Special Features of the Zenza Bronica Model S2 Camera

The noted Nikkor lenses are equipped with instant return automatic diaphragms. A full line of accessories is available for this camera. The Zenza Bronica S2 is a supreme camera both in name and reality.

photo shows mirror position during and after exposure

Instant Return Automatic Mirror

It is very different from that of other single lens reflex cameras. Usually mirrors move upward, but the Bronica instant return automatic mirror moves forward and down. After the exposure, it instantly and automatically returns to viewing position.

Thus, it is possible to use wide-angle and large caliber lenses, and a bright image remains on the ground glass except while the shutter is in motion.

Interchangeable filminder back

The filinder back is fully automatic and foolproof. It is equipped with a metal dark slide to prevent the film from being exposed while the back is off the camera. The back cannon be removed until the dark slide is inserted and while the back is off the camera, the dark slide cannot be withdrawn.

When a filminder back is attached to the camera, no attention need be paid as to whether the film or the shutter has been previously wound.

The film advance crank, which normally winds the shutter and the film simultaneously, automatically performs only the required function. For example, if the shutter is wound and if the film in position has been exposed, turning the crank will only advance the film to a fresh unexposed section. Also, when the back is on the camera, the dark slide must be completely withdrawn before an exposure can be made.

Exclusive Nikkor Lenses and Automatic Diaphragm

Depth-of-Field Preview Button

Switch Lever for 24 Exposures

The Bronica Model S2 has an entirely new system permitting either length to be used.

Nomenclature


photo 1 and photo 2 shows various views of S2 camera

• focusing hood
• Synchro terminal
• Helicoid (focusing adjusting ring)
• Shutter dial
• Film back retaining lock gate
• Depth-of-field preview button Front right side view of camera (photo)
  
• Focusing hood lock
• Focusing hood retaining lock
• Helicoid retaining lock
• film winding knob
• shutter release with cable release socket Rear upper side view of camera (photo)
  
• aperture ring
• magnifier (waist level finder)
• camera strap stud
• switch lever for 24 exposures Rear lower side view of camera (photo)
  
• Cable release socket
• Tripod screw hole
• Film winding crank (folding)
• Stainless steel plate
• Film counter

Interchangeable Filminder Back

photo of S2 camera showing dark slide and back plus top view showing multiple filminder backs..

The standard Bronica S2 film back magazine is specially designed to accept either the 12 exposure 120 or the 24 exposure 220 roll film. With the model-E film back magazine, you can get 16 6x4.5 exposures on the 120 film and 32 6x4.5 exposures on the 220 film.

Removing the filminder back

photo

Insert the dark slide into the filminder back. Hold the camera in the left hand. With the right hand, hold the filminder back with thumb on the protruding edge of the dark slide. Press the dark slide inward with the thumb. This will release the filminder back from the camera. Remove the back by tilting and lifting it off the open hinge at the bottom.
Note: The dark slide is only necessary for removing the filminder back from the camera and should be withdrawn after back is attached to the camera.

Film Loading

Avoid direct light on film while loading

Steps 1-4, Steps 5-8, and Steps 9-10.

Film Loading:

1. Lift film indicator frame and press hood lock to right. Back will spring open.
   

2. Press two knobs together and lift film holder out
   

3. Insert empty take-up spool in top and fresh film spool on bottom. Spools are inserted by pressnig out against spring pressure plates on left side.
   

4. Draw leader paper down and across film pressure plate making sure that the leader paper is black side out.
   

5. Insert paper end in take-up spool and wind one turn
   

6. Press two knobs together and insert film holder into film back making sure that the film holder studs snap firmly into place. If film holder is not yet in position, turn film winder slightly and push film holder again until it snaps into place. (Be sure to turn manual film winder in direction of arrow).
   

7. Advance film with manual film wind on film back until film start mark matches red dot on holder.
   

8. Close back making sure hood lock covers the red mark.
   

9. The film indicator frame is designed to accept the end flap of the empty film box to indicate the type of film loaded in the film back.
   

10. Only even numbers will show in the exposure counter window after the number 8 appears. Odd numbers are indicated by a line. (on the Model E [16 exposure 6x4.5 back], only even numbers appear after the number 4. Odd numbers are indicated by a dot.
    

Removing Exposed Film


Steps 1-2


1. After taking last (12 th or 24 th) exposure, wind forward until indicator in film counter window does not move. (On the Model-E [16/32 exposure back] after the last (16 th) exposure on the 120 film is shot set pointer to F by pushing the free lever to right. Film winder will become free and the film can be quickly wound up on take-up spool).
   (photo of film advance knob being wound)
   

2. Open back cover and take out film holder gently by pressing two knobs together.
   (photo shows insert being removed)
   

Taking Photographs


Steps 1-4 and Steps 5-8


1. To cock shutter and advance film, turn crank clockwise until it stops.
   

   When winding the shutter, please be sure to keep turning the crank until it stops, even if you hear a sound half way. The sound means the shutter is wound, but the film is not advanced yet. Pressing the shutter button will result in a double exposure.
   

