WOW, I still have my Bronica, two backs, 3 lenses, the flip magnifier and the prism viewfinder ... I LOVED this camera. I bought it used in 1978 and used it for decades. It has never been serviced and it still works today. But, the aperture blades on two lenses have oil on them and it's next to impossible to use other apertures settings other than wide open. Believe it or not, I have adapted the lenses to my Sony a7III and I just about cried the day I was able to take a photo with those lenses! I'm currently looking for instructions (or a service shop) to clean the blades. My camera body "leather" is all peeling off and it looks exactly as it should, considering I'm had it and used it extensively for over 40 years. (I don't use it today, it's on my shelf beside my older Brownie Bulls-Eye and my old Mamiya C3 Twin lens... Oh, and my Zenit E 35mm. Man, I must be OLD!! I uses the Helios 44-2 on the Sony as well!! What a thrill that is!! I'm watching your first video and loving it!
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic and thank you! For service, check out Vermont Camera Works in Vermont, the Fix Old Cameras channel here on KZitem, or the Camera and Camcorder Repair Center in California. Also, the apertures on these are pretty easy to clean. I've had to completely disassemble two of my Bronica lenses, one to clean an aperture and correct focus issues and the latter to correct focus issues. A great thing about vintage professional gear was that it was designed to be servicable.
@GraphicMill
4 жыл бұрын
David Hancock, do you know of any documentation for S2 lens servicing? I’m pretty handy, but I don’t want to take these lenses apart incorrectly. I did the Helios, it was pretty easy, and an old vintage Nikon 50mm f1.4. But these old Nippon lenses, I’d hate to mess then up. (Yet, it does look pretty easy to get into).
@samthekingyo
3 жыл бұрын
@@GraphicMill did you ever manage to service the lenses? I've got two coming up I need to sort out (75mm f2.8 and 150mm f3.5). As lenses go they seem pretty simple to service intuitively given the lack of helical/zoom/only 5 elements etc.
@beckerse
9 ай бұрын
Awesome viseo! I just purchased an S2A, and this video was perfect to learn how to use it.
@DavidHancock
9 ай бұрын
Thank you! Great camera choice.
@richardarland8894
3 жыл бұрын
Great set of vids. Thank you so very much. Having been a photographer for over 60 years and spending some time in Tokyo, I find that the Bronica 2 series is a very worthwhile investment. Unfortunately during most of my photo career I was lock step with Nikon 35mm. I just acquired a VERY well used S2 from a fellow professional photographer. Its has a few "warts" like needing a new waist level finder, shutter speed knob (its really well worn and the numbering is indistinct), and a good CLA. I just shot my first couple of images with it this afternoon and man, that shutter will wake you up!! Again, thanks for the effort in the informative vids.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That camera sound like a good one, though. :D
@MichaStiller
5 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say I appreciate you putting out three thorough, full length videos like these. I've recently sold my ETR to fund a large format but I am about to buy myself one of these to get back into the Bronica game, which excites me because I didn't realise I could use the lenses from the MPP. Thanks from South Africa - Micha
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! It's always good to know when my videos help people.
@metrik2148
5 жыл бұрын
As always your videos are quite thorough and informative, I only wish (I'm sure I'm not alone) that you would fire the shutters off more often. You've done so many manuals and hardly ever do it, usually only to advance the film or some other action. We all enjoy the sound of a shutter being released and I for one would greatly appreciate hearing the sound of these wonderful cameras being fired off next to a nice mic. Keep up the good work, Thanks!!
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you and I'll see what I can do about adding better shutter sounds to the videos.
@markharris5771
5 жыл бұрын
Out of curiosity are the lenses the same as the SQ AI? It seems quite complex. I find my ETRSi complicated enough. I once accidentally set it up for multiple exposure with a motor winder attached, ruined the best part of a roll of film before I realised what was wrong! I now love using the spot meter I was sold well under price by a very generous person. Prior to that I used a standard Weston Masters II, 70 years old and still accurate. I still use it with my 35mm cameras that don’t have a light meter. It does make a difference, but I’m happy to admit I'm genuinely not as skilled as you. I can definitely vouch for the fact you reply to all comments. I’ve been subscribed to your channel for about three years, and you’ve replied to every one of my comments no matter how idiotic or misguided they are. Another superb video, thank you David.
