Film cameras
Bronica SQ-a m User manual
User manual for Bronica SQ-a m. 47 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Bronica
- Model / document
- Bronica SQ-a m
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 47
- File size
- 4.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
Congratulations on your choice of the Zenza Bronica SO-Am single lens reflex
camera which has been developedto provide the user with high quality performance,
simple handling convenience and extremely useful versatility plus automatic
motorized film winding and shutter cocking operationssuitable for the professional
photographer.
Although the Zenza Bronica SO-Am has been designed exclusively for motorized "system"operations, it has, also, been developed as a complete modular camera
possessing complete interchangeability with the interchangeable lenses and ac-
cessoriesdeveloped for the SO and SO-A models, on which the SO-Am is also based,
and, therefore, provides the user with a very high degree of motorization in daily
operations,in addition to automatic film winding and shutter cocking actions.
Although instructions following are based on a standard combination consisting
of the SO-Am main body with Zenzanon-S80mm lens, Film Back SO 120 and Waist-
Level Finder S, the choice of the lens, film back and finder is left to the discretion
of the photographer, who should choose those items best suited to the type of assign-
ments contemplated.
To obtain best results from theZenza Bronica SO-Am, may we suggestthat you read
this instruction manual through carefully, before you even touch the camera,as your
pleasurein using the camera will be even greater if you thoroughly familiarizeyour-
self with its working parts before loading your first roll of film.
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CONTENTS
Specificationsof the ZENZA 1 7 . InterchangingFinders.. 23
BRONICASO-Am 1 8 . Waist-LevelFinderand
Partsof theZENZA BRONICA f nterchangingMagnifiers 23
SO-Am 4 1 9 . FocusingAdjustments.. 25
1. Loadingthe Batteries 7 20. DistanceScaleand
2. Batterychecking 8 Depth of Field Scale 26
3. ExchangingLenses 9 21. InfraredPhotography.. 27
4. Functionson the HandGrip . 1 0 22. FlashPhotography 27
5. ShutterReleaseWarningLED . 1 1 23. MultipleExposures 28
6. Attachmentand Removalof 24. Mirror Lock-Up 29
Film Back 1 1 25. RemoteControlOperations. . . 32
7. Constructionof Film Back . 1 3 26. Useof ExternalPower 33
8. Film Loading. . 1 3 27 . InterchangingFocusingScreens 34
9. ASA/ISOFilm SpeedDial 1 6 28. Attachmentof Neck Strap 35
10. Film Type IndicatorFrame 1 7 29. Factsabout the Battery 36
1 1. Auto-Windingand ShutterCocking 1 7 30. Pointerson Shooting 37
12. ExposureCounter 1 8 31. Careof the ZENZA BRONICA
13. Film Unloading 1 9 SO-Am 38
14. Settingthe ShutterSpeedDial 20 32. Depth of FieldTables 40
15. Time(T)Exposure 2 1 33. Specificationsof Zenzanon-S
16. Settingthe Aperture 22 Lenses 4 1View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
Specificationsof the ZENZA BRONICASO-Am
Type 6 x 6cm format auto-winding lens shutter single lens reflex camera, with interchangeablelens,
film back, finder and focusing screen systems.
Frame size 55.6 x 55.6mm
F i l m 120 roll film (12 exposures);
22O roll film |.24 exposures);
135 roll film in film cartridges;and Polaroid@Land Pack films.
(Exclusivefilm b6cks for each film type.)
Standard lens Zenzanon-S 80mm F2.8; interchangeabletype lens; six elements in four groups; multi-layer
anti-reflection coated; 51" angle of view; F22 minimum aperture;and minimum 0.8m focusing
distance.
Filter size 67mm diameter on 50mm to 250mm lenses;and 95mm diameter on 40mm and 500mm lenses.
Lens mount Exclusive four-claw Bronica SO bayonet mount.
Focusing adjustments Helical focusing system built into each lens.
Lens diaphragm Fully automatic instant reopening lens diaphragm action; equaldistant aperture sclae gradua-
tions.
Shutter Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lensleaf shutter; shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 sec.,
without intermediatesettings,plus T (time exposure);mechanicalcontrol 1/500 second.
Film winding Motorized automatic film winding action.
Multiple exposure Multiple exposure possible with multiple exposure lever on camera main body.
