photo
of Black S2 on tripod with male photographer and 1960s mini-skirted
female model with Lights..
photo
on cover shows camera being hand
held, body and back, third body..
The Bronica system begins with two modern precision cameras that bear a
unique heritage. For todays new breed Bronica C and S2 are the latest
successors to the camera that brought automatic operation to 2 � square
SLR photography. It was Bronica that first provided the large-format
camera with automatic mirror and diaphragm convenience, giving it the
handling ease, speed and versatility f a fine 35.
Because of these automatic Bronica features, you focus and compose every
picture with utmost comfort and certainty. There is no finder blackout.
The subject image is always before your eyes, bright and clear, except
for the instant of actual exposure.
You will find this sense of follow-through, this absence of distracting
operations uniquely helpful in exploring and capturing the essence of
your subjects. And you find it reflected in the freshness and spontaneity
of your Bronica pictures.
Soon you will become aware how beautifully balanced the Bronica feels in
your hands how precisely and naturally it responds under even the most
extreme conditions. For it is a remarkably rugged and reliable
instrument, built to withstand the rigors of professional use, day after
day, year after year.
Your choice between the two Bronicas depends on your film changing
preferences or needs. Bronica S2 offers interchangeable film backs which
permit changing film even in mid-roll. Bronica C, with fixed back,
provides all other S2 features at substantially lower cost. Both use the
same interchangeable film inserts which can be pre-loaded with 120 or 220
film and quickly inserted in the back when the previous roll is
completed. Both cameras are available with your choice of
stainless-steel trim or all-black finish.
Above all, Bronica is more than a camera. It is the heart of a truly
comprehensive system for fine photography in all its applications. You
have no fewer than fourteen interchangeable lenses to choose from
including six superb Auto-Nikkors. The focusing hood interchanges with
either of two eyelevel prism finders or a magnifying hood. For closeup
work, there is an uncommonly versatile bellows attachment, as well as
extension tubes. Also available are hand grips, carrying cases, filters,
lens hoods, etc. And the system keeps growing.
photo
of Black S2 on tripod with male photographer and 1960s mini-skirted
female model with Lights..
With this innovating feature, Bronica took the blindfold off the 2
�-square SLR and gave fresh impetus to its development as a tool for
creative expression.
As the shutter is released, the mirror moves quickly out of the
lens-film path. Then, following the exposure, it instantly snaps back
into focusing position. The action is so rapid, it is hardly
discernible. The image seems never to have disappeared from view.
Unlike any other single-lens reflex, the Bronica mirror doesnt swing up
with the exposure. Instead, it slides forward and down with a rapid
scooping motion. This reduces its angular velocity and, aided by a
unique shock-damping system, virtually eliminates all vibration
associated with mirror action. In addition, it permits the use of
deeply set lenses - such as the 50mm wide angle Nikkor - without
surrendering the advantage of the automatic-return mirror.
With the automatic diaphragm system, the lens is wide open regardless of
aperture setting. The finder image is always at maximum brightness for
focusing and viewing. When the shutter is released, the diaphragm
automatically stops down to the opening selected for the exposure. And
then- instantly, automatically- it reopens to full aperture, ready for
the next picture without further setting or adjustment.
The automatic action of the diaphragm is positive, foolproof, and
precise. Yet it is so gentle it will never disturb or shift the
aperture ring - even if set between lens-stop markings.
photo
shows chrome S2 with back removed on its side..
photo
shows spare 6x6 and 6x4.5
backs..
This facility of the Bronica S2 enables you to change film in seconds,
at any time -even in the middle of a roll, without losing a single
exposure. You can switch from black-and-white to color, from daylight to
tungsten, or use the same type of film for continuous shooting without
stopping to reload.
When you attach a film back to the Bronica S2, you need not pay
attention to whether the film had been advanced or the shutter wound.
As you operate the film-shutter transport, the camera automatically will
perform only the uncompleted function. It will not make an accidental
double exposure, nor advance an unexposed section of film.
A dark-slide protects the film from light while the back is off the
camera. Unless the slide is fully inserted, the back cannot be removed.
And, once the back is removed, the slide cannot be withdrawn.
When the back is attached to the camera, the slide must be completely
pulled out before the shutter can be released. You cannot make an
exposure while any part of the slide obstructs even the smallest part of
the picture area on the film.
S2 backs are available for either of two picture formats: 2 1/4 x 2 1/4
inches (12 exposures with 120 film, 24 with 220 film) or 2 1/4 x 1 5/8
inches (16 exposures with 120 film, 32 with 220 film).
The rack insert which holds the film within the S2 back is also
interchangeable. By carrying extra preloaded inserts, you can reload
quickly after completing a roll, without detaching the film back.
Every Bronica S2 back may be loaded with either 120 or new 220 film.
Simply set the lever on the side of the back to program the counter for
the correct number of exposures on the film.
photo
shows chrome S2 with waist level finder and magnifier deployed
plus magnifying hood and model A prism
photo
shows depth of field preview button on side of camera..
photo
shows Bronica C with helical lens mount removed and normal lens
to side..
