A Pentax 645, Pentax 6x7, the Bronica S2A, a folding 6x9 unspecified brand, a Horseman 6x9 filmback for the Intrepid 4x5 and Holga 120. I have GAS, I admit.
A Bronica S2 😍, but I also have a Mamiya 6 (folding cameras), which I can definitely suggest: 6x6 spring cameras, easy to use, easy to fix, third party makers still make bellows, and while there’s no standardization with the lens manufacturers (zuiko, Nikkor, Chiyoda Kohaku, Mamiya Sekor) they are all surprisingly good. And most importantly they are light, so on those days where my Bronica is too much I can still carry this baby medium format around
@@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki oooh awesome! I didn’t know there were third parties still making bellows! I actually just picked up another camera for those days when I want to shoot medium format, but keep the kit light. Video soon!
I shot weddings for 20 years. The timeline for that was 1974 to 1994. Most of the weddings I shot during that time were shot with a Bronica s2a and five different nikor lenses made for that camera. Yes it was a difficult camera to use for weddings but it did a beautiful job and I developed a system that made it all work including a really decent tripod that was designed for a 4x5 camera which is sturdy enough to hold the Bronica and the Metz 60 CT flash unit that I used during the formal sessions. The resultswere amazing and even though I haven't shot weddings since 1994. I still have three of the large prints I made using that camera on my walls in my family room. It was a wonderful experience and I shot just under 300 weddings during that. Using the Bronica system. I also had a total of three Bronica s2as like I said five lenses plus a sixth leaf shutter lens and even a prism finder and a Polaroid back. When I think back on that it was a great time. Unfortunately I did sell them all in the mid-2000s because I knew I would never use them again.
oh yeah finally the bronica video. I've been waiting for it :D The bokeh is really so nice & smooth. great camera. 8:43 is my fav. 12:38 is also really cool because of the colors. ✌
Fire shots and this is my favorite of my medium format 6x6 cameras. Not sure if you’ve found out yet but it actually does have a mirror lock-up. It’s the little silver button on the bottom. Slide it back to lock up the mirror after composition before shooting. Hope this helps!
@@ReimannPembroke I have an S2 the m_up is a little black lever, surrounding the hump on the left side (my shutter speed dial is on the right, in front of the winding crank), push the silver button near it, and use the lever, it clicks up electrically.
Glad you liked it! 6x6 is my favorite aspect ratio because it’s a challenging way to shoot after being so used to shooting rectangular frames! Also cropping to pretty much any aspect ratio later is very easy with 6x6!
I have the S2A and the HB C/M and love using both of them. The only concern with the S2A is the missing mirror-up locking button as the HB has. The mirror movement of the S2A is really loud and powerful (as well as beautiful, I love it) but it can introduce micro shakes to the shooting. When shooting with the HB, I always lock the mirror up and the shutter sound I hear is mostly similar to a Leica. Of course these considerations are mainly valid when shooting with the tripod.
Nice! cool that you have both cameras and can compare them! I bet having the mirror lock up is very useful for those slower shutter speeds. I luckily haven’t noticed much issue when shooting longer exposures on my S2A so far
Mirror shock from S2A is down the axis of the lens so affects shake less than a conventional 35mm mirror movement. The mirror drops down and slides forward.
I recently got one of these cameras for an insanely good deal! the S2A is an absolute joy to use and shoot, im considering getting a 645 back for it and a 50mm
Nice! The light leaks you are talking about at 10:47 are probably from the seals around the filmback. I got myself a Bronica ETR this year and am quite happy with it! The S2A looks a lot cooler though
Yeah I think they probably are from the film back. I've been doing a little research to see where I should try to stick some new light seal foam. Thanks for watching!
I'll bet the close focusing is because of the foam behind the focusing screen. The 120ist has a good video on changing the foam even though he kind of wings it with thicker foam . But it seemed to work right anyway ! I'm trying to win one on Ebay right now, but its actually an S2. I think the S2a is the most beautiful camera ever made, bar none ! Subbed, LarryMac
Thanks for the support Larry! I actually went in and replaced the foam behind the mirror and under the focusing screen! Made a video about it too. Worked like a charm!👍🏼
@@ReimannPembroke Based on everything I've read, this is the fix. One thing I found with older cameras is to always check a) the light seals between the back and body and b) the mirror foam. They are both generally easy to replace (maybe take an hour or so) and will substantially improve the performance (and sound). I'm looking at a Bronica S2A system at the moment. I want a Hassy but don't want to pay the price. That's a good recommendation on the 120ist.
