User thoughts of the Bronica 645

[momentcollector]

Hi,

Just wondering what people think about the system and if its worht getting into? I love rangefinders and 645 is a fun size neg. Not too big not too small...how are the lenses....how bright is the viewfinder?

Whats a good price for the camera and standard lens. How is the finish on this camera.

thanks in advance...

 

[Nick R.]

This question's been asked and answered more than a few times around here. Try reading some old threads.

To sum up: It's a great camera and system but limited to two lenses (three if you're lucky).

 

[dsavvy]

Bronica lens

Bronica lens

Yes. Two and maybe three lenses. But at least I can afford them. Can't say that on too many MF systems.

 

[Nick R.]

Good point, dsavvy.

 

[djon]

Problem with the format: unless you have a $1500 film scanner, optically enlarge, or rely on a lab you won't get better results than 35 with a $600 scanner.

 

[Nick R.]

Ah, but you'll always have the big neg should you ever get a $1500 film scanner, start optically enlarging, or use a lab for a particularly great print.

 

[Doug]

Right on, Nick... I recently had my local lab make a few 11x14 prints from 645 negs. In the process they produced 24-megapixel scans at $8.95 each. The big neg stores a LOT of data, while the camera is compact enough to casually carry over a shoulder while out doing other things.

 

[RObert Budding]

Enlargers are very cheap these days. And I have an excellent pro lab less than a mile away - they do my color work.

So, I guess I don't see any real limitations for printing.

RObert

 

[Turtle]

Problem with the format: unless you have a $1500 film scanner, optically enlarge, or rely on a lab you won't get better results than 35 with a $600 scanner.

And if you own 35mm and dont have a $1500 scanner and dont optically enlarge or rely on a lab? If you scan 645 and 35mm on a $600 scanner guess which one will be far better?

I shoot almost all formats and love the Bronny for all the reasons I have previously stated. If you are a digiphile, then it wont be very long before you can buy a $600 home scanner that will do the sharp bronny lenses some justice. In the meantime, there is plenty that can be done with an analogue neg thru decent labs. In the UK, the best labs are rarely the most expensive and the $600 spent on prints would give you plenty to decorate a large house (or three) with.

For me tho, put a rolll of tri-X in this camera and go for a walk.....