I made a few videos modifying a Bronica ETR film back to shoot panoramic on a regular 6x4.5 back with as little loss as possible. Managed to squeeze out around 24 frames on a 120 roll.
one tip here, use a 36 exp. cartridge!, as the film must be pulled through a greater distance, and hence 'waste' a lot more in the leader portion. This allows for this distance, and STILL get the 24 frames successfully, with a greater margin for the lead and tail portions, due to this film back style.
There is a fourth way but it's cumbersome and practically free. Make a ~24x56mm mask for the 6x6 back, toggle the multi-exposure switch and advance 1/2 a frame via the knob on the film back (approx 1/2 turn - test with a dummy roll and marker). You'll get 23-24 frames off a 120 roll. Spacing will be wacky with potential for overlap. A ~18x56mm frame would work on a 645 back.
@@SprocketHoles It works reasonably well. I shot one roll and had only a pair of frames with (minimal) overlap. At least the winding knob on the back stops at each "full frame". Btw thanks for showing how those 135 backs work!
there is a case for the standard 35 mm cartridge for this camera system, it allows you to change film stock mid roll, like the Rolleiflex SL2000f/3000 models, but at a cheaper cost, than having to buy this camera system, or a Tlr with a 'rolleikin' kit (a 135 format conversion, ads spools, masks for the viewfinder)
Hi, I liked your panoramic photos very much! Which focal length did you use? I have seen that you had a 80mm lens on your body in the video. I am thinking about this back since a long time. BUT.... When I compare a panoramic picture from my 6x17 camera (90mm wide angle lens) or from my cheap lomography horizont camera with a cropped picture, done with the 40mm wide angle lens on the Bronica SQ, I am disappointed. The aspect ratio of the 135W back is panoramic, but the view and the impression seems to me not. It appers simply to be a cropped 6x6. So until now I did not spent the 500 Euros or more for this film back - because I think for this amount of money I can crop negatives for the next 20 years. I would be interested in your opinion: Do you think, this is really a panoramic view, compared with cameras which really are designed to do panoramic photos???? And half a year after your video: Do you use the back as often, as you have planned? Thank you!
How did you get just the film guide insert? Im trying to find listings for just that part (i already have 2 135Ns and is wanted to do the same as you, just swap the inside part) but I just cant find it.
I just got a SQ-A and already down the rabbit hole looking for one of these backs. Prices are a bit outrageous, may just pick up the Lomography sprocketholes pano camera for $65 and call it a day.
Love it mate although I’m the least mechanically minded pleb on the planet I actually enjoyed the detailed look at the back I shoot the ETRSi 645 but am keen as for the wide back I have cropped a 645 neg and they’re super cool top work mate thanks for posting
Great video and greatly detailed. Would love to get one of these backs eventually. Just might 3D print 35mm to 120mm adaptador. Just bought my Bronica SQ-A today for a steal 🥲🥲🥲
Thanks for the video, it was very useful to put the focus screen and understand how it works. I will do my first film soon. Just a litle difficulty when putting the loader into the back. it seems to be a little hard or maybe is there a trick to do it easily ?
hey, I just converted my 135N back to a Wide back (which is quite easy). Now I am thinking about changing the gear size in order to adjust to the wider aspect ratio when advancing the film. It would be really helpful to have the dimensions of the 135W gear, so that I can 3d print it myself! Maybe you have a way of measuring/scanning the gear?
Such a cool accessory but sadly often very expensive. How many frames do you get per roll? Just must have rock steady hands to be shooting Delta 100 handheld!
It's a shame Bronica never build the 35mm-magazines for the GS-1 which you already find in their publications but never saw daylight. Imagine 69mm wide instead of 55 mm wide panos.
Great vid! I am really interested to get into medium format and would be ideal to have the option for panoramic 35mm format so my questions is what bronica model offers this option? Witch one would you recommend?
Mmmm... bit gimmicky and stupid expensive, even without the focusing screen. But yes, it's a nice bit of design. Bronicas are very nice, especially the later ones. I'm guessing you bought this before the price went north of AU $1,000 (650 Euros). Thanks for the explanation. Will have to find that video of the person who modified a back to do that format. I'm guessing some of this could be 3D printed.
I made a few videos modifying a Bronica ETR film back to shoot panoramic on a regular 6x4.5 back with as little loss as possible. Managed to squeeze out around 24 frames on a 120 roll.
interesting because I just got an ETRS for very cheap 2 days ago. I will have to try this.
one tip here, use a 36 exp. cartridge!, as the film must be pulled through a greater distance, and hence 'waste' a lot more in the leader portion. This allows for this distance, and STILL get the 24 frames successfully, with a greater margin for the lead and tail portions, due to this film back style.
There is a fourth way but it's cumbersome and practically free. Make a ~24x56mm mask for the 6x6 back, toggle the multi-exposure switch and advance 1/2 a frame via the knob on the film back (approx 1/2 turn - test with a dummy roll and marker). You'll get 23-24 frames off a 120 roll. Spacing will be wacky with potential for overlap. A ~18x56mm frame would work on a 645 back.
