Bronica S2

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The Bronica S2, is a 6×6 focal plane SLR released by Bronica in 1965, is the successor of the Bronica S. From 1972 it was overshadowed by the Bronica EC, but improved revisions of the S2 continued to be marketed for a number of years before being officially discontinued in 1977.

The S2 included a number of minor changes from the S, but the main improvement was the switch to a removable helical focusing mount. This mount could focus lenses with focal lengths from 40mm to 200mm; longer lenses have their own helicoids (either separate or integrated) and can be mounted to the bayonet. The bellows accessory also uses the bayonet to mount onto the body. Mirror lock down feature is no longer available. The film back has also been improved; now with the capability to accept 220 roll film, the choice of 120 or 220 is selectable with a small dial on the film back.

The S2 uses a vertical-travelling cloth focal plane shutter. Shutter speeds are available from 1 to 1/1000s and B. Flash sync uses X and FP on an automatic PC terminal at a 1/40s sync speed. The shutter must be cocked before each shot by cranking the film winding lever. Many who used the system for the first time are often a bit too careful when using the film advance knob. One needs to advance the knob typically 3 to 4 complete rotations or multiple smaller rotations until it feels like it stops then rotate a bit more until you hear the shutter cock. This sounds is often very unnatural and feels like something broke.

Along with using 120 / 220 roll film, a instant peel-apart Polaroid back was also available for the S2. Film backs are removed from the camera by inserting a dark slide and pressing it firmly into the slot. As a safety feature, the shutter will not fire if the dark slide is not removed. Because all of the camera functions are fully mechanical, no battery is needed.

The standard lens for the S2 was a 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor P. The regular version of the camera uses chrome on the body, an alternate model called S2 Black was also available without the bright chrome. A similar version called Bronica C2 was also available, with a non-removable integrated back.

The Bronica S2A was released in 1969 and is the successor of the S2. It specifications and outer appearance are nearly identical to those of the S2. The main difference is an improved film advance gear mechanism, reputed to result in fewer jams. The film advance and cocking dial has been changed and is smaller than the previous version.

Gallery


Lenses

See Bronica lenses.

Accessories

  • CA ring extension with preview lever. CB, CC and CD ring.
  • Bellows attachment S2 ( 60 to 214mm length, V and H tilt and shift )
  • Compact bellows
  • Film back
  • Film back E (6x4.5)
  • Lens reverse ring
  • Prism view finder A
  • Magnifying hood
  • TTL exposure meter finder
  • Hand grip T (pistol)
  • Hand grip L
  • Copy stand

Identification

Bronica S, S2 and S2A look very similar to each other, but there are some clues to identify them. The Bronica S typically has a advance knob with a silver crank and a non-removable focusing helical. The S2 has the PC flash connector on the shutter knob side of the camera body. The base of the Bronica S by the shutter button has the mirror lock-down button, not found on the S2. Early examples of the S2A are easy to identify as "S2A" comes after the serial number. Later examples produced after 1973 (after serial number 150037)[1] do not have "S2A" after the serial number, but also changes to the wingless type camera strap lugs.

Bronica S2 / S2A specifications

S2 / S2A
Introduction 1964 / 1965
Type 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 (6cm × 6cm) Single lens reflex camera
Film back removable
Film 120/220 roll film 12/24 exposures
Finder Fresnel lens and large magnifier
Viewfinder hood interchangeable with pentaprism finder or magnifying hood
Focusing Removable, Helicoid type, stroke 14mm, rotating angle of focusing ring 250 degrees
Distance scale 75mm, 50mm, 135mm, and 200mm lenses (varies, depends on removable focusing unit)
Mirror flip down, instant return, automatic mirror system
Diaphragm Auto: 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 135mm, 200mm and 400mm lenses
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, 1/500, 1/1000 and 'X' (1/40)
Flash speed F (1/15), M (1/125), FP (1/1000), X (Strobe 1/15)
Film winding winding crank or knob
Dimensions 100mm × 100mm × 140mm
Colour Silver chrome w/ grey leather.
Silver chrome w/ black leather.
Black chrome w/ black leather.
Weight 1.780 kg

Notes

Links