Bronica ETRSi Review - Compact 645 Medium Format
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
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In this video, I’m sharing my thoughts about the Bronica ETRSi after shooting with it for the last month. This is a compact and modular 645 medium format camera system and one that I’ve been looking at for a long time. I finally decided to pick one up after wanting a smaller 120 film camera for some upcoming backpacking trips that I have planned.
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Great video. I love my ETRSi. I shot one in the 90s and sold it for a small price when digital became popular. I’ve just bought another one for significantly more than I sold it for!
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
Yep I think I'll keep mine for a loooong time. Just love my ETRSi
Someone on the Bronica Facebook group thought that the UA-cam still for this video looked like Fidel Castro with an ETRSi. 😆
That's like the fourth or fifth time someone has commented that on one of my videos. 😂 🤷♂️
I’ve been shooting with Bronica since the early 80’s still own several 645’s and an SQA. Tried Blad and Mamiya......but the love for the Bronica never went away
Just got my Bronica, got an amazing deal and this video helped me make my decision to get it. Im so happy I did!
Glad it helped. Have fun!
I'm using the Hasselblad 503cx with PME51, PME90, and waste level finders. The metering on the pme is spot on. Acute-Matte-D focus screens are over the top bright. This kit is complete with 150mm, 120mm, 80mm, and 50mm.. I'm 72 and have used all the cameras over the years and will never give up the Hasselblad gear.
Oh, your video is spot on. That care
hell yea i got so excited when a good film photography page made a review of a camera i just bought
🙌
I am wishing you & yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from central Texas. You were the driving force in my buying a P67ii & a Coolscan 9000. I am much poorer now, but quite happy when I get out to shoot.
Thanks Scott! Same to you!
I have the ETR and just got some ektar 100, this video gave me a little more confidence for when I go out filming thanks
Love these shots Kyle! Love it when you do camera reviews
Thanks, Nick!
Such a beautiful perspective of that 50mm lens. Very nice shots!
one of the photographers of a wedding and event studio I worked with in the 1990's used a ETRSi for weddings, the other partner had a Hasselblad with a 645 back. I think they shot with the standard lens, and using flash a lot of the time to clean up the shadows. It seemed to work well from them.
Great video. Superb camera system. I was incredibly lucky, I bagged a ETRS system with body, 3 lenses, prism finder, grip and two film backs for 100 quid! I’ll never do that again! A solid workhorse of a camera.
Yeah, that’s a deal!
I think it's a great camera. I also think it's the kind of camera people love to try, but won't actually love and keep like many other cameras. I think that's why it gets overlooked quite often.
My only real issue is with how heavy it is, as I have the power winder/speed grip with the AEII, and it's even heavier with the 35mm Panoramic back on as well.
The great thing about been a modular camera is if the body breaks, you can get another body pretty cheap.
Also the camera can be mechanical, at 1/500th of a second. If the battery runs out it can still fire at that speed. Also, I recommend using a shutter release and the Time feature on the lens for long exposures as it drains the battery super quickly if you use the slow shutter speeds. (I have the ETRS, which doesn't have a bulb mode, that's what the lens Time release feature is for)
Hey Kyle, big fan of your work 🙂 saw that truck at 3:23 and knew straight away where it was! We also shot the same truck in our retropan video this year 😁 great to see you down our neck of the woods 🤘 amazing video, stay safe ✌️
Oh, no way. Nice! Yeah that ones tucked away at the side of the road. Funny that you shot it as well! 🙌
Thank you Kyle. Great video on a camera I have had for a couple years but I haven't given it much use. Mine will see more use in 2022.
Cheers, Andrew!
I’m very happy toy made this review. I’m a ETRSi owner as well. Love that camera, so underrated.
