Recommended Bronica ETR lenses

[agphotography]

Hello everyone,

I've really been enjoying reading through these forums and getting a lot of information from you all.

I got my ETRSi with two lenses, the 75 and the 150, both the PE version. I really like the two of them and once I start shooting with the camera I imagine they will work nicely.

What I'm curious about is other lenses to add. It's my understanding that the 40mm is quite good, but are all the generations the same?

I was intending to also buy the 50mm f/2.8, but I am also considering the 60mm as it's pretty much a 35mm lens in 135 terms, which coincidentally happens to be my favorite focal length (35 and 50mm are my favorites)

I'll probably do some portraiture, but I don't think I'll be doing a ton of real close up stuff, so the 150 will be fine for now (I think) but if I do decide to get a longer lens, which would be the best for portraits or closeups? (not necessarily macro)

So, ultimately what I'm asking is what's the best kit to build? Figure the general usage will be a lot of landscapes, street photography, candid portraits, I'll use it in the studio setting sometimes, but that area is dominated by my DSLRs.

[agphotography]

Yeah I've read through the tamron site a number of times. I have a general idea of the lenses, but I am interested in what real users have to say

When I shot film rangefinders my totally favorite combo was 28/35/50 and on SLRs it was 28/50/85

From what I gather on the site the 75 is about a 45mm, and the 150 is about a 90mm, so the 50 being a 30mm would definitely round that out nicely.

I'll plan on the 40mm, EVENTUALLY.

PS - I take it by your name you're a fan of the Pentax LX, that was/is on hell of a good camera!

[wiltw]

PE lenses are designed to MTF measurements, and provide the best resistance to flare and the improvement in contrast when the lens is wide open. There are only a couple of lenses that had a design in between the MC series and the PE series, and are designated with the -II.

50mm on the ETRS is like using 35mm on 135 format, the 40mm on ETRS is like using 24mm on 135 format.

[jamesgignac]

I really like my 50mm PE and really HATE my 40mm MC (ugh). Honestly, it seems I can't get a decent shot with that lens, nothing is ever crystal-clear. The 50 is wonderful though and of those two is the only one I put to use. I also have a 150mm PE which has always delivered for me as I'm sure you know.

Best of luck! (PM me if you want to buy a cheap 40mm MC

[agphotography]

I really like my 50mm PE and really HATE my 40mm MC (ugh). Honestly, it seems I can't get a decent shot with that lens, nothing is ever crystal-clear. The 50 is wonderful though and of those two is the only one I put to use. I also have a 150mm PE which has always delivered for me as I'm sure you know.

Best of luck! (PM me if you want to buy a cheap 40mm MC

Well I don't know much about either lens yet as I just picked up the camera yesterday and haven't been able to run a roll through it yet!

I've heard that the MC lenses were "OK to Pretty Good" But the PE lenses were significantly better.

It sounds fairly unanimous then that the 50mm will be my next lens and that kit will be very sufficient for a while.

Now to consider a longer lens? Should I look at the 200 or 250? Or should I look at something like the 105 macro for close-up portraits?

[lxdude]

Yeah I've read through the tamron site a number of times. I have a general idea of the lenses, but I am interested in what real users have to say

When I shot film rangefinders my totally favorite combo was 28/35/50 and on SLRs it was 28/50/85

From what I gather on the site the 75 is about a 45mm, and the 150 is about a 90mm, so the 50 being a 30mm would definitely round that out nicely.

I'll plan on the 40mm, EVENTUALLY.

PS - I take it by your name you're a fan of the Pentax LX, that was/is on hell of a good camera!

Sorry, I deleted my post after I wrote it, because I misread your post and was going to rewrite mine, but I see you saw it and replied before I deleted it. I should have just edited my post.
As Popeye used to say, "How embarraskin'!"

For the record, I recommended the 50 over the 40.
As you stated your favorite in 135 format is the 35mm, and I somehow misunderstood that, I was going to say the 60mm f/2.8 could be better for you.

Now after reading your next post, I'm back to the 50. You have the 28 in both setups. (28-35-50. Man, you know what kind of shots you're after! )

Though aspect ratios make equivalencies approximate, I think the 50 is the logical next step. From there you'll know if you want the 60 or 40 next. Or something else.


In the E glass there's a 100 f/4 (60mm equivalent) macro that I've heard good stuff about. I don't think it goes down to 1:2 without a tube; I think it's 1:4. I have the PE 105mm 1:1 macro, which is awesome, except that it's big and heavy. It balances well on the camera, though, so it isn't too bad, really.

PE lenses are the latest, and are supposed to be the best. The MC 150mm f/3.5 was really well regarded, and other than coatings I don't think they changed it except superficially when they designated it PE. I say that because the PE is the same dimensions as the MC and goes to f/22 like it, while the PE 135 f/4 is 20mm longer than the 150, and heavier, and goes to f/32 (as do the PE 180 and 200). The MC 150 f/3.5 was itself a newer design. The MC 150 f/4 was an earlier version, and I've been told was not as good as the MC 150 f/3.5.

I got the 135 as part of a deal but I don't use it much, as my MC 150 is smaller, lighter and a little faster. But if you find you want an 80mm equivalent instead of a 90, the 135's a very nice performer.

I do indeed have an LX. Great machine, great feel.

[lxdude]

PE lenses are designed to MTF measurements, and provide the best resistance to flare and the improvement in contrast when the lens is wide open. There are only a couple of lenses that had a design in between the MC series and the PE series, and are designated with the -II.

50mm on the ETRS is like using 35mm on 135 format, the 40mm on ETRS is like using 24mm on 135 format.

I think those in-between lenses are the E series, with the 75mm the E-II.

The equivalency factor for 645 to 135 format used by Bronica is .6; using that 50mm is equivalent to 30mm, and 60mm=36mm.

[Uncle Goose]

I love my 50mm and since you already have the 75 and the 150 I strongly suggest to get this wide-angle. Once you got this one I don't think you need any other lenses, sure you could throw in a 250 or so later on but I don't even use my 150 that much, let alone a 250.

[Steve Smith]

My favourite ETRS lens is the 50mm. I also have the 75mm. If I were to get another lens it would be 150mm. That should cover everything I would ever need.


Steve.

[c.w.]

I've got the 150 f3.5 PE, 75 EII, and 50 PE. The 50 is a great lens - my only issue is that i find it a little hard to get perfect focus when using it in really dark conditions, but it's hard to fault the lens on that.

I had been planning on getting some extension tubes for my 150, but the 110 macro looks mighty tempting since i'd probably rather have something a little shorter than 150 most of the time, not to mention my 150 is a bit flat and a touch soft wide open (which is mostly gone at 5.6, but i shoot in low light essentially all the time).