bronica etrsi

More from the Bronnie

It has been a while since I posted more photos from the Bronica, although it is a near constant companion on excursions, despite its heft. I have also taken advantage of its modularity by adding a non-metered prism and the hand-grip/winder, both of which have added immeasurably to its ergonomics. And its bulk.

The more I shoot with it the more comfortable I am. There are issues, with both my technique (I am not nearly patient and slow enough) and with the camera (one of the rolls had significant scratches, which I think is the fault of one of the interchangeable backs), but I feel I am getting there. Regardless. I am almost constantly blown away by the quality and feel of the images, even if the subjects and compositions aren’t all that.

The Bronnie in the wild.

Bronica ETR-Si sample test images

Here are some (self-scanned) images from the Bronnie. I am actually fairly happy with both the picture quality and the scans. Very little processing, other than a little tweaking of exposure, contrast and sharpness.

Roadside tree, Cotswolds, HP5 Plus, Bronica ETRSi 75mm E II

Gatehouse, Cotswolds, HP5 Plus, Bronica ETRSi 75mm E II

Roadside verge, Cotswolds, HP5 Plus, Bronica ETRSi 75mm E II

Just a tree, Westonbirt Arboretum, HP5 Plus, Bronica ETRSi 75mm E II

Introducing the Bronica ETR-Si

Although I have been shooting with my (mostly) trusty Yashica 35 twin lens reflex medium format camera for a while now, I was looking to move to a system with more flexibility and interchangeable lenses.

With my heart set on the Mamiya RB67 I spent my usual ridiculous amount of time researching the system and alternatives. I pretty quickly realised that the RB67 is heavy, and I was looking to for something, initially at least, that I could take on hikes and walks in addition to more car-friendly photo sessions.

And I landed on the Bronica ETR-Si. These are lovely medium format cameras with bags of accessories, and in the world of medium format cameras are relatively cheap.

So, this weekend will be all about shooting with this thing, and seeing how the images turn out.