2. Turn to desired aperture (f-stop); align to white dot. Intermediate apertures may be used between the click stops.
   

3. To open focusing hood, slide hood lock to right. To close, press down sides, then back, then the cover.
   

4. Magnifier rises when cover is pressed toward back. Press magnifier down into place before closing hood.
   

5. Focus by rotating helicoid while observing image on ground glass.
   

6. Focusing scales for standard 75mm lens and 200mm telephoto lens are shown in white and scales for 135mm telephoto and 50mm wide angle are in red. The four red dots to right of infinity mark (sideways figure 8) show the infinity points when using infra-red film.
   

7. Depth-of-field scale for all lenses are also shown. Line between f/8 and f/4 represents f/5.6.
   

8. When the preview button is depressed,the diaphragm is closed down to the preselected aperture. The depth-of-field can be visualy checked. (Critical focusing and viewing are done with full aperture).
   

Shutter

Shutter dial photo

The vertical focal plane shutter has rubber-coated curtains. Speeds are set on a single non-rotating dial. Through a special stabilizing device, there is uniformly balanced exposure across the large film area even at high shutter speeds.

High quality miniature ball bearings are used. The shutter curtain travels across the 55mm film gate in 15-16 milliseconds. The X settings for electronic flash (strobe) represents 1/40 second. Intermediate shutter speeds can be selected between the following speeds: 1-1/4 1/8 -1/30 1/60-1/1000

photo shows side of shutter speed selection knob with red dot by 1/30 second setting and closeup of shutter button..

1 - Shutter Speed Dial

X represents 1/40 second and is the fastest shutter speed with which electronic flash can be used. Any faster settings will result in partial non-exposure. (see flash page 16 below).

2 - Selecting the Shutter Speed

3 - Color Codes of Shutter Dial

4 - When the dark slide is in the camera

Cable Release

To avoid camera movement, it is desirable to use a cable release when a slow shutter speed is used. Cable release sockets are provided both on the body release button and below the depth-of-field preview button.
photo shows cable release and DOF socket

Time Exposure Device

To close the shutter, turn the tip of the button clockwise.

photo shows B setting, Safety Lock

Safety Lock

To set the safety lock, rotate the tip of the release button clockwise. When the red dot is in outside position, shutter is locked.

FLASH

photo

Using neck strap

To remove, lift or raise the metal wings on camera strap stud and simultaneously lift off the coupling connector.
photo shows strap and mounting stud..

Exposure Setting Device

The upper left picture shows lever position when using 120 roll film. Keep pressing switch lever lock button and move lever until indicator arrow points to 12 mark. After the 12 th exposure the film advance crank will wind remaining film continuously onto takeup-spool with no resistance.
photo shows film back switch in 12 and 24 position..

The lower left picture shows lever position when using 220 roll film. Switch lever lock button should be also pressed to move lever until arrow points to 24 mark. In this way the film winding crank will stop at every number in exposure counter until 24 before becoming free, allowing the remaining film to be wound up on roll.

(When model E [16/32 exposure back] is used on your Bronica S2, set the film setting device on S. The film winding crank will stop at every number in the exposure counter until 32. When the pointer is set to F the film winding crank becomes free, allowing the remaining film to be wound continuously onto the takeup spool.)

Model S2 - Switch lever may be moved to the 24 exposure position at any time if you have forgotten to do so before loading.

Model -E - If at any time during a roll the pointer has accidentally been set on F, push the Free Wind Release button up and the pointer will return to S.

Making Double or Multiple Exposures

photo of 3 lenses

Interchangeable Lenses

To Remove Lens:
1. Extend lens by turning helicoid to closest focus position.
2. Press bayonet lock with thumb, and twist to left. (counterclockwise) Remove lens by pulling straight out.
   

To Mount Lens:
1. Line up red dot on lens and mount. Insert gently to full stop. Twist to right (clockwise) until bayonet lock snaps closed.
   

