Bronica electrical problem

[kmonroe6]

I recently purchased a used Bronica 645 from one of the big, reputable NY mail order companies. It was rated a 9+ and it definitely looks almost unused. But... when it arrived, it had batteries in it but I couldn't get it to turn on. Ran out out, got new batteries, and it turned on fine.
I wasn't able to go out and shoot with it for about 5-6 days. When I turned it on, it was dead.

Have other people had electrical problems? Is it just my bad luck? Is there something else I can check? I already have a return authorization so that's not an issue. I just hate to return it if I don't have to.

thx

 

[Jon Perry]

Unless you got really unlucky with the replacement batteries?

I've accidentally left my one switched on in the past (a week or so) with no significant battery drain to mention.

It sounds like an electrical fault.

Jon

 

[RObert Budding]

My RF645 has worked perfectly. I did have Tamron change the framelines to 100mm and adjust the rangefinder, though. They did fine work.

 

[Jon Perry]

About two years ago I sent one of my RF645's into Intro2020 (UK distrubutor) for viewfinder realignment and they phoned me up and asked if I wanted the 100mm frame lines installed while it was in for repair. I figured there was very little chance of me picking up a 135mm lens (I doubt I would even use one on this camera anyway) so said to go ahead.

The camera arrived two days later. No charge, not even for the viewfinder realignment! 🙂

Jon

 

[Rey]

While I haven't had any electrical problems with the camera, I do have some with the flash. It displays the same symptoms you describe for your camera. If I get it working, it works fine while I'm using it. When I turn it off, it will not turn on again (unless I sahke or jarr it a bit). I also purchased this used, likely from the same place you did. Mine came with a leaky battery and I think that some corrosion occured to cause this problem. You may want to recheck your battery chamber.