fuji GS645s is definitely my go-to traveling medium format camera and I look forward to shooting more with it. Send me a message if you have any questions.

Get out and shoot film!

Oh, and final word of advice with rangefinders: don't forget to take off the lens cap!