Bronica ETRS for $200, or a Kowa Super 66?

Obtong · Apr 18, 2009

Hi. Someone locally is selling a Bronica ETRS 645, 120 Back, Dark Slide, Waist Level Finder, 75mm f/2/8 Zenzanon lens, Lens cap and Lens Hood for $200. The camera looks in very good condition and I am told it has given the owner no problems. I have a Kowa Super 66 but find it bulky and awkward to use; the Bronica seems like a better camera to me. Should I give this offer some serious consideration or should I let it pass?

Thanks,
~Dom

Nick Zentena · Apr 19, 2009

Check what keh is selling them for now. You might get the newer model for that. The price is the only issue I can think of.

fschifano · Apr 19, 2009

I've just checked the prices at KEH, and no way are you going to beat the $200 price point of the local offering. If everything is in good shape, it's a bargain. But be sure that you can check it out in person. KEH has a no questions asked return policy if the item is not to your satisfaction, and that is worth something.

paul ron · Apr 19, 2009

$200 is a good price. Just keep an eye out for a prism of any kind, almost a must have on ETRS costing another $50.

As an added item, a speed grip is not really needed but nice to have, another $50.

BTW sell your Kowa for what this Bronica will cost you... almost a trade deal, both good cameras.

Keith Tapscott. · Apr 19, 2009

Obtong said:
Hi. Someone locally is selling a Bronica ETRS 645, 120 Back, Dark Slide, Waist Level Finder, 75mm f/2/8 Zenzanon lens, Lens cap and Lens Hood for $200. The camera looks in very good condition and I am told it has given the owner no problems. I have a Kowa Super 66 but find it bulky and awkward to use; the Bronica seems like a better camera to me. Should I give this offer some serious consideration or should I let it pass?

Thanks,
~Dom

The ETRS + 75mm. Then you can buy my lovely condition 150mm PE series lens to go with it. (hint hint) I no longer own a Bronica Camera, so I am stuck with a lens that I can no longer use.

paul ron · Apr 19, 2009

Well post the price?.. maybe a pic and a description? Once he gets his hands on the ETRS, he'll buy everything you have to offer.

Obtong · Apr 19, 2009

I may be able to negotiate the price a little lower, which is making the offer all the more tempting. However, with this being a 6x4.5, and not having had any experience with a 6x4.5 with a WLF, I am wondering if I will find the inability to make a vertical picture limiting With the Kowa 66 this was never an issue/concern.

~Dom

archphoto · Apr 19, 2009

Get the handgrip for it aswell: it works great !

Peter

Addition: an and prism and some lenses and you have a wonderfull set......

paul ron · Apr 19, 2009

Try lowering the price by $50 so you can get a prism. It seems crazy to buy cameras of this caliber so cheap, almost a give away. The lens alone once cost 4X that amount.

BTW The prism is much brighter, easier to focus and makes portrait shots a snap.

Toffle · Apr 19, 2009

paul ron said:
Try lowering the price by $50 so you can get a prism. It seems crazy to buy cameras of this caliber so cheap, almost a give away. The lens alone once cost 4X that amount.

BTW The prism is much brighter, easier to focus and makes portrait shots a snap.

Just a little note on differing perspectives, I enjoyed my GS-1 with the prism, but I couldn't wait to switch a WLF onto my kit. (but now I have the option of either)

Sounds like a pretty good deal. See what you can work out with the seller. Fro what it's worth, the Bronica lenses are very (very) good.

Cheers,

Robert Brummitt · Apr 20, 2009

If this is the dude in Portland, Oregon? I tried to get him to lower that price to $150 but he wants $180. Sounds like a great deal!

paul ron · Apr 20, 2009

$180 is still a great price. Go for it! The ETRS is a nice camera n the lenses are great.

Obtong · Apr 20, 2009

OK. I made an offer and am waiting for a reply. I'll keep you posted.
~Dom

Robert Brummitt · Apr 20, 2009

There is another one in the Seattle craigslist.
I almost bought a RB67 for 200 but it got away from me>
Darn!

Obtong · Apr 21, 2009

I guess I'll be sticking with my Kowa Super 66. Not a bad little camera really...
~Dom

Bronica ETRS for $200, or a Kowa Super 66?

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