Bronica GS-1

Joachim Zettl

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I am intrigued by the idea of getting a Bronica GS-1 in addition to my brick of an RB67. I wondered how the handling of the light metering in the GS-1 works. Is there a light meter in the camera when I use the WLF or do I have to use a prism finder for that?

I am using it mostly outdoors and sometimes hiking in the mountains and although I love the RB I caught myself swearing on the weight and the slow handling. Are there any other good options with WLF then the Bronica anyone can recommend?
 

mweintraub

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No meter in the body, only metered prism.

I agree with loman, Pentax 6x7/67 if you already have an RB and want to hike. (Not saying you can do that with an RB, but you are wanting a 2nd 6x7. Might as well get something different)
 

whlogan

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Tough cameras that have a nice selections of backs. Lack rotation of backs, but that is easy to get over. Is the everything 120 camera for me. But it is not a 'blad. Sturdy, well made. Parts may become a problem as time goes on.

Logan
 

StephenT

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I've got Pentax 67's as well as Bronica GS-1's. I love 'em both. You will be quite happy, I think with the GS-1. My RB/RZ's are "happier" in the studio, but they do like an occasional outdoor adventure as well!
 

Maris

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I have the Bronica-GS1 and the Mamiya RB67 and the Mamiya is a bit heavier but the revolving back and close focus capability makes it more ergonomic and versatile.

The bronica-GS1 has four finders:
Waist-level Finder G...no metering.
Prism Finder G...no metering.
AE Prism Finder G...offers aperture-priority TTL-AE fully automatic exposure with manual over-ride if preferred.
AE Rotary Finder G...same metering as above but the eyepiece of the finder can be rotated so the viewfinder image can be seen from above with the camera on its side for portrait oriented pictures.

This last finder gives the GS-1 some of quick change horizontal to vertical characteristics of the RB67 revolving back but the prism makes the camera heavier. And if you are going to use the GS-1 on a tripod you also need the Revolving Tripod Adapter G. The Bronica-GS1 was Zenzaburo Yoshino's attempt to make a professional 67 format camera without a revolving back like the Mamiya. He succeeded but with a clutter of accessories that end up delivering the functionality the the Mamiya RB67 achieves just by turning the back.
 
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Joachim Zettl

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Ok that is interesting. It seems not so easy to find a relatively light 6x7 MF camera with WLF and metering. Maybe I should try 6x6 when it comes to lighter cameras.
Pentax 67 looks great. The downturn is that there is no metering in the WLF. I simple love to work with WLF.
 

ChuckP

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Is there any interchangeable lens medium format camera that has a WLF and metering?
 

Maris

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I think the Contax 645 AF is the only one.
 

MattKing

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The Mamiya RZ67 offers a chimney finder with a built in auto-exposure metering circuit.

The Mamiya RB67 offers a metering chimney finder, but it is relatively slow in operation, in that it requires you to manually transfer the reading to the camera. Works great though, especially for close focus work. The latest, PDN version uses a silicon cell and a modern battery.

Otherwise, the accessory 45 degree metering finder for Hasselblad and the accessory metering rotary finder for Bronica come to mind.
 

Bruce Osgood

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I got a GS-1 with meter prism a couple of weeks ago. First thing I did was add a mono-pod, it is easy to change to portrait format and let the pod handle the weight. I've been using Delta 400 while getting used to the outfit. Initially I had some issues that have been worked out without fault of the camera. I have been using the metered Auto exclusively and I cannot get a missed exposure. When I want to remove the back I feel it is necessary to take the prism off. Maybe it's not necessary but I don't want to press my luck. I chose the GS-1 because it was reported as the lightest of 6X7 and it may well be but it is not light.

I got some very helpful information from Logan and Maris who posted above and trust their opinions.
 
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Joachim Zettl

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MattKing said:
The Mamiya RB67 offers a metering chimney finder, but it is relatively slow in operation, in that it requires you to manually transfer the reading to the camera.
Click to expand...

That is the way I operate so far and it's sort of the conclusion that this might be a good choice anyway.
My friend uses a Rolleiflex with lots of electronics incorporated which I think has a way of showing if over- or underexposed in the WLF.

Thank you guys for all the ideas, expertise and suggestions! Helps me a lot.
 
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Joachim Zettl

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Just to let know, I could get hold of a neat Bronica EC-TL with a 50 mm Lens. I have yet to bring light to a film with it, but still I'm pretty excited. It is a brick though, so I have not entirely succeeded with getting lighter.

Thank you all for your fantastic expertise. It's always fun to ask for help in this community!

All the best,
Joe
 

mweintraub

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:-O

Oh man, I want one (another one, the first one, the LEDs didn't work).
 

norphot

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Anyone see this before? Bronica GS-1 motordrive! From an eBay auction. Looks adapted from the SQ-Ai one, but very well finished. It even has the two TTL-flash pins, which are not on the SQ-Ai motordrive. Possibly a prototype? Makes the GS-1 the only 6x7 full auto camera (or maybe the RZ can do this?).

 

David T T

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No, the RZ67 still requires manual cocking I believe.

On a side note, the RB67 was surely put on earth to punish photographers. Once you have one, literally every attempt to get rid of it for something lighter involves some fairly serious compromise. "Wow, this easier to handle, too bad it can't focus closely/rotate it's back/operate in extreme cold/etc." I've considered every camera out there, and come to the conclusion that I simply have to keep shooting with it so my arms don't get weak.
 

Toffle

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As Maris points out, the GS-1 came out with a whole zoo of accessories. Mine came with just the un-metered prism, and I added a winder shortly afterwards. I soon, however, abandoned both the prism and the winder in favour of a WLF. Why? That just seemed to suit my shooting style, especially as regards using the GS-1 as a walkabout camera. It's lighter, faster (for me) and much less cumbersome that way.

Everyone has their own shooting preferences, though. If portrait orientation is absolutely necessary, I would recommend the RB over the Bronica's rotating prism, as the GS-1 is quite awkward to operate when turned on its side. That being said, I can only think of one or two occasions where I really felt compelled to go through the gymnastics of framing a shot vertically on the Bronica. (definitely not easy with a WLF)

Cheers,
Tom
 

dynachrome

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I have a fleet of GS-1s and I have never seen a motor for one. I do have a motor for my RZ67.
 

RichardJack

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Hi,
The Bronica EC-TL has metering built into the body and the Nikon lenses available for it produce excellent images. I own 3 of them and 20 lenses for them 40-500mm.
But there are serious drawbacks now. Age. It's difficullt finding one in working order unless your willing to pay top dollar ($400 upwards). A clean 40mm f4 Nikkor will cost about $400 as well, and if you want one of the better normal lenses the 75mm f2.8 Nikkor HC or 80mm f2.8 Zeiss Jena be prepared to spend at least $300 and up. I love the system and still use it today but for much less money you can buy a Bronica SQ-a , several PS lenses , and meter with either the MF-cds waist level finder or the AE prism finder. The same goes for the GS-1. The AE rotary finder will give you waist level metering. GS lenses are reasonable as well.
Mamayia cameras are good but the RZ/RB's are too big for the field, and if your considering 645 check the Bronica ETRS first. Pentax have great optics, but either you love them or hate them. I never liked one in the field, vertical photos are awkward. You might love one, handle one. If money is no option, look at Hasselblad or Rollie.
Regards,
Richard
 
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