Bronica SQ-A - Manual
Bronica SQ-A - Manual
Bronica SQ-A - Manual
Congratulations on your choice of the Bronica SQ-A single lens reflex camera that has been developed to give you quality performance, simple handling convenience and extremely useful versatility, such as required for professional photography. The Zenza Bronica SQ-A has been designed to take full advantage of the square 6cm x 6cm medium format. It has also been developed as a complete modular "system" camera, with a very high degree of interchangeability in lenses, finders, focusing screens, film backs, etc. To obtain best results from your camera, we suggest that you read this instruction manual carefully, before you even touch the camera. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with its working parts, before loading your first roll of film, and your pleasure in using the Zenza Bronica SQ-A will be even greater. NOTICE Although instructions following are based on a standard combination consisting of the main camera body with standard lens, film back SQ 120 and waist level finder, the choice of lens, film back and finder is left to the discretion of the photographer, who should choose those items best suited to the type of assignments contemplated.
Contents
Page
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Loading the Battery Battery Checking Attachment and Removal of Film Backs Construction of Film Back Film Loading ASA/ISO Film Speed Dial Film Type Indicator Frame Film Advance and Shutter Cocking Exposure Counter Film Unloading Setting the Shutter Speed Dial Shutter Release Button Time (T) Exposure Exchanging Lenses Interchanging Finders Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers Setting the Aperture Focusing Adjustments Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale Infrared Photography Flash Photography Multiple Exposures Mirror Lock-up Interchanging Focusing Screens Attachment of the Neck Strap Facts about the Battery Pointers on Shooting Care of the SQ-A Depth of Field Table Specifications of Zenzanon-S Lenses
Standard Lens
Filter Size
67mm diameter on 50mm to 250mm lenses; 95mm diameter on 40mm lens and 500mm lens. Exclusive four-claw Bronica SQ bayonet mount. Helical focusing system built into each lens; angle of rotation 171 for standard lens. Fully automatic instant reopening lens diaphragm action; equal-distant aperture scale graduations; depth of field previewing. Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf shutter; shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 secMultiple exposure possible with lever on main camera body. Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever on the side of main camera body for single or continuous picture taking.
Lens Mount
Focusing
Lens Diaphragm
Shutter
Multiple Exposure
Mirror Lock-Up
Flash Synchronization
Battery Checking
Red-colored LED lights up at front end of finder, outside screen area, when battery check button is depressed; also doubles as shutter closing signal. Single 6-volt silver oxide battery (No. 544, PX28 or 4G13) or alkaline manganese battery (No. A544 or 4LR44.) 92mm wide x 109mm high x 179mm long (with standard lens, Film Back SQ 120 and waist-level finder S) 1,500 grams- (with standard lens, Film Back SQ 120 and waist-level finder S) 915 grams- SQ-A main camera body w/ Film Back SQ 120 115 grams- Waist level finder S 470 grams- Zenzanon-S 80mm lens
Battery
Dimensions
Weight
Focusing hood catch Shutter speed dial Shutter speed scale Magnifier
Multiple exposure lever Neck strap eyelet Film winding crank Finder release button Depth of field preview lever
Lens release button Battery check button Film plane mark Spool holder
Dark slide slit Manual film winder Shutter release button locking ring Mirror lock-up switch lever Cable release socket Neck strap eyelet Film back release button
Flash synch contact Accessory mounting guide Tripod socket (1/4 screw) Battery chamber cover Battery chamber button
B. Coincide the plus (+) and minus (-) marks on the battery with similar polarity indications in the battery chamber. Then, push in the battery. Insert the battery chamber cover in, the BATTERY end first, and then move the cover in the other direction (opposite to the arrow indication) until it locks. * The shutter will be mechanically-controlled (at 1/500 sec.) when the battery is loaded with polarity marks reversed.
2. Battery Checking
A red-colored battery check LED lights up outside the focusing screen area, (central front of finder), when the battery check button is pressed. This means the battery is loaded properly and there is sufficient power for operations. * If the LED does not light up; (1) the battery is not loaded properly or, (2) the battery is completely drained and should be exchanged.
