Any technician that services Bronica SQ-A?

Marcelo Paniagua

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2016
Messages
1,273
Location
Calexico, CA
Format
Multi Format
Hello

I'm currently deciding on my next 6x6 SLR system. My initial options are:

a) Hasselblad
b) Bronica SQ-A
c)Kiev 88 (more on this)
d)Forget and stay with my current Mamiya C330 kit (4 lens) and Rolleiflex.

Bronica cameras looks pretty good but my main concern is their electronics and fact that I don't see much people that is willing to repair. Are there anyone aware of a place I can repair them?

On the Hasselblad they look great but will be limited to fewer lenses. Also, Really like Wide lenses (30/45mm) and they seem pretty expensive so my kit would be not that enjoyable.

I had good experiences with Kiev 88 and have some lenses (7 lenses from 30mm to 150mm). Currently there is a guy in Ukraine that fixes them and that put at some piece of mind.

Currently I'm using mainly C330, Rolleiflex 2.8C and Bronica ETL. No problems with ETL, since I got two working bodies and good assortment of bodies.

Bronica seems the better option bu only concern is repair.

So, after all this ranting, anyone cares to recommend anyone that repairs Bronica?
 

removedacct2

Member
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
366

I won't recommend repairmen specialized in Bronica from personal experience because I never had the need for. I have two Bronica S2, so the older ones purely mechanical, before the SQ-A.
I have also couple Salyut, ie the models from the 60's and 70's, before the Kiev-88.

that said, many repairmen from the pre-digital era did work on whatever mechanical camera, and the last generation of apprentices that they formed are still around. Most repairshops do advertise themselves on their domestic market/language, which means they won't be visible on the yanquisphere. I can think of different places but in Europe, which would be costly for you (postal fees + customs). If like your profile writes you are in Mexico, did you search google.mx for ~ "reparación de cámaras (fotográficas) antiguas"
 

Wayne

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Joined
Jul 8, 2005
Messages
3,584
Location
USA
Format
Large Format
There's a medium format repair person (if not more than one) not far from you in the LA area, but I don't remember their name. Its on one of the threads here and I'm sure somebody knows. I'm sure it can be found with some searching but I don't know if they do Bronica electronics or not.
 

polka

Member
Joined
May 1, 2008
Messages
167
Format
Medium Format
did you mean bronica ECTL ? their lenses are not compatible with those of the SQ-A ; but they fit also on the S2 and S2A and these camera are purely mechanical thus maybe easier to service than electronics.
polka
 

fabulousrice

Member
Joined
Mar 19, 2020
Messages
449
Location
Los Angeles
Format
35mm

You are right in assuming that Bronicas are are to find repairs-people for.
But they're a good and affordable brand nowadays. I think you should go with one of their electronics-less bodies, like the C2 which if I'm not mistaken doesn't use batteries so there's less risks of the camera becoming damaged from electronics being fidgety.
 
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