The camera is not an alternative to a Leica M camera, it is not in the same league, but as a cheap MF camera which is quiet and simple to use, and ultimately gives very good results, it is hard to beat. Any sort of metering inside has to be done with a separate meter otherwise the camera will underexpose the film quite badly. The lenses are too slow in dim light and the max shutter speed is too slow in really bright light! The other major problem I have had with the camera is the inaccurate metering in low light levels. The camera's achilles heel is its woefully slow lenses and its 1/500 sec fastest shutter speed. The shutter is quiet but does make a very strange noise, and because of the lack of mirror, it can be handheld to very slow shutter speeds. My camera body is set up for the 135mm bright frame. The 100mm lens works well if you take the time to check the field of view. The 45mm is a little awkard with the separate viewfinder. The meter is accurate and the lenses are qiute sharp. Mine has got a problem when focussing at distance as the rangefinder accuracy does start to waver somewhat. The Bronica RF645 is an easy camera to use.
#BRONICA RF645 无忌 PATCH#
The camera viewfinder is very bright and easy to see and the rangefinder patch is very good. The viewfinder magnification is very similar to my 0.85 M6's which is great for accurate focussing but does mean that a separate viewfinder is required fo the 45mm lens. The upright viewfinder is not a problem even for a seasoned Leica user. The camera is reasonably light, well built, with a really good feel and balance to it. Overall I am very pleased with the camera, the quality of the results shot with it are very good. Sometimes I needed that little extra quality that MF gives you. I bought this camera as a medium format alternative to my M6's.