That doesnt mean its not good looking, but its not the kind of camera youd regularly see on a list of most sought after film cameras.Those kinds of lists are usually filled with names like Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, Leica, Nikon, etc.Because of this, as well as the fact that of all medium format cameras the 6x4.5 format seems to be the least popular, the Bronica ETR system is currently (IMO) one of the best values in medium format photography.
![]() Lenses, film backs, viewfinders, winders, and focus screens, are all changeable whether youre part way through a roll or not. In some ways, the actual camera body isnt much more than a box that allows you to attach all the other bits. ![]() The shutter (in-lens leaf shutter) is electronically controlled via the body. To some, this is a problem as it makes the camera reliant on batteries, but it does allow for some added features, like the ability to have Aperture Priority AE (with the correct viewfinder prism) and selectable shutter speeds from 1500s -8 seconds, plus Bulb. There is also a ETRC and ETR-C, which are basically non-removable film back versions of the ETR and ETRS, as well as a ETR-S, a slightly revised version of the ETRS. From 1976-2004, Bronica produced around 30 different lenses, in 18 different focal lengths (include 4 zoom lenses), for use with the ETR system. There are film backs for 120 film, 220 film, 70mm, regular 35mm, panoramic 35mm, and Polaroid. ![]() I currently have 4 lenses: a MC 404, a MC 502.8, a EII 752.8, and a MC 1504. I have 3 film backs, a 120 back, a 220 back, and a 35mm panoramic back. For finders, I have a waist level finder as well as an unmetered prism finder. I also have 2 focus screens, a grid screen with microprism, and the special screen for 35mm film which has etched lines for the standard 35mm frame and the 35mm panoramic frame. As I have only used the camera, lenses, and accessories that I have, this review really only pertains to that gear. For the most part, every major function is logically placed and operation is self explanatory. Shutter speeds are selected with the large shutter speed dial on the side of the body. Aperture value is selected via a traditional aperture ring on the lens. All the lenses I have used have nice big focus rings that are well dampened, and turn smoothly. The viewfinder and focus screens are nice and bright, and so finding accurate focus is pretty easy. Like a Hasselblad, the Bronica doesnt have an instant return mirror, so after taking a photo, you need to windadvance the film which will lower the mirror again. Film winding is done using the fold out handle, or if you have the speed grip it has a thumb lever more like those found on a traditional 35mm SLR. Because of the in-lens leaf shutter, you do need to windcock the shutter before removing the lens.
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