Some assistance with Bronica RF needed

[mfogiel]

I have just unpacked a Bronica RF with the 65mm lens from a parcel...

1) The camera has a serial number that begins with 0, so I imagine, it will have 135mm framelines - is there any way to check this before I commit to buying a long lens?
2) The rangefinder looks to be fairly accurate when looking at infinity, but the vertical alignment is slightly off - I have read that this is notorious with these cameras - is that true?
3) Is any of you who live in continental Europe aware, if Tamron is still servicing these cameras, and who to contact if necessary?
4) Any other important tips for a newbie user?
Thanks

Marek

 

[jensthoes]

Hello Marek,

yes, the 0-Serials have surely the 135mm frame. I have found no way to prove it.

The web says, there is a problem with the alignement. After the service of my RF645 a half year ago, it is absolutely perfect. It is a bit depending on the angle you look in the viewfinder.

I had a full service for my RF645 in May 2013 at the "official servicepoint" of Tamron it is in UK:

Eurohitech Photographic Services Ltd.
13 Quad Road, East Lane Business Park
East Lane, North Wembley
London, HA9 7NE
Tel.: 02089040900
Email: weborder@eurohitech.com

They did an excellent job and the price was fair (about 200 € - full service, a new top plate and a new viewfinder window).

Best,

Jens

 

[RichyD]

Thanks for that lead to the UK official repair centre. I had a reference from a thread somewhere to Will van Manem of Kamera Service in Holland, http://www.kamera-service.info/. I'm in the UK so I'll use Eurohitech, now that I know, to get mine serviced in the future. The OP may prefer Will in continental Europe.

 

[jensthoes]

Hello,

I'm from Germany. So I had preferred a german or german-speaking service.

But I was glad, that it worked really fine.

Best,

Jens

 

[twhittle]

Just be REALLY careful with the wind-on.
My one went all loose and I got fed up of wasting entire roles of film.
gently does it. . .

 

[rhl-oregon]

Yes, the lever is the best known weak spot--so though I could contribute nothing substantive to Marek's original query, I can back up the advice to be gentle with the film advance.

 

[Spanik]

1: the 0-series should have the 135mm frames, but Bronica/Tamron was willing to change those for the 100mm framelines. I had mine changed to 100mm as the 135mm is almost impossible to find. The only way to check is comparing with another 6x4.5 camera that has an 100mm lens. I don't see another easy way.
2:the vertical alignment is very fragile. Had it adjusted, was correct in shop and again out of alignment when I got back home.
3: in 2012 they still serviced them. I would say find your local service point and ask them.
4: not much to add.

 

[Lou Iaquinto]

Hi,

I bought mine new from Robert White in 04. At the time the largest and oldest camera shop in Melbourne was asking 5K for them. I can't recall if the price included a lens!

Anyway, it took mine 9 years to develop the rewind issue. After many emails to Tamron in OZ and a few other places here and overseas, I finally found a shop in Western Australia that would even try to repair it. It was there for three months and recently arrived back home. There's a roll of film in it. I am spending tomorrow with it and my grandson. Wish me luck.

The good news is, if it's bad news, I'll be emailing the people in London. Thank you Jens.

Lou

 

[mfogiel]

Thanks guys. I have put a few films through the camera over the weekend, so to begin with I want to see if exposure, frame spacing and RF alignment are OK. I quite like the handling, although the 1/500 max speed is a bit limiting.