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
These do not. When Bronica changed over to the SQ system, the developed a lens mount that's more like the ETR system with leaf shutters in the lenses and electronic contacts. Gauging a scene without a meter isn't too hard, honestly. There are good rules to follow. I mentioned to one of my camera repairmen the other week that I shot a box of 20 Velvia 50 4X5 slides without a meter (well, I metered two, and went with the meter reading instead of my gut, and they turned out terribly.) He was surprised to learn that. But film today, even slide film, was way more forgiving than it used to be, and digitizing with a DSLR and capturing the film images in raw make that latitude even greater. That said, were I to shoot slide film on a 4X5 again, I'd probably bring a good Pentax spot meter with me and average out the scene readings. I think that in hard lighting conditions, like sunset and indoors, I would also not completely trust myself to gauge lighting correctly on a consistent basis.
@captainbackflash
3 жыл бұрын
The shutter sound is awsome!
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
I completely agree.
@averytheamazingone
2 жыл бұрын
Forgive me for a probably dumb question, but Im planning on getting one of these and Ive been trying to figure out how to change the iso/asa for the film on the camera. I know there are some filmbacks that have the dial, but even looking in the manuals for these cameras theres no mention of iso/asa How do you do it? Is there a specific dial or is the feature not needed on this camera?
@DavidHancock
2 жыл бұрын
Not a dumb question at all. You don't enter it anywhere, simply use a hand-held light meter or smartphone light meter app and enter it there.
@givenmashiloane7438
3 жыл бұрын
I Just recently got a S2A, But it was missing the dark Slide and i can seem to get the filmback off and time not sure if the shutter work due to that, is the any way to remove it with the dark slide or to test the shutter.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Nope. You can only remove the film back by pressing the dark slide into the camera. That releases the film back. Trying any other way will almost certainly ruin your camera. You'll need to check eBay for a dark slide for these and buy it separately. You may be able to check the shutter, however, by opening the film back and removing the film caddy.
@herbertbradford9579
3 жыл бұрын
I am a retired Wedding Photographer. I shot Mamiya 645 1000S and Nikon’s. My Dad had bought this Bronica S2A it’s one of the first cameras. He claimed there was a light leak in the back. So I am buying a 120 back and going to have this one reworked. I thought The Camera was an S2, but buy your video I found I had an S2A. By the camera serial number and inside the winding crank. It Has a circle and doesn’t have butterflies at the strap connection. You should me the cable release on the bottom. I can use that. I may have the foam under the focusing screen reworked with something that want break down. I do see that I am going to like this 6x6. I will get a prism for it. And I going to buy a 4x5 lens for my large format camera. I love the sound of the shutter releasing but it would scare off a flock of birds. When you capture something on this camera you know it. Sure glade you did these videos. They’re top notch videos. Thanks You for doing that.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! For the film back with the light leak, that's completely common. I have a video showing how to replace light seals with cotton yarn for 35mm cameras. The same works for the Bronica film backs. I replaced both my film backs' light seals with yarn and the one that had a light leak no longer does. That would be worth considering to have a second film back.
@herbertbradford9579
3 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock I’m going to look for it so I will scribe.
@Ph.simeon1
4 ай бұрын
I just bought on of this and my question is. Does it need a battery to work and if it does what type of battery ?
@DavidHancock
4 ай бұрын
Only if you have the light meter prism. There's no battery chamber in the camera.
@trainman105105
3 жыл бұрын
Hey! So I recently received a S2 from my grandfather, who's been using it for a while but got an overhaul right before he passed it on to me. However, it seems like the cartridge (Which is a 6x6) is stuck on the 24 picture setting, and doesn't 'click' into the 12 picture setting. Do you happen to know a fix to that?
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
I have one that does that. For mine, if I hold it on 12 while advancing a new roll of film, it usually stays there. The good news is that 12 or 24, it doesn't affect your film. You won't have frames overlap if you use the wrong setting, I mean.
@MrPeter04
3 жыл бұрын
Hi! Great video, congrats. Just a question, where si the ISO select? Regards and thanks for you excellent content.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That would only apply to the light meter, which I don't have. So I can't answer that about the light meter. With this camera by itself, you don't need to set the ISO because it can't meter scenes.
@rojer9542
5 жыл бұрын
A lot of good info here which I appreciate, but the harsh lighting is a little tough to view. Don’t know what your using for lighting, but some kind of diffusion would really help.
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I've been struggling with the lighting in the new studio. I think I have a solution, though, and a new space to use instead of where I filmed this one.
@mkshffr4936
2 жыл бұрын
When using this kind of focusing finder with trifocals do you look through the part of your glasses appropriate for the distance from your eye to the finder or perhaps the distance lenses (effective image distance?)?
@DavidHancock
2 жыл бұрын
Look at the ground glass as though you're looking in the far distance.
@mkshffr4936
2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Thank you. Much appreciated.
