[Cover page]
Meet Your Bronica!
It is best that you become intimately acquainted with your new Bronica
at the very
outset. For soon, you will both become close and inseparable companions
sharing many delights
and adventures in photography.
Your Bronica is a precision instrument upon which has been lavished
the utmost of
human ingenuity and skill. It is unique in its field possessing
conveniences and automatic features to
be found in no other instruments of its type.
The Bronica was designed to extend the scope of photographic expression beyond the limitations imposed by conventional equipment. It was designed to serve you - help you create the fine picture results you have often conceived yet found to be beyond the ken of present camera equipment. The Bronica is an integrated tool in which automatic operation and quality of performance combine to equip and assist you in achieving notably better pictures.
Devote the extra minutes it will take you to know your Bronica intimately.
Read the
instructions carefully. Your efforts will be rewarded by a fruitful
companionship which will last for
many, many years.
[page 2 blank, page 3 above]
Contents:
Illustrated Description of Bronica
[pages 8-17]
Special Features [pages 18-23]
Loading the Camera [pages 24-27]
Photography with the Bronica [pages 28-38]
(see detailed subject index on following page)
[page 5]
Subject Index
Illustrated
Description
Front View [pages 8,9]
Top View [pages 10,11]
Side View (right) [pages 12, 13]
Side View (left) [pages 14, 15]
Bottom View [pages 16,17]
Special Features
Instant Return Automatic Mirror [pages 18,19]
Instant Reopen Automatic Diaphragm and
Depth of Field Preview Button
[pages 20,21]
Interchangeable 'Filminder' Back and
Nikkor Optics [pages 22, 23]
Loading the
Camera
Removing the 'Filminder' Back [page 24]
Opening 'Filminder' Back [page 25]
Loading with Film [page 26, 27]
Replacing 'Filminder' Back [page 27]
Photography
with the Bronica
Winding the Shutter and Advancing the Film [page
28]
Pre-setting the Diaphragm and Focusing [page
28, 29]
Using the Depth-of-Field Preview Button [page
30]
Using the Self-Timer [page 30, 31]
Selecting the Shutter Speed [page 32]
Making the Exposure [page 33]
Making Double or Multiple Exposures and
Interchanging Lenses [page
34]
Using Flash [page 35]
Using the Neck-Strap [page 36]
Using a Tripod [page 37]
The Neutral Clutch De-jamming Screw [page 38]
[page 6]
Front View:
1 - Normal 75mm Nikkor f2.8 lens with instant reopen automatic diaphragm
2 - diaphragm pre-selector ring
3 - focusing knob - also advances film
5 - removable focusing hood with built-in magnifier
18 - focusing hood retaining lock
22 - body release with cable socket
23 - depth of field preview button
24 - focus lock lever
[page 8-9]
Top View:
1 - Normal 75mm Nikkor f2.8 lens with instant reopen automatic diaphragm
2 - Diaphragm pre-selector ring
3 - focusing knob - also advances film and winds shutter
5 - Removable focusing hood with built-in magnifier
7 - Interchangeable Filminder Back
17 - Focusing Hood lock
18 - Focusing Hood Retaing lock
19 - ASA film indicator
20 - Focusing Scale for 75mm lens
[page 10-11]
Side View (right)
1 - Normal 75mm Nikkor f2.8 lens with instant reopen automatic diaphragm
2 - Diaphragm pre-selector ring
3 - focusing knob - also advances film
4 - Shutter Speed Indicator Dial - 1 second to 1/1250th second, 'B'
and 'X'
5 - Removable focusing hood with built-in magnifier
6 - Double Exposure Setting
7 - Interchangeable Filminder Back
8 - Manual Film Winder
9 - Exposure counter with automatic '0' reset
10 - Camera Strap Studs
[page 12-13]
Side View (left)
1 - Normal 75mm Nikkor f2.8 lens with instant reopen automatic diaphragm
2 - Diaphragm pre-selector ring
5 - Removable focusing hood with built-in magnifier
7 - Interchangeable Filminder Back
10 - Camera Strap Studs
11 - Dark Slide for Filminder Back
12 - Lock and Release Button for removing Film Back Cover
13 - Flash Terminal with Bayonet Mount
14 - Calibrated Timer wheel for delayed action and automatic long exposures:
2 to 10 seconds
15 - Lock for Calibrated Timer
16 - Emergency De-jamming Screw
[page 14-15]
Bottom View:
1 - Normal 75mm Nikkor f2.8 lens with instant reopen automatic diaphragm
2 - Diaphragm pre-selector ring
3 - focusing knob - also advances film
7 - Interchangeable Filminder Back
21 - Bayonet Tripod Mount with conventional 1/4-20 tripod socket
[page 16-17]
One of the first delightful discoveries you make as you handle your new Bronica is in the speed with which the image returns to the viewing screen as the exposure is made. You've focused and 'framed' your subject. You shoot. And in no more than it takes for the exposure to be made, the image is back on the screen - as bright, as clear and as sharp as before. It gives you a sense of 'follow-through' as you shoot, a feeling of confidence about what you're getting. And it's all because of two features which alone, have made the Bronica a most remarkable instrument: the Instant Return Automatic Mirror and the Instant-Reopen Automatic Diaphragm.
