Bronica EC and EC-TL waist level finder

[Simon Benton]

Does anyone know if the waist level finder from the Bronica EC also fits the EC-TL and functions correctly? Any info. gratefully received.

 

[Trask]

Wish I could help, but I only have an S2 and an EC-TL. I too would like to know the answer.

 

[Alan Gales]

I've never owned a TL. I've owned several EC's. I would think that the waist level finders would be the same for both cameras. I don't know that for sure though. As cheap as they are, I would just try it.

 

[choiliefan]

It should fit being it was designed for EC-series cameras. Same with EC backs.
Those chimney finders are great.

 

[hsandler]

I note that Bronica apparently introduced a new and improved waist-level finder at some point in the EC-TL's life cycle; however, that does not necessarily mean the one from the EC isn't compatible. http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Bronica_EC

 

[rubbernglue]

Yes it will fit.

EDIT: If you refer to this statement: "A noticeable improvement is the included waist level viewfinder had been changed a bit from the previous model." I think they menant that the earlier S2A was different. For which I know the EC is not meant as earlier version of the EC-TL, but pretty much only cheaper/simpler and lacks the TL metering.

 

[itsdoable]

I have an EC-TL only, but I do have 2 different waist level finders for it.

The newer one on the right has the magnifier lower and sealed against the baffle, and the release slider (the slider on the top with the arrow) is plastic as opposed to metal. I use the older one (on the left).

 

[Simon Benton]

Thank you for all the replies. Someone is sending me an EC waist level finder so I should have a definite answer very soon.

 

[Simon Benton]

The WLF from the Bronica EC does fit the Bronica EC-TL I have. Thanks for all the replies

 

[moto-uno]

So how do you like your EC-TL ? I was considering getting one after a pleasurable experience with an old S2 . I feel
for you in Ottawa this year . Lived there for 35 years before moving to B.C. Peter

 

[Simon Benton]

I have used the EC-TL for quite a few years and like it for a number of reasons. Relatively light weight and can be used hand held, good range of lenses available at a reasonable cost, film backs readily available, clear viewfinder. A big plus for me is that due to the focal plane shutter I can use a variety of non standard lenses. I have an Imagon, Petzval, and Verito I use in a home made mount that works well. These are of course old cameras and spare parts and service can be a big problem if camera develops problems.
Weather here in Ottawa this winter has been bad but my wife and I were fortunate to be able spend February in Florida.

 

[choiliefan]

It's amazing what can be done with the basic focusing helical, extension tubes and a couple bored-out body caps as lens boards.
I use several LF lens on my old Bronica S2A which avails itself of the same lens mount helical and native lenses as the EC series.
Very versatile cameras for the tinkerer.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

The newer WLF for EC-TL improves viewing in bright side light. Older model has magnifier quite a bit above the level of side curtains and bright light from a side can drop right into the viewing experience. So if there is a choice, it is the newer one for that particular difference. otherwise there is no difference as far as camera function goes.

Just received my "new" EC and fell in love the moment it came out of the wrapper. Not sure what all that noise about the ... noise is all about. While it may be noisier than some, nothing too loud one would have expected from some comments all over the net. But this thing looks mint, operates seemingly the same and smooth as butter (and I know butter)

 

[itsdoable]

..... Not sure what all that noise about the ... noise is all about. While it may be noisier than some, nothing too loud one would have expected from some comments all over the net....

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/most-satisfying-shutter-sound.159556/page-3#post-2076144

The S/S2/S2a are the Bronicas that created the "noise", there is a lot happening inside, and it happens fast (low latency), resulting in a load sharp sound. The Hasselblad 2000 cameras actually measure louder. The later EC/EC-TLs have a more drawn out release, and simpler mechanism, resulting in a softer sound.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/most-satisfying-shutter-sound.159556/page-3#post-2076144

The S/S2/S2a are the Bronicas that created the "noise", there is a lot happening inside, and it happens fast (low latency), resulting in a load sharp sound. The Hasselblad 2000 cameras actually measure louder. The later EC/EC-TLs have a more drawn out release, and simpler mechanism, resulting in a softer sound.

All I can say is my EC is smooth, I'm somewhat surprised how smoothly it winds, fires and everything in between. S2 is probably coming one day, but for collection rather than use. This one is great.

 

[cooltouch]

In response to the question about how one likes his EC-TL, I put together a nice EC-TL outfit a number of years ago and honestly, I loved that camera. I sold the outfit during times of not enough money and too much gear. I still miss it. It was a very smooth operating camera and its meter was dead-nuts accurate. I typically shot slides with it, where accurate exposure was critical. About the only drawback I found with it was its slow flash sync speed because of the focal plane shutter. But then most of my stuff was outdoor photography anyway, so the sow flash sync was usually not an issue. I still own a Bronica system -- an ETRSi, which I also really like. But I find that I actually like the convenience of the square format. I'll probably pick up another EC-TL one of these days.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

In response to the question about how one likes his EC-TL, I put together a nice EC-TL outfit a number of years ago and honestly, I loved that camera. I sold the outfit during times of not enough money and too much gear. I still miss it. It was a very smooth operating camera and its meter was dead-nuts accurate. I typically shot slides with it, where accurate exposure was critical. About the only drawback I found with it was its slow flash sync speed because of the focal plane shutter. But then most of my stuff was outdoor photography anyway, so the sow flash sync was usually not an issue. I still own a Bronica system -- an ETRSi, which I also really like. But I find that I actually like the convenience of the square format. I'll probably pick up another EC-TL one of these days.

I got lucky with one EC that looks new (and works as one). Second one is almost there cosmetically and works as beautifully. As with film cameras in general, prices are creeping up on everything. Good price days are all gone and it takes some luck now to find a bargain. Neither of these 2 ECs were bargains nor were they expensive for what they turned out to be. Lens prices for these are all over the place, not sure why that is. Good thing is that Bronica kept the lens mount same from the get go on these (starting with C I think?), so there are quite a few on the market with exception of rarest (like the Carl Zeiss Jena 80, or Zenzanon 80/2.4 and a few long focal lengths).