Good solid feeling when handheld. Bright viewfinder showing exposure settings. Easy access to all controls without lowering camera. Compact size. Sharp contrasty lenses. Easy lens change system.

Bright line in viewfinder does not match final image size. You get a little bit more picture. The 135mm lens requires at least 2 more stops of exposure than what the meter will provide.

I originally purchsed the camera, the standard 65mm lens, the 45mm wide angle and the flash. The camera handles amazingly like a 35mm rangefinder with Leica like quality. The viewfinder is bright and the range finder easy to see. I was having trouble seeing what was in focus with the SLR/TLR and find the rangefinder a very nice alternative for someone with failing eye sight. Even though the auto exposure controls work well, I like using it in manual mode as I want more control of the final image. The meter and exposure setting display are in the left side of the viewfinder and can be a little difficult to see at times but make it possible to set the exposure, focus and take the picture without lowering the camera. After using the camera with just the two lenses, I found out that the 135mm lens was being made and sold, but special adjustments to the lens focusing cam to match the camera was needed. The only importer of the lens was Robert White Co., UK. Got the lens back and found that the meter needs to be bumped up 2 stops to get a good exposure. Could be, as with most longer lenses, you need more light to get same exposure. This is the case with the zoom lens on my Olympus OM. When I zoom out from 28mm to 105mm, the shutter speed changes at least 2 stops in the AE setting. The bright line in the viewfinder adusts when the 135mm is installed, but is about 85% of the final picture. I love the compact size of the whole camera system. I can put the camera, three lenses, flash, filters and a pro-pack of film in an SLR waist bag and not feel burdened at all. The vertical default format of the viewfinder may be bothersome to some people, but it makes me think more about composition. I tend to make a lot more portrait oriented photos anyway. This camera would be great for someone doing landscapes, street scenes, travel and portraits. Does not compete with an SLR as you can''t do macro. With the addition of the 135m lens, I feel I now have a very capable camera system that can go anywhere. A sample of a picture taken with the 65mm lens can be viewed on Photo.net at: http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=521101

Customer Service

Warranty adjustment to fit 135mm lens took quite a while but was done professionally.

Similar Products Used:

My other cameras: Rollei TLR 2.8 & 3.5; Zeiss Super Ikona B; Retina IIIc; Graflex 4x5; Olympus OM; many other classics.

Small for a 645. Crisp shots. Good metering.

Mentioned in summary

I was surprised to find a used one in my favorite camera store. Since it was used I was able to rent it. Did so for 5 days. Shot 10 rolls of Fujii Reala (gray market since you can''t get the USA stuff) and 5 rolls of Ilford FP4 Plus B&W. Resuts were very good. Crisp and well metered. Most 645''s will give similar results, but this baby was so easy to handle and the controls so well placed. I really wanted to buy it. Didn''t! Reasons? **There are only 2 lenses - a 65 and a 45, both f4. The 135 4.5, which I would want for portraits, apparently is not going to be made. **The bracketing mechanism on the back, even though well placed, was extremely easy to move, so you had to constantly make sure that it was not in an under or over exposed position. **My dealer also did not have the diopters for it, stating that Bronica (Tamron) had not made them available yet?! **I couldn''t get used to the location and "neon sign" effect of the information given in the viewfinder. **The shutter works fine but it actually "moans". I thought something was wrong with it when I started shooting my first roll. **You cannot use a lens cap with the lens hood on!!!! In over 30 years I have honestly never run into this situation. **The back door did not have a solid, tight closure. I would never own a camera with any play in the door flap. **The film advance lever felt very cheap. I really could not see it lasting vey long without a need for repair. **I did see the flash for it, new. The RF-20. Very small and costs 289 bucks! What a shame. I thought it might give the Mamiya 7 a run for its money, but I think it will end up as a collectors item instead.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 7 and 7II Mamiya 645 PRO TL

1.weight 2.price 3.ergonomy 4.very well built 5.Quality lens

1. No 135 is a very big miss and not producing it after you advertise is cheating. 2.viewfinder is tricky. 3.Focusing is not very clear.