Instant-Return Automatic Mirror
The reflex mirror of the Bronica is an exclusive original design. It will not flip up for the exposure as in other single lens reflex cameras. It moves forward and down, with greater clearance provided for deeply seated lenses, permitting shorter focal length to be used without mirror interference. Thus, the Bronica can be equipped with a normal 75mm lens, and can be used with a 50mm wide angle. After the exposure, the Bronica mirror instantly - automatically returns to viewing position.
[page 18]
Instant Reopen Automatic Diaphragm
Lenses for the Bronica have fully automatic diaphragms. You focus and
view with the lenses
wide open. When the exposure is made, the diaphragm automatically closes
down to the
aperture previously selected for the exposure. Directly after the exposure,
the diaphragm instantly and automatically reopens to fill aperture, to
provide a bright clear image on the focusing screen - ready for the next
picture without further adjustment.
The lens on the Bronica is always wide open for focusing and viewing.
This provides maximum
image-screen brightness for greater ease and accuracy. However, it
is often desirable to see the
depth-of-field at 'taking' aperture. By depressing the Depth-of-Field
Preview Button, the diaphragm automatically stops down. Release the button,
and the diaphragm instantly reopens to full aperture.
[page 21]
Interchangeable 'Filminder' Back
This convenient features offers many advantages. It permits you to change
film in the
middle of a roll (black-and-white to color, color to black-and-white,
indoor to daylight, etc.)
without the loss of a single exposure. It also permits you to
preload several backs and shoot continuously without having to stop and
reload.
The filminder back is fully automatic and foolproof. It is equipped
with a metal dark slide to
prevent film from being exposed while the back is off the camera. The
back cannot be removed
until the dark slide is inserted, and while the back is off the camera,
the dark slide cannot be
withdrawn.
When a filinder back is attached to the camera, no attention need be
paid as to whether the film or
the shutter had been previously wound. The transport knob, which normally
winds shutter and film simultaneously, automatically performs only the
required function. For example, if the shutter is wound, and if the
film in position has been exposed, rotating the transport knob 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 exposure
can be made.
[page 22]
Nikkor lenses are standard for the Bronica. No finer optics could be found whose quality more suitably complemented the superb performance of the Bronica. Nikkor lenses have proved to be the finest in 35mm photography field, a field in which optical quality is especially critical and demanding. Available focal lengths range from 50mm wide angle to 1000mm super telephoto. The 50, 75 and 135mm lenses are equipped with instant return automatic diaphragms and designated as Auto-Nikkors.
[page 23]
Loading The Camera 120 Roll Film
The Bronica may be loaded either with the Filminder back on or off the camera. Instructions for removing back are given for information only. If you prefer to load with the back attached start these instructions at IIA.
A. Hold camera in left hand. Grasp filminder back with right hand so that thumb rests on protruding edge of dark slide.
Note: The film back cannot be removed from the Bronica unless the metal slide is inserted. Therefore, if the dark-slide is out of the camera, it must first be inserted.
B. Press dark-slide inward with thumb. This releases the filminder back from the camera. Remove by tilting the filminder back as illustrated and lift from open hinge at bottom.
Note: Your Bronica 'Filminder' Back is equipped with two dark-slides. They differ only in the shape of the handle. The one with the smaller handle is recommended for use where the camera is to be carried about with the slide in position. By folding the handle flat against the slide before inserting, it will prevent the slide from being accidentally depressed, thereby inadvertently detaching the back.
[page 24]
A. Press red lock-button and simultaneously rotate lock-wheel in the direction of arrow (clockwise) as far as it will turn. Release red button first, then lock-wheel.
B. The filminder back cover can now be removed (as illustrated)
C. Remove film holder from filminder back.
D. Note that the film-holder consists of two parts hinged together. By swinging the two parts open you can see the inside two spindles which accept the take-up spool. The two spindles on the outer part accommodate the full film spool.
III Loading the 'Filminder' Back
A. With film holder open, pinch grey plastic tabs together as indicated by red arrows. This opens spindles to allow clearance for inserting full film spool.
