The Bronica Medium Format Camera

 Bronica ETRS

Jim Kennett was selling his Bronica ETRS and I bought it. Wait , what, why didn't you buy like somekind of new digital camera, well (giggling) I really just prefer the film. My all time camera when growing up was and still is the  Mamiya C220orC330  Twin Reflex, none the less a move from 35mmm to a Medium Format is comparable in today's market. I can get a great camera like this Bronica that is not going to kill my wallet, plus pushing those skills that get lost using digital come right back into play.  Alright, enough babbling.

Let's chat about this Bronica, first it's Medium Format, the 120mm film loads from the back and the weight is manageable. You can either use the view finder or just look from the top to see what your shooting.  The variety of lenses is like any other camera, short, long prime but the basic is the 75mm 2.8/f.  The orientation of the mechanics is a bit awkward at times, you search around feeling for buttons, but that goes away quick after you realize it's not the digital camera you normally throw around. 

You hold it up to your right eye, left hand under it, right hand to maneuver the focus ring, advancing the film and trying to maintain level shooting. This  Bronica has DOF that is very exacting and the you need the patients of a monk to find that sweet spot. If I am shooting some landscape, no problem but when shooting portraits is where you really need a lot practice.  See the example above looks quite nice but the photo below shows that I leaned forward by about an inch. I had her in focus and believe she was in that sweet spot but for some odd reason I did just lean forward just a little.

 

I was focused on her right side of her face but as you can see her far left side is in focus. The only lighting going is a couple modeling lights and a quick test shot with a digital told me I had just enough light. The focus has very thin line as you can follow it all the way down the photo. I am going to figure this out and most likely will be packing the Bronica just about every where I go, it'll be worth it. Thanks Holly for being such a great sport. 

Ok, back from rambling.  The audio the film cameras make are so unique. My Mamiya MSX 500 has a great sound, the Nikon FG20 has great sound and so does this Bronica. The clack of the mirror, the button being be pushed, the hand cranking sound of advancing film, the moving parts all slapping around when you hit that button to take a photo, it's a sound that I just like to hear. It's one of those noises in life you don't mind hearing. 

Film, ran a roll Foma BW, Portra and working on a roll Kodak BW at the moment, when the roll is ready, grab up the chemicals and get all mad scientist in developing this roll.  I will link back the Portra shots later on.

Well Bronica is no longer made so getting accessories at time maybe challenge so, if you got one hold it to it some like me may need some thing.