The Amazing Bronica RF645!! INCREDIBLE Performance BUT...Is It For YOU?! Don't Buy Until You Know!

[@randallstewart1224]

I almost bought this camera about a year after it came out. In terms of form and function, optical quality, it seemed perfect. Thankfully, my delay lasted long enough to reveal that the rangefinder system was defectively designed, resulting in an inability to focus the 135mm lens. There was no excuse for that problem. Tamron was in control of the company at the time, and they refused to fix the problem in any meaningful way. I dropped the idea of purchase. A few years later, the chronic problems with the film advance became known. Because of the unreasonably high prices imposed by Tamron for new sales, few units were sold, and as its flaws became known, sales dropped to nothing. Tamron discontinued the camera and discontinued any repairs or service as soon as legally possible. The RF645 could have been one of the great cameras, but it was never finished for proper sale - just Tamron trying to milk money out of whatever was lying around Bronica when Tamron bought the closed company out of insolvency. I don't know why guys like this make these videos. Anyone who would buy this camera today, even at a quarter of the ebay prices today, would be a fool throwing his money away. I'd agree that any purchase should be from a reputable dealer, but no reputable dealer is selling the RF645 because no one want the complaints and hassles from the buyer when it self-destructs.

[@sergioleyvaseiglie]

Thank you for such a honest straight-from-the-heart review. I bought my RF645 on 2016, when prices were still decent. It was love at first sight, most of my favourite work has been shot with it, and it’s still going strong.

[@cameralegend1033]

Hi Sergio appreciate your kind comments! I’m happy you got the RF645 when the prices were still decent and happy to hear it’s still working! This camera honestly is one of my favorites for always delivering consistent results. Hope you continue to enjoy yours! Thanks 😎📸👍

[@trappedindc8678]

I solved my frozen film advance lever issue. The top spindle on the left side compartment had tightened itself down to the point where it was stuck. I removed the spindle and replaced it leaving out one of the wafers used for spacing. Been working perfectly ever since.

[@cameralegend1033]

Thanks for that info! Great to hear and excellent hope for anyone who might encounter this issue. Thanks for sharing this!

[@stuartconnelly5397]

I’ll never get one as it’s so hard to get repaired. Which is sad as it would be perfect camera for me.

[@cameralegend1033]

I think you’re making a wise choice as sad as it is.

[@Weezot97]

My personal Holy Grail MF camera, unfortunately, the film advance mechanism broke after only 2 rolls of film. Grrrr.... Those two rolls were awesomely sharp and well exposed, however. No parts, no repairs, RIP.

[@cameralegend1033]

Aww man sorry to hear! When it’s good, it’s insane but risky even for what would seem like an easy repair. Thanks for sharing your story! At least people have another account that the issues mentioned in the video are valid. Thank you!

[@geinko]

This video is great ! What was your Flickr is it still up?

[@cameralegend1033]

Thanks for your kind comments!! I got rid of my Flickr a while back but I might put it up again. I’ll keep everyone informed if I do. Thanks!

[@buyaport]

Thanks for sharing this unbiased review.

[@cameralegend1033]

Appreciate you watching thank you!

[@Kref3]

You just put your finger on the problem with this camera, which I would LOVE to own. I bought a Hasselblad 501CM about 15 years ago, when prices were very reasonable, pros sold them, amateurs had not jumped the film wagon. Some time later I also bought a Hasselblad XPAN 1 and a Mamiya 7 II some years later, still really cheap (less than 2000 EUR for the XPAN with complete lens kit, same price for the Mamiya with 43, 65, 80 and 150 mm) I sold the XPAN and the Mamiya despite really liking them, when the technician who repaired my 501 who worked directly for Hasselblad for years and was trained there, told me that he had two XPANs on his desk this year that he could not fix anymore. It is really simple: If I pay a four digit number for a camera, I want to know that this camera will be fine to use for the next decade or two and that should something break it will be fixed for a reasonable price. If that is not possible, the camera is too hot for me. My 501CM failed in summer, when some part inside broke and blocked the mechanism. I paid the specialist 200 EUR to fix it and also do a CLA while he is at it. It is fine again. And it will be fine and it will be repairable. If I want the aspect ratio of 645, I just shoot my 501 and crop - that is not illegal despite some people saying so. of course I waste a bit of film, but that is still less expensive than getting another camera for 1800 or more EUR. And it actually was the reason 6x6 was so popular. You just shot and cropped it to landscape or portrait orientation; completely normal, many photographers of the day would react very puzzled if people told them that you shoot a square format camera to get square format images.

[@cameralegend1033]

Thanks for the excellent write up! Even though I have my original XPAN I know it could go at any time. I bought it in 2012 complete with 45mm f/4 for $1200. Today the body alone goes for $3000. I wouldn't buy one today at these prices, as great as the system is. In seeking interesting vintage gear, whether film or digital, I try to keep the budget at under $1000 especially if it's risky. The Hasselblad 500 series is a wise choice as they offer superb optics and are repairable. Appreciate your write up!

[@ericfreutel8240]

Terrific review. Salient points. I understand that if you take up any slack in the film leader b4 closing back (use rewind knob to hold leader taut) - that this removes winding stress on the camera during operation and the film advances more smoothly….

[@cameralegend1033]

Thanks for the kind words and your input on the winder is very useful! Also I heard a slow wind as opposed to quick snappy winds may help extend its life. Once again, thank you!

[@pdiseris]

It's a lovely looking camera, but quite expensive. Not sure why you would buy this over say, a Fuji GF670, or a Plaubel Makina 67?

[@cameralegend1033]

Good point! For this camera portability and excellent optics are key. I actually have a Plaubel Makina and it would be a hard choice if I only had to choose one. The Bronica is more versatile with interchangeable lenses but then again I’m only using one lens with it. Results are very consistently good. But you’re right!Anyone reading this, Peter makes a good point!

[@pdiseris]

@@cameralegend1033 I'm actually now considering buying one because i've found many options at a good price. Some of them have fungus in the viewfinder - do you know if this would be repairable / cleanable?

[@cameralegend1033]

@@pdiseris Hi and welcome to the dark side! It would seem an easy job for a competent camera repair person but it depends on whether they would be willing to do the job and for what fee. My suggestion would be to call local camera repair shops in your area, or even out of your area, describe what you just described to me and see what they say. Hopefully do that before you get the camera. Good luck if you get it, it’s a bit of a risky buy but at its best it still rocks.

[@pdiseris]

@@cameralegend1033 hey dude! That's exactly what i'm doing actually. Asking repairers I know and asking if I should buy it pending repair, because if it's doable, then it will be a bargain purchase. Thanks for the reply!

[@randallstewart1224]

Well, no one in their right mind would buy into this camera system at a price more than what you'd spend on a toy you could throw away with no tears. The Plaubel Makina comes with its own set of repair horrors based on its delicate design and construction. The GF670 and its Cosina equal are far newer and less crippled by design. However, they are developing a bad reputation as they age for problems which seem to relate to their electronics and their lack of repair parts and service people willing to work on them. IMO as time passes, that lack of educated and experienced repair people will become an ever-increasing problem, so maybe we should consider that just the cost of dong business in film photography.