@rossco171
Жыл бұрын
Hi, just been watching these after purchasing a couple of S2a bodies at an auction, so your videos are proving very useful. I removed one of the film backs and pressed in that little pin so I could take out the dark slide, but now I can’t get the dark slide back in. Any help would be appreciated.
@DavidHancock
Жыл бұрын
When you look at the front of the film holder, where the film could be viewed with the dark slide removed if there were film loaded, there's that little round pin on the upper right that you had to push to remove the dark slide. Push it in while reinserting the dark slide.
@rossco171
Жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Yes it worked!! Thank you so so much.
@sanjaytiku
4 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave, it’s August 2020 and the pandemic is mostly keeping us home. So I got an opportunity to take out my cameras and do some photography. However one of my Medium forms cameras the S2 has a it’s mirror stuck. It did work before. So I wanted to know if you had a similar experience or you know about a possible solution for this. Thank you.
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Hmm. I have not had the mirror on mine stick. I'm not sure how that could be fixed. There is, I think, a camera repair sub-forum at Photrio and someone there may know.
@henryeugenereyes7676
5 жыл бұрын
Any chance we can get a video of how you disassembled the mirror to clean and replace the foam? Thanks.
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
If I get another one of these that needs that repair, sure.
@ZommBleed
5 жыл бұрын
David Hancock If I weren't so fearful of you dropping mine, I'd send it to you for part 4.
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
@@ZommBleed That's okay. I loaned one of mine to the Shawnee Union Channel. Whenever I get it back (he's had it for like 18 months now) I''ll check and see if it needs mirror calibration. If so, I can make that video then.
@ZommBleed
5 жыл бұрын
David Hancock I wasn't aware that there are two pieces to the focusing screen until I disassembled mine last night for cleaning. You're right, the foam is toast. That's a long discussion in and of itself.
@stonex55
5 жыл бұрын
I would love a repair guide for this particular problem, it's a lovely camera but it plauges many of them
@andrewhowarth4578
3 жыл бұрын
Great series on a camera I'm not very familiar with. But David, why don't you have a light meter? Gossen Luna Pros are super cheap, and the spot attachment is pretty accurate. I have a bunch of them, and a Pentax spot meter as well. If you're shooting color transparency especially, they're worth their weight in gold. Andy
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I have a pretty good sense of exposure just by looking at a scene, honestly. That's the only reason.
@grantous67
4 жыл бұрын
David - for infinity focus, should distant objects be in focus when the lens is opened up to 2.8 ? I've replaced the foam under the screen here but not for the mirror. When I stop it right down and press the aperture preview button, they seem to be reasonably sharp, but not wide open
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
They should be but also some softness will be likely when looking at a scene wide open. Check focus on a nearby fine point, like a pencil point or a playing card edge, and see if it looks focused or not. If that looks meaningfully sharper than, say, some distant tree branches or a traffic light a half-block away, there may be an issue.
@grantous67
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks David, I guess I will find out for sure when the scans come back. I've bought two sets of precision screwdrivers now and neither of them can really handle the screws for the mirror unfortunately
@DavitGiorgadze
3 жыл бұрын
Hello, thank you for interesting videos. my camera is doing double exposures. When back is of and cocking camera - metalic gear which is on the right side rear side (right side of shutter) must be rotated yes?
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Are you taking the camera's film back off before advancing the film?
@DavitGiorgadze
3 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock I figured out that one of backs gears are moving very hard and this is reason of double exposurea or sometimea no wind
@czarnobyl86
11 ай бұрын
Great video, thanks a lot! Do you know of any good instructions online that explain/demonstrate how to replace that foam behind the mirror without breaking the camera?
@DavidHancock
11 ай бұрын
I do. Here's the one that I followed: www.photo.net/forums/topic/525987-bronica-s2-replacement-of-mirror-and-focus-foam-adjustement-pads/
@czarnobyl86
11 ай бұрын
@@DavidHancock the link seems broken :/
@DavidHancock
11 ай бұрын
@@czarnobyl86 You have to tell your web browser to proceed anyway. It's an old link and doesn't meet modern browser security requirements. I don't have any reason to suspect it's a malicious site, just not updated to https.
@theanh0503
5 жыл бұрын
Thank for your detailed guideline. I have a Bronica S2A for the first time. Howerver, I can not unattached the back. Can you instruct more clearly this part? Thank so much David
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
So the film back removal on these is, insofar as I know, unique to the system and no other cameras have the same mechanism. You'll need to insert the film back into the camera and then push it in to remove the back. So the film dark slide pushes in slightly and that releases the locking mechanism that holds it in. Let me know if that helps.
