Fujifilm GA645 Professional Review: Medium Format Magic in 2026?
If you're a fan of film photography, vintage gear, or just love that analog vibe, I've got something special for you. I recently uploaded a video review of the Fujifilm GA645 Professional on my YouTube channel, diving deep into why this 1995 medium format camera is still turning heads in 2026. In this accompanying blog post, I'll break down the key highlights, share some thoughts, and hopefully inspire you to pick up some film and hit the streets.
A Bit of History
The Fujifilm GA645 Professional was released back in 1995, marking a pivotal moment in medium format photography. It was one of the first autofocus medium format cameras, bridging the gap between fully manual systems and more automated point-and-shoots. Part of a series that includes variants like the GA645W (wide-angle) and GA645Zi (zoom), this model shoots in the 6x4.5 format, making it portable and user-friendly compared to bulkier medium format beasts. At a time when digital was just starting to emerge, Fuji aimed this at professionals and enthusiasts who wanted quality without the hassle.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Weighing in at just 815g, the GA645 is remarkably compact for a medium format camera – think something closer in size to a 35mm SLR like the Nikon F5. It's got a plastic body that might feel a tad cheap to some, but it's durable and features a rubberized grip for secure handling. Perfect for street, travel, or portrait work where you don't want to lug around heavy gear. In my video, I show how it feels in hand – lightweight yet solid, ideal for on-the-go shooting.
Controls, Metering, and Features
The controls are intuitive: dials for shutter speed, aperture, and shooting modes (program, aperture priority, manual). You'll find exposure compensation up to ±2 EV, a self-timer, ISO adjustment, and even data imprinting for dates or settings on your negatives. The center-weighted metering system is reliable, covering EV 3 to 18, which handles most lighting situations without issue. It runs on CR123A batteries, and film loading is a breeze with automatic advancement. There's also a hot shoe for flash sync.
Autofocus and That Stellar Lens
The hybrid autofocus system combines infrared for close subjects and phase detection for farther ones, with a minimum focus distance of 0.7m. It's snappy most of the time, though it can have quirks in low light – that's where the manual focus zone system comes in handy. The star of the show is the Super EBC Fujinon 60mm f/4 lens, equivalent to about 35-37mm in 35mm terms. It's razor-sharp, with minimal distortion, vibrant Fuji colors, and creamy bokeh. Whether you're capturing portraits or street scenes, the image quality punches way above its weight, especially when scanned.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Super compact and lightweight for medium format.
Excellent automation makes it beginner-friendly.
Sharp lens with that classic Fuji color pop.
Great for travel, street, and portraits.
Cons:
Fixed lens limits versatility (no swaps here).
Plastic build might not feel premium.
Autofocus can struggle in dim conditions.
Operation is a bit noisy, and it's fixed in portrait orientation.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons if you're into analog photography without overcomplicating things.
Is It Worth It in 2026?
Absolutely! In a world dominated by digital, the GA645 offers a refreshing analog experience with medium format quality at a fraction of the cost of modern equivalents. Hunt one down on the used market – they're still a steal for film enthusiasts. If you love the tactile feel of film and want stunning results, this camera delivers magic every time. Thanks for reading – now go watch the video!
