Leslie Wyatt
Film Photography
I like using the Bronica ETR/ETRS camera system. However, it could not be
called a pretty camera. In fact the full configuration of the ETRSi with
the AEII viewfinder and speed grip could easily have come from the pen of
Heath Robinson. But it is incredibly functional and easy to use. The actual
camera is the small box at the centre of the assembly. So, lenses are
interchangeable, film backs are interchangeable and the viewfinders are
interchangeable as are the accompanying focussing screens. These cameras
are not particularly sought after and so they are a lot cheaper than the big
name alternatives. The speed grip makes the camera much easier to handle especially
if you want to take vertical portrait shots.
They take great photos and being able to change the film back part way through
a film may appeal to many photographers. The range of Zenzanon lenses are of
excellent quality with virtually silent Seiko leaf shutters. There are over 30
lenses to choose from ranging from a 30mm fisheye, through wide angle, prime and
telephoto to 500mm super telephoto and most still seem to be available. Lens
design went through several iterations with improving optical quality but frankly
even the earliest MC lenses are good. I have two standard 75mm f2.8 EII lenses
and a wide angle 40mm f4 MC lens all of which perform well. The Seiko shutters
operate from 8 secs through 4, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125,
1/250, 1/500 sec.The large mirror does rather 'clack' when moved upwards and so
discreet photography is out of the question. But the very slight delay on the leaf
shutter means that any vibrations are well damped before the shutter opens. With the
AEII viewfinder his can be seen by a small red LED light on the right hand side of
the viewfinder when the shutter operates. The ETRSi does have a mirror lock up
facility but I think it is a bit academic whether it does any good. With the automatic
AEII viewfinder and a speed grip on the ETRSi it is certainly not a pocket camera but
despite its bulk it handles and operates much like a 35mm SLR. It will take 135, 120,
220 and even a polaroid film back but most of these are difficult to come by and so
I am happy to use 120 film backs which give great 6cm x 4.5cm negatives. The actual
size of the negative is 55 mm x 42 mm but still over two and half times the size of
a 35mm frame. So, a lot more detail.
