Film cameras
Bronica SQ-B User manual
User manual for Bronica SQ-B. 36 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Bronica
- Model / document
- Bronica SQ-B
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 36
- File size
- 2.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Thank you for purchasing the Bronica SQ-B camera kit.
Based on the technology and experience acquired through the evolution of the
Bronica SQ Series, the SQ-B is a manually operating 2114X2114 in. ( 6 X 6 cm)
s i n g l e - l e n s - r e f l e x c a m e r a b u i l t t o s a t i s f y a l l t h e n e e d s o f p r o f e s s i o n a l
photographers who works with hand-held exposure meters, studio and/or portable
electronic flash units and various types of accessories. Among the many
professional features of the Bronica SQ-B is flash synchronization at all shutter
speeds, up to the fastest 1/500 sec., which is one of the greatest advantage of the
lens-shutter single-lens-reflex camera.
The following instructions are for the basic operations of the SQ-B, Although
instructions following are based on a standard camera accessories provided with
this kit, the actual choice of lenses, film backs and finders from the collection of
Bronica system accessories is left to the discretion of the photographer, who
should choose what is suitable for the type of assignment contemplated.
To obtain the best results from your Bronica SQ-B, please read this instruction
manual carefully before using the camera.
By thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the camera before use, you should be
able to handle the camera properly and maintain it in good working condition for a
longer period of time.
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Contents
*'
Specificationsof
I h e B R O N I C A S Q - B . . . . 2 16. Waist-levelFinderand
OperationalPartsof the BRONICASQ-B . . . . . .4 InterchangingMagnifiers. ....19
1 . L o a d i ntgh eB a t t e r y . . . . . . . . . . . 7 17. Settingthe Aperture
2 . B a t t e r y C h e c k i n g . . . . . . . . 8 18. FocusingAdjustments. .. . . . ..22
3. Attachmentand Removalof Film Backs . . . . 8 19. DistanceScaleand Depth-of-FieldScale. . .23
4. Constructionof FilmBack. ....10 20. InfraredPhotography ....23
5 . F i l mL o a d i n g . . . . . . 1 0 21. FlashPhotography... ...24
6. FilmTypeIndicatorFrame. ... . 14 22. MultipleExposures.. . ,..25
7. FilmAdvanceand ShutterCocking. . . . .. . 14 23. MirrorLock-Up ....25
8 . R e m a r k o n E x p o s u r e . . . . . . . . . 1 4 24. InterchangingFocusingScreens . . . .28
* 9 . E x p o s u r e C o u n t e r . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 25. Removaland Attachmentof
10. FilmUnloading ... 15 the FilmWindingCrank
11. Settingthe ShutterSpeedDial . .... 15 26. Attachmentof the NeckStrap . .. . . . . 30
12. ShutterReleaseButton ..... . 16 27. FactsabouttheBattery.... ...30
1 3 . T i m e( T )E x p o s u r.e. . . . . . . . . 1 7 28. Pointerson Shooting . . . .31
14. ExchangingLenses ....18 29. Careof the BronicaSQ-B . . . . .32
15. InterchangingFinders . ..... . 19 ,30. Depth-of-FieldTable. ....33View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Specifications of the BRONICA SQ-B
Type 6 cm X 6 cm format,lens-shuttertype single-lens-reflexcamera;with interchangeablelens,film back,
finder and focusingscreen systems;withoutexposuremeter couplingmechanismto accept meter-
related accessories.
Frame size 55.6 mm X 55.6 mm
Film 120 roll film with standardfilm Back SQ/B 120; exclusiveaccessoryfilm backs are providedfor use of
220 roll film, 135 cartridge-loadedfilm and PolaroidLand pack film.
Lens fnterchangeabletype. Standardlens Zenzanon-PS/B80 mm, t/2.8; 6 elementsin 5 groups; multi-
fayer anti-reflectioncoated; 50.7" angle of view; tl22 minimum aperture; intermediateaperture
settings;helicalfocusingfrom infinityto 80 cm.
