Chucking my Bronica ... what else is out there?

[IloveTLRs]

Last night both my Bronica backs went kaput. One was pretty much broken already, on the other one the frame counter won't reset (it's stuck on 24) and it skipped about 6 out of 12 frames on a film I shot the other day. I'm pretty sure I got a lemon and don't want to fork-over $300+ to get it fixed so I'm selling the whole thing.

I'm looking to get a Mamiya or Pentax .. which one does 6x6? Any recommendations for something mechanical and/or compact? (No folders, I have 2 already.)

 

[williamgregory]

I use to use a Pentax 67. It was like using a BIG 35mm. I've made 16x20 enlargements from that system that are some of the sharpest prints I have ever made.

 

[Pinholemaster]

Mamiya 6 a 6x6 rangefinder that was pretty great. Of course the Mamiya 7 system (6x7) has fabulous optics. They work like large Leicas.

 

[Jeffrey A. Steinberg]

What about a Hasselblad 6x6? They are selling for a song? Or if you don't mind TLRs, the Mamiya C330f's and C330's are also going for a song these days.

 

[copake_ham]

Bronica backs are cheap! If the problem seems to be the backs - why would you chuck the body, viewfinder etc.? Just get a couple of more backs.

The Hassey 500 series is certainly an alternative; although the lenses remain expensive since they are compatible to the digital bodies (i.e. they're holding value).

For MF, I have a Bronica, a Hassey and a Pentax. Frankly, I'm thinking of selling the Bronica and Hassey simply because I prefer the Pentax SLR format.

Now, if I do so, and then I later wish it had switchable backs like the Bronica and Hassey - you can say: "Be careful what you wish for....".

 

[k_jupiter]

Get a better back.

If not, You love TLRs. Mamiya C220. No backs to break. Killer lens. make sure you have the shutters CLA'd before using it in a critical shoot. Get a "L" grip handle with a flash mount on top. Start with a 65mm, 80mm, and the 180mm lens. Use lens hoods.

tim in san jose (I love my rb67)

 

[IloveTLRs]

Well, I have a Rolleiflex Automat 3.5. I knows it's 6x6, but I like doing low-light photography and the viewfinder isn't bright enough and vignettes (and I don't want to pay for a new mirror.) Essentially I'm all set with TLRs for the time being: Mamiya TLRs are too heavy for me (my friend had a C3 and it almost turned him into a hunch-back) and a just about anything Rolleiflex is at least $1000+ thanks to the Japanese and their obsession with brands :roll:

A Bronica back over here is about $60~$100. I paid about $200 for the original set, then another $70 for a back. I have a bad feeling that the camera itself is busted, which another back wouldn't fix. I've had two films with skipped frames using both backs ...

I guess I want something Bronica-sized but not a Bronica :roll: Hassies are very expensive here, at least $2000 even for a used one. I'd have to choose between a Hassy or my wife in that case, and I think I'll stick with my wife.

In a nut shell what I'm looking for is something Bronica/Hassy sized, with a waist-level viewfinder (prism in a pinch) that does 6x4.5 or 6x6. I thought maybe there's a Mamiya or Penty offering that I've missed ...

 

[copake_ham]

Well, I have a Rolleiflex Automat 3.5. I knows it's 6x6, but I like doing low-light photography and the viewfinder isn't bright enough and vignettes (and I don't want to pay for a new mirror.) Essentially I'm all set with TLRs for the time being: Mamiya TLRs are too heavy for me (my friend had a C3 and it almost turned him into a hunch-back) and a just about anything Rolleiflex is at least $1000+ thanks to the Japanese and their obsession with brands :roll:

A Bronica back over here is about $60~$100. I paid about $200 for the original set, then another $70 for a back. I have a bad feeling that the camera itself is busted, which another back wouldn't fix. I've had two films with skipped frames using both backs ...

I guess I want something Bronica-sized but not a Bronica :roll: Hassies are very expensive here, at least $2000 even for a used one. I'd have to choose between a Hassy or my wife in that case, and I think I'll stick with my wife.

In a nut shell what I'm looking for is something Bronica/Hassy sized, with a waist-level viewfinder (prism in a pinch) that does 6x4.5 or 6x6. I thought maybe there's a Mamiya or Penty offering that I've missed ...

Didn't Pentax make a 6x4.5?

 

[Jeffrey A. Steinberg]

Mamiya 6x45 variants but not 6x6.

