Comparing Two 6x7 Medium Format Film Cameras: The Bronica GS-1 & Pentax 6x7
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
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What's up y'all, today I'm giving some thoughts and opinions on two 6x7 film cameras I have shot over the past couple of years: The Bronica GS-1 and Pentax 6x7. This is NOT a super depth review of both cameras nor do I cover every feature on them. This is just a video where I share some thoughts and insights on the systems after the time I have spent using them.
Full review of the Bronica GS-1: • Bronica GS-1 Review - ...
Link to Document with all info covered: docs.google.com/document/d/1f...
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How could you not discuss the shutter differences. With leaf shutters on all lenses, the Bronica can sync flash at all shutter speeds. That is huge. In addition there is a dedicated Bronica speedlight for the GS1. That, plus being nearly half the weight of the Pentax makes the GS1 first choice for me.
Emma says “tell Brae I like his plant.” 🪴
I hope she isn’t disappointed when she finds out it’s fake ...
Thank you man for this video. I am planning to buy my first medium format. And it was really helpful
Nice video!
I own the P67 with the left wooden grip and never had issues with the mirror lock up button!
Your videos are always the highlight of my Sunday!
Thanks Bradley!
Loved the video! Your videos have really gotten me interested in trying medium format photography. Also that plant though 👀🌿
Thanks! That’s awesome to hear 😄
You scrolled past my shot when you were going through Reddit!! What a crazy coincidence I saw that (2 white horses). Anyway lovely comparison man 👌 keep up the good work!
Haha no way that’s awesome! Great image!
I smashed that subscribe button as soon as you talked about the text version of your comparison ! KEEP up the good work !
Haha thank you Vincent!
Probably one of the best comparisons, especially with text doc.
Thanks Devin!
Refreshing to see amigo 🤙🏼
Just as a note... the etrsi has the AE 3 prism finder that has an adjustable diopter .. for those who were specs... great video
Amazing review, really appreciate the work put into making it. I definitely see myself switching from digital straight to medium and I have my eye on the Pentax 6x7, it’ll be tough learning at first but this thing will be my lifelong companion so no qualms there. Again thanks for the review, really helped in reassuring 👌
Going to be a fun switch! The 6x7 is an awesome camera! Enjoy :)
I prefer 6x6. I have a Kiev 6c 6x6 slr with a 90mm 2.8 Vega lens bought for £70. No turning the camera required. I am selling my 35mm cameras now and buying a 45mm lens for the Kiev at the moment.
I purchased a Pentax 6X7 at the beginning of 2021, but didn't realize how many focal length options it had, until now. Great video brother
Yeah there’s a great selection, thanks Joshua!
This video helped me so much Brea! thanks so much
No prob!
Dude these retro style clips are goregeous af 🔥🔥🔥
Glad you enjoyed!
Great comparison / I own 3 GS1 bodies and lenses and also the pentax 67 given by my dear uncle. I will never ever sell any of those wonderful cameras
Great video! Yeah, prices have risen a LOT, but that means more people get into shooting on film and that's awesome!
Very true! Can't complain about that!
I currently shoot an ETRSi and have been toying with the idea of 6x7. The Pentax mlu was the first on my radar. As a backpacker I might have to dig into the GS-1 a bit more. Thanks!
Glad this helped!
Very nice comparison. Have had my GS-1 for about five years, am very happy with it. However, with film back, AE prism viewfinder and standard lens it comes to over 5 pounds, six with the speed grip. Not sure how you got 3 pounds, no way fully rigged. But it's pretty ergonomic so no problem handholding for an hour's walk or so, longer with a nice shoulder harness. Cheers from Montreal!
great vid, im intrigued with the gs-1 as a 35mm shooter.
I definitely think you’d enjoy!
nice review, I have the GS-1, love the leaf shutter lenses. (50,100,200mm). stupidly I sold my 67II 5 years ago. now, prices are tripled !!! Greetz from Belgium.
Ah dang that’s unfortunate! Thanks for checking out the video!