B. Depress the film back release button and the lower end of the film back can be removed, as illustrated. Simply shift the film back up slightly and pull it away. * The dark slide cannot be withdrawn from the film back when the film back is not attached to the main camera body. * The dark slide must be withdrawn from its slit, upon attachment of the film back to main body, or otherwise the shutter cannot be released. Furthermore, there is a danger of the film accidentally becoming detached from the main body, should the dark slide be left in its slit while the camera is being carried. Therefore, make it a rule to withdraw the dark slide promptly upon attaching the film back to the main body. C. To attach the film back to the main camera body, simply insert the latches at the upper end of the film back into the attachment openings at the upper end of the main camera body. Then, press the lower end of the film back against the main body until it locks securely.
B. The film back frame has a base with a dark slide slit and a back cover with an ASA/ISO film dial and a film type indicator frame. The film back frame completely encloses the film holder and shields it from outside light, as well as connecting it to the main camera body and also coupling with the finders with built-in exposure meters.
5. Film Loading
A. To open the back cover, squeeze the left and right back cover release buttons, in the arrow-indicated directions, at the same time and the back cover will open.
B. The film holder can be taken out for film loading, upon opening the back cover.
C. There are two spool holders on the film holder. The top one is for the fresh film spool and the bottom is for the empty take-up spool. The left side shaft of spool holder can be opened by pushing the fresh film spool outward in the arrow-indicated "A" direction. Therefore, insert the right end of the spool on to the right side shaft, which is fixed, and then close the left side holder (shaft) that will engage the spool. * The spool holders on the left side will be locked securely when the back cover is closed.
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5. Film Loading
(cont)
D. After loading the fresh film spool properly, draw out the leading end of the film and turn it across the film pressure plate (as illustrated). Run it down and turn it over to the take-up spool. Insert the leading end into the slit of the take-up spool and wind slightly until securely engaged. * The inside black surface of the leader must face out when running across the pressure plate, in this case.
E. Lift up the hinged flap and rotate the manual film winder on the right side of the film holder in the arrow-indicated direction. When starting point, or arrow-mark, on the leader is aligned with the triangular start-mark on the top left side of the film holder, stop rotation.
F. The starting point, or arrow mark, can also be aligned with the start-mark, with the film holder loaded in the film back. Simply rotate the film-winding crank on the main camera body, in this case. This method is preferred since there will be coupling with the main camera body mechanism, from the beginning.
* If the film is not advanced when the film-winding crank is rotated, the film holder is not inserted properly and/or the main camera body may be set for multiple exposures. In the latter case, return the multiple exposure lever to an upright or vertical position. (See "22. Multiple Exposures").
G. Close the back cover by pressing it firmly against the base of the film back, as illustrated. The back cover will automatically close and lock. The same operation will close the back cover when the film back is detached from the main body.
5. Film Loading
(cont)
H. Upon loading the film, rotate the film-winding crank until it stops to place the first frame into place for taking the picture. The exposure counter will also change from "S" to "1", while the shutter will also be cocked.
When the film back is detached from the main camera body for film loading, the manual film winder is used for advancing the film. The film will stop when it is in place for the first exposure, with the exposure counter also changing to "1". However, it will be possible to rotate the manual film winder and it should be rotated two or three times more, in order to take up any slack in the loaded film.
* When loading 220 roll film in the Film Back SQ 220, do not mistake the dotted line before the arrow-mark for the start-mark.
9. Exposure Counter
The exposure counter shows the number of frames exposed or, in other words, is an additive type. Starting from "S", the counter on the Film Back SQ 120 shows numbers from 1 to 12, while Film Back 220 shows numbers from 1 to 24. The letter "S" and numbers "12" and "24" are orange-colored, while all other numbers are white.
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B. Remove the film holder and, while preventing the loose film from unwinding, take out the take-up spool. Seal the exposed film and return it to its original box until development. * Load and unload film away from direct sunlight and/or strong illumination.
B. The numbers on the scale are color-coded in orange and white. Orange-colored numbers are full number settings of 1 second and longer while white-colored numbers are settings from to 1/500 second. There is no B (bulb) setting. See time (T) exposures. Shutter speed settings can be changed before or after shutter cocking.
