Bronica Medium Format Owners Thread

[Topsy]

More shenannigins with the SQ-Ai last week, the camera locked up a couple of times when I locked the mirror up resulting in me losing about 4 frames, plus, it had some issues with shutter speeds, it seemed to be defaulting to 1/250th occasionally resulting in some gross underexposure.

Anyway here are some of the useable shots.

Correctly exposed.



Correctly exposed.



Underexposed.



Underexposed.



Underexposed.



Underexposed.



Correctly exposed.



Correctly exposed.

 

[Topsy]

Since my last post on here and the issues I had while using my SQ-Ai, I have identified the issue which is related to the battery compartment not connecting properly (I think it was a poor design it happens on both mt SQ-Ais when I use an arca plate for my tripod, neve happens hand held without the plate). Since I always use a tripod with my Bronicas I have started to use my SQ-B more (I dont get lock ups with this one as is has a simpler battery compartment with only one battery), this week I went out on Dartmoor with it, here are a couple of the shots.

The setup.



The shot.



2nd setup.



The shot.



You can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

 

[zx9]

I still need to investigate the battery terminals in my SQAi, it suffered from leaking cells damaging the contacts just enough for the battery check to work but sufficiently to not let the camera fire. If the camera was that important to me I would get around to it but like you I have a SQB though mine is very underused so the status quo of iffy Bronicas will be maintained for a while.

 

[Topsy]

SQ-B, 40mm PS.

 

[Topsy]

SQ-B 40mm PS (cropped to 6x4.5).

 

[Jammy Dodger]

Great Results Paul; I loved the SQ-B and only sold it to get my first digital camera; it really is a great Medium Format tool and obviously being put to good use here

 

[Topsy]

Great Results Paul; I loved the SQ-B and only sold it to get my first digital camera; it really is a great Medium Format tool and obviously being put to good use here

Thanks Fraser.

 

[F1.2]

I have a boxed mint as new SQ-B if any interest I will list in the classifieds

 

[F1.2]

I have a boxed mint as new SQ-B if any interest I will list in the classifieds

I take it that's a no then

 

[Topsy]

I take it that's a no then

I missed that your original post was a check for interest. TBH I would have been interested if I didn't already have 2 (and 2 SQ-Ais).

 

[FishyFish]

I take it that's a no then

Like @Topsy , I just thought you'd be putting an ad in Classifieds.

I'd quite like an SQ-B (can't afford a Hassy ), but I'm not actively looking for one.

 

[Topsy]

From last week's Dartmoor Photowalk, SQ-B 40mm PS Portra 160.

 

[Jammy Dodger]

From last week's Dartmoor Photowalk, SQ-B 40mm PS Portra 160.

View attachment 465195

View attachment 465196

Portra 160 very nicely processed and looking great Paul.

 

[Barney]

ETRSi, @75mm
Incident meter
Fomapan 100 @ 50
Rodinal 1:50 @ 20c for 6 1/2 mins (First time I feel I have "got it" with over expose and under develop.

ROCKS

 

[Topsy]

Portra 160 very nicely processed and looking great Paul.

Thanks Fraser.

 

[StephenM]

First time I feel I have "got it" with over expose and under develop.

Better contrast and shadow detail as it appears on my tablet screen than you often have (my opinion). Whether that's in the negative or the afterwork I can't say.

 

[Barney]

Better contrast and shadow detail as it appears on my tablet screen than you often have (my opinion). Whether that's in the negative or the afterwork I can't say.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is no use whatsoever me plodding along thinking everything is alright.

The negatives are totally different than my previous efforts, notably better even to my inexperienced eyes.

 

[Barney]

These are untouched scans

 

[Barney]

ETRSi, 75mm, tripod
Incident meter
Fomapan 100@50
Rodinal (Fomadon R09) 1:50
PP Boosted contrast and clarity.

The run off stream from an old disused tin mine.

Waterfall

 

[David_Mug]

ETRSi, 75mm, tripod
Incident meter
Fomapan 100@50
Rodinal (Fomadon R09) 1:50
PP Boosted contrast and clarity.

The run off stream from an old disused tin mine.

Waterfall


View attachment 465467

Lovely gradation and the shutter speed to get that gentle blur on the waterfall is just perfect to my eyes.

 

[Barney]

@David_Mug

Thank you for your kind words David,

I think its a bit of luck, but its a look I prefer also, not a great fan of the total blur cascade type image of water. I still want it to look like water but with that inkling of movement. It was a patchy day with the bright sun breaking through occasionally. IIRC I used 60th @ F11 or F8 on that day. I must have been doing something right as below is the fourth shot from the Bronica on that day. (I may have posted something similar previously in 35mm or digital conversion), I took three cameras out. but 4/4 for the Bronica is a record for me so I must be getting there slowly.



I am really impressed with the Foma 100 - Rodinal combination.