Filter sizes 67-mm diameteron Zenzanon-PsiB80 mm lens.
Lens mount Exclusivefour-clawBronicaSQ bayonetmount.
Focusing Helicalfocusingsystembuiltinto each lens;angle of focusing171" Ior standardlens.
Shutter ElectronicallycontrolledSEIKO #0 between-lensleaf shutter;shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 sec.;
withoutintermediatesettings;mechanicalcontrol1/500second;with shutterreleaselock.
Lens aperture Fully automaticinstantreopeninglens aperture;equal-distantaperturescale graduationin half-stops
increments;depth-of-field preview.
Film winding Film windingcrank;one completefonvardrevolutionor ratchetedwindingaction.
Cable release socket ISO Standard.
Multiple exposure Multipleexposure possiblewith lever on camera main body.
Mirror lock-up Mirrorlock-uppossiblewith switchleveron the side of camerabody; singleor continuousmirrorlock-
up shootingpossible.
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Specifications of the BRONICA SQ-B
m*s
' Film back Daylight loading interchangeabletype; exclusive film backs lor 120,220 and 135 roll films and
PolaroidLand pack films.TheSQ-B does not couple with meter when finderswith built-inexposure
meter are attached.
Finder lnterchangeablefinder system; 94 o/ool actual field of view (remains unchangedwhen finder is
exchanged).Exposuremeter incorporatedfinder unit does not activatewhen attached.
Finder screen Interchangeabletype; standard microprism/split-imagescreen; optional screens are split-image,
microprism,matte,grid-lines,microprism/split-image(for 135 film) and matte (for 135 film).
Flash synchronlzation X-setting(up to 1/500sec.)with ISO Standardcontactterminal.
Battery checking Red-colored LED lights up in front center area, outside screen area, when baftery check button is
depressed,LED also doublesas shutterclosingsignal.
Battery Single 6-volt silver-oxidebattery (4SR44) or alkaline-manganesebattery gLR44).
Dimensions 92 mm wide X 109 mm high X 179 mm long (withstandardlens, Film Back SQ/B 120 and Waist-level
FinderS/B).
Weight 1,460grams (withstandardlens, Film Back SQ/B 120 and Waist-levelFinderS/B).
-Specifications are subjectto changewithoutprior notice.
6,1{"''js
)lIIi 3lView original page 6Page 9 · Read text
OperatlonalParts of the BRONICASQ-B
Shuttersoeed dial
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Loadlng the Battery
The electronically-controlledshutter
will not work without loading the
b a t t e r y . T h e s h u t t e r w i l l b e
mechanicallycontrolledwhen 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
b a t t e r y o r a l k a l i n e - m a n g a n e s e
battery.
. The battery may be obtained at
any photographicequipment or
electricalapplianceshop.
A. Depress the battery chamber B. Coincidethe plus (+) and minus
button and, at the same time, move (-) marks on the battery with similar
the battery chamber cover in the polarity indicationsin the battery
arrow-indicateddirection. The chamber. Then, push in the battery.
cover will come off easily. Insert the battery chamber cover
into 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.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
The film back is a film chamberthat - The accessory Film Back SQ/B
can be attached or detached at any 120 does not have the film soeed
time, permittingrapidchange of film and exposure compensationdials.
t y p e s e v e n d u r i n g s h o o t i n g This film back can be attachedto
sessrons. other SQ camerasbut the exposure
The main camera body and film meter,if applied,will not operate.
b a c k a r e f u l l y c o u p l e d , u p o n
connection.therefore, always turn - lt is possibleto attach a film back
the film winding crank completely incorporatingthe film speed and
one time, upon attachingthe film exposurecompensationdials to the
back. lf winding is not possible,all main camera body of the SQ-B but
preparationsfor taking pictures finderswith built-inexposuremeters
h a v e b e e n c o m p l e t e d . B u t , i f will not activate.
