6x4.5 options?

[Chad]

I want to make the transition into MF. I think I have decided on 6x4.5 format because of the compactness. What are my options for a modern, 6x4.5 rangefinder, interchangable lenses, and not extravagantly expensive?

I've been looking at the Bronica 645. Ate there any other players I should be looking at? Does the Fuji GS645S have a removable lens?


~Chad

 

[FrankS]

The Bronica RF645 is the only 645 MF RF camera with interchangeable-lenses that I can think of. There are a few fixed lens MF RFs (mainly Fuji, including one with zoom lens) and interchangeable lens MF SLRs. (Bronica, 645 backs for H-blad)

 

[Chad]

Thanks Frank. If I am remembering correctly, you have a RF645 don't you? How does it compare in size to a Leica? I'd like something that I'm able to carry on a neckstrap.


~Chad

 

[Bryce]

The Fuji has an excellent but permanently attached lens. Either you like that lens or you don't like the camera...
The Fuji has a less nice RF and overall build quality, but is less expensive, lighter, and much more compact. It also works without batteries.
Are there other options? All I can think of are Fuji's later models with autofocus.

 

[FrankS]

The Bronica RF645 is larger than a Leica. It's about the size of my Nikon F4 but lighter.

 

[sepiareverb]

Another F4 fella!

 

[Meleica]

The Fuji 645Zi has a "zoom lens" well, actually a four focal length lens ( 55mm-90mm ) and is one hell of a camera - especially considering the price ( used around $ 500-700). Camera has flash sync at every speed, has a lens cap sensor, auto focus and manual focus via LED, camera info imprinted on negs, built-in flash perfect for light fill-flash, super sharp lens - downside is slow lens speed, but easily compensated with 400 speed film. All this for the price of a used 50mm Summicron lens. See my Fuji 645 page here:

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm

Dan

 

[FrankS]

How is the AF/shutter lag on the GA series, Dan?

 

[FrankS]

Another F4 fella!

It's a real workhorse of a camera!

 

[Meleica]

Frank - the AF isnt nearly as fast /accurate as say a Canon EOS, but I never found it an issue. Shutter lag is again not super fast, but certainly more than acceptable. This is one of my all time favorite cameras and I cant recommend it highly enough. I really think its a better walking around camera than a Leica ! And again, these sell for cheap money. I have MANY 16x20 prints from this camera and am very pleased with the lens performance. Try it, you'll like it !

 

[FrankS]

I see a Fuji GS645 folder on the horizon. (belows replaced) AF and shutter lag drive me crazy! No problem with landscape/static subjects but I still find it ojectionable. Some things you can get used to, like a camera with no meter, other things you cannot. That's just one of those things for me.

 

[Meleica]

Frank - the GS645 folder is not a very fast camera - focusing tab is a bit awkward to use ( at least to me ) and shutter button not very smooth or elegant like a leica. Both copies I have had were duds despite the great lens.

 

[rich815]

I have a GA645 and like it as a carry-around big neg P&S. No, the AF is nothing special but not too bad. I must say though that as someone that shoots a Fuji 690III and a few 6x6 cameras (Hasselblad 500CM, Rolleiflex TLRs, Rolleiflex SL66) I find the negs from those bigger negs to be MUCH better in terms of smoothness of tonality and a medium format "look" vs. the 6x4.5 negs. If you really treasure compactness then IMO just use a really good 35mm camera with the lower weight and ease of smaller interchangeable lenses. For me 6x4.5 is simply not enough of an improvement in look and tonality vs. good 35mm (Leica, Contax and such).

Do not get me wrong the negs from my GA645 are nice I just do not see as much of a jump in the "wow!" factor as I do comparing 35mm vs the larger MF sizes I mentioned, and yes, I know how much bigger percentage-wise the 6x4.5 is compared to 35mm----the differences I desire and see simply does not come in until 6x6 or larger. 6x4.5 is nice, an improvement, but not over the top like 6x6 and 6x9 is.

Now all that said consider a Mamiya 7. Big 6x7 negs, compact, not heavy, and interchageable lenses. Not cheap however, especially the 7II. Amazing glass though.

 

[Meleica]

doesnt have aperture control ? huh ? of course it does. You can manually set aperture and shutter or use aperture priority, or program.

here's the manual:

http://66.49.230.119/prof_pdf/fuji_ga645zi.pdf

and here is the manual's description of the modes:

Dan

 

[Doug]

Chad, the RF645 is a superior camera; they got pretty much everything right (barring the 135mm lens issue), and then the market collapsed and that was the end of further development, like a 35mm lens would have been nice. And slightly reduced viewfinder magnification could have allowed 45mm framelines.

For 45mm I rather like the Fuji GA645Wi, as its 45mm parallax-corrected framelines also shrink as you focus closer for more accurate framing. It's a big p&s but it works great. I could see having the 60mm lens version too... The zoom model is tempting but that lens is sloooowww.

But the older GS645S with its nice 60mm lens and lightweight plastic body is so compact and easy to carry, it makes an attractive choice. With all controls on the lens barrel, though, it can be a little fiddly to use.

By contrast, the Bronica RF645 is very easy to use with traditional controls in traditional places, very comfortable. Sounds like that's the best match to your desires... 🙂

 

[Meleica]

the bronica lenses arent speed demons at F4 and 4.5 🙄

 

[Chad]

Thank you everyone for all the information! I really appreciate it.


~Chad