Is this a killer deal or just "pretty good" (Bronica)

Looking at a Bronica deal for $425

includes etrs and etrsi bodies, 40, 75 and 150 Zenzanon lenses, a couple of VF's, 4 backs, 1 polaroid, a grip a motor winder, bellows and "lots of accessories"

I can't really afford it right now but I was thinking I could possibly purchase it and turn around one of the bodies and VF's, a back or two and some of the accessories to make part of the money back. Do you think the value is there to do that (assuming this is all in good condition)? Thanks for your thoughts.

brad

Two bodies, three lenses, four backs, motor winder. Sounds pretty good. Have you seen it in real life, or have you at least seen photos of the gear?

Yes, lots of photos. Husband passed away and she is selling it. He was original owner who used it for special projects.

brad

This would be face-to-face btw.. Not an internet deal.

Look at KEH pricing and figure roughly 75% IF there is demand for these. Obviously you can check sold listings on ebay.

It's my impression that of all the medium format, 6x4.5 SLRs are least in demand (but I could be wrong). ETRSs were a mainstay of wedding photographers and often were well used. You may want to factor in the cost and trouble of shooting a roll of film before selling. And I've come across many a camera that was "working fine when last used" that no longer works.

She claims husband was a pro photographer and only used this for special projects. Thanks for the input.

Sounds good, if in good shape. Can't say if it's a killer deal without knowing more. The number and type of accessories obviously matters. Teleconverters or filters, you know? Check KEH to get a good idea of individual item prices.

It makes a difference if the lenses are MC or PE, as to value. PE are the latest. The 40mm PE is better than the MC. The 75mm E-II and PE are both very good; the 75 MC is not so good. The 150/3.5 MC and PE are very good, and very close in performance; the 150/4 MC is not so good.

The motor winders: the oldest, the E, is largest and heaviest. The E-I is lighter, but somewhat bulky compared to the E-II, which is about the size of the Speed Grip (manual winding grip).

Finders: there are numerous finders: standard non-metered; three metered finders- AE, AEII, and AEIII; Action Finder (sports finder, your eye can be more than 5 inches away but lower magnification); rotatable 90 degree finder.

So, values vary widely, depending on what exactly you have.

Backs: Backs can be problematic. Generally, newer is better, though amount of use is a big factor. They may need re-sealing, pretty easy to do (Jon Goodman can make you up some seal kits. The later backs have two releases, the older backs have one.


The bellows are worth around a hundred bucks if in good condition, in my experience.

Bottom line: if everything is in good condition, it's not a bad deal. Anything later vintage is worth more, and is the biggest factor other than condition.

I remember the one where Ellen Corby played the little old lady--I think it was Mrs. Large or Larch--something like that, and she sold Barney the beautiful car. Later on, Gomer came into Andy's sheriffs office showing Andy and Barney the sawdust that Wally found in the differential, after the car konked out.
It was only driven to church on Sundays, was the sales pitch.

If you really can't afford it don't do it. It's not a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:

If you really can't afford it don't do it. It's not a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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I think that's a fair assessment.

Thanks guys. Very helpful. According to what lxdude said all three of these lenses are the less desirable versions. Looks like a pass.

Brad

It is one heck of deal, or steal. I'd jump at it. Give that little old lady what she deserves.