Bronica GS-1

I've been sucked in by the big negative. The GS1 is a wonderful camera. With the speedgrip it is handholdable for a fair anount of time. Used witth a monopod and /when I add the waist level viewfinder it is every bit as versatile and suprisingly mobile.as any 35mm manual camera. Works nicely with a tripod. Mamiya rotating back may be really nice but a pan tilt head does just the same. I have yet to break it in at a wedding but plan to use it for formals and B+W. The GS1 is a wonderful portrait camera whether handheld or on a tripod. One must really slow down and think, I don't use a metered prism so I can't speak to the TTL abilities. It takes time to learn some of the quirks, but overall a really nice camera. The lense selection are SLOW, so if available light is your thing then the SQ might be a viable choice with its motor and f/2.8 glass. I have probably overpaid by $1000 buying minty like new from Keh, but my 3 lense/3 back setup is a suprisingly versatile. I've shot a motorcycle rally, sports, portraits, and landscape on and off the tripod/monopod. My next venture will be architecture and high end B+W portaiture. Weddings once I feel more comfortable. It can add something special to your photography and when entire systems like mine can be had for $1000, even the Canon/Nikon super digicams have a hard time competing in image quality.

Ergonomic. Battery is not an issue. Multiple Exposure. Mirror lockup. Flash sync. 6X7 negative. A 645, 6X6, and ^x& in on system. Fairly easy to use handheld. CHEAP!!!!

Slow glass and no specialty glass. No motor. No digital back capability. All of these weaknesses make the SQ or ETR series viable. For this reason I hate to do it but I rate it 4 overall, but a 5 in terms of $$$xalue.

Rollei 6008 Pro

I have used Bronica's for 30+ years and the GS-1 for at least 10 years and it is the best of all Bronicas used by me. It really is not heavier then the 6x6's and has the advantages of a bigger negative. I actually have two bodies, the second bought used recently as a back up, as my first one is getting a bit old. However, in reality, I have no reason to believe I will have a mechinical problem. Buy used for the bargins and believe you will get good quality lenses too. I was worried when I sold my ECTL and Nikkor lenses but GS-1 lenses are equil in my opinion.

Durability, relitively small, excellent lenses, simple to use.

No revolving back, thus harder to use for verticle composition.

Earlier Bronicas and Mamiya twin lens,Graflex 120's.

None needed yet!

The GS-1 is an incredible camera. The body, waist level finder, 120 back, and standard 100mm f/3.5 lens cost me a total of $650 USD on the used market, and everything was in mint condition. Take everyone else's advice and purchase it used!

The camera is a dream to operate and simpler to use than any 35mm SLR. The body has a very solid build but isn't too heavy given the 6x7 neg size. The GS-1's best strengh, however, is the images it produces. I tested this camera using Velvia 50 and E100VS chromes and the results are stunning to say the least. My eyes did not capture more detail than the film! A 10x loupe shows no grain whatsoever. Good technique (tripod, mirror-lockup) is required. The camera is small, but it isn't something you want to lug around all day.

I found the leatherette peeling on the body, but a bit of glue solved that problem. Mirror slap seems a bit loud but I haven't had problems with handheld shots yet. I have nothing to compare this camera to (RZ67), so for all I know this is a very quiet mirror. Regardless, always use MLU when you can.

Yashicamat 124G

Not needed - doubt I ever will need it.

First let me begin by saying that I have owned this camera for a little over 6 months now. This is also only the second time that I have taken the time to write a review, the first time was to share my accolades for my Nikon F 100. After using this camera for some time I have concluded that this is clearly the finest value in photography today. If you were to purchase a new Bronica GS-1 system at the current Bronica pricing you would be getting a great value. However, as many others have stated, the way to buy this camera is used. The camera and its lenses do not for some reason hold resale value. As a result you will literally steal this camera from either E-Bay or a used camera store. I have owned both a Bronica SQ-Ai and a Mamiya RZ67. I feel that the 6x7 format is truly the way to go if you want to shoot landscapes or make truly large size prints. The Mamiya while an excellent camera is just too large and heavy for any kind of field use. The optics of the Bronica system are as good as anything I have seen. I currently own the PG65mm, PG100mm, and PG200mm. I will compare these lenses against anything on the market today. When the Bronica GS-1 is used with the speed grip and AE Finder it will feel like a oversized 35mm in your hands. In summary, if you have been thinking about a 6x7 camera this is truly the best camera that your money can buy. Log onto E-Bay and click Buy It Now!

Extremely well built. Excellent optics. Small and light enough to be carried by hand. Fantastic value on the used market.

Most undervalued camera on the market. Most camera stores have limited selection of GS-1 accessories and lenses.

Mamiya RZ67 Bronica SQAi

No experience with Bronica service.

his is my 5th or 6th review on this site. I use it very often for my decision making, so I should try to help others as well. I own three systems: Pentax with many pro lenses, Canon with L lenses, and Bronica GS-1. The first two are primarly used for travel (Pentax, and nature (Canon). I also do portraits and weddings, more for fun than for money, using Bronica. I got the camera, a couple lenses, flash and a few minor items - and I was in business. Many people are talking highly about L lenses, and yes they are great, but comparing to results I get from my 6X7, they are years behind. To put it short, I love the results I get. When I use my GS1, I can make prints 20x30 and there is no grain. People come to see my work and they see these prints. Once they look at them, I get a contract. Of course, I have some skills too - 20 years of studying and photographing varius subjects. I can not compare Bronica to other MF cameras since I never used them. My only point of reference is my work done with the help of the finest lennses and cameras that Pentac and Canon can offer. Unfortunately, in spite of my great admiration for the MF system, I may have to sell it. My eye sight is getting worse, and at times I have problems with focusing. In this area, both of my 35mm systems are years ahead of my Bronica. Now, I rely more and more on autofocusing provided by my MZ-s and EOS 3. So, if you feel comfortable with manual focusing and your eyes are still working properly, I would strongly advocate Bronica GS 1 to any serious photographer. The Bronica system combined with a heavy tripod, ML, Fuji NPH (my favorite) and a good light meter (I like my Sekonic 283) will give you wonderful results. Your customers will love you, and you will be proud of your work. And if you do not want to get into business, you can get fantastic nature shots, or almost anything you can imagine. I wouls stay away from Bronica GS-1 and probably any MF if your plans include actions shots. In this case, 35mm system is so much better

Optics, reliability, simplicity, weight,

I can't see very well through the viewfinder. Some say ML is complicated, but do not have problems.

Only 35mm systems.

Not needed.