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B. Safety Lock- The shutter release button can be locked to prevent accidental operations. Simply rotate the locking ring 60 clockwise, which will place a red dot on the side. The cable release socket will also be locked, in this case. To release the safety lock, rotate the locking ring counter-clockwise and place the red dot diagonally lower. The shutter cannot be released in the following cases:1. Shutter release button is locked. 2. Dark slide is inserted. 3. Film winding crank has not been rotated fully. (Same when exposure counter is still between "S" and "1".) 4. Shutter is not cocked. 5. Lens is not properly attached. (Same with extension tubes and bellows.) 6. Lens release button is being depressed. 7. All frames (12 on 120 roll film and 24 on 220 roll film) have been exposed already. * If film-winding crank is rotated while depressing shutter release button, the shutter will be released when the winding action is completed. * A cable release or self-timer can be used with the cable release socket on the main body.
(cont)
A. Unscrew the set screw on the time exposure lever until further revolution is impossible, which will permit the lever to be moved freely. * Except for time exposures, always shift the time exposure lever so that "A" is visible on the lens barrel and keep it locked with the set screw to prevent accidental movement.
B. Next, cock the shutter with the film-winding crank and then shift the time exposure lever to the left (looking from the body towards the lens), which will expose a red-colored "T" on the barrel. The shutter will stay open when the shutter release button is depressed in this condition. The shutter is closed by shifting the time exposure lever in the opposite direction and exposing the letter "A" once more.
B. To detach the lens, the film-winding crank must also be rotated to cock the lens shutter first. Then, press the lens release button down and, at the same time, rotate the lens in the clockwise direction until it makes a full stop. At this point it will be possible to detach the lens.
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B. To detach, simply depress the finder release button, while, at the same time, sliding the finder backwards where it can be taken up.
B. The magnifier is flipped into viewing position by simply sliding the release lever in the arrow-indicated direction. To store the magnifier, simply push it down until it catches. * The magnifier can be exchanged for one matching the eyesight of the user.
C. To close the focusing hood, first, push down the magnifier (if it is in viewing position). Next, press in both side frames, as illustrated, and at the same time, press the front frame back towards the rear. The focusing hood will automatically be folded down.
15
(cont)
D. The standard magnifier supplied with the waist-level finder has a power of -1.5 diopters, which can be exchanged for others with powers of -4.5, -3.5, -2.5, -0.5, +0.5, and +1.5 diopters. These optional accessories should be purchased to suit the user's eyesight, if necessary. Simply rotate the magnifier frame in the counter-clockwise direction to unscrew. Attach in the reverse manner.
B. All interchangeable lenses for the Zenza Bronica SQ-A have fully automatic lens diaphragms, which means that the focusing screen is always viewed at the full aperture, with the brightest possible image. However, depressing the depth of field preview lever will stop the lens diaphragm down to the pre-selected lens opening and permit the photographer to check the depth of field effect on the focusing screen.
* The aperture ring must not be adjusted while the depth of field preview lever is being depressed. * If exposure measurements are taken with the depth of field preview lever depressed, when using finders with built-in exposure meters, the shutter speed setting indicated will cause over-exposure. This is because proper exposures are obtained with exposure measurements made at full aperture.
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B. The central split-image spot splits the image into two, with the upper and lower halves separated horizontally when the lens is out of focus. When in focus, however, the two halves will coincide with the displacement disappearing. The microprism ring surrounding the central spot can also be used for checking the sharpness of the focused image, since the image will glitter when the lens is not focused. The surrounding full-area matte surface can also be used for checking image sharpness.
B. There is an apparent zone of sharpness, both in front and back of the focused subject, which is known as the depth of field. The depth of field scale shows the zone of apparent sharpness at any lens opening or distance and can be utilized for quickly and simply ascertaining the depth of field. The depth of field scale is next to the distance scales and is made up of identical pairs of apertures on both sides of the orange-colored distance index.
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(cont)
These identical pairs of apertures indicate the distance that will be in focus at these lens openings. For example, if the 80mm lens is focused at a distance of 3m, it can be seen from the depth of field scale that the zone will extend from 2 to 7 meters (6 ft. to 23 ft.), when a lens opening of F/22 is used. * See the depth of field table for the Zenzanon-S 80mm lens.
B. The lens shutter of the Zenzanon-S lens has a X-setting for flash synchronization, which means that electronic flash units will synchronize at all shutter speed settings, up to the fastest 1/500 second. This means that flash fill-in for daylight shots can also be made very easily.