The second medium format camera I uesd after years later I left my yashica. I went through all the cameras for weeks to decide on which camera to buy. I looked for and easy,light,good quality (No plastic) Camera. My first demands eliminated the bigger medium format cameras and left me with rangefinders. Now which rangefinder...mamiya 7II ..fuji has several ones with different formats..and we got a new camera of Bronica. Which is RF 645 The first look eliminated all fujis..All very plasticy cameras which didnt apeal me at all..(Dint say they are bad..But I want a camear that can also be used as a weapon if my subject decides to differ the way I am shooting..:)).. Mamiya...Hmm great camera all critics are fine..But very expensive to my pocket.. So be it...I am left with Bronica...and found the best price in Delta...I ordered all the lenses..135 mm too.. I got 65 and 45 and my 135 is backordered..Than I learned Bronica decided to not produce 135..Ahhh...all my portrait ideas are gone. Great camera yes..Very satisfied with 50 rolls I shot with 65 and 45 crisp lens no fails with both of them in A mode. and very handy controls. very good working but a plasticy flash. Well I would rate the camera not the Company...As I would rate Bronica 1 for not producing the 135 after advertising.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

yashica medium format 6X6 all others are 35 mm exp.

Compact well made rangefinder camera. Standard lens was very sharp (but aren''t they all). It is a perfect field camera for someone who does not need a telephoto lens.

Failure to provide promised telephoto lens. Like all other rangefinders it is slower to use than a modern autofocus camera. Is this a weakness??

This is a wonderful rangefinder camera. Very sharp. Very easy to use. Unfortunately Bronica reneged on the promised short telephoto so I had to sell it. The new promised telephoto will be a touch too short if it ever shows up.

Customer Service

Very dissapointed in the distributor who would not take camera back when they failed to produce the promised lens.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 645 and 645 AF, many 35mm and 6x6 square.

Very Sturdy
Functional Layout
So simple it's sexy
Exp-comp. on back (easy)
Joy to handhold >1/8th
Great finder (bright)
Very easy to focus
Lovely aux. finder (45mm)
Upright image orientation
Accurate meter
Great glass: 45/65/135mm
SMALL & LIGHT WEIGHT

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"Walking barefooted in the warm surf" is the only way to describe Bronica RF645! Obviously designed by "Artisans" (Rather than "MIT Techs")!
Wonderfully simple and thoughtful layout. However, for such a (relatively) simple camera you can't help but imagine the huge effort that went into it's development.

Noted Improvements Over Mamiya 7II:
1. Automatic Light Shielding Film Curtain
2. Exposure Compensation (lever on the back) is pure genius.
3. Exposure lock, on/off slider & filmspeed etc. on the back too (where they should be).
4. Top plate holds the Shutter Speed dial and manual (ratchet or continuous) film advance.
5. Three exposure modes, Manual, Aperture Priority & Program. The Aperture priority mode works GREAT with the Exposure Compensation Lever (makes you realize how disfuntional locking +/- rotating dials are) this lever does not need unlocking to use *best feature*!!
6.Simple (very high quality) lens designs. The 45mm wide angle exhibited zero flair when shooting into the sun. Tamron has made some marvelous glass here, it goes without saying these lenses are super sharp :-)
7. To sum up the RF645: When comparing to my Nikon N90/35-70 F2.8 walkabout camera the RF645 is lighter, smaller, easier to hold, far quieter and much quicker to ready and shoot - surprised (I was)? In fact the Nikon feels positively illogical.
8. You can use the 45/65 & 135mm lens' without any auxiliary finders if you wish. The only lens that's supplied with its own finder is the 45mm, this gives an accurate impression on perspective & framing (very nice to use if you have time).

If you enjoy the 645 format I feel you owe it to yourself to at least handle & examine this camera. Or if you prefer the 6x7 format, wait for Mamiya to copy it (the RF645 is really that good)!

Customer Service

No clue!

Similar Products Used:

This camera is rather unique I feel. I bought it to compliment an existing 645 (ETRSi) outfit which it does wonderfully!

Light Weight
Simplicity
Quietness
Great Rangefinder
Finish
Quality Feeling
Logical Controls
Styling
Reasonably Priced Interchangeable Lens System

Like any medium format, some film costs seem high in comparison to 35mm.

