Bronica Z / D
The first model Bronica 6x6 SLR camera early on is often just called Bronica upon introduction. It was also called Bronica Z because of the big Z on the hood. It was produced in 1958.
It had a number of innovative features that was not available at the time on 6×6 SLR cameras. It was the first with an instant return and downward flipping mirror. Along with a very fast 1/1250th of a second shutter speed.
The lens system consist of two main parts. The focusing helical and the lens. The focusing helical is on the camera body and can extend outwards from the body. A focusing scale is also located on the helical. The lens contains the release to dismount from the focusing helical.
The main control knob is multi functional and operates the focusing, film advance, and shutter cocking. In normal mode the knob operates focusing. To change to the film advance mode; pull the knob outwards, a red arrow will now show on the knob spindle. Rotate the knob forward to advance and cock the shutter. To return to focusing mode; rotate the knob backwards and it will snap back into place. The shutter settings are also on top face of this same knob.
The shutter settings are from 1 to 1/1250 sec. with X as 1/50 sec for electronic flash sync. B is for the bulb mode and can also be used for exposures from 2 to 10 seconds by using the timer dial. To do so unlock the dial by sliding and holding the lock and rotating the number (2-10) to the red arrow and release the lock when set. A PC connector is also on this dial.
Bronica D
The Bronica D or Bronica Deluxe is a very similar camera to the Z. The name was introduced in approx 1960. The name was created because of the development of the more simplified camera the Bronica S. It was also created to standardize the name of the first model. The Bronica D name is often used in reference to the first cameras instead of Bronica or Bronica Z. The D models improve upon the earlier model. It no longer use brass materiel in the gearing that has caused problems. The multi function knob is now in a dark colour. The film back has also been changed to semi automatic loading requiring the use a start mark to align the paper leader.
Specifications
| Z / D | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 1959 / 1960 |
| Type | 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 (6cm × 6cm) Single lens reflex camera |
| Film back | removable |
| Film | 120 roll film 12 exposures |
| Finder | Fresnel lens and large magnifier |
| Viewfinder hood | interchangeable with pentaprism finder or magnifying hood |
| Focusing | built-in non-removable Helicoid type |
| Distance Scale | 50mm |
| Mirror | flip down, instant return, automatic mirror system |
| Depth-of-Field | Depth-of-field can be checked by pressing preview button |
| Shutter | Vertical-travel focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speeds | B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1250, X (1/50) Long exposure: 1s to 10s |
| Multiple exposure | yes |
| Self timer | yes, adjustable delay 1 to 10s |
| Film winding | winding crank or knob |
| Dimensions | 89 × 86 × 136mm |
| Weight | 1.165 kg |
