RF645 Thank you for your purchase of the Bronica RF645 medium format rangefinder camera. Incorporating the best of Bronica's know-how and technological expertise, the Bronica RF645 achieves a new dimension in compactness as the world's first medium format 6 x 4.5 rangefinder camera to feature interchangeable lenses, and comes with a superb line up of lenses to take full advantage of the rangefinder camera.
Contents Special Features of the Bronica RF645 Nomenclature 1. Getting Started 1-1 Loading batteries 1-2 Attaching and detaching lens 1-3 Attaching strap 1-4 Attaching the proper diopters adjustment lens 2. Preparing to Shoot 2-1 Checking the battery capacity 2-2 Loading film 2-3 Setting the film speed 2-4 Exposure counter, Film memo holder, How to remove a used roll of film 3.
Special Features of the Bronica RF 645 ·A medium format coupled-meter rangefinder camera. The Bronica RF 645 is a very compact and lightweight camera with a picture area approximately 2.7 times larger than the 35mm format. The superior portability and versatility of this model compared with other medium format cameras ushers in an entirely new world of photographic possibilities.
Special Features of the Bronica RF 645 ·Shooting parameters of the camera are clearly indicated on the internal viewfinder display panel. An oversized LCD panel is installed inside the viewfinder to display constantly updated shooting status data such as shutter speed, lens aperture, AE lock setting, exposure compensation setting, correct exposure setting and exposure deviations of manually set exposure values and so on.
Nomenclature Rangefinder window Shutter speed dial lock release button Light intake window Hotshoe Shutter speed dial Finder Exposure meter window Film advance lever Aperture ring Shutter release button Depth of field scale Distance scale Focusing ring Strap lugs Lens hood attachment Index Lens Fiber thread Rear cover lock release Lens lock release button Selftimer indicator Exposure compensation dial index Exposure compensation dial scale Selftimer indicator AE lock button Exposure compensat
Nomenclature Film type selection lever Lens mounting index (camera body) Rangefinder coupling roller Printed circuit cable Film pressure spring Electronic contacts (camera body) Light shielding curtain Flash synch terminal Film start alignment mark Light shielding curtain Lens Lock pin Lens lock release button Rear cover Spool holder Film spool shaft lock release button Pressure plate 1. Getting Started 1-1 Loading Batteries The RF645 will not function without batteries loaded. 1.
1. Getting Started 1-1 Loading Batteries 5.Battery Checking Battery status, the proper battery positioning of the loaded batteries, and the remaining battery power, must be checked prior to operation of the camera. Turn on the main switch and press lightly on the shutter speed dial. An LCD indicator lights up on the left side of the viewfinder field to indicate the operational status of the cam era.
1. Getting Started 1-2 Attaching and detaching the lens Note 1: The 65mm and the 100mm viewframes in the viewfinder are automatically switched as the respective lenses are attached. Note 2: When mounting the 45mm lens, insert the dedicated viewfinder into the accessory hotshoe on the camera body. Refer to the instruction manual of the 45mm lens for more information. Note 3: When attaching or detaching lenses, do not use excessive force to rotate or twist the lens.
2. Preparing to Shoot 2-1 Check Battery Capacity 2-1 Check battery capacity The Bronica RF 645 requires a set of batteries to function, since the camera employs an electronically controlled shutter. 1. Check the battery level before each shooting session. 2. Turn on the main switch and lightly press the shutter release button while looking through the viewfinder.
2. Preparing to Shoot 2-2 Loading Film 3. Install the film take-up spool in the right hand film chamber, aligning the key-hole of the spool shaft of the camera. Push up the protruding film spool shaft into the bottom plate of the camera until it locks into position. 4. Load a fresh roll of film into the left hand film chambers as illustrated in the drawing. Ensure that the film leader rolls off the outer edge as shown instead of the inside edge of the film chamber.
2. Preparing to Shoot 2-2 Loading Film 8. Close the back cover and lock it securely. Operate the film advance lever with few strokes until it stops. At this point, the exposure counter window displays a "1". Note: After closing the camera back, make sure both film shafts are completely pressed back into the camera bottom. Caution: Be careful not to pinch your finger or hand between the back cover and the camera body as you open or shut the cover.
