Just a couple of points. You can use a metered prism finder with the SQ. It is the SQ ME Prism S. A way to make sure that the shutter is firing correctly is to watch the red LED in the viewfinder. This flashes when the shutter fires. The longer the exposure, the longer the flash. In fact at speeds from 1/125 to 1/500 it is hard to notice the flash.
I've got a few of these, two of which work great, the others I cannibalise for parts. For the SQ(A) make sure the battery cover is there, it often gets lost. In addition to speeds, check whether the shutter fires when you rotate the body 90 degrees (you won't with the regular finder and there is no point in square format). I have had two that started to simply not fire at certain angles, both just stopped working altogether within months from the first issues. My guess is that this is an electronic issue, one was an SQ-A, the other an SQ-AI. Anyway, Good for replacement parts such as screens, backs, mirrors and other mechanical bits and bobs.
This video was extremely informative. I made the mistake of listening to a sales rep from a camera store here in NYC that came highly recommended (K&M Camera if anyone was wondering) and thought the back I had was faulty so I bought a new one. Come to find out after viewing this that all I had to do was flip the multiple exposure switch back up so I could get to go through my roll and not wonder why my film still wasn't being exposed haha! Big thank you!
Much of this older film equipment (Hasselblad, Mamiya, Bronica, Rollei Pentax etc) is 20+ years old now so specialist dealers will always be your best option when buying or looking for reliable advice.
I had an SQ-AM where the electrics went and a guy with a Camera shop in Stourbridge fixed it! I used the camera for a few years then it went again or at least I thought it did but really I think it was that internal battery that had gone! By that time the shop in Stourbridge had closed down! Gutted! Sent it to repair shop in Liverpool and they couldn’t fix it! So I took off the back, lens and viewfinder and sold the body as spares
The Bronica SQA and SQAM work in the same way, except the SQAM winds automatically. Make sure the lens is cocked and if you still can’t fit it to the camera body then your camera has a fault.
I had a question about what to do when you have film loaded in the camera and you accidentally hit the mirror lock up button. Say from N to S and you hear the shutter fire. And so you turn the shutter again, but it advances the film and you lose an image… Is there a way to not advance the film, but prep the shutter again, or did I just lose that shot? This has happened to me when transferring from my bag and I’m not watching carefully where my fingers are. Just curious if there is a way to rescue that frame as every instance this has happened has been with the lens cap on. Not sure if this is part of the problem or solution, but I’ve also noticed I have the multi exposure button flipped on (red dot exposed) before this happens. And as your video pts out, this would be for firing the shutter without having film loaded. So possibly I need to insurance that the camera is not set to multi exposure.
The Bronica body and leaf shutter in the lens are interlocked. This means you can’t bring the mirror down without advancing to the next frame so the shot will be lost. If it’s a big issue for you and you don’t use multiple exposure you could remove the lever? Not a big job.
@@WorldwideCameraExchange Very informative. Will keep it in mind. I had one trip where it didn't happen once over 15 rolls and another where it happened 4 times with a similar amount of film. It's just down to me being a bit more careful when handling the camera!
hi, i'm ale. I hope you are well. I have a query, I shoot with the camera having the security plate on the chassis, and it still shoots, that is, if I have film in the camera, I lose frames. Open touched something? would it have broken? Thanks a lot!
hi there, The flash sync socket looks like it is placed at the front next to lens. Is it possible to use third party flashguns using a sync cord? thanks. Great video!
Hi, I bought one just yesterday. Is it normal that when you frame from the cockpit the image rotates in the opposite direction to how you move the camera?
Yes, completely normal with Bronica, Mamiya, Rollei, Hasselblad and any camera when you use a waist level finder. You need to fit a prism to correct the image.
The local camera shop is offering an SQ-A with an unusual viewfinder -- it's a giant eye-level prism designed for holding several inches from the eye. It is NOT the regular pentaprism, or the meter prism, or the rotatable "Speed Finder." A distinguishing point other than its huge size (it's almost as big as the camera body) is that it has a vertically oriented "roof-shaped" front surface, while all the standard prisms have a flat sloped surface. The shop guys know it's a legit Bronica accessory because it's marked "Zenza Bronica", but there is no model number or other identifying info. It is driving all of us crazy because we have not been able to find any information or even a picture anywhere online. Does anyone have any idea what this is? The shop thinks the finder is making the camera difficult to sell because it's so huge; I would be tempted to buy it in hopes of finding a standard folding waist-level finder, but these have gotten very expensive!
