Bronica RF6452000

History

Released 2000, just before Tamron (Bronica's parent) closed the Bronica brand in 2004. Production ran 5 years; total volume was very low — perhaps 5,000–10,000 bodies. Three lenses were made (45/4, 65/4 normal kit, 100/4.5). The line ended with the Bronica brand closure.

Why It Matters

The RF645 occupies a unique niche — the only interchangeable-lens 6×4.5 medium-format rangefinder ever sold. Lighter than the Mamiya 7 (920 g vs 1.1 kg in different format), with the smaller 6×4.5 negative giving you 16 frames per roll instead of 10. The vertical-format finder is unconventional and either loved or hated. The leaf shutters allow flash sync at all speeds.

For 2026 buyers, the RF645 is rare and pricey — used $1,200–2,200 with one lens. The lens system is closed (only three lenses ever made), so the kit you buy is the kit you keep. Trade-off vs Mamiya 7: smaller negative, fewer focal lengths, vertical native orientation; lighter and brighter finder.

Lenses & Accessories

Bronica RF645 lenses: 45mm f/4, 65mm f/4 (kit), 100mm f/4.5. External 45mm finder (the body's finder shows 65 / 100 frame lines; 45mm requires accessory finder). Standard hot-shoe flashes via leaf shutter sync.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Niche cult body for medium-format rangefinder enthusiasts.
• Featured in 35mmc and Casual Photophile as "the rare Bronica."

References

• Camera-Wiki: Bronica RF645
• Wikipedia: Bronica RF645