 

[IloveTLRs]

I guess it's down to Maymiya or Pentax 6x4.5 ... maybe I can find one used for cheap. Do either of them have waist-level finders? I feel like a tool holding one of those up like a 35mm camera ...

 

[matti]

In a nut shell what I'm looking for is something Bronica/Hassy sized, with a waist-level viewfinder (prism in a pinch) that does 6x4.5 or 6x6. I thought maybe there's a Mamiya or Penty offering that I've missed ...

I had a Mamiya 6x4,5 with a waist level finder. Really hard to do portrait orientation that way. But I like the waist level finder compared to prism so 6x6+cropping is a better way to go.

/matti

 

[Jerevan]

Well, I have a Rolleiflex Automat 3.5. I knows it's 6x6, but I like doing low-light photography and the viewfinder isn't bright enough and vignettes (and I don't want to pay for a new mirror.)

But hey, I know the Beatties and Maxwell screens are expensive, but try to find an Mamiya RB or better, RZ screen and cut it down to size. I did that and my Automat is like a new camera. Seriously. Here's the link for someone else who's done it: http://www.panum.de/rolleiflex_screen.htm

 

[IloveTLRs]

Hmm, I just happen to have 2 extra RB67 screens sitting around ...

Nice avatar by the way

 

[dpurdy]

Is the high cost of used rollei gear really due to the Japanese love of them? Interesting thought.

 

[dpurdy]

Oh now I see you are in Japan. Maybe you were talking about Japanese prices.

 

[Paul Howell]

The only additional suggestion is a Kowa Super 66, old, but if in good repair reliable. Prices seem to be going up of late, I dont what they fetching in Japan these days.

 

[Edwardv]

Visit KEH Dead Link Removed to see how much magazine backs cost for a Bronica before getting rid of the equipment.

Good luck

 

[Nick Zentena]

So you think it's either a bad back or bad body. Why do you think a different used body or back won't give you problems?

Lots of different Mamiya 645. Then the RB/RZ bodies.

Which way to go? Depends on why you need a camera. The 6x7s are big and fairly heavily.

Get a new Bronica back or body or both from KEH. If nothing else it'll make selling what you have easier.

 

[Jerevan]

Hmm, I just happen to have 2 extra RB67 screens sitting around ...

Nice avatar by the way

Just a few tips: I found using a razor on my RZ screen pretty hopeless and the risk of slipping and cutting a finger or two in the process was too great. I outlined around the old screen and then I used a small (jewellers) saw and some #80 grit paper. It took me a fair while but the result was worth the effort.

 

[IloveTLRs]

I have 3 old Japanese TLRs sitting around not getting any use. When I get home this evening I just may take them apart and see if one of their screens will fit my 'flex.

 

[PHOTOTONE]

To fully answer the OP question,on the used market, in 6 x 4.5, there are waist level SLR cameras made by Pentax, Mamiya and Contax (Kyocera), and all are in a form factor similar to your Bronica, even Bronica made a 6 x 4.5 camera. In 6x6 waist level SLR, there are models from Hasselblad, Bronica, Rollei and Kowa 66. For the adventurous (I am one of these) there are the Kiev SLR'S from Ukraine. One looks like a Hasselblad, the other is an eye level SLR, similar in handling to the Pentax 6x7, but in 6x6 format.

The Mamiya RB67 and RZ67 are 6x7 waist level SLR cameras, but they can accept 6x6 or 6x4.5 backs, but these are larger form-factor cameras. Fuji also made some cameras in this form factor. (Yes I know Fuji makes the current Hasselblad digital wunder-camera, but I am assuming the OP wants an economical film based alternative).

 

[Sirius Glass]

Consider this: If you have lenses you like, buy another Bronica. Otherwise continue your search.

I had a C330 that I did not like. While the lenses were in good condition, I did not like the C330. Finally I sold it and brought a Hasselblad and I have been happy ever since.

Stev

 

[coriana6jp]

I guess I want something Bronica-sized but not a Bronica :roll: Hassies are very expensive here, at least $2000 even for a used one. I'd have to choose between a Hassy or my wife in that case, and I think I'll stick with my wife...

After having lived here for pushing 13 years now, hassys are expensive. I bought all of my hassy from either Ebay, here or from KEH. Seriously look at importing it! Its cheaper than buying locally, at least for hassy stuff.

Gary