Thank you Kyle. It's been years since I used my ETRSi and perhaps now is as good a time as ever. You've inspired me to go shoot a few rolls and rekindle the love! Cheers from Sydney - Dave
Kyle nice work on the ETRsi, yes the 50mm MC is pretty soft, I have used multiple copies of that lens (5 of them) I can safely state that the newer PE 5omm is a superior lens over all, although it to is prone to chromatic aberrations depending on how strong the light source is. The 75mm PE II is the sharpest of the bunch. As far as focusing goes, I believe you might have the 135 panorama mask screen designed to shoot 135 film with the N or W 135 film backs, and I know Rick Olsen make exceptional bright screens because I purchased several screens from him for various Bronica's in the last year, but I think you might already know this for about $75US. Also as a side note the Bronica GS-1 has the newest sharpest lenses, and is more versatile with multiple film backs, 6x4.5, 6x6, and the 6x7. And the GS-1 is not much bigger than the ETRsi
I think you may be right about the focusing screen. I’ve already been eyeballing Ricks! Will probably order one.
I use the 135N focus screen in my ETRSi and it has the microprism. Dont know if they made one without it. Just checked the manual yes they did make two 135 screens, with and without microprism.
The mentions about the screen are correct. That screen is great with the 135W Panorama back
A family friend back in the 70s had the Bronica, and I always coveted it. Fun to hear your experiences. Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Jim!
The ETRSi is my go-to for my daily shooting in medium format and I have to say I think I'd agree with everything you said here!
Brought back memories ... I had a Bronica system years ago. I liked the camera, but the shutter noise was to much for my needs. Had to go a different direction. It was a fun camera to use. Good show! Cheers.
I shot Bronica SQ-Ai for many years and eventually swapped it for Rolleiflex 6008. I was very happy with it and it served me very well. I enjoyed the 40mm PS, and for the money it was an awesome lens. Another favorites was the 110mm macro which produces excellent images. I recommend getting the latest prism, AE III for ETRSi or SQ-i for the SQ-Ai. They add spot metering and are a joy to use.
I started off shooting with a ETRS and then upgraded to a SQ-A with for the ability to shoot in square. I can safely say that I’m extremely happy with my camera and love the system. All of the original lens formulated 50mm’s are the weak link in the Bronica systems, weather it’s the ETRS or SQ versions. However, all later version are vastly improved on every level. I do think the system has a distinct look that is very pleasing in my opinion: Sharp, but not the sharpest, contrasty and with a distinct way of rendering colors to look almost “classic”. I’m a huge fan of the system and the look that these lenses produce for that reason even though I know that it’s not for everyone
I upgraded to the SQ-A too recently for the same reasons. I am happy with the upgrade as the SQ-A is intended to be used by me on a tripod always and I really like the square format. I have to say though that as an all rounder I reckon the ETRS system is a better bet as it is easy, if a little bulky, to use hand held with the prism finder and speed grip
Gorgeous shots, great review!
So tiny camera , really great for trips , it’s modularity is really great advantage over the others , sold mine (Mamiya) , now my tiniest medium format is the Rolleiflex 3.5F , great video Kyle !!
Hello, i have the Bronica ETRS (fully manual) with the MC 50mm and the ZE 75mm lens and I use it as my everyday camera, like a 35mm, it's not perfect but it gives me very good results.
I love your channel and your work, for me the best about analogue photography.
Happy Holidays from Portugal
Thank you! I appreciate you watching. 🙏
cool that you photographed Leysdown-on-sea in Kent! Me and my girlfriend are both photographers who live 20 mins away and love going there to take pictures either for landscapes or fashion work!
Oh, nice! Yeah it’s a great area to explore.
I love my etrsi I have the 75mm f2.8 pe and it’s a wonderful lens aswell as the 150mm f4 mc which so far I don’t have that big of a problem with sharpness. Great system all around
Had an ETRS with AE finder and grip for years, best film camera I ever had. I think the last film camera I ever had. Mirror makes an almightly 'thwack' on every shot but seemed to have no effect on sharpness.
The mirror sounds a lot heavier than it is. I've done perfectly fine handheld shots at 1/15 with the 75mm. Given that I've wasted some shots forgetting to flip the mirror before recocking, it's just not really worth it
Great video I just bought a ETRS with 75 and 150mm lenses I love it feels so good in the hands especially with the speed grip I also got the WLF and AEII prism it’s a great camera looking at treating myself to either 40mm or 50mm
Awesome. Enjoy!