@samthekingyo
3 жыл бұрын
David, I can only assume that there is some reason that the foam is used behind the mirror. I suspect it is to do with shock absorption to help reduce mirror slap slightly - I guess there will be slight compression of the foam when the mirror housing hits the bottom of its travel. It seems like such a strange engineering decision that it must have some reason for it.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
I would think so, yes, but my theory is that the front frame around the mirror holds it at the correct distance and the foam pushes upwards to ensure it's properly aligned. But when it fails then the alignment is off. So my repair worked for me. I don't have a better way of fixing it, either.
@jonathancrews9451
Жыл бұрын
Hey David! Any idea why my view finder is not showing an image?
@DavidHancock
Жыл бұрын
Hmm. Could be a few reasons. When you take the lens off the camera, do you see the mirror inside? What about a black curtain over the underside of the viewfinder?
@Butterfly07949
3 жыл бұрын
There were made back in the dad FP flash bulbs to I wish that they were still made because like some of the modern day electronic cameras and the camera models own strobes they would sync at any speed the modern day (1990's) up to 1/4000 and the S2a and earlier up to the EC-TL11 @1/1000 My camera had that common focusing issue that turned out to be that organic foam they used for mounting the focusing screen. I replaced mine with some synthetic self adhesive foam from an art shop. Incidentally shortly after the S2A was originally released the photographic press gave the camera a midioca report but what was actually happening was that when the cameras had been in transit from Japan and had been sitting on the camera shops shelves the Foam had decomposed! I had the 100mm Zenzanon lens and yes it truly was spectacular! I even shot a book cover with it wide open. I do really miss that camera my trusty S2a and now in the market for another or maybe a EC-TL through these awesome video's of yours David.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Marc!
@ChairmanZhongXiNa
4 жыл бұрын
I'm really confused about the serial number system that Bronica used for the S2 and the S2A. All I know is this: - Both the S2 and the S2A have the thunk when winding the film. You can find videos of S2s with the thunk here on youtube - The S2A after around 150 000 doesn't have the butterfly strap lugs, they have the EC lugs - Also after 150 000, apparently they dropped the S2A on the serial number - [RUMOR] Apparently Bronica dropped the S2A on the serial number after somewhere around 110 000, but only in Japan, but still with the original butterfly strap lugs, which probably explains why so many S2As are on eBay with no S2A moniker and are from Japan - There were two revisions of the S2, an early and later model, distinguished by their winding knobs. The old ones still used silver, while the later ones used all black. Another difference is that apparently they switched from brass to steel gears. Read more about it here: shiura.com/camera/bbs/joyful.cgi?read=49&bbs=1&pg=0 EDIT: The only way to make sure which camera is which, to be absolutely sure, is to see the size of the gears behind the film advance knob by stripping the camera apart. If it had small teeth on the two main gearheads, then it's an S2. If they're large with less that 20 teeth on both gears, then it's an S2A.
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That would also explain mine, which I imported from Japan. And thank you for the info about the gears. I didn't know exactly how they differed.
@justinartcore
4 жыл бұрын
Hi David Thank you for this informative video! I am currently waiting for an S2 I picked up with a nikkor 200mm f4. Out of curiosity would you happen to know of any people/camera shops that will still service and CLA these Bronicas?
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Unfortunately, I don't know for sure who, if anyone, will touch a Bronica anymore. The Fix Old Cameras channel may have some suggestions, though. Also, Camcorder Repair Center in Glendale, CA, I just learned yesterday has been repairing cameras for 45 years and they still fix film cameras. It might be worth asking them.
@shtfvan8084
4 жыл бұрын
Did you ever find anyone to fix?
@NextScamdemic
5 жыл бұрын
Hey, I had a newbie question... if you're using a modern handheld meter with your 6x6 camera, do you need to compensate for the crop factor? For example if your handheld meter is telling you f5.6 would you need to multiply that by the .55 crop factor to get your setting for the lens? I hope that made sense. Thanks! I just got my first medium format camera.
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Nope not at all. Light it light. So if your meter says 1/125th and f/5.6, it's the same whether you shoot something smaller than 35mm, 35mm, 120, 4X5, or something larger than 4X5. Apertures, and relative light transmission, are universal across still image photography regardless of image format or lens focal length.
@NextScamdemic
5 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Thank you so much 🙏
@andyvan5692
4 жыл бұрын
Mr. Hancock is right, HOWEVER, you DO adjust the format in cases of teleconverters, filters, bellows extension for macro; as THESE effect light loss in the system, aka increased distance from a lens to film/sensor, for bellows/ teleconverters [NOT ext. tubes, as they have NO glass inside],drop of light quantity when using filters like an ND( just like putting a welding helmet on your lens!), these NEED an exposure compensation to be applied to a meter reading for correct exposure. Mamiya RB and R Z 67's are bellows cameras, and have a shaded comp. scale on the focus rail, to do just this, but you simply read off the correct value.