   The interchangeable lens system of the Zenza Bronica Model S2 can be used with earlier model bayonet type Bronica cameras. The screw thread (diameter 57mm, pitch 1 mm) shown at lower right is new with Model S2 and permits extension tube sets and certain very long telephoto lenses to be mounted.
   

   photo of lens mounting
   

   Thread for telelenses and extension tube set)
   

   Nikkor Interchangeable Lenses

   photo of 50-400mm and 600mm lens
   

   Nikkor 50mm f3.5
   Lens construction: 6 groups 6 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 77 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 1.0 ft (33 cm)
   Filter Size: 82mm screw type
   Weight: 16.1 oz. (460 gm)
   

   Nikkor 75mm f2.8
   Lens construction: 4 groups 5 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 55 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 1.9 ft (60 cm)
   Filter Size: 67mm screw type
   Weight: 8.0 oz. (230 gm)
   

   Nikkor 135mm f3.5
   Lens construction: 3 groups 4 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 33 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 3.3 ft (1.6 m)
   Filter Size: 67mm screw type
   Weight: 14.3 oz. (410 gm)
   

   Nikkor 200mm f/4
   Lens construction: 5 groups 5 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 21 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 10.2 ft (2.8 m)
   Focusing distance with closeup lens:
   5.4 ft to 9.6 ft (1.7m to 3 m)
   Filter Size: 67 screw type
   Weight: 26.2 oz. (750 gm)
   

   Nikkor 400mm f6.3 (with hood and strap)
   Lens construction: 4 groups 4 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 11 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 5 m (circa 15ft)
   Filter Size: 122mm screw type
   Weight: 93.55 oz. (3.3 kg)
   from page 25 of manual, goes with page 19
   

   Nikkor 600mm f5.6
   Lens construction: 4 groups 4 elements
   Minimum aperture: f/22
   Angle of view: 7 degrees
   Auto Diaphragm
   Closest distance: 11 m (circa 35ft)
   Filter Size: 122mm screw type
   Weight: 3.8 kg
   

   Helicoid Lens Mount

   When using the bellows attachment for closeup photographs or long focal length interchangeable lenses (400mm and over) fitted with helicoid focusing, remove the cameras helicoid mount and attach the bayonet adapter to the front of body mount as shown in lower right picture.
   

   1 - Press the helicoid retaining lock button and twist the helicoid lens mount to the left (counterclockwise). Remove the helicoid.
   

   2 - To return the helicoid, insert into body mount, lining up the red dots on Helicoid mount and body mount. Twist the helicoid mount to right (clockwise) until helicoid retaining lock snaps closed.
   

   Helical Mount photo
   

   Using focusing hood

   The focusing hood of the Zenza Bronica Model S2 can easily be removed and inserted. It is possible to use the prism finder for eye-level focusing or the outdoors magnifying hood which is adjustable for individual eyes. [n.b., using a +/- diopter range on magnifier]
   
   1 - Press upward the focusing hood retaining lock on the front of the camera body name plate and remove.
   2 - When inserting the focusing hood match the two tips on the back side of the focusing hood frame and the two holes on the back side of the focusing hood.
   

   Press down and lock the front side of the focusing hood.
   Focusing Aids photo
   

   Closeup Photography

   With the Zenza Bronica Model S2 75mm standard lens, you are able to approach up to 1.9 ft (60 cm) from the subject to the surface of the film with full extension of the helicoid. The 50mm wide angle lens goes to 1.0 ft (33cm), the 135mm telephoto lens to 3.3 ft (1.06m) and the 200mm telephoto lens to 10.2 ft (3.4m). (With the closeup lens on the 200mm, you can take photographs as close as 5.4 ft (1.7m).
   

   If you wish to photograph the subject even closer, use the special Bronica extension ring set or bellows attachment.
   

   Special Extension Ring Set for Model S2

   Insert the desired extension ring between the helicoid and the lens.
   (CA RING)
   The CA closeup ring has an aperture preview lever. Press this lever to open the aperture; when this lever is released, the aperture will close down.
   (CB RING)
   For closer pictures, use an additional CB ring on top of the CA ring.
   (CC and CD RINGS)
   The CD ring is twice as deep as the CC ring. See chart below for various combinations.
   Macrophotography Aids photo
   

   Magnification Rate and Exposure Multiple Rate mentioned above shown in the lenses closest position

   Ext. tube	Stroke	Nikkor 50mm f3.5		Nikkor 75mm f2.8		Nikkor 135mm f3.5		Nikkor 200mm f4
   Number	in.(mm)	Multipl. Ratio	Expos. Ratio	MR	EMR	MR	EMR	MR	EMR
   CA Ring	0.54-1.87in (14-48mm)	0.56	2.4	0.36	1.9	0.21	1.5	0.14	1.3
   CA+CB	1.0-1.6in (24-42mm)	0.84	3.4	0.54	2.4	0.31	1.7	0.21	1.5
   CA+CB+CC	1.6-2.1in (42-56mm)	1.12	4.5	0.72	3.0	0.41	2.0	0.28	1.6
   CA+CB+CD	2.1-2.7in (56-70mm)	1.40	5.8	0.90	3.6	0.52	2.3	0.35	1.8
   CA+CB+CC+CD	2.7-3.7in (70-84mm)	1.68	7.2	1.08	4.3	0.62	2.6	0.42	2.1