windingis possible,rotatingthe film
lf a red-coloredbattery check LED w i n d i n g c r a n k u n t i l i t s t o p s w i l l
l i g h t s u p o u t s i d e t h e f o c u s i n g a u t o m a t i c a l l yt a k e c a r e o f t h e
screen area (centralfront of finder), incompleteactions, whether the
when the battery check button is shutter not fully cocked or film not
p r e s s e d , t h e b a t t e r y i s l o a d e d fully advanced. Thus, it is always
p r o p e r l y a n d t h e r e i s s u f f i c i e n t possibleto choose the film type
power for operations. m o s t s u i t e d f o r t h e s h o t , e v e n
midwayin the roll.. lf the LED does not light up, Additionalfilm backs includinga
(1) the batteryis not loadedproperly Polaroidfilm back are available
or, optionallyin 6X6, 6X4.5 and 35-mm
(2) the batteryis completelydrained formats.
and shouldbe exchanged.
* Refer to the instructionssupplied
with Film Back SQ 135 for proper
use of that particularfilm back.
8
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Attachmentand Removalof Film Backs
A. To attach the film back to the B. To remove the film back from the C. Depress the film back release
main camera body, simply insert main camera body, insert the dark button and the lower end of the film
the latchesat the upper end of the slide into the dark slide slit. as back can be removed, as illust-
f i l m b a c k i n t o t h e a t t a c h m e n t illustrated,with the O mark on the rated. Simply shift the film back up
openingsat the upper end of the dark slide at the top end. Push it all slightlyand pull it away.
main camera body. Then, press the way in.
t h e l o w e r e n d o f t h e f i l m b a c k . The dark slide cannot be with-
againstthe main body until it locks drawn from the film back when the
securely. film back is detachedfrom the main
camerabody.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Attachment and Removal of
Fllm Backs
' The dark slide must be withdrawn
from its slit, upon attachmentof the
f i l m b a c k t o t h e m a i n b o d y , a s
otherwisethe shutter cannot be
released. Furthermore,there is
danger of the film back accidentally
becoming detached from the main
body,shouldthe dark slide be left in
its slit while the camera is being
carried. Therefore,make it a rule to
withdrawthe dark slide promptly
upon attachingthe film back to the
main body.
The film back consists of a film A . O p e n t h e b a c k c o v e r b y
holderwhich will be loaded with a squeezingthe back cover release
roll of film and a film back frame b u t t o n t o w a r d e a c h o t h e r , t h e n
which completelyenclosesthe film remove,the film holder.
holderand shieldsit from light.
* Note, when you load the first roll . The Film Back SQ/B 120 is for after opening the camera package,
exclusiveuse of 120 roll film. For an empty film spool is in the bottom
l o a d i n g 2 2 0 r o l l f i l m , u s e t h e spool holderand you do not need to
optionalFilm Back SQ-i 220. transferthe empty film spool from
the top to the bottom film holder as - To take other format oicturessuch instructedin the next column.
as 6 X 4.5-cm,24 X 35-mm,24 X
54-mm or Polaroidpictures,use
exclusivefilm backs.
(See attached "Bronica SQ-System
Accessories".)
1 0
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Fllm Loadlng
6
G@
E O
' X -
@ t
o
o
o
B. Remove the empty film spool C. After loading the fresh fitm spool D. Rotate the film back winding
pre-insertedin the top spool holder properly,draw out the leading end crank on the right side of the film
of the film holderby pushingup the of the film and turn it acrossthe film insert in the direction indicated by
s p o o l i n t h e a r r o w - i n d i c a t e dA pressure plate (as illustrated). Run t h e a r r o w , w h i l e c h e c k i n g t h e
direction. Insert the empty spool to it down and turn it over to the take- advancingfilm.
the bottom spool holder by pressing up spool. Insert the leading end When the starting point, or arrow
out the left-hand bottom shaft and into the slit of the take-up spool and mark, is aligned with the triangular
aligningthe spool key hote with the wind slightlyuntilsecuretyengaged. V start-markon the top left side of
right-handshaft. the film insert, stop rotation.
