Bronica RF645 Diopter?

[Michael P.]

Some time ago, somebody in this forum was trying to sell a diopter for the Bronica RF645. Does anyone know if that sold or where I might find one?

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I don't remember any FS here, but I posted a WTB.
KEH presently has a couple listed, but none I can use.

Chris

 

[Michael P.]

Chris, Thanks for the tip about the diopters at KEH. Why can't you use them?

 

[RObert Budding]

Diopters come in +/- corrections, and in different strengths - just like glasses.

I had one posted that didn't sell. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Michael P.]

When I removed the rubber eyepiece from my Bronica RF 645, I found a -1 diopter in place. I bought this camera new. Is it standard for Bronica to install -1 diopters in new cameras?

 

[Michael P.]

Found -1 Diopter in Bronica RF645

Found -1 Diopter in Bronica RF645

When I removed the rubber eyepiece from my Bronica RF 645, I found a -1 diopter in place. I bought this camera new and there is nothing about it in the instruction manual. Was it standard for Bronica to install -1 diopters in the RF645? If so, why?

 

[ChrisPlatt]

My RF645 came with a -1.0 diopter installed, too.

IIRC -1.0 (total for the entire viewing system) was standard for 35mm manual focus SLRs.
Perhaps Japanese camera industry research long ago determined that -1.0 is the best value
for the majority of buyers. I have always been slightly nearsighted so that's fine by me...

Chris

 

[Larry Mclendon]

It's perfect for young eyes. My old eyes, even with my eyeglasses, requires I install a +.5 diopter in slrs and a +1 in Leicas, to get a really sharp image. The -1 was standard, though, in the RF645.

 

[foto_mike]

Is it standard for Bronica to install -1 diopters in new cameras?

Yes, a -1 diopter is standard for the RF645. See section 1-4 of the manual (click here) for a description of the standard and optional diopters.

The RF645 is the lone Bronica with a -1 diopter as the standard. The ETR series, SQ series, and the GS-1 use a -1.5 diopter as standard. Here's a quote from the Tamron/Bronica web site about the ETR series. The SQ series and the GS-1 quotes say the same thing:

"Bronica finders are designed to simulate a 26.3" eye to focusing screen separation. If you normally have blurred vision at this viewing distance without glasses, you may consider replacing the standard -1.5 diopter eyepiece with one more suitable. "

 

[Michael P.]

Yes, a -1 diopter is standard for the RF645.[/I]

Interesting. I thought I needed a diopter, but removing the -1 makes the viewfinder clear for me. Thanks, Mike.

 

[Michael P.]

Thanks. I can see clearly when I remove the -1 and use no diopter at all.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

KEH currently lists +2.0 and +3.0 diopter eyepieces for the RF645 if you need...

Chris

 

[Michael P.]

Thanks, Chris.