Bronica ETRS problems

dugrant153 · Mar 10, 2011

Dang... so I got a roll of film back and some shots turned out blank

I suspect the issue is with the body.

I checked:
a) the battery check red LED responds and turns on when I press the test button.
b) the mirror fires fine.
c) winding and cocking are fine.

I looked at the leaf shutter movement and noticed that the leaf shutter is not moving all the time. It's very random. I'll shoot a few shots and I can see the leaf shutter "blink". But then every few shots, and sometimes a few in a row, there's no leaf shutter movement.

Sometimes, when I juggle the lens while on the lens mount, it finally clicks.

Umm... I'm kind of lost. I love this camera and every piece I add keeps making it better but... needing some suggestions!

haplo602 · Mar 11, 2011

take the lens off and fire it manualy a few times, see if the mechanical 1/500 speed is fine. then attach an empty back, open it, remove insert and dark slide, switch to multi exposure and fire away at all speeds and appertures (lots of combinations). note down the speeds that show issues.

but, first clean the lens and bayonet contacts.

dugrant153 · Mar 11, 2011

hmm... I did something similar to what you suggested and did vary speeds and backs-on/backs-off, etc. I just kind of misfired whenever. Nothing consistent.

Is there a proper way to clean the lens and bayonet contacts? Blower or a brush? That's the part I haven't done yet.

lxdude · Mar 11, 2011

Clean the contacts with alcohol on a bit of lint free thin cloth. Scrub them gently with the cloth. Don't use an eraser or other abrasive as the contacts are plated.

mr.datsun · Apr 9, 2011

dugrant153 ,

did you solve this?

I just had the first 8 shots blank on one roll in my ETRSi. It started working with the same lens a week later with the shutter firing on the next two frames before I swapped the lens and then all frames after with the other lens. I'll try what haplo602 says.

dugrant153 · Apr 9, 2011

mr.datsun said:
dugrant153 ,

did you solve this?

I just had the first 8 shots blank on one roll in my ETRSi. It started working with the same lens a week later with the shutter firing on the next two frames before I swapped the lens and then all frames after with the other lens. I'll try what haplo602 says.

The thing to check is the "red light" on the bottom left or bottom right corner since that will signal if (1) the battery is operational (2) the leaf shutter in the lens is firing.

I did some tests without film and noticed that the "red light" was not going off. It works now. I think in the end, it was that my lens was not attaching properly for some reason or another. It's all good now, but I will try to keep the contacts clean for future use.

mr.datsun · Apr 10, 2011

dugrant153 said:
The thing to check is the "red light" on the bottom left or bottom right corner since that will signal if (1) the battery is operational (2) the leaf shutter in the lens is firing.

I did some tests without film and noticed that the "red light" was not going off. It works now. I think in the end, it was that my lens was not attaching properly for some reason or another. It's all good now, but I will try to keep the contacts clean for future use.

I didn't look at the light but went through the whole shutter range with the back off. I could see the shutter opening on all of them. I'll clean the contacts as you say and hope that solves it. I'm going to try and keep an eye on the red light whilst shooting for a while.

dugrant153 · Apr 11, 2011

try "dry firing" the body without the back attached, or use an empty back. I usually push the multiple exposure switch and take out the dark slide so the camera will fire regardless of film or not.

I take a few "shots" and see if the red light consistently comes on or not. If not, I know there's a problem. Once it the red light comes on consistently, then I feel okay. Even these days, I try to keep an eye on that red light.

Also double check the battery! Maybe it's drained?

wiltw · Apr 11, 2011

I have a Bronica system with two bodies which I purchased (in the 1990's) new, along with new film backs. I also bought some used backs and used inserts, to be able to change quickly in the middle of wedding coverage. I had ONE used film back which caused my bodies to exhibit the intermittant shutter failure to open.

I sent one body along with the back to Bronica service, and they discovered that the interlock pin in the used back was too long...it would protrude into the body a bit too far, and that would prevent the reflex mirror from swinging up fully, thereby preventing the shutter from firing! They shortened the interlock pin in the film back, and all was well.

moto-uno · Apr 13, 2011

Well this has got my attention,being the owner of three Bronica Etr(s)(si) cameras.I just happen to work in Coquitlam.I'd be willing to lend him(dugrant153) whatever he'd like.Regards,Peter

dugrant153 · Apr 13, 2011

moto-uno, shoot me a PM I'd be interested in seeing what I could borrow, although I'm pretty happy right now with my setup (might need a few 120 inserts so I don't have to reload film after I blast through 15 shots).

wiltw, interesting about the film back. I'll have to look into that.

moto-uno · Apr 13, 2011

Hi dugrant153
Can't access the PM,so, I work at Ivers Custom Cycles on Brunette Ave,number's in the phone book and it's between Lougheed and Hwy 1.I'm there Tue to Sat.Give me a call if I can help.
Regards Peter

haplo602 · Apr 14, 2011

the red light signals the END of the exposure (when the shutter finaly closes). it's a good help with longer exposures, since the mirror does not return to signal end of exposure

of course the battery indication is described in the manual.

Bronica ETRS problems

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