Bronica SQ Series Medium Format
Bronica SQ Series Medium Format
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[Jul 08, 2000]
Andrew Pickup
Expert
Model Reviewed:
SQ-Ai Body
Strength:
This is a bit of a cheat! I've never owned an SQAi - I saved some money and bought an SQB instead (basically the same without the metering facility. Had an ETRS before that. I'm glad I got this one, having exchanged it from a Mamiya RB67. It is a pleasure to use: it simply does its job, but is not boring because it does that job so well and so reliably. Lenses excellent.
Weakness:
No metering on the SQB. I wish I'd spent the extra money, as it's handy sometimes. Recommended - very highly. Customer Service No experience, except that the free camera back and film offer arrived within a week of sending in the warranty card, so I suspect customer service is good. Similar Products Used: Mamiya RB67 |
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[Jun 18, 2000]
Lewis Kassel
Professional
Model Reviewed:
SQ-Ai Body
Strength:
The Bronica is a workhorse. When I went into business 20 yrs ago, I wanted to but a Hasselblad system, bit it was unaffordable. Instead, I bought 2 Bronica bodies, and the lenses to go with them. I still have my original bodies and still use them along with my newer purchases
Weakness:
That dark-slide thing is a problem, but once it screws-up once, you'll never let it happen again. The speed-grip breaks down a litttle too often Overall, a very solid system. Customer Service generally good Similar Products Used: Mamiya 645 - nice system, but I prefer Square |
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[May 12, 2000]
Chris Groenhout
Professional
Model Reviewed:
SQ-Ai Body
Strength:
Easy to use. Lighter than the RB and RZ. Great range of lenses (especially the 40mm). Reliable and predictible.
Weakness:
Film backs leak light occasionally. A little too much plastic in film back. I've used this camera constantly and exhaustively for the past 7 years and it's been a champion. The 16 second shutter is a blessing and the general lack of fuss with use makes it a pleasure to use. Just purchased a 1:1 macro for it and have fallen in love. Treat it carefully and it'll last forever. Treat it rough and it'll probably last just as long! Customer Service Ok. Similar Products Used: Bronica SQA, S2A. |
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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 |