Bronica M/F gear???

[stradibarrius]

As far as overall quality and performance where do the Bronica M/F cameras fit into to fray when compared to Mamiya, Hassleblad, etc.

I know this is a very general question but I know nothing about Bronica gear.

 

[whlogan]

I think the overall the Bronica line is as good as any other M/F line. I have and have used nearly every camera they have made save the Bronica RF model without ever a failure or surprise and have also used the Hasselblad, Rollei, and Mamiya lines, also error free. Bronica is as good or better than all of then and somewhat cheaper into the bargain.
Logan

 

[stradibarrius]

Of the 3???? models SQ, ETRS, GS-1 is one accepted as the "best"

 

[Q.G.]

In the SLR category, i rate them just below the Big Three (Rollei, Hasselblad and 6x7 Mamiyas).
In a league with the 6x4.5 Mamiyas. Good, but not quite as good as the top three.

 

[jglass]

In the SLR category, i rate them just below the Big Three (Rollei, Hasselblad and 6x7 Mamiyas).
In a league with the 6x4.5 Mamiyas.

Could you let us know your basis for this opinion? I am thinking of trading Bronica in on a Hasselblad, but . . . etc.

 

[Q.G.]

I didn't quite like the lenses, nor the build-quality and ergonomics.
Not that the top three are such fine cameras in all respects, but all in all, better.
My opinion.

I have never tried the GS-1, so can't say anything about it.

 

[zenrhino]

I think the lenses on my GS-1 are the equal of my Zeiss lenses for my Hasselblad. They are different -- different bokeh, different rendering (esp in color). But when you take in to consideration the quality/price of a GS-1 setup, it really shines. For a 6x7, it's a fantastic camera.

 

[Changeling1]

I've used the GS-1 for nearly twenty-five years without problems and Zenzonon glass is second to none. Flash syncs at all shutter speeds. Bronica offers a very well designed, durable and user-friendly camera system.

 

[Trask]

I had the same question, so I bought a Hasselblad 500C w/ 80mm Planar, a Bronica SQ with 80, 50, 65 and 150, and a Bronica S2 just for the hell of it. I shoot many black and white, and I can't say that one is better than the other -- speaking of the SQ vs the 500C. (I haven't used the S2 enough to judge.) I actually prefer the ergonomics of the SQ with the shutter speeds on a dial on the side and the f/stops on the lens. I don't like the SQ backs as well as I like the Hasselblad backs, but neither can I say I've had any failures. What is very clear is that I can buy a lot more Bronica gear for the same money as a less amount of Hassy gear. I'd be pleased to have either. Picture wise, perhaps/perhaps the Planar produces a photo that seems to show a bit more depth, but I couldn't prove it. My Rollei TLR is great too.

 

[Tony-S]

Overall I prefer my GS-1 to my Rolleiflex SLX, but the two things I don't like about the Bronica is the f/3.5 max aperture on its standard lens (100mm) vs. f/2.8 on the Rollei 80mm Planar, and the longish MFD ( I have the 36mm extension tube). Optically, the lenses are about the same. I take the Bronica for maximum flexibility and the SLX for portability. Plus, the prices on the GS-1 are very nice.

 

[glbeas]

Well, you just need to pay a visit and see a Bronica SQAi kit yourself. Then you can decide what it's worth to you and whether it can deliver what you want.

 

[originalphoto]

side to side comparision of Bronica sq-ai and Hasseblad 501CM

I own both of Bronica sq-ai (40ps, 50ps, 65ps, 80ps, 110ps, 150ps, 180ps, 250ps)and hasselblad 501 CM (40CF, 50CF, 80CFE, 150CF, 180CF). I did compared between 50mm, 80mm, 180mm and I hardly see different except color. Surprisely 80CFE has much worse flare compared to 80PS. I like sq-ai disign much better than hasselblad except back. sq-ai body has speed up to 16s, hass has up to 1s without multi exposure function, and shutter release position is not convenient.

 

[stradibarrius]

Hey Gary! You are right I do need to come by. I have some more wood for you too.

 

[film_man]

I had a SQB with 80PSB, 150PS and 150S (the 150s not at the same time), a prism, a couple of backs and other bits and bobs. I eventually sold it all and bought a Hasselblad (501CM with 80CB).

Looking at numerous 8x8 prints from Portra 400VC/400NC/800 from either camera I cannot say I see much difference in sharpness. However, I do see better contrast and colour from the Hasselblad but this could be down to the subject matter and how the lab printed the shots. This is very subjective though as the subject matter is obviously different, I never shot both in parallel. I am just making an overall observation over numerous prints that I do like the Hasselblad look better. But if I was stuck with the SQB I would certainly not be unhappy.

What is very different is the feel and build quality of the two systems. When I first got hold of the Hasselblad I was stunned by how solid it felt. The lines are very clean, nothing protruding and everything is very smooth and nice. It really does feel a solid chunk of camera with everything fitting perfectly flush with everything else. The Bronica, on the other hand, looked and felt like a number of bits put together with bits rattling (the WLF was a source of constant noise) and the switches feeling, well a bit loose. The winder somehow always seemed to pop-out or catch on things and I had to turn back and fold it. The body is also more blocky and less comfortable to hold for my hands (but this is very subjective).

Overall, the advantage of the Hasselblad, for me, is the body: it just feels nicer. And I like to think that the 2-3x price the Hasselblad cost me gives me better contrast and colour

It is a huge difference in money though. For the money a 501CM+80 kit goes in the UK you can get yourself a SQA, grip, WLF, prism, 50, 80, 150, a few backs and still have money left. And then, you have the mechanical vs electronic shutter issue. Which one is "better", is open to discussion. I cannot say anything about reliability for either system, I had no issues with either of them.

In any case, if I was stuck with a Bronica I would most certainly be happy with it and wouldn't constantly think "oh I wish I could afford a Hasselblad".