@@KyleMcDougall thanks I know I will just getting used to it
Hi, I have been using my Etrs and Etrsi for 30 years, and have various 120 filmbacks and 135W back, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 150mm, 250mm and 2x extender, all but the 75, are mc, 75 is Eii. All fits in a Lowepro Mini traveler backpack. I have not seen a unusable drop of of sharpness, not as much as you have on your 50mm, and use the 40mm much with a 135W film back without issues. The issue with electric contacts, are limited to body, AE prism and lenses. Film back has none. Even with years of use, still haven't had any problems. The AE prism uses a bit of battery power when used and still uses some if left on (A or M), and if you find yourself with flat battery you can still continue, limited to 1/500 shutter speed, and no light meter of course. Right, it does rattle and might not have the Hasselblad feel to it, but way lighter to carry. Mine have gone through so much, (mis)use, and still works, after 30+ years as reliable as new. Hardly ever use the extender and 250mm, but do recomend the 135W back (becoming to expencive), 75mm and the150mm, and one of the wide angles. And ground glass with focusing split prism.
Thanks for sharing your experience. And yes, already finding that I almost always forget to switch off the prism!
Oh man, Lars, I wish I would have gotten the 135w back 10 years ago, it's crazy how expensive it is now, but you basically get an X-Pan if you use it! I've had my ETRSi for about 10 years now and other than having to remember where I put my darkslide and remembering to turn off the AE prism (and I lock the shutter too as I heard it slowly drains too) it's the medium format camera I use most.
Great video! I’ve been working on and shooting with my Bronica S2A on my channel and the Nikon glass that they used for their earlier camera systems is stunning!
Thanks Reimann. Glad you enjoyed!
Best collection of images yet. Loved them
Thank you, Vik. 🙏
Following this video, Kyle settled on the Pentax 645N, and I've used a Pentax 67 system for 35 years. That said, if I were to buy up a 645 system, it would be the ETRSi. I prefer it to the Pentax 645N for two reasons: (1) The excellent as such, but very limited viewfinder of the Pentax, and (2) the mid-roll interchangeable backs of the Bronica. However, starting with that preference, I'll admit that I own four 645 cameras, none of those being "system". Those are a Konica Pearl IV (exquisitely made, tiny folder) which for me is more collectable than user, Fuji GS645 (folder), GS645W (28mm equivalent, focussing box camera), and GS645Zi (a small marvel of technology). At 77, I'm too old to be shopping another system I can't carry around.
I have 20 ETRS bodies at work, and all of them are still working after 30-odd years of student use. Can’t say as much about the film backs, the internal gearing is quite fragile these days as some of the plastic gears are now quite brittle - although they are currently still repairable. Leaking batteries are also an issue. Otherwise, it’s a great system for not a lot of cash.
Interesting to hear about the reliability. Good to know. Cheers.
@Kyle McDougall - The focusing screen in your camera has the 2 horizontal lines from end to end which are the boundaries for the 135W back and the 2 vertical lines that make up the inner rectangle shows the boundaries for the 135N back. Obviously you can still use it for any format. Hope this helps and happy shooting!
great video. personally i go with the WLF and the manual crank and that reduces the weight and size considerably!
At least the redeeming part if the electronics do fail on a modular camera and you have a "brick" is that usually only one component needs to be replaced, or you have all the rest of the working components that can be parted out for sale. This is one of the few medium format cameras I always wanted to try but have not.....yet lol
True enough. I actually have a second body on order.
Hallo Kyle, a very nice video about the ZB Etrsi. I am using two of them with MotorDrive III and Power Grip , two AEIII Finder and four Film Magazines. Using PS-E Lenses 75 + 50 + 200 mm and they are of a very good image quality - especially for portraits and people photography. Read that these third generation Lenses are delivering the best image quality. Also owning the two PS- E Zoom Lenses no complaints about the image quality but about the weight, they are very heavy. Etrsi is a good and cheaper alternative too a Hasselblad System. Bought the Body’s in Japan and most of the Lenses in Austria in a very good condition for an adequate price. The ZB System is a recommendation for reliable analog full format System. I am very happy about owning this System.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Matthias!
