Bronica Product Guide
AD-180B5m Dated 5/74
(Cover Photograph)
The Deluxe is easily recognized by the following key features:
The Deluxe has double exposure capability, shutter speeds to 1/1250th
second, a 2-10 second self-timer which also allowed timed long exposures
of 2-10 seconds, and a locking lever to lock the camera's focusing mount
at any desired point.
All small bayonet mount Auto-Nikkor and Zenzanon lenses fit the Deluxe,
as well as all five "S" series prisms and hoods. The S2A grips, however,
will not fit due to the bayonet fitting on the camera base, and a special
tripod adapter #81502 was required to use either of these grips.
The Bronica S was a major upgrade of the model D or Deluxe camera
introduced by Zenza Bronica in 1961. It
was available in chrome only and can be identified as follows:
The S model was introduced while the Deluxe was still in production and
represented a simplified version of that camera. Top speed was lowered
to 1/1000 second and the self-timer / long exposure control, double
exposure control, and focus lock were eliminated.
LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
All small bayonet mount Bronica Nikkor lenses fit the S body. The 105mm
F3.5 Nikkor and 300mm F4.5 Zenzanon will not fit. A special
focusing adapter for tele-Nikkor lenses was made for the S fixed mount,
but was not sold in the U.S. The present focusing tube will not fit the
S camera. This model also requires a special extension tube set and bellows.
The current tubes and bellows do not fit the S mount.
All prisms, hoods, and grips as well as the sportsfinder for the present
S2A will fit the S.
The Bronica C was introduced in 1964-5 while the "S" was still being
produced, and is the only model made by Bronica without interchangeable
backs. Intended as an economy version of the "S" it incorporated several
features of the "D" and the new focusing mount soon to appear on the S2.
Identifying features are:
Inserts for the S2/S2A will fit the "C" as will all lenses, hoods, prisms
and grips. The original extension tubes and bellows were replaced with
new ones to fit the changed focusing system. A special adapter allowed
the use of the original S type bellows on the C and later models.
NOTE: Bronica "C" Models sold in the Japan Domestic Market had a
top speed of 1/500 second. Export models had a 1/1000 second top speed.
There is no other difference in the cameras and both may be available on
the used market.
The Bronica S2 followed the S in 1965-6 and incorporated a number of new
features. The primary change was the switch to a removable helical type
focusing mount. Identifying points are:
LENSES And ACCESSORIES
With the change in design to a front helical focusing mount, the
accessory systems for Bronica were also changed.
Lenses - All Bronica Nikkor and Zenzanon lenses fit the S2, including the
large bayonet 105mm and 300mm. The focusing tube for the Tele-Nikkors is
the current #81505 unit.
Accessories - All prisms, hoods, grips, etc. that fit the current S2A
will fit the S2. For differences between the older Deluxe and "S"
accessories and the current versions, see the separate section on
accessories.
In 1969, the S2 was replaced with an internally modified version,
identifed as S2A. Since there were almost no external changes, this
model is identified by the designation S2A following the serial number.
In 1973, a minor change was made in the neckstrap studs, altering them so
that they would accept the same neckstrap as the EC model. At that time,
the S2A marking after the serial number was dropped. New series S2A
cameras without the S2A marking start with body number 150037.
This model is now current (as of 5/74) and accepts all Auto-Nikkor
lenses,
Zenzanon lenses, and Tele-Nikkors with #81505 focusing tube. All current
accessories (as of 5/74) fit the S2A except those specifically limited to
the Deluxe, "S", or EC.
The Bronica EC was introduced in March of 1972 and represents a new
generation of Bronica design.
The primary innovation of this model is stepped electronically controlled
shutter speeds from 4 seconds to 1/1000 second. The external evidence of
this unique feature is the oblong battery compartment in the base of the
camera, and the button and battery check light on the top left side of
the body.
In addition, the EC offers double exposure control (on the film back on
the right side), mirror lock up (lever on the left side), locking PC
terminal, dark slide storage pocket, split mirror, interchangeable
focusing screens and many other features.
All lenses of the Bronica system fit the EC, as does the extension tube
set. A new series of grips, #82041 L grip and #82042 pistol grip fit both
the EC and the S2A. The EC has its own bellows, which due to the longer
mirror has a different mounting plate than the S2A version, and its own
series of prisms, finders, and backs.
There are four different dark slides for Bronica backs. These four
slides fit the eight versions of backs as follows:
Deluxe - fits all Deluxe backs (2 types). These are only backs with
opening latch on left side instead of top.
Discontinued - no product number available
NOTE: There was a second Deluxe dark slide with the same dimensions but with a short, square handle. This could be folded flat against the slide to prevent it being accidently pushed in and releasing the back.
S and early S2 - early S backs are 120 only - havea no 12/24 exposure
switch. Later S and early S2 backs (CM81500 or lower serial number) have
an extra curtain in front of the film plane, as well as 120/220
capability.
Product number 83023
S2 (later models) and S2A - later model S2 backs do not have the extra
safety curtain (serial number CM81501 and up) - except for very minor
differences, S2 backs above serial 81501 and S2A backs are identical.
Product number 83024
EC - fits EC backs only. EC backs have double button release on top and
A/D switch on right side.
Product number 82029
Film back curtain - the only way the safety curtain is visible on early
Bronica backs is when a slide is in the back. If the slide is partially
withdrawn while the back is off the camera, the metal edge of the curtain
is visible on the front edge of the slide. If the slide is fully
inserted, open the back and remove the insert and the curtain will be
visible.
All Bronica film backs since the very first model have several features
in common. These are listed below,
with specific identification of each type in the sections following:
*To remove dark slide when back is off camera, hold back so focal plane is facing you. Take pointed object and depress silver button at top right of back and slide will release.
Type 2
Identical in outside appearance to Type 1, but the insert loading and
film path was similar to current types.
Fold out guide was eliminated - still no latching of insert in back.
Both types of back use the same dark slide.
Type 2
120/220 capability. Switch on right side to change counter from 12 to 24
exposures. Insert now has latch on
sides to hold it in back and two levers to release latch. Auxiliary
safety curtains retained, operated by dark
slide.
Both S type backs use the same dark slide, Product # 83023.
Type 2
A 120/220 back identical in features to the Type 1 back but
without the auxiliary curtain. Serial
numbers start at CM81501 and up.
Type 1 backs use dark slide #83023
Type 2 backs use dark slide #83024
Dark slide for all S2A backs is product #83024.
