Camera Geekery: The Bronica RF645

[@TorToroPorco]

Bronica is the one Japanese camera company for which I harbour the deepest secret admiration for. I never had the joy of using this rangefinder but my brother had an ETR Si that I had access to and used on occasion. Not quite a Hasselblad but it had an unmistakable charm that was unmatched in my opinion. He also had the brilliant Speed Grip E with the manual wind lever that made operating the camera feel like a maxi 35mm SLR. One of the cameras I miss most from my film days.

[@GordonMoat]

I’ve used one professionally for many years. One of the most ergonomic cameras I’ve ever used. A tip to avoid the winder tightness issue: use Fuji spools with Fujifilm, Kodak spools with Kodak film, and try to avoid cross mixing film spools.

[@scottparis6355]

What happens if the spools don't match? Whats the symptom?

[@GordonMoat]

Scott Paris The winder gets stuck, because the film binds up on the spool. Sometimes you can clear it with the M.E. (multiple exposure) button, and then just lose one frame. Worst case the film winder will not advance, which means opening the back and losing the whole roll. If you try to force it through a jamb, you can break the film advance gears, so don't try to force the winder lever to advance.

[@scottparis6355]

@@GordonMoat I guess that's not what's wrong with mine. When you fire the shutter, an "X" appears in the viewfinder, meaning you can't fire the shutter again. When you wind the film, the "X" is supposed to disappear, and the shutter be enabled again, but on mine it doesn't. So the film is wound, but the "X" still shows, and the camera doesn't "know" that the film is wound. The shutter won't fire and you can't wind the film again. (Now that I've written that down, it seems like the double exposure button might work. I'll get the camera out again and try it.) Thanks!

[@GordonMoat]

Scott Paris I have not heard of that specific issue. Definitely strange. Other than the Multiple Exposure button, I would make sure the batteries are fresh, and also check the lens for any corrosion on the contacts (they should look shiny). The shutter is in the lens, so maybe more a lens issue, than a body issue. You could also try unmounting the lens, then remounting it again. Wish I could think of something else to try. Best of luck.

[@scottparis6355]

@@GordonMoat Nope. Tried the ME button: it lets the shutter fire as many times as you want, but doesn't have any effect on the film advance. Still doesn't work. I did clean the lens contacts, but didn't think of trying a different lens. I'll try that; it's an electronic issue of some kind, I think. Something isn't getting the message that the film is wound. I suppose it could be a issue with the lens. Or a corroded contact somewhere.

[@dylanpehl1010]

Really enjoyed learning about the history behind Bronica. I really dig your longer videos that include more history and stories behind the camera/brands.

[@nermalator]

I bought an SQ-A a couple of months back, and am absolutely in love with it. This looks like a fantastic camera too. It’s a shame to see a fantastic company gone

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

I got my SQ-Ai and SQ-B this year. I can not see parting with them.

[@IvanMyr1]

Easily the best video you've made this far, hope you can keep up this level of quality and interesting info Bellamy

[@wayned1807]

I purchased a Bronica in Hong Kong around 1970. It was very similar to a Hasselblad 500 at half the price. I did a couple weddings back then with a friend who had a Hasselblad. The Bronica out did it in every shot. The Nikkor lenses were very sharp for the day. I had two lenses for it, I think a 75mm and 150mm. It never let me down the 4 years I owned it while his Hasselblad was always in the shop. It was a great camera. I got out of the business to pursue another career that actually made money and sold it for what I paid for it. Wish I still had it.

[@MilanPetrovic1987]

A lot of camera youtubers in an honest attempt to entertain end up wasting my time with things unrelated to the info I clicked the video for. This is now my favorite channel for this type of content. Short and to-the-point videos with great info from a man who knows his stuff and has rare access to these machines. Not wasting people's time and having a minimalist approach is something you can learn very well in Japan, I'm sure! Thank you!

[@JacobCarlson]

I just recently read your blog post about this camera. I got super excited about finding one to buy until I went to eBay and saw the current prices 🙃

[@redsphoto6708]

This video was one of the videos that inspired me to bite the bullet and buy one. I have other larger medium format cameras and stuff that is technically maybe a better deal (eg the Mamiya 6) exist but I had to have Bronica's swan song. It really is a lovely camera. Extremely sharp high quality. I even managed to nab the 100mm lens (not cheap but not a complete ripoff) and love it tla heck of a lot. A shame that if it breaks I'm screwed but here's to hoping for many years of good times ahead. Thanks for this video!

[@sergioleyvaseiglie]

My desert island camera, and the one I will take to my grave. Loved the video Bellamy, cheers!

[@hugevibez]

Woah haven't followed your stuff in many years, good to see you're still rocking along, and with my apparent exact dream camera to boot. Keep it up!

