Posted by Bob Denham on February 09, 1997:

In Reply to: Re: Bronica S and EC users posted by Roger Jones on 
September 19, 1996:

Ain't this wierd! I have been using various Bronica models for over 35 
years. Started with a "C" that was in a studio where I worked and then 
bought a standard "S". Traded it in for an S-2 that was stolen and 
recovered in the early 70s. Had to trade it in back then for an EC 
which I still have.

The only problem I ever had was in '78 when the electronic timing 
circuit went out, which was fixed by Zenza at no charge. I also have two 
extra 120/220 backs and 1 6x4.5 15 exp. back. 

As for lenses, I use the 75mm Nikkor a lot of the time, but also love my 
Nikkor 50mm f:2.8. On the other hand the Zenzanon 150 is a good light-weight 
portrait glass. 

However, I also have one of the most curious lenses ever made for this 
camera. It is a SUN "Dionar" zoom 135~300 f:4.5 that is about
15 inches long and weighs a "lot" Would you believe that I used this 
thing for photo chase when I was in the Air Force? Of course the 
Eye-level prism (30 degree) finder and a pair of home-made
grips did make it work out pretty good. It (the lens) goes on in place of 
the focusing ring. 

I had once heard a rumor of a power drive unit for this camera but never 
saw it. Every now and then do hear of a Polaroid back. Now the latest 
gadget seems to be a digital back. I dare say that such a feature will not be 
available for the likes of us "dinosaur jockies". 

I don't shoot much any more in the medium format. Only when I get the 
urge to be personally creative on my own time. I spent 22
years as a photographer/photojournalist in the USAF (4 with the 
"Thunderbirds") and ended up in the electronic communications media 
business. 

Now I'm Deputy Sheriff in charge of computer systems, so I don't have a 
lot of personal time for creativity. I do a lot of 35mm slide work for 
multi-media slide shows that I produce for local civic organizations and 
schools. Use Canon F-1 & F-1n equipment exclusively. I guess that makes 
me somewhat of a maverick in the photography industry. (Bronica over 
Hasse and Canon over Nikon) but that's the way I am. 

Anyway it's good to know that there are other kindred spirits out there 
in cyber space that know a good challenge in photographic equipment 
management. Now as to the question of focusing screens, there were only
four: A,B,C,& D. I have NEVER been able to get any other that the one 
that came with the camera (A). 

Good luck. The poloroid backs were mostly after-market items that 
were made by other companies. Check with all of the large discount/used 
equipment distributors specifically for that TYPE of item. Both Marty 
Forscher in N.Y. City and Martin Strauss in Washington were able
modify a type 4 polaroid back for this. It was large and unwieldy but it 
was there. Also that was THEN (the mid-70s) don't know about now. I have 
heard the Forscher has retired (I should hope so, he would be in his 60s) 
but Strauss is still around as SPTS somewhere on the East Coast
between Atlanta and New York. 

Well that is all I can offer on the surface right now Like I said this
is wierd! This interNet thing is alright! Let me know of anything 
more...73s-30-DoMuch aka:

R.Denham "Sanity is for the unimaginative"