2. Preparing to Shoot 2-4 Exposure Counter 2-4 Check the number on the exposure counter 2-4-1 Exposure Counter The exposure counter resets itself to "S" (start) position as the camera back is opened. When the fresh film is loaded and advanced to the first frame, the exposure counter displays "1". The counter indicates all odd numbers with consecutive numerals and all even numbers with dashes.
2. Preparing to Shoot 2-4 Exposure Counter 3. Remove the empty film spool from the feeding side film chamber and transfer it to the take-up film chamber in preparation for loading of the next roll of film. Note: When opening the camera rear cover for film loading and removal, avoid exposing the camera to direct sunlight. Also, handle film in the shade at all times. 3. Shooting 3-1 Main Switch 3-1 Main Switch Turn on the main switch and take off the lens cap to prepare for shooting. 3.
3. Shooting 3-2 Viewfinder 3. Taking advantage of a tripod or a monopod: The difference between sharp pictures and shots blurred by camera shake is one second away. When using a 100mm lens, 1/100 sec., is the limitation for holding the camera steady. A faster shutter speed is strongly recommended for shooting with a medium format camera, since this unit is larger and heavier than a 35mm camera.
3. Shooting 3-3 Shutter release button Shutter speed (half step display) Aperture value (Program AE mode and Aperture-priority AE mode), proper exposure deviation with + and - (M mode) Shooting mode display (P: program AE, A: aperture-priority AE, M: manual) AE.L (exposure memory) ON display.
3. Shooting 3-4 Exposures The numerals 1 to 500 on the shutter speed dial represent shutter speeds or exposure times expressed in reciprocals. In other words, "500" actually means 1/500 second and "60" is 1/60 second. The lens aperture can be set by rotating the lens aperture ring. The 65mm lens provides an aperture range of f/4 to f/32. Between any two f-numbers, there is an intermediate stop with the distance/aperture index line to set the aperture as required.
3. Shooting 3-4 Exposures 3-4-3 Exposure Control Modes The Bronica RF 645 provides three exposure control modes: the Program AE mode, the Aperture-priority AE mode and the manual exposure control mode. Any of the three exposure control modes mentioned can be selected and set using the shutter speed dial. 1. Program AE mode This is the preferred exposure control mode when focusing the subject without paying too much attention to detailed camera settings.
3. Shooting Manual exposure (2EV under) Correct exposure 3-4 Exposures 3. Manual Exposure Control This exposure control mode is particularly important to those serious photographers who intentionally determine specific shutter speeds and lens apertures in order to produce creative images. The Bronica RF 645 with its extremely precise electronic shutter speed and lens aperture control system makes an ideal manual exposure control camera.
3. Shooting 3-4 Exposures When an exposure compensation is applied, a (+) or (-) warning symbol is illuminated in the viewfinder panel. It is important to remember there is no numerical indication for exposure compensation. Note: Once the exposure compensation is completed in a photo session, do not forget to return the exposure compensation dial to the original "0" position. 3-4-5 AE Lock The AE lock system is a useful tool to obtain the correct exposure on a limited portion of the subject area.
3. Shooting 3-5 Focusing The image contrast will become noticeably sharp when the two images superimpose precisely. That is the point where the lens critically focuses on the subject. 3. Split image focus: Split-image is an image divided into upper and lower halves. Human vision naturally perceives the most critical image matching when comparing the alignment of edges in a split image.
4. Other Features 4-1 Multiple Exposure Note 1: The ME button electronically cancels out the shutter release button lock system. Five seconds after pressing the ME button, the canceling effect of the ME button will be cleared, the shutter button will be locked, and the LCD will switch off once again. Note 2: There is no exposure compensation feature in the Bronica RF 645 for multiple exposure modes. Multiple exposures therefore results in overexposure.
4. Other Features 4-3 Electronic flash photography 4-3 Electronic Flash Photography Equipped with a lens shutter system, the Bronica RF 645 features flash synchronization at all shutter speeds. Connect an electronic Speedlight unit to either the hotshoe or the sync terminal located at the front of the camera.