I did look into this idea but I wanted to change the gearingin the back so it advance the right amount. The multi exposure switch is a good idea tho.
@@SprocketHoles It works reasonably well. I shot one roll and had only a pair of frames with (minimal) overlap. At least the winding knob on the back stops at each "full frame". Btw thanks for showing how those 135 backs work!
I just picked up a 135W and have never used one. This video was really helpful!
Nice! You've inspired me to finally get the 135mm back for my Mamiya 645 ProTL
there is a case for the standard 35 mm cartridge for this camera system, it allows you to change film stock mid roll, like the Rolleiflex SL2000f/3000 models, but at a cheaper cost, than having to buy this camera system, or a Tlr with a 'rolleikin' kit (a 135 format conversion, ads spools, masks for the viewfinder)
Great shots - love this format. I know a mate of mine who got a pano back for his Bronica and I think it cost him more than the camera itself!
The pano backs are stupid expensive, I got lucky with this back for a good price.
Hi, I liked your panoramic photos very much! Which focal length did you use? I have seen that you had a 80mm lens on your body in the video.
I am thinking about this back since a long time. BUT.... When I compare a panoramic picture from my 6x17 camera (90mm wide angle lens) or from my cheap lomography horizont camera with a cropped picture, done with the 40mm wide angle lens on the Bronica SQ, I am disappointed. The aspect ratio of the 135W back is panoramic, but the view and the impression seems to me not. It appers simply to be a cropped 6x6. So until now I did not spent the 500 Euros or more for this film back - because I think for this amount of money I can crop negatives for the next 20 years. I would be interested in your opinion: Do you think, this is really a panoramic view, compared with cameras which really are designed to do panoramic photos????
And half a year after your video: Do you use the back as often, as you have planned? Thank you!
How did you get just the film guide insert? Im trying to find listings for just that part (i already have 2 135Ns and is wanted to do the same as you, just swap the inside part) but I just cant find it.
Is there anyone who build a 3D Printable Insert for the film back?
I just got a SQ-A and already down the rabbit hole looking for one of these backs. Prices are a bit outrageous, may just pick up the Lomography sprocketholes pano camera for $65 and call it a day.
Love it mate although I’m the least mechanically minded pleb on the planet I actually enjoyed the detailed look at the back I shoot the ETRSi 645 but am keen as for the wide back I have cropped a 645 neg and they’re super cool top work mate thanks for posting
Great video and greatly detailed. Would love to get one of these backs eventually. Just might 3D print 35mm to 120mm adaptador.
Just bought my Bronica SQ-A today for a steal 🥲🥲🥲
I would use a 645 back and crop instead of a 35mm to 120mm adapter. The vertical film transport makes the adapter a pain to use.
Great. Will any lab that processes 120 be able to process the panoramas?
Any lab that can process 35mm can develop the film.
Thanks for the video, it was very useful to put the focus screen and understand how it works. I will do my first film soon. Just a litle difficulty when putting the loader into the back. it seems to be a little hard or maybe is there a trick to do it easily ?
Where did you manage to find these items? I have had no luck.
hey, I just converted my 135N back to a Wide back (which is quite easy). Now I am thinking about changing the gear size in order to adjust to the wider aspect ratio when advancing the film.
It would be really helpful to have the dimensions of the 135W gear, so that I can 3d print it myself! Maybe you have a way of measuring/scanning the gear?
I'm interested in how you converted it to a wide back and if you managed to get gears printed etc for it? Any updates? I'd love to give this a try
Bronica was a genial camera.
how is the film flatness? are you able to get proper focus with f/2.8?
Wish I had that focusing screen :(
Such a cool accessory but sadly often very expensive. How many frames do you get per roll? Just must have rock steady hands to be shooting Delta 100 handheld!
I get about 20 frames a roll.
Awesome!!
Hi Patrick, what kit do you use to scan in your negs for digital use pls?
I use a d850 and a scanning lens
It's a shame Bronica never build the 35mm-magazines for the GS-1 which you already find in their publications but never saw daylight. Imagine 69mm wide instead of 55 mm wide panos.
You could put 35mm into a GS-1 220 back with an adapter as the film feeds sideways.
Great vid! I am really interested to get into medium format and would be ideal to have the option for panoramic 35mm format so my questions is what bronica model offers this option? Witch one would you recommend?
The SQ and Etrs series have a panoramic back available. The GS-1 does not. They are hella expensive tho
@@SprocketHoles yeah i quickly look and i was not expecting that much! anyway thanks a lot! cheers.
Thanks ... 😉👌
Does the 645 back definitely allow for 15/16 frames? Thinking of getting one but can’t tell if its portrait or landscape orientated
The 645 back shoots 16 landscape frames.
@@SprocketHoles brilliant! Thank you
Man, those 135W goes for more than a SQ + lens...
Mmmm... bit gimmicky and stupid expensive, even without the focusing screen. But yes, it's a nice bit of design. Bronicas are very nice, especially the later ones. I'm guessing you bought this before the price went north of AU $1,000 (650 Euros). Thanks for the explanation. Will have to find that video of the person who modified a back to do that format. I'm guessing some of this could be 3D printed.
I'm right here.