Bronica Medium Format Camera Database

Bronica Cameras

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Bronica Rangefinder 645 Camera
Bronica Rangefinder 645 Medium Format Camera

Bronica also known as Zenza Bronica existed as a medium format professional roll-film camera line, made in Japan which included rangefinder cameras and SLR cameras. Bronica cameras first burst upon the scene 1958, when, Zenzaburo Yoshino, the company's founder announced his own created camera , the roll film Bronica Z camera, at the camera show in Philadelphia. The Bronica Z, plus successive Bronicas, utilized large-exposure, high-quality Nikon lenses, were an instant sensation.

Later on, Bronica manufactured it's own with its successive camera models Zenza Bronica Ltd. later on was acquired by Tameron,  the lens manufacturer. Zenzaburo Yoshino passed away in 1988. in October 2004, Tamron stopped making the Bronica single-lens reflex brands (SQ, ETR and the GS), and production was halted on the last Bronica RF645 rangefinder brand in October of 2005. The Bronica cameras were mainstay for both wedding photographers and portrait studios alike for several years. Used Bronicas still see widespread use by professional photographers and serious amateurs, this is partly due to the superior quality of images of the 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x6 and 6x7cm film when compared with smaller 35mm film and digital image sensor formats. The Bronica SLR cameras featured a modular design whereby all the major camera components. including the lens, camera body, viewfinder and film back were all separate but interchangeable units. Updated Article Apr 2, 2011

 

GS Series - GS-1 - Introduced 1982. Lightweight, electronically-controlled, modular SLR 6x7cm camera system, with four interchangeable viewfinders, speed grip, and optional backs for 35 mm, Polaroid, 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm, and 6x7cm rollfilm. 120 and 220 size film backs available in 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x7cm. Dedicated Flash (G1). The GS-1 uses 'PG' -series lenses in a variety of focal lengths: 50 mm, 65 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm macro, 200 mm, 250 mm, and 500 mm.
Bronica GS-1 CameraBronica GS-1 Medium Format Camera Bronica's 6X7 is a heavy but solid camera featuring 16-1/500 sec shutter speed with mirror lockup, multiple exposures, depth-of field preview and with the optional AE prism finder you can have aperture-priority and metered manual. Interchangeable backs include 120, 220, Polaroid, and 6X6 and 6X4.5. Data display shows shutter speeds, exposure compensation, flash ready, AE lock with the optional AE prism finder. Film advance is manual via single turn hand crank or with the optional speed grip. nine Zenzanon-PG lenses with built-in leaf shutters ranging from 50 mm f-4.5 to 500 mm f-8 are available. Accessories include grips, bellows, extension tubes, and a 2X converter.
Employing extremely advanced electronics technology, Bronica has combined the functions of a large studio camera with the portability of a 35mm camera. Sophisticated enough for the studio and convenient enough for the field. The GS-1's main body is designed to be as simple as possible. The lens, viewfinder, film back and other accessories work together with the body to make an integrated unit of great versatility. The GS-1 is the first medium format camera that automatically adjusts the flash by directly metering light through the lens off the film plane. It features Bronica's unique electronically controlled Seiko lens shutter, and a flash that is adjustable for all speeds up to 1/500 second. The GS-1's tough body weighs only 1,830 grams, including all the standard attachments, so it's great on location. This portability, combined with state-of-the-art functions that meet the demanding needs of professionals, make the GS-1 a great medium format single lens reflex camera.

Specifications

  • Type: 6x7cm format lens shutter single lens reflex camera, w/interchangeable lens, film back, finder and focusing screen system
  • Frame Size: 55.6x69.0mm
  • Film: 120 and 220 roll film, and Polaroid Pack Film. (Exclusive film backs for each film type.)
  • Lens Mount: Exclusive four claw Bronica GS bayonet mount
  • Focusing: Helical focusing system built into each lens
  • Lens Diaphragm: Fully automatic instant reopening lens diaphragm: Equal distant aperture scale graduations; half-click stops
  • Shutter: Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf shutter; shutter speeds T·B·16 to 1/500 sec. & A
  • Film Winding: One full rotation, or ratchet winding possible
  • Mirror Lock-up: Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever main camera body for a single or continuous shooting
  • Multiple Exposure: Multiple exposure possible with lever on main camera body
  • Film Back: Interchangeable, Exclusive film backs for 120, 220 and Polaroid Pack Film; with ASA/ISO film speed dial and exposure compensation dial coupled to the finder with built-in exposure meter
  • Finder System: Interchangeable
  • Finder Screen: Interchangeable: Full area matte screen (standard)
  • Flash Synchronization: X-setting only (syncs to all speeds up to 1/500 sec.)
  • Battery: Single 6-volt alkaline or silver oxide battery
  • Dimensions: 106.5mm(W) x 117.7mm(H) x 196.5mm(L) (Main body with standard lens, Film Back and Waist-Level Finder)
  • Weight: 65oz (with above accessories)
Bronica SQ-Ai 6X6 CameraBronica SQ-Ai 6X6 Built solid, this camera uses 120 and 220 roll films plus 645, 35 mm, 35 mm Panoramic, and Polaroid backs. Aperture and metered manual exposures are possible with the optional AE prism finder. Centerweighted or spot metering are available with the SQ-i prism finder. Bronica also offers waist-level and non meter prism finders. Shutter speeds range from 16-1/500 sec. plus bulb and time exposures. Other features include mirror lockup, multiple exposures, battery check, and safety locks. 14 Zenzanon -PS lenses with built-in leaf shutters support this camera. They range from a 35 mm fisheye to a 500 mm f-8 telephoto including a recently introduced 110 mm f-4 macro. A 1.4X and 2X converters, motor drives, extension tubes, flash brackets, and grips complete the system.
Based on the earlier SQ-A Series, the SQ-Ai is a medium format single lens reflex camera incorporating original Bronica "system" technology which answers the high image technique capabilities expected by the professional photographer. Through years of developing medium format single lens reflex cameras, based on the "system" concept, the SQ-Ai is now the result. The "system" design of the SQ-Ai, which incorporates interchangeable viewfinders, film back, focusing screens and lenses, allows you to create the best system for your needs.
Bronica SQ_B (Basic) is another 6X6 camera offered by Bronica and is sold in a kit only. The kit includes body, 120 back, 80 mm lens and waist-level finder. Note that the SQ-I AE prism finder will not function with this camera.

