Film cameras
Bronica ERTS/ETRC User manual
User manual for Bronica ERTS/ETRC. 49 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
49 pagesEnglish7.1 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Bronica
- Model / document
- Bronica ERTS/ETRC
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 49
- File size
- 7.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 2 · Read text
Congratulations on your choice of the Zenza Bronica ETRS (or ETRC)
single lens reflex camera which will offer you high quality perform-
ance, handling convenience and versatility required for professional
photography. The Zenza Bronica ETRS and ETRC have both been
developed as "system" cameras, with a very high degree of inter-
changeability in lenses, finders and focusing screens, with the ETRS
also having full film back interchangeability. Both cameras are also
backed up by a full range of valuable accessories which permit use in
many other day-to-day assignments which require a fast-handling
camera with complete exposure automation.
To get best results from your camera, may we suggest that you read
this instruction manual carefully, before you even touch the camera.
However, if your camera is the ETRC, please disregard instructions re-
garding the film back which are for the ETRS only.
NOTICE
Since both system cameras permit the photographer to build up a
personalized system, the choice of finder has been left to the user's
discretion. (However, the instructions are based on the use of the
Waist-Level Finder.l
i -- f,"'...,r.*,, ., . ,- ,. - IView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Specif ications of the ZENZA BRONICA ETRS/ETRC
Type 4.5cm x 6cm format lens shutter single lens reflex
camera, with interchangeable lens, f ilm back, f inder and
focusing screen systems.
Frame size 425mm x 55.1mm (side/length ratio of 1:1.29 closely
matches standard paper and reproduction sizes)
Film 1 20 roll f ilm (1 5 exposures)
Standard lens Zenzanon E 75mm F2.8 lens; interchangeable type; 5
elements in 4 groups; multi-layer anti-reflection coated;
50o angle of view, F22 minimum aperture, helical focus-
ing f rom inf . to 60cm.(2 ft.)
F ilter size 58rrrm diameter screw mount on 75mm lens; 62mm di-
ameter screw mount on lenses from 40mm to 250mm
focal lengths.
Lens mount Exclusive four claw Bronica bayonet mount.
Lens diaphragm Fully automatic instant reopening lens diaphragm
action; equal-distant aperture scdle graduations; depth
of f ield previewing.
Shutter Electronic control SEIKO 7O between-lens leaf shutter;
shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 sec. plus T (time ex-
posures); mechanical control setting 1/5OO sec.
Multipfe exposure Multiple exposures possible with lever on body.
Film back ETRS has daylight loading interchangeable backs, with
excfusive backs for 12O1220 roll films, 70mm film and
Polaroid film pack and is supplied with the 120 roll film
back. ETRC has a fixed back with interchangeable film
holders for 1201220 roll films and is supplied with the
@ former.View original page 3Page 5 · Read text
Finder system Interchangeable finder system, with choice of five
optional finders or waist-level finder, AE (automatic
exposure)-II finder, rotary viewfinder, prism finder and
sports finder. (trto standard finder is supplied and,
therefore, a suitable one must be ordered separately.)
Focusing screen Interchangeable type. Standard screen has diagonally-
oriented split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by
microprism ring and full-area matte screen. For optional
screens, please see page 31.
Flash synchronization X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.)
Battery checking Red-colored LED lights up within screen area when
battery check button is depressed, if there is sufficient
power,
Battery Single 6-volt silver oxide battery (Eveready No. 544,
UCAR No. 544 or Mallory No. PX-28)i also powers
AE-II f inder, when attached.
Dimensions 1 1Omm {4-'l 12"l wide x 106mm (4-114"1 high x 157mm
rc-1/4"1 long (with standard lens and waist-level f inder).