Insefta fresh film spool into the top - The inside black surface of the
spool holderaligningthe right-hand leader must face out when running
key hole of the film spool with the acrossthe pressureplate.
top right shaft then, close the left-
hand shaft to securelyhold the film
soool.
1 1View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Film Loading E. The startingpoint,or arrow mark - lf the film is not advanced when F . C l o s e t h e b a c k c o v e r , b y of the unexposedfilm, can also be the film windingcrank is rotated,the pressingit firmlyagainstthe base of alignedwith the start-mark,with the film holder is not insertedproperly the film back, as illustrated. The film insert loaded in the film back. (A) and/or the main camera body back cover will automaticallyclose Simply rotatethe film windingcrank may be set for multiple exposures and lock. on the main camera body. This (B). In the latter case, return the The same operation will close the method is oreferredsince there will m u l t i p l e e x p o s u r e l e v e r t o a n back cover when the film back is be couplingwith the main camera uprightor verticalposition. detachedfrom the main body. b o d y m e c h a n i s m , f r o m t h e (See "22, Multiple Exposures"on beginning. Page25.) 1 2 www.orphancameras.comView original page 15
Page 16 · Read text
Film Loading
120 roll film
Starting mark
220 rollfilm
Dotted t-Startino -
line mark
G. Upon loadingthe film, rotatethe H. The manual film winder is used . When loading 220 roll film in the
film windingcrank until it stops to for advancingthe film, when the film Film Back SQ-i 220, do not mistake
place the first frame into place for back is detached from the main the dotted line before the arrow
taking the picture. The exposure body for film loading. The manual mark for the startingmark.
counterwill also change from "S" to film winder can continue to rotate,
"1", while the shutterwill also be even when the film is set for the first
cocked. exposure. lt should be rotated 2 or
3 times more, in order to take up
any slack in the loadedfilm.
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The Film Back SQ/B 120 inctuded After completingexposing one roll The number on the shutter speed
in the kit takes 12 pictureson one of film (12 exposures),continue s c a l e i n d i c a t e st h e s e t s h u t t e r
roll of film. The exposure counter winding until the leader paper is speed. For example"8S" is 8 sec.,
beginsat "S" (Start),and as the film completelywound up, or approx- "2S" is 2 sec., "2" is 1/2 sec. and
is advanced to the first frame it imately 8 full turns of the advance "500" is 1/500 sec. Intermediate
displays "1".The counter advances crank. Then, open the back cover speed settingsare not available.
with each exposure and proceeds and take out the film holder. Shutter speed setting range on the
through numericalsequence to an Take out the take-up spool from the Bronica SQ-B is from 8 sec., "8S",
orangenumber"12",after which the f i l m h o l d e r , w h i l e h o l d i n g t h e upto 1/500 sec. "500" and does not
counterdisplaysan extended stripe e x p o s e d f i l m s o t h a t i t w i l l n o t i n c l u d e B ( b u l b ) a n d T ( t i m e ) .
also in orange, indicatingthe roll is unwind. Sealthe exposedfilm. Installationof the PS lenses other
finished. than the PS/B 80 mm allows for "T'
When you use the SQ-i 220 Fitm settings.
Back which takes 24 pictures, read ( See "13 Time (T) Exposure"on
above descriptionsreplacing the page 17.)
number "12" wilh "24".
1 5View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Settlng
the Shutter Speed Dlal
- The shuiler speed setting can be
changedbeforeor after film winding
operation.
. The shutter is released at 1/500
sec., regardless of the settings
when the battery is not loaded, or
battery power is insufficientfor
normalshutteroperation.