Such a fine video man! Really enjoyed it 💯 The night shots were so beautiful, the shot at 8:41 and the ones from whole last roll were my fav!! NB: the new hairdo looking really great 👌🏼
LOVE MY S2A KIT! 50mm Nikkor O is a blast for street!! About the winding, be sure your film insert is fully clicked in! Had the same issue with winding and found out it was the filmholder in the back. grate clip! good light 4 you!
at 11:01 the issue can be due to the design of this back, you have an insert, but it is held in by two locks, so you must PRESS the insert evenly into the 'shell' and hear it click shut, otherwise the film insert is not in squarely, so can let in some light, also get focus shifting (an unintensional swing in the film plane- like a back standard in 4x5" cameras); the Modern Bronica's (etr, etrs, etrsi, SQ, SQ-A\B, GS) have a 'shell and insert' style, the insert is a contoured fit inside the shell, soo many angled edges, etc. you DEFINATELY know if the insert is in or not, (hint, the shell cover won't close flush easy(without a lot of force)), it should close easy, like the door on a 35 mm slr camera.
When I am out with the Bronica I take my 5D MKII and use it to meter for shutter speed since I usually know what DOF I want. This morning I setup the Bronica on a tripod in the middle of the street in my neighborhood. I set the Bronica to f/22 and metered with the 5D since it was early morning the shutter speed was between 1/15 to 1 second. I have a shutter release cable that made the task easier as I hate camera shake.
I had a similar experience as you did with the pentacon six, however I experienced it with the bronica s2a. My first bronica broke soon after getting it, I returned it and ordered another only to have it arrive broken. Because of this, I bit the bullet and bought a 500c/m. Glad you're haaving a good experience with your s2a! The few photos I got from mine were gorgeous quality.
I noticed Devaughn James in the background and thought you might have filmed this in Wichita, but realized they must have another office somewhere. I have a Bronica ETRS but haven't tried it yet.
Great video man, I’ve been owning the same bronny for almost ten years, I was wandering if there is a way to add a flash to this camera, could you help me? Thanks in advance
Thanks! Yes I believe you can add a flash with a PC sync cable. There is a port somewhere on the camera body for that. I don’t think there is a shoe to mount the flash though
I have a Bronica ETR, could not get use to share format, and I love it especially the interchangeable back, it means with two backs, I can switch from black and white to colors and back to bnw without having to finishing the roll
one issue with the film advance gearing, one is back flange mount fit\ alignment ( my 500c\m has this issue, but you just reatach the back, pushing the back to the gear side, and it's fine- also can be a preference issue with the fit\finish of the back, some cameras have a preference for certain back, insert combinations), also the Double exposure system, aka is the lever detented all the way to the 'off' position?, or does this symptom indicate a need for 'cla' or service, All of these mechanical\electrical cameras need checking out occasionally.
...I bought one new in the early 1970s...great camera but they were known to have shutter jamming issues (mine never did)...Best lens was a 105mm with built in synchro-compur shutter, which I used extensively....I also used a 90 degree prism finder and pistol grip as I was doing a lot of air-to-air photography....It was very heavy and stable.....I often wish I still had it, but a young fellow pestered me to sell it to him for wedding work....I drifted into other lines and used a twin lens Ikoflex II and Yashica 635...as well as a 4x5 Crown Graphic.....I still have the CG 4x5 and Ikoflex, but drifted out of photography years ago after shooting film for television through the '70s......The Bronica always felt 'substantial' in my hands, and that 105mm lens was great.....( I still have a bellows/matte box for one new in it's box).......John, (west coast, Can.)
Wow that’s awesome! They are great cameras! I bet it was fun to use for air to air photography. I’ve actually been looking to get the bellows for mine!
I stopped ´cause I want to buy a S2a. Like an old Cadillac with lots of chrome and maybe an own history. I use a Mamiya C220, self restored and with all 7 lenses that are available. It’s a cool one, but the S2a formfactor is just brilliant so I felt in love… Your pictures are really good, a pleasure to my eyes… 👍
I have the C2 version. Pretty much the same camera except for the removable back. The big design flaw with the S2 or C version is the foam under the ground glass holder and below the actual mirror! Both can deteriorate differently and wreak havoc on proper focusing. I had to replace both foam areas which wasn’t too hard and now my images are tack sharp. The foam causes change in height for the ground glass and angle of the mirror. Looks like yours is good to go. First sign of trouble is infinity is not in focus.
Oh really?? I feel like I might be having focusing issues at less than infinity. I was planning on putting some new foam in there soon and doing a video about the process!
@@ReimannPembroke yeah make sure to check both areas. I had initially only fixed the foam around the ground glass and still had focusing issues. Until I learned about the foam behind the mirror. Took some work but now it doesn’t miss. What I see in the viewfinder is what I get.
