Mike Bond's S2A Manual Online
Bill Barton's S2 Sales Brochure Online
Robert Lai's S2A Polaroid Back Manual

S2a + box S2a Front View
S2a Right View S2a Left View
S2a Back View S2a WLF View
S2a + cap + box
Photos courtesy of Bob - [email protected]

Bronica "S2A"

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.

Behind the Scenes on Bronica S2a
the new Bronica S2a has 162 simplifying and ruggedizing improvements...
Source: Behind the Scenes, anonymous, Modern Photography, November 1970, p. 10

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.

S2A Left/Right Views and S2A Top/Bottom Views

S2(A) Specifications

Type - 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 (6cm x 6cm) Single lens reflex camera
Film - 120 roll film, 12 exposures and 220 roll film, 24 exposures
Interchanging Films - interchangeable film back coupled with camera body, dark slide with safety lock system, built-in leak prevention curtain.
Standard lens - Nikkor 75mm f2.8 fully automatic preset diaphragm, 4 group 5 element
Lens mount - Bayonet type (Bronica mount), also equipped with screw mount (57mm x 1 mm pitch). Large bayonet mount for long telephoto lenses
Finder - Fresnel lens and large magnifier
Viewfinder hood - interchangeable with pentaprism finder or magnifying hood
Focusing - Helicoid type, stroke 14mm, rotating angle of focusing ring 250 degrees
Distance Scale - for 75mm, 50mm, 135mm, and 200mm lenses
Mirror - flip down, instant return, automatic mirror system
Diaphragm - Fully automatic diaphragm - 75mm, 0mm, 135mm, 200mm and 400mm lenses
Depth-of-Field - Depth-of-field can be checked by pressing preview button
Shutter - Vertically operating focal plane shutter, non-rotating single shutter dial, B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/500, 1/1000 and 'X' (1/40).
Synchro - Automatic switchover synchronization system
Film loading - Separate film holder, automatic film winding system by matching with film start mark
Film winding - winding crank or knob.
Film counter - Automatically returns to '0'
Camera body - made of 18-8 stainless steel, bright polished finish
Dimensions - 100mm x 100mm x 140mm
Weight - 1.790 kg

n.b.: The Bronica S2A production and sales continued until 1975 (although production may have ceased earlier in 1972 with the new EC cameras).

See also Modern Photography, September 1971, pp.84-5 for review of Bronica S2a camera

Note: Information above abstracted in part from:
AD-180B5M Dated 5/74 Titled Bronica Product Guide

Additional information and specifications from Bronica S2 S2A C manual online

From: [email protected] (FLEXARET2)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace.medium-format
Subject: Re: Wanted: strap for Bronica S2A
Date: 08 May 2000

Try Koh's Cameras and other dealers in Shutterbug.

Order the wide strap for Bronica EC or ECTL - these will work fine on the S2-A regardless of the wings. The post size is the same in all of these models. 


From Bronica Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Zenza S2 A mirror lock-up

The Bronica S2A does not have a Mirror Lockup and does not need one.

There is very little vibration of the camera to be affected by the mirror
which moves down and forward and
not across the axis of the lens.

The greatest part of the vibration is of the Mirror returning AFTER the
photograph is taken.

Have no fear the Bronica S2A is a great camera as it is.

- Sam Sherman