Bronica ETRSi hand holding capability

[Neil54]

Hi,

I am interested in getting a medium format camera, that would allow hand held shots in most circumastances, and not weigh so much it is prohibitive to carry around all day! I am in interestaed in the bronica, as they are available at a fairly low price, as I am on a fairly tight budget (student) . My other medium format camera is a Pentax 67, which doesn't really lend itself to this kind of thing.

Also, how close do the standard and wide angle lenses focus on the ETRSi system?

Thanks in advance.
Neil.

 

[Nick Zentena]

With a grip attached the ETRSI is fairly easy to hold IMHO.

You can still download the manual from the Tamron website. IIRC the manual includes a chart with all the lens info. Also the info is on the website. The only lens likely missing is the old 105 non macro.

http://www.tamron.com/bronica/prod/etrsi_lens.asp

http://www.tamron.com/assets/pdfs/ETRSi.pdf

 

[David Henderson]

Well it depends what you want to shoot, how sharp you want te photographs to be, and what film you use. There's no reason why you can't hand-hold a ETRSi, but it will be easier with a Speedgrip, and in my experience I'd be looking for at least 1/60 second and ideally faster. At these speeds you can expect sharp enough to print but not the best that the camera could give you on a tripod.

Bronicas aren't really heavy. Its adding a whole series of lenses, a prism and spare backs that adds weight and bulk. A "bare bones" system isn't any more weighty than a top of range 35mm.

 

[Solarize]

I regularly shoot hand-held and find it very comfortable when using a speed grip and prism. If I weren't using the prism I don't think I'd bother with the Speedgrip mind you.

Start with the basic body, back, lens and add to it if required. I think it's a great system.

 

[copake_ham]

These are the kinds of thread that are going to drive me to getting that darned Nikon 9000D scanner!

The other week while in Tucson I loaded up my ETRSi and just to be sure things were working, I did a quickie hand held (I use the speed grip).

I then went out to Suagaro East for a hike and used it on the monopod.

Truth be told, the handheld shot is full of camera shake - the monopods are fine.

Perhaps you're steadier than I am - but while I would use my ETRSi handheld if absolutely necessary - I don't think it is the best way to appreciate this camera.

 

[Photo Engineer]

I have a tremor in my hands, but I still find the ETRSi fine for hand held work outdoors. I use the manual or motor drive units, which make it easier to hold. I have 2 bodies and lots of lenses and backs including the 500 mm lens and the 2x telextender. Now THAT I use on a tripod.

PE

 

[Ole]

I finally bought a speed grip this year, after shooting my ETRS hand held for the past 16 years without one.

Closest focus for all my lenses - 40mm, 75mm and 150mm - correspond to filling the frame with an A4 paper sheet.

 

[Steve Smith]

I bought a speed grip and a prism last year which makes hand holding much easier although I had no problem with hand holding without the grip and using the waist level finder.

I am now using an RB67 with waist level finder and left hand grip and I find this quite easy to use too despite its weight.


Steve.

 

[Neil54]

Thanks for the info everyone, I think that I will get an ETRSi when I have saved just a bit more money, as I would like to get one with the metered prism.

Regards
Neil.

 

[timeslicer]

Hello there, I have returned to medium format after a long daliance with 35mm. I have a Bronica etrs, recently aquired, and an old Practisix which has seen better days. I aquired the Bronica for its quality build and good lenses. So far I have obtained excellent contact sheets using the camera handheld with the standard 75mm lens at 1/60th shutter speed, and I will experiment at 1/30th as well. I like the purity of using the camera without the impedimentia of the speedgrip or prism finder. It is a nice solid camera which I find balances well in a cupped hand, and handles effortlessly with just the waist level finder. So I find the camera a joy to use, and were I a student, very affordable just now!

 

[dancqu]

Hi, I am interested in getting a medium format camera,
that would allow hand held shots in most circumastances,
and not weigh so much it is prohibitive to carry around all day!
Thanks in advance. Neil.

In medium format hand held the square is most convenient
and quick to use. It is always upright on or off a tripod. Also
the square format is more compact and it may be lighter in
use because the waist level finder is all that is needed.

An additional advantage is in the darkroom as the image on
the baseboard is always oriented for easy viewing. Dan

 

[dxphoto]

I don't have a grip but I find no problem using it with a wrist level finder. I don't think it would be comfortable of using it with an eye-level.