Bronica ETRS review and shoot

Подписаться 6 тыс.

Просмотров 7 тыс.

50% 1

After reviewing the Mamiya 645, I had to go and try its major competitor, the Bronica ETRS (or ETR or ETRSi).
I don't want to spoil anything, but for me this is a better camera than the M645. Now, there were many iterations of the Mamiya 645 of course, and the one that I tested was a lot older than this Bronica that I now have, so that may be a factor to consider here.
Also worth considering is that I am something of a Bronica fan boy. There I've said it. I admit it. I love Bronicas. I'm not usually the gushing fanatic type, but Bronicas just seem to suit me. Nothing I can do about that.
So, I think this one is a cracking camera. Interestingly, since this video I have come by a Bronica ETR, and I don't think I would have been quite so effusive if I had been reviewing that. The ETR and ETRS were only released two years apart, but the difference in overall design, materials etc., feels decades apart.
Little things of the ETR remind me a lot of the S2A - the quality of the finish, the leatherette material and how it has weathered over the years, the lenses and finish of the lenses etc. So who knows, maybe big things were happening at Bronica around 1979.
One thing that is clear is that this ETRS is a camera on the cusp of a new era. Electronics were advancing at crazy speeds, and enabling camera makers to remove a lot of the super fiddly mechanics in favour of microchips and electronics. Materials were starting to enter the modern era, manufacturing was clearly advancing quickly.
So from a historical point of view, this is a fascinating camera. From a technical point of view, it's just wonderful.
It feels sturdy and reassuring, I'm getting a far higher than average number of good shots, it seems easier to get super sharp with this than some other models.
So, all in all, I really like this one. This is a keeper.
Let me know what you think in the comments!
If you want to see the damage i did to this camera, and a brief summary of the repairs, go check out my TikTok channel - @the120ist - oops.

Опубликовано:

11 авг 2023

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 48

@tjh44961 11 месяцев назад

The ETR series cameras are my favorite cameras without a doubt. I was given an original ETR with a 75mm lens, speed grip and prism finder by a friend in 1992, as my first medium-format camera. My fiancée, now wife of 30 years, gave me one of the 135W backs for Christmas of our first year together, and the 40mm and 150mm lenses as wedding presents, before we went to Maui on our honeymoon. Over the years since, I've acquired an ETRSi body, and a 250mm lens as well. It is no exaggeration to say that I've taken my best photos with this camera system.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

I’m definitely happy with the results I’m getting so far! I’ve yet to pinpoint why I’m getting better photos, but I’m the hardware plays a part somehow! I have similar lenses, I’m really enjoying the 40mm, and I have big plans for using the 250 for wildlife! I’ll let you know how that goes!!

@jw48335 11 месяцев назад

I love my ETRSI. It's my only MF SLR I kept after trying most of them. I managed to purchase one of the last to come off the line - 2002-ish. I've owned over a dozen of the lenses, used and tested them on both film and digital. For me, the standout lenses I kept after binge testing are the 60mm PE, 75mm (any version), the 100mm MC macro, 180mm PE, and then the "beast" - the 45-90mm PE zoom. Honorable mention goes to the stunningly heavy 100-220mm zoom - I'm still sore from my time carrying it! Be aware - the film backs have an aging weakness with the pop-out spring loaded roll retainers - they're prone to cracking. I have had two backs fail this way. You can lessen the risk by pushing them out slightly from the inside, then carefully grabbing them from the outside between your index finger and thumb to finish opening them. The spring torque is too much and prompts the cracking, but this method helps reduce it. Great coverage of a great system! PS - many of the MC series lenses are prone to fogging, in particular the 50mm & 40mm. I have literally handled five examples of those two primes and all five were impacted. I did tear downs of three and what I found was there's a glue-sealed lens group in both, and that is where the fogging happens. Don't waste time trying to clean it, I went above and beyond, heating the cement and getting to all the sealed components only to fail using every known method to clean the glass. On one I we went so far as to try optical grade grinding powder. If you want a wide lens for the system, go for the PE or the zoom lens I mentioned above. The zoom is actually the best wide-angle option for landscape at Infinity focus, oddly better than the primes.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Ah wow, sounds like you’ve been able to test out most of the lenses, great info thank you. So are the PE lenses compatible with all the ETR models? For some reason I thought the would only work with the ETRSi. Also didn’t know that about the film backs. Sounds like the safe way to do it is roughly what I’ve been doing anyway, but really good to know you should be gentle with those bits. Thanks for the info!