@@ReimannPembroke I don’t remember where I saw it recommended but I used moleskin. It’s meant for blisters but it’s a felt type material with a sticky side. I would just cut to length and double up where needed.
Welcome to the Bronica Cult ahaha 😂 the Bronica S2 is my first medium format and honestly it’s a joy to use. Besides the issues with the film backs (that seems to be the area I have more problems with), the S2 has been a joy to use for me personally. It’s way cheaper than the Hasselblads or Soviet system cameras for me here (I live in Tokyo), and I had a thing for Nikkor lenses. So naturally the Bronica S2 was the go to option, and aside from one time (film back issues) it works pretty well. I have the same lenses and boy are they clean; they’re great for portraits as well so I can definitely suggest the S2 as a portrait camera as well if you’re good with the weight.
i have a early model S2, had the same focus issue, fixed it myself by sticking papers in between the focusing screen and the metal mount ( to press the glass down firmly). also had light leak problem from the dark slide "port" but as long as i pay attention not to point the port directly towards a strong light source i can get away with it. to me the biggest or maybe the only disadvantage of Bronica S2 comapring to a Hasselblad is the weight of it. it's just TOO DANG HEAVY 🤣
Yeah I sometimes get a light leak and I think it might be from the dark slide slot also. It’s a pretty heavy camera, but weight has never really been that big of an issue for me! I can’t get over the 50’s toaster design it has😂
I really want to get my hands on one but I've heard some saying S2As are so hard to service/CLA and not a lot of people can do it. That's the only thing holding me back.
I totally understand the hesitation! I would say if you're looking for your first medium format camera, go with something a little less expensive like a Yashica TLR just so you can give 120 film a try. If you've been shooting medium format for a while and you need a nice system camera with interchangeable lenses, backs, and viewfinders, this is a pretty good way to go! A lot of the issues that people have with these cameras are fixable at home!
My favorite camera for now :) I also own Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500CM, Mamiya C330, Rollei 2.8C and Mamiya RZ67... Yes there is quite a collection :) And I love Bronica and C330 the most. The most common problem S2As have is decomposition of the spacer under the focusing screen. As a result, screen dropping and focus errors. Once this issue is professionally resolved, it will work like a tank for many years.
oh yeah.. you did talk about that :) by the way, I've had a LOT more issues with Hasselblads (I owned 4 of them including very fragile 2000 series) than with S2A.
Some sweet images there, pretty excited as I have just had an S2A arrive from Japan, and externally it is beautiful. Half way through the first roll so excited to see the results when I am done. Thanks for the content!
hey brotha I hope you see this. So I just got my bronica s2 in the mail and the only problem im having is when im winding the film I have to do the thing where I hold it against my chest and wind in order for the film to catch. Did you fix that issue? and if so how did you fix it?
Hey! I had that exact problem! What caused it for me was the magazine wasn’t pushed all the way into the film back. Next time you load your camera, push the little magazine into the film back pretty firmly. Hopefully that should fix the issue
@@ReimannPembroke yeah so I just tried it out today and it worked like a charm! no more holding it to my chest with all my strength lol. appreciate you brotha
Good choice in a MF SLR. I had an option to buy a whole S2a system in the 1990s for a bargain price. (It helps to be pals with the camera store staff.), but I skipped it because I've never preferred the 6x6cm square format and was already invested in a Pentax 67. Good camera; great lenses. Because of its focal plane shutter, I'd personally prefer it over a Hasselblad since it is simpler and more robust system, as well as having lenses which don't demand that you mortgage a body part to acquire. Hope it works out well for you. As for the issue re gear train meshing with the back, it probably just needs an adjustment to snug up the back lock to the body. Frankly, with a camera which has been around as long as this one, a CLA is practically mandatory. (You do not want to start stripping those little gears.)
Oooh yeah the Pentax 67 is a tough system to beat! And yeah I think the S2A is a great camera and is a really good way to get into a 6x6 SLR system. I figured out the back issue. The little magazine that goes into the back just wasn’t clicked in all the way. On the second and third roll I shot it wasn’t an issue anymore. I forgot to clarify that in the video lol
Oh I see that you guys have those NOISEY Day Crickets that makes that LOUD BUZZING SOUND RIght? Just like in Japan but they come out before Summer. Good Video, and your not alone, I still have my S2A as have since City College Days back in 1977. Then using it in Grad School and that still got it, along with a 50mm 3.5, 105mm 3.5, 135mm, 3.5 and the 75mm 2,8 ALL NIKKORS, but the only item that I regret in not getting is a Polaroid Back - WHY FUJI!!!! WHY DID YOU KILL PEEL APART FILM!! Do not get the Prism as it is dark, and shows Vignetting on the corners when changing lenses, and also the TTL Meter for the S2A Don't bother as I think that thre Highest ISO setting is either 400 or 800, in what I have is the Chimney Viewing Hood with adjustable collar so you can be precise on the focusing.. Love that you got the actual shutter sound. And last, DO NOT SCREW onto your tripod with a Long Tripod screw, Use a tripod with an adjustable screw, as the Shutter Mechanism is located under the camera body, and you do not want to screw to the base as I had an accident by the screw went right through the shutter, and had to get another S2A body...