Picked up a Mamiya 645 super recently and have been loving it, the bronica was definitely being considered though
Can’t really go wrong with any of em. Enjoy the Mamiya!
Definitely spring for a split prism screen if you're into that sort of focusing technique. The one I have is noticably brighter than the one on my rz67 and very hard to miss focus on. These cameras were the wedding photographers' choice in the 80's, which is a testament to their durability, but it does mean that many of them are beat. Also, being a system camera, the only thing that will "brick" is the body, which are cheap enough to just replace if it happens. It's a leaf shutter camera (like an rb/rz) so the shutter is in the lens. Flash syncs at any shutter speed if that's important at all to you. If you're going to buy one, make sure it comes with a WLF if you want to use it, because for some reason they cost $200 and are harder to find than a prism.
Yeah I’ve already been looking for a WLF and have realized that for the price they’re going for, I’m almost better off just buying another body that comes with one!
@@KyleMcDougall it's a little shocking considering how inexpensive everything else is for the system. But it's worth it if you have doubts! The ground glass is super bright (again brighter than an rz) and the WLF's magnifier is significantly nicer to use than the one on the rz or yashica mat. Also, for some reason it attaches to the camera body much better than a prism does. It's amazing how nice and small it gets with the WLF and without the speed grip. Good luck!
Had my ETRSi since the 80s right up until a few months ago when I fried it at the beach got hit by a rouge wave. I have an earlier ETR body I’m trying out I just love the Brons. I have the 50 mc I actually have no noticeable issues with it would be interested how much better the PE would be. Thanks for the vid some nice images too
You'll like the PE 50. It's a definitely step up from the MC.
Got one on the way!
I recommend getting the split-screen focussing screen, it helps a lot. One thing to watch out for - the shutter in my 75mm 2.8 died after shooting in mildly cold (0c) weather, I think because some of the lubricants dried out. I also had an issue where the shutter wheel stopped clicking into place on each speed and instead turned totally smoothly, which was weird although didn't actually stop the camera working. Ultimately I sold my ETRS and bought a Pentax 6x7.
Definitely on the hunt for the split screen. Thanks for the heads up about the other things!
I bought an original ETR earlier this year, in a kit with the 75 and 250 MC, waist level finder, AE finder, two 120 backs, a polaroid back, the motorized winder and another grip. I've been enjoying it a lot, although the shutter in the 75mm lens failed me a few weeks ago and I got the 50mm MC as a replacement. I hope I can get the 75 repaired though still.
I also bought a 135N back and converted it to shoot panoramic fotos with some 3D printed parts. It works great and is quite a bit more affordable than the XPan.
Hi. Very interested to hear about how you converted the 135N back to shoot panoramic shots. I actually purchased a 135W back (at great expense - stupid me) but it stopped working after 2 rolls. Really sad but it is beyond my capabilities to repair. Seems to be an issue with the film advance/winding. If I could sell it for a loss and then get a 135N to convert perhaps that's the best route.
Thanks for your wonderful review. I own the Bronica ETRSi system as well with the 50mm PE, 75mm PE, 150mm MC 200mm PE and 250mm MC lenses. The 50 is very sharp, but as I don't have the MC version to compare it to, all I can say is that I am satisfied with mine. I have the split-screen viewing screen and I need it to confirm focus for sure.
I love Bronicas! I have a S2A but i have focusing problems, so I am fixing the camera on my own :D
I was given a box of cameras when I started digital photography. In there was 2 Bronicas. One ETRs and one ETRsi. I had very little info on film cameras and figured they didn't even make film for them. So since I needed money I ended up selling them. Then I got into film photography. And realized my mistake. After buying an ETRS and having it stolen, I finally got a set of 2 and have used them here and there. The 75mm and 150mm are my go to. Was never happy with the 50mm either. And I've yet to use my massive 250mm lens. Even on MF that is a tight field of view.
I love my bronica, but mostly for the 135w back it's nice to be able to take the camera and two backs and be able to shoot 120 or 35mm. Surprised you didn't mention that it's a 645 you only get 15 shots per roll with.
