Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya
-
A
- Thread starter Rob MacKillop
- Start date
Recent Classifieds
-
For Sale Two Graflex 6x9 film backs for Graflex RB 6x9 (2x3)
- Started by Alex Varas
-
For Sale Nokton 40mm f/.14 SC for Leica M cameras.
- Started by Alex Varas
-
For Sale Nikon F2AS + Nikkon 50mm f/1.8 Ai - CLA'd in July 2025.
- Started by Alex Varas
-
Sold Fujica Super Fujica-6 folder, 6x6
- Started by Dan Daniel
Forum statistics
OP
OP
I used Ilford FP4, 125. It has been bright and sunny these last few days...though that seems to have changed this morning, it's now quite dull, with rain.
Have you developed it?
Btw here is my latest FP4+ picture taken with SQ-Ai..
https://flic.kr/p/26pHKEX
Btw here is my latest FP4+ picture taken with SQ-Ai..
https://flic.kr/p/26pHKEX
OP
OP
I've not finished the roll yet, perhaps today. I don't do my own developing, so will have to send it off. Could be a couple of weeks before I get it back, which you might think is a pain, but I quite like some distance between shooting and getting prints and scans. The only downside is the expense...Plus the chemicals make me ill. I had one experience in a darkroom, which had ventilation, but I was very sick for 24 hours after it. I know you can do it with coffee, and other alternative processes, but I've never been totally convinced by the results.
I really LOVE your latest image. So dark yet clear, and a beautiful composition. I'll look at more of your images, for sure.
I really LOVE your latest image. So dark yet clear, and a beautiful composition. I'll look at more of your images, for sure.
Not been on for a few days, so I've missed a few posts on this...
As Johnha said, SQ-S or PS lenses only, which to me is a bit stupid really when they could have done one series of lenses for all 3 systems of the time... The ETR fit ones do seem to be a bit more common and cheaper on ePrey, but good SQ ones do appear from time to time at reasonable prices. Just be aware of imports from Asia!
It dawned on me earlier, I used an old film backing paper wound backwards on the reel so the white side was facing the lens, to test and learn the functions of my camera when I first got it. Actually, I initially used it to figure out if I could use a 220 back because I read a few posts on that there interweb, saying that the film started in a different place compared to 120, which turned out to be rubbish! But, it was quite handy to run the backing paper through the camera without a lens on, see it advancing (and also have it turning the mechanism for the shutter) and get to know how the interlocks work.
2 more bits of advice I can pass on: Always keep the darkslide with the camera. Don't leave it in a bag somewhere and go off shooting. If you have more than one back and you need to change, you can't without the darkslide. Also (according to a video on YouTube I watched a while ago) don't insert it the wrong way, you may bend/damage something. There is a ring with a dot in the center on both the darkslide handle and the back, match these up before you push it in!
As Johnha said, SQ-S or PS lenses only, which to me is a bit stupid really when they could have done one series of lenses for all 3 systems of the time... The ETR fit ones do seem to be a bit more common and cheaper on ePrey, but good SQ ones do appear from time to time at reasonable prices. Just be aware of imports from Asia!
I did exactly the same with mine on the 2nd film I shot with it! And just recently, I took a couple of quick shots at the end of the roll with the darkslide in. It turns out the new back I bought has a slightly bent darkslide interlock prong, so it doesn't always line up. 2x blank frames on a nice roll of Velvia. Not happy.
Not sure why that happened, maybe you put it in (c)ontinuous lock-up accidentally. Reading on, it looks like you sorted it!
It dawned on me earlier, I used an old film backing paper wound backwards on the reel so the white side was facing the lens, to test and learn the functions of my camera when I first got it. Actually, I initially used it to figure out if I could use a 220 back because I read a few posts on that there interweb, saying that the film started in a different place compared to 120, which turned out to be rubbish! But, it was quite handy to run the backing paper through the camera without a lens on, see it advancing (and also have it turning the mechanism for the shutter) and get to know how the interlocks work.
2 more bits of advice I can pass on: Always keep the darkslide with the camera. Don't leave it in a bag somewhere and go off shooting. If you have more than one back and you need to change, you can't without the darkslide. Also (according to a video on YouTube I watched a while ago) don't insert it the wrong way, you may bend/damage something. There is a ring with a dot in the center on both the darkslide handle and the back, match these up before you push it in!
OP
OP
Cheers, Fin. Good to know I'm not alone in the screw-ups department! Yes, I saw a video where somebody warned about putting the dark slide in the wrong way...he wasn't happy. I do worry about losing the dark slide, though. The RB67 has a handy side attachment for its dark slide, not so the Bronicas. I'll have to work out a system for it. Cheers.
Yeah, the last focal plane Bronicas had a dark slide holder (the EC and EC-TL) but when they switched to the leaf shutter cameras they dropped that useful feature.
I shot a blank frame on my first shot with the ETRSi because I left the dark life in, and for some weird reason, it let me take the picture. The dark slide shutter block has worked since then, but I suspect my loading/winding/cocking procedure left it it in a state where it didn’t notice the dark slide.
OP
OP
How strange. They are mysterious beasts!
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2013
- Messages
- 1,314
- Format
- Medium Format
Once you get the hang of it, the SQ is not all that mysterious.
Pretty straight forward, actually.
Just keep the dark slide out and the multi-exposure switch off.
Pretty straight forward, actually.
Just keep the dark slide out and the multi-exposure switch off.
OP
OP
Haha. Indeed, that's about it. You should have written the manual! 
Awaiting return of the first development. I asked for just the negs, and will do the rest myself.
Awaiting return of the first development. I asked for just the negs, and will do the rest myself.
You forgot the all important: if you use mirror lockup, turn it off after taking the shot but before advancing the film. (Unless the SQ is different on this count.)
OP
OP
First roll developed and scanned!!
As mentioned above, I lost the first two shots. Most of the remainder were salvageable. I have two or three that I really like. Here's one. Not perfect, but a good start for me.
As mentioned above, I lost the first two shots. Most of the remainder were salvageable. I have two or three that I really like. Here's one. Not perfect, but a good start for me.
OP
OP
And another, from the botanic gardens in Edinburgh...
Nice shots Rob! Looks like you got a good functional camera.
Now everything else is up to you...
Now everything else is up to you...
OP
OP
Cheers, Jim. Thanks for commenting. Yes, I can't blame my tools now!
Yeah, big +1 on that. Mind you, following your website link, it looks like you firmly know how to Black and White! Nice work!
I do appreciate that the SQ-As are a bit clunky and heavy, but once you get used to how they function, it becomes apparent that it's a really nice camera system. The best thing though, is that the lenses focus and release/attach in the same direction as Nikons. And, I think we can all agree, this is the proper way!
OP
OP
Haha, controversial! Luckily my other main camera is a Nikon FE, so I shouldn't get too confused! Yes, b&w are my favourite colours. I'm not a technically-minded photographer, but hopefully creative enough within my restrictions. Photography is a hobby, music my career. Cheers.
Luckily my other main camera is a Nikon FE, so I shouldn't get too confused! Yes, b&w are my favourite colours. I'm not a technically-minded photographer, but hopefully creative enough within my restrictions. Photography is a hobby, music my career. Cheers.
OP
OP
To bring some closure of sorts to this thread, here is my blog post of the first month with the Bronica SQ-Ai, now with three lenses. Comments welcome: https://imagesrm.com/bronica-sq-a1/
Great results - thank you for sharing!
OP
OP
Thank you, macfred!
| Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here. |
PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:  |