Bronica SQ-A question

chung · Nov 19, 2020

Hello
I just got a used Bronica SQ-A.
I used Mamiya RB67 before and Nikon DSLR now.

I was just learning about this new camera, and I have a question.

It seems to work in mirror lock positions (S, C), but somehow at N (normal position ), I cannot fire the shutter. ( I'm checking without film in it.)
The crank handle keeps turning, is it normal this way?

Any input would be appreciated.

Koo Young Chung, Chicago

Rick A · Nov 19, 2020

https://www.cameramanuals.org/bronica/bronica_sq-a.pdf

Read thoroughly before you destroy your camera

Stephen Weston · Nov 19, 2020

If I remember correctly you can cock the shutter by operating the multiple exposure lever on the side. I think the back has to be off or the dark slide removed. (Don't forget to reset it though!!!)

chung · Nov 19, 2020

I read thru the manual and still same problem.
I removed the dark slide.

Should I remove the back to test the shutter?

My thanks to Rock and Stephen.

chung · Nov 19, 2020

I'm testing with film back on but no film inside.

It works fine different combinations except single/N position (i.e., normal picture taking situation.)

Winding crank doesn't stop and I cannot fire the shutter. ( dark slide out, of course)

(Sorry that I repeat what I said earlier.)

grat · Nov 19, 2020

Without film, you can only cock it if you're in the multi-shot position. You can test with a spool of backing paper only.

The dark slide will have to be removed to fire the shutter.

Edit: You can cock/fire with the mirror-lockup set to C (continuous), without film.

Having no film back on the camera is the same as not having film.

chung · Nov 19, 2020

great, thanks!

I thought something was wrong with this camera.
It's weird though, I think you should cock/ test fire any camera w/o film.
I'll test with old film.

Stephen Weston · Nov 19, 2020

It has been a long time since I used an SQ-A. I went from there to an SQ-Ai and then to a Rollei and finally a Hasselblad. I am trying to remember by playing with my ETRSi. So if you set the mirror up selector to the N position, the multiple exposure lever to Multiple. Back on but darkslide removed and a lens fitted I believe the shutter should cock and you should be able to fire it. It may also be worth checking the battery. Otherwise, I am out of ideas.

chung · Nov 19, 2020

grat,
How does the camera knows if there is film?
I don't see any linkage from filmback to the main body.

grat · Nov 19, 2020

If you're looking at the back of the camera body, on the lower right is a socket. There's a matching plug from the film back, with a pin in it that tells the camera it's ready.

Stephen Weston · Nov 19, 2020

I'm not 100% sure to be honest. I believe it is all in the winding mechanism in the film back. I vaguely remember there are interlinks in the back but couldn't tell you exactly.
So did you get it to work?

voceumana · Nov 19, 2020

Presence of film in the back is what tells the winding mechanism to stop when the film has advanced enough--this is required to go from the start mark to film position 1, and the lack of film is why you keep winding without coming to a stop. Mutli-exposure mode disengages this lock.

To dry shoot, you also need to remove the dark slide (or pull it out about 3/8 inch) and make sure the shutter release is unlocked.

These interlocks are to prevent unintentional multiple exposures and blank frames.

Kyle M. · Nov 19, 2020

I sold my SQ-A awhile back but if I recall correctly to fire the body with the back on the camera and empty one must set the multiple exposure lever to the multi position, and also remove the darkslide. Then the body should fire, without a battery you only have the 1/500 shutter speed. I also believe that much like the RB67 you can pull out the dark slide ever so slightly and still fire the body, it doesn't need to be 100% removed from the back

voceumana · Nov 19, 2020

Winding the back or camera pulls film from the supply to the take up spool--motion of the supply spool is what indicates the presence of film.

wiltw · Nov 20, 2020

chung said:
grat,
How does the camera knows if there is film?
I don't see any linkage from filmback to the main body.

As already stated (and I am corroborating) film back senses when film is advanced to a new frame...it then sticks the pin out to engage the interlock in the body. Only then can you ordinarily fire the shutter. But...

If you have Multiexposure engaged, you can wind shutter and fire without the pin protruding from the film back.

voceumana · Nov 20, 2020

The film back contains the frame counting mechanism, and it is that mechanism that indicates when to stop the film advance winding. e

Aren't you glad you don't have to design these mechanisms!?

chung · Nov 20, 2020

I inserted (old) film and followed the instruction, it's been awhile since I used 120film last time.
Then I turned the crank, and nothing happened.

I began to worry about something's wrong then after quick jiggling, it fired! And the rest was fine.
I still don't know what was happening before 1st shot, but I'm relieved that my Bronica is fine.
I just got this from Ebay, it was in mint condition and good price.

I appreciated everyone's post.

KY

Bronica SQ-A question

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