Guess what . . .I found one.

[sf]

Bronica RF645 100mm F/4.5 is mine.

It is in England. I just paid for it + shipping over the phone with the man at the store. It is 3am and I have an interview tomorrow and I'm not going to be able to sleep. It was $750-800, depending on exchange rate and shipping cost - probably closer to $750.

I don't care about the price, given that every single one I've seen has gone for that much or more. Alot more.

Except that one at KEH . . . but that lens is dead to me.



And now, if my apprehensive elation could talk, it would fill this world with a deafening roar.

 

[sf]

Oh, and I owe this to Clarence.

 

[lubitel]

Congrats! and good luck with the interview.

 

[jonasv]

congrats!

better share lots of pictures when you get it! 😉

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Congratulations.

I think everyone knows where to come when they need a world-wide search for RF gear.

RangeFinder Finders.

 

[sf]

Now, let's all say a prayer for the air-post.

Good weather, gentle handlers, and my address accurately recorded on the shipping label. . .

Of course, after the last experience, I don't know what to expect.

My hopes are at half mast.

But infinitely higher than they were this morning.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

It's late morning now in EU. Why not fire off a quick mail to the store confirming the shipping address? Then you won't be worrying about that.

Also perhaps ask them for the tracking number so you can see it getting closer and closer to you.

 

[Talisker]

Congrats! Out of interest, where did you find it? I had a quick look through my usual UK list last night and didn't see anything.

 

[sf]

I sent two emails with my address, and the place was in London. I'll tell people which store as soon as I receive the thing. Who knows who's watching.

I mean really. I wouldn't be surprised if someone called them up and offered them $1000 for the lens just to get it. I don't mean you people, but lurkers.

This is like trying to smuggle a Davinci out of the country or something. I feel like i just bought an ancient relic, something priceless and magical.

 

[clarence]

I'm imagining an ambuscade. That scarlet Royal Mail van might get intercepted at a roadblock. You never know.

 

[sf]

If that happened . . . .I don't know. Roadside bomb. . . high flying seagull takes out an engine . . . .lens gets smashed in the cargo door of the plane. . .

I'd just sell my gear, join the foreign legion, and kiss it all goodbye.

 

[smudwhisk]

One of the London stores has a RF645 + 65mm + 100mm + flash for £995. I supposed if you really wanted the 100mm lens and hadn't already got the camera itself that's a good price in light of the value of the 100mm lens elsewhere (and its rarety) but way out of my budget anyway 😀 I'm going to stick to my Bronny SLRs with 150mm lens.

 

[smudwhisk]

Yup, I think I know who you got it from since they've updated their site and are now only selling the normal RF645 kit with a flash! If it's not you then there's another happy snapper out their somewhere! Congratulations!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Congratulations! One less thing to ask about this afternoon at the candy store.

 

[oftheherd]

Now what do I do with the one I bought so I could collect the $100 from you???? :bang:

😀 😀

Just joking of course. So glad you got what you wanted. That always feels so good when you get something you want so bad. Especially when you get it at a better price than you expected. Contrats again.

 

[sf]

One of the London stores has a RF645 + 65mm + 100mm + flash for £995. I supposed if you really wanted the 100mm lens and hadn't already got the camera itself that's a good price in light of the value of the 100mm lens elsewhere (and its rarety) but way out of my budget anyway 😀 I'm going to stick to my Bronny SLRs with 150mm lens.

yup, that's the one. I paid them handsomely to separate the lens from that kit. But, still less than I would have paid on Ebay . . . .

and it's boxed. "New" he says.

Nice.

To arrive before Wednesday.

 

[Zugzwang]

Nice lens, nice find. I can't believe how the price has escalated in a rather short time frame. It looks like this camera system is heading towards cult status. Enjoy the lens.

 

[stephanj]

Nice lens, nice find. I can't believe how the price has escalated in a rather short time frame. It looks like this camera system is heading towards cult status. Enjoy the lens.

Hmm, interesting. The camera and the 45mm are readily available second hand in the UK. There's even one or two new items. The prestige items seem to be the 100mm, 135mm, and accessories - polarizing kit, hotshoe adaptor etc.

The system does have all the hallmarks of a collectable: production problems, a commercial failure relative to other products in the class, a short production run!

 

[sf]

Received it this morning, will post pics ASAP.

 

[Doug]

Great! What a relief it must be to have it actually arrive after a bit of worry. Condition appears acceptable?