@jw48335 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist The PE lenses are backward compatible. I have a backup / second body that's a silver ETRS I've used them on. The PE lenses mainly updated coatings with the new tech introduced with the PG lenses. Some.lenses got new optical formulas, some didn't. In general the wide lenses got new formulas. Also worth noting - I upgraded my focus screen to an Oleson, which was really easy to do. It throws the prism meter off by 2/3s of a stop, but I just use exposure comp to make up for it. I use that zoom on a regular for kids and dogs, and the brighter screen especially helps with that. In terms of testing, I bought the Fotodiox shift adapter for mirrorless, which has been awesome for testing and fun to use in general. I have a collection of documents on the ETR series plumbed from the depths of the internet. They were posted to Tamron's website up until about 2007, even MTF charts 🤪 I can drop you a link if you are interested?

@ScottAlanPhotography7 4 месяца назад

Great video. The ETRS is my favorite camera. Just came across those video. I just made one myself on my channel. I'll check out more of your videos.

@leok4237 7 месяцев назад

Great Presention ! I also love my Bronica. I purchased a T-shirt imprinted with a photo of the Bronica ETRSi. I started "shooting" with my brother's Argus C3 (World's Greatest Camera !). Then he gave me his Konica Autoreflex after he returned from Vietnam,1969. Anyhow, I have used a few cameras from Super 8 up to Speed Graflex 4x5 during my 82 years. So I speak from experience and you need to own and "shoot" an Argus C3. Keep up the good work.

@hanapen7681 4 месяца назад

Just bought a Bronica ETRS today. I hope it arrives tomorrow. I read different experiences. I hope mine are good. Thanks for the video.

@paultaylorphotography9499 11 месяцев назад

Awesome review and photos mate, I used my ETRSi for many years shooting weddings, landscapes, portraits etc etc, loved the camera literally to death, fried the thing at the beach , thankfully I have an earlier ETR which serves me well. Love Bronica.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Thanks Paul! I’m a bit late to the ETRS party, resisted the 645 cameras for a long time, can’t think why now!! But glad I found this one, really happy with it. Have been taking it everywhere with me and happily snapping away, in a way that I somehow don’t with the S2A. Very happy with the results so far, getting great images out of it!

@paultaylorphotography9499 11 месяцев назад

exactly mate very portable and capable bit of kit, and the image through the ground glass looks awesome. @@the120ist

@creative-renaissance 11 месяцев назад

I too have an ETRS, love it. In fact I also wanted a 150mm lens, spare back and prism finder and found that it was cheaper to buy another ETRS rather than the items separately, so now I have a spare body. Both work flawlessly.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Yeah the individual bits can be quite expensive can’t they? I have a feeling I’ll have to buy a second body at some stage just to get a proper winding arm! Crazy!

@peteb5461 11 месяцев назад

Next one on my list, just got another Mamiya 645 super but it`s the variation of lenses for the etrs that has got me interested ;) Keep up the awesome work and looking forward to the next ;)

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

The M645 is a great camera, and I really enjoyed shooting it. But my my first roll through the ETRS actually made me say wow! The M645 images were ok, they were good. But I had to double take on the ETRS shots and make sure I knew which camera they had come out of! Definitely one to try!

