Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

I am in the process of upgrading my medium format camera. Currently I am shooting a C33 and want to upgrade. The Bronica SQ-A the camera I am looking at. It comes with 2 lenses with one working and the other not working. My understanding is the shutter is built into lenes. The lens that is not working does not return the red blinking light, indicating the shutter has fired.

My question does anyone have experience with this camera and what do you think of it? I am looking at the camera for $450.00 is this a fair price? My other question is there anyone that can fix the broken lens? Is there any idea how much it will cost to repair the lens?

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I did the switch from a C33 to Bronica SQA back in the 80's! I sold all my medium format when I switched to digital in 2006. I never had any issues like you described and since those cameras stopped being produced many years ago I'm sure parts aren't available.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help. I actually specialized in Bronica repairs at one point. The repair could run $100-$150 so you might want to include that information in the negotiations.

I'd be more than happy to repair the lens for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.

Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

Sounds good, don’t have the camera yet. I will by the end of the month and will send the lens. The seller has already discounted the price so I am good with that.

photon-collector Loc: Tampa Bay Area, Florida

Bronica was known as the "Japanese Hasselblad." They were precision engineered and produced. Like anything else made over 30 years ago, things stop working. Lubricants dry out, electronics fail, optics get mold, etc. Bronica supported several negative formats (SQ=square, ETRS=645, GS-1= 6x7cm). The GS-1 was the last in production, and IMHO is the top of the line and includes some very nice features. There was also an evolution in lens designs....with the "P" lenses being the most recent and of superior design. Nikon also made lenses for some Bronicas. The leaf shutter was produced by Seiko...and some of the lenses were manufactured by Tamron. The Bronica, with a few exceptions, is totally modular: interchangable film backs, metered/non-metered and waist-level finders, a whole suite of lens choices, a variety of focusing screens, speed grips, iTTL flash, etc.

The price of $450 sounds reasonable, if everything else is in working condition. You may want to check on eBay, for similar kits, typically sold by Japanese vendors. You may be surprised at how many mint or near-mint condition kits are available. Japanese have long had a love affair with optical equipment, and they are known to take meticulous care of their gear.

I have 5 near-mint GS-1's with a whole cabinet of assorted accessories, all purchased from Japan, using eBay. BTW: I have been successful in offering lower than the asking price. Most vendors will accept PayPal, which is in my opinion, a safe way to transact business. It is also good to know that we have a UHH member who repairs Bronica equipment.

Good luck with your decision. I "love" my Bronnies!

flasfill Loc: Sandy Springs GA

I shot weddings with two almost 20 years. They are a great camera. On several occasions I had to have the flash contacts replaced on both my 80 mm lenses. I used Jimmy Koh in New York. I hope he is still in business. I could ship him a lens or a back on Monday and have it back Thursday for a Saturday wedding. I still have 2 bodies, 4 lenses and several notched backs. Flashfill3@mac.com

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Jimmy Koh is still in business on Long Island. That's where I got my Bronica and Nikon film cameras in the 80's.

photon-collector Loc: Tampa Bay Area, Florida

If you use Facebook, there is a group called BUG (Bronica Users Group), that you might find informative. Images, descriptions, and useful information on all models of Bronica.

richardsaccount

There are a few channels on You Tube that have photographers using Bronicas
and explaining their features, quirks etc.

bertloomis Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

I purchased this camera used in the mid 1990's for the $450 you state here, but with one lens and waist level view finder. I think the price is too high.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Check out this page at Collectiblend: https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Zenza/Bronica-SQ-A.html

Stan

Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

Yes, I have joined the group.

Douglas Tharp Loc: Texas

Looked him up on the internet, the tech has retired.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Great. By the way. Please contact me via private message or at the signature link below.

Rick

flasfill Loc: Sandy Springs GA

Wonderful. Thank you.