mark_satola1 Posted July 25, 2007 Share Posted July 25, 2007 Thinking about getting a medium format rangefinder and am leaning toward the Bronica RF645, now sadly discontinued. Really about 90% sold on it, to tell the truth. I've seen many postings regarding the system's lack of a telephoto lens, and am not particularly put off by that, as I would primarily be using it as a big- negative street camera. Otherwise, everything I've read -- usually dating from 2001-2003 -- praises this compact shooter to the skies. Apparently a lot of people love it to pieces. Is anyone currently using one? Or has used one for at least a year maybe? I'd be interested in some 2007 evaluations of its performance, reliability, durability, etc. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek_stanton2 Posted July 25, 2007 Share Posted July 25, 2007 Try www.rangefinderforum.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_french1 Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 Great camera. Its one of my favorites. I've had mine since 2004 with no problems, although I haven't put a huge number of rolls through it. A really well designed camera that I enjoy using every time I take it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mharris Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 A fantastic camera, I love mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trooper Posted July 26, 2007 Share Posted July 26, 2007 Love mine! Great camera for candids as it's quick focusing and the vertical orientation is perfect for albums. I've grown to trust the dedicated flash for fill light outdoors. The optics are as good as anything I've seen (even the vaunted German glass). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_satola1 Posted July 27, 2007 Author Share Posted July 27, 2007 Okay, RF645 it is! Oh heck, I knew it would be anyway. Thanks for the confirmations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard jepsen Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Mark The RF645 is a great value with superior image quality. The leaf shutter allows you to shoot one stop slower speed which off sets the f/4 lens speed. The OOF imaging is smooth and the lens produces lots of sharpness and contrast. Ergonomics and handling are best in class. You have enough spread in the 3 focal lengths to do most photography. This is the last medium format camera designed and a better buy than the Mamiya RFs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougmiles Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 Agree with the praises above. The RF645 is a great camera, well made, easy to use, compact in size (about 2cm taller than a Leica M), quiet in operation. I was fortunate in opting to order both the 45 and 100mm lenses at the same time I got the body with 65mm. The now-hard-to-find 100mm isn't very long for 6x4.5, giving about the same angle of view as a 63mm in 135 format, so it's a "long normal" to complement the 65mm as a "wide normal". The system's only real drawback, I think, is the lack of 45mm framelines in the viewfinder.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewart_s Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 Only drawback from my point of view is lack of TTL. Having said that I tried the Fuji 645zi which has all the gadgets, but didn't like the flimsiness and sold it, replacing it with the Bronica. I'm very happy with the exchange. The Bronica is much better built and the lenses very good. My first choice when small size is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stwrtertbsratbs5 Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 The RF645 is my favorite MF camera (I've owned a Mamiya 645 and several TLRs). I've owned a body, the 45mm, 65mm, and 100mm lenses for about 1 1/2 years. It is compact and light so it makes a great travel camera. Excellent finder and superb lenses. See the following link for a thorough review: http://shutterflower.com/RF645%20review.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_nelson3 Posted July 28, 2007 Share Posted July 28, 2007 On trips I am as apt to use the RF 645 with 45 and 65mm lenses than either of my SLR film systems. If I am going to the trouble of going to these wonderful places, I may as well the get the best potential image I can from the larger negative. I am thinking of supplementing the RF 645 with only a lightweight Canon SLR (AV-1 or AT-1) SLR with and 85 or 100mm, with an extension tube for close-ups, or with a Leicaflex SL with 90mm, same set-up. As much as I love the RF645, and the fact I've had NO reliability issues, I wouldn't trust it (or any of my cameras) to be the only camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tensai_ito Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 I love the RF645. The body is really really great - solid, and perfectly designed if you ask me. Good finder, great ergonomics. The lens proves that you can have a super sharp lens, that still renders very smooth out of focus areas. Picture quality wise I think you will not get much better out of 645 shooting. Composing with a rangefinder is not for everyone (I'm the kind of guy that often crops that extra 5% out of my slr pictures cause I find that I prefer what I saw through the viewfinder). I'm getting the hang of it and enjoy the ride. I love the vertical orientation - I shoot 70-80% of my photos that way. Would love to get buy the 45mm lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_philcox2 Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Tensoi: I have a 45 for sale if your interested. Email me: fphilcox@mnsi.net. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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