The 135W back looks cool. But wow, prices are high for them! Hang onto that one.
I love my ETRSi system, a much underrated system I feel.
When I don't fancy lugging my Mamiya 67 around, I reach for the Bronica. As you say, very customisable depending on what I am shooting. And, yes, I have a lot of options!!
I find the glass can hold its own against my Hasselblads, but I am using the later versions of the glass, from wide to portrait as well as the macro.
I do also have the Mamiya 645 Pro, and much prefer the Bronica.
Yeah the 75mm PE that I have is very impressive. I’ll probably for the 50mm PE as well.
@@KyleMcDougall Well worth it, I do like it for portrait work, the wider perspective is always fun.
I do have the ETRSi but was thinking to get a Mamiya 645 Pro, maybe change from Bornica system to Mamiya one. What kind of Pro and Cons can you tell me about going to a Mamiya, and why, in your opinion, do you prefer the Bronica over the Mamiya?
@@Forfate At the end of the day it's all about personal preference, but for me I prefer the feel of the Bronica. Whilst both have a plastic exterior the Bronica just feels better put together and a little more robust. It's the same story with the glass. The focus action on the Bronica still, after all these years, feels silky smooth.
The film backs, the Bronica has a more solid feel when mounting and removing. I am not a big fan of the way the film cartridge loads into the back on the Mamiya, a similar system to that on the Contax 645.
Both systems are good systems at the end of the day. If you want a 500mm mirror lens then Mamiya would be your first choice, perhaps for macro then the Bronica, I have the bellows rail for example.
I guess availability of the system accessories in your part of the world would also be a consideration.
I hope that helps.
That would be my go-to compact medium format camera if it had a focal plane shutter! Still lovely if someone likes the stock lenses :) With just the simple viewfinder it's tiny and so pretty!
just curious, why would you go for it with a focal plane shutter? I've had 2 Mamiya 645 Pro TL's crap out on me and both were due to shutter failure, never had any issues with the leaf shutter in the Broncos (ETRS or SQ)
@@MaxLamdin because I like the look of certain lenses and I mostly buy cameras that would fit a particular lens OR be suitable to adapt the lens to it. That's why leaf shutter based cameras won't work for me and a Pentax 67 is still my go-to.
Great video! I own the 40mm PE lens and it seems to me it is a very good lens!
With the AE-III with spot meter it is a very good system, imho. I agree the camera and components all seem and sound some plasticky, but after all not too bad 😄
I wish they made a digital back for this. Picked up one of these and collected few lens for exellent prices during the beginning of the digital revolution, unfortunately film prices are extremely high now. I do use the lens on Nikon digital cameras using an adapter but still, I dream of a digital back on these.
I own the SQAI and I love it. Great cameras that sometimes go unnoticed. But I do get this one question asked quite often: “Hey, is that a Hasselblad?” Sadly, I have to say no, haha.
That just happened to me the other day as well! haha
the correct answer to that question is 'no, it's better'
If you can find a 135W back for a good price, it's definitely worth it. You can get some really nice 21:9-ish images. I think it's 1½ frame, so about 21 shots to a roll. And it's horizontal, not vertical.
Had a quick look and they’re definitely a bit rare and expensive. Unfortunately.
Some fantastic images here Kyle. 👍
Thanks Michael!
Hi, you shoul try out the AE-III Finder and maybe the 135W Panorama Back. Regards
AE-III finder looks nice!
On the subject of things wiggling and creaking, that's my biggest complaint of my ETRSi, the viewfinders even don't lock down completely and can wiggle around. I don't know if they held in place firmly when new, but it doesn't give me the best feeling on the build quality. The speed grip locking mechanism constantly comes loose too. It never comes loose enough for the camera to detach, but I'm constantly having to tighten the lever on the bottom of the camera because the grip starts shaking around in my hand. Complaints aside, I don't regret getting the camera. I got it on the 'Bay at the perfect time before a lot of 135 shooters were upgrading to medium format. The camera, two 120 backs, ae prism, 75, and 150 3.5 just cost me about 230$. That setup would likely go for 600$ or more now.
