Bronica GS1 Auto Mode - Need Help

[ozphoto]

I've just sold my GS1 kit and the buyer has asked me a question regarding shooting in "A" mode. Admittedly, I never used it in this mode the entire time I owned it, so can't answer why they are only seeing the 16-sec reading.

It has an AE prism fitted - that works perfectly, as I tested prior to selling, but I wasn't sure if it needs to be switched on, for the Auto mode to work?

It was CLA'd before selling and passed muster, so I'm sure this works but stumped as to what a user has to do to use the darn camera in Auto mode.

Are any GS1 users able to advise?

 

[richyd]

Hi

I've just been looking at my meter as the reading are a slightly off. From the manual it says that "16" will flash when there is underexposure greater than 16s. Has the buyer tried in different light conditions and rotating the aperture scale? Maybe the AE lock switch is in the ON position, it is easy to knock it on. When I first got my camera I had few weird meter readings till I discovered the AE lock was on. A manual for the meter is can be downloaded from the Buktus site.

Richard

 

[ozphoto]

Thanks, Richard.

I included the instruction book with the sale, but it confused even me when I visited Mike's site to check when they contacted me. If I'm understanding you correctly, the AE lock has to be turned OFF, not ON to use the Auto mode correctly?

Sorry - a pretty stupid question I know, but seriously never used this camera in AUTO mode ever and they've stumped me totally.

 

[richyd]

Yes, the AE lock just locks the exposure after reading, so that switch should be set away from the arrow. The shutter speed dial is set to A and with the camera switched on an initial half press of the shutter will start to read the exposure and indicate the shutter speed in the viewfinder. On my rotary finder there is a little yellow light on the left that indicates if the AE lock is on. It should be intuitive but I have to keep on referring to the manual especially as there are different light blinking indications that can come up. Hope it works out.

 

[abruzzi]

I did have a lens that while it functioned perfectly in manual mode, moving the aperture ring did not communicate aperture changes to the AE prism. However that caused it to always read wide open, and consequently it would always show 1/500 (and I believe it would blink). The only way to get it to lower the number was to move it into a dark room.

richyd gave most of the instruction for using the prism in AE mode, but there is one other important point. The correct ISO needs to be set on the film back.

 

[ozphoto]

Thanks, guys. I've passed on your comments - fingers crossed they help the buyer out. Even though I no longer own the camera, I'm still learning some great things about it!