Mirror lock-up Mirror lock-up possible with the mirror lock-up switch lever on the camera main body, with
two settings -
s Mirror returns automatically after shutter releaseaction.
C Mirror stays locked up for continuous mode operation.
Mode selection Mode changeswith mode selector switch on the handgrip, with three settings -
OFF All power is switched OFF and the shutter is locked.
Sm - Single mode operation (singleframe exposed).
Cm - Continuous mode operation (consecutiveframes exposed).
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Film back Exclusivef ilm backs for 12O,22O and 135 roll f ilms and Polaroid@Pack film.
Daylight loading interchangeabletype; with ASA/1SO film speed dial coupling to finder with
built-in exposure meters.
F inder I nterchangeablefinder system.
Focusingscreen lnterchangeabletype. Standard type, supplied with camera,has split-image rangefinder spot
surrounded by microprism ring and full-area matte screen.
Flash synchronization X-setting (for all speedsup to 1/500 second).
Battery checking Redcolored LED indicator lights up at the rear end of the shutter speed scalewindow when the
battery check button is depressed{for checking the electronic shutter 6-volt power source}.
Batteries Single 6-volt silver oxide or alkaline-manganesebattery for the electronic shutter system;
Six AA-size alkaline-manganeseor NiCd batteriesfor the motor drive system.
Firing speed Continuous shooting or single frame exposures at the rate of 3 frames per 2 seconds (ap-
proximately) is possible with the fastest shutter speed.
Shutter speedsusable All shutter speedscan be used with auto-winding (also possiblewith finders having built-in ex-
posure meters).
Number of frames Approximately 500 frames can be exposed when fresh alkaline-manganesebatteries are used
(at normal ambient temperature)
Others Drive button,Over-load warning LED, Shutter releasewarning LED, Remote Control terminal,
External power terminal, Hot-Shoe.
Dimensions 144.5(wide)x 109(high)x 132mm(long)- SO-Am main body only.
144.5(widel x125(high) x 179mm(long) - SO-Am main body, with standard lens, Film Back
SO 120 and Waist-levelFinder S.
Weight 960 grams (SO-Am main body, without batteries)
1,925 grams (SQ-Am main body, with standard lens, Filrn BackSO l20andWaist-level Finder
s but without batteries.)
The above specifications are subject to change with or without prior notice.View original page 5Page 9 · Read text
Load ing_tl1eBatteries1
A single 6 volt silver oxide bat*
tery or alkaline-manganesebat-
tery is required for the electro-
nic control lens shutter.
The electronically- controlled
shutter system will not work
without loading the battery.
The shutter will be mechanically
controlled when the battery is
not loaded and will be released
at 1/5OO sec., regardless of the
setting on the shutter speed
dial. www.butkus.us
Six 1.5 volt AA-size alkaline-
manganese or NiCd batteries A. Set the mode selectorswitch B. Taking out the upper battery
are reguired for the motor drive to OFF. Then, slide the battery holder will expose a lower bat-
system. chamber button in the arrow- tery chamber which is for the 6
However, the performance indicated direction which will volt battery of the electronic
notsd in the specifications will permit the cover to be taken shutter. Coincide the plus (+)
not be possible when manganese off . and minus (-) marks on the
batteries are used because of battery with similar polarity
their electrical characteristics. The battery chamber cover is indications in the battery
closed by, first, inserting the chamber, when inserting the
* The batteries noted may be bottom end and then pushing battery, and then push it in with
obtained at any photographic the top end until it locks. your finger.
equipment or electrical appli- *ance shop. The shutter will be mechani-
cally-controlled at 1/500 sec.
when the battery is loaded with
polarity marks reversed.
cView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
BatteryCheckins 2 |
C. The six AA-sizebatteries for A. Set the mode selector switch B. The batteries for the motor
the motor drive system must be to Sm or Cm and then depress drive system are checked by set-
loaded in the battery holder the battery check button. lf a ting the mode selectorswitch to
taken out, with their polarity red-colored LED lights up at the Sm or Cm and depressingthe
marks coincided to the indica- rear end of the shutter speed drive button to check whether
tions on the holder. scale window, the battery for there is motor drive operation
The battery holder in which the the electronic shutter is load- or not.
batteries have been loaded must ed properly and there is suffi-
be inserted into the battery cient power for operations.
