GA645 flash issue

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

Hey again,

Just picked up a very new to me, minty GA645, everything perfect except the flash won't fire at all. Bought it off the bay (I know..) for a pretty good price I think, and was described to be in perfect working condition. Shutter counter shows 00300 which means it's between 300-400 shutter clicks which is nuts. Anyway, I've scoured the manual and I'm pretty sure it's not user error in this case (the flash icon comes up in the VF and LCD), but I'm just checking here to be sure. I'd hate to have to return such a pretty camera, but I bought it mainly because of the fact that it's a flash-ready portrait camera. And if said flash isn't working.....

I'd appreciate input from anyone if you have experience with this camera, or know of whether the issue is something that can be serviced / fixed. Thanks guys.

-Cole

kmallick · 06-13-2012

if it doesn't shoot in manual (M) mode, then there is something wrong with the flash circuitry.

sevo · 06-13-2012

Well, does a external flash work? If that does not work either, there is something wrong with the flash cabling or the flash trigger on the shutter. Chances however are that an external flash will work - flash capacitors have some tendency to die due to disuse or irregular use, even more so the rather undersized ones they cram inside cameras. A external flash would be superior in power and positioning, so the inability to use the internal flash would be very much a minor flaw.

By the way, "flash-ready portrait camera" is rather a odd description for the GA645 - with a 35mm equivalent lens it is very much on the wide side for a portrait camera...

benlees · 06-13-2012

When the flash flips up does the flash icon show in the bottom left of the LCD?

When you gently move the flash back and forth does the flash icon go on and off as well? If not, sometimes the switch gets stuck. Removing the top plate can let you see if the switch is being engaged.

If the switch is working normally the circuit could be bad. Not sure how economically this can be fixed. Luckily, there is a hot shoe!

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

Thanks for the prompt replies! Unfortunately I don't have an external flash to test with, maybe I can borrow one from a friend soon. But when it comes down to it, kmallick, the flash won't fire in M mode, plain and simple. And benlees, the icon does switch on and off. It seems the camera is recognizing the flash being enabled but maybe the capacitor is busted? I guess it's defective (sigh) and I'll probably send it back to the seller. GA's are pretty cheap on KEH, so I suppose I could pick one up from them.

As for the portrait-camera description, it's more the idea of 3/4 and full-body portraits against plain backdrops, not the traditional head and shoulders kind of thing.

kmallick · 06-13-2012

Or use it as an excuse to pick up a GA645i at a bargain price...

great camera and the flash on board is very useful if it did work. I find that my GA645i plays very well with the Fuji external bounce flash as well (if you can get hold of one sometime).

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

Referring to the one on KEH's site at the moment...? Question, is the 645i actually substantially quieter when it comes to the AF?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmallick

Or use it as an excuse to pick up a GA645i at a bargain price...

great camera and the flash on board is very useful if it did work. I find that my GA645i plays very well with the Fuji external bounce flash as well (if you can get hold of one sometime).

kmallick · 06-13-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by canetsbe

Referring to the one on KEH's site at the moment...? Question, is the 645i actually substantially quieter when it comes to the AF?

I have not used a GA645. I have seen reports saying that its hard to tell the difference in how quiet they actually are.

The once big plus for the GA645i for me is the additional shutter button. It lets you take the shot in landscape orientation in comfort.

Either way, they are great cameras. bummer you got a lemon but you will be happy if you decide to get a replacement.

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

I think I'll probably end up going with the 645i from KEH, assuming I'm able to return this one. If not, I'll probably go with an external flash or video light. Thx for the info guys..

mbdiesel · 06-13-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by canetsbe

Hey again,

Shutter counter shows 00300 which means it's between 300-400 shutter clicks which is nuts.

-Cole

If I remember correctly, you multiply the indicated shutter count by 100. That would give you a minimum of 30,000 shutter clicks on our camera.

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

According to the manual, 3,000 would be 030 00. Then 30,000 would be 300 00. Mine says 003 00. I believe it because the camera looks literally brand new.

mbdiesel · 06-13-2012

Ok. Not trying to "age" your camera.

canetsbe · 06-13-2012

haha no worries, just clarifying so you'd know for sure! and now your camera has thousands fewer than you thought