Bronica RF645

Sanjay Sen

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Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
1,246
Location
New York, NY
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Multi Format
There is a Bronica RF645 kit for sale on the Rangefinder Forum. Don't know if it is still available, but the for sale ad is on.
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2006
Messages
875
Location
Oklahoma, US
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Multi Format
Google Mike Johnston http://photo.net/mjohnston/column3/index.html
He gives a great review. I am now using my RF645 in place of a Leica for 90% of my photography. I don't miss having a f/2.8 aperture. #1. One can hand hold the camera to one stop less shutter speed than a SLR design. #2, The lens gives quality images wide open. #3. Nearly all MF rangefinders are limited to f/4, one exception the 6x7 Plaubel reported to have more reliability issues than the RF645. You can work around the lack of a f/2.8 with higher rated film and lower usable shutter speeds. What a great camera.

I almost sold my RF645. Then I realized I was not ready to let the kit go. I could never find a replacement kit of the same condition. The RF645 is unique in it's simple modern features, image quality, and size. I encourage anyone who can live with inherent RF medium format shortcomings to buy the RF645. It makes the most sense as it is the last full up design for a non fixed lens MF rangefinder. Additionally, the camera build quality and ergonomics are top notch.

The RF645 65mm lens is equivalent to a 40mm in small format. I love the 65mm wide normal on the RF. When using a Leica I also shoot with a 40mm Minolta optic vs a 35mm. Here is an interesting discussion on the 40mm perspective. http://photo.net/mjohnston/column70/index.html

I do have a like new hard to find 100mm not in use. In my opinion Bronica made the right move to offer the 100mm. The rangefinder patch would be difficult to use with a 135mm and the 100mm gives adequate closeups with image blur. rdjepsen@att.net.
 
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kraker

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Joined
Oct 5, 2005
Messages
1,165
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The Netherlands
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Multi Format
Highly recommended. It's a great camera, I love mine. (Obviously, I'm not selling it.)

There are images on my website (see signature) that are taken with the RF645, but it will take some browsing to find them. (Just on the most recent shot I added RF645 as a tag; I should edit other posts and include camera tags as well. Usually I do include it in the description, at least per "set" of photos.)

I've bought mine from eBay (body + 65mm), later added a 45mm and the flash, both from ffordes. I see they don't have any for sale right now, but it is a possible source if you want one.
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2006
Messages
875
Location
Oklahoma, US
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Multi Format
I love the RF645 but I find I'm not using the 100mm enough to justify keeping it. If you have a kit the 100mm will perform like a very long normal in small format - 62mm I believe. My e-mail is in a previous posting.
 

Dismayed

Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
438
Location
Boston
Format
Med. Format RF
Nice camera, but I sold mine (along with 3 lenses, 45mm, 65mm, 100mm) because of recurring problems with the film transport. I now have a Mamiya 7II that has been much more reliable.
 
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