Specifications

  • Type: 6x6cm format lens shutter single lens reflex camera, w/interchangeable lens, film back, finder and focusing screen systems
  • Frame Size: 55.6x55.6mm
  • Film: 120 roll film (12 exposures); 220 roll film (24 exposures); 135 cartridge-loaded film; and Polaroid Land film. (Exclusive film backs for each film type.)
  • Lens Mount: Exclusive four claw Bronica SQ bayonet mount
  • Focusing: Helical focusing system built into each lens
  • Shutter: Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf shutter; shutter speeds 16 to 1/500 sec. plus B (bulbs) and T (time); intermediate settings not possible
  • Film Winding Film winding crank; one complete forward revolution or ratcheted winding action
  • Mirror Lock-up: Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever on the side of camera main body for a single or continuous picture taking
  • Multiple Exposure; Multiple exposure possible with switch lever on the side of camera main body
  • Film Back: Daylight loading interchangeable type; exclusive film backs SQ-I 120 (12 exp.), SQ-I 120J (15 exp.) SQ-I 220 (24 exp.), SQ-I 220J (30 exp.), SQ-I 135N, SQ-I 135W and Polaroid Film Back S
  • Finder System: Interchangeable finder system; 94% of actual field of view (remains unchanged with different finders); choice of six optional finders, or Waist-Level Finder S, AE Prism Finder SQ-I, ME Prism Finder S, MF Finder S and Prism Finder S and Prism Finder 45D S
  • Focusing Screen Interchangeable type; standard screen has Microprism/Split-Image
  • Flash Synchronization: X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.); auto-flash control based on direct light measurements at the film plane are possible with optional SCA System Adapter
  • Battery: Four 1.5-volt alkaline-manganese batteries; also powers AE Prism Finder SQ-I, MF Finder S and ME Prism Finder S, when attached. (LR44x4 pieces)
  • Dimensions: 3.6 inches (W) x 4.2 inches (H) x 7 inches (L) (SQ-Ai main body with standard lens, Film Back SQ-I 120 and Waist-Level Finder S)
  • Weight: 53oz (SQ-Ai main body with standard lens, Film Back SQ-I 120 and Waist-Level Finder S)
Bronica ETR-Si 645 CameraBronica ETR-Si 645 The ETR-si is lightweight and very rugged. It uses interchangeable 120 and 220, plus 35mm and Polaroid film backs. Film advance is manual but an optional motor drive is available. Center weighted or spot metering in aperture-priority plus metered manual with the optional AE prism finder. Other features are 8 to 1/500th sec. shutter speeds plus bulb and time exposure, multiple exposures, mirror lockup, battery check. Choice of five interchangeable viewfinders plus extension tubes, bellows , teleconverters, and grips. Zenzanon-PE lenses with built-in leaf shutters range from 30 mm fisheye to a 500 mm f-8 including a 100 mm macro, 100-220mm and a 45-90mm zooms.
ETR-Si with a compact design emphasizing great handling ease. The ETR-si special importance has been placed on this point and there is a high degree of system flexibility. Not only has a compact and light-weight camera been developed, based on Bronica's exclusive lens shutter system, but Bronica has advanced the use of electronics in various sophisticated functions, resulting in enhanced precision. And, the pursuit of greater holding stability has also lead to an improvement in handling ease. The very flexible "system" design of the ETR-si, in which lenses, finders, film backs and focusing screens can be freely exchanged, as well as full range of valuable accessories makes it possible to customize the camera to match the user's intention in picture-taking. These versatile functions in a very compact camera have been successful in greatly increasing the creative freedom in photography.