* lf the LED does not light up, chamber in the arrow-direction
indicated on the holder. (1) Mode selector switch is on
"OFF" position, (2) tfre battery
is not loaded properly or (3) it
is completely drained and
should be exchanged.
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ExchangingLenses3 I
The Zenza Bronica SQ-Am will
not operate properly unless the
lens is attached, Furthermore, it
will not be possible to attach or
remove the lens unless both
main body and lens are in the"cocked" condition, with the
cocking pin on the lens posi-
tioned between the red-colored
band and green-colored dot and
the cocking pin of the body set
to the green dot. When the
cocking pins are not loeted
properly for attaching the lens,
simply move the cocking pin of A. To attach the lens to the B. To detach the lens, pressthe
the lens to the green dot body, align the orange dot lens releasebutton down and, at
manually, with your finger, and on the camera main body and the same time, rotate the lens in
press the drive button to cock the red dot on the lens, and the clockwise direction until it
the lens shutter when the cock- then insert the lensfully into its makes a full stop, at which
ing pin of the main body is not mount. Rotate in the counter- point it will be possible to de-
located at the green-colored dot. clockwise direction until it tach the lens.
stops, with an audible click,
which will indicate that it is
securelVlocked.
{A 9 JView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Functionson the Hand-GriP 4 |
D. The accessory shoe is a hot
shoe type which means that
electronic flash units with prop-
er terminals can be used with-
out connecting cords.
However, the contact cover on
the hot shoe must be removed,
first, when attaching electronic
flash units.
E. Depress the shutter release
button gently, with the ball of
the finger.
When the shutter releasebutton
is stroked gently and smoothly,
A. The mode selector switch B. The drive button is used to it will be possible to confirm
has three settings, or OFF, Sm set the loaded film to the first the shutter speed setting in the
and Cm. When set to OFF, all frame to be exposed, after it is viewfinder area of the AE Prism
power is switched O F F and auto- aligned to the start-mark, to Finder S, when it is attached.
winding, lens shutter operation advance the film for multiple
and the built-in exposure meter exposures,etc.
of attached f inders will not
function. When set to Sm, there C. When there is abnormal over-
is single exposure operation and load on the motor during film
when set to Cm, there is con- winding operations, etc., the
tinuous exposures while the motor will stop and the red-
shutter release button is de- colored overload warning LED
pressed. will light up. Therefore, move
the mode selector switch to
OFF, check for the cause of
the overload and rectify it.
Then, set the mode selector
switch to Sm or Cm and it will
be possible to continue
@ shooting. www.butkus.usView original page 12Page 14 · Read text
A. To attach the film back to B. To remove the film back C. Depressthe film back release
the camera main body, simply from the camera main body, button and the lower end of the
insert the latches at the upper insert the dark slide into the film back can be removed, as
end of the film back into the dark slide slit, as illustrated, illustrated.Simply shift the f ilm
attachment openings at the with the O rnark on the dark back up slightly and pull it
upper end of the camera main slide at the top end. Push it all away.
body. Then, pressthe lower end the way in. * The dark slide cannot be with- of the f ilm back against the
body until it locks securely. drawn from the f ilm back when
the film back is detached from
* The dark slide must be with- the camera main body.
drawn from its slit, upon attach-
ment of the film back to the
main body, as otherwise the
shutter cannot be released. / left in its slit while the camerais
Furthermore, there is danger of being carried. Therefore, make
the film back accidentally be- it rule to withdraw the dark
coming detached from the main slide promptly upon attaching
body, should the dark slide be r' the f ilm back to the main body.
@ www.butkus.usView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
J I C""structionof Film Back $ | rit- Loadins
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A. The film back consists of a B. The film back frarne has a A. To open the back cover,
film holder and a fitm back base with a dark slide slit and a squeezethe left and right back
frame, with exclusivef ilm backs back cover with an ASA/ISO cover releasebuttons, in the ar-
availabfe for 12O and 22O roll film speed dial and a film type row-indicated directions, at the
f i l m s . indicator frame. The film back same time and the back cover
The film holder has an insertor frame completely encloses the w i l l o p e n .
frame for loading film, as well film holder and shietds it from
as a built-in film winding mech- outside light, as well as con-
a nr s m . necting it to the camera main
body and also coupling with the
f inders with bu ilt-in exposure
meter.