Nice video. Have use tried using the extension tube with the bronica? I am planning to get the 18mm to increase reach.
this was such a great video. thanks so much. I almost pulled the trigger on a gs-1. I like the idea of the waist level finder and a 6x6 back meaning you could turn it into a pseudo 'blad. But, I was worried about the lenses. From all the imagery that I could find, I felt the pentax lenses just had a pop that the bronny lenses didn't. I have been with my pentax for 3 years now and it isn't going anywhere. luv it.
I agree, Pentax glass has a bit better contrast. Glad you’ve been enjoying it!
@@BraeHunziker Yeah. I luv it. Sometimes I wish I had the other. The modularity allows you to have a two in one kind of deal. I didn't realise there was 135 pano adaptor. That makes this set-up even cooler
Looking for a GS-1 at the moment I have a SQA and ETRS so for me the GS1 is a logical choice as I am very happy with the Bronica camera system great review I appreciate your efforts putting it together thanks greetings from the Uk 🇬🇧
They're great! Think you'd enjoy a GS-1!
Super helpful man, thanks.
Glad it helped!
Nice comparison...now you've got me thinking about a Bronica. ;-)
If size isn't an issue then I really love my Mamiya RB67. The interchangeable backs and lenses make this a great system. If weight and size are the worry then using the Mamiya M645 or the Hasselblad are the got to systems. Prism finders make both of these very easy to hand hold but I rather like the waist level finder. With the Hasselblad surprisingly getting an EL or ELM or ELX body are many times cheaper than the non winder body models. So yes I have them all. More glass for the RB67 but I do have 4 lenses for the M645, 55mm, 80mm, 150mm and 210mm. For the Blad I have 120mm, 150mm and the 180mm. for the RB I have a 50mm, 90mm, 127mm, 140mm, 180mm and 250mm. And yes, it took me several years to gather all that glass.
Pentax till the end, but I definitely gotta try out that gS1. Your work on it is fire bro.
Thank you man! Definitely recommend giving it a try if you ever have the opportunity.
Great video buddy!
Thanks dude 🤘🏻
My go to is the 645, having the Pentax 645N and the Mamiya M645 Pro TL one is fully automatic, and one is fully manual but completely modular. But if I had to chose another camera to add to my collection I'd get the GS-1. Cheers Brae, stay safe, stay healthy. Peace.
Great choices. Cheers dude!
I bought the GS-1 you clicked on on eBay yesterday!
Haha no way, enjoy!
Could you shoot with the Yashica mat 124 g that would be really nice
I think moving from the SQA-M m to the GS-1 will be my next step in medium format!
Oo enjoy!
try out the 67ii if you can. it fixes many of the issues with the original, like the bad MLU switch placement and inaccurate centerweighted meter, and has a lot of new features that simplify shooting, like aperture priority, accurate matrix/spot/center metering, and a really nice digital readout in the prism. it isn't cheap but i've found it to be worth the investment.
What he said. You won't regret it.
I would love to and intend to in the future! Got some saving to do haha
@@BraeHunziker 7 months later…boom!
7:23 Does anyone have an idea of how we do scan the entire negative but with white holes instead of black? When I scan with my Epson V550 it's coming out black, maybe there is another step I missed. Thanks
I bought Rz 67 in really good condition a couple years ago for around 400 plus a lens and am quite happy with that investment so far.
Great find!
The Veronicas are the sleepers of the Bunch, you can still find them under 1K, I got my Mamiya 7II 2 years ago for $2K and I should have gotten a Pentax 67II at the same time, now they're closing on 3K. Thing is you rock the Pentax you got so its all in the skills and inspiration.
Dang I’m envious of your mamiya pickup! 😆
You can't exactly fault the camera for having the MLU button where it is. Pentax at the time didn't take into account for the "grip" that would be added on the right. Perhaps this is why they designed the grip to be added on the left? Just a thought.
I just have GS-1, need advice the battery type that can be use.. Thank you..
three points in Bronica's favor, one, the lenses are ALL leaf shutter, so sync at all speeds with flash (up to 1/500, NOT limited to 1/60th{pentax is primarily a focal plane shuttered camera system }) pentax has only a couple of LS lenses, Two, bronica is a system camera, so you have a film magasine, so you can easily change film stock mid-roll, and also format, by different back styles; and also size, it is a lot smaller, and has the grip/prism options, to cater for all tastes/genre of photography; Three, the metering is in the prism, and has Apature priority, and ONLY uses the bodies battery, not a separate cell type, which can corrode if left in the prism system if not used for long periods.
