Versatile, high-quality system camera with lots of choices of accessories. Handles well, compact and fairly light weight.

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

Good and Sturdy Camera. Good ergonomics on the main body. Feels just like an F90X with a motordrive and a 80-200 ED lens.

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

Very straight forward and easy to use.

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

Cheap price compared to competition.

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.

GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY
COMPARED TO HASSELBLAD,
MAMIYA, OR ROLLEI. I'VE
HAD IT FOR ALMOST 2 YRS.
NOW WITH NO MAJOR PROBL-
BLEMS. IT FEELS & HANDLES LIKE 35 MM SLRS
WHEN MATED WITH AE PRISM
FINDER & SPEED GRIP!
IT HAS TTL FLASH METERING WITH SAFEGUARDS.
FINDER & SPEED GRIP!

THE CAMERA BODY HAS TOO
MUCH PLASTIC BUT I SUP-
POSE IF THERE WAS MORE METAL IT WOULD WEIGH
HEAVIER. VITAL PARTS
SUCH AS LEVERS SHOULD BE
OF METAL.

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.
'D RECOMMEND IT FOR IT'S FUNCTIONS & VALUE.

Customer Service

QUICK SERVICE AFTER PLASTIC MULTIPLE EXPO-
SURE LEVER CRACKED AFTER REPEATED USE. IT
WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
TIPLE EXPOSURE LEVER

Similar Products Used:

None

Modular Design

6x6 format as well as 645 and 35mm

Less expensive than other medium format

Runs through batteries quickly

Highly recommended. Not too much for a beginner, enough for a pro.

Similar Products Used:

None

Very reliable, great optics, fair pricing. Does not break down or jam up like a Hassleblad. Also, easier to focus unlike many others.

None, other then it operates on batteries. Make sure meter is not left on and you will only change batteries twice a year.

A professional photographer for 14 years.

Customer Service

Very good through Tamron Bronica. Send in for check ups and minor repairs with heavy use.

Similar Products Used:

Hassleblad

It is light and acts so much like an 35mm SLR making the transition from that format to medium format so much easier. Also, hand-holding the camera is feasible.

None that I can see.

I really have the SQ, the original version. The bottomline here is that it's very usable and versatile. Once you get the lenses you need and the polaroid back (either original or NPC which is what I have), you're made. The only thing I kinda miss is the lack of a built-in bellows that the Mamiya RB67 has and the fact that to go to the T setting, I would have to disengage a screw at the bottom side of the lens and move a little switch. Otherwise, the value can't be beat. Even in the Philippines, where RB67 prices secondhand are a lot lower than that in the states, my system still costs less. For an RB with a normal lens and a 120 back, I was able to get an SQ body, lens, 120 back and NPC polaroid back. The only thing cheap about this camera is the price.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya RB67
Yashicamat 124G

Reliable, simple to use, light weight compared to Hasselblads. Flash capable to 500 1/s which comes in handy during sunny days.

Shutter release cable doesn't fit tight enough into body and periodically comes loose. The camera will shoot if the slide is not fully inserted into back.

The camera has performed well with no problems to date. While it has a few qwirks the price makes up for them.

Customer Service

Hasn't required any.

Similar Products Used:

Hasselblad, and other medium square format cameras.

Light, flash-sync up to 500 1/s because of leaf shutter lenses, system camera with lots of accessoires, quality of the lenses (very good)

None up to now

I can't say anything about if the camera is reliable or not (I just shot 3 rolls with it), I got a used SQ-Ai in mint condition (with 80 mm lens, back and finder). But I have just fallen in love with it when I saw my slides (Kodak E100VS) crisp and beautifuill color. The handling of the camera is nice even without the motordrive or speedgrip (but with, it would be better I think). A friend of my has a Bronica ETR-Si for 10 years now and is still very happy with it. I wanted a good 6X6 camera and also went for a Bronica. A good choice!

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya M645 + accessoires, Rolleiflex 3.5 Planar (Twin lens)