bronica opinions

[fingel]

I would second David's advice of going with the Hassy or Mamiya RZ/RB. The only medium format lenses that my local camera store rents are for the Hasselblad system. (CF/CFi lenses) If I wanted to drive the 1 hour or so into San Francisco I could probably rent other brands also, but usually I don't want to.
For $2000 you could get a very good condition used body and a great lens from KEH.

[ader]

thanks for your answers, I only started this topic about 10 hours ago...I seem to be undecided as to weather I should go Mamiya or Bronica for pro stuff. I was once told that if enlargements aren't more than 10 x 12 it is hard to tell the difference between the two cameras/lenses...


ta for your time

ade...

[David A. Goldfarb]

I think that's true. All the modern lenses are pretty good these days.

The issue I was pointing to is really a more practical one. If you need, say, an ultrawide lens or a 500mm lens or a digital back, this is a pretty expensive proposition in general for most medium format systems in current production, but in most major US cities, you can rent those lenses for Hassy or Mamiya RB/RZ, but not for Bronica. Worldwide, it's probably easier to rent equipment for Hassy than Mamiya.

For me the attraction of the older Bronica S2A system is that I can own a complete system with a full range of lenses from 40mm to 500mm, accessories, backs, and an extra body for about the cost of a new Hassy and two lenses, but I'm not depending on this for my income, and I'm not interested in acquiring a digital back.

[glbeas]

I've been using a SQA, together with an 80mm and a 50mm (both earlier "S" versions) for the last 2 weeks! I bought the complete outfit, together with a 120 back,a plain prism and correct lens hoods on THAT auction site (in the UK). The outfit is in lovely condition and I only paid £650 UK Pounds for the lot. I have just developed 3 rolls of black and white film - Ilford Delta 100. I AM IMPRESSED!! The quality of the lenses FAR exceeds what I was expecting. The camera handles well both on and off the tripod and is well built. I'm sure I'll find some "quirks" as I use it more, but at the moment I'm very pleased. As for going pro? I would be inclined to invest in a used Hasselblad if funds allow. I was looking for a MF set up to run alongside a 5x4 system, the SQA fitted the bill. But if I was turning pro then I would opt for the hasselblad. BUT - the camera won't make you a better photographer! If you find a good used Bronica then give it a try and see how you get on. If you decide on one then look for the SQAi.

You might want to look at a Speed Grip for it, makes it handle more like a 35mm SLR with the thumb advance film winder. It also has a hot shoe on it for small flash units and couples the flash directly to the camera.
As far as pro work, plenty of wedding photogs use Bronicas with no problems.

[Nige]

Do these cameras have instant return mirrors? How does the leaf shutter work in relation to the viewfinder, mirror and exposure? I'm used to my Mamiya acting like a clunky SLR and want a camera with the same 'convienience'

anyone?

[glbeas]

Mirrors do not instant return, the reset as the film is wound. Shutter operation is pretty seamless, recocks with film wind. Shutter closes, mirror flips up, shutter fires, wind film and everything resets. The blackout is not very inconvenient as the film winding is about second nature after shooting, I hardly notice it.

[Nige]

thanks Gary.. I can live with that!

[Robert Kennedy]

I use the ETRsi, and before that the ETR.

I HIGHLY recommend it.

First off, it is cheap. If you are willing to do some shopping, you can get Bronica stuff cheap. Also, the ETR system has been stable since it was introduced. There isn't much that doesn't work on one body that doesn't work on another.

[David A. Goldfarb]

By the way, for all things Bronica, check out Bob Monaghan's website:

http://medfmt.8k.com/bronica.html

And the two Bronica discussion groups on Yahoo!Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bronica/?yguid=41266402

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BronicaPro/

The first group tends toward the earlier models (Z through EC-TL) and the second group toward the later models (ETR, ETRS, SQa, SQb, GS-1, etc.).

[paul owen]

My SQA does not have an instant return mirror. The mirror lowers once the shutter is cocked. I use the SQA tripod mounted and also use the mirror lock-up - speed is not important to me! The lenses for the SQ have the shutter mounted in them, but the shutter speed is set on the camera body. I think you are probably referring to the Mamiya where the shutter is in the camera body. In this case, if you were using a leaf-shutter lens then the focal plane shutter would be opened on B/T and then the exposure made using the lens shutter. Hope this helps?