Yes we have those unbearably loud crickets as well! So cool that you have had your S2A for so long! What is your favorite lens for it? Also I had no idea about the shutter mechanism! I’ll be careful when using it for tripod work
@@ReimannPembroke I just contacted several film processors and printers to see how many will develop and print 6x9 without cropping. Outside of buying my own photo printer there may not be many choices of companies that can print 6x9 in color and B&W without cropping. If those guys that print 6x9 disappear then I will have a camera that I won't be able to use. I would use the GW690 for landscape since the negative is very long. I'd buy low ISO film for the fine grain, set the aperture for f/22 then meter for shutter speed. I set one test shot to Adorama's film and printing company, Printique, and nearly had to crop a 6x6 image luckily the had a few choices for a square print, 4x4 and 10x10, otherwise I would have had to crop and that would defeat the purpose of medium format.
@@dps6198 weird. 6x9 is just a 2:3 aspect ration just like 35mm. I would assume printing wouldn’t be a problem unless you mean darkroom printing. Just get yourself an Epson scanner and make prints of the scans! The Epsons do a surprisingly good job at scanning 120 film
Do you shoot medium format? If so what camera do you use? COMMENT BELOW⬇️
A Pentax 645, Pentax 6x7, the Bronica S2A, a folding 6x9 unspecified brand, a Horseman 6x9 filmback for the Intrepid 4x5 and Holga 120. I have GAS, I admit.
@@Enevan1968 sounds like it!! Haha I just bought another medium format camera so I can’t judge😂
A Bronica S2 😍, but I also have a Mamiya 6 (folding cameras), which I can definitely suggest: 6x6 spring cameras, easy to use, easy to fix, third party makers still make bellows, and while there’s no standardization with the lens manufacturers (zuiko, Nikkor, Chiyoda Kohaku, Mamiya Sekor) they are all surprisingly good. And most importantly they are light, so on those days where my Bronica is too much I can still carry this baby medium format around
@@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki oooh awesome! I didn’t know there were third parties still making bellows! I actually just picked up another camera for those days when I want to shoot medium format, but keep the kit light. Video soon!
Mamiya 645!
I shot weddings for 20 years. The timeline for that was 1974 to 1994. Most of the weddings I shot during that time were shot with a Bronica s2a and five different nikor lenses made for that camera. Yes it was a difficult camera to use for weddings but it did a beautiful job and I developed a system that made it all work including a really decent tripod that was designed for a 4x5 camera which is sturdy enough to hold the Bronica and the Metz 60 CT flash unit that I used during the formal sessions. The resultswere amazing and even though I haven't shot weddings since 1994. I still have three of the large prints I made using that camera on my walls in my family room. It was a wonderful experience and I shot just under 300 weddings during that. Using the Bronica system. I also had a total of three Bronica s2as like I said five lenses plus a sixth leaf shutter lens and even a prism finder and a Polaroid back. When I think back on that it was a great time. Unfortunately I did sell them all in the mid-2000s because I knew I would never use them again.
@@bd048 wow that’s awesome! I bet you captured some beautiful memories with that system! Thanks for watching!
Great shots! I really enjoyed the bowling alley photos and the one of the red truck with the flowers in the foreground.
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed those photos also!
oh yeah finally the bronica video. I've been waiting for it :D The bokeh is really so nice & smooth. great camera. 8:43 is my fav. 12:38 is also really cool because of the colors. ✌
Yesssss! I’m really glad I was finally able to edit it! That image at 8:43 is like one of my most popular images for some reason🤔
Fire shots and this is my favorite of my medium format 6x6 cameras. Not sure if you’ve found out yet but it actually does have a mirror lock-up. It’s the little silver button on the bottom. Slide it back to lock up the mirror after composition before shooting. Hope this helps!