@ricedumplings3767
5 жыл бұрын
Is there an all-black version(no chrome) of s2a? I saw one which serial number is CB8***** , and the owner said the black version is a late version of s2a, while only s2a has this version? Do you have any idea about this?
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Yes. The S2 was made in both all black and chrome trim throughout the production run, both as the S2 and S2A.
@ricedumplings3767
5 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Thanks! So does that mean an all-black body s2 has the same mechanical problem as the chrome s2? Then I have to give up :(
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
@@ricedumplings3767 All the older S2 bodies have the older gear train. There are black and chrome S2A bodies. Do you can still get the color you want in an S2A
@ricedumplings3767
5 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Thanks!!!
@Jellybaby50
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent videos, David. If I don't have the confidence to replace the foam behind the screen and the mirror, do you know of a service agent / person who would do it for me? Preferably in the USA.
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I would reach out to Vermont Camera Works or Phototronic in Topeka, Kansas, to see if either would do the job. Both Jim and Mike are amply capable of the repair.
@Jellybaby50
3 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Awesome. Thanks so much.
@Jellybaby50
3 жыл бұрын
I got the first scans back from film from my Bronica s2a and the focus is spot on. I feel very lucky, considering the stories, and was ready to change out the foam etc. I'm not entirely surprised because infinity was totally accurate on the screen and all the other distances corresponded exactly with the markings on the Helicoid ring. Very grateful for your video, however, taking me through everything else. One more question (sorry!) - the 200mm f4 was part of my package but I only have the Helicoid for the 75mm. Is the correct Helicoid hard to find? I tried the 200mm on the 75mm Helicoid - it worked by the minimum focus distance was about12 feet!
@sebvz89
3 жыл бұрын
Hi David. Sometimes I have to turn the crank more than once to activate the shutter. I don't know why that happens 🥺
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
As in more than one full rotation? That would be normal. If you crank it until it "thunks" into place and then have to do it again, that would not be normal.
@GraphicMill
4 жыл бұрын
My Bronica is a CB 55487.... does that make it a S2 ?
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
I think so, yes.
@collinwilliams3887
3 жыл бұрын
Did you ever figure out what connects into the shutter speed selector?
@DavidHancock
3 жыл бұрын
A light meter of some sort. I haven't seen one in person, but I think I found a few photos online.
@fabrixx08
4 жыл бұрын
whats a fair price for a good condition S2A? I want to get one but my only option is eBay since in my country I couldn't find one and prices there go around $300
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Were I buying one today and if it were complete (lens, viewfinder hood, and film back) and fully and correctly functional, I would consider $300 a fair price. Ultimately, a camera is worth what you want to pay for it and what you can get out of it relative to the money you spend to acquire it.
@MrCanibalferox
4 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock It seems that most good 'complete' S2As go for around $400-450 on ebay right now in May 2020. Wondering if they have gone up due to demand or it's just a bad time to be looking...?
@rcraigbateman
4 жыл бұрын
Your lens has MC on it.... what does that mean?
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
It simply means that the lens is multi coated. Back in the day, coating layers was a big marketing deal for camera and lens makers.
@ChairmanZhongXiNa
4 жыл бұрын
Also, Bronica did make two focusing screens, I've got the split screen one :)
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
I didn't know that. Thank you!
@ailisclyne232
4 жыл бұрын
thank you!!!
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@rcraigbateman
4 жыл бұрын
Light Meter is what goes on the bayonet
@DavidHancock
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@rcraigbateman
4 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock I seen a picture of it .. It looks quite archaic... Thanks for your great videos!
@bitcoinman9202
3 жыл бұрын
Can't figure out how to get the back off lol
@bitcoinman9202
3 жыл бұрын
JK I just got it.
@MidwestBriar
5 жыл бұрын
OH MY GOD!!!!! That's why my infinity focus is off!!!!!!!!
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
Probably, yes.
@grantous67
4 жыл бұрын
I just got my first scans back and the focus is way off. Might be a 'collectors item' now...
@MidwestBriar
5 жыл бұрын
Honestly a little disappointing you didn't shoot that expired Kodak :(
@DavidHancock
5 жыл бұрын
It would have been super grainy and low-contrast. Expired film isn't really an aesthetic I have any success with.
Пікірлер: 110