Bronica ETRSi with AE-III screen consistency

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 22, 2019

While I am mulling purchase of AE-III, has anyone experienced metering inconsistencies with this finder with different screens installed? Since prism measures above screen, I am not sure whether all Bronica screens retain same light transparency (I'd assume they do).

Possibly any difference may be small enough to not have an effect?

macfred · Dec 22, 2019

Witold said:
While I am mulling purchase of AE-III, has anyone experienced metering inconsistencies with this finder with different screens installed? Since prism measures above screen, I am not sure whether all Bronica screens retain same light transparency (I'd assume they do).

Possibly any difference may be small enough to not have an effect?

I use the the EI Microprism / Split Image 135, the EI Split Image H and a custom made Split Image by Rick Oleson. No exposure compensation with my AEIII.

I first had concerns about spot metering (because of the large microprism of the 135 screen) but measuring is indentical to the other screens.

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 22, 2019

macfred said:
I use the the EI Microprism / Split Image 135, the EI Split Image H and a custom made Split Image by Rick Oleson. No exposure compensation with my AEIII.

I first had concerns about spot metering (because of the large microprism of the 135 screen) but measuring is indentical to the other screens.

Great. What is your overall assessment of the AEIII? Is it really darker from plain prism? And specifically in use with 4.0 lenses.

macfred · Dec 22, 2019

I prefer using my WLF because of weight and size. And yes compared to the WLF the AEIII is a little bit darker but in normal daylight there's no problem for me.

RedSun · Dec 22, 2019

AE III, along with the hand grip, turns the camera into the MF just like a 35mm SLR. It is more modern and fast. The prism makes the image move the same way as your camera. The AE performance is superb. Much better than the AE and AE II. The metering is accurate regardless the different screens.

The WLF is a different style. The magnifier makes entire viewfinder screen area very bright. It is excellent for people with poorer eyesight. But the camera is held lower and the image moves in the opposite direction of the camera. It is better if used with still images, or mounted on a tripod.

I have both WLF and AE III. I use AE III more mainly for the handling. And I do not need to use my spot meter. I need accurate metering to save some film.

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 22, 2019

OK, thanks. Good to know all is well and metering is good.

I normally prefer WLF as it makes it so much more compact, plain prism is almost there except it is not the same framing experience, not sure why, possibly use of TLRs makes things tick that way for me. Yet a prism has its places and AEIII at reasonable price is a hunt, but possible. I'll likely end up getting another ETRSi with one as that usually makes a much better deal.

RedSun · Dec 22, 2019

Witold said:
OK, thanks. Good to know all is well and metering is good.

I normally prefer WLF as it makes it so much more compact, plain prism is almost there except it is not the same framing experience, not sure why, possibly use of TLRs makes things tick that way for me. Yet a prism has its places and AEIII at reasonable price is a hunt, but possible. I'll likely end up getting another ETRSi with one as that usually makes a much better deal.

The question is that how you'll do the metering. If this is landscape, then you get all the time to set up your tripod and take out your Pentax spot meter. Then you get perfect focusing with WLF. It is a luxury.

But if you do street shooting, you do not get the time to do separate metering. Then you can go with common sense rule of thumb, or get an AE finder.

wiltw · Dec 22, 2019

Witold said:
While I am mulling purchase of AE-III, has anyone experienced metering inconsistencies with this finder with different screens installed? Since prism measures above screen, I am not sure whether all Bronica screens retain same light transparency (I'd assume they do).

Possibly any difference may be small enough to not have an effect?

I have measured differences in metering prism readings, between screens made by Bronica vs. screens made by aftermarket accessory companies. But not noted any differences among Bronica focus screens.

MattKing · Dec 22, 2019

Witold said:
I normally prefer WLF as it makes it so much more compact

I would generally agree, but with 6x4.5 cameras, a WLF is awkward to use with any subject that requires portrait orientation!

moto-uno · Dec 23, 2019

And may I add "good luck " finding an AE-111 for a good price ! Peter

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 23, 2019

moto-uno said:
And may I add "good luck " finding an AE-111 for a good price ! Peter

Of course, but also that "good" is relative. I feel if I score anything below $200 in top shape I'm in there.

RedSun · Dec 23, 2019

Witold said:
Of course, but also that "good" is relative. I feel if I score anything below $200 in top shape I'm in there.

AE III is Bronica's top of the line item. I highly doubt that you can get it below $200. I price it at $250. It replaces any hand held meter you may need.

The SQ AE III costs even more. Not many were made.

moto-uno · Dec 24, 2019

^At $200 bucks you'll have to beat me to the bid . Peter

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 25, 2019

AE III Now

For those who live in USA, this might not be a bad deal, offers accepted.

Bronica ETRSi with AE-III screen consistency

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