Nick, Thank you for the straight-forward, clearly understandable and professional level review. Encouragement and strong appreciation from Phoenix, AZ USA. Cheers!
I think you should mention one of the AMAZING design features is the split mirror. Half goes down and the other half goes up when you take a picture and then they both magically return for the next shot. I had one brand new in the early 70's with lots of lenses and loved it. Amazing shots. Mine never let me down.
The S2A doesn't do this, it was its replacement, the EC. The mirror pivots down and is covered by a shutter (as is the viewfinder). I recently repaired mine and the mirror is most definitely one piece.
Very good review...thank you Nick. I own an S2. Your mention of gear issues with the S2 is correct but is usually limited to camera's that have been subject to a lot of abuse. If an S2 can be found in good shape, there should be no issues with that. The S2 and S2A are great cameras. They are very well built and are a lot of fun to use.
Nice review! A couple comments to add. • Kowa is a Japanese-made camera (not Russian) and is definitely lighter than this camera. The thing I prefer about the Bronica is that the lens is recessed into the body and does not stick out like the Kowa. • I cringed when I saw how fast you were advancing the winder. If you own one BE CAREFUL and advance slowly. The gears are the weakest link with this camera and if forced or worn down, you will have a paperweight for your desk
I've enjoyed a Bronica S2 since 1969. It is often compared (usually unfavorably) to the Hasselblad; these comparisons are unfair as the Bronica has many advanced features over the Hasselblad and when all is considered it may be found that the B and the H only share the medium film format. The mechanical functions (e.g. shutter) of the Bronica are all contained within the body whereas the Hasselblad has a shutter (Compur, I believe) contained in each interchangeable lens. The Bronica has a top shutter speed of 1/1000s facilitated by the curtain-type shutter versus the 1/500s top speed of the Hasselblad. Also the Bronica has infinitely varible shutter speed settings between the nominal detent selections on the shutter speed dial. I will say that the Bronica is a much noisier camera - even frightening - when one hears the whacking and clunking that goes on when the shutter is released. Surprisingly, there is virtually no vibration at the instant of exposure and extreme enlargements are crystal clear. I thought your review of the Bronica was great and the selections from your photo gallery showed-off the camera quite well.
aiza thompson the slide comes out. You just put it in your pocket when you’re shooting. You only need the have the slide in the back if you are switching backs , say if you are using two separate films or different aspects
one tip: if you don't want to skin your knuckles on the film drive, take the back off the camera, so you can use the film "wind-on" crank on the magazine, the EC manual says this as well; the procedure goes roughly like this: put film on spool, place cassette into mag. housing (DOOR OPEN), wind until the arrow shows on the red dot, CLOSE back door- this 'arms' the film counter, assemble mag. to camera, use MAIN crank to wind to number 1 on film counter.
I totally adore my S2A. From the incredible mirror slap to the chrome. I named mine, Savoy, after the chrome on a 57 Plymouth Savoy. Such a beautiful camera and fantastic photos. Don't even mind the weight.
just a tip- the 's' in Fresnel is silent, and the name comes from the French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel, who invented that style of lens (a focusing screen is a lens it just has a very specific purpose) for lighthouses in the 1800's
nice review, but you forgot to mention this has a Focal plane shutter, which gives a 1/1000th second shutter speed, 1/60th second flash sync speed, and also YOU HAVE to take the 100 mm lens off FIRST, then the focus helicoil, otherwise you scratch the mirror. they are nice cameras, and for a hasselblad focal plane shutter body ( 2000 f c w) for a bargain price with Nikon quality glass, all the way up to 200 mm focal length ( 35 mm equivalent of 105 or 135 mm); whats not to love about it.
BRAVO, I have this camera, as it dates from 1969 as it was gathering dust in my bag after I graduated from art school, and then I decided to get some lenses like the 50mm 3.5 Nikkor, 135mm 3.5 Nikkor, and already had the 105mm Lens Shutter Nikkor, and then finally I got the 645 back for the S2A, and the Magnify Chimney Hood. Planning to take this to Japan for 2022.. I can say that the shutter is pretty LOUD. FYI They did make a light meter for the S2A, but it was big, and bulky, and Ugly, and the battery no longer exists. And FYI, Some of the Holgas did had Glass lenses, I have 3 models-Holga that is All Green with color turret Glass, Holga that is a Twin lens model has a glass lens, and the Holga model with a Holgaroid Back, and 35mm Roll back also has a Glass Lens... . Thank You....
