Bronica RF645 won't fire

Just purchased a Bronica RF645 from Adorama and just tried it out for the first time.

Viewfinder shows 'x' no matter what I do. Under P or A mode shutter speed and aperture properly show in viewfinder display. However, under manual mode the shutter speed is properly displayed, but the aperture display goes from -3.0 to maybe +0.5 as the aperture is is moved from f/32 to f/4. However, now there is no 'F' before the number. Can't imagine what these numbers mean.

Under no case will the lockout 'x' display go away. If I activate the multiple exposure (ME) function and hit the shutter release I hear a sad, quite motor moan. I have confirmed and reconfirmed that the lens is properly attached. Any ideas from Bronica RF645 owners. Any help is appreciated.

P.S. Batteries are fresh.

The X will show in the finder if film is not loaded. Aperture and shutter speed are displayed when shooting in Program or "A" mode.
In manual mode, you see the shutter speed you have set, but not the aperture. The other number is your underexposure or overexposure based on what you've selected. -3.0 means you will be 3 stops underexposed, -0.5 means you are underexposing 1/2 a stop. +3 means you are overexposing by 3 stops. Just adjust your shutter speed or aperture until this reads 0.

The wheezing shutter sound is normal for RF645 bodies. That being said, I absolutely love mine ... the lenses are outstanding!

jimjm said:

The X will show in the finder if film is not loaded. Aperture and shutter speed are displayed when shooting in Program or "A" mode.
In manual mode, you see the shutter speed you have set, but not the aperture. The other number is your underexposure or overexposure based on what you've selected. -3.0 means you will be 3 stops underexposed, -0.5 means you are underexposing 1/2 a stop. +3 means you are overexposing by 3 stops. Just adjust your shutter speed or aperture until this reads 0.

The wheezing shutter sound is normal for RF645 bodies. That being said, I absolutely love mine ... the lenses are outstanding!

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Thanks for your help. The numbers in manual now make sense. It appears the problem is as you suggest, the camera doesn't recognize that there is film in the camera. I can activate the shutter with the ME, but not otherwise. I've tried reloading film, but that didn't help either ...

Ok, I get the idiot award of the weekend. Camera works fine. The film advance had what appears to be a natural stop when throwing the lever. However, pushing a bit further showed me that I hadn't advanced the film fully. (I do generally try not to go the neanderthal route on cameras.)

Thanks to jimjm again. Otherwise I wouldn't have figured out the problem.

Good to hear! The film advance on these cameras takes some getting used to, but if you use a bit of care when winding-on you should have no problems.

I use mine as my primary backpacking / hiking camera, so it's taken a few bumps but it's held up fine in all sorts of conditions. In fact I'm going up to Yellowstone next month and will be bringing it along. Great for street photography too. I like the benefit of a 6x4.5 negative from a camera that's the same size and weight as many 35mm cameras.

Cheers!

jimjm said:

I use mine as my primary backpacking / hiking camera

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Great to hear as those are the reasons I bought this camera.

Enjoy Yellowstone. The fall is a great time to visit there. We might just sneak up there this fall, too.

wyofilm said:

Just purchased a Bronica RF645 from Adorama and just tried it out for the first time.

... and hit the shutter release I hear a sad, quite motor moan.

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Once described somewhere as the last gasp of a dying mouse. I used to find it hard not to laugh each time I took a photo.

drmoss_ca said:

Once described somewhere as the last gasp of a dying mouse. I used to find it hard not to laugh each time I took a photo.

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Ha ha. I agree. It is quite and the my early results show a good light meter and excellent lens.

Just got back from Yellowstone and shot about a half-dozen rolls with the RF645, in addition to a Nikon FM2 with longer lenses for wildlife shots. Saw the first snows of the season and temps down into the 20's. Some rain before the snow hit and heavy clouds of steam around the geyser basins. The Bronica worked flawlessly, although I did miss 4 shots when I forgot to take the lens cap off! I think I'll just dispense with the caps altogether as the hoods do a pretty good job of protecting the front of the lens. I usually get a few strange glances from DLSR shooters, especially with the wheezing shutter. I'm expecting some nice shots - the meter on the RF645 has always been reliable for me.

You picked the right time for Yellowstone. Since we live close by we try to get there once in the fall, when the crowds have thinned. Good to hear about he Bronica 645. The lens cap ... yeah, a problem. I did the same thing yesterday.

drmoss_ca said:

Once described somewhere as the last gasp of a dying mouse. I used to find it hard not to laugh each time I took a photo.

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It reminds me of the wrong-but-unique unique Hollywood noise uses for silenced pistols. Poor mouse.

wyofilm said:

Ok, I get the idiot award of the weekend. Camera works fine. The film advance had what appears to be a natural stop when throwing the lever. However, pushing a bit further showed me that I hadn't advanced the film fully. (I do generally try not to go the neanderthal route on cameras.)

Thanks to jimjm again. Otherwise I wouldn't have figured out the problem.

Click to expand...

Ok, you are buying the drinks for everyone tonight!