/tt'r\ 7View original page 15Page 17 · Read text
E. Lift up the hinged flap and F. Close the back cover, by G. Upon loading the film, set
rotate the manual film winder pressing it firmly against the the mode selector switch to Sm
on the right side of the film base of the film back, as illus- or Cm and depressthe drive but-
holder in the arrow-indicated trated. The back cover will auto- ton, which will place the first
direction. When the starting matically close and lock. frame into position for taking
point, or arrow mark, on the The same operation will close the picture.
leader is aligned with the trian- the back cover when the film The exposure counter will also "S" "1" to and thegular v start-mark on the top back is detached from the main change from
left side of the f ilm holder, stop body. shutter will also be cocked.
rotatton.
@View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
/l$O Film Speed
1 2 O r o l l f i l m I Star ting m ar k
2 2 O ro ll film I Dotted line Starting mark
H. When the film back is de- * When loading 220 roll film To set the f ilm sensitivity of
tached from the camera main in the Film Back SQ 220, do the f ilm loaded in the f ilm back,
body for f ilm loading, the not mistake the dotted line be- revolve the ASA/ISO film speed
manual film winder is used for f ore the arrow mark for the dial with a slight lifting action,
advancingthe f ilm. The f ilm will start-mark. as illustrated, and set the film
stop when it is in place for the speed scale to the index. There
first exposure, with the ex- * See the instructions supplied are click-stops at 1l3rd incre-
posure counter also changing to with Film Back SO 135 for ments, in this case.(The dial can "1". However,it will be possible proper use of the 135 roll f ilm. be revolved in either direction)
to rotate the manual film
winder and, therefore, it should * The ASA/ISO film speeddial
be rotated 2 or 3 times more, in is automatically coupled to the
order to take up any slack in the f inder with built-in exposure
loadedfilm. meter, when attached.
ra\ v
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Indicator 1 0l Fr.'iil,,Ito' 1 1 I Auto-Windingand ShutterGocking
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Upon loading the film, tear off A. When the mode selector B. When the mode selector
the end flap from the empty switch is set to Sm, the film will switch is set to Cm, there will be
f ilm packageand insert it in the be advanced one frame and the continuous photography (with
film type indicator frame. This shutter will be cocked, after continuous auto-winding and
will help you keep track of the which motor operation will be shutter cocking action), as long
film loaded in the film back, suspended, each time the shut- as the shutter releasebutton is
even when two or more film ter release button is depressed depressed.
backs are used with different and the picture taken. To take
films. At the same time, set the the next picture, therefore, the * The mirror lock-up switch
film speed with the ASA/]so finger should be lifted {rom the lever should be set to N, except
film speed dial, as it will come shutter releasebutton and then when shooting with the mirror
in handy when using the finder used to stroke the shutter re- focked up. (See page 29 on
with built-in exposure meter. leasebutton once more. Mirror Lock-Up.)
@View original page 19Page 21 · Read text
FitmUntoadins 131
'lA. After the 2th exposure of B. Remove the f ilm holder and,
the 120 roll f ilm (24th exposure while preventing the loose film
of the 22O roll film), the fitm from unwinding, take out the
only will be advanceduntil the take-up spool. Seal the exposed
remaining film and leader paper film and return it to its original
is wound up on the take-up box unti I development.
spool.
Open the back cover when the * Load and unload film away
motor suspendsoperations. from direct sunlight and/or
strong illumination.View original page 21Page 23 · Read text
Time (Tl Exposure1
Time exposures are made with
the time exposure lever on the
lens, regardless of the setting
on the shutter speed scale.
Houlever, the lever is locked to
prevent accidental movement
and, therefore, must be unlock-
ed for use.
Except when using the lever for
time exposures, alwaYs shift it "A" so that the letter is visible
on the lens barel and tightly
lock its setscrew to prevent
accidental movement.