Not many lenses/accessories at this time.

The results on my first roll were truly spectacular. I shot indoors, poor lighting with Fujichrome 400. The camera was set to programmed automatic as was the dedicated flash. The results were breathtaking! All I did was compose and take care when focusing. For the first time I can be proud of a 16x20! I feel this camera will become a classic once its qualities are recognized. Great job (and nerve) Tamron.

Similar Products Used:

Other 6x6 format cameras

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To the Rangefinder List [rflist@topica.com]

Completely on-topic for once, I'd like to post a brief report of the new Bronica RF645 compact rangefinder that I shot with yesterday. I only gave it a quick trial--they had one on display at Reimer's in Milwaukee. I left my Leica hanging hostage from the salesguy's neck and took their RF645 outdoors for a stroll.

My friend Michael Reichmann posted a comparison of the Bronica RF645 and Mamiya 7 on his excellent website luminous-landscape.com that tilted decisively towards the Mamiya. I wrote a full review of the Mamiya 6 for the old _Camera & Darkroom_, briefly owned a Mamiya 6, and am very familiar with the Mamiya 7. I like them both--they're great cameras--but my own reactions tilted just as decisively, and just as quickly, towards the Bronica.

I think our different reactions have to do with shooting style. Michael shoots landscape, while I'm more of a people-and-passing-scene type of photographer. (Wow--I've never actually been able to pigeonhole my style of photography so briefly before. )

As a black-and-white negative film shooter, I like everything about 645. My philosophy has always been that the smaller the negative is, the easier the camera is to handle in the field; the larger the negative is, the easier (or perhaps I should just say the more rewarding) it is to make the print in the darkroom. As a shooter of only medium-level skills but a darkroom whiz, I've always chosen to go with 35mm--it gives me the advantage where I most need it, and I enjoy (and am up to) the challenge of struggling with the small negatives in the darkroom. The 645 format tilts the balance a bit more towards fine printmaking, without much cost in the field. It's a nice compromise.

It's also practical--16 645 negs fit on to a single proof sheet, yet are generally large enough to "read" as contacts. I even like the aspect ratio (shape) of the neg. I like the fact that the 645 negative is still small, allowing the use of shorter lenses with better d.o.f. (for roughly the same angle of view on 6x7 as the RF645's 65mm normal lens, a lens of 80mm focal length is needed).

So now you're aware of all my many prejudices .

Another camera I tested for the now-defunkt _C&D_ was the Fuji GS645S, a plastic, manual rangefinder 645 I'm sure many of you are familiar with. Like the Fuji, the Bronica's viewfinder is "turned on end" relative to what 35mm shooters are accustomed to. Its native orientation is vertical. I really liked the old GS645S's vertical format orientation back when I used that camera. Even when I shoot with 6x6cm square format, I tend to crop to a vertical 645-sized frame much of the time. I find it a natural way to see. Michael Reichmann wasn't pleased with this vertical orientation, since he says 75% of his shooting is horizontal. For me it tips more towards verticals. So my reaction is the opposite of his.

The RF645 is reasonably small and it's certainly well-balanced. It's not heavy--about the same weight as a Nikon F100. Just for yuks, I hoisted a full-dress Canon EOS-1v alternately with the Bronica, and the 35mm Canon was easily both larger and heavier than the rangefinder. The Bronica has a sizeable handgrip that felt good to me, one that leaves the hand in a comfortable position relative to virtually all the meaningful controls.

I was impressed with both the feature-pack and the control layout. Bronica endowed the camera with just about every feature I want in a camera, from aperture-preferred AE to exposure compensation to a cable release socket, but they didn't load down the cameras with fanciness and fripperies that I'd rather not pay for--no laser beams or whirring micromotors or miniature fireworks displays in the finder. The controls on the camera back are particularly nice--everything you need within easy reach of the thumb (AE lock and a nifty, handy lever for exposure compensation), with locks only where you need them (on the ISO setting, for instance). Bronica gets high praise for ergonomics.