Depress the shutter release button The shutter blades will close and
with a smooth,gentleaction.Do not there will be under-exposureif the
force or jerk. film winding crank is accidentally
rotated before the exposure is
- Followingthe shutter release,a completed,as in the case of a slow
r e d - c o l o r e d L E D w i l l l i g h t u p shutter speed setting. In this case,
momentarilyin the front centralarea t h e n e x t f r a m e m a y a l s o b e
of the finder and will indicatethat exposed and result in an improper
the exposure has been completed. exposureas well.
Carefully observe this red LED,
. e s p e c i a l l yw h e n a s l o w s h u t t e r Although the battery will not be
speed is released.Do not wind the drained by an accidentalshutter
film beforethe red LED lights up or release button depression, it is
you will forcefullyterminate the strongly recommendedthat you
c a m e r a o p e r a t i o n b e f o r e i t i s lock the shutter release button by
comoleted. r o t a t i n g t h e l o c k i n g r i n g a n d
coincidethe orange dot to "L" when
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Shutter Release Button
camera is not in use to prevent
accidentalshutter release.
- The shutterreleasebuttonwill not
be operable in such cases listed
below as a part of camera's safety
m e a s u r e t o p r e v e n t i m p r o p e r
camera operations.
1. Shutterreleasebuttonis locked.
2. Dark slide is inseded.
3. Film is not advanced.
(Samewhen exposurecounteris
between"S" and "1".)
4. Shutteris not cocked.
5. Lens is not attached properly. Time exposure is not possiblewith B. Slide the time exposure lever
(Same with automaticextension the PS/B 80 mm lens suppliedwith and releasethe shutter,when a red-
tubes,too.) the SQ-B camera kit. colored "T" is exposed on the lens
6 . L e n s r e l e a s e b u t t o n i s d e - When one of other Zenzanon-PS barrel. The shutter will stay open
pressed. lenses is attached,time exposures u n t i l t h e t i m e e x p o s u r e l e v e r i s
7. All frames (i.e., 12 frames for c a n b e m a d e w i t h t h e t i m e moved in the opposite direction,
120 roll film and 24 tor 220 roll e x p o s u r e l e v e r o n t h e l e n s , exposingthe letter "A", which will
film) have been exposed. regardlessof the setting on the close the shutter.
shuttersoeed scale.
- Exceptfor time exposures,always
A. First, cock the shutter with the shift the time exposurelever so that
film winding crank and then pull up the letter"A" is visibleon the lens
t h e t i m e e x p o s u r e l e v e r l o c k barrel and keeo the time exoosure
release. lever lock releaseoushed in all the
way.
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Erchanging Lenses
The lens cannot be attached or
d e t a c h e d u n l e s s t h e s h u t t e r i s
cocked.
T h e r e f o r e .f i r s t . r o t a t e t h e f i l m
winding crank and cock the lens
shutter.
A. To attach the lens to the main B . T o d e t a c h t h e l e n s , t h e f i l m
body, align the orange dot on the winding crank must also be rotated
main camera body and the red dot to cock the lens shutterfirst. Then,
on the lens, and then insertthe lens press the lens release button down
fully into its mount. Rotate in the and, at the same time, rotate the
counterclockwisedirection until it lens in the clockwisedirectionuntil it
stops, with an audibleclick, which makes a full stop, at which point it
w i l l i n d i c a t e t h a t i t i s s e c u r e l v will be oossibleto detachthe lens.
locked.
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A. The waist-levelfinder can be B. To detach, simply depress the A. The focusing hood of the waist-
interchanged,with other optional finder releasebutton,while, at the level finder is opened by pushingup
f i n d e r s , t o m a t c h s h o o t i n g s a m e t i m e , s l i d i n g t h e f i n d e r on the focusinghood catch at the
c o n d i t i o n s w i t h p h o t o g r a p h i c backwardswhere it can then be rear end of the folded waist-level
conditions. To attach the finder, taken off by lifting. finder.
align the front end of the finder with
the front end of the finder frame on . Finders incorporatingexposure - Althoughinstructionsare based on
top of the camera main body, as meters can be attached but the the waist-levelfinderincludedin this
s h o w n . T h e n g e n t l y l o w e r t h e meter will not activate. k i t , y o u m a y c h o o s e t h e P r i s m
finderand, when well-seated,slide FinderS and other finder units to
foruvarduntilit locks. suit your photography.