A. Unscrew the setscrewon the B. Slide the time exposure lever
time exposure lever until further and expose a red-colored "T"
revolution is not possible,which on the lens barrel. Depressing
will permit the lever to be the shutter release button, in
moved freely. this condition, will open the
shutter. The shutter is closed
by shifting the time exposure
lever and exposing the letter "A" once more. However, since
the f ilm will not be advancedto
the next f rame, in this case,
depress the drive button to
advancethe f ilm.
a:\ lView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Settingthe Aperture 1 6l
A. The aperture ring is rotated, B. All interchangeable lenses * lf exposure measurementsare
in either direction, to set the re- for the Zenza Bronica SQ-Am taken with the depth of field
quired f/number opposite the have fully automatic lens dia- preview lever depressed, when
white index dot. The aperture phragms which means that the using f inders with built-in expo-
ring click-stopsat the numbered focusing screen is always viewed sure meter, the shutter speed
settings. Intermediate settings at the full aperture, with the setting indicated will causeover-
are also possible. brightest possible image. How- exposure. This is becauseproper
ever, depressing the depth of exposuresare obtained with ex-
* Intermediate settings cannot field preview lever will stop the posure measurements made at
be used when the finders with lens diaphragm down to the pre- the full aperture.
built-in exposure meter are selectedlens opening and permit
used. the photographer to check the
depth of f ield effect on the
focusing screen.
* The aperture ring must not
be adjusted while the depth of
field preview lever is being de-
pressed.
6^v
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InterchangingFinders 1 7 18lH?t.;hffi"?
A. The finder can be inter- B. To detach, simply depress A. The focusing hood of the
changed, with other optional the f inder releasebutton, while, waist-level finder is opened by
f inders, to match shooting con- at the same time, sliding the pushing up on the focusing
ditions to photographic condi- finder backwards where it can hood catch at the rear end of
tions. To attach the f inder, be taken up. the f olded waist-level f inder.
align the front end of the f inder
with the front end of the finder * There is no standardfinder for
f rame on top of the camera the Bronica SO-Am, with the
main body, as shown. Then, user having a choice of several
gently lower the f inder and, finders. Instructions are based
when well-seated,slide fornnrd on thewaist-levelfinder because
until it locks. of its popularity.
6ivView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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B. The magnifier is flipped into C. To close the focusing hood, D. The standard magnifier sup-
viewing position, by simply slid- first, push down the magnifier plied with the waist-levelfinder
ing the release lever in the (if it is in viewing position). has a power of -1 .5 diopters,
arrow-i ndicated d i rection. Next, press in both side frames, which can be exchanged for
To store the magnifier, simPlY as illustrated, and, at the same others with powers of -4.5,
push it down until it catches. time, pressthe front frame back -3.5, -2.5, -0.5, +0.5 and
towards the rear. The focusing +1.5 diopters. These optional
* The magnifier can be ex- hood will automaticallybe fold- accessoriesshould be purchased
changed for one matching the ed down. to suit the user's eyesight, if
eyesightof the user. necessary.
Simply rotate the magnifier
frame in the counter-clockwise
direction to unscrew.
Attach in the reverse manner.
C^ www.butkus.usView original page 26Page 27 · Read text
FocusingAdjustments1
A. The lens is focused on the B. The central split-image spot
subject, by rotating the focusing splits the image into two, with
ring in either direction, while the upper and lower halvessepa-
checking the effect on the rated horizontally when the lens
microprism / split-image range- is out of focus. When in focus,
finder spot in the center of the however, the two halves will
focusing screen (standardtype). coincide with the displacement
disappearing. The microprism
ring surrounding the central
spot can also be used for check-
ing the sharpnessof the focused
image, since the image will glit-
ter when the lens is not focused.
The surrounding full-area matte
surf ace can also be used f or
checking image sharpness.
@View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
DistanceScaleand Depthof FieldScale 201
A. Distancescaleson the Zenza- B. There is an apparent zone of the 80mm lens is focused at a
non-S lenses can be used for fo- sharpness, both in front and distance of 3m, it can be seen
cusing at the required distance back of the focused subject, from the depth of field scale
or finding the distance actually which is known as the depth of that the zone wi ll extend from
focused. Simply rotate the field. The depth of field scale 2 to 7 meters (6 ft. to 23 ft.),
focusing ring and set the re- shows the zone of apparent when a lens opening oI F22 is
quired distance opposite the sharpness at any lens opening used.
orange-coloredindex, which wi ll or distance and can be utilized
adjust the lens for the required for quickly and simply as- * See the depth of field table
distance. certaining the depth of field. for the Zenzanon-S80mm lens,
The depth of field scale is next on page 40.
to the distance scales and is
made up of identical pairs of
apertures on both sides of the
orange-colored distance index.
These identical pairs of
apertures indicate the distance
that will be in focus at these
lens openings. For example, if
,.>,
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