Bronica Metered Prism issue

wildbill · Sep 14, 2015

background: I've had this camera with metered prism for several years. It's a bronica sq-a.
I pulled it out this week for an upcoming trip to find that when I activate the finder, all i get is the + sign. If I rotate the shutter dial back and forth the - will occasionally light up and if I do the same, I can get the green light to come on but only for a fraction of a second.

1. new battery and red battery indicator light illuminates just fine
2. I cleaned the contacts
3. I've tried all three backs I have
4. I've tried all 3 lenses I have
4. wiggling the finder around on the camera doesn't make a difference so I think it's a problem solely with the finder itself.

Thoughts?

I'm leaving in 3 days for a week long trip and would like to have this thing along side my view cameras. My wife will be using it so having a built in meter that works is key.
Should I take this thing apart?

wildbill · Sep 15, 2015

Pretty please? Someone who owns a bronica sq, etr, or gs-1 must have seen this issue occur.

Bruce Osgood · Sep 15, 2015

wildbill said:
Pretty please? Someone who owns a bronica sq, etr, or gs-1 must have seen this issue occur.

Bill, I really wish I could help you as I just got a GS-1 with metered prism but I'm way behind on the learning curve.

DWThomas · Sep 15, 2015

That's a bummer ... Alas, I've had multiple SQ-A components for about 9 years but starting with a "keep it simple" philosophy, I have never bought any of the metered finders. I have heard complaints of at least one model of finder sucking the battery down rather rapidly which might suggest there are some fragile areas in the internal wiring. Alas, that's all I can offer, sorry.

Your actions thus far make sense. The short term answer might be a WLF and a separate meter you could use for a work-around.

Alan Gales · Sep 15, 2015

I wish I could help you, Vinny. I've owned the Bronica EC, S2a and ETRsi cameras but none had meters.

mweintraub · Sep 16, 2015

I have both the SQ-A and ETRSi and they function fine, not sure what you want us to test.

StephenT · Sep 16, 2015

I wouldn't recommend taking it apart.

One thing I have noticed with my GS-1 and metered finder, as well as the ETRSi's, is that they indicate best in reasonably plentiful light. I don't recall what the EV range is, but give it a try in outdoor light, if you haven't already.

I must admit that I RARELY use an in-camera meter, preferring to use either a spot meter or handheld incident meter.

Failing that, Sunny 16 works really well with B&W film that has wide latitude. Bracket 2 stops on either side and I am confident you will get at least a printable negative. If you are using a view camera, I'm sure you know all that already.

One other thing, if the finder wiggles around a lot, maybe shim the underside of the body tabs with some tape to make a tighter contact with the finder.

wiltw · Sep 16, 2015

The pins on the prism itself are spring loaded, to push against the fixed contacts located on the body...are the pins all free to move in/out if pressed individually (use something other than your fingers, to keep skin oils off the contacts!)?

Tim Stapp · Sep 16, 2015

You're in Grand Rapids, MI, correct. Stop in to Peter's Camera Repair on the SW corner of Plainfield and Leonard.

wildbill · Sep 16, 2015

Tim Stapp said:
You're in Grand Rapids, MI, correct. Stop in to Peter's Camera Repair on the SW corner of Plainfield and Leonard.

Hi Tim!
He closed his doors earlier this year.

I talked to one of the guys at KEH and they didn't have any advice other than cleaning the contacts, which I did. He said it's likely a meter at the end of it's life. I'm pissed because I rarely use this camera. and yes, I know how to use a light meter. That doesn't help me fix this one.

wildbill · Sep 16, 2015

mweintraub said:
I have both the SQ-A and ETRSi and they function fine, not sure what you want us to test.

I'm asking how to troubleshoot a meter which is NOT functioning. I figured apug has the highest concentration of bronica users on the web.

wildbill · Jan 14, 2016

I didn't get anything figure out so I guess I'm looking for a metered prism. Let me know if you see one come up.

N4646W · Jan 15, 2016

I have the metering system on my S2 systems. One is a little quirky at times, but by removing the battery, removing the cable connection, (I understand yours is built in), and shorting the connections, I'm able to get it back in service. Worth a try.

Ron

Bronica Metered Prism issue

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