Thanks so much! It is a really cool camera! I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for the comment
@@ReimannPembroke I have an S2 the m_up is a little black lever, surrounding the hump on the left side (my shutter speed dial is on the right, in front of the winding crank), push the silver button near it, and use the lever, it clicks up electrically.
They removed this feature on the S2A, the S2 has it
I think this might be my favourite video that you’ve made! The videography, photographs, content in general are all perfect
Thank you Julie! I do my best to try and put out the highest quality video and photos that I can!
I love how at 11:57 forward you can see Earth rotating. Cool video as I debate whether to try 6x6 over my preferred 645.
Glad you liked it! 6x6 is my favorite aspect ratio because it’s a challenging way to shoot after being so used to shooting rectangular frames! Also cropping to pretty much any aspect ratio later is very easy with 6x6!
@@ReimannPembroke Hmmm, true.
Just ordered myself one, hasn't been delivered yet but super pumped for it
I have the S2A and the HB C/M and love using both of them. The only concern with the S2A is the missing mirror-up locking button as the HB has. The mirror movement of the S2A is really loud and powerful (as well as beautiful, I love it) but it can introduce micro shakes to the shooting. When shooting with the HB, I always lock the mirror up and the shutter sound I hear is mostly similar to a Leica. Of course these considerations are mainly valid when shooting with the tripod.
Nice! cool that you have both cameras and can compare them! I bet having the mirror lock up is very useful for those slower shutter speeds. I luckily haven’t noticed much issue when shooting longer exposures on my S2A so far
Mirror shock from S2A is down the axis of the lens so affects shake less than a conventional 35mm mirror movement. The mirror drops down and slides forward.
Yoo! So excited for you man
These images came out well man 👌
Thanks so much dude! I’m excited to keep experimenting with medium format
@@ReimannPembroke Looking foward to what you shoot!
I love the shots of the deserted amc! especially the first one. The composition and slightly desaturated colors are just perfect!
Thanks so much! Yeah I was super happy with those photos! The way this Nikkor lens renders colors is great!
I recently got one of these cameras for an insanely good deal!
the S2A is an absolute joy to use and shoot, im considering getting a 645 back for it and a 50mm
I would love to get a 645 back for mine as well! Thanks for watching!
@@ReimannPembroke Thank you for taking awesome pictures and making really fun and insightful videos about them!
Nice!
The light leaks you are talking about at 10:47 are probably from the seals around the filmback.
I got myself a Bronica ETR this year and am quite happy with it! The S2A looks a lot cooler though
Yeah I think they probably are from the film back. I've been doing a little research to see where I should try to stick some new light seal foam. Thanks for watching!
Got some absolute stunners here!! Glad you finally found your feet in medium format, looking forward to see what else you produce 👌🏻👏🏻
Thanks so much!! Yeah I’m excited to make more medium format images! More to come
I'll bet the close focusing is because of the foam behind the focusing screen. The 120ist has a good video on changing the foam even though he kind of wings it with thicker foam . But it seemed to work right anyway ! I'm trying to win one on Ebay right now, but its actually an S2. I think the S2a is the most beautiful camera ever made, bar none ! Subbed, LarryMac
Thanks for the support Larry! I actually went in and replaced the foam behind the mirror and under the focusing screen! Made a video about it too. Worked like a charm!👍🏼
@@ReimannPembroke Based on everything I've read, this is the fix. One thing I found with older cameras is to always check a) the light seals between the back and body and b) the mirror foam. They are both generally easy to replace (maybe take an hour or so) and will substantially improve the performance (and sound).
I'm looking at a Bronica S2A system at the moment. I want a Hassy but don't want to pay the price.
That's a good recommendation on the 120ist.
Such a fine video man! Really enjoyed it 💯
The night shots were so beautiful, the shot at 8:41 and the ones from whole last roll were my fav!!
NB: the new hairdo looking really great 👌🏼
Thanks so much for watching! Yeah that last roll turned out really well IMO
The images from the last roll starting at 12:37 are so damn good!
Thanks so much dude! Yeah when I put them all together towards the end of the video I was like “okay these actually are pretty cool” lol😂
@@ReimannPembrokereally nice! Do you do much editing in post?
LOVE MY S2A KIT!
50mm Nikkor O is a blast for street!!
About the winding, be sure your film insert is fully clicked in! Had the same issue with winding and found out it was the filmholder in the back.
grate clip!
good light 4 you!
