Tamron BRONICA SQ-AI Owner Manual

Congratulations on your choice of the Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai single lens reflex camera; based on the technology and experience gained with the Zenza Bronica SQ-A. Developed for the professional photographer, the Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai also retains the full System of Photography of the earlier SQ-A, as well as having extensive interchangeability with the full range of accessories available for the SQ-A. Among the many professional features of the Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai is flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, up to the fastest 1/500 second, which is one of the chief features of the lens shutter single lens reflex camera. But, at the same time, the SQ-Ai also has full auto-flash control, based on TTL-direct light measurements at the film plane, with an exclusive SCA 386 System Adapter (optional), plus a compatible SCA 300 System electronic flash unit. Although instructions following are based on a standard combination consisting of the SQAi main camera body with standard Zenzanon-PS 80mm F2.8 lens, Film Back SQ-I 120 and Waist-Level Finder S, the actual choice of lens, film back and finder is left to the discretion of the photographer, who should choose what is suitable for the type of assignment contemplated. To obtain best results from your Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai, 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 camera will be even greater.

SQ-Ai

Contents Page

Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai

1. Loading the Battery

2. Battery Checking

3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs

4. Construction of Film Back

5. Film Loading

6. Film Speed Dial

7. Exposure Compensation Dial

8. Film Type Indicator Frame

9. Film Advance and Shutter Cocking

10. Exposure Counter

11. Film Unloading

12. Setting the Shutter Speed Dial

13. Shutter Release Button

14. Time (T) Exposure

15. Exchanging Lenses

16. Interchanging Finders

17. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers

18. Setting the Aperture

19. Focusing Adjustments

20. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale

21. Infrared Photography

22. Flash Photography

23. Multiple Exposures

24. Mirror Lock-Up

25. Interchanging Focusing Screens

26. Removal and Attachment of the Film Winding Crank Assembly

27. Attachment of the Neck Strap

28. Facts About the Battery

29. Pointers on Shooting

30. Care of the SQ-Ai

31. Depth of Field Table

32. Interchanging Lenses

33. Accessories for Increasing the Versatility

3, 4

6 6, 7 7, 8

9, 10

11 11 11 11 12

12 12, 13 13, 14

14 14, 15

15 15, 16 16, 17

17 17, 18

18 18, 19 19, 20

20, 21,22

22 22, 23 23, 24

25 25, 26

Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai

Type 6 x 6 cm format lens shutter single lens reflex

camera, with interchangeable lens, film back, finder and focusing screen systems.

Frame Size 55.6mm x 55.6mm Film 120/220/135 roll film and Polaroid Land pack

film, with exclusive film backs.

Lens Interchangeable type. Standard lens

Zenzanon-PS 80mm F2.8; 6 elements in 5 groups; multi-layer anti-reflection coated;

50.7° angle of view; F22 minimum aperture; intermediate aperture settings; helical focusing from infinity to 80cm.

Filter Sizes 67mm diameter on Zenzanon-S/PS 40mm

and Zenzanon-S 500mm lenses; 77mm diameter on Zenzanon-PS 50mm lens; and 122mm diameter on Zenzanon-PS 500mm lens.

Lens Mount Exclusive four-claw Bronica SQ bayonet

mount.

Focusing Helical focusing system built into each lens;

angle of focusing 171° for standard lens.

Shutter Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf

shutter; shutter speeds 16 sec. to 1/500 sec.; T (time exposure); B (bulb exposure); with shutter release lock. One step settings with Waist-Level Finder S and Prism Finder S.

Lens Diaphragm Fully automatic instant reopening lens

diaphragm action; equal-distant aperture scale graduations; half-stops possible; depth of field previewing.

Film Winding Film winding crank; one complete forward

revolution or ratcheted winding action.

Multiple Exposure Multiple exposure possible with lever on

camera main body; multiple exposure warning indication in finder.

Mirror Lock-Up Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever on

the camera main body; single or continuous mirror lock-up shooting possible.

Flash Synchronization X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.); auto-flash control

based on direct light measurements at the film plane with optional SCA System Adapter and SCA 300 System compatible electronic flash units.

Film Back Daylight loading interchangeable type; exclu-

sive film backs for 120, 220, and 135 roll films and Polaroid Land pack films; with film speed dial and exposure compensation dial; couples to finders with built-in exposure meter, when attached.

Finder Interchangeable finder system; 94% of actual

field of view (remains unchanged when finder is exchanged.)

Focusing Screen Interchangeable type; standard

microprism/split-image screen; optional screens are split-image, microprism, matte, grid-lines, microprism/split-image (for 135 film) and matte (for 135 film.)

Battery Checking Red-colored LED lights up in front center

area, outside screen area, when battery check button is depressed; LED also doubles as shutter closing signal.

Battery Four 1.5 volt alkaline-manganese batteries

(LR44)

Dimensions 92mm wide x 109mm high x 179mm long

(with standard lens, Film Back SQ-I 120 and Waist-Level Finder S.)

Weight 1,515 grams (with standard lens, Film Back

SQ-I 120 and Waist-Level Finder S.)

Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai (con’t)

Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai

Aperture ring

Depth of field scale

Distance scale

Lens alignment dot

Waist-level finder

Magnifier

release lever

Film speed contact

Back cover

release button (right)

Exposure counter

Battery check button

Film plane mark

Spool holder

Depth of field preview lever

Dark slide slit

Neck strap eyelet

Film back release button

SCA adapter connector

Cable release socket

Exposure compensation dial lock button

Exposure compensation dial scale (green-colored)

Exposure ccompensation dial index

(green-colored)

Film type

indicator frame

Exposure compensation dial

Film speed dial

Film speed dial index (white-colored)

Battery

chamber

cover

Battery

chamber

cover release button

Tripod socket

(1/4” screw)

Accessory mounting

guide

Flash synch contact

Motor drive

contacts

Time exposure lever

set screw

Time exposure lever

Mirror lock-up switch lever

Shutter release button locking ring

Neck strap eyelet

Manual film winder

Multiple exposure lever

Finder release button

Film winding crank

Back cover release

button (left)

Shutter release button

Shutter release button locking ring

Magnifier

Shutter speed scale

Shutter speed dial

Focusing hood catch

Flash synch socket

Focusing ring

Lens release button

B. A battery holder inside the battery chamber will spring up when the battery chamber cover is opened fully. Insert the four batteries into the battery holder,with polarities coincided to the plus (+) indications on the battery holder. Load all four batteries in the same direction.

C. Upon loading the batteries into the battery holder, insert the battery holder into the battery chamber of the camera main body and close the battery chamber cover with your finger.

* The battery holder can only be inserted one way because of its shape.

If a red-colored battery check LED lights up outside the focusing screen area (in the central front part of the finder), when the battery check button is pressed, the batteries are loaded properly and there is sufficient power for operations.

* If the LED does not light up, (1) the batteries are not loaded properly or (2) the batteries are used and should be exchanged for fresh ones.

A. Push the battery chamber cover release button on the base of the camera main body in the arrow-indicated direction and the battery chamber cover will spring open.

1. Loading the Battery

The electronically controlled leaf shutter and the electro-magnetic shutter release system will not work without loading the batteries. Four 1.5-volt alkaline-manganese (LR44) batteries must be used.

* The batteries may be obtained at any photographic equipment or electrical appliance dealer.

2. Battery Checking

Thus, it will not be possible to check the battery status (four LR44) loaded in the main camera body with the motor drive attached. In this case, the motor drive must be detached to check the batteries in the main camera body.

* When using the AE prism Finder S, always check battery condition before attaching the finder, as the LED-illuminated shutter speed may be displayed, even when the battery check LED does not light up. Since correct AE operations will not be possible, in this case, exchange for fresh batteries.

The film back is a film chamber that can be attached or detached at any time, permitting rapid change 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. If winding is not possible, all preparations for taking the picture have been completed. But, if winding is possible, rotating the film winding crank until it stops will automatically take care of the incomplete action, whether it is an uncocked shutter or the film has not advanced. Thus, it is 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, which will, furthermore, automatically couple when any finder with a built-in exposure meter is attached to the camera main body. This should be very convenient when using films of different sensitivities in various film backs.The film speed dial is calibrated for ISO/DIN film speeds. An exposure compensation dial is also available around the film speed dial. Additional film backs are available optionally in 6 x 6, 6 x 4.5 and 35mm formats.

* See the instructions supplied with Film Back SQ 135 for proper use.

A. 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 camera main body. Then, press the lower end of the film back against the main body until it locks securely.

2. Battery Checking (con’t)

* When the Motor Drive SQ-I is attached to the SQ-Ai main camera body, battery power for the main camera body is supplied from the Motor Drive SQ-I. In other words, the electrical circuit is switched so that the batteries of the motor drive operate the main camera body.

3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs

C. 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 detached from the main camera body.

* The dark slide must be withdrawn from its slit, upon attachment of the film back to the main body, otherwise the shutter cannot be released. Furthermore, there is danger of the film back 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.

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 in 6 x 6 & 6 x

4.5 formats.The film holder has an insert on the frame for loading film, and has a built-in film winding mechanism.

B. The film back frame has a base with a dark slide slit and a back cover with an ISO/DIN film speed dial, an exposure compensation dial and a film type indicator frame. The film back frame completely encloses the film insert and shields it from outside light, as well as connecting it to the camera main body and also coupling with any finder having a built-in exposure meter.

3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs (con’t)

B. 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.

4. Construction of Film Back

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 while the bottom one is for the empty take-up spool. The left-side shaft of the spool holder can be opened by pushing the fresh film spool outward in the arrow-indicated "A" direction. Then, insert the right end of the spool on to the right-side shaft, which is fixed, and then close the left-side holder (shaft), which will engage the spool.

* The spool holders on the left side will be locked securely when the back cover is closed.

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.

E. Rotate the film back winding crank on the right side of the film insert in the direction indicated by the arrow, while checking the advancing film. When the starting point, or arrow mark, is aligned with the triangular start-mark on the top left side of the film insert, stop rotation.

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.

* 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 23. 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.

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.

I. The manual film winder is used for advancing the film, when the film back is detached from the main body for film loading. The manual film winder can continue to rotate, even when the film is set for the first exposure. It should be rotated 2 or 3 times more, in order to take up any slack in the loaded film.

* When loading 220 roll film in the Film Back SQ-I 220, do not mistake the dotted line before the arrow mark for the starting mark.

F. The starting point, or arrow mark, of the unexposed film, can also be aligned with the start-mark, with the film insert loaded in the film back. Simply rotate the film-winding crank on the main camera body. This method is preferred since there will be coupling with the main camera body mechanism, from the beginning.

5. Film Loading (con’t)

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