   Bellows Attachment Model 2

   If you wish to take a wide range of closeup photographs, rather than using the extension ring set, this attachment is most convenient. The Bronica bellows attachment model 2 is used with the bayonet adapter on the camera body mount.
   When used at the shortest extension with the standard 75mm lens,the magnification of picture is 0.9 times.
   When used at the longest extension with 75mm standard lens, the magnification of picture is 2.9 times.
   This attachment is equipped with the vertical and horizontal swing and tilt device.
   

   Lens Reversing Ring

   For maximum closeups, it is preferable to reverse the lens, as above by means of lens reversing ring.
   

   Filters

   Bronica filters are high grade filters having a special finish with superior surfaces.
   The 50mm wide angle lens requires 82mm screw-type filters.
   The other lenses (75mm to 200mm lenses) can be used with 67mm screw-type filters.
   The 400mm lens requires 122 mm screw-type filters.
   

   Filters

   *B type panchromatic films, Konpan S, SS Neopan S, SS, Plus X, Double XX and Verichrome; - C type panchromatic films SSS class films and Tri-X

   			Exposure Magnification
   		Color	B type panchro matic film		C type panchro matic film
   For Monochrome	Color	Number	Daylight	Art. Light	Daylight	Art. Light	Effect of Filters
   SL39	UV	Transparent	1	1	1	1	Absorbs ultraviolet rays which results in a clear image
   SY44	Y1	Light Yellow	1.5	1.3	1.5	1.2	Gives a clear image of sky and background in natural contrast
   SY48	Y2	Yellow	2.0	1.5	2.0	1.5	Shades down reds and yellows, Good contrast. For general use
   SO56	YA3	Amber	4.0	3.0	4.0	2.0	Brings out cloud effect. Strong contrast.
   SR60	R1	Red	8.0	4.0	6.0	3.0	Gives greater contrast. For perfect infra-red photography with infra-red film.
   G55	POO	Yellowish Green	2.5	2.0	4.0	3.0	Gives natural contrast with panchromatic film

   *Reduction of color temperature if plus, increase of color temperature if minus

   For Color	Color	Conversion Ratio for color temperature *Dekamired Value	Exposure Magnification	Classification Of color film	Effect of Filter
   L-1A	Light Yellow	0	1	Daylight type of Tungsten	Absorbs ultraviolet rays to prevent bluish appearance on background Adjusts natural color balance; used for lens protection
   O-85A	Orange	+1.2	2	Tungsten type	Conversion filter for tungsten type color film in daylight
   O-80A	Dark Blue	-1.2	2.5	Daylight type	Conversion filter for daylight type color film under artificial light
   B-82C	Blue	-4.0	1.5	Daylight type	Absorbs reddish color when photographs are taken before 9 am or after 3 pm in daylight
   O-81B	Amber	+4.0	1.5	Daylight type	Absorbs bluish color when photographs are taken in cloudy or shadowy conditions

   Nikkor 600mm f5.6 lens

   (listed above with page 19 lenses)
   600mm photo

   Accessories

   Accessories photo

2. Prism view finder Model A
   
3. Magnifying Hood (Photo)
   
4. Copy stand (photo)
   
5. Leathercase for 200mm, 135mm, and 50mm lenses (photo)
   
6. Lens hoods for 50mm, 75mm, and 135mm lenses (photo)
   
7. Hand grip model T (photo)
   
8. Hand grip model L (photo)
   

   S2 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, 50mm, 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, 1/250, 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
   

   Zenza Bronica Model C

   Special features of the Zenza Bronica Model C Camera
   The Zenza Bronica Model C camera is a sister to the S type, which is the supreme single lens reflex camera of 6x6 size.
   

   This camera has the efficiency of the S type, and is mechanically improved. The shutter sound and mirror shock are reduced as the result of experience with the S type, and constant research over a long period.
   

   Model C photo

   Specifications - Model C

   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
   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 - slip 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). Shutter release lock device, intermediate shutter speeds
   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.
   Multiple exposure - by turning multiple exposure knob
   Film counter - Automatically returns to '0'
   Camera body - made of 18-8 stainless steel, bright polished finish
   Dimensions - 100mm x 100mm x 140mm
   

   Zenza Bronica Industries Inc.
   25, 2-chome, Minami-Tokiwadai
   Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
   Phone: 956-3101
   [n.b. check bronica home page below for current address information]
   

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