[@Lucavalletta81]

I loved your historical introduction of Bronica!

[@leonarddaneman810]

The 645 made quite a splash, but was competing with Fuji's version. I had the G-1 Bronica, a 6x7 SLR in competition with the Mamiya RZ. The G-1 body was amazing, almost nothing but the slightest of boxes. Once you added a back, lens, finder, and grip . . . things started adding up and the Mamiya's bellows system actually made it more convenient than having the weight of a helicoid focus on every Zenza Bronica lens. The Mamiya's advantage in weight was lost having the 7x7 rotating back, but it was faster to focus. These days, I switched to Pentax 645 digital. My classic vintage is a Robra by Josef Rodenstock, a miniature folding 645 that Zuiko copied to create its first Olympus camera. Amazing 645 in that it fits into any pocket. Tiny.

[@maladroitrobot]

The user interface on this camera is brilliant. Super simple and easy to read. I’ve yet to use a medium format that has a better interface.

[@DIsmayedConfuse]

I shot an RF645 for a few years. I loved the camera, but I sold the kit because the film advance was dodgy. It was fixed under warranty, but it started to feel rough about a year later. So I sold it all and bought a Mamiya 7 II. No regrets.

[@monochromios]

This was a really great camera, especially for works who required a lot of vertical shots as fashion photography. The way commands are placed is simply perfect. Thank you for sharing Ian.

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eatenbyopium]

insane camera love that thing.

[@bensharplesfilm]

Stoked to see you making content Bellamy. Your insights are really needed in the film community :)

[@japancamerahunter]

Much appreciated!

[@neilpiper9889]

I had a Bronica EC with the 75mm 2.4 Zenzanon and a 50mm Nikkor f4 wide angle lens. Great camera.

[@Juwellz18]

This and the Fuji GF/670 are dream cameras for me

[@slimnics]

nice work....glad you are doing these videos....great to learn and also see some japan street scenes.

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you like them!

[@SteveMallen]

Always wanted one of these. But the prices are eye-watering!

[@kdaugherty230]

I loved all the history of the company! Good video

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank you!

[@batchint]

this must be one the most interesting historical... used to love their early 6x6.. items..

[@pushingfilm]

Another great overview, really been enjoying the style of these videos :-) I've handled a couple of these Bronicas before and they do feel incredibly refined. However, one owner I knew had his advance lever mechanism fail, and despite trying a multitude of avenues there was no means of economically justifiable repair (as you allude to in this video) From that and another account, I've heard it's worth being a little gentle with the advance and not shoving it too hard!

[@scottparis6355]

Film advance is the achilles heel of the camera. There's an infinite number of ways for it to fail.

[@pablovi77]

I’ve always wanted one, because of its compact size, and Interchangeable lenses. But it’s VERY expensive.

[@japancamerahunter]

This is very true.

[@Hanzilla75]

I love my RF645, the shutter sound is funny. Great ergonomics and industrial design.

[@faimeolos]

Dream camera

[@jealius4340]

That is one hell of a beautiful camera!

[@Photinos]

Excellent report Bellamy, indeed, Bronica RF645 is an undervalued camera that was late to the market and not produced in enough quantity. All of us who use that wonderful camera agree on its virtues but unfortunately it has a serious defect that is extremely difficult to repair: the advance lever is very fragile and breaks easily, I have three bodies, of course I bought them used, that have the same problem, although I found a way to use it when the drag to the next frame is stuck, I press the rewind point and thus I manage to unlock it but I don't like to do that because it alters the separation between frames, that makes you lose concentration when taking pictures. If anyone reads this and knows a mechanic please post it. Greeting.

[@aarons6532]

Great video Bellamy 👌🏾- very refreshing to hear about these interesting cameras from someone who really knows their stuff!

[@_theyojimbo]

Loving these videos! Any chance we get to see the pictures that we see you take during the video though? Kinda wanna see some samples of those gorgeous cameras, especially that one

[@roybixby6135]

Great Cameras - Back in the Day - The Bronica ETR was the preferred camera of wedding and event photogs...

[@GordonUppercut]

Nice video as always! I would like to see something on the Plaubel Makina iiir. It is on my GAS-list.

[@japancamerahunter]

Good choice!

[@albacase]

Loving these videos! Most reliable expert reviews out there!! This camera is truly amazing. Very much enjoying it

[@j204ever5]

Is the Fuji GA645 Pro or the Mamiya 6 not the better one??

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Shame they disappeared. I absolutely love my ETRSi system. Those later multicoated lenses are just sublime.

[@talicnitom1995]

what is best bronica cam?

[@chadmanwong]

great video! would love to see some of the shots you took!

[@petermach8635]

I used to rent one of these when I was working at height and might not have both hands free, it was light, well though and laid out, had nothing to catch on ladders and towers and always worked ..... just what you need when risking life and limb for a picture.