B. Place full film spool into 'well' so that outside of paper backing unrolls in contact with curved portion of film holder. Release spindle tabs.
C. Draw paper backing over the first roller, across the flat pressure plate and over the second roller.
D. Open film holder and insert leader paper backing into wide slot of take-up spool. Secure by rotating take-up spool one revolution (turns in one direction only).
Caution: Make sure the leader paper is pulled out in parallel
E. Close film holder and re-insert into open filminder back with gear on film holder towards gear in filminder back.
F. Replace cover on filminder back with ASA film speed indicator at top. Press red button and squeeze together until back 'clicks' down. The Filminder Back is now loaded and closed.
G. Set ASA indicator for type and speed of film.
At this point film may be wound by simply turning Manual Film Wind - or with Film Advance Knob after Filminder Back is attached to camera. In either case winding will stop automatically when film reaches first exposure. Exposure Counter Window will show (1).
[page 26]
Film Separation Tention System:
Perfect surface flat tention is achieved, guaranteeing the utmost flatest surface of the film to be exposed, with the ''click clamp'' after the film is rolled into position automatically. This system, added with the S guide, insures perfection in flat surface of the film to be exposed (in any roll film camera).
However, this system does not in any way, retard the film advance for reserve film yet to be exposed.
[Ed. note: Tension is mis-spelled as Tention in several places above in original text]
A. Engage open hinge sections at bottom of filminder back and camera.
B. Swing so that they join at top (reverse of opening procedure).
C. Press filminder back against camera until sharp 'click' is heard. Filminder back is now attached.
Note: At this point, remove dark-slide completely in readiness for taking pictures.
[page 27]
V. Winding the Shutter and Advancing the Film
The focusing knob on the Bronica also serves to wind the shutter and advance the film.
A. The focusing knob is brought into shutter and film wind position by pulling the knurled ring on the focus knob outward as far as it will go. A 'click' will indicate that the knob is in winding position and a red arrow will become visible on the shaft.
Now, turn the knob forward, in the direction of the arrow to wind the shutter and advance the film. If the film had been previously advanced, only the shutter will wind, and vice versa.
B. After the shutter and film have been fully wound, turn the knob back slightly in the direction opposite the arrow, and the ring will snap back into focusing position.
VI Pre-setting the Diaphragm and Focusing the Lens
A. Set diaphragm for pre-selected exposure or 'taking' aperture by rotating Diaphragm Pre-selector Ring on lens until desired aperture marking is adjacent to white dot. Pre-Selector Ring may also be set for intermediate apertures (between markings).
B. Slide Hook Lock in direction of arrow and raise finger. Hood will unfold and open erect.
[page 28]
C. Look at the image on the focusing screen. Note how uniformly bright it is from corner to corner, and, as you rotate the focusing knob, how readily you can detect when the image is 'infocus' or 'out-of-focus'.
D. If the 75mm normal lens is on the camera, you can refer to the distance scale on the shaft of the focusing knob. The distance scales for the 50mm wide angle and 135mm telephoto lenses are engraved on the focusing tube.
E. If a magnified image is desired, push back on hood cover. This will release the magnifier, and it will spring into position. Keep your eye close to the magnifier, and you can then see the entire field of the focusing screen.
F. After the lens has been critically focused, it can be locked in that position. Pull down Focus Lock Lever as shown in accompanying illustration.
G. To replace magnifier, press down on metal magnifier frame until it locks against the under-side of the hood cover.
H. To close the hood, first hold in the sides, then the back, and lastly, bring the front cover down until 'clicks' shut.
I. To remove the focusing hood - either for cleaning the screen or interchanging with sports or other finders - lift the Hood Retaining Lock above camera name plate. Hood will spring free.
J. To replace hood slide it on so that the two metal tabs on the camera fit into the slots on the rear of the hood frame. Snap hood closed.
[page 29]
VII Using the Depth-of-Field Preview Button
In the Bronica the lens is always wide open for viewing and focusing, regardless of the aperture you have selected for the exposure. After having focused, however, you may want to see the depth-of-field at 'taking' aperture.
A. While looking at the focusing screen (with or without magnifier) press the red button with the forefinger of your left hand. This will instantly close the diaphragm down to your preselected 'taking' aperture and the image in the screen will show the exacat depth-of-field at that aperture.
B. Release the red button and the diaphragm will instantly spring open to full aperture.
With automatic exposures from 1 second through 1/1250th, the action of the shutter can be delayed for any interval ranging from 2 to 10 seconds. The photographer can thus allow a sufficient lapse of time to step into the 'picture' before the shutter action occurs.