Also, the camera in this video is an S2, not an S2A. The S2 has small metal "wings" on the strap lugs, the S2A does not. Japanese sellers seem to sell these all the time and mis-identify. I suspect they know better but can get more cash for an S2A. Another way to identify if you are buying one: Serial numbers over 150000 on the body are S2A's, lower numbers are not.
I've mentioned on another one of your videos that I have the Bronica ETRSi and I love it, it cost me £225 is in mint condition and has a spare back. When you think they cost a king's ransom when they first came out, and as a rule only used by studio professionals it was bargain. Bronica was originally set up by Zenzaburō Yoshino to be technically better that Hasselblad as at that time there were a lot of issues with the 'Blad's petals sticking causing the shutter speed to be incorrect. The common consensus is he succeeded in doing this, however he was fighting the belief held at that time that Japanese imports were rubbish, much like the reputation Chinese imports have today. When Tamron bought Bronica out it wasn't long before they closed the factory down, which is a shame. Ilford Delta is perfect for this camera.
Mark Harris some very interesting facts you pointed out. Glad that you enjoy your Bronica. It's indeed a under appreciated camera brand. I've also heard that Bronica modular system had better film back designs. Easy and never fails
@@pushingfilm I have both the SQ-B and SQ-Ai and I wish the film back had somewhere to put the darkslide. I'm really afraid of losing the piece of metal.
In the process of adding medium format to my bag of tricks, been looking at various camera brands to see which one I will purchase. Your review of the Bronica S2A was/is very helpful in my choice making, read that as leaning towards, heavily... Thanx.
TLR cameras are fun to shoot. Many people get turned off by the fact that everything is opposite when composing, but once you get used to it it's second nature.
Nice review! I like that you showed how to load the film with an actual roll of film! I'm still new to medium format (at least, HOW they work), so I certainly appreciate the information here. Any chance you might do a review/tutorial on the Mamiya 645? BTW, I like the music at the end of the video.
I had this camera for a while. Adding the grip makes a big difference. It's still big and heavy but you can easily walk around with it and take casual shots.
Agreed. I bought the Bronica grip and it has a cold shoe that you can mount a small meter to. The grip makes the package larger, but doesn't take much time to remove and it comes apart to make a much smaller package. My camera just arrived and it's time to get it out and shoot it.
Tiani Nogaliza They are a great little camera! We actually have an L35AD2 and might do a point and shoot episode in the future. But enjoy it, it's a nice camera with a sharp lens :-D
So it's a copy of the Hasselblad V system design, but the lens helicoid has been moved into a separate component. Interesting to see reviews of cameras like this, which I probably wouldn't have known about otherwise. Thanks!
Guille V thanks! I haven't shot with a RB67 before but only held one. My feelings for the RB is that it's very heavy, for my shooting style i know that it would be too heavy. I feel that RB67 would be more suitable for studio shots, the S2A can be both. Having said that Mamiya has a great range of lens to choose from. Don't know if this helps, thanks again!
I have the SQ-B and SQ-Ai, my only concerns; getting parts and someone to work on it. With the Hasselblad there are plenty of people who work on them and the company is still in business.
Hey! I don't underdtand something. Because it's been a while since I don't practice my english. My bad! But, do I need another back to shoot black amd white?
Yes, there is a screen off portion on the film back. Plus you'll get 15 images vs the 10 images with the 6x6. Too bad he did not show the 6x4.5 film back. Once you see that detail it makes sense.
Nick, Thank you for the straight-forward, clearly understandable and professional level review. Encouragement and strong appreciation from Phoenix, AZ USA. Cheers!
I think you should mention one of the AMAZING design features is the split mirror. Half goes down and the other half goes up when you take a picture and then they both magically return for the next shot. I had one brand new in the early 70's with lots of lenses and loved it. Amazing shots. Mine never let me down.
The S2A doesn't do this, it was its replacement, the EC. The mirror pivots down and is covered by a shutter (as is the viewfinder). I recently repaired mine and the mirror is most definitely one piece.
Very good review...thank you Nick. I own an S2. Your mention of gear issues with the S2 is correct but is usually limited to camera's that have been subject to a lot of abuse. If an S2 can be found in good shape, there should be no issues with that. The S2 and S2A are great cameras. They are very well built and are a lot of fun to use.
Nice review! A couple comments to add.
• Kowa is a Japanese-made camera (not Russian) and is definitely lighter than this camera. The thing I prefer about the Bronica is that the lens is recessed into the body and does not stick out like the Kowa.
