Bronica ETR film backs

Another visible clue to the later backs (with lock tabs) is the locks for the film inserts has the small arrow in a circle .
This should make a search easier if the serial numbers aren't visible . Peter

moto-uno said:

Another visible clue to the later backs (with lock tabs) is the locks for the inserts has the small arrow in a circle .
This should make a search easier if the serial numbers aren't visible . Peter

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Well, if people like to mix those film backs, then all you have said has no use...

I always market my films and film backs. When in doubts, take the back to your dark bag to check....

Possibly , (if one had less knowledge of these backs) the pictures would allow them to verify that if they wanted backs with locking dark slides, then this would be of some assistance
Hope this clarifies it . Peter

moto-uno said:

So as a follow up , the two backs on the left have a serial # starting with 35 . The right arrow indicates the tab that locks the dark slides that have a small notch . The tab on the
left hand side is also metal instead of plastic , as on the right hand back with serial # starting with 31 . The dark slides without the notch fit well in both backs , but don't lock with
the backs off , so be careful.

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All very helpful, thanks.

^ Thanks , and I must mention that I incorrectly stated the serial #'s , the newer backs started with the #83 and the earlier ones ( without the dark slide locking tab) started with the #81.
Something to do with New Years , Peter

moto-uno said:

^ Thanks , and I must mention that I incorrectly stated the serial #'s , the newer backs started with the #83 and the earlier ones ( without the dark slide locking tab) started with the #81.
Something to do with New Years , Peter

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Hanging out here to clear hangover is not so bad though

moto-uno said:

Another visible clue to the later backs (with lock tabs) is the locks for the film inserts has the small arrow in a circle .
This should make a search easier if the serial numbers aren't visible . Peter

Click to expand...

All great stuff. The interesting part is that as parts can be swapped without visible clues they were, given the age of them, there is a high chance of finding many that are no longer with originally designated parts. All his helps figure out what to watch out for.

While I would definitely try to swap inserts/dark slides if I had a case of having 2 backs but neither working or say "looking" good enough, I'd still take a back with as produced configuration over any follow up "new" versions. Since Bronicas were widely used by wedding photographers, they had tons of backs and surely may wound up with dark slides and inserts that did not come together. This could be part of some reported problems with purchased used backs.