Instructive video. So much that i bought the gs1. Any Idea of good strap to go with it. I'm a bit Lost and don't want to spend money on Peak Design strap. Thx
Glad you went with the Bronica! Its an awesome camera. And yep, the OP/TECH USA strap. It is the best.
Quick thought re: the MLU, I use the original left wooden handle and I shoot by holding the left handle and focusing with my right hand, composing, then firing the shutter as a three-step process. It might sound clunky, but it forces me to focus entirely on one step at a time, and I've never accidentally engaged the MLU because I'm not gripping the camera on the right side.
Just a thought since it seems to be so frustrating for ya. I know the left hand grips take a lot of shit because they're seemingly on the wrong side, but if you give up the ghost on focusing and firing at the same time, then I think the left grip makes perfect sense.
That’s some good insight! Thanks for the tip. I like to keep the footprint on mine as small as possible which is one of the reasons I like the right hand grip. Wouldnt be opposed to trying the left hand one day!
@@BraeHunziker great video, by the way. The Bronicas are such an accessible way to get into medium format for anyone who's just curious. I knew I'd love it, so I just went straight for the Pentax, and I feel like it'll be a tool for me for the rest of my photography career for the exact reason you highlighted--some of the best glass around!
seriously love your videos!! would be interesting to see a video about how you edit your videos!! anyways hope you're well and keep up the good work!
Thanks Emily!
adding one more for Bronica, the fact any mistake with the m-up or double exposure switch can be CORRECTED, you take the mag off, and reset easy, no having to 'waste' a shot, to recock the mirror, or reset the advance gearing.
Such a nice feature
Pentax 67: Red Bull of Medium Format (at least according to your setup!
Haha an accurate description!
I loved the Pentax 67 and made a vid about it but couldn’t keep it for that weight :( the 105 is a beautiful lens tho
Yeah it’s a big boi haha
Good afternoon :D
Greetings Justin!
After seeing the prices of the Pentax body I consider myself so damn lucky. I just bought a 67 body in mint condition for less than $300 USD. Now I only need a lens and a viewfinder!
That’s awesome! Nice find 😄
I had a GS-1 and now I have a Pentax 6x7 MLU and personally I feel that the GS-1 is the clunkier of the two cameras. The GS-1 ergonomics are nothing to write home about without the speed grip but with it on it can't get out of it's own way either. The Pentax can at least hang on strap and it feels like a regular SLR against your body, although an oversized one. I always felt the GS-1 swinging around and jabbing me in the side or the hip and it wasn't a very good experience walking around with it. Also I came to the conclusion that only being able to shoot one roll at a time through the Pentax is a benefit not a downside. I had all of these accessories for the multiple Bronica cameras that I used to own and it just ended up cluttering up my creative flow with too many choices. A year or two ago I would have said that the GS-1 was a bargain but at todays prices it's not worth it. The GS-1 is good but if I could do it over I would have just forked over the extra cash for a Pentax from the start.
good video bræ
Thank you!
I was at a camera store in Missoula MT where he has 2 Mamiya 645s. One for just $300. I should have gone for it
Dang that’s a solid deal!
Sync speed the Bronica wins big time too unless you have one of the Pentax leaf shutter lenses
Very true!
What kind of tripod(s) do you use to sustain the weight of these cameras?
Neewer carbon fiber
Thank you for the video.
Why do you have two of the same systems.
i dont, bronica broke then i bought the Pentax
why is the 105mm 2.4 only B+ rated on antiquecameras?
I’d choose broni over the weight lol.. but to be honest both has it pro & cons, Pentax is a all out build like a tank which can last for next generation
I’m looking to get into medium format film shooting for the first time ever this year. I was thinking about starting with 645, and maybe in time working up to 6x7. I’ve been looking heavily into the Bronica ETRS/i, Maymia 645, and the Pentax 645 cameras. I was intrigued to learn you can get 645 backs for the Bronica GS-1!
