Anyone Still Using Bronica?

DWThomas · Nov 22, 2019

Of course I'm still using Bronica -- I have two working SQ-A bodies (plus one that may be a parts source), an assortment of PS lenses, four backs (one currently out of service), and an assortment of non-metered viewfinders. I consider it my "most serious" gear. Though I do admit that since I added a nice Yashica 124G to the pile here, I use it a lot for traveling less encumbered.

I even have a home brew pinhole body cap for it!

johnha · Nov 23, 2019

I have an S2A with the 75mm and SQ-B (50, 65, 80, 150 & 200 lenses). There's quite a lot of Bronica gear available in the UK (it was half the price of a blad, often came with an extra film back for free and a lot less hassle). I could never have built the SQ system I have by going blad.

polka · Nov 23, 2019

My S2 has a 50mm and a 75mm both Nikkors and a 150mm Zenzanon. My GS has only its normal 100mm.
I prefer the S2 for its "Cadillac look" and its instant return mirror (and the simplicity of the lenses - because of the focal plane shutter).
But I like also to use the GS. There is a Bronica group here, but it is not much used ! (like many other groups).
POLKa

papagene · Nov 23, 2019

My Bronica S2a has been my most used camera for the last few years. I have the 75mm Nikkor and 150 mm Zenzanon, 2 backs and an extra insert, wlf and prism finder.

Dave Ludwig · Nov 24, 2019

Have a GS1 with hard to find 80mm, great lens, great camera. Hand hold all the time in the street, only wish they had made a motor for it.

R.Gould · Nov 24, 2019

I have an Etrs and it seems industracable. it has been used and abised over many years and still takes lovely photos, wouldn't part with it

mooseontheloose · Nov 24, 2019

I used my SQAi system for many years, but it has been years since I last used it. Most of my photography is travel-related, and I found I kept paring back the system until I was just using the 80mm and one back. Since I wasn't using it for the reasons I originally bought (and used it for) - having multiple lenses/plus backs for different films/speeds, I reverted back to using a TLR (Autocord or Rolleicord) for my travels, as they are a lot lighter and take up less space (which means I can bring more film).

That said, I have thought about taking it out for a spin recently, if only to make sure it's still working!

dynachrome · Nov 24, 2019

ETR and ETRS bodies, SQ-A and SQ-AM bodies and GS-1 bodies, many lenses and accessories. An SQ-A with a 50 S lens was used last month with a roll of Portra 400.

Cholentpot · Nov 24, 2019

S2 not A, I hear it's a ticking time bomb. Too bad, I use mine for a few rolls a year. Sounds like a firecracker going off when you cock it. Took some getting used to. It's a lovely heavy camera.

Shutter might be going now that I look at this...

flavio81 · Nov 25, 2019

Just bought an ETRSi yesterday!! Will report later. This is my first Bronica camera ever -- i have had many medium format camera brands (mamiya, rollei, pentax, zeiss ikon, etc).

Loved how it felt in my hands and the small size. Haven't shoot any film yet with it!

RedSun · Nov 26, 2019

All lines of Bronica are solid. ETR-Si is small and GS-1 is large....

Tony-S · Nov 30, 2019

GS-1 for me. AE Finder, speed grip, 6x7, 6x6, 6x4.5 backs, 50mm (a real gem), 65mm, 100mm, 110mm macro, 150mm, 200mm and 250mm. Need to shoot more with it but work has kept me rather busy for the last few years.

Avalanche Creek 1, Glacier National Park by Tony, on Flickr

Snake River Overlook, Grand Teton National Park by Tony, on Flickr

Portrait
by Tony, on Flickr

Sirius Glass · Nov 30, 2019

Tony-S said:
GS-1 for me. AE Finder, speed grip, 6x7, 6x6, 6x4.5 backs, 50mm (a real gem), 65mm, 100mm, 110mm macro, 150mm, 200mm and 250mm. Need to shoot more with it but work has kept me rather busy for the last few years.

Avalanche Creek 1, Glacier National Park by Tony, on Flickr

Snake River Overlook, Grand Teton National Park by Tony, on Flickr

Portrait
by Tony, on Flickr

When I retired I found that I was so busy that I could not figure out how I got anything done when I was working.

moto-uno · Nov 30, 2019

^ +1 . "Tony-S , obviously , not your first time with a camera " , Peter

Alan Gales · Nov 30, 2019

johnha said:
I have an S2A with the 75mm and SQ-B (50, 65, 80, 150 & 200 lenses). There's quite a lot of Bronica gear available in the UK (it was half the price of a blad, often came with an extra film back for free and a lot less hassle). I could never have built the SQ system I have by going blad.