Another valuable use for this feature is suggested in cases where the exposure is long (1 second to 1/15th, or even 1/30th) and it is desirable to avoid jarring or moving the camera by the pressure on the body release. By introducing a time delay, the shutter action (exposure) takes place automatically some time after the body release has been squeezed. Any time delay interval can be selected.
[page 30]
A. Rotate the Speed Selector to the desired shutter speed (see IX-B).
B. Set the Calibrated Timer Wheel for the desired delay interval, first releasing the Calibrated Timer lock by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. As soon as dial is free to rotate remove finger from Timer Lock.
C. If the Shutter has not previously been wound, do so at this time.
D. Make the exposure in the normal fashion; by pressing the body release.
Note: If after you have set the Calibrated Timer Wheel you wish to re-set it for a shorter interval, simply slide the Calibrate Timer Lock in the direction of the arrow and hold until the Timer Wheel runs down to the interval desired. Or if you have decided not to use delayed action, let the Timer run down completely (to 'O').
To increase time interval, simply continue rotation of Timer Wheel to desired marking.
These instructions also apply where the Timer Wheel is used to make automatic exposures from 2 to 10 seconds (See IX-D).
[page 31]
IX Selecting the Shutter Speed
A. Shutter speed may be selected either before or after the shutter is wound.
B. Rotate the Shutter Selector on the focus knob (in either direction) until the desired shutter speed 'clicks' into position under red arrow head indicator. The Selector may also be set for intermediate shutter speeds (between markings).
C. The numerals represent shutter speeds of 1 second, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, X, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1250th. ''X'' represents 1/50th second, and is the fastest shutter speed with which X-type (electronic) flash units may be used (see Using Flash). "'B'' stands for Bulb and is used for manual exposures beyond 10 seconds (see section X part E) as well as for automatic exposures up to 10 seconds, as follows:
D. Automatic exposures from 2 to 10 seconds are made by setting the Speed Selector to 'B'. Now, release the lock for the Calibrated Timer Dial by sliding it in the direction of the white arrow, and simultaneously rotate the Calibrated Timer Wheel until the desired interval is directly over the red arrow head. Remove finger from lock as soon as Timer Dial is free to rotate.
(See NOTE on preceding page for changing exposure after Timer Wheel is set.)
[page 32]
Having advanced film, wound the shutter, selected the 'taking' aperture
and shutter speed, and
having focused the lens, you are now ready to make the exposure.
A. .If the metal dark slide has not been previously withdrawn, it is necessary to do so at this time. The Bronica cannot be 'fired' with the dark slide in position. It must be completely removed. Simply pull the wire handle until the slide is withdrawn.
Note: The dark slide need not be reinserted after the exposure unless
you intend to remove the filminder back.
B.To make the exposure, squeeze the body release with the right or
left forefinger, as
preferred. You will notice that the image
returns to the viewing screen the instant after the
exposure - bright and clear as before.
This is the result of two automatic Bronica features;
the instant return automatic mirror and the
instant reopen automatic diaphragm.
C.When shooting at speeds slower than 1/30th second, it is recommended
that the Bronica
be mounted on a stable tripod or rested on
a firm support.
D. For long exposures, it is also advisable to use a cable relase. The body release button is threaded to accommodate such a cable.
[E. is skipped in text]
F. For exposures longer than 10 seconds, the film and shutter are wound as usual, and the Speed Selector set at 'B'. The Calibrated Timer is left at 'O', undisturbed. As you now operate the body release (preferably using a cable) the shutter opens, and remains open, exposing the film for as long as the pressure is maintained. Release the pressure, and the shutter closes instantly.
[page 33]
XI. Making Double or Multiple Exposures
Your Bronica has built-in protection agains inadvertent double exposures. For the shutter wind also advances the film.
However, there are times when deliberate double exposures may be desired.
The Bronica has made provision for this.
A. Having made one exposure, and wishing to make another on the same (exposed) film frame, turn the Double Exposure Setting 1/4 turn clockwise - rotating the milled ridges from black A to red D.E.
B. As you now rotate te transport knob, only the shutter will wind; the film will not advance. You may now make the double exposure.
C. As the expoure is made, the Double exposure Setting automatically returns to normal or A position. It must be reset to D.E. for each exposure to be made on a previously exposed film.
Your Bronica interchanges lenses quickly and easily.
The normal 75mm lenses, the
50mm wide angle and the 135mm telephoto are equipped with quick-change,
1/4-turn bayonet
mounts.
A. To remove bayonet-mounted lens, hold lens front in the
right hand with thumb on milled
ridges of Lens Bayonet Lock.
