Bronica SQ Series Medium Format
Bronica SQ Series Medium Format
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[Mar 10, 2000]
Mario Javier
Professional
Model Reviewed:
SQ-Ai Body
Strength:
Very, very reliable.
Weakness:
None I owned this camera ever since I decided to shoot weddings in 1990. I started out with a rental RB67 and find that the camera was too heavy for the purpose of shooting candid at wedding. I rented a Hasselblad for a while, but realized that the camera was too darn finicky and cost too much for its accessories. I decided to try the SQ-A and fell in love with it. I was averaging 15 - 20 weddings per year and average 20 rolls of 120 per job. I only had one problem, and it was in 1996 where I needed a new shutter for the 80mm non PS lens. It cost me $500 roughly for the repair, now if that was the Hasselblad, I may have to shoot 10 more weddings to compensate. Customer Service No problem with Amplis Foto. Similar Products Used: Hasselblad 503CX |
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[Jan 24, 2000]
ken bennett
Professional
Model Reviewed:
SQ-Ai Body
Strength:
Versatile, high-quality system camera with lots of choices of accessories. Handles well, compact and fairly light weight.
Weakness:
I have been using SQ-A, SQ-Am, and SQ-Ai cameras for 12 years without a single problem. Unlike other reviewers, I haven't noticed a problem with the darkslide safety interlock. I like the 6x6 square format, and this camera handles quite well with the speed grip and a waist-level finder. I often use it hand-held, and it balances nicely. The camera itself is basically a box to which you can attach a variety of film backs, lenses, viewfinders, and motors/grips, so you can customize it to fit a lot of situations. The quality of the final image is outstanding. If you like 6x6, this system is a fine choice (with one exception -- there is not a huge amount of rental Bronica out there, so if you plan on renting those long lenses and extra bodies, you might want to look at another system). Customer Service none needed Similar Products Used: Hasselblad 500 series, Bronica ETRS, Mamiya RB-67 |
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[Sep 04, 2000]
Kevin Shanmugam
Intermediate
Strength:
Good and Sturdy Camera. Good ergonomics on the main body. Feels just like an F90X with a motordrive and a 80-200 ED lens.
Weakness:
I find the Polariod back a bit hard to remove at times, but other than that, its OK A d*** good workhorse. Get it. You won't regret it. Similar Products Used: Mamiya 645 Pro |
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[Oct 13, 2000]
S. Roberts
Professional
Strength:
Very straight forward and easy to use.
Weakness:
Too much plastic...especially in the speed grip. Great piece of equipment and a great value for what you get. Great optics and overall use is very straight forward. Portraits come out clear and true...exactly the way you shot the photo. I am concerned about the amount of plastic on key parts that are subjected to a lot of stress. Customer Service None Similar Products Used: Hassellblad, Mamiya |
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[Mar 06, 2001]
Agnius Griskevicius
Professional
Strength:
Cheap price compared to competition.
Weakness:
Unreliable, not available for rent. I am reviewing SQ-B, which is a non metered brother of SQ-Ai. I felt camera was unreliable, and whith nobody renting lenses and bodies for backup it is not really suitable for commercial use. Better of with a Hassy/RZ67/Pentax67/Fuji 680. Customer Service Shorted out the electronics, repaired under warranty. Then, when camera was just out of warranty, camera jammed and repair cost $200. Similar Products Used: Hasselblad, Mamiya 645 and RZ, Pentax67, Fuji 680GX. |
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[Apr 24, 2001]
L. CHONG
Intermediate
Strength:
GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY
Weakness:
THE CAMERA BODY HAS TOO I'D RECOMMEND IT FOR IT'S VALUE & FUNCTIONS. LENSES & ACCESSORY PRICES ARE MUCH LOWER THAN COMPETITOR'S. YOU GET MORE WITH SAVINGS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE BRONICA PROMOTIONS. Customer Service QUICK SERVICE AFTER PLASTIC MULTIPLE EXPO- Similar Products Used: None |
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[May 18, 2001]
Michael Clauss
Intermediate
Strength:
Modular Design
Weakness:
Runs through batteries quickly Highly recommended. Not too much for a beginner, enough for a pro. Similar Products Used: None |
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[May 26, 2001]
David Frost
Professional
Strength:
Very reliable, great optics, fair pricing. Does not break down or jam up like a Hassleblad. Also, easier to focus unlike many others.
Weakness:
None, other then it operates on batteries. Make sure meter is not left on and you will only change batteries twice a year. A professional photographer for 14 years. Customer Service Very good through Tamron Bronica. Send in for check ups and minor repairs with heavy use. Similar Products Used: Hassleblad |
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[Jun 06, 2001]
Erick Lirios
Intermediate
Strength:
It is light and acts so much like an 35mm SLR making the transition from that format to medium format so much easier. Also, hand-holding the camera is feasible.
Weakness:
None that I can see. I really have the SQ, the original version. The bottomline here is that it's very usable and versatile. Once you get the lenses you need and the polaroid back (either original or NPC which is what I have), you're made. The only thing I kinda miss is the lack of a built-in bellows that the Mamiya RB67 has and the fact that to go to the T setting, I would have to disengage a screw at the bottom side of the lens and move a little switch. Otherwise, the value can't be beat. Even in the Philippines, where RB67 prices secondhand are a lot lower than that in the states, my system still costs less. For an RB with a normal lens and a 120 back, I was able to get an SQ body, lens, 120 back and NPC polaroid back. The only thing cheap about this camera is the price. Customer Service Haven't needed it. Similar Products Used: Mamiya RB67 |
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[May 31, 2001]
Kevin Read
Professional
Strength:
Reliable, simple to use, light weight compared to Hasselblads. Flash capable to 500 1/s which comes in handy during sunny days.
Weakness:
Shutter release cable doesn't fit tight enough into body and periodically comes loose. The camera will shoot if the slide is not fully inserted into back. The camera has performed well with no problems to date. While it has a few qwirks the price makes up for them. Customer Service Hasn't required any. Similar Products Used: Hasselblad, and other medium square format cameras. |