• I cringed when I saw how fast you were advancing the winder. If you own one BE CAREFUL and advance slowly. The gears are the weakest link with this camera and if forced or worn down, you will have a paperweight for your desk
I've enjoyed a Bronica S2 since 1969. It is often compared (usually unfavorably) to the Hasselblad; these comparisons are unfair as the Bronica has many advanced features over the Hasselblad and when all is considered it may be found that the B and the H only share the medium film format. The mechanical functions (e.g. shutter) of the Bronica are all contained within the body whereas the Hasselblad has a shutter (Compur, I believe) contained in each interchangeable lens. The Bronica has a top shutter speed of 1/1000s facilitated by the curtain-type shutter versus the 1/500s top speed of the Hasselblad. Also the Bronica has infinitely varible shutter speed settings between the nominal detent selections on the shutter speed dial. I will say that the Bronica is a much noisier camera - even frightening - when one hears the whacking and clunking that goes on when the shutter is released. Surprisingly, there is virtually no vibration at the instant of exposure and extreme enlargements are crystal clear.
I thought your review of the Bronica was great and the selections from your photo gallery showed-off the camera quite well.
aiza thompson the slide comes out. You just put it in your pocket when you’re shooting. You only need the have the slide in the back if you are switching backs , say if you are using two separate films or different aspects
Yes a very good, plain and direct expose. You certainly helped me understand how to do it.
love that you left the dust on the picture at 9:27
one tip: if you don't want to skin your knuckles on the film drive, take the back off the camera, so you can use the film "wind-on" crank on the magazine, the EC manual says this as well; the procedure goes roughly like this: put film on spool, place cassette into mag. housing (DOOR OPEN), wind until the arrow shows on the red dot, CLOSE back door- this 'arms' the film counter, assemble mag. to camera, use MAIN crank to wind to number 1 on film counter.
I totally adore my S2A. From the incredible mirror slap to the chrome. I named mine, Savoy, after the chrome on a 57 Plymouth Savoy. Such a beautiful camera and fantastic photos. Don't even mind the weight.
just a tip- the 's' in Fresnel is silent, and the name comes from the French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel, who invented that style of lens (a focusing screen is a lens it just has a very specific purpose) for lighthouses in the 1800's
nice review, but you forgot to mention this has a Focal plane shutter, which gives a 1/1000th second shutter speed, 1/60th second flash sync speed, and also YOU HAVE to take the
100 mm lens off FIRST, then the focus helicoil, otherwise you scratch the mirror.
they are nice cameras, and for a hasselblad focal plane shutter body ( 2000 f c w) for a bargain price with Nikon quality glass, all the way up to 200 mm focal length ( 35 mm equivalent of 105 or 135 mm); whats not to love about it.
BRAVO, I have this camera, as it dates from 1969 as it was gathering dust in my bag after I graduated from art school, and then I decided to get some lenses like the 50mm 3.5 Nikkor, 135mm 3.5 Nikkor, and already had the 105mm Lens Shutter Nikkor, and then finally I got the 645 back for the S2A, and the Magnify Chimney Hood. Planning to take this to Japan for 2022.. I can say that the shutter is pretty LOUD. FYI They did make a light meter for the S2A, but it was big, and bulky, and Ugly, and the battery no longer exists. And FYI, Some of the Holgas did had Glass lenses, I have 3 models-Holga that is All Green with color turret Glass, Holga that is a Twin lens model has a glass lens, and the Holga model with a Holgaroid Back, and 35mm Roll back also has a Glass Lens... . Thank You....
Also, the camera in this video is an S2, not an S2A. The S2 has small metal "wings" on the strap lugs, the S2A does not. Japanese sellers seem to sell these all the time and mis-identify. I suspect they know better but can get more cash for an S2A. Another way to identify if you are buying one: Serial numbers over 150000 on the body are S2A's, lower numbers are not.
Wow... your portraits came out fantastic. Thank you for the thorough review and tips
I've mentioned on another one of your videos that I have the Bronica ETRSi and I love it, it cost me £225 is in mint condition and has a spare back. When you think they cost a king's ransom when they first came out, and as a rule only used by studio professionals it was bargain. Bronica was originally set up by Zenzaburō Yoshino to be technically better that Hasselblad as at that time there were a lot of issues with the 'Blad's petals sticking causing the shutter speed to be incorrect. The common consensus is he succeeded in doing this, however he was fighting the belief held at that time that Japanese imports were rubbish, much like the reputation Chinese imports have today. When Tamron bought Bronica out it wasn't long before they closed the factory down, which is a shame. Ilford Delta is perfect for this camera.