I suspect, as with most cameras that are nearing the 40 to 50 year old mark, that plain old metal fatigue is the main cause of items ... wiggling about, most of the locking pins can be adjusted and a fresh application of locktite will help steady the gitters of the gear. You do however need to be careful with the main pin holding the viewfinder square, its located at the back right corner of the camera, both the button and pin here are prone to breaking if not adjusted properly.
I also don't feel confident with the seating of the viewfinder. It's especially bad since my thumb rests right next to the viewfinder release button when using the grip
I stumbled upon an ETRSI yesterday with the 50/75/135 lenses and two 120 backs along with a Canon EOS 1 with two lenses for $200. A former film wedding photographer shot with them then went to go live in Africa for 17 years , came back recently to clean out their storage units and found it to sell. I’m gonna start using them in my wedding photography business. Tested them all and they seem to fire and operate just fine. Need to get the battery for the AE II finder though, so I can check it’s metering. The focusing screen was left rumbling around the bag so it’s scratched to hell so need to replace it but focused well enough to my 26 year old eyes to start shooting.
Just got one for Christmas 🎄
🙌
I have an ETRS which I'm liking a lot so far. I did have electrical issues on the first body I owned, unfortunately. I had a lens and a couple of backs so I ended up ordering another body online and have had no issues yet, but I am somewhat hesitant to use it on rainy days for fear of messing with the electronics.
It's also a bit of a shame that some of the accessories like the waist-level finder and film winder are quite expensive.
Yeah the accessories on their own are quite expensive. But sometimes you can find camera kits that come with a number of items. Almost better off buying that and then selling the camera.
Kyle, I don't think that is the std screen, the box made by those etched lines I think is for the 135W \ 135N backs (35 mm; W- is for panoramic format 24x56); to frame the top/bottom accurately, the normal screen that comes on these has a rangefinder center, and the micro-prism ring.
Hey Andy, yep, realised after that it was the 135 screen.
The ETRSi is my favorite of the bronicas, aside from the RF645. 2 things, the AEIII is far superior to the AEII you featured here. Second, the body will still fire at 1/500 of your battery dies. I’d also like to add, PE lenses are downright sharp, as you found out.
Cheers, Ivan. And yes, the ae-iii looks nice! Expensive though.
Yeah the fun part of the mechanical shutter is not knowing your battery died and wasting a whole roll of FP-100C underexposing at 1/500s. Check your batteries!
@@NandR oh damn… that is downright death with the cost of that film these days. I ended up buying a 12 pack of these batteries and take 4 with me on shoots… also have a Pentax 67 that eats these batteries for lunch.
I've not long purchased an SQ-A. Desperate to fill it out with a 50mm, a speedgrip and the prismfinder, but the total cost of those three is more than I paid for the SQ-A kit.
Use the overhead viewfinder with the magnifier, and manually meter your shots ;)
Hi Kyle, would recommend the split image focussing screen, got one on my ETRSi. It's a great camera system, my main pro is the interchangeable backs.
I’m definitely looking for one!
Piece of advice, always store your Bronica without the viewfinder or make always sure you really turned it down!
I have emptied the battery a couple times by forgeting it turned on...
Meawhile I purchased the waist level finder which helps to keep the weight down a LOT for backpacking :)
Mine also came with the 135W screen but It does have the small circular split screen in the middle.
Yeah, turning the finder off is a habit I need to work on!
When I "graduated" to medium format from 35mm, I picked the Bronica Etr over other 645 for the interchangeable backs. Mamiya 645 have one model with interchangeable back but they are harder to find. Also I picked the 645 format because it is smaller in size and most importantly weight compare to other medium format format, for landscape photographer, like me, who carry his gear for long walk, size does matter
Yeah, I just did a hiking trip recently with this camera. No speed grip, just the AE finder and it was great. Looking forward to adding the WLF to make it even more compact.
