Newbie with MF Bug: Need help with Bronie ETRSi

Prasanta · May 2, 2010

I recently got this MF bug and after lurking around the forums for a few months, I ordered a BGN ETRSi last month from KEH and just got back my first roll back from Walmart (fuji) processing. There are a few things that I am not able to understand and need some help on:
1. The picture sizes are less tha 4.5cmx6cm. Is this normal?
2. I got only 12 shots from the ETRSi. My understanding was, I will get 15 exposures from a 120 roll.
3. The distance between the exposures are uneven and beteen 3 to 4cm. Should it not be same and much less?

Is there a problem with my camera or am I doing something terribly wrong? Any help will be appreciated.

5stringdeath · May 2, 2010

1. I've never actually measured mine, but they fit my neg carriers perfectly .. so I'd say that's not normal
2. I get 15 negs on a 120 roll
3. I do have some variation, just figured it was due to uneven cranking But in general they are pretty even ... good enough to scissor through where I need to.

Possible you got a bad 120 back .... KEH has a return policy I believe, so have them swap it.

As for #2 .... did you load the film right ... up to the arrow? Did it shoot to 15 frames on the counter? Seems really odd that it would let loose after just 12 frames.

BTW .. Walmart? No Maybe THEY screwed your film up?

lxdude · May 2, 2010

www.tamron.com/bronica/prod/etrsi.asp

Frame size: 42.5 x 55.1mm

Maybe a bad back. Also make sure the roll is not loose after loading.

Prasanta · May 2, 2010

Thanks everyone for the clarification. I believe I have a problem in either the body or the 120 back. As the connection between the back and the body is through a simple set of sprockets and I have checked all the sprockets for any decay/misalignment. Just to isolate the fault, would like to request anyone who has a ETRS/ ETRSi can you please post the distance between the exposure for a 120 film?

R gould · May 2, 2010

The winding handle on my bronnie turns about one full turn per exposure, just checked it on the multi exposure setting,Richard

John Koehrer · May 2, 2010

Presuming the film is loaded correctly, 15 exposures & more or less even spacing is the norm. The spacing should be on the order of mm NOT cm.
645 is the nominal size, not actual. Both camera and enlarger manufacturers get to play with it a little.

5stringdeath · May 2, 2010

Hey you never told us if you got blank frames/film back from Walmart, or if the negs were just really spaced far apart.

Necator · May 2, 2010

Prasanta said:
Thanks everyone for the clarification. I believe I have a problem in either the body or the 120 back. As the connection between the back and the body is through a simple set of sprockets and I have checked all the sprockets for any decay/misalignment. Just to isolate the fault, would like to request anyone who has a ETRS/ ETRSi can you please post the distance between the exposure for a 120 film?

Roughly 8mm between exposures on my ETRS.

Prasanta · May 2, 2010

Thanks again for the insights. No blank space, my negatives are spaced between 2-3 cm. BTW, I use the speedgrip and it takes two cocking to get to the shot. Is this normal? Haven't tried the crank yet.

lxdude · May 2, 2010

Yes, it is normal. One full stroke and the second one a little less. The crank, one revolution.

5stringdeath · May 3, 2010

Prasanta said:
Thanks again for the insights. No blank space, my negatives are spaced between 2-3 cm. BTW, I use the speedgrip and it takes two cocking to get to the shot. Is this normal? Haven't tried the crank yet.

That spacing is way off. Mine are about 5-6mm. I think you got a bad back, so let KEH know. Or I suppose you could try without the speedgrip first, to eliminate that as well.

wiltw · May 3, 2010

Prasanta said:
I recently got this MF bug and after lurking around the forums for a few months, I ordered a BGN ETRSi last month from KEH and just got back my first roll back from Walmart (fuji) processing. There are a few things that I am not able to understand and need some help on:
1. The picture sizes are less tha 4.5cmx6cm. Is this normal?
2. I got only 12 shots from the ETRSi. My understanding was, I will get 15 exposures from a 120 roll.
3. The distance between the exposures are uneven and beteen 3 to 4cm. Should it not be same and much less?

Is there a problem with my camera or am I doing something terribly wrong? Any help will be appreciated.

1. Frame size is 55mm x 42.5mm, in spite of the 645 name for the format.
2. 15 shots is normal
3. Your film back is in need of work or replacement. A good film insert is very consistent about frame spacing. An 8mm gap between 42mm frames, so 50mm from frame to frame

paul ron · May 3, 2010

Spacing on most MF cameras tend to drift a bit, but that is normal. Not getting 15 frames is the key indicator your back is bad. Call KEH n they will definately send you a better one than you bargained for. They are very good about returns so take advantage of that service, it's one of the perks of buying from them as vs flea-bay.

5stringdeath · May 3, 2010

2-3 CM is not drift

Prasanta · May 3, 2010

Thanks everyone for help and advice. Will call KEH tomorrow for a replacement back.

Prasanta · Jul 16, 2010

Sent both the body and back to KEH and they sent me back a new set. Came back from vacation and it is time to test the new one! Extremely please with KEH customer service. The gentleman named Dan was exceptional.

2F/2F · Jul 16, 2010

"1. The picture sizes are less tha 4.5cmx6cm. Is this normal?
2. I got only 12 shots from the ETRSi. My understanding was, I will get 15 exposures from a 120 roll.
3. The distance between the exposures are uneven and beteen 3 to 4cm. Should it not be same and much less?"

1. Yes, it's normal, if it is slightly smaller.
2. Something is wrong
3. Something is wrong, and this explains your #2

benjiboy · Jul 20, 2010

It sounds to me that it was not only the back of the original camera that could have been faulty, but also camera bodys winding mechanism .

Jeff Kubach · Jul 20, 2010

I can see going to Wal-Mart for 35mm, but why 120? Go to some pro lab near where you live, if not do it yourself.

Jeff

Prasanta · Jul 23, 2010

If not Walmart who else is going to process 120 roll for $1.89? Can't afford pro labs for $8! Will start developing the BW in future.

Newbie with MF Bug: Need help with Bronie ETRSi

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