rowghani
Established
Hi guys I've got a bit of a dilemma. So I really like 6x4.5 and currently shot with a bronica rf with the 65mm lens. I find myself more and more thinking "I wish I had a long lens" when walking around but the 135mm is very hard to find and 100mm seems a silly focal length + its expensive. Are there any other 6x4.5 systems with a long focal length option? Currently my options seem to be:
a) keep the rf645 and grab a 100mm or keep trying for a 135mm
b) switch to a mamiya 6 and crop when needed
c) go back to 35mm
a) keep the rf645 and grab a 100mm or keep trying for a 135mm
b) switch to a mamiya 6 and crop when needed
c) go back to 35mm
Dan Daniel
Well-known
The Fuji GA645zi has a zoom that goes to 90 mm. I think it is autofocus so not a rangefinder. That might be as close as you get.
jim_jm
Well-known
If you switch to Mamiya 6 or 7, it'll probably end up costing as much or more than the Bronica. Since you're happy with the 645 format (and I assume the RF645 body), hold out for a 100 or 135 lens and see if it works for you. Although you didn't mention if yours has the 100 or 135 framelines. I love my RF645 for street photography and hiking/backpacking. I use an SQ-A for longer/wider lenses and more accurate framing.
Most RF's (35mm or medium format) are really limited when it comes to longer lenses. I rarely shoot anything longer than 90mm with my Leicas.
If you really want to go longer (or wider) with 645, I would look at one of the SLR systems from Mamiya, Pentax or Bronica. These all have a pretty good range of lenses and are fairly cheap these days. If you go up to 6x6 or 6x7, then the bodies and lenses get bigger and heavier.
Most RF's (35mm or medium format) are really limited when it comes to longer lenses. I rarely shoot anything longer than 90mm with my Leicas.
If you really want to go longer (or wider) with 645, I would look at one of the SLR systems from Mamiya, Pentax or Bronica. These all have a pretty good range of lenses and are fairly cheap these days. If you go up to 6x6 or 6x7, then the bodies and lenses get bigger and heavier.
Lucadomi
Well-known
I am not sure there is another rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses in 6x4.5 format.
A 6x9 camera folding camera with 6x4.5 mask might be an idea.
A 6x9 camera folding camera with 6x4.5 mask might be an idea.
user237428934
User deletion pending
I have the bronica rf with the 65mm only. When you think about the 100mm / 135mm then I learned in this forum lately that you have either the 135mm framelines (older model) or the 100mm framelines (newer model). I checked and I have the 135mm framelines so a 100mm lens would be of no use.
see here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157443
Came back from a short vacation with the bronica. Shot a couple of rolls that wait to be developed. Nice experience. As I shoot landscape only I'm thinking about getting the 45mm lens.
see here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157443
Came back from a short vacation with the bronica. Shot a couple of rolls that wait to be developed. Nice experience. As I shoot landscape only I'm thinking about getting the 45mm lens.
mpaniagua
Newby photographer
If I recall correctly, Mamiya Press does have a 6x 4.5 film back and a 127 mm lens. Not sure about the back and the ergonomics may not be the same though.
Spanik
Well-known
Lugging around a Mamiya Press to do 6x4.5? It can be done and I know the TS wants a rangefinder but honestly then you better switch to an SLR. Grab a Mamiya 645, put a 110 or 150 on it and call it a day.
mpaniagua
Newby photographer
He is looking for a rangefinder though.
Spanik
Well-known
I know, I wrote it. But it is ridicoulous to use a Mamiya Press for 6x4.5. That thing weighs a ton, you can lodge a M645 in its body... There just aren't that many 6x4.5 rangefinders with changable lenses around. And those that do exist rarely have long lenses (nor wides).
The 135mm for the RF645 must be about the longest you can find. But it is expensive and the body has to be adjusted to the lens. The 100mm is indeed a silly length, too long to be a normal and too short to be a tele. And the focus once you reach 1.8m is only approximative. And the rangefinder of the RF645 goes out of vertikal alignment if you look through it. The RF645 is a lovely camera but unless you limit yourself to the 65mm and hndle it with velvet gloves it isn't for everybody.
Fuji does have some 645 rangefinders but nothing longer than the 90mm of the GA645Zi and that is an AF one.
There are some Makina folders with interchangable lenses that go longer (190 and 210), but again these are 6x9 cameras that can be used with a reducing mask to get 6x4.5. No idea if they are even coupled to the rangefinder.
The 135mm for the RF645 must be about the longest you can find. But it is expensive and the body has to be adjusted to the lens. The 100mm is indeed a silly length, too long to be a normal and too short to be a tele. And the focus once you reach 1.8m is only approximative. And the rangefinder of the RF645 goes out of vertikal alignment if you look through it. The RF645 is a lovely camera but unless you limit yourself to the 65mm and hndle it with velvet gloves it isn't for everybody.
Fuji does have some 645 rangefinders but nothing longer than the 90mm of the GA645Zi and that is an AF one.
There are some Makina folders with interchangable lenses that go longer (190 and 210), but again these are 6x9 cameras that can be used with a reducing mask to get 6x4.5. No idea if they are even coupled to the rangefinder.
mpaniagua
Newby photographer
Yes, its a tough question. Dont really see other rangefinder realistic options . On the bright side, Mamiya Press looks way cool 
Prest_400
Multiformat
You could grab an SLR + long lens of your choice to have just for that far-reaching needs. Just convenience and not very expensive, depending on the kit.
unixrevolution
Well-known
As a rangefinder alternative, I'd also suggest the rather excellent Mamiya TLRs. Yes, 6x6 and not an RF, but they are quiet and vibration-free which I believe is probably why an SLR is on the No list. They are also very affordable and lenses up to 180mm are dirt cheap. I got a super-super-clean 180 for mine for $109.
rowghani
Established
hey guys thanks for all the input.....ill see how things go but i am leaning more towards a mamiya 6 with the 150mm option. I have a love / hate relationship with 6x6 and shoot mostly slides, so I'm thinking about projecting mostly in 6x6 but cropping when printing. lets see how it goes. my bronica has the 135mm frame lines but that lens seems to be impossible to find. the slr option just for those long reaches has got me thinking though....wouldn't be too much harder than lugging around an extra lens right? all the best.
Spanik
Well-known
Depends on what camera that extra lens is for and if you mean a 35 slr or 120 slr. The advantage of medium format RF and TLR lenses is that they are relatively light (compared to the body or the equivalent MF SLR lens). But at the same time, they are not very bright. You can find a CZJ 180/2.8 for reasonable money but a 180 for the C330 will only open to f/4.5.
The Bronica 135mm isn't impossible to find, I know of a full kit (camera + 45/65/135) on sale right now. But 135mm doesn't give you a lot of reach.
The Bronica 135mm isn't impossible to find, I know of a full kit (camera + 45/65/135) on sale right now. But 135mm doesn't give you a lot of reach.