Weight 1,346grams (2.9 lbs.): ETRS camera with waist level
f inder and 75mm lens
493 grams (1 lb.): ETRS body only (with batteryl
1,33Ograms (2.9 lbs.): ETRC camera with waist-level
finder and Zenzanon 75mm lens
803 grams (1.7 Jbs.): ETRC camera (with battery)
only
326 grams 12O roll film back only '11.4 oz.l: 417 grams (14.6 oz.): 75mm F2.8 lens only
110 grams (3.8 oz.): Waist level finder only oView original page 5Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
I Film Loading t ETr€s ll ETRc
lf a red-colored battery check A. To detach the film holder, B. Then, the film holder can be
lamp lights up in the left-rear open the back cover. detached.
corner (of the waist-level f inder) First, press the safety lock (1)
when the battery check button in the arrow-indicated direction
is pressed, the battery is loaded and then push the back cover
properly and there is sufficient refease button l2l towards the
power for electronic operations. exposure counter.* lf the lamp does not light up,,
(11 the battery is not loaded
properly or l2l it is completely
drained.View original page 10Page 12 · Read text
www.butkus.us
F. Unfold the manual film F. The starting point, or arrow t lf the film is not advanced
winder on the right side of the mark, can also be aligned with when the film winding crank is
film holder and rotate in the the start-mark, with the film rotated, the film holder is not
arrow-indicated direction, while holder loaded in the film back. inserted properly and/or the
checking the advancing f ilm. Simply rotate the film winding camera body may be set for When the starting point, or crank on the camera body, in multiple exposures. In the latter
arrow mark, is aligned with the this case. This method is prefer- case, return the multiple expo-
triangular V start-mark on the red since there will be coupling sure lever to an upright or verti-
top left side of the film holder, with the camera body mecha- cal position.
stop rotation. nism, from the beginning.
@lView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
f ilm,G. Close the back cover, by H. Upon loading the
pressing it f irmly against the rotate the film windhg crank
base of the film back, as illus- until it stops to place the first
tratd. The back cover will auto- frame into place for taking the
matically lock and close, with picture. The exposure counter
the safety lock also locking the will also change from "S" to
back cover release button. "1", while the shutter will also
The same operation will close be cocked.
the back cover when the film The manual film winder on the
back is detached from the body. film back should be used to
advance the f ilm to its f irst
frame, when the film back is
detached from the body. How-
ever, the manual film winder
will not stop rotating.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Film Unloading lEfRs ll ETRcI
A. After the 1Sth exposure of B. Remove the film holder and,
the 120 roll film (3Oth exposure while preventing the loose film
of the 22O roll film), the film from unwinding, take out the
winding crank will turn freely take-up spool. Seal the exposed
with f urther rotations. There- film and return it to its original
fore; continue rotating the film box until development.
winding crank until the remain- * Load and unload film away
ing f ilm and all the leader paper f rom direct sunlight and/or
is wound up on the take-up strong illumination.
spool.
Open the back cover when wind-
ing action becomes very light.
oView original page 14Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us
,Tl S
-. Time (Tl Exposures I ETRsI I ETRc I
A. Time exposures are made B. Next, cock the shutter with t Except for time exposures, with the time exposure laner on the f ilrn winding crank and then always shift the time exposure the lens, regardlest of the set- shift the time expo$.tre la/er to lever so that "A" is visible on
ting on the shutter speed scale. the left (looking from the body the lens barrel and keep it lock- Howaner, the larer is locked to towards the lens) which will ex- ed with the setscrew to prevent prevent accidental movement pose a red-colored "T" on the accidental movement. and must be unlocked for use. barrel. The shutter will stay Unscrew the setscrew on the open when the shytter release
time exposure lwer until further button is depressed in.this con-
revolution is not possible, which d ition.
will permit the lwer to be The shutter is closed by shifting
moved freely. the time exposure lever in the
opposite direction and exposing
the letter "A" once more.
r.l 4View original page 16Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Waist-Level Finder lefn{ [E.rRcl
A. The focusing hood of the B. The magnifier can be flipped C. To close the focusing hood,
waist-larel finder is opened by up into viewing position, by first, push down the magnifier
pushing or pulling up on the simply sliding the focusing hood/ {if it is flipped up). Next, press
focusing hood/magnifier catch magnifier catch in the arrow- in both side frames, as illustrat-at the rear end of the folded indicated direction (to the left). ed, and, at the same time, press
waist-level finder. To return the magnifier to its the front frame back towards* As noted, there is no standard storage position, simply push it the rear end. The focusing hoodfinder for the Bronica ETRS/ down until it catches. will automatically be folded *ETRC and the user has a choice The magnif ier is interchange- down.