4. Other Features 4-3 Electronic flash photography area photographed illuminated area 4. Other Electronic Flash Features * Exposure compensation: The flash exposure of the Speedlight RF 20 can be compensated from -3 to +2 stop in ½-stop increments according to the subject's reflectivity. * Backlit LCD: For insufficient lighting, the LCD panel of the Speedlight RF 20 can be illuminated from the back for better legibility.
4. Other Features 4-6 Depth of Field 4-6 Depth of Field Since the Bronica RF 645 is a coupled rangefinder camera compromising separate shooting and viewfinder optical systems, the sharp focus range is not directly displayed in the viewfinder. The depth of field must therefore be read from the depth of field scale on the lens, or calculated from the depth of field table. 1.
5. Troubleshooting Before taking your camera in for repairs, check your camera referring to the following table. What’s happening Shutter release button depressed lightly but LCD does not light.
5.
5. Troubleshooting Exposed film is... What’s happening Cause of trouble Means to solve Under exposed, Shot in AE lock mode Cancel AE lock mode after shooting in this mode. Over exposed Shot in AE lock mode Cancel AE lock mode after shooting in this mode.
6. References Exposure Measuring Range and Ev The exposure measuring range with the RF645 is EV3 to 18 (with ISO 100 film). For example: If EV 14 is the correct exposure with ISO 100 film, the shutter speed setting will be 1/250 sec. when f8 is set to the aperture ring. If the aperture is adjusted to, in the above case, the shutter speed setting will become 1/125 sec. *An EV 14 is the brightness outdoors on a bright sunny day. ZENZANON-RF 45mm F4 ZENZANON-RF 65mm F4 ZENZANON-RF 100mm F4.
7. Specifications Camera Type Coupled-meter rangefinder, lens shutter 6 x 4.5 format camera. Picture Format 41.5mm x 56mm Film 16 frames on 120 type film, 32 frames on 220 type film. Lens Interchangeable with Bronica bayonet mount, 45mm f/4 Wide, 65mm f/4 Normal and 100mm f/4.5 Tele. Filter Size 58mm (45mm f/4), 58mm (65mm f/4), 62mm (100mm f/4.5) Focusing Helical focusing system built in to each lens; Focus ring rotations 90° on 45mm f/4 & 65mm f/4, 60° on 100mm f/4.5. Shutter Bronica No.
7. Specifications Film Advance By rapid winding lever placed on top of camera with either 186° single stroke or ratcheted strokes, with 12° stand by angle. Coupled. Rangefinder Dual-image superimposing real image optical system, with 53.5mm base line (effective base line: 33mm) Viewfinder Inverse Galilean optical system with coupled rangefinder bright frames automatically switched between 65mm and 100mm lens and automatically corrects parallax, finder magnification, 0.6X, viewing field 81% at 3 m.
8. Preliminary Checklist (Before loading film) A basic checklist of points and basic procedures to confirm before embarking on a shoot is listed below. When you plan an important photographing session, it is essential to test your camera to ensure the unit and other equipment is in good working order. This includes not only checking these points described below but also taking test pictures with the camera, together with the accessories to be used for the shoot. 1.
8. Preliminary Checklist (Before loading film) Film Wind Lock Release If battery power drops below the camera's operational level, or the main switch is mistakenly turned off during a long exposure shot (B or longer than 1 second exposure), the film wind lock mechanism will interrupt the camera operation and prevent the film from being advanced any further. To release the film advance lock, press the lock release with a pointed object such as a ballpoint pen.
9. Ensuring years of enjoyment through proper care and handling Camera Cleaning · Do not apply any solvent such as thinners and/or alcohol to clean the external parts of the camera. · To wipe dirt or fingerprints from the camera surface, apply a soft cloth or silicone-treated cloth after blowing dust off the camera. · Do not apply silicone-treated cloth to glass portions such as viewfinder windows or eyepiece lenses. Such chemically treated cloths may damage the optical coatings of the glass.