p.1 #1 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
The manufacturer’s repair window closed in 2012. Parts availability is probably nill, but from what I’ve read the fix can be a same day repair without the need for parts. So, I guess that I’m looking for a “can do” repair technician. Any suggestions?
Issue:
The camera was purchase NIB by me and lightly used, but it has sat in a safe for over a decade and from what I have read, this is a common problem for unused RF645 bodies.
Film advances to the first frame. Shutter will fire and sounds good. Film will not advance and an ‘X’ appears in the viewfinder. The manual states that either there is a problem with lens communication, or film advance. I press the multiexposure button, ‘X’ clears and the shutter can be fired, but film will not advance.
Evidently this is a film advance switch/sensor that is stuck.
Any recommendations for U.S. based repair technicians is appreciated.
p.1 #2 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
bwcolor wrote:
The manufacturer’s repair window closed in 2012. Parts availability is probably nill, but from what I’ve read the fix can be a same day repair without the need for parts. So, I guess that I’m looking for a “can do” repair technician. Any suggestions?
Issue:
The camera was purchase NIB by me and lightly used, but it has sat in a safe for over a decade and from what I have read, this is a common problem for unused RF645 bodies.
Film advances to the first frame. Shutter will fire and sounds good. Film will not advance and an ‘X’ appears in the viewfinder. The manual states that either there is a problem with lens communication, or film advance. I press the multiexposure button, ‘X’ clears and the shutter can be fired, but film will not advance.
Evidently this is a film advance switch/sensor that is stuck.
Any recommendations for U.S. based repair technicians is appreciated....Show more →
Might I suggest you post this also in one of the "Gear Forums" sub categories? You might get more attention there.
Good luck!
Dan
p.1 #5 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
Desmolicious wrote:
Try:
zackscamerarepair.com
Ictcamera.com
Precisioncameraworks.com
OK..Done and thanks..
I have a ton of frozen expired film. Lots of Portra 400, which I don’t expect to survive as well at 13 years expired as lower ISO (ASA) film. Being the impatient sort, I received a pro pack of Portra 160 from B&H the day that I discovered that the RF645 wasn’t useable. So, hopefully one of these technicians will attempt the repair. I appreciate the referral. In the mean time, I ordered the highest rated GS645W from a 100% EBay seller in Japan and will give this camera a try while trying to repair the Bronica. The camera is the 45mm zone focus version and my only lens for the Bronica is 65mm.
p.1 #7 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
bwcolor wrote:
OK..Done and thanks..
I have a ton of frozen expired film. Lots of Portra 400, which I don’t expect to survive as well at 13 years expired as lower ISO (ASA) film. Being the impatient sort, I received a pro pack of Portra 160 from B&H the day that I discovered that the RF645 wasn’t useable. So, hopefully one of these technicians will attempt the repair. I appreciate the referral. In the mean time, I ordered the highest rated GS645W from a 100% EBay seller in Japan and will give this camera a try while trying to repair the Bronica. The camera is the 45mm zone focus version and my only lens for the Bronica is 65mm....Show more →
That Portra 400 will be just fine. Shoot it at 200.
p.1 #8 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
Desmolicious wrote:
That Portra 400 will be just fine. Shoot it at 200.
Probably a good ISO for a camera with a lens that is f/5.6 at maximum aperture.
p.1 #9 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
No luck with repair, except KEH is willing to try to repair the camera, so will give it a go. At least they are willing to look at the camera and probably have lots of parts for old cameras.. ie dead old cameras.
p.1 #10 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
bwcolor wrote:
No luck with repair, except KEH is willing to try to repair the camera, so will give it a go. At least they are willing to look at the camera and probably have lots of parts for old cameras.. ie dead old cameras.
p.1 #13 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
The copy of the Fuji GS645W that I received looks as if it was new. It is quite compact and light. I compared the metering with an 18% card against a couple Sekonic meters and it seems spot on. The lens and controls are quite small and will take some time to get use to. The shutter is pronounced, but not objectionable. The only real negative is that the detents on the aperture ring are weak and only engage at full stops. Film loading is simple and the view through the viewfinder is bright and contrasty. The meter LED’s are difficult to see in bright sunlight. Added a UV filter, which was an extravagant expense on a $600 camera and a Fotasy wide angle metal hood. A 72mm lens cover now fits into the hood. I’m using a Godox Lux Senior light/portable strobe in that the round reflector will support the vertically oriented negative. Also, once my Bronica RF646 is repaired the flash can do double duty. I have a preference for an understated fill flash for some subjects and the little Godox is a reasonable solution.
p.1 #14 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
Just catching up on this thread — man, I feel for you. I’ve had the same thing happen with an old Contax after years in storage. Everything seemed fine until film advance hit that snag, and it ended up being a gummed-up micro switch. These things definitely don’t like sitting still for a decade.
Good call reaching out to KEH — they’ve got access to a graveyard of parts and solid techs who still know their way around these bodies. If they can't get it going, I second Zack’s Camera Repair — they’ve revived stuff for me before that I thought was long dead.
Also gotta say: nice pickup on that GS645W. I used to have one — quirky but solid. And yeah, Portra 400 at 200 should still sing, even expired. You’ll likely get some nice color shifts in the shadows, but that’s part of the charm.
Hope the RF645 gets back in action soon — it’s too good a camera to stay shelved. Keep us posted on what KEH says!
p.1 #15 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
Domako27 wrote:
Just catching up on this thread — man, I feel for you. I’ve had the same thing happen with an old Contax after years in storage. Everything seemed fine until film advance hit that snag, and it ended up being a gummed-up micro switch. These things definitely don’t like sitting still for a decade.
Good call reaching out to KEH — they’ve got access to a graveyard of parts and solid techs who still know their way around these bodies. If they can't get it going, I second Zack’s Camera Repair — they’ve revived stuff for me before that I thought was long dead.
Also gotta say: nice pickup on that GS645W. I used to have one — quirky but solid. And yeah, Portra 400 at 200 should still sing, even expired. You’ll likely get some nice color shifts in the shadows, but that’s part of the charm.
Hope the RF645 gets back in action soon — it’s too good a camera to stay shelved. Keep us posted on what KEH says! ...Show more →
Thanks… and good advice. I’ve taken multiple cameras out of storage and shot a roll. I also discovered that my ability to shoot with discipline and planning have eroded. So, will put it on the line and take only film on my next vacation abroad. Hard to leave expensive cameras at home, but shooting with film is a much bigger challenge for me than back in the day.
p.1 #16 · Is There A Repair Option for the Bronica RF645?
Big thanks to Frank of Camerawiz. Repair and CLA with fast turnaround around and very reasonable price. This was after many couldn’t repair this camera.
