Optics, reliability, simplicity, weight,

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

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

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Only 35mm systems.

-quality -sharpness of the lenses -reliability -excellent value - easy to handhold -do not hesitate, just get one!

- the battery life is a bit short - viewfinder is a bit dark when your modeling lights are dim (what i do is keep a 250 tungsten next to me when i focus, then shut it off for the composition and shooting)

DO NOT BUY NEW! the price of this system is incredible on the used market. i picked up the kit (body, 100mm lens, ae prism finder, pro bellows, 67 back and 6x4.5 back) all for $1500 canadian. i have since added a pol back and 200mm lens, still relatively inexpensively when compared to a mamiya or hassy system, and the quality rivals the rz67 any day of the week. incredible value for students who want a 67 system to give pro results, but who cant afford an rz or rb (even if you can, id still suggest the gs1 for ease of use, handholdability, and the fact that forthe same price of a rz67 body, basic lens and back, you can pick up a gs1 body, 2 or 3 lenses, a few backs....)

Customer Service

havent used it yet, but the web site is nicely done.

Similar Products Used:

a few tlr's, rb67.

Easy to use Inexpensive for brand new and Used Pic quality is real good My customer very like the picture quality so I can make money

Low price when you wanna resale

In thailand you can buy a brand new one from dealer for $ 1250 (body , 100mm normal and 6x7 or 6x6 film back). acually, I use sony digital camera and Nikon FM2n for studio work but my customer want me to get a bigger film, So i bought GS-1 Used. Gs-1 can do everything i need from 6x6 film.

Customer Service

don,t know yet

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 700si /28-80mm,28-200,35-105,70-300 Nikon FM2n/ 35-105,105macro Sony dsc-s70

Extremely affordable used. Very good optical quality. Cheap film backs.

Some issues with cold weather use. Not a good choice new - low resale value (see strengths).

I had wanted a medium format for the longest time, but just couldn't justify the cost given how little I would really use it. I bought the Bronica because of the very low used price and the reported ease of use and handling. With the speed grip it is very easy to hand hold and operate. The film backs are quite easy to load and lenses and film backs are very affordable used. I am extremely pleased with the quality of the optics, the handling, and overall build quality. There seems to be plenty of used lenses and accessories available and I have had no break downs or reliability problems. I really enjoy it for taking portraits of my children.

Customer Service

Have not needed repairs - basic accessories are overpriced.

Similar Products Used:

Twin lens reflex

Price. Seems to be of good build quality.

Dim view finder. Don''t like where the info is displayed.

I rate the GS1 a 4 because Bronica doesen''t go out of their way to pick the pockets of the consumer, plus they make a solid product. It just isn''t for me. I used a colleagues because I was in the market for another 6x7 camera. I already own 2 Mamiya 7''s and Love them!! Mamiya is a very good company to deal with by the way. Got some real nice pics from the GS1 but truly disliked 2 things in particular; The view finder is not bright at all. Annoyingly dim. I guess I''m used to a rangefinder. Secondly, I do not like the view finder info at the top of the part of the viewing area. Once again, such things are what you are used to. I like the info at the bottom or the side. Doesen''t beat my Mamiya 7 in any category.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 7.

Inexpensive, reliable, fairly light.

Possible resale value. Best to purchase used.

Fine optics, reliable film transport, accurate shutter, bright finder, simple design. Use 65mm, 100mm, 150mm.

Customer Service

OK: Bronica & Tamron

Similar Products Used:

Pentax, Mamiya, Rollei, Hasselblad, Fuji, Horseman. Also 4x5.

1. Excellent Metering
2. Well Balanced
3. Very flexible SYSTEM
4. Less expensive than competition
5. Excellent optics
6. Leaf shutters mean no vibration
7. good mirror dampening
8. mirror lock-up
9. rotating AE viewfinder
10. Equipment is readily available used.

1. Certainly not a 35 mm with regard to size/weight
2. Smaller lens selection than I would like.

I LIKE it alot. It does outdoor photgraphy very well - and the images - WOW!

Similar Products Used:

No other slr med format. Only 35 and TLR.

Compact, well constructed, advanced electronics, outstanding optics. The proprietary TTL flash unit is often described as underpowered, but I find it just about right, and its functionality is excellent.

Limited availability on used market (I only purchase used gear). Battery fades rapidly in cold weather (accessory battery back would solve this).

If you care more about the quality of your images and less about your own image, the GS-1 is an extraordinary value and a wonderful performer.

Customer Service

Tamron service provides excellent advice, though I haven't needed any repairs yet.

Similar Products Used:

Kowa Six, early Hasselblad, Rolleicord.

Light weight, built to take a beating. Have had mine for 16 years,
only once has it been in for repair.

None

Would buy another tomorrow in a heartbeat.

Customer Service

Excellent

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya RB 67

Not bulky and heavy.
Great lenses.
Works smooth.
Leaf shutter (flash at all speeds)
Clear & bright viewfinder.
You can use it handheld as good as on a tripod.
You have total creative freedom.
Great softness (out of focus)

No problems so far :-)

I do a lot of people photography indoors/outdoors
and love the camera and the lenses. I use the 100 and 150mm the most. What I often do for head shots
(vertical) is putting on a 6x4.5 back (6x4.5 is vertical on the GS-1) and use the 150mm. If I need a bigger size I use a 6x7 back with the rotating viewfinder (a must have).

Customer Service

Not needed yet :-)

Similar Products Used:

Hasselblad 501 C/CM
Mamiya 7 & RB