Bronica RF645 100mm Performance

[rick_robinson2]

I just bought a Bronica RF645 with 45mm & 65mm lenses (could not

resist the incredible rebates currently being offered). Despite all

the critism that has been thrown on this camera, I absolutely love

it! The camera has excellent build quality, exceptional ergonomics,

and a great viewfinder. I understand, and regret, that Bronica was

unable to make the 135mm lens work properly. But, if you give this

camera a chance, you will find one incredible camera.

 

My question is to any users that have bought the 100mm lens. I

imagine that the performance is excellent, like the other lenses for

this camera. How do you find it for head & shoulder portraits? I

prefer a longer lens, but, as already shown, that is not going to

happen. Is the 100mm long enough and does it focus close enough to

justify buying a lens that is pretty close to the normal 65mm lens?

Also, how can you tell if your camera has been modified for the 100mm

lenses? Has anyone heard of any rumors of the RF645II camera, that

may properly use a longer lens?

 

Thank you for any information that you can provide.

[roberto_lins]

Rick,

 

A search here will show you that if teh camera's serial number starts

with 1, you have the framelines of your RF645 matched for the 100mm lens. If started with 0, for the 135mm lens.

 

I bought the RF645 100/4.5 lens a couple of months or so ago. As expected, it's very good. What I liked most, however, is that the lens is perfectly able to do a tight head-and-shoulders. It does focus down to ca. 1.2 meters. I've focused carefully, shot it wide open and printed up to 24x18cm. No problems at all.

[lorenzo_ward1]

my experience is less good. The 100mm lens looks sharp but when focused at the closest focusing range I get my subject 'blurred ' and notice that the area of sharp focus is about 7/8 inches behind where I aimed. Anybody experienced the same problem? Can it be cured? I also use a 65mm lens. Can I get my kit serviced to get sharp focus on both lenses?

 

Any suggestion appreciated.

[richard jepsen]

I find the 100mm is easy to focus and acceptably sharp wide open. I used it for mid chest shots due to perspective. I was very surprized at the nice, smooth OOF affects.

 

I noticed while processing a B&W environmental portrait, inside under somewhat flat light, the micro contrast was not as high as the 65mm. The result was the light on a face did not separate as well as the duplicate neg shot with the 65mm and a Rollei TLR. Other shots with the lens have been superb. The higher micro contrast on the 65 makes sense if you consider the lense design.

 

I actually like using 100mm. The two lenses, 65 and 100 compliment each other in many situations.

[richard jepsen]

Update on my response to the 100mm. After making prints I did not see any difference in microcontrast between the Rollei TLR and RF 100mm. I do see a difference with the 65mm but it may be my processing. Too early to make a blank statement about the 100mm. I can say the lens will not disappoint.