RF645 or Fuji GS645S

[Dougg]

I'm looking for a 135mm too, since one of my RF645 bodies has those framelines. Long shot of course, and I even wonder how much I might use that lens anyway... So is this mainly a "collector/completist" urge? 🙂

If used Bronicas are more expensive than used Fuji 645's, there's a reason... Compared with the older Fuji GS series especially, the Bronica is a more solid well-made camera, and the Fujis are a bit delicate in my experience. I think the auto-everything Fuji GA series is better made than the GS, but the user interface is vastly different to the point of being essentially a big point'n'shoot camera. This can be useful, and the results can be gorgeous but it IS a different experience!

Here's a couple shots with the AE, AF, motor wind, motor lens extending, pop-up flash, film ISO detecting Fuji GA645Wi that despite all that stuff still allows a decent pic to be made!

 

[bellyface]

I've owned a few fuji's, except the the 45mm "wide" version with preset focus stops, and absolutely loved the wide 60, the folder was great, but I had worn the bellows alittle, a tiny pinhole devloped near the edge. Both cameras were amazing, meters were pretty dead on, but after playing with the bronica I was immediately sold. As for quality, I can't say which one was best, man they were all amazing. It's a question of budget, really. I've seen wide 60's go for $300 & gs645's go for $400, personally, I spent $600 on my bronica... so I'd probably bypass ever getting a 100mm and just get gs645 or a fuji gs670 old style with low miles.

 

[sooner]

Nice pictures, Doug. I happily browsed B&H Photo in NYC today, and got to hold both the RF645 and the Mamiya 7. Have to say I was very impressed with the size, weight and feel of the Bronica. The Mamiya was nice, too, but bigger than I expected.

I recently bought a used GA645 and love it, the size and meter and sharpness are terrific. It cost easily a third of the other cameras. I miss manual focus and more control, and the others allow for wider lenses, but for a guy on a serious budget there's just no comparison. If I get more cash in the future, I'll be scouting for a used Bronica RF645 because the larger size of the Mamiya was a serious disadvantage to me. Just my two cents.

 

[RObert Budding]

George, that's not the ONLY issue. There's also the issue of not being able to buy the 45mm and (especially) 100mm lenses. And then there's the issue of not wanting to use your Leicas much after you get an RF645.

There's a 100mm on e*ay right now. But, yes, they are rare.

I don't use 35mm very much since I got my RF645. But I still use it for low light shooting. One system just isn't enough.

 

[wlewisiii]

I don't use 35mm very much since I got my RF645. But I still use it for low light shooting. One system just isn't enough.

I think that sometimes this is the tree that gets lost in the forest. I use 35mm most often, followed by LF and have MF coming in third right now in my shooting life. But 1) all of them are still in use and 2) "right now" is a huge qualifier ... 🙂

One system is never enough. If you think it is, then, I believe, that you need to push your envelope. Right now I need to figure out a sane way to have my Speed Graphic along in my truck for the occasions I've run into where my CL just has not been "enough" 😉 camera. Then, after that, I need to find a way to afford a Mamiya 6 and it's three lenses (love that square 😀 )...

😎

William

 

[RObert Budding]

This isn't an inexpensive hobby. But, as I often remind my wife, at least I'm not buying a little sports car and chasing young women.

 

[wlewisiii]

Or spending all your spare change at the corner tavern... 😉

William

 

[Eugen Mezei]

I emailed KEH and asked them if they would discount their LN RF645 , they said no, and then i swear the price was raised 50 bux!

Both are common procedere at KEH. 😡