of several finders. Instructions able with one matching the eye-
are made on the basis of the sight of the user. See "20. In-
waist-level finder because of its terchanging Finders and Magni-
popularity. f iers".View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Setting the Aperture fETresl fETRc I I I
A. The aperture ring is rotated, B. All Bronica interchangeable " The aperture ring must not be
in either direction, to set the lenses for the ETRS/ETRC have adjusted while the depth of field
required f/number opposite the fully automatic lens diaphragms preview lever is being depressed. * Furthermore, the depth ofwhite index dot. The aperture which means that the focusing
ring click-stops at the numbered screen is always viewed at the field preview lever must not be
settings. Intermediate settangs full aperture, with the brightest used for taking an exposure
are also possible. possible irgage. However, de- reading, with the AE-II Finder E,* Intermediate settings cannot pressing the depth of f ield pre- in both automatic and manual
be used when the AE-II (auto- view lever will stop the lens exposure operations, as the in-
matic exposure) Finder is used. diaphragm down to the pre- dicated shutter speed setting selected lens opening (aperture), will not be correct. This is
permitting the photographer to because the Bronica ETRS/
check the depth of field effect ETRC has been designed for full
on the focusing screen. aperture metering and overex-
posure will result, in this case. liView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Focusing Adjustments TETl"Fl,[errec I
A. The lens is focused on the B. The central split-image spot The full-area matte surface sur-
subject, by rotating the focusing splits the image diagonally, with rounding the central focusing
ring in either direction, while the upper and lower halves be- aids can also be used for check-
checking the ef fect on the ing separated diagonally when ing image sharpness.
microprism / split-image range- the lens is out of focus. When in
finder spot in the center of the focus, however, the two halves
focusing screen (standard type). will coincide with the diagonal
displacement disappearing. The
microprism ring surrounding the
central spot can also be used for
checking the sharpness of the
focused image, since the image
will glitter when the lens is not
focused.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
I Exposure Counter I ETresI ferRc
Rotating the f ilm winding crank The exposure counter shows the
completely one time, in the for- number of f rames exPosed or, in
ward direction, will advance the other words, is an additive tYPe. oddf ilm one frame and, at the same Starting from "S", the 15,time, cock the shutter, with numbers 1, 3, 5, etc., uP to
the winding action stoPPing are indicated in actual numbers areautomatically. On the other while the even numbershand, short, rapid strokes, uP to indicated with dote, couPled f ilm winding crank f ull rotation, with thean accumulated
will also do the iob. action. The letter "S" and number
"15" are orange-colored while
the other numbers and dots are
white.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Shutter Release Button I ETre5I I ErREI
A. Depress the shutter release B. Safety Lock
button with the ball of the The shutter release button has
finger. Press all the way in with three settings to which it cana smooth and gentle action. be set by rotating in the clock-
There is no need for strength or wise direction. Two of thesejerky action, which will induce settings have safety locking
camera shake and affect picture features of slight difference. The
sharpness.* three positions are indicated by A red-colored LED will flash the red dot being placed at the
briefly in the left-rear corner of bottom, at a position 45" from
the waist-level finder, when the bottom setting and at the side,leaf shutter closes and the with functions differing as pershutter action is completed. table.View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale lEfres ltErREl
D istance,
I
A. Distance scales on the B. There is an apparent zone of identical pairs of apertures indi-
Bronica lenses for the ETRS/ sharpness, both in f ront and cate the distance that will be ETRC can be used for setting back of the focused subject, in focus at these lens openings.
the focus on the required dist- which is known as the depth of For example, if the 75mm lens
ance or finding the distance ac- field. The depth of field scale is focused at a distance of 3m,
tually focused. Simply rotate shows the zone of apparent it can be seen from the depth I the focusing ring and set the re- sharpness at any lens opening of field scale that the zone will quired distance opposite the or distance and can be utilized extend from about 1.9 to 8
J greencolored index, which will for quickly and simply ascer- meters (6 ft. to 26 ft.), when a
adlust the lens for the required taining the depth of field. The lens opening of F22 is used. distance. depth of field scale is next to
the distance scales and is mad!
