grafting lenses to a Bronica RF or Fuji 690?

[Spanik]

I have a Bronica RF645 and Fuji G690BL around, but not the lenses that would make me use those camera's more. But there are only 3 lenses for the Bronica (got them) and those for the Fuji are rare (and bl***y expensive). Now as they both have a fairly short register it should be possible to graft some other MF lenses to them.

I searched on the net but couldn't find anything positive. Does anybody knows of adaptors or such a thing to use other lenses on those camera's? I'd sure like a longer lens than the 100mm on the Bronica. And an affordable 50mm for the Fuji would be great.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

+1 for this thread.

 

[sevo]

Well, nothing is impossible. But if you already consider the Fuji lenses expensive, a lens conversion will hardly be a suitable option for you - given that the lenses don't only have a RF coupling, but embed the leaf shutter as well (with its cocking and release couplers), there can't be a trivial adapter (or indeed any adapter at all). The cheapest way to go about it would be to butcher a Fuji lens of the same focal length.

Don't know about the Bronica, but it probably won't be any easier.

 

[Spanik]

Well, there are reasonably priced Bronica lenses (sq, etr) that have a shutter that could be used as a base. Those also certainly have enough register distance and cover the format. Problem there is the electronic coupling between lens and body.

For the Fuji, the lenses for the GX680 might be suitable as they must have some spare image circle considering the GX680 has (limited) movements.

Agreed, neither have rangefinder coupling but they do have a shutter. So it could be a start. Not cheap as in "peanuts" but certainly cheaper than what is originally available for those camera's. And a larger range of focals as well.

 

[sevo]

For the Fuji, the lenses for the GX680 might be suitable as they must have some spare image circle considering the GX680 has (limited) movements.

Agreed, neither have rangefinder coupling but they do have a shutter.

Not quite - they only have half a shutter. Being electronic, the timer circuitry is part of the body. Perhaps you are lucky and the Bronicas all have the same shutter controls. But the Fuji has none - and GX lenses don't even have a helical.

If you want to experiment with grafted lenses, why don't you get yourself a small (6x9 or quarter plate) Speed Graphic? These have the advantage of a focal plane shutter, a plain lens board attachment (rather than fancy bayonets) and a control curve for the rangefinder (so that DIY curves for arbitrary lenses are merely a matter of patience).

 

[Spanik]

Thanks for that info, all good points.

I already have more camera's around than I can use. So I prefer to make better use of those I have than add another one to the cupboard. Oh well, no harm in asking...

 

[VTHokiEE]

Someday I'd love to have a Bronica RF645, everything I've read about them has me drooling, but I thought that focusing the original 135mm lens proved to be so difficult they they redesigned it to a 100mm lens. Would the idea be to use an uncoupled rangefinder and then transfer the distance? This thread already has me trying to justify an RF645 again...