Analog Review: Bronica ETRSi - The best deal in medium format

[@patrickjclarke]

Pro Tips from a long time ETRSi user: 1) Always turn off both the AE Prism AND put the shutter in locked position...for some reason it will drain the battery more quickly if both of these aren't off and locked 2) I like using a smaller hood and Amazon sells a nice 62mm square screw-on one that works great with the ETRSi 3) The ETRSi is the only 645 system that has a 50 and 60mm lens selection. This is like a 31mm and 42mm equiv and I love the 31mm focal length 4)They made a 135w back and it is the closest you are going to get to an X-Pan...it shoots panorama but costs $700...still cheaper than an X-pan 5)Some models and backs shoot 16 shots on a roll, others are 15. My two 120 backs and the ETRSi I have do 16.

[@toby-vt7nz]

could i ask how you put the shutter in the locked position?

[@JonathanNotley]

There’s a rotating cuff on the shutter button. Turn it 45 degrees for cable/grip release only and 90 for locked mode

[@toby-vt7nz]

@@JonathanNotley many thanks

[@matiescanyelles]

I've always thought that mine was working wrong since the beginning, because the AE Prism drains the battery very quickly; now I see that it's not just mine... This camera is very very special; it's so well made, everything feels so smooth and powerful...

[@stuartconnelly5397]

135w back is apparently unreliable and quite hard to find.

[@thethirdman225]

I was a Bronica ETRS shooter when I was a working photographer forty years ago. I now run an SQ-Ai. Bronicas, particularly the ETR series and onward, were all extremely good cameras. To call them a cheap Hasselblad or deride them as only used by portrait and wedding photographers is to sell them way, way short. They are excellent workhorses. The biggest problem I’ve seen with them is the tendency for balsam sep. The Zenzanons seem to be more prone to it than some others.

[@ChrisVidouras]

Thank you for making and sharing these. I always really enjoy all of your videos!

[@goofyrockz356]

It's my absolute favourite camera, love it so much that I bought a second one last year. :P

[@DavidWilliams7037A]

I agree about the Bronica system. I have a SQA, which is basically the square format version of the ETRS. Same versatility and handling. You have almost convinced me to look for an AE prism finder, although I love the waist level finder!

[@JonathanNotley]

Aperture-priority is really nice, putting the camera up to your eye and having a hand for focus and a hand for the shutter is a really fluid way of shooting. Half the time the light is flat enough that you'd just be inputting the same meter reading from a hand-held anyway.

[@counterfit5]

An added benefit is that the metered prism (on the SQ system, anyway) will get shutter speeds not available on the dial.

[@briglnai]

I love my ETR... got some great glasses over time, for me it's one of the best 645 cameras ever built...

[@PoeInTheDitch]

The ETRSi was my first medium format camera. It's a great system to start with. Highly versatile and more usable than my Pentax 6x7 and Mamiya C330f. I miss it, on occasion.

[@georgelubitz3016]

My Pentax 6x7 just died on me, and I'm looking to replace it with something smaller. The ETRSi is my top choice, but others have warned me the Mamiya 645 Pro is a better choice since the parts are still readily available and people are still around to repair them, as opposed to the Bronica, which is a no man's land.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

@georgelubitz3016 If it's what you want, go for it. That's all that really matters. I'm surprised to hear that the Mamiya 645 Pro is considered more repairable, considering all the electronics, lcd screen, etc. I'd choose the Mamiya because of the lenses, more than anything else. Is there a particular reason you're wanting to move to 6x4.5 format from 6x7? If you want to move into a modular system, you can do that and keep the big 6x7 negative you're used to by getting a Mamiya RB67/RZ67. There's even Pro and Pro II models yo choose from. Plus, you get the great Mamiya lenses. I loved the modularity of the Bronica etr system, but felt the lenses were lacking. It'd be hard to go back to the Bronica lenses after using the Pentax 105mm, Mamiya Blue Dots, and the Fuji lens on my GSW690 II. And I think I'd consider the smaller negative (6x4.5) a downgrade now that I'm used to 6x6/6x7/6x9, but that depends on what you're doing with the images. I'll definitely be looking at the monster Mamiya RZ series, if I ever go back to a modular system.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

@georgelubitz3016 Ah, sorry...missed the line about you wanting something smaller. I'm not sure that the Bronica is really much smaller...just in a different shape. I'll bet the Bronica is lighter, though. Ha

[@georgelubitz3016]

Haha yeah, I mean just by weight alone. It’s about 1/3 the weight of the Pentax 6x7. Plus the economical aspect of shooting 15 frames versus only 10. I’m also not a million-different-lenses kind of shooter. I have one, maybe 2 lenses at a time, but admittedly I end up using one most of the time. I had the 105 SMC that I’m selling and I’m thinking of getting a 75 for whichever 645 I get. I also don’t think I really see a difference between the fidelity between 645 and 67. My photos get scanned on a flatbed and posted to Instagram, mostly. I enlarge on occasion. At the end of the day, I also just like that the Bronica has sharper edges than the Mamiya haha. Purely a cosmetic thing but so it goes.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