up of identical pairs of apertures
on both sides of the green-
?3 .colored distance index. TheseView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
lnfrared Photography I ETRs IlETrec I
I lnf rared
I
In infrared photographY, some 3. After focusing in the normal
adjustment must be made in the manner, re-set the distance indi-
focus in order to retain sharP- cated by the green-colored dis-
ness on the film, because the tance index to the infrared
invisible infrared rays are longer index, by shifting the distance
t in wave length than the visible ring. rays used for focusing. For in- 4. Follow instructions enclosed
frared photograPhy with the infrared film and filter -I 1. Use a R f ilter or equivalent and, to be on the safe side,
with an inf rared (black-and- make several bracketing shots.
white) film. In general, more exposure rather
2. The red-colored line, next to than less seems to be a safe
the green-colored distance index, guide.
is the inf rared index.View original page 25Page 27 · Read text
'f
Multiple Exposures lEfr€s ll ETRcI I
A. To make multiple exposures, B. Upon taking the multiple-ex-
rotate the film winding crank posed picture, be zure to return
(to advance the film and cock the multiple expozure larer back
the shutterl and then turn the to its vertical position and cover
multiple exposttre lwer in the the red mark. Otherwise, there
clockwise or arrow-indicated will be additional multiple ex- direction, which will expose a posures on the same frame.
red mark. When set in this
manner, the shutter can be re
leased and cocked any number
of times, without advancing the
f ilm.
@View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
www.butkus.us
'erreEl Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
The film back is a film chamber that can be attached or de-
tached freely, thus permitting free exchange of film types
even during shooting sessions.
The camera body and film back are fully coupred, upon connec-
tion. Therefore, always turn the film winding crank completely
one time, upon attaching the film back. lf winding is not pos-
sible, all preparations for taking the picture havs been com-pleted. But, if winding is possible, rotating the film winding A. To remove the film back
crank until it stops will automatically take care of the incom- from the camera body, insert
pleted action, whether uncocked shutter or film not advanced. the dark slide into the dark slide
Thus, it's always possible to choose the film type most suited for slit, as illustrated, with the O
the shot, even midway in the roll. mark on the dark slide at the
top end. Push it all the way in.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
I
B. Depress the film back release C. To attach the film back to * The dark slide must be with- f rom its slit, upon attach-button and the lower end of the the camera body, simply insert drawn
thefilm back can be removed, as the latches at the upper end of ment of the film back to
illustrated. Simply shift the f ilm the film back into the attach- body, as otherwise the shutter
back up slightly and Pull it ment openings at the upper end cannot be released. Further-
away. of the camera body. Then, press more, there is danger of the f ilm
*The dark slide can be with- the lower end of the film back back accidentally becoming de'
drawn, even while the film back against the body until it locks tached from the body, should
is detached f rom the camera securely. the dark slide be left in its slit
body and, therefore, extra care while the camera is being carried.
is required, in this respect. Therefore, make it a rule to
withdraw the dark slide prompt-
ly upon attaching the film back
to the body.
tti)View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Construction of Film Back [ETRs I
A. The film back consists of a B. The film back frame, on the C. When the manual film wind-
film holder and a film back other hand, consists of a base er is rotated, with film loaded in
f rame, with exclusive f ilm with a dark slide slit and a back the detached film back, the film
hofders supplied for 12O and cover with a f ilm type indicator will stop when the first frame is
22O roll f ilms. frame. The f ilm back f rame in place for taking the picture
The film holder has an insert or completely encloses the f ilm and the exposure counter will
frame for loading film, as well holder and shields it from out- indicate "1". The film winder
as a built-in f ilm winding side light, as well as connecting will continue to rotate without
mechanism. it to the camera body. foad, for about 2 or 3 times, at
which point it will stop, com-
pleting all preparations for the
detached film back.View original page 30Page 32 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Interchanging Focusirg Screens L ef g=J tErr"ql
--l
I
A. The focusing screen can be B. To install the focusing screen,
exchanged, depending on the insert the protrusions at the
type of photographic work be- forward end of the focusing
ing undertaken. screen frame into corresponding
F irst, remove the f inder at- openings in the focusing screen
tached to the camera body. frame of the body. Then, drop
Then, move the screen removal the rear end of focusing screen
lever in the arrow-indicated and slide the screen removal
direction, as illustrated. Finally, lever to the right.
lift it up by the lever.View original page 32From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.