Bronica SQA lenses

razocaine_07 · Feb 11, 2008

im after a new wide angle lens for my Bronica, i just want to ask you guys if can recommend any?
also does anyone know the difference between the PS and S lenses? is one better than the other?

Sanjay Sen · Feb 11, 2008

The PS lenses are newer than the S lenses, so they tend to sell at a (relatively) higher price. But I forget what the differences are - the PS lenses are probably a little sharper(?). PS lenses have half stops - I believe the S lenses only have full stops.

PhotoJim · Feb 11, 2008

S lenses don't have clicks at the half stops, but you can still use intermediate stops.

The S 50/3.5 has a 67mm thread like the 80/2.8 and 150/3.5 have, but the PS 50/3.5 has a 77mm thread. This probably lets you do more filter stacking, at the expense of needing another size of filter.

The coatings are better in the PS lenses than in the S lenses, but this doesn't always matter.

I've never used the 50 S, but my 80 and 150 S lenses are very good and I don't feel a need to spend more for more modern lenses. Prime lenses tend not to be as affected by coatings as zooms are anyway.

r-brian · Feb 11, 2008

I've used the 50S and the 40S. The 40mm has a built in petal hood and takes something like 92mm filters. Makes using filters difficult. I found that a Cokin P would fit just inside the hood. I would stick a rubber band around the lens and then loop opposite ends of the filter with the rubber band. It worked fine.

Quality wise, both in build and in image produced, I never had a problem with the S series lenses. I've sold most of my Bronica because of lack of use, use 4x5 mostly.

Dag · Feb 12, 2008

I have a PS40 but haven´t tried the S40. From what I´ve heard the PS40 is much better, and is a different design. No built in hood, 95mm filter. I´ve used it a lot and have no complaints about the quality.

nyx · Feb 12, 2008

I had the 50 PS and wasn't really satisfied with it. 40 should be better (at least according to those tiny mtf graphs on tamron's site). But those filters...yikes!

kman627 · Feb 12, 2008

I have the 50s 3.5 and use it all the time. I have no complaints with it and see no major difference between it and the PS. I found it dirt cheap at $103 too.
Here's some of the photos I've made with it : http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=bronica+50mm&w=45475529@N00&ss=2&s=int

razocaine_07 · Feb 12, 2008

thanks guys, really helped, especially your photos kman.

Marcus K · Feb 20, 2008

I recommend the 50mm PS over the S version. The S version doesn't have half click stops and the overall build quality is just not there. As far as sharpness goes, I really couldn't tell the difference. I got mine in near mint condition (boxed, with caps) on ebay for $250 USD. I you decide to go wider with the 40mm, expect to pay at least three times as much (I really don't think it's worth it).

Bronica SQA lenses

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