@peteb5461 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist That isn't going to help my brownie point situation with the wife, an ETRS may be appearing on my shelf soon ;)

@andrewrothman7805 11 месяцев назад

I love my ETRS. I now have 2 of them, but only because I found a second one that came with the 135w back for panoramic photos. The seller didn't know what he had, so I got it cheap. I use it with the AE finder, which works great. I'm now seriously considering getting the GS-1 6x7 camera, with the AE rotary finder.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Interesting… everyone I speak to who is a fan of the ETR/S/I seems to own at least two! Tells you something about them I think! Now, a GS-1, that’s definitely on my list! I will have to try one one day.

@Yosser70 11 месяцев назад

You did well there, those 135w backs go for more than the cameras now!

@Jennifer_Prentice 11 месяцев назад

That is the E2 lens . That is why its very sharp.. The stock lenses are actually MC versions .. I have both types and can say the old MC version 75 is no where near the lens my E2 and the PE versions are..

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Ahhhh, yes you’re right. I didn’t question it, it’s just the lens I got with the camera. I also have an older MC 75mm… might test those side by side. Would be interesting to see the difference!

@JanneRanta 11 месяцев назад

EC is my main camera. I love it. I think bronica designs are superior to hasselblads and mamiyas etc. And I have not found anything less in build quality either.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

I’m a huge fan of Bronicas. Each time I try a new camera I try to come at it with an open mind. But every time I pick up a Bronica I like it, and that can’t be said for all other cameras makes. Now, the EC is actually a camera I’ve never tried. I love my S2A, that’s still my number one even having found this lovely ETRS. I’ve had my eyes out for a good EC for a while now, when I see one come up at the right price I’ll be getting one!

@JanneRanta 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist The good thing is that s2 focus helicoids and lenses are compatible with the EC. I have the 50mm f2.8 nikkor, 75mm f2.8 nikkor and 200mm f4 nikkor. EC is bit hard to find in EU, so I bought my body from japan. Then bought accessories like extra film back from my local dealer whenever they had them.

@mockingbirdanalog 11 месяцев назад

I am in the death throws of GAS, and starting the task of repairing, shooting and deciding what I enjoy and what is really good (not the same thing unfortunately). But the ETRSi is almost an ideal camera on paper. I look forward to learning the system. Interesting that you didn't keep the M645. Any specific reason why? And what of the Pentax 645. Both the latter 2 cameras have more lenses and accessories, though neither one are as good as the Bronica on paper (leaf shutters are definitely better for sharpness). Nice channel. Thank you for sparing us the over-the-top styling and posturing of other channels.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Can’t really put my finger on why I prefer the ETRS to the M645… probably mostly based on results, I just preferred the images coming from the Bronica. They’re very similar in overall functionality. The ETRS I have is a fairly late model, mid 80s I would guess, whereas the M645 I had was an early model, 70s ish from memory. I think that 10-15 year gap, and the difference in design and materials makes a pretty big difference. I also now an ETR, a much earlier model, and it doesn’t have the same reassuring solidness that I’m getting from the the ETRS. Haven’t tried any other 645s, haven’t tried the Pentax, so can’t comment. But I’m really happy with this ETRS, will be hanging on to this one and using it for many years yet hopefully. 👍

@mockingbirdanalog 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist I understand. There are cameras that are well loved by others that I don't like because they don't fit my hands. I have big hands (I am 6'3") and really enjoy a solid grip. Or, like some German and Swedish made cameras, that come with such a premium, that they become liabilities to just "throw in a bag". Also, I am a Nikon fanboy. After using a Nikon F100, everything else is just "so much work". I really really really don't like doing math all the time, like shooting 20 year old expired film in a Russian camera using sunny 16 and having to add multiple stops to compensate. I hate missing shots. I hate wasting film. I'd rather spend my mental energy looking for a great composition and cannot understand the love for fully manual photography. Painters don't custom mix their own paints, they buy them ready to use. Sculptors, modern ones, just buy hammers and chisels, leaving the pig iron and foundry steps to the pros. So, to me, these later model units, like the ETRSi, with automatic exposure options, are worth the extra money. Will they break? Sure. So will everything else, even a Leica or Nikon F. If you are really scared about the camera breaking, take an older manual body that is compatible with the lenses and that's that. I think every professional photographer up through the '90s carried a backup. If we are doing this as a hobby, why all the stress over what might happen someday? If it's that stressful, see a psychiatrist because this is supposed to be fun. On the other hand, I would never own a Contax G because I expect them to break every time I pick one up. That's a trust issue. If you don't trust the camera, don't use it.