The Canadian magazine _Photo Life_ inexplicably gave the RF645 poor marks for the viewfinder. This has created an instant stain on the camera's reputation around the internet. That's a shame...because they're full of it! I've used many different varieties of rangefinder camera in both medium format and 35mm, and the Bronica's finder ranks right up there among the best. In fact, compared directly to my M6, it scores highly--it's as bright, while also being less cluttered, easier to peer into, and easier to focus. No problem here.

A great feature of the RF645 is the viewfinder information. You can read on Tamron's website what-all it shows; what I was concerned with is whether it's visible, and whether it's distracting. Well, it is, and it's not. You see the shutter speed and aperture big, bright, and bold even against a bright sky, but it's just far enough away from your direct view that it doesn't impinge on the image area or make an annoyance of itself. This is the best viewfinder information readout on any rangefinder camera that I'm currently aware of. They got this just right.

The shutter release is something I didn't quite get a complete handle on. On the negative side, it seems a little less razor-sharp in its responsiveness than the best (remember, the camera I've been using is an M6, peerless in this category). There's a hint of a "gear-train" kind of feel, as if the shutter is setting off a chain reaction of mechanical events in the camera. However, it appears that the camera does not "dry-fire"--that is, you can't fire the shutter without having film in the camera. Because I was taking pictures with my film, I didn't look to see when the shutter actually fires relative to the overall shutter "feel." It's possible there's some slight shutter lag going on, or it's possible it fires instantly and what I was perceiving as lag is merely the leaf shutter recocking itself after it fires or something like that. I don't know yet--I'll have to wait for a more extensive trial before I sort this out.

On the plus side, the shutter is very quiet, as you would expect. Off the top of my head, I'd guess it's not quite as quiet as the Mamiya 7, but in the same league, and it's quieter than the old Fuji I mentioned, which fires with a sharp "snick." I have no complaints about the noise level.

I should add that I'm really grateful for the focal length choices on both the Mamiya 7 and the RF645. Both the 80mm on the former and the normal 65mm on the latter are about equivalent to 40mm on 35mm, far and away my favorite focal length lens on 35. I got turned on to this focal length when I interviewed Sally Mann for _C&D_. She mentioned that she used to do professional photography around Lexington, Virginia, where she lives, and that, for her, 40mm seemed "just about perfect." She had used the Olympus OM Zuiko 40mm f/2. That lens, along with the 40/2 Summicron-C and 40/2 M-Rokkor, subsequently became my favorite lenses. Forty millimeter has got a more relaxed view on 35mm than a 50mm, yet it scrubs off that hint of wide-angly feeling that 35mms have. Some people won't think this is anything special, and I won't argue with them. For me, however, both these normal focal lengths are just to my own taste.

The whole camera has a decidedly pleasing, well-integrated feel overall. The smoothly-focusing lens connects precisely to the the big, bright rangefinder focusing patch; the lens falls very comfortably to hand. This is an outstandingly easy and comfortable camera to focus. And the overall balance of the camera is great. The easy, very comfortable feeling of the focusing coupled with the big, bright, easy-to-see viewfinder makes the camera seem welcoming and unfussy. The main selling point of the Leica M6 to me is that it's so pleasing to shoot with--it's just nice to use. It seems to invite you to take iit out and play with it. I'm betting the Bronica would share a fair amount of this property. Only time would tell that tale, of course.

Overall, I got a feeling of technology, and especially ergonomics, being at _my_ service, instead of being at the service of the sales brochure--like the camera design was deliberately aimed at real, practicing photographers rather than gadget freak camera nuts.

Finally, as has been a tradition with Bronica for many years, value for the dollar is very high--for a "suggested street price" of only $1,800 you get both camera and lens, and the associated flash and the other lenses are equally inexpensive. This seems right in line with what I'd want to pay for something less than a studio camera, and compared to other medium-format options it verges on being a steal. Remember that economies of scale don't factor in nearly as much with medium format, which is a big part of what keeps prices so high. Given this reality, $1,800 is more of a bargain than maybe it appears at first glance if you don't shoot medium format now--compare prices on medium-format cameras in the B&H pages in _POP_ and you'll get a better idea how inexpensive the RF645 really is.