[@karellen00]

Amazing review and camera, I didn't even know that it existed and that bronica was bought by tamron! The design is good despite being made when some of the ugliest cameras were designed, it reminds me of the fuji GFX 50s and 100 (without pentaprism of course). Even the overall philosophy of giving you a compact fully featured medium format camera is the same!

[@ewebb16]

This was great. Really appreciate the history - this is the kind of stuff that needs to be passed down to people starting out in film photography. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LenMetcalf]

I love my Bronica EC. I wish this one shot square. Am considering a Mamiya six. Would love to see a video of that camera. Great presentation. Thanks

[@mattqua5312]

I alwaayys thought this was a fixed lens... Hence I will absolutely need to get one someday. The 65 seems really sweet

[@seanmeaney5163]

talking of awesome rangefinders, you should do one on the graflex cameras, in my opinion the most useable and versatile cameras ever made, god with the right adaptors and or backs you can shoot from 4x5 - 35mm and everything in between

[@Varma3211]

Great video, really enjoying the regular uploads.

[@DanRegueira]

My first medium format ended up being a Fuji GS645S. Very similar in form factor. I will say that I love everything about that camera except how dim the focusing patch is. How does this one compare?

[@japancamerahunter]

The focus patch on the Bronica is really sold. The viewfinder is multicoated and very bright/clear.

[@user-ub9sj9wd5m]

Great video series. This camera is fascinating. Id love to hear your thoughts on the Rollieflex f2.8

[@justincosplay]

Love the fax machine !!!

[@japancamerahunter]

Standard Japanese office equipment in 2020.

[@jamesconkle9158]

Thanks love these videos!

[@F1lmtwit]

What's the ballcap that you're wearing? Repair work is nearly non-existant here in the states for one of these. Sigh. After checking on 2 dozen repair places here, KEH came threw for the repairs I needed on my RF645

[@CalumetVideo]

Bronica made great cameras. I have the SQ and SQ-A. This looks like a nice camera but is one expensive camera. Probably cheaper to buy a Bronica ETR.

[@vc6218]

This would have been perfect for me but I can’t find a tech to fix them when the winder or other issues pop up. Are there any new camera techs that can fix or make 3D parts for this. Thanks

[@jlwilliams]

Great, but what about the **35mm** rangefinder camera Bronica announced (but possibly never produced) about the same period? As I recall it also had interchangeable lenses with leaf shutters, and was very compact; one quirky feature was that the accessory shoe was separate, and attached to the end of the camera. I remember seeing pictures and reading an announcement in a photo magazine sometime around 1980, but never saw or heard anything more about it...

[@japancamerahunter]

Well, sure but this camera is about the RF645 and only 5 minutes long. There is only so much I can pack in. Thanks

[@ivanguerra1260]

You didn´t mention the vertical frame orientation and the other lenses, a wide lens and a mini tele. Automatic exposure and 35mm capabilities.

[@noizephoto]

I was wondering the other day if the word ブロ二 maybe come from the1st 120mm Kodak camera: Brownie?

[@MrChomiq]

That outro :D Great video as usual and nearly 6 minutes. One question - that fax machine is still useful for running a business in Japan?

[@japancamerahunter]

It is actually essential for business here. Many large companies will not do business with you unless you have a fax machine.

[@MrChomiq]

@@japancamerahunter interesting, it's similar over here except for land-line. Thx Bellamy

[@simmo123]

That looks fantastic

[@bbbbbdddbbbbbdb]

I love these videos Bellamy

[@ivanjose6271]

Llevo casi una década queriendo comprar una de estas, pero me sigue inquietando que sea difícil de reparar. Tal vez un día de estos supere ese temor.

[@lensman5762]

The Zezna Bronica S2 with interchangeable backs was my first serious MF camera and then it was a toss up between the Mamiya 645 and the ETRS. I had the ETRS with all the lenses and accessories that were available for it and sold the lot for peanuts at a moment of madness. Shame that another great camera maker was taken over and then made to disappear by another company who had no interest in camera making.

[@Paul-fm3cf]

That would take some getting used to, having to hold the camera in portrait orientation to get landscape orientation shots and vise versa

[@Verdoux007]

Not really, because you can see the orientation through the viewfinder.

[@scottparis6355]

Takes 10 minutes to get used to. Not a problem. Same as all the half-frame 35mm cameras from the 60s/70s.

[@martin7936]

What about Flash ? Is it TTL ?

[@rcraigbateman]

Is there an adjustable diopter?

[@air_____in]

Great video!

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-rd6vf7xk1x]

I'll be in Tokyo soon and really want to buy a Bronica system camera, maybe a 6x6... however I just don't seem to see Bronica very well advertised on any of the websites of any the secondhand stores (believe me I'm been doing a real deep dive).. anyone else noticed this? What's my odds of finding say an SQ series over there? I would've assumed a domestic camera would be really well represented there. I see Bronica that ships from Japan all over ebay, but barely mentioned by the secondhand stores.