@johncantrell614 9 месяцев назад

Actually, the ETR was the first of that size, and the one you have it an improved generation. One of the neat things about the leaf shutter Is that it will sync with flash at all the available shutter speeds. While I don’t shoot my ETR as much now, like you say, I can’t bring myself to sell it. I have the 75, the 40, and the 150mm lenses, and they all give great results. (At least I think it is a 40, I will have to check again.) Anyway, they are great cameras, and worth it.

@the120ist 9 месяцев назад

I had an ETR for a little while, alongside this ETRS. As I had both all I did was run a test roll through it and then I sold it. The images were tack sharp, just like the ETRS, but it definitely felt like it belonged to a previous generation of cameras. Just felt generally older. Which of course it is!

@redsphoto6708 11 месяцев назад

Awesome review as always. I have the Bronica SQ-Ai and the GS-1, but not the ETRS (....though I I do have the rf645 but hush). Very neat little cameras and from what I can see they were the main testbed/focus for Bronica in many ways. I am just guessing but I think almost all of the SQ lenses are very similar to ETR counterparts just modified to be 6x6 and the ETR lineup has the most Bronica lens options too. I hope you don't fall into the hole of collecting as many lenses as possible cause there sure are some neat, maybe expensive ones here. If you are into macro, I can 100% recommend the 1:1 macro lens for the ETR (assuming it is the same as the SQ version). The PE 135 and PE 180 are probs awesome portrait lenses too. Just don't ever look up the price of the 30mm fisheye or Super-Angulon 55mm shift lens unless you want to faint. You probably don't need it, but if you find yourself wanting a top down (almost wlf) view but with the camera in either portrait or landscape orientation, Bronica did make rotary prism finders (though they are a bit pricey but kinda neat). The Pentax and Mamiya options seem just as good but I think the ETR lineup still generally wins out on value in today's market. There really is just something very satisfying about using a Bronica slr from this generation tbh. Just charming. (Well the SQ anyway, I have a love/hate relationship with the GS-1...if only they had had the resources to release a mark 2 of that camera...)

@the120ist 9 месяцев назад

Right! I had an SQ-A for a while, and there were so many similarities between that and the ETRS, they are definitely of a Bronica generation, very close cousins. I yearn for a GS-1... one day! I have so far resisted the temptation to gather a huge number of lenses, but I have seen that there are loads out there. I am revisiting my wildlife photography soon with the ETRS, and so have delved into the longer focal lengths, but that's it for now! More to come on that very soon! I haven't seen a rotary finder about, I'll go take a look at one of those. So far I'm enjoying the prism finder for general snapping, street stuff and the family, and go back to the WLF when I want good accuracy. I suspect I'll rely on the WLF for the wildlife shoots I have coming up, not least because I'll be set up low for most of it and be quite happy looking down on the camera. It's really interesting noting the differences between the ETR and the ETRS - the ETR feels like it belongs in the same family as the S2A. Hard to put my finger on it, but the general build quality, the tolerances, the materials, feel like there was a generation gap there, somewhere around the end of the 70s. I wonder if, should one have the time and means to really dig into the history of Bronica, there was a significant event around then, a retooling at the factory, or an advance in materials perhaps. The ETRS and SQ-A though are really well made cameras, a real treat to shoot with!

@tedphillips2951 11 месяцев назад

I had a ETRS 645 & the camera & lenses were wonderful but oddly enough I ended up with a Pentax 645n with manual focus lenses. The Pentax is a beast of a camera ,compared to the Bronica, with inserts instead of inter changeable backs. It shoots 16 frames on a roll & for me it just works so well.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

I confess I’ve never tried a Pentax 645. I should try one, but I’m definitely very happy with the ETRS. What made you switch to the Pentax?