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B. Upon taking the multiple-exposed picture, be sure to return the multiple exposure lever back to its vertical position and cover the red mark. Otherwise, there will be additional multiple exposures on the same frame.
C. The shutter will be released when the shutter release button or cable release is depressed.
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(cont)
D. When S is set to the index with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the lever will automatically return to N, with the next film advancing and shutter cocking action. And, following shots will be normal.
E. When C is set to the index with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the lever will not return to N with the next film advancing and shutter cocking action. Therefore, shooting with the mirror locked-up will be possible any number of times. * When the film winding crank is revolved, after all 12 or 24 exposures, film winding only in the normal manner, will not take place, but the shutter will be released with the mirror locked up, any number of times. Therefore, always return the mirror lock-up switch lever to N after the last 12th or 24th exposure, and wind the film in the normal manner.
F. To return to normal shooting with the mirror locked up in the continuous mode, rotate the mirror lock-up switch lever and set S or N to the index, then cock the shutter. When shooting is suspended, after mirror lock-up in the S or C mode, by rotating the mirror lock-up switch lever to N, one of the following actions will take place1. Shutter will be released, or 2. Shutter will not be released; furthermore, it will not be possible to press the shutter release button. * In order to prevent the above, shooting should be continued, in the following manner;
a. Advance the film and cock the shutter. In this case, a single exposure will be wasted.
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(cont)
b. Cover the lens and take one blank exposure, as follows: First, return the mirror lock-up switch lever to N setting. Then, use the multiple exposure lever and expose the frame. Finally, after exposing the frame, reverse the multiple exposure lever. (See 22. Multiple Exposures.)
c. Utilize film back interchangeability and expose the frame after removing the film back from the main body. Then, continue shooting, according to "b" preceding. (See 3. Attachment and Removal of Film Back.)
B. To install the focusing screen, nest the protrusion at the rear end of the screen in the corresponding groove on the main camera body. Then, slide both screen removal levers forward to secure the focusing screen. * Seven types of focusing screens are available for the Zenza Bronica SQ-A.
Microprism / split-image
Microprism
Matte
Split-image
Grid-lines
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B. Next, place the plastic ring cover over the u-shaped ring, as illustrated.
C. Next, thread the neck strap through the plastic ring cover (and the U-shaped ring) and pull it out, as illustrated.
D. After adjusting the length of the neck strap, pass the leading end of the strap through the buckle, as illustrated, which will fix it securely. * There should be no slack between the buckle and the plastic ring cover, or in "A" section, which means that both straps must be of the same length at this point.
22
24
1.5 1.55 1.45 1.57 1.44 1.60 1.41 1.64 1.38 1.71 1.34 1.82 1.28 2.00 1.21
1.2 1.23 1.17 1.24 1.16 1.26 1.15 1.29 1.13 1.33 1.10 1.39 1.06 1.48 1.01
1.0 1.02 0.98 1.03 0.97 1.04 0.96 1.06 0.95 1.08 0.93 1.12 0.91 1.18 0.87
0.9 0.92 0.89 0.92 0.88 0.93 0.87 0.94 0.86 0.96 0.85 0.99 0.83 1.04 0.80
0.8 0.81 0.79 0.82 0.78 0.82 0.78 0.83 0.77 0.85 0.76 0.87 0.74 0.90 0.72
22
0.4
0.5
0.8
0.85
1.5
(1.3 ft) Filter Size (mm) 95 Overall length (mm) 83 Weight (grams) Equivalent focal length in 35mm format camera (mm) 660
(1.6 ft) 67
(2.6 ft) 67
(2.8 ft) 67
(4.9 ft) 67
62 560
52 470
60 540
61 590
21
28
45
58
85
26
(cont)
200 mm F4.5
No. of group-element Angle of View 22 30 Apertures 4.5 - 32 5-5
250 mm F5.6
5-5
500 mm F8
6-7
Tele-converter S 2X
5-6
18
5.6 - 32
8 - 45
2.5 Minimum focusing distance (M) (8.2 ft) Filter Size (mm) 67 Overall length (mm) Weight (grams) 740 Equivalent focal length in 35mm format camera (mm)
8.5
(9.8 ft)
(28 ft)
67
95
97
129
255
53
870
1890
500
105
135
280
27