B. Press bayonet lock with thumb, and simultaneously twist lens to the left (counter-clockwise) 1/4 turn. Remove lens.
C. To mount lens, insert lens into focusing tube, lining
up the red dots on lens ring and focusing
tube. Twist the lens-mount to right (clockwise)
until bayonet lock snaps closed.
D. The longer than 180mm Nikkor telephoto lenses with preset apertures can be mounted on the larger Bayonet outside the focusing tube.
[photo page 34b]
[page 34]
Note: The inside of the Bronica focusing tube is threaded (diameter - 57mm, pitch 1mm) in order to accept any lenses you now have. The distance from the foremost front edge of focusing tube to the film emulsion is 102.0 mm. [n.b. error in text says diameter 75mm]
Your Bronica is internally synchronized at shutter speeds from 1 second through 1/30th and 'X' (1/50th) for use with X-type speedlights At all speeds through 1/1250th, it is synchronized for FP-type (focal-plane) flash bulbs.
The Bronica flash terminal accepts standard connecting cords, or the bayonet mount and accessory adapter may be used to secure the unit to the camera. This provides a positive cordless connection to the flash terminal.
A. Secure flash unit to Bayonet Flash adapter and plug-in connecting cord into socket on flash adapter.
B. Insert Bayonet flash adapter into Bayonet Flash Mount on camera and rotate until Adapter snaps locked in position desired. This makes positive electrical contact. The bayonet adapter may be mounted to the camera at angles suitable for either direct or bounce flash.
C. To remove flash unit, pull knurled ring on sleeve of Bayonet Flash Adapter (toward flash unit) rotate 1/4 turn in either direction and remove.
Note: The flash terminal socket on the Bayonet Flash Adapter has a lock collar to prevent the DC cord-tip from slipping out. Rotate collar a few turns counter-clockwise, insert tip and tighten collar by turning clockwise.
[page 35]
XIV. Using the Bronica Neck Strap
The shoulder strap supplied with your Bronica serves two
purposes. One, it provides a safe and
convenient means for carrying the camera, and two, it helps steady
the camera during the
exposure, especially with long focus lenses. You will note that when
the strap is attached, the camera hangs lens down. This position proved
most convenient and comfortable. It also serves to protect the lens.
A. The shoulder strap is equipped with a coupling connector
at each end. Place these coupling
connectors over the camera strap studs on each side of the camera and
press. The strap is now securely attached to the camera.
B. To remove the strap, lift or raise the metal wings on each camera strap stud, and simultaneously, lift off the coupling connectors.
C. As an aid to steadying the camera during exposure, first
adjust the length of the strap until
the camera is at a comfortable distance for focusing and viewing. During
the exposure draw downward on the camera so that the strap is strained
and taut. This will greatly minimize the effects of hand vibration.
[photo page 36b]
[page 36]
XV. Using a Tripod with Your Bronica
The Bronica is equipped with a standard 1/4-20 tripod socket. But, in addition, there is also a Bayonet Tripod Mount which provides a firmer support and a faster and more convenient means for attaching and detaching the camera from a tripod. An accessory tripod bayonet mount adapter is available for this purpose.
A. Screw tripod head securely into tripod socket on adapter, and tighten.
B. Rotate outer knurled ring in the arrow direction marked 'FREE' as far as it will go. This will cause red dots to meet.
C. Place bayonet mount on camera into adapter with metal pin toward front of camera and entering tripod socket.
D. When camera is firmly seated on adapter, rotate knurled ring in arrow direction marked 'FIX'.
E. To remove camera from tripod, simply rotate ring to 'FREE' and lift camera. To attach camera, set Bayonet Mount into adapter and rotate ring to 'FIX'.
[photo page 37]
[page 37]
XVI. The Neutral Clutch De-Jamming Screw
Your Bronica is a sturdy, foolproof, precision instrument. Yet, if handled incorrectly or improperly, it may jam. One instance in which this may occur is where an attempt is made to change the shutter speed while the Calibrated Timer is running down for a delayed action exposure; the others are where the shutter curtains or mirror is interfered with during exposure, or the last tip of the leader paper is inadvertently rolled into shutter curtains while being wound up after a roll of film has been exposed. In the event your Bronica does jam, you can put it into operation as follows:
A. Insert a fine screwdriver into the Neutral Clutch De-Jamming Screw and turn to the right (clockwise) as far as it will go. This will instantly release the mechanism. Or in an emergency, using care not to bend it, the corner of the Slide will do.
B. Now turn the screw back (counterclockwise) to its original position, and your Bronica is ready for use again.
Printed in Japan.
[page 38]
[END]
![photo page 36]](bronza36.jpg){kind=link}