It’s an action finder. Similar to Nikon’s DA2 (but obviously much bigger). Bronica didn’t make many for obvious reasons … totally impractical for day to day use.
Nice review can you do the ETRS models as I am looking at one prices for SQ series’s have up in the last few months lovely camera similar to Mamiya RB67 and RZ67
An ETRSi / ETRS review is on the to-do list. The SQ and ETR series cameras are very similar, format aside. The cameras operate in a similar way and the checks outlined (particularly the shutter timing check) are common to both.
@@thethirdman225 thanks I agree with you that’s why I went with the SQA and ETRS my Bronnyblads the ETRS is a smaller compact version of the SQA so using them is simple I went away from RZ and RB as I didn’t need the 6x7 and the expense
Just a couple of points. You can use a metered prism finder with the SQ. It is the SQ ME Prism S. A way to make sure that the shutter is firing correctly is to watch the red LED in the viewfinder. This flashes when the shutter fires. The longer the exposure, the longer the flash. In fact at speeds from 1/125 to 1/500 it is hard to notice the flash.
Thanks for your input - always appreciated
I've got a few of these, two of which work great, the others I cannibalise for parts. For the SQ(A) make sure the battery cover is there, it often gets lost. In addition to speeds, check whether the shutter fires when you rotate the body 90 degrees (you won't with the regular finder and there is no point in square format). I have had two that started to simply not fire at certain angles, both just stopped working altogether within months from the first issues. My guess is that this is an electronic issue, one was an SQ-A, the other an SQ-AI. Anyway, Good for replacement parts such as screens, backs, mirrors and other mechanical bits and bobs.
Great advice - thanks for commenting.
This video was extremely informative. I made the mistake of listening to a sales rep from a camera store here in NYC that came highly recommended (K&M Camera if anyone was wondering) and thought the back I had was faulty so I bought a new one. Come to find out after viewing this that all I had to do was flip the multiple exposure switch back up so I could get to go through my roll and not wonder why my film still wasn't being exposed haha! Big thank you!
Happy to help!
Much of this older film equipment (Hasselblad, Mamiya, Bronica, Rollei Pentax etc) is 20+ years old now so specialist dealers will always be your best option when buying or looking for reliable advice.
So useful! Hi, thanks for uploading this. Just what I needed
Glad it was helpful!
This was perfect. Thanks for sharing all this great info on the Bronica!
Glad it was helpful!
I had an SQ-AM where the electrics went and a guy with a Camera shop in Stourbridge fixed it! I used the camera for a few years then it went again or at least I thought it did but really I think it was that internal battery that had gone! By that time the shop in Stourbridge had closed down! Gutted! Sent it to repair shop in Liverpool and they couldn’t fix it! So I took off the back, lens and viewfinder and sold the body as spares
Just in the process of selling my Mint Ebony RSW45 and 90mm lens to go lighter and back to 6x6, this was brilliantly timed for me, thank you.
Happy to help
Your video's are so informative, because I am look for a medium format film camera really great info. Thanx
Thanks. Good luck with your search.
I wish I saw your video before buying. I think my setup is in good condition but regardless. Very useful video
Thanks
This was a great video. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
I have a Metz flash gun which could use as a grip
I have a film back lens and the viewfinder! Could you do a video please of how to put these items onto the Sq-am please
The Bronica SQA and SQAM work in the same way, except the SQAM winds automatically. Make sure the lens is cocked and if you still can’t fit it to the camera body then your camera has a fault.
Nice video, i got one on hand now, wich i can buy. I will check thees things.
Glad it’s useful
Very helpful and informative, thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for doing this video. As always, clear, concise information given.
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing! Thank you.
Thanks. Hope it was useful.
I had a question about what to do when you have film loaded in the camera and you accidentally hit the mirror lock up button. Say from N to S and you hear the shutter fire. And so you turn the shutter again, but it advances the film and you lose an image… Is there a way to not advance the film, but prep the shutter again, or did I just lose that shot?
This has happened to me when transferring from my bag and I’m not watching carefully where my fingers are. Just curious if there is a way to rescue that frame as every instance this has happened has been with the lens cap on.