The entire focusing mount can be removed to accommodate special
accessories or lenses equipped with their own focusing systems.
photo (309k)
show top, front, and two side views of Bronica S2..
1 - Removable focusing hood with built-in magnifier
2 - Removable film back (S2 only)
3 - Selector for 12 or 24 exposures
4 - Auto-reset exposure control
5 - Neck strap stud
6 - Film/shutter crank
7 - Film/shutter winding knob
8 - Focusing mount release button
9 - Focusing scales
10- Focusing ring
11- Shutter release
12- Lens lock/release
13- Aperture scale
14- Depth-of-field preview button
15- Depth-of-field scale
16- PC flash terminal
17- Shutter speed selector
18- Dark slide (S2 only)
19- Film type indicator mask
photo
shows Bronica C from angled side from above view)
photo
shows Bronica C with back open and film insert being loaded..
Except for its fixed back, the Bronica C is identical to the S2. It
offers the same features and the same precise, dependable performance,
but at a significantly lower price.
The Bronica C uses the same interchangeable film inserts as the S2.
These inserts may be reloaded conventionally, or pre-loaded spares can
be held in readiness, to be dropped in the back after each roll is
completed. Except for the S2 facility for mid-roll film changes, the
interchangeable insert permits faster reloading than any other roll film
camera.
Every Bronica C insert accepts either 120 or 220 film. Adjusting a
lever on the camera presets the automatic counter for the appropriate
cycle of 12 or 24 exposures.
The Bronica C accepts the same interchangeable lenses as the Bronica S2
and the same accessories except the interchangeable backs.
photo
shows all 14 lenses plus Komura Teleconverter..
| Komura Telemore (teleconverter) - Doubles the focal length of any Nikkor/Bronica or Komura/Bronica lens. Maintains automatic diaphragm operation. |
All Nikkor lenses for Bronica C and S2 are equipped with
automatic-reopen diaphragms.
| Nikkor lens | Minimum Aperture | Picture Angle | Closest Focus | Filter size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm f3.5 wide angle | f22 | 77 deg | 12 inches | 82mm |
| 75mm f2.8 normal | f22 | 55 deg | 23 inches | 67 mm |
| 135mm f3.5 long focus | f22 | 33 deg | 5 ft 3 in. inches | 67 mm |
| 200mm f4 telephoto | f32 | 21 deg | 9 ft 3 in.* | 67 mm |
| 400mm f4.5 telephoto** | f22 | 11 deg | 16 ft | 122 mm |
| 600mm f5.6 telephoto** | f22 | 7 deg | 35 ft | 122 mm |
| Komura lens | Minimum Aperture | Picture Angle | Closest Focus | Filter size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45mm f4.5 automatic | f22 | 83 deg | 1 ft | 82mm |
| 50mm f3.5 automatic | f22 | 77 deg | 1 ft | 77 mm |
| 100mm f2.8 automatic | f22 | 44 deg | 3 ft | 62 mm |
| 150mm f3.5 automatic | f22 | 30 deg | 6 ft | 67 mm |
| 200mm f3.5 automatic | f22 | 21 deg | 12 ft | 67 mm |
| 300mm f5 preset** | f32 | 15 deg | 16 ft | 67 mm |
| 400mm f6.3 preset** | f32 | 11 deg | 18 ft | 67 mm |
| 500mm f7 preset** | f45 | 9 deg | 26 ft | 77 mm |
With this broad array of fourteen high quality lenses to draw upon, the
Bronica user need never be stumped for lack of the right lens, in any
situation.
photo
shows S2 with normal lens in bellows, showing shifts and rises..
photo
shows four extension tubes and lens reversing ring..
The Bronica is ideally suited for closeups. Since the finder image is
formed by the lens, it is always the same as that seen by the film.
There is never any risk of viewing or focusing error, regardless of the
camera to subject distance.
Bronica closeup accessories exhibit the same design originality and
precision engineering as the camera for which they were created. The
Bronica owner will welcome their convenient operation as much as the
important versatility they add to his cameras performance. All closeup
accessories may be used interchangeably on the Bronica S2 and C.
The Bellows Attachment also adds view camera versatility to the Bronica
C or S2. Its lens standard swings, tilts, rises, and shifts, giving
control over linear distortion and perspective. A built-in diaphragm
control lever permits holding the lens open for focusing and viewing.
When the lever is released the diaphragm closes down to the preset
taking aperture.
L Grip positioned on left side of camera, leaves right hand free
for manipulating focus control. Leather hand strap gives added
steadiness and security.
Pistol Grip fits underneath camera and may be held with either
hand. Has separate triggers for operating depth-of-field previewer and
shutter release. Latter may be locked to prevent accidental
exposure.
photo
p. 20 rear cover of case, camera, backs, prisms, lenses, and
gunstock..
Extracted from a Bronica Sales Brochure no. BR-302
Bronica division of Ehrenreich Photo-Optical Industries Inc.
623 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, USA - (516)248-5200