Bronica SQ-Ai Price?

lightstalker · May 23, 2011

Hi, my friend offered me a bronica sq-ai outfit including:

Bronica SQ-Ai with waist level finder
Motor drive
120 film back
Polaroid back
Zenzanon 40mm f4
Zenzanon 50mm f3.5
Zenzanon 150 f3.5
Retractable lens hood

all in working condition, and the physical appearance at about 80%

price: $450
since I've never use any medium format before,
I need your opinion about the price whether it is good or not.

thank you in advance

Brian Legge · May 23, 2011

The 40mm and 50mm alone are worth over $400 in total. The WLF another $75-125 (prices are all over the place). Another $50-125 for the 150mm. Those prices all assume clean glass, etc.

Yes, this is a very nice deal if everything is in working condition and if the glass is clean.

fattyale · May 23, 2011

Please get it. It's an excellent price.

Otherwise let me have it!

lightstalker · May 23, 2011

thank you guys.
the lens is not minty. there are some slight scratches. but I think it wouldn't obviously effect the result.
now I have more confidence to buy it

CGW · May 23, 2011

Hmmm. The motor drive isn't a great accessory in terms of weight and reliability. Do you really want a Polaroid back? The 150/3.5 is OK but old, as is the 50/3.5--both are older S lenses.The 40/4 is worth more than the whole lot in great used shape.

All depends on the kit's condition: if it's OK, then it's a good--if not spectatcular--deal.Just make sure you're not looking at a worked-to-death pro outfit. The 120 back may need light seals.

lightstalker · May 24, 2011

Hello,

CGW said:
The motor drive isn't a great accessory in terms of weight and reliability.

what do you mean? is it unreliable?

hoffy · May 24, 2011

Compare that to the prices on KEH....

I think it's a VERY good deal for $450, as long as everything is working fine with no issues.

benjiboy · May 24, 2011

Bite your friends hand off !

Pumalite · May 24, 2011

If you don't want it; send id to me

Paul Green · May 24, 2011

Buy it!

CGW · May 24, 2011

lightstalker said:
Hello,

what do you mean? is it unreliable?

It adds a good deal of weight and bulk to a fairly light kit, making it nearly equal to the brick-like SQ-AM. If you want better ergonomics, get the lighter, mechanical "speed grip." Both these really work best with a prism finder anyway, though I use a speed grip with both WLF and prism finders. I wouldn't want to track down a repair shop for the Bronica motor drive--I only know of Koh's.

NJS · May 24, 2011

I'd buy it, just for the 150/3.5 and 40/4 S.

Bronica SQ-Ai Price?

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