@georgelubitz3016 All true. Hey, you've obviously thought it through. Go for it. The money you get from the Pentax lens and the broken body should get you, at least, most of the way into the bronica system. That's the huge bonus for Bronica...the price.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thanks for your review. As a pro, I generally shoot digital. However, I was weaned on film. I started in the '80s. I have been pulling out my Bronica ETRSi recently using my film stash. I have the PE 50, 75, MC 150 and 250 mm lenses and a few backs. I have the split focussing screen. I use the AEll prism finder and shoot in aperture priority when outdoors and manually when in-studio or indoors with available light or flash. I used to have Blads and Pentax 6x7s as well as the tilt-shift Fujifilm 680 which is a monster of a camera. IMHO, the Zenzenon lenses are as good as the blades and better than the Pentax and on par with the Fujifilms.

[@jw48335]

Spot on Jonathan! I have one of the last etrsi models to come off the line based on the serial number. The PE 50/75/100 + 1.4x TC make up my bag. All of them tack sharp with great close focusing distances. Add a Rick Oleson focus screen to mitigate the one weak point (dim focusing screens) and it's a dream to use. I had the 45-90mm zoom as well, but in the end that was too heavy and awkward. Cheers.

[@JonathanNotley]

Wow I've never found the focusing screen dim, didn't even realise there was an upgrade out there. Compared to my Hasselblad Acute Matte non-D it's maybe a touch dimmer but I find the Bronica really snaps into focus.

[@jw48335]

@@JonathanNotley I mainly wanted a central prism, so that's why I went looking for a screen. I agree, the stock screen isn't bad, but the Oleson is great 😃

[@jw48335]

@@JonathanNotley Also worth mentioning, on a tuned v850 I get ~2700ppi real optical resolution on each of my lenses (tested with a usaf 1951 chart). They basically out-resolve the Epson, yielding ~30mpx images:)

[@jamesprivet]

I have an ETRSi just wondering roughly your serial numberis and what year it was from pls? Is there a list of where I can find out roughly what year mine was made please?

[@kerry5586]

You are an absolute star! Thank you for going through this camera. And I loved the animal shots!

[@hammychannel9306]

always wanted a bronica since i started photography in 1983 finally sold loads of my cameras over the last few weeks and focused on finding an ETRS guaranteed for a fair price ,,,,,,, can i now justify keeping my fuji digital selection of kit when my (im ashamed to admit it) iphone can take almost as good pics effortlessly . great video keep up the good work

[@johncantrell614]

Good review. I have the older ETR, and the 75, 65, and the 150 mm lens. While I haven’t dusted it off in quite some time, I still could never sell it, because of the quality of those lenses and the detail that you talked about in your video. Do it right and you just have to keep looking at your shots, they are quite superb! 🙂📸

[@davidbanwell7728]

Excellent, I’m looking at buying one as I’d like to get back into medium format. I had a TLR. onwards and upwards cheers thanks for a great informative video

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Couldn't agree more! Been saying this for years :-) I wish the 35mm panorama backs weren't so expensive though. Would love one of those.

[@JonathanNotley]

You and me both! I think they cost more than the cameras at this point.

[@JonathanNotley]

Wouldn’t that run vertically?

[@thedondeluxe6941]

@@JonathanNotley I guess so, right? It works fine with something like a Pentax 6x7, but shooting the Bronica tilted all the time seems like a bit of a hassle. Plus I think you would need a 220 back for that anyway?

[@mikejankowski6321]

@@thedondeluxe6941 I have one. The film runs horizontally, so the panorama length is just like the long dimension of the image on the 120 film (horizontal due to the film rolling vertically across the image area). The cartridge is contained in a unique internal structure unlike the roll film backs.

[@jameshanes7574]

You should do the video holding and looking into the Zenzanon as though you are talking to the Bronica.

[@desypher8721]

Although the ETRSi sure is a great deal, I'd say that the best deal in medium format would be the Mamiya Press/Super series! I have a kit that is incredibly versatile and modifiable. Basically I can shoot 6x9, 6x7, 6x6, and 6x4.5, as well as Polaroid Land Film like FP100C, etc. all natively just by changing backs. You could even put Graflok/Graflex backs for sheet film and get an extra focusing screen/hood. You have a wide array of interchangeable prime lenses from 50mm f6.3 to 250mm f5.0 (which you'll need external viewfinders for the extremely wide and telephoto), all of which are leaf shutters from what I recall. I can also use the Polaroid Land Backs with a few 3d printed modifications/holders/masks on thingiverse to house Fujifilm Instax Wide, Square, Mini, Polaroid 600/SX-70, then put it in a darkbag and develop it in their respective bodies using the chemistry rollers. My kit has a Mamiya Universal Press body, 105mm f3.5 lens, Instax Wide, Square, and Mini masks. I have a K back that can shoot 6x9, 6x7, and 6x4.5 with masks. Additionally I also have a body grip that came with the camera. I got all of this for under 200 USD but prices range regularly from 150 to 350 USD for a similar setup depending on the inclusions.