Thanks for watching! I would love to try out the 50mm someday! Didn’t they also make a 40mm lens? And yeah it was just the film holder!
at 11:01 the issue can be due to the design of this back, you have an insert, but it is held in by two locks, so you must PRESS the insert evenly into the 'shell' and hear it click shut, otherwise the film insert is not in squarely, so can let in some light, also get focus shifting (an unintensional swing in the film plane- like a back standard in 4x5" cameras); the Modern Bronica's (etr, etrs, etrsi, SQ, SQ-A\B, GS) have a 'shell and insert' style, the insert is a contoured fit inside the shell, soo many angled edges, etc. you DEFINATELY know if the insert is in or not, (hint, the shell cover won't close flush easy(without a lot of force)), it should close easy, like the door on a 35 mm slr camera.
When I am out with the Bronica I take my 5D MKII and use it to meter for shutter speed since I usually know what DOF I want.
This morning I setup the Bronica on a tripod in the middle of the street in my neighborhood. I set the Bronica to f/22 and metered with the 5D since it was early morning the shutter speed was between 1/15 to 1 second. I have a shutter release cable that made the task easier as I hate camera shake.
Very nice! I find myself in the middle of the street quite often for compositions😂
as much as i love 35mm, medium format has a special place in heart lol, im excited to see future work with this camera man :D !
Oh yeah! I'm really excited to be able to add medium format to my arsenal! Thanks for watching dude :)
I had a similar experience as you did with the pentacon six, however I experienced it with the bronica s2a. My first bronica broke soon after getting it, I returned it and ordered another only to have it arrive broken. Because of this, I bit the bullet and bought a 500c/m. Glad you're haaving a good experience with your s2a! The few photos I got from mine were gorgeous quality.
I hope mine continues to work well! I’ll be doing a video soon trying to correct the two issues it has
I recognize the area you shot at. That’s Manhattan, KS isn’t it? I used to live there and miss it now that I’m away.
Yep! I shot part of one of the rolls in Manhattan! It’s a great place to shoot!
I noticed Devaughn James in the background and thought you might have filmed this in Wichita, but realized they must have another office somewhere. I have a Bronica ETRS but haven't tried it yet.
Good eye! This wasn’t in Wichita but I do go there semi often as I live in Kansas. The ETRS is a great camera!
I would like to see a similar video with a Nikon fm2 or 3a. This one was nice
Thanks for watching! If I ever get my hands on an FM2 or 3A, I’ll make sure to do a video!
I've thought about buying one of those before. I just love how short that lens is. Anyhow, you got some nice pictures with it.
Yes I love the form factor of this camera
This is my favorite film camera.
It’s very cool indeed!
i enjoy watching your videos and yeah i subscribe right away :)
Thank you so much! :) plenty more to come
Great video man, I’ve been owning the same bronny for almost ten years, I was wandering if there is a way to add a flash to this camera, could you help me? Thanks in advance
Thanks! Yes I believe you can add a flash with a PC sync cable. There is a port somewhere on the camera body for that. I don’t think there is a shoe to mount the flash though
I have a Bronica ETR, could not get use to share format, and I love it especially the interchangeable back, it means with two backs, I can switch from black and white to colors and back to bnw without having to finishing the roll
Nice!! Yes the interchangeable backs of these Bronica cameras are pretty handy!
one issue with the film advance gearing, one is back flange mount fit\ alignment ( my 500c\m has this issue, but you just reatach the back, pushing the back to the gear side, and it's fine- also can be a preference issue with the fit\finish of the back, some cameras have a preference for certain back, insert combinations), also the Double exposure system, aka is the lever detented all the way to the 'off' position?, or does this symptom indicate a need for 'cla' or service, All of these mechanical\electrical cameras need checking out occasionally.
...I bought one new in the early 1970s...great camera but they were known to have shutter jamming issues (mine never did)...Best lens was a 105mm with built in synchro-compur shutter, which I used extensively....I also used a 90 degree prism finder and pistol grip as I was doing a lot of air-to-air photography....It was very heavy and stable.....I often wish I still had it, but a young fellow pestered me to sell it to him for wedding work....I drifted into other lines and used a twin lens Ikoflex II and Yashica 635...as well as a 4x5 Crown Graphic.....I still have the CG 4x5 and Ikoflex, but drifted out of photography years ago after shooting film for television through the '70s......The Bronica always felt 'substantial' in my hands, and that 105mm lens was great.....( I still have a bellows/matte box for one new in it's box).......John, (west coast, Can.)
Wow that’s awesome! They are great cameras! I bet it was fun to use for air to air photography. I’ve actually been looking to get the bellows for mine!
Was your focussing issue to do with the foam under the screen, had it deteriorated? Usual problem. Be careful replacing it, but it can be done.