@tedphillips2951 11 месяцев назад

Frankly there is no logical reason. The Pentax is large, heavy, you can't switch film mid roll & it relies heavily on electronics. It does have good lenses & shoots 16 frames on a roll & I just enjoy shooting it. I would be interested to hear your feelings after using one.

@poniatowski3547 11 месяцев назад

I had the ETRS and then got a ETRSi (deal couldn't refuse) I have the maunal and auto grip - with the auto grip it is a beast for portrait work.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

When you say the auto grip do you mean the battery operated thing? I have one of those, haven’t tried it yet! Might dig it out.

@poniatowski3547 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist yes. I have manual advance grip and the batter grip/motor drive, it is weighty with all aa batteries, but works a treat and turns your ETRS into a real studio beast in hand when paired with the prism finder.

@petercooper9054 11 месяцев назад

Where did you get the crank handle from? Your right they cost an arm and a leg! I was given this etrs with backs and boxes and 3 lenses when I was working in Canada. The only thing lost was the handle! It does have the speed wind grip so not really a problem. This camera blew my mind in quality and started me on the bronica route. I wanted square format but not selling any body parts for the hasselblad. I bought a S2a with case and tons of accessories for very little money. That got me into a black version S2a that was not working but was an easy fix when I took the side off and had help from a retired bronica repairman in USA . Turned out the grease had stuck two metal parts together and now that camera works fine. Not stopping there I picked up a EC much bigger and ok but I still like the S2a! Next was the EC-TL. This has the built in light meter which works. Do not get the EC-TL2 the one with the limited shutter speeds. The USA repairman told me there are no parts anymore and it's impossible to fix. He sent me parts for an EC and that now works except on 60th sec the mirror locks up. Before all speeds locked up. Only bought that as a parts camera for the screen in it because it was a ECTL screen the shutter speed numbers are reversed for the mirror prism. So that camera has two screens depending on if you use the waist level finder or prism finder. To any young people out there. Forget the hasselblad. I have the Carl Zeiss Jena lens and Nikkor lenses for the bronica and the results are amazingly sharp.

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

I 3D printed the crank handle. There are some designs available online. They’re actually for an SQ, but the pin is the same size, you just need to sand a few mm off the sides. I have several spares if you’d like one? Ping me an email, you can find my address in my about section, if you click on business enquiries. Sounds like your Bronica collection is a bit like mine!! Although I recently sold my SQ, but still have two S2A bodies, an ETR, and ETRS… and always on the lookout for more! I do need to try an EC. That’s one missing from my experiences right now. Always looking….

@MassiveBenny 11 месяцев назад

Love mine - my only named camera "Bron of the Blackwater" because it's a bastard hard camera, and when you fire the shutter it's like firing a 12-gauge. Proper blokes camera that. 😄

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Ha ha! Love the name. You think this one sounds like firing a 12 guage? You need to get hold of an S2A!

@roybush1 11 месяцев назад

I have a mint Mamiya c330 that gives amazing pics …. Would I be making a wrongful decision changing ?

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Ooooh... that's a tough choice. I would choose the ETRS over the C330, but only because I prefer the SLR setup to the TLR setup. Image quality wise I think the C330 probably has a slight edge, but there's not much in it. So I'd say it's entirely down to personal preference - SLR or TLR, and 6x4.5 of 6x6? What's your preference??

@flowermaze___ 15 дней назад

ETRS vs the Kiev 60?

@markdam 11 месяцев назад

Also the first model was actually the ETR ETRS second ETRSI third😊

@the120ist 11 месяцев назад

Right! I think that's what i said in the video... or did I get it wrong? I may have!

@markdam 11 месяцев назад

@@the120ist I absolutely love my ETRS In fact my daughter is having her wedding and I'm going to play Dad and shoot some of it I have my backs all loaded up with black and white and one color ready to go!!!