1 9View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Waist-levelFinderand InterchangingMagnifiers
B . T h e m a g n i f i e ri s f l i p p e d i n t o C. To close the focusinghood, first, D. The standardmagnifiersupplied
viewing position,by simply sliding push down the magnifier(if it is in with the waist-levelfinder has a
t h e r e l e a s e l e v e r i n t h e a r r o w viewing position). Next, Press in power of -1.5 diopters,which can
indicateddirection. both side frames, as illustrated, b e e x c h a n g e d f o r o t h e r s w i t h
To store the magnifier,simPlyPush and, at the same time, Press the powersof -4.5, -3.5, -2.5, -0.5, +0.5
it down until it catches. front frame back towards the rear. and +1.5 diopters. These oPtional
The focusinghood will automatically accessoriesshouldbe purchasedto
' The magnifiercan be exchanged be foldeddown. s u i t t h e u s e r ' s e y e s i g h t , i f
for one matchingthe eyesightof the necessary.
user. Simply rotatethe magnifierframe in
the counterclockwisedirection to
unscrew.
Attachin the reversemanner.
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A . T h e l e n s i s f o c u s e d o n t h e B. The centralsplit-imagespot splits
subject, by rotating the focusing the image into two, with the upper
r i n g i n e i t h e r d i r e c t i o n ,w h i l e and lower halves separated
c h e c k i n g t h e e f f e c t o n t h e horizontallywhen the lens is out of
microprism/split-imagerange finder focus. When in focus, however,the
spot in the center of the focusing two halves will coincidewith the
screen (standardtype). displacementdisappearing. The
microprismring surroundingthe
central spot can also be used for
c h e c k i n g t h e s h a r p n e s s o f t h e
focused image, since the image will
glitter when the lens is not focused.
The surroundingfull-area matte
s u r f a c e c a n a l s o b e u s e d f o r
checkingoverallimagesharpness.
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tt
DistanceScale and Depth-of-FieldScale
OepOofno|d raryoelft22,
A. Distancescales on the Zenzanon depth-of-fieldscale is next to the I n i n f r a r e d p h o t o g r a p h y ,s o m e
PS lensescan be used for focusing distance scales and is made up of adjustment must be made in the
at the required distance or finding identical pairs of apertures on both focus in order to retain sharpness
t h e d i s t a n c e a c t u a l l y f o c u s e d . s i d e s o f t h e o r a n g e - c o l o r e d on the film, Becausethe invisible
Simply rotate the focusing ring and distance index. These identical infrared rays are longer in wave
set the required distance opposite p a i r s o f a p e r t u r e s i n d i c a t e t h e lengththan the visiblerays used for
the orange-coloredindex to focus distance zone in focus at these lens focusing. For infraredphotography:
on an requireddistance. openings. For example, if the 80 1. Use a R filter or equivalentwith
mm lens, stopped down to t/22, is an infrared (black-and-white)
B. There is an apparent zone of focusedat a distanceof 3 m (10 ft), film.
sharpness,the depth of field, both the depth-of-fieldscale shows that 2. The red-coloredline, next to the
in front and back of the focused the zone will extend trom 2 to 7 m orange-coloreddistance index,
sublect. The depth-of-fieldscale (7 ft. to 23 ft.) atl/22. is the infraredindex.
s h o w s t h e z o n e o f a p p a r e n t (See the depth-of-fieldtable for the 3 . A f t e r f o c u s i n g i n t h e n o r m a l
sharpnessat any lens opening or Zenzanon-PS 80 mm lens, on page m a n n e r , r e - s e t t h e d i s t a n c e
distance and can be utilizedfor 36.) indicatedby the orange-colored
ascertainingthe depth of field. The
23View original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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