Bronica 110mm 4.0 Macro Lens Question

[Richard Pippin]

On a fluke I just bought a Bronco 110 for my SQ-A. Hasn't arrived yet, but in trying to find out info on it I come up empty. Like I said, on a fluke. The price was right and I decided to take a gamble. I've used Bronica SQ-A systems for years and have been more than pleased with the results from this system. What I'm looking for here is any feedback from people who have actually used this lens and their actual experience with this lens. It was listed as a 4.0, not a 4.5, so we'll see.

 

[abruzzi]

I don't have an SQ system, but I expect that it is very similar, maybe even optically identical, to the GS-1, 110mm ƒ4 macro lens. I use that as the normal on my GS-1 and have been very pleased with it, but I'm not a lens snob.

As I understand it, the ƒ4.5 lens goes to 1:1 whereas the ƒ4 lens only goes to 1:4 on its own, and needs an extension tube to get to 1:1.

 

[hirudin]

I had the GS-1 with the 110mm macro for several years, a great lens! I even used with an extension tube to photograph subjects less than 1cm full frame and it was razor sharp on enlargement. I sadly had to sell my GS-1 system to pay some bills, but as soon as I can I'll be getting another.

 

[MattKing]

For the OP's sake, I hope it isn't actually the 110mm macro for the GS-1.
Of course, that might give him the excuse to buy another camera .

 

[DWThomas]

I have the f/4.5 1:1 version for my SQ-A and I find it a very satisfying hunk of metal and glass. It seems fine for long normal/short telephoto use as well as macro. I believe abruzzi is correct about the 4:1 for f/4 vs 1:1 for f/4.5 magnification. The earlier 'S' series lenses offered a 105mm f/3.5, but I've no experience with that either. In general the PS lenses are excellent and later production so the shutters will be newer, a good thing.

The f/4 has fewer elements so with that and a reduced range for the focusing mechanics it is lighter to cart around (685g vs 940g).. The weight of the f/4.5 1:1 is certainly not trivial, but I tend toward tripod use so weight is not a big deal. (Hey -- I save gym membership! )

Have fun with it!

 

[Richard Pippin]

Thanks for all the replies. It should arrive this afternoon, so I'll know for sure whether I bought the 4.0 or the 4.5. If it's the 4.5 I'll renew my gym membership.