Here you go.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-EXC-5...717071?hash=item521b06510f:g:J2kAAOSwoMRcsJmB

I used to have one of these for my EC cameras. I loved it. When I sold my Bronica gear the 40mm went to a collector. If I remember correctly it was his sixth 40mm lens. I don't know the Seller but I sold mine for $400 several years ago and it wasn't as nice cosmetically as this one. They are hard to find and worth the money!

jwd722 · Nov 30, 2019

I've had my S2 for a little over a year now. Love it! I've put about 25 rolls of film through it, all b/w with an orange filter. 50mm, 75mm and 150mm lenses, 75 is probably my most used.
A few months ago it took a 6ft. drop right on the wlf. Bent that thing something awful and shattered the focus screen, everything still works fine though. New parts are on their way from Japan in about 10 days to 2 weeks.
The noise it makes isn't all that bad in my opinion, my RB67 seems just as loud, which, btw, is seeing more use due to the damaged S2. I've even added a Graflex RH/12 back so I can still shoot 6x6.

GRHazelton · Nov 30, 2019

jwd722 said:
I've had my S2 for a little over a year now. Love it! I've put about 25 rolls of film through it, all b/w with an orange filter. 50mm, 75mm and 150mm lenses, 75 is probably my most used.
A few months ago it took a 6ft. drop right on the wlf. Bent that thing something awful and shattered the focus screen, everything still works fine though. New parts are on their way from Japan in about 10 days to 2 weeks.
The noise it makes isn't all that bad in my opinion, my RB67 seems just as loud, which, btw, is seeing more use due to the damaged S2. I've even added a Graflex RH/12 back so I can still shoot 6x6.

"New parts on their way from Japan"?????? New, as in new to you, or New Old Stock? Please publish your source so the rest of us Bronica S2 and S2a owners can share in the good news!

The S2a is one of those cameras, like the Konica IIIa, which feels solid and massive enough to make a fine defensive weapon. Just be sure to have a STRONG neck strap!

jwd722 · Nov 30, 2019

OMG! New to me! Happy now?

cobbu2 · Nov 30, 2019

I have an old ETR that still soldiers on, working flawlessly. I also have an ETRS that I’m making my primary 645 system with the ETR as a backup.

And then there’s my circa-1961 Bronica S (not a S2) that I just had refurbished by Frank Marshman that works good as new. I used that during my trip to Banff NP this past August.

Cascade Mountain, Fujichrome Velvia 100

Klaus_H · Dec 1, 2019

Since more than 20 years I am using a BRONICA SQ system.
2 SQ/A bodies, 2 SA/B bodies 1 SQ/Ai body - I prefer the SQ/A
8 120 film cassettes
2 135 W cassettes
40, 50, 65, 80, 110, 150, 180, 250, 500, 50-100(zoom) mm lenses
The BRONICA cameras and lenses perform perfect.
For there are no more spareparts available, I did stock up with bodies and film cassetes.

dynachrome · Dec 1, 2019

I haven't spoken to Frank Marshman in a few years ans would like to get in touch with him. Can you post his contact info? The last time I was in Banff was in 1973, traveling with my parents.

Tony-S · Dec 1, 2019

Sirius Glass said:
When I retired I found that I was so busy that I could not figure out how I got anything done when I was working.

Yeah, it seems I'm perpetually behind. Hope to retire a few years early. Ready to get back into photography and spend a lot of time in Europe and Asia.

moto-uno said:
^ +1 . "Tony-S , obviously , not your first time with a camera " , Peter

Thanks much. Lucky to live where I do. Lots of opportunities in the neighborhood.

images39 · Dec 1, 2019

I bought an SQ-Ai a few years ago, as I had a hankering to try the square format. It sat unused for a couple of years, and seemed to be underexposing everything. I replaced the batteries, which took care of the underexposure, and have started working with it recently. I'm really liking the negatives from this camera, and now I need to look for a wide angle lens (I only have the 80). Would also love a 135W back, but apparently they're quite rare.

Dale

cobbu2 · Dec 1, 2019

dynachrome said:
I haven't spoken to Frank Marshman in a few years ans would like to get in touch with him. Can you post his contact info? The last time I was in Banff was in 1973, traveling with my parents.

Frank can be reached at camerawiz@msn.com . I wasn’t sure he was still servicing Bronicas, but he did a great job in getting my ‘S’ up to speed, hopefully it’ll last a long time. This was about 10 to 11 months ago. He did mention before he worked on it that, at least for the ‘S’ model anyway, his supply of parts is dwindling, sourced only by a number of donor cameras. I ran at least 15 rolls of 220 through that camera on the Banff trip and it didn’t miss a beat.

I loved Banff and we visited Yoho NP as well. The landscape is absolutely stunning; we plan on returning and take in Jasper NP also.

Dennis-B · Dec 2, 2019

I bought one last year because I like the design; it came with the 80mm f/2.8, a 220 back, and WL finder. Since then, I've added a 150mm, 110mm macro, a 50mm, and the AE finder. I've also added a couple of 120 backs, since inserts are scarce. My set up is similar to my Hasselblad 500 C/M. I've shot test rolls with both cameras set up side-by-side, and to be honest, I can't tell a lot of difference in image quality.

Like others, I like to keep my like for the Bronica on the "down low". If too many people find out how good they are, prices will go through the roof.

Anyone Still Using Bronica?

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