It was due to that and the foam under the mirror! I made a video fixing it and it worked! Now I have to hunt down some light leaks haha
I stopped ´cause I want to buy a S2a. Like an old Cadillac with lots of chrome and maybe an own history. I use a Mamiya C220, self restored and with all 7 lenses that are available. It’s a cool one, but the S2a formfactor is just brilliant so I felt in love… Your pictures are really good, a pleasure to my eyes… 👍
Thanks for stopping by! I do love the design of the S2A! I also really love those Mamiya TLRs and I’d love to get my hands on one to try
I have the C2 version. Pretty much the same camera except for the removable back. The big design flaw with the S2 or C version is the foam under the ground glass holder and below the actual mirror! Both can deteriorate differently and wreak havoc on proper focusing. I had to replace both foam areas which wasn’t too hard and now my images are tack sharp. The foam causes change in height for the ground glass and angle of the mirror. Looks like yours is good to go. First sign of trouble is infinity is not in focus.
Oh really?? I feel like I might be having focusing issues at less than infinity. I was planning on putting some new foam in there soon and doing a video about the process!
@@ReimannPembroke yeah make sure to check both areas. I had initially only fixed the foam around the ground glass and still had focusing issues. Until I learned about the foam behind the mirror. Took some work but now it doesn’t miss. What I see in the viewfinder is what I get.
@@DaveMontejano okay sweet will do! Thanks for the knowledge! What thickness of foam did you use? I’ve read on forums that 3mm is ideal
@@ReimannPembroke I don’t remember where I saw it recommended but I used moleskin. It’s meant for blisters but it’s a felt type material with a sticky side. I would just cut to length and double up where needed.
Hi! What is the thickness of the foam? I really want to replace the foam but i dont know what are the measures.
Greetings from Chile!!!
Haha you had some bad luck with buying cameras recently, but this looks like a solid camera. Nice Pictures!
I really did haha but I decided to persevere😂 hopefully the S2A treats me well
Welcome to the Bronica Cult ahaha 😂 the Bronica S2 is my first medium format and honestly it’s a joy to use. Besides the issues with the film backs (that seems to be the area I have more problems with), the S2 has been a joy to use for me personally. It’s way cheaper than the Hasselblads or Soviet system cameras for me here (I live in Tokyo), and I had a thing for Nikkor lenses. So naturally the Bronica S2 was the go to option, and aside from one time (film back issues) it works pretty well. I have the same lenses and boy are they clean; they’re great for portraits as well so I can definitely suggest the S2 as a portrait camera as well if you’re good with the weight.
Haha thanks for the welcome! It’s definitely a really cool camera! I’m excited to keep using it because I’ve gotten some great photos with it already!
i have a early model S2, had the same focus issue, fixed it myself by sticking papers in between the focusing screen and the metal mount ( to press the glass down firmly).
also had light leak problem from the dark slide "port" but as long as i pay attention not to point the port directly towards a strong light source i can get away with it.
to me the biggest or maybe the only disadvantage of Bronica S2 comapring to a Hasselblad is the weight of it.
it's just TOO DANG HEAVY 🤣
Yeah I sometimes get a light leak and I think it might be from the dark slide slot also. It’s a pretty heavy camera, but weight has never really been that big of an issue for me! I can’t get over the 50’s toaster design it has😂
Ahhh the Veronicas
I really want to get my hands on one but I've heard some saying S2As are so hard to service/CLA and not a lot of people can do it. That's the only thing holding me back.
I totally understand the hesitation! I would say if you're looking for your first medium format camera, go with something a little less expensive like a Yashica TLR just so you can give 120 film a try. If you've been shooting medium format for a while and you need a nice system camera with interchangeable lenses, backs, and viewfinders, this is a pretty good way to go! A lot of the issues that people have with these cameras are fixable at home!
My favorite camera for now :) I also own Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500CM, Mamiya C330, Rollei 2.8C and Mamiya RZ67... Yes there is quite a collection :) And I love Bronica and C330 the most. The most common problem S2As have is decomposition of the spacer under the focusing screen. As a result, screen dropping and focus errors. Once this issue is professionally resolved, it will work like a tank for many years.
oh yeah.. you did talk about that :) by the way, I've had a LOT more issues with Hasselblads (I owned 4 of them including very fragile 2000 series) than with S2A.
Wow what a collection!! And it’s good to hear that these cameras are overall reliable
Some sweet images there, pretty excited as I have just had an S2A arrive from Japan, and externally it is beautiful. Half way through the first roll so excited to see the results when I am done. Thanks for the content!
Awesome! I hope your S2A is working beautifully! They are really great cameras!
hey brotha I hope you see this. So I just got my bronica s2 in the mail and the only problem im having is when im winding the film I have to do the thing where I hold it against my chest and wind in order for the film to catch. Did you fix that issue? and if so how did you fix it?