Specifications:

  • Type: 4.5x6cm format lens shutter single lens reflex camera; complete system requires lens, film back and finder.
  • Frame Size: 42.5 x 55.1 mm (side/length ratio of 1:1.29 closely matches standard paper and reproduction sizes)
  • Film: 120 roll film (15 exposures); 220 roll film (30 exposures); 135 cartridge-loaded film; and Polaroid Land pack film. (Optional film backs required for each film type.)
  • Lens Mount Exclusive four claw Bronica ETR bayonet mount.
  • Lens Diaphragm: Fully automatic instant reopening diaphragm action; equal-distance aperture scale graduations; depth of field previewing.
  • Shutter: Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf shutter; shutter speeds 8 to 1/500 sec., plus B (bulbs) and T (time); intermediate settings not possible; mechanical control setting of 1/500 sec.
  • Film Winding: Film winding crank; one complete forward revolution or ratcheted winding action.
  • Mirror Lock-up: Possible with mirror lock-up lever.
  • Multiple Exposure: Possible with multiple exposure lever; red warning sign in finder.
  • Film Back: Daylight loading interchangeable type; optional film backs for 120, 220 and 135 roll films and Polaroid Land pack film.
  • Finder System: Interchangeable finder system; 94% of actual field of view (remains unchanged with different finders); choice of five optional finders, or Waist-Level Finder E, AE-III Prism Finder E, AE-II Finder E, Rotary Finder E and Prism Finder E.
  • Focusing Screen: Interchangeable type; standard screen has matte spot.
  • Flash Synchronization: X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.); auto-flash control based on direct light measurements at the film plane are possible with optional SCA System Adapter.
  • Battery Checking: Red-colored LED lights up within screen area when battery check button is depressed, if there is sufficient power; also doubles as shutter closing signal.
  • Power Source: Single 6-volt silver oxide or alkaline-manganese battery; also powers AE-II Prism Finder E and AE-III Prism Finder E, when attached.
  • Dimensions: 92(W) x 87(H) x 69(L)mm (ETR-si main body only), 92(W) x 107(H) x 165(L)mm (with standard lens, Film Back Ei 120 and Waist-Level Finder E)
  • Weight: 17 oz. (ETR-si main body only; without battery) 46 oz. (with optional standard lens, Film Back Ei 120 and Waist-Level Finder E; without battery.)
RF Series - RF645 - Introduced 2000. Extremely light and compact 6x4.5cm coupled rangefinder camera system with three interchangeable leaf shutter lenses: 45 mm, 65 mm, and 100mm. Also dedicated flash (RF20) and special polarizer kit.  
Medium Format Film Rangefinder CameraBronica Rangefinder 645 CameraBronica Rangefinder 645. A totally innovative concept in a medium-format camera. It is a 6x4.5 film format rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses. In line with its fundamental design concept, "to deliver the pride and pleasure of owning the camera", the RF645 is a classy camera with features and functional design elements designed to give it the highest level of practicality as a field camera. Bronica RF645: A camera system from Tamron-Bronica for all photo enAs a resultiasts as well as working professionals. Features A Fully Electronic Lens Shutter Unit For Maximum Ease Of Handling Fail-safe Feature To Prevent Film Exposure Design Philosophy Of The Automatic Exposure System Aperture-Priority AE vs. Program AE: Two AE Modes Use of Five-Segment Center-Weighted Average Metering

Specifications

Camera Type: Medium Format Interchangeable Lens Rangefinder Camera

Format: 6 x 4.5cm

Lens Mount: Bronica RF bayonet mount

Viewfinder: Real image, dual image superimposing rangefinder, inversed Galilean type

Magnification: 0.6x

info: Shutter speed, shutter speed/exposure, Program, Aperture Priority, Manual, AE Lock, Shutter open, Exposure Compensation, Self-timer Operation, Flash "Ready", Multiple Exposure Warning, Battery Status, Bright frame, Rangefinder Image

Focus Type  Manual helical focusing system

Exposure Compensation ±2EV 1/2-stop increment

Exposure Metering 5 segment, center-weighted average metering (Photo sensor positioned inside the viewfinder section); Manual(M), Aperture Priority AE(A), Program AE(P); AE Lock (holds for 5 mins. w/cancel feature); Metering Range EV 3-18 (ISO100) Shutter /Release No. #00 type lens shutter Shutter speed : Manual: 1sec. - 1/500sec (in 1 EV steps); Auto Exposure: 8secs. - 1/750sec. (in 1/2 EV steps); ISO Range ISO 25-1600 Flash sync X-sync. all speeds

Camera Back Fixed back - manual loading system compatible with 120 and 220 roll film (selectable with switch on pressure plate); Film tab memo holder on back Tripod Socket 1/4" x 20 Self Timer 10 sec.

Back panel button. Cancel feature included.

Remote Control accepts standard mechanical type cable release PC Terminal on camera body (for external electronic flash connection ONLY); Multiple Exposure Multiple exposure possible with button on camera back, instant release, continuous setting possible

Power Source Two CR2 lithium 6V batteries

Dimensions 145.6 x 107.3 x 64mm (5.73 x 4.22 x 2.52")

Weight 180g (1.79lbs) Body only

See also