[@andrewcollar4923]

I’d like to know more about this setup! Got an Instagram?

[@muzmix123]

I enjoy your reviews v much. Thanks for this one 😎🎞️📸

[@JonathanNotley]

Glad you like them!

[@richardmorgan3486]

Thanks Jonathon, great video as usual. Have a great deal of ETRSi gear and LOVE the different backs. I was thinking of a Pentax67ii but realize after watching your video that I should just stick with the Bronica.

[@keithchowney3392]

Had this in the mid 1990s great camera used Fuji film velvia50. Lovely results had a few published in magazines. Happy times. Good video !!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Top work mate. I shot weddings on the ETRSi back in the day awesome camera system. As didge exploded I wrapped up the Bronny and stored her away. A few years ago literally just to use as content on my channel I dug her out dusted her off and fell absolutely arse over tit back in love with her. Made so many keepers with that babe. Sadly a rouge wave ended her life my back up ETR is some comfort but one day I’ll have another ETRSi. 📷❤️📷

[@yellowshuttle]

Excellent review. You mention slide film a couple of times -- do you just scan that too? What's the advantage, compared to negative film?

[@juanlatorre8939]

Great video! Testing one of these as we speak, my friend lend me his ETRSi 😁, my question is: Using it in “Auto Exposure” mode, does the lens have to be set in any specific aperture? The lens I’m using doesn’t have a “A” mode to set. Thank you !

[@mohammadaqeel7357]

Very informative. Great work. Just curious, what camera you use to capture your videos? Cheers

[@tgchism]

Nice review of this system! I'm thinking of getting back into film a bit and since I could never afford it back in my 35mm film days, medium format would be fun!! I'm still debating what to get. I like the idea of 6x9 just for the shear size but you made a great argument for this system.

[@Jairoalvarz]

had this camera for the longest time and didn't realize it has aperture priority omg

[@charliescott255]

Another Notley banger

[@thijskennis8757]

Nice review, thank you!

[@SallyShine-k9d]

Hello! Thank you for this helpful video - I am new to film photography and just got the etrSI. What do I do about the dark slide? Does that stay in while taking a picture? Or is it only when changing backs? Also what to do about the mirror lock-up level - do I ever need to do something with that? Ahh

[@JonathanNotley]

The dark slide must be out to take photos. You only put it in when changing backs, and when you're not using the camera (mainly so you don't lose it!). The mirror lock up lever helps you take sharper pictures at slow shutter speeds when the camera is mounted on a tripod. You line up your shot, swing the mirror up and then take the shot using the shutter alone which introduces a lot less vibration into the system. You would also benefit from using a cable release for this style of shooting.

[@SallyShine-k9d]

@@JonathanNotley Thank you so much!

[@carbonejack]

Great review.

[@andyvan5692]

one other negative with Bronica's, that is to up your game into MF, by 6x6 or 6x7 format, you MUST re-buy everything, lenses, prisms, backs, they are SPECIFIC to the ETR/SQ/GS models; Hasselblad on the converse, you CAN get 6x4.5 backs, so you can use 6x6 &6x4.5 with the one system, as the lenses and accessories cover 6x6 they WILL cover the smaller format, so two formats, for the price of one (excluding the cost of the extra format backs).

[@thethirdman225]

I have a 645 back for my SQ.

[@andyvan5692]

great review, but one point against this and for the H1/ 500 series (6x6) cameras is that unlike each of the mamiya and bronica brands, the Hasselblad doesn't rely on Tilt shift lenses, it uses an adaptor in between ANY lens and the body, so even a 120 macro will work, SAME for tele-convertors & extension tubes, ALL lenses will fit this, so it can save some money, by not having to get the special lens, only a $75-300 accessory; but for an introduction to the MF lifestyle, Yes, a good first type to own.

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

Ok can you help me....I have an ETRSi I want a digital back.....Im sick of the run around...Do they make one or not...If so, who makes it and how much....I can't find anything at all....Help

[@JonathanNotley]

If you want a digital back for 645 I strongly recommend checking out the fuji GFX series. Otherwise Mamiya are the best film body to adapt to digital backs, most 645 bodies will be compatible.

[@jeli3953]

There is an adapter available to adapt a digital back, but it's very very expensive. The last time I priced one was 7 or 8 years ago, and they were over $800.

[@PhotoBug3042]

Well done

[@Jerbod2]

This video made me dust off my etrsi, I bought it 2.5 years ago and only shot one roll lol. Bought a whole kit to just have a good set for when I am done toying with camera's from the 20's.

[@GeorgeStar]

1/500 max shutter speed is pretty limiting.

[@thethirdman225]

Not really.