Couple things, firstly, the PE lenses (and PS for the SQ) are far superior optics for the system and would encourage anyone looking at this system to get them, they have higher quality glass and use much better coatings are are all around just nicer to use. Second, the focusing screen you have installed is NOT the standard screen that would have come with the camera, that is the screen for use with the two 35mm film back options which is why it has the funny etchings on it, the split image/microprism screen was standard and normally shipped with the camera. Thirdly, the entire Bronica line of cameras was designed to be a budget workhorse camera, it was made to just keep working and offer the best performance at an affordable price and in order to do that Bronica had to make the cameras more plasticy which not only made the cameras more lightweight but also kept them at a price point that people could afford more easily, and that's why the camera is also more electronic and not mechanical. At a time when everything else was making medium format systems for the working professional Bronica were out putting a camera that could be bought way cheaper and still deliver excellent results so i think they deserve some credit for that (obviously the precision to price ratio of way off now as people begin to realise what great cameras they are).
Cool, thanks for sharing this info Max. I’ve actually just ordered the 50mm PE as it’ll be my most used focal length. So I’ll be curious to see how it performs compared to the MC. And yes, have realized now that this focus screen is for the 135 back. On the hunt for the split screen version, or may order from Rick Oleson.
@@KyleMcDougall a lot of the original split image screens are scratched and marked in my experience as it was the stock screen and never really sold separately as everyone already had it, so the Rick Olsen option might be a good way to go
I use the PE 50mm 2.8 and it's amazing! It definitely doesn't have the soft edges like the MC version. One of my favorite MF lenses! Great video about this system!
Good to know. Actually just ordered one after posting this up!
I had one of these in the late 90's. A workhorse.
Arr, Hemsby, welcome to my neck of the woods, great video, looks a great camera
Thanks. Hemsby was great to explore.
Did you end up upgrading your focusing aid? I’m looking into split prism or micro prism for my etrsi. Thx!
Yes I found the 50mm soft, but the 40mm is awesome!
Seems larger overall than my 645nII or my Mamiya 645 ProTL. Yes, the Pentax doesn’t have removable backs, but the Mamiya does when I need it.
I have a M645 1000s, and also had the P645N, and the Bronica without the grip seems more compact to me, and definitely lighter. The option for a WLF will help as well.
The first thought I had was ‘why is Kyle using an ETRSi? He seems like someone who would go for a Pentax 645n or a Mamyia 645!’ But then I remembered the magazine backs. I have shot the ETRSi once found it underwhelming and went for the original m645, despite drawbacks I find it suits my needs more.
I loved the Pentax when I owned it, but this has been a nice change. I just did some hiking with it over the last couple days, and even just being able to do something as simple as removing the grip made a big difference with size and weight.
Great review kyle! Im thinking of getting this or the mamiya m645 for the first medium format. What would uou choose?
Most likely the Bronica.
The 135 f/4 is a beautiful portrait lens to get
I feel like one of the newer Mamiya 645 models would serve you better, it has all the upsides with excahngeable backs and viewfinders and a great AE prism as well plus you get that super sexy 80 1.9 in that system
Yeah, looks like a good option. The 80mm 1.9 is nice as well, but probably not a lens I’d buy. I probably won’t be shooting any portraits with this cam, so the fast aperture wouldn’t be much of a need.
@@KyleMcDougall fair, I like shooting it for most things but maybe its just for the fact that im fangirling for Nolan and he used it for interstellar and the dark knight rises
I just sold my ETRSi this past summer. It was a great camera, but I wanted to stick to 135.
Noticed the same softness on my 50mm MC, the 150mm is noticeably sharper… I wonder if I should get the 40mm PE next or the 75 mm
Sounds like a few people have noticed the same issue with the 50mm.
with the ETR and the SQ system the earlier lenses are sub par compared to the later PE and PS designated lenses. The MC lenses for the ETR system aren't fantastic in the sharpness department. The later lenses are on par with the GS-1 system which was made in the 90's and quite good. I had an SQAI and GS-1 for quite awhile but ended up parting with them last year to fund some large format stuff.
FYI there is a split microprism focusing screen available for the ETR you just have to find one which can be a problem. KEH often will have focusing screens for sale separately.
Cheers. Now using the split prism screen. It's been a nice upgrade.