[@japancamerahunter]

They are actually really hard to find here. Especially in good condition.

[@Noealz]

I had no idea you had a KZbin channel - subbed

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank You!

[@Azn_Bran]

Sad as it is, I love Tamron lenses.

[@magnusa.5599]

if one had to choose the camera in accordance to the shutter speed dial, i'd had to look for a doughy one. any tips? :D

[@bradwiggins2332]

I was under the impression that "Buroni" comes from the Japanese pronunciation of kodak brownie camera. Kodak being the inventor of 120 film, specifically for that camera... and that Bronica was instead named after that or the nickname for the film, rather than the other way around (BURONI KAmera). Katakana use itself instead of hiragana suggests it is meant to signify a foreign word (or a company name, but Zenza is the company). Where did you get your tip that 120 is nicknamed after the Bronica brand? I'd love to be corrected if I am believing bad info... but I would be a little surprised, given that Mamiya is a more famous and lauded manufacturer of Japanese medium format cameras, and fuji is even more of a household name even if their medium format cameras were not as prestigious.

[@jaimenasser6239]

where can the camera be repaired?

[@scottparis6355]

Brilliant camera with brilliant lenses. I used mine a lot in the early 2000s. But it was an early electro-mechanical hybrid. The film advance is electronically linked with the shutter release and other functions. Mine was stored for a few years in a dry, temperature controlled room, and when I tried to use it again, the camera didn't recognize when the film had been advanced, and wouldn't fire. Tamron wasn't interested, and treated it like an orphan, as they did the Contax G, another brilliant, late electro-mechanical camera. When they work, they're amazing, but they're sadly fragile.

[@scottparis6355]

the Konica Hexar RF is another brilliant electro-mechanical film camera that can't be repaired (at reasonable cost.)

[@Zetaphotography]

Do you still have it?

[@JesseKraal]

The camera I regret most selling... haven't seen one for sale in years in The Netherlands.

[@sunaiyanek]

So do I... :/

[@mrmet5]

ブローニー I believe comes from the mispronunciation of the "Brownie".

[@japancamerahunter]

correct

[@chrismclean4458]

Nikon F6 next?

[@DixonLu]

Was the Bronica ETRS a good camera? Why is it so cheap by comparison. Thanks.

[@eyecant55]

Been loving my ETRS! The 75mm f2.8 it usually comes with is GORGEOUS.

[@jlwilliams]

Yes, it was a good camera... I had one for a while and it always performed well except for one time when the mirror stuck, and that turned out to be my fault. They are low-priced for a 645 camera because they were very popular back in the day and a lot of them were sold, so they're nowhere near as rare as the GS645.

[@joelbenguigui2016]

I so regret not getting one when I had the opportunity.........

[@johnjon1823]

They must me lawyers if it's a pissing contest.

[@japancamerahunter]

Erm, what?

[@johnjon1823]

@@japancamerahunter At the end of your video. "....they are still F'ing still up there" they must be lawyers because that is what my lawyer told me all law suits and going to court were about, a pissing contest, and based on the cost per hour for a lawyer, I would say the one who pisses longest wins.

[@gaarakabuto1]

Wasn't there a single company that thought "what if we don't use leaf shutter and we try and go for wide appartures" when making a medium format rangefinder camera?

[@AI-Hallucination]

You the man

[@panchoskywalker]

You have a fax machine?

[@japancamerahunter]

Can't do business without one.

[@josephomalley1526]

The 65mm is an f4 and not f5 as stated

[@japancamerahunter]

Not sure how I got that wring seeing as it is on the camera. Thanks

[@AlFred-cc6wm]

remember this well but didn't want a fixed 'portrait' camera - I wish they'd made an RF6x6 .....

[@scottparis6355]

All "rangefinder" type 645s work this way. It's easy to get used to. But you're right; a 6x6 might have been better, except only 12 shots per roll instead of 16.

[@PhilKnall]

Zenzaburo nica... Ok I would've NEVER guessed this. One of my favorite cameras I will never own.

[@agylub]

Never ever heard of or seen one. Used the ETR professionally - good lenses but extremely fragile. Not a camera for the outdoors

[@marckyokay]

... GAS ... "prices though the roof" ... ok nvm

[@Flinches]

What would you say is the most reliable MF rangefinder camera? Makina 67 because it is all mechanical?

[@johnnietoe9863]

10 years ago it was half the price it is now. overhyped overpriced. id rather get a fuji medium format rangefinder

[@gregderozier3846]

Actually, everyone knows about this camera - which explains its current price on eBay. Not very reliable...