Not sure if this is part of the problem or solution, but I’ve also noticed I have the multi exposure button flipped on (red dot exposed) before this happens. And as your video pts out, this would be for firing the shutter without having film loaded. So possibly I need to insurance that the camera is not set to multi exposure.
The Bronica body and leaf shutter in the lens are interlocked. This means you can’t bring the mirror down without advancing to the next frame so the shot will be lost. If it’s a big issue for you and you don’t use multiple exposure you could remove the lever? Not a big job.
@@WorldwideCameraExchange Very informative. Will keep it in mind. I had one trip where it didn't happen once over 15 rolls and another where it happened 4 times with a similar amount of film. It's just down to me being a bit more careful when handling the camera!
Thanks Jonathan 🤜🤛
Hope it was useful!
Excellent video!!!
Glad it was useful.
hi, i'm ale. I hope you are well.
I have a query, I shoot with the camera having the security plate on the chassis, and it still shoots, that is, if I have film in the camera, I lose frames.
Open touched something? would it have broken? Thanks a lot!
Sounds like you’ll need to ask a repairer to check it out.
@@WorldwideCameraExchange Thanks!
hi there, The flash sync socket looks like it is placed at the front next to lens. Is it possible to use third party flashguns using a sync cord? thanks. Great video!
Yes, it's a standard flash sync socket. Any standard flash cord will work. Thanks for commenting - always appreciated.
Hi, I bought one just yesterday. Is it normal that when you frame from the cockpit the image rotates in the opposite direction to how you move the camera?
Yes, completely normal with Bronica, Mamiya, Rollei, Hasselblad and any camera when you use a waist level finder. You need to fit a prism to correct the image.
Very helpful indeed! Thanks!
Happy to help
Can this version do a one minute exposure?
Yes, all Bronica camera can do long exposures using the T setting on the lens (although a very few Bronica lenses don’t have the option).
Brilliant thank you!
Happy to help
What flash unit can I use with my bronica Eftrs camera
Any flash with a synch cable will work but you may need a flash bracket too (or as an alternative have a look at the Bronica Speedgrip E).
The local camera shop is offering an SQ-A with an unusual viewfinder -- it's a giant eye-level prism designed for holding several inches from the eye. It is NOT the regular pentaprism, or the meter prism, or the rotatable "Speed Finder." A distinguishing point other than its huge size (it's almost as big as the camera body) is that it has a vertically oriented "roof-shaped" front surface, while all the standard prisms have a flat sloped surface. The shop guys know it's a legit Bronica accessory because it's marked "Zenza Bronica", but there is no model number or other identifying info. It is driving all of us crazy because we have not been able to find any information or even a picture anywhere online. Does anyone have any idea what this is?
The shop thinks the finder is making the camera difficult to sell because it's so huge; I would be tempted to buy it in hopes of finding a standard folding waist-level finder, but these have gotten very expensive!
It’s an action finder. Similar to Nikon’s DA2 (but obviously much bigger). Bronica didn’t make many for obvious reasons … totally impractical for day to day use.
are zenzanon s lens compatible with sqai camera？
Yes, all Bronica S series lenses fit any SQ series camera
thx; trottin' off 2 release those pins on my stored lenses.
Glad it was useful - enjoy your Bronica
Nice review can you do the ETRS models as I am looking at one prices for SQ series’s have up in the last few months lovely camera similar to Mamiya RB67 and RZ67
An ETRSi / ETRS review is on the to-do list. The SQ and ETR series cameras are very similar, format aside. The cameras operate in a similar way and the checks outlined (particularly the shutter timing check) are common to both.
The Bronica is much simpler to use than the RB67. I have owned both. Mechanically, Bronicas are not difficult to use. The RB is not for beginners.
@@thethirdman225 thanks I agree with you that’s why I went with the SQA and ETRS my Bronnyblads the ETRS is a smaller compact version of the SQA so using them is simple I went away from RZ and RB as I didn’t need the 6x7 and the expense
Any thoughts on what might cause the skipping of frames? I have a back that skips random frames after the first 6 or so.
Has it been serviced recently? It’s usually caused by a worn or sticking winding mechanism.
@@WorldwideCameraExchange Has not been. Was afraid it would be a body issue. Thanks
@@tamDOTaudio Check with a different back?
Bronica SQ… second to none.
Yes, the Bronica is an excellent camera.
@@WorldwideCameraExchange I'm about to buy one.