Hey! I had that exact problem! What caused it for me was the magazine wasn’t pushed all the way into the film back. Next time you load your camera, push the little magazine into the film back pretty firmly. Hopefully that should fix the issue
@@ReimannPembroke NICE! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
@@tittfestx3 no problem!
@@ReimannPembroke yeah so I just tried it out today and it worked like a charm! no more holding it to my chest with all my strength lol. appreciate you brotha
@@tittfestx3 hell yeah! So glad it worked for ya! Enjoy your camera!
Dude i was just looking for something like this
Glad I could post this in a timely manner for you hahaha
Good choice in a MF SLR. I had an option to buy a whole S2a system in the 1990s for a bargain price. (It helps to be pals with the camera store staff.), but I skipped it because I've never preferred the 6x6cm square format and was already invested in a Pentax 67. Good camera; great lenses. Because of its focal plane shutter, I'd personally prefer it over a Hasselblad since it is simpler and more robust system, as well as having lenses which don't demand that you mortgage a body part to acquire. Hope it works out well for you. As for the issue re gear train meshing with the back, it probably just needs an adjustment to snug up the back lock to the body. Frankly, with a camera which has been around as long as this one, a CLA is practically mandatory. (You do not want to start stripping those little gears.)
Oooh yeah the Pentax 67 is a tough system to beat! And yeah I think the S2A is a great camera and is a really good way to get into a 6x6 SLR system. I figured out the back issue. The little magazine that goes into the back just wasn’t clicked in all the way. On the second and third roll I shot it wasn’t an issue anymore. I forgot to clarify that in the video lol
If your having trouble with focus in infinity your foam padding around your focusing screen needs replaced it’s simple to fix.
I actually did a video about fixing it
@@ReimannPembroke you know what that’s where I got it from at least I am listening
@@herbertbradford9579 😂😂😂 that’s hilarious
Oh I see that you guys have those NOISEY Day Crickets that makes that LOUD BUZZING SOUND RIght? Just like in Japan but they come out before Summer. Good Video, and your not alone, I still have my S2A as have since City College Days back in 1977. Then using it in Grad School and that still got it, along with a 50mm 3.5, 105mm 3.5, 135mm, 3.5 and the 75mm 2,8 ALL NIKKORS, but the only item that I regret in not getting is a Polaroid Back - WHY FUJI!!!! WHY DID YOU KILL PEEL APART FILM!! Do not get the Prism as it is dark, and shows Vignetting on the corners when changing lenses, and also the TTL Meter for the S2A Don't bother as I think that thre Highest ISO setting is either 400 or 800, in what I have is the Chimney Viewing Hood with adjustable collar so you can be precise on the focusing.. Love that you got the actual shutter sound. And last, DO NOT SCREW onto your tripod with a Long Tripod screw, Use a tripod with an adjustable screw, as the Shutter Mechanism is located under the camera body, and you do not want to screw to the base as I had an accident by the screw went right through the shutter, and had to get another S2A body...
Yes we have those unbearably loud crickets as well! So cool that you have had your S2A for so long! What is your favorite lens for it? Also I had no idea about the shutter mechanism! I’ll be careful when using it for tripod work
I have the S2 with a 75mm f/2.8 two film backs. I've had better results when I use a tripod.
I wanna sell it so I can buy a GW690
Nice! The S2A does have quite the mirror slap! The GW690III interests me quite a bit!
@@ReimannPembroke I just contacted several film processors and printers to see how many will develop and print 6x9 without cropping.
Outside of buying my own photo printer there may not be many choices of companies that can print 6x9 in color and B&W without cropping.
If those guys that print 6x9 disappear then I will have a camera that I won't be able to use.
I would use the GW690 for landscape since the negative is very long. I'd buy low ISO film for the fine grain, set the aperture for f/22 then meter for shutter speed.
I set one test shot to Adorama's film and printing company, Printique, and nearly had to crop a 6x6 image luckily the had a few choices for a square print, 4x4 and 10x10, otherwise I would have had to crop and that would defeat the purpose of medium format.
@@dps6198 weird. 6x9 is just a 2:3 aspect ration just like 35mm. I would assume printing wouldn’t be a problem unless you mean darkroom printing. Just get yourself an Epson scanner and make prints of the scans! The Epsons do a surprisingly good job at scanning 120 film
@@ReimannPembroke I have the V600 scanner I can't decide on a photo printer.
Lol you’re not supposed to make a video about this camera 😂. Been enjoying my SQA without price increases 😂
Hahaha hopefully this video doesn’t make the prices go up😂😂