It appears that a few people on this list have a low opinion of magazine reviewers...and I used to be one. I suppose I should take umbrage at this, especially given the amount of crap I've had to take from unhappy manufacturers over the years. But I don't, really. Anyway, I know that this is a positive note; but that's because I was really pleased and seriously impressed with this little camera. In fact, I liked it so much it took me by surprise--I'm really good at nitpicking flaws in cameras, as any of my photo-friends will heartily attest to. Granted, rollfilm is a minority format, and rangefinders (except around here ) aren't everybody's cup of tea. With those two caveats, the Bronica looks like something quite special. I'm just worried about my credit card at this point.

--Mike

P.S. Please feel free to repost this modest little report anywhere on the internet where you think it might reach interested parties. I don't mind. I'll update it if/when I get to put more time in with the RF645. Insofar as I'd be of any help, questions can be directed to michaeljohnston@ameritech.net.

Similar Products Used:

Just about everything on the market--I used to write the "World's 25 Best Cameras" feature for _PHOTO Techniques_ magazine

Lightweight. Focusing is smooth. The 65mm lens is razor sharp. The RF-20 flash covers vertical shots beautifully. Shutter is very quiet. I can take this camera into venues I wouldn't think of taking an SLR.

Limited lenses and accessories. I'd like to see a more powerful flash, preferably with bounce and swivel functions. A Bronica rep told me that the 135mm lens has been recalled and will be redesigned.

I haven't had a rangefinder since the old Olympus XA. The vertical format is an adjustment, and getting used to the rangefinder has made me take my time in shooting, not that there's anything wrong with that. My first rolls have been excellent. I haven't had a chance to take portraits yet, but I'm eager to try it out. The RF-20 really highlights your subject. I shot a picture of some stuffed animals at a street fair, and you would have thought the animal in the center had a spotlight on it. Bronica has a winner here. I'm just waiting to see what they do for a telephoto lens.

Customer Service

Not an issue... so far.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 645

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First, I am not a professional photographer. However, I worked in the printing industry for many years, letter press (showing my age), offset, camera & dark room. In other words, I've always worked from the 'other end' of the camera in the graphics business.

Secondly, I can not compare the Bronica to my wife's 35mm $49.00 Kodak. I never get the subject centered...too far to the right or left. There are always two different pictures, the one I see
in the view finder and the one from One Hour Photo! I've never taken a good picture! But I can
compare the Bronica's results with the many photos I have worked with through the years...from
armature to professional.

Thirdly, since I serve as a board member for the local Habitat For Humanity, our company provided the newsletter. So I purchased a digital camera for quick up-to-date pictures in the newsletter. One of the best purchases I made! The LED screen is great. No more One Hour Photo. And I’m taking great pictures and proud of them!

So there you have it...my lack of qualification to share in this review!

We need high quality color transparencies for our publications. The final reproduction page size
is 10x12 full bleed. We also needed a photographer to cover a weekend classic sports car event. None of our photographers could make that weekend. So after seeing some of the digital pictures of classic cars I’ve been taking, one photographer suggested that we rent a medium format camera. It seemed simple enough for me since I was driving my care to the event anyway. I went to the local camera store to rent a camera for a weekend. “Nope! We don’t rent cameras.” I
asked if they sold medium format and the owner showed me the Bronica RF645.

The next day back at the office the decision was made to make the purchase. Since I was attending the weekend event, I would pick up the camera and learn how to use it. Shouldn’t be too difficult with my background in the camera room...f stops, lighting, focus, color separations etc. Well, after a few minuets I thought ‘Whoops, I’m over my head in this one!’ The salesman knew cameras, he was good. But I was lost! So after he finished I looked at the camera and said, “I think if I understood every thing you said, I should set it to ‘P’ for program until I’m smarter than the camera.” And he said, “In a nut shell, yes.”

Well, the Bronica is still set on ‘Program’ and we have gone through more than 20 rolls of Fujichrome Provia 100 F film. And the best part is that when I center the subject in the view
finder, me and the camera see the same image (when I remember to remove the lense cap). It is
as easy as using a digital! (I had coachng from several of our photographers as well.) Everyone is pleased with the Bronica RF 645. I have not seen better transparencies.

For us the proof is in the publication! And one will be going to the camear store where the camera was purchased.

Customer Service

Great

Similar Products Used:

None