Mark Harris some very interesting facts you pointed out. Glad that you enjoy your Bronica. It's indeed a under appreciated camera brand. I've also heard that Bronica modular system had better film back designs. Easy and never fails
@@pushingfilm I have both the SQ-B and SQ-Ai and I wish the film back had somewhere to put the darkslide. I'm really afraid of losing the piece of metal.
In the process of adding medium format to my bag of tricks, been looking at various camera brands to see which one I will purchase. Your review of the Bronica S2A was/is very helpful in my choice making, read that as leaning towards, heavily... Thanx.
Awesome review, Nick!
Thanks so much Sarah!
These photos are amazing you have a great eye
Great pictures!
Those are some really nice photos you took. It really gave me a different perspective on TLRs/medium format cameras.
TLR cameras are fun to shoot. Many people get turned off by the fact that everything is opposite when composing, but once you get used to it it's second nature.
Beautiful shots Nick!
Nice review! I like that you showed how to load the film with an actual roll of film! I'm still new to medium format (at least, HOW they work), so I certainly appreciate the information here. Any chance you might do a review/tutorial on the Mamiya 645? BTW, I like the music at the end of the video.
Dglazman No worries, glad you got something out of it! We'd love to try a Mamiya 645 but would have to get our hands on one :D
I had this camera for a while. Adding the grip makes a big difference. It's still big and heavy but you can easily walk around with it and take casual shots.
Agreed. I bought the Bronica grip and it has a cold shoe that you can mount a small meter to. The grip makes the package larger, but doesn't take much time to remove and it comes apart to make a much smaller package.
My camera just arrived and it's time to get it out and shoot it.
I just adore my Bronica SQ. While not the same camera, the SQ is still 6x6, and I love shooting her. Her name is Veronica. Veronica the Bronica.
Haha fantastic name!!
Kiev 60 and 88cm takes a Carl Zeiss lenses from DDR Jena, best of all are Sonnar 180 2.8
yup, nice.
Russian medium format system called Kiev 88 (hasselblad clone) or Kiev 6c/60TTL its more like big SLR - both are 6x6.
Those are some nice portraits. Did you use flash for some of those? What type of film? Thanks for the video- I am considering purchasing this model.
Elysian Dreams Thank you! these were all natural light and taken on Kodak Tri-X, and Ilford HP5 (the similar headshots of us crew)
Can you review the Nikon L35AF? I just picked one up from the thrift store and it's my first camera. Thanks!
Tiani Nogaliza They are a great little camera! We actually have an L35AD2 and might do a point and shoot episode in the future. But enjoy it, it's a nice camera with a sharp lens :-D
I am looking for a 645 back.
I want it 😮😮
So it's a copy of the Hasselblad V system design, but the lens helicoid has been moved into a separate component.
Interesting to see reviews of cameras like this, which I probably wouldn't have known about otherwise.
Thanks!
And I believe the Hassy has leaf shutters while the Bronica is FP shutter.
what is the lens fit?
Hi Nick, good video! Between a Mamiya RB67 and this, wich you pick?
Guille V thanks! I haven't shot with a RB67 before but only held one. My feelings for the RB is that it's very heavy, for my shooting style i know that it would be too heavy. I feel that RB67 would be more suitable for studio shots, the S2A can be both. Having said that Mamiya has a great range of lens to choose from. Don't know if this helps, thanks again!
I have the SQ-B and SQ-Ai, my only concerns; getting parts and someone to work on it. With the Hasselblad there are plenty of people who work on them and the company is still in business.
the early S2 film back is compatible with the S2A?
I was led to believe that all S2 and S2As backs are interchangeable.
I have this camera but I can’t find additional lenses for it
search EBay, lots of them.
Hey! I don't underdtand something. Because it's been a while since I don't practice my english. My bad! But, do I need another back to shoot black amd white?
No you dont, it's just handy if you want to swap between different films without finishing the roll first
Nick, what is the B&W film type you use? Any favorite B&W Types?
I think he said he was loading Ilford HP5.
@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood Thanks Steve, yes, he mentioned that when he was loading the film. Just wondering if he tried others.
Where is the unloading video 😒
He did ended up selling the camera before getting a chance, unfortunately
wait im so lost....so if i change the back i can go from 6x6 to 6x4.5? o_o im a nebie
Yes, there is a screen off portion on the film back. Plus you'll get 15 images vs the 10 images with the 6x6. Too bad he did not show the 6x4.5 film back. Once you see that detail it makes sense.
Kowa is Japanese...BTW 😃
Can’t wait to use this for street photography 🤌🏼