In addition advanced technologies from Tamron, including precision prism processing and multi-layer coating, were added to make a bright and high contrast rangefinder image. Even though the VX-1 and VX-2 cameras were never released, Bronica took advantage of the know-how from those cameras in designing the RF645 rangefinder. For accuracy a larger baseline length is better, however the designers balanced baseline length with magnification to achieve a small camera size without sacrificing performance. The rangefinder baseline length is 53.5mm and the viewfinder magnification is 0.6x, so the effective baseline length is 33mm (compare Mamiya 7 with a baseline of 60mm, magnification of 0.57x and effective baseline 34.2mm). Many users requested a traditional metal camera, however the designers had particular functional priorities for their choice of materials, including making the top cover thinner by using a magnesium alloy. The thixomolded magnesium alloy was the same technology as used in the Canon EOS-1V. The inner skeleton is an aluminium die-cast body, the lower cover was made by pressing and the upper cover by thixomolding. Furthermore Bronica wanted the camera to be usable not only for nature photography, but also for snapshots in combination with the provided strobe. Bronica also adopted a size #00 leaf shutter for the Bronica RF645, and noted that this was both a tradition for the company, the shutter was quiet and could synchronize with daytime fill flash, and that there were many wedding photographers among Bronica users in the US. Īt the 1980 Photokina Bronica had actually presented prototypes of a Bronica VX-1 and VX-2 35mm rangefinder camera with similar set of lenses (a 28mm, 40mm and 85mm) and leaf shutters. There were many twists and turns as to whether a small, lightweight and highly mobile camera with good operability could be created, but the result in the end was the Bronica RF645. There were also many users, both in Japan and abroad, who wanted a medium format camera, but were unable to use it because the equipment was large and heavy. A 6x4.5cm rangefinder was chosen for development because it was a product with a sense of accomplishment for Bronica. At the time there was a trend towards medium format autofocus cameras, in addition to new 35mm cameras. After the purchase, a variety of new products were explored immediately. The background for developing the camera, was the purchase of Bronica by Tamron in 1996. The Bronica RF645 was the first brand new camera design for Bronica since the Bronica GS-1 in 1983, though the medium format camera development cycle was not as quick as 35mm cameras.
BRONICA RF645 SERVICE MANUAL PROFESSIONAL
The camera was awarded Camera Press Club's "Special prize" at the Camera Grand Prix 2001, EISA award for professional camera in 2001-2002, and TIPA's best professional photo product for year 2001-2002.įrench photographer Raymond Depardon is reported to have been using this camera. This camera was available from November 2000 and discontinued in 2005, with Tamron continuing support until 2012. It captures 6×4.5 images onto 120 or 220 film. The Bronica RF645 is a medium format rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses made by the Japanese company Bronica. n.Fujica G690/GL690 | Fujica GW690/GSW690 | Mamiya Press | Marshal Pressįujifilm GF670 | Fujica GM670 | Fujica GW670 | Koni-Omega | Makina 67 | Mamiya 7īronica RF645 | Fujifilm GA645 | Fujifilm GA645i | Fujifilm GA645W | Fujifilm GA645Wi | Fujifilm GA645Zi | Fujica GS645 / GS645S / GS645W Ensuring years of enjoyment through proper careĪnd handiing. Ĥ-4 Long exposure photography "non-nun."-Ĥ-5 infrared photography.
BRONICA RF645 SERVICE MANUAL MANUAL
n.ģ) Manual exposure control nu.ģ-5 Focusing. u.ģ-3 Shutter release button, Viewfinder displayģ-4 Exposures u.ģ-4-1 Shutter dial and lens aperture operationsġ) Program AE mode. o.ġ-1 Loading batteries u.ġ-3 Attaching strap u.ġ-4 Attaching the proper diopter adjustment lensĢ. Rangefinder 6x04.5 Medium Format Cameraintroduction. Bronica rf645 camera body instructions user manualBRONICARF645 Below is an extract from the manual converted to text for a quick impression on the content. Available to purchase for immediate download. Bronica rf645 camera body instructions user manual.