For me, the mamiya645 is probably the better choice if interchangeable back isn't necessary. Unlike ETR series, all mamiya645 series have "mechanical" mirror lock up. This allows users to flip the mirror up and down anytime so you don't have to take the back off, dry fire then cock the shutter again when accidently hit the button, which is the case on ETRSi.
I’ve owned the M645 in the past. Great camera as well. As mentioned, you can’t really go wrong with any of these options.
Did I miss where he gets his roll film(or sheet film) processed, both negative and slide?
Hi Kyle, great review. Im currently looking for a 645 camera, and i've narrowed my search down to the ETRSi or the Mamiya 645 Pro Which one would you choose? Thanks.
Awesome and honest review - like it! Because it won't pop up the prices!) I had one of these and disliked that iso setting is being set on a prism and not on a back - so you have to change iso setting everytime you change the backs
Is the audio settings that accurate on this camera. Do you think this camera is good for portrait photography?
What do you think, ETRS or the Kiev 60?! 😮
Hi I just got my Bronica ETR - would you please make a video on how to use it? I was trying to get the manual but I cant find it online. Much appreciated!
Would you say it’s a reliable system and would you recommend it as a 1st medium format camera. I’ve only ever shot 35mm
It's a bit of a gamble with any old film gear. That being said, if I were you I'd go for a Pentax 645. Great transition into the world of MF from 35.
I don't think you mentioned the difference between the ETRS and ETRSi. Basically, dedicated TTL flash system capable in the case of the ETRSi. I used mine extensively with the Metz 60-CT4 gun during the late 80s.
Can you rotate the back like the gx680(i have a 680 and i love this feature on mine) or the Mamiya RB/Z67? However the 680 is not super friendly when it comes to travel...which is why I am looking at a smaller camera for travel.
I've shot a lot of MF camera's and the one I shoot with the most is my Bronny. I think you are right, it's just a tool and for some reason people love to fall in love with their camera's looks or feel or brand. I get it. But out of all my lust cameras (including a Rolleiflex, RB67, and the crazy good Russian Iskra 6x6) once again, I grab the Bronny when I want to concentrate on taking pictures. I love the leaf shutter over the others focal plane shutters, and I really love that they chose to make a 50 and a 60 instead of the 45 and 55 that the others did. My original kit about 10 years ago had the speed winder, AE II, 2 backs and 3 lenses (40mm PE, 75mm EII, and 150mm MC) with a bag and it cost me $200. I just added the 50mm MC last month but haven't gotten the roll back yet to confirm if it's soft like yours...but boy do I like the 50mm FOV.
The 40mm PE has been a workhorse for me and I never look at it compared to my other 645 gear and go "oh, that's terrible", so I don't understand the complaints there, but the 75mm is super nice.
I guess the biggest thing for me is that I've never felt like the Mamiya or Pentax offer me anything more for what they cost. Maaaaybe the Mamiya having 1/1000th shutter, but in the end, the ETRSi is a tool that just works and especially now that I'm shooting a lot of Lomochrome Purple, it's the MF kit I take with me everywhere. You can see some examples on my instagram if you want: patrick_j_clarke
The only thing to remember (as others have mentioned), turn off the AE finder AND lock the shutter otherwise it will eat your battery. If you do that, the battery will last years. Oh, and I do wish there was a place to stick the dark slide.
Hopefully you'll do more videos about your working relationship with the Bronny in the future!
I agree about turning off the AE finder. It’s been something I keep forgetting about. And also agree about the dark slide. Minor complaints though for an otherwise great system!
I find ETR series build quality much better than any Mamiya or Pentax 645 options.
What's the weight of this system that you here altogether.
Love mine 😊
mine doesn't wobble but I do agree on the 50mm: it is not a remarkable lens
what about getting a mamiya 645 pro?
Did you replace this Bronica with the Pentax?
Nope. Still have the Bronica.
ETrS don’t hold up to hard daily driver use. OK for casual/hobby shooting. I sold mine off long ago, they were always falling apart or broken. SQa system was overall much better offering from Bronica. Lenses much sharper too, especially PS series.
I’ll be curious to see how this plays out over the next while. I quite enjoy the camera, and certainly won’t be easy on it.