Re-seating the tripod socket on a Bronica SQ-B camera body

Tom Kershaw · Sep 1, 2009

Due to a fall onto soft ground (a sandy beach) the tripod socket on one of my Bronica camera bodies has become dislodged. As this camera body has seen maybe 30 rolls of film (it was my new-old stock backup camera), and is working correctly otherwise, I'd like to sort out the tripod socket. Has anyone had experience with re-seating the tripod socket on a Bronica SQ series camera body?

Tom

fotch · Sep 1, 2009

Was it attached to a tripod or hand grip when it took the fall?

Tom Kershaw · Sep 1, 2009

To a manfrotto tripod quick release plate, attached to a tripod.

Tom

fotch · Sep 1, 2009

A couple of possibilities exist. It depends, I think, on how the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera is attached. Did it get yanked out, stripping threads? Or, is it a press fit and got yanked out. You could take a 1/4" bolt with a nut and thread this into the camera mount. When threaded all the way till it stops, then run the nut up to it and holding the bolt with a pliers, tighten the nut. Then you can gently pull on it to see if there is any play. You could try pushing on it to see if it goes back in.

You might also try backing it out to see if the mount unscrews. If so, maybe you can screw it in.

If you have a way to contact the camera makers tech department, maybe they will tell you this info.

Just be gentle and don't make its worse.

Maybe someone with camera repair will chime in.

John Koehrer · Sep 2, 2009

Usually the tripod socket is manufactured as part of a plate that screws to the body casting sort of like a t-nut but nicer.

archphoto · Sep 2, 2009

What John says: it could be broken off screws that hold the tripod mount into place, it could be worse: broken parts inside.
If you are realy handy, take off the rubber cover and have a look below it, otherwise send it to a repairman or Bronica.

Peter

DWThomas · Sep 2, 2009

I have a .PDF file of a repair manual for the ETRSi, but alas, have never been able to find similar information for any of the SQ series. In the aforementioned manual, there is shown a plate that attaches in the bottom with multiple screws, as John suggests. The manual refers to the plate as a "tripod shoe" but there is no illustration or reference to an actual threaded part or portion for the tripod mount. I suppose that could mean the socket is a threaded insert swaged into that plate, but it's clear as mud. I would think repairs on that item -- stripped threads or the like -- would be common enough to warrant attention in the manual, but no cigar. I have a body to take apart one of these days, but alas, now is not that time.

DaveT

Tom Kershaw · Sep 2, 2009

archphoto said:
What John says: it could be broken off screws that hold the tripod mount into place, it could be worse: broken parts inside.
If you are realy handy, take off the rubber cover and have a look below it, otherwise send it to a repairman or Bronica.

Peter

It isn't clear from the photograph but the rubber area has become distorted upwards around the tripod socket.

Tom

David_A · Sep 2, 2009

If it comes to it then give these guys a go they repaired a lens for me a while back, they were fast and quite good on prices too, they will call you and give you a quote before they start.

http://www.cameraclinic.co.uk/index.asp

David

Re-seating the tripod socket on a Bronica SQ-B camera body

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