Do you think I should stick with a dedicated 645 camera, or do you think I should try to get a GS-1 with a 645 back for now, and maybe get a 6x7, and maybe even a 6x6 back down the road. I’m assuming the only thing you need for the different size formats is the appropriate sized film back?
Any advice would be helpful!
I would start with a 645 camera and see how you like the size and ergonomics. If you want to go the 6x7 route down the road, you won’t have any problem selling a etrs / 645n. Market is very hot right now.
@@BraeHunziker Thanks for the recommendation! That’s what I was figuring on, but then heard about the GS-1. I’m excited to finally be able to try medium format out!!
is the bronica good for portraits? or should i go for a mamiya?
I loved my Bronica for portraits. Mamiya rz will have faster lenses though
was looking at a pentax 645 and noticed the gs-1 is similarly priced. anybody have experience/preference with those two?
I have both. Get both! 😎
I think I like the Bronica for its advantages in terms of weight and portability but I feel like I lose out a lot with the lack of fast lenses. Was this ever an issue for you when for your GS-1?
Have to get a permanent solution for development and scanning of film and then im going medium format. High res scanning is crazy expensive in Norway
I noticed that when I was there! Stopped by a shop in Oslo and the prices were insane haha
Have you thought about fixing up that bronica?
I haven’t. Potentially a fun side project this winter!
My impression is not that the Pentax have better glass than Bronica from the same time period, however there is a huge variation of pentax lenses made from 1969 to the 90s. The oldest have single coating. A problem with the Pentax is camera vibrations caused by the
huge shutter. Speeds of 1/8th~1/30th can be a problem with konger lenses even on a tripod.
This is very true. I try to avoid shooting in those shutter ranges
I'd have said coming from 35mm SLR the jump to 6x7 would be easier using the P6x7 just because everything is much the same...you just need bigger biceps :)
Another great cheap 6by9/6by8/6by7 option is the fuji gw6x0 series of cameras. They are rangefinder styles yes and you can't change lenses, so you have to deal with that. But, they are dirt cheap, the lens is of great quality and they are relatively light weight and super intuitive to operate. I highly recommend first-timers to try it out for medium format photography.
Agree! also the GS645S if you want something even smaller that still had excellent quality.
#BronicaGang #MirrorLockUp
The comparative system prices are a bit closer than he suggests, if you equip a Pentax 6x7 with the 90mm 2.8, which is much newer, sharper, higher contrast lens compared to the 105mm. Until several years ago, the 105mm was easily had for $250. It's price has been driven up to a ridiculous point by YT hype and peer angst. The 90mm (not the old LS version) can still be had for $350 or less.
im not sure that there exist a 135 bronica film back. i think it was only in plans and was never produced
Yeah I just saw that it looks to be that way :/
You forgot to compare the hype levels
Shit 🤦🏼♂️
A side by side comparison of the same scene, same lighting, similar lens and film, is the only valid way to claim superiority of one glass vs another
Imagine if we were able to convince a company to make a new 67 system
Haha wouldn’t that be something
You mean like Chroma cameras do in the UK?
If You've really found a 135 filmback made for GS-1 anywhere, ever, let me know! I have been searching for a panoramaback for 15 years and I have never seen anything but a picture of it. I think they never have been made… Hope I'am wrong. Really nice review, by the way...
Yeah it appears as though they never saw mass production unfortunately :/ adapters will have to do
Comparing an old 67 to the 67ii is like comparing a studebaker to new corvette.
You’re not wrong haha
Great video again.
Love my GS-1 taken some of my best shots with it (which isn't saying much - I'm pretty average).
Btw from what I've read it looks like the GS 35mm panoramic back never achieved mass production which is a real shame, I'd love one: www.heritagecameras.co.uk/bronica-gs-135-sw-24x69mm-panoramic-back-for-35mm-film-on-the-gs-1-6x7cm-medium-format-camera-139-c.asp
I was wondering why I’d never seen one 😅
i see you've run out of alpine lakes
Run out of nice weather*
Who the fucked disliked this video?!?
Must be mamiya rb67 user 😂
Neither one can compare to a Mamiya 7ii.
Is it me or Brae's voice sounds like Willem?
No..