Bronica etr-c ( anyone ever use one )

canongary · Jul 17, 2020

just wondering,has anyone ever used or have any experience using a Bronica etr-c camera. have an opportunity to purches one but i see hardly any talk of this version. all it is is etr,etrs,etrsi .from what i see it is the same but no removable back like a mamiya m645. pretty interested in this camera , super clean but need some additional info.
if anyone can give me any help it would be appreciated
thanks -- gary

voceumana · Jul 17, 2020

See: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Bronica_ETR

The ETR-c, as you indicate, does not have a removeable back, but does provide for removeable inserts, so you can't change mid-roll, but can quickly install a fresh insert for quick reload.

Dan Daniel · Jul 17, 2020

I don't have direct experience of that model. But it sure looks like an ETR with a modified back, nothing more. So I would read up on the ETR, issues and problem and relaibility. And assume that the ETR-C will be pretty much the same?

My use of an ETR never involved switching backs, so an ETR-C would have been fine for me. The thing to watch for with any camera of htis age is a combination of old seals and gummed up grease, with possible hard use. They aere popular cameras with wedding photogaphers so many have been ridden hard, so to speak. Then again, an old camera that hasn't been used can be gummed up, etc. Check the battery compartment, and be sure to test with a fresh battery.

canongary · Jul 17, 2020

Thanks for getting back to me. As you probably know pictures look great until you see it in person.it does look very good so I think I'll explore it a little further.i have read that are backs are light seal nightmares? So im thinking a camera like the mamiya m645 with only a cover should eliminate that little quirk. I'll let you know what happens.
Thanks Gary

grat · Jul 17, 2020

If the SQ-A I picked up is any indication, the ETR-C, being a pretty recent camera, should be in good shape.

MarkS · Jul 17, 2020

I used a Bronica ETR-S when i worked for a portrait studio chain, mostly shooting High school group portraits for the yearbook. An excellent working camera, and regretted giving it back when I left that job. However... that was 39 years ago. So if you want an ETR-C, make sure that it's in good working condition and not worn out. I'll also recommend the Speed Grip with wind lever- absolutely necessary in my opinion.

canongary · Jul 18, 2020

I believe he has a speed grip available also.might be a good upgrade to have.ill have to check.
Thanks Gary

neilt3 · Jul 18, 2020

I use an ETRS and an ETRSi , there all essentially the same camera .
As said the main difference is that you can't change backs mid roll .
To me that's a big drawback .
When I'm out with these cameras I'll probably have a normal B&W film ( FP4 or hp5 ) , a Rollei Infrared and possibly a C41 .
Unless the camera was ridiculously cheep compared to the models with interchangeable backs , I wouldn't bother .
But then if when you go out you only ever want one type of film with you , then this wouldn't matter anyway .
A lot if my medium format shooting is done on the ETRSI or Kiev 88 for this reason , but I do do quite a bit with TLRs .
In which case I'll probably have two cameras with me , not necessarily both 120 though .

abruzzi · Jul 18, 2020

canongary said:
i have read that are backs are light seal nightmares?

Never heard that, at least not with the Bronica. I've heard of issues with early RB67s and Hasselblads, but of the 6 used backs I've bought for my ETRSi, I've never encountered a light leak in several hundred rolls of film. Thats not to say not to get the ETR-C, but simply don't be afraid of the removable back versions.

canongary · Jul 19, 2020

An ETRSI just popped up locally and i will try to get to see it.they dont last long seemingly here today gone tomorrow syndrome.and it is very reasonable in price.i know all of these camera's are sort of a crap shoot.they are old and i expect problems and my problem is that i inspect all aspects of the camera before purchase,invariably waiting too long and it's gone.i just seem to think this ETR-C is being overlooked because everyone wants the ETRSI instead.
My journey continues though.
thanks for all the input
gary

neilt3 · Jul 19, 2020

Between the two , it really does boil down to if you ever want to change films mid roll .
If you only ever shoot one emulsion , then the ETR-C would work fine for you .
I've never come across them that much cheaper than the ones with removable film backs that the asking price overcomes that handicap .

Bronica etr-c ( anyone ever use one )

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