The primary dynamics of reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides at room temperature are studied at low excitation intensities and low excitation rates. Analysis based on singular value decomposition yields three time constants in the picosecond range (ca. 1.2 ps, 3.5 ps and 220 ps). The spectral and temporal signatures are fully consistent with the step-wise electron transfer model published previously, with a first electron transfer to the bacteriochlorophyll with a time constant of 3.5 ps and a second 1.2 ps transfer to the bacteriopheophytin. No indications for adiabatic electron transfer are found in the time range > 0.5 ps. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.