Tamron BRONICA SQ-A Owner 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.
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SQ-A
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Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
1. Loading the Battery
2. Battery Checking
3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
4. Construction of Film Back
5. Film Loading
6. ASA/ISO Film Speed Dial
7. Film Type Indicator Frame
8. Film Advance and Shutter Cocking
9. Exposure Counter
10. Film Unloading
11. Setting the Shutter Speed Dial
12. Shutter Release Button
13. Time (T) Exposure
14. Exchanging Lenses
15. Interchanging Finders
16. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers
17. Setting the Aperture
18. Focusing Adjustments
19. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale
20. Infrared Photography
21. Flash Photography
22. Multiple Exposures
23. Mirror Lock-up
24. Interchanging Focusing Screens
25. Attachment of the Neck Strap
26. Facts about the Battery
27. Pointers on Shooting
28. Care of the SQ-A
29. Depth of Field Table
30. Specifications of Zenzanon-S Lenses
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Contents Page
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Type 6cm x 6cm format lens shutter single reflex
camera, with interchangeable lens, film back,
finder and focusing screen systems.
Frame Size 55.6mm x 55.6mm
Film 120/220/135 roll films and Polaroid pack film,
with exclusive film backs.
Standard Lens Zenzanon-S 80mm F2.8 lens; interchangeable
type; 6 elements in 4 groups; multi-layer antireflection coated; 51° angle of view; F22 minimum aperture; helical focusing from infinity
to 80cm.
Filter Size 67mm diameter on 50mm to 250mm lenses;
95mm diameter on 40mm lens and 500mm
lens.
Lens Mount Exclusive four-claw Bronica SQ bayonet
mount.
Focusing Helical focusing system built into each lens;
angle of rotation 171° for standard lens.
Lens Diaphragm Fully automatic instant reopening lens
diaphragm action; equal-distant aperture
scale graduations; depth of field previewing.
Shutter Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf
shutter; shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 sec-
Multiple Exposure Multiple exposure possible with lever on
main camera body.
Mirror Lock-Up Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever on
the side of main camera body for single or
continuous picture taking.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
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Film Back Daylight loading interchangeable type; exclu-
sive backs for 120 (12 exposures), 220 (24
exposures), 135 (format sizes of 24 x 36mm
and 24 x 54mm) roll films and Polaroid pack
films; with ASA/ISO film speed dial on Film
Back SQ 120/220/135 and ASA/ISO film speed
switch on Polaroid Film Back S coupling to
the finders with built-in exposure meter,
when attached.
Finder Interchangeable finder system.
Focusing Screen Interchangeable type; Standard type, sup-
plied with camera, has split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by microprism ring and
full-area matte screen. Also 6 optional focusing screens are available.
Flash Synchronization X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.)
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.
Battery Single 6-volt silver oxide battery (No. 544, PX-
28 or 4G13) or alkaline manganese battery
(No. A544 or 4LR44.)
Dimensions 92mm wide x 109mm high x 179mm long
(with standard lens, Film Back SQ 120 and
waist-level finder S)
Weight 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
The specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A (con’t)
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Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
Aperture Ring
Depth of field scale
Distance scales
Lens alignment dot
Waist-level finder
Back cover release
button (right)
Exposure counter
ASA/ISO film speed dial
Back cover release button
(left)
Magnifier
Shutter speed scale
Shutter speed dial
Focusing hood catch
Focusing ring
Flash synch socket
Shutter release button
Neck strap eyelet
Multiple exposure lever
Film winding crank
Finder release button
Manual film winder
Shutter release button
locking ring
Mirror lock-up switch lever
Cable release
socket
Depth of field
preview lever
Lens release
button
Battery check button
Film plane mark
Spool holder
Dark slide slit
Neck strap eyelet
Film back release
button
Film type indicator frame
Battery chamber button
Battery chamber cover
Tripod socket (1/4”screw)
Accessory mounting guide
Flash synch contact
Time
exposure lever
Set screw
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A. Depress the battery chamber button with your finger and, at the
same time, move the battery chamber cover in the arrow-indicated
direction. The cover will come off easily.
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.
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.
1. Loading the Battery
The electronically controlled shutter will not work without loading the battery. The shutter
will be mechanically controlled when the battery is not loaded and will be released at 1/500
sec., regardless of the setting on the shutter speed dial.
Use one 6 volt silver oxide battery or alkaline-manganese battery.
* The battery may be obtained at any photographic equipment or electrical appliance shop.
2. Battery Checking
3.Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
The film back is a film chamber that can be attached or detached freely. This permits a free
exchange of film types even during shooting sessions.
The main camera body and film back are fully coupled, upon connection. Therefore, always
turn the film winding crank completely one time, upon attaching the film back.
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A. To remove the film back from the main camera body, insert the
dark slide into the dark slide slit, as illustrated, with the mark on the
dark slide at the top end. Push it all the way in.
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.
3.Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
If winding is not possible, all preparations for taking pictures have been completed. But, if
winding is possible, rotating the film winding crank until it stops will automatically take care
of the incomplete action, even if the shutter is uncocked or film is not advanced. Thus, it's
always possible to choose the film type most suited for the shot, even midway in the roll.
A film speed dial is available on the film backs and can be used for setting the film speed of
the film loaded in the film back. This will, furthermore, automatically couple when the finder
with built-in exposure meter is attached to the main camera body. This should be very convenient when using films of different sensitivities in various film backs.
Film backs are available optionally. Please select a film back best suited for shooting conditions.
* See instructions supplied with Film Back SQ 135 for proper use of the 135 roll film.
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A. The film back consists of a film holder and a film back frame, with
exclusive film backs available for 120 and 220 roll films. The film holder has an insert or frame for loading film, as well as a built-in winding
mechanism.
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.
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.
4. Construction of Film Back
5. Film Loading
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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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").
5. Film Loading (con’t)
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.
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