Bronica Learning Center :: ETR Guide

DESCRIPTION: Modular 6x4.5cm camera system; full sync shutter lenses; 120/220 interchangeable film magazines, inserts, Polaroid; Interchangeable finders, auto/manual metering capability. Patented Speed Grip allows for "35mm" style handling, with winding, firing, grasping, and hot shoe all on the grip.

ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY:

LENSES: All E, PE lenses, teleconverters; extension tubes and extension bellows (note: Some E lenses carried the designation "MC", referring to multicoating. This designation was used into the mid '80s, until it was felt that the multicoating technique was so universal as to not require that notice).

BACKS: All E 120, 220, 35mm Normal (24x36mm), 35mm Wide (24x54mm), Polaroid.

INSERTS: All 120, 220 inserts can be installed in any E roll film back (note: never put 120 film on a 220 insert, and vice versa).

FINDERS: All E finders: waist level, sports finders, prisms - AE, AE-II, AE-III, high eyepoint (action), rotary; angle viewfinder, and multi-scope. Please note: The AE-III cannot be used in Auto on the ETR, manual only. The M/C buttons are used to activate/de-activate the finder. Metering displays of the AE-III finders on ETR-Si cameras must be activated by depressing the shutter release button.

GRIPS: All Speed Grip E, Motor Drive Ei-II, Quick release adapters E, Rotary Tripod Mount with E adapter.

SCREENS: All E, Ei screens ( Ei screens have a transparent window for the confirmation and ready lights of the OTF-TTL flash system).

MISCELLANEOUS: All rubber eyecups (square style, # 2720) for prisms AE, AE-II. AE-III uses #2722 small, or #2723 large. Diopters: Same as rubber eyecups, #2610 - #2636 (AE-III uses variable with two available "helper" diopters, #2730 - #2732). Lens accessories; all filter thread sizes of lenses are ø62mm except original 75mm (ø58mm), the 45-90mm (ø95mm), the 100-220mm (ø95mm), the 500mm E (ø95mm) and the 500PE (ø122mm).

This camera is identical to the ETR, except having a non-removable magazine. All accessories for the ETR, including 120 & 220 inserts, are compatible (except the magazines, i.e. Polaroid, 35mm,70mm, etc.)

This camera is almost identical to the ETR. All accessories for ETR are compatible with ETR-S, except neckstrap. There are a number of improvements. The differences include: 1. everything locked. ( Shutter locking collar has 3 positions (formerly 2; on & off) 2. camera body release locked, but speed grip or motor fires. 3. everything fires. ( Battery check light is inside the viewfinder.

With AE-II finder, the display can be activated by partly depressing any of the mechanical shutter releases. Strap lugs changed to "D" ring universal, from post & slide lock style. Side mount "blad" style accessory foot is gone.

The ETR-S was modified, though no model designation changed. The compatibility is identical the '79-'82 versions, but the body and backs changed slightly. This version is sometimes referred to as the "plastic" body ETR-S and back, for the change in the side panels of the body and backs to polycarbonate. The lens release was relocated to the left side of the body. The backs changed the insert release from the single tab with the coaxial lock to two independent tabs which must be squeezed simultaneously.

The ETR-Si is an improved version of the ETR-S. Compatibility between all previous accessories is nearly 100%. The battery compartment door (ETR-S- #2912) was enlarged, and is now the same as the SQ style (#1912). The Motor Drive E (now discontinued and replaced by the Winder Ei-II), will operate with the ETR-Si, but may require adjustment as the body is slightly wider than the ETR-S. The focusing screens have a transparent window for the OTF LED information, but are forwardly and backwardly compatible. If OTF is employed, older "E" screens will convey the info as slightly diffused.

CHANGES: Warning in the viewfinder when multiple exposure lever is engaged. Mirror lock-up. Recessed shutter speed dial; eliminates accidental speed changes; also "B" (bulb) setting on the shutter speed dial. OTF-TTL flash capable. Attachment ports for the magazines enlarged and beveled on the body, to allow for easier back installation.

Interior of body coated with a sound and light deadening material; removes internal reflection, and makes the camera quieter. Lens release relocated to front of body. Rubber grips added to the sides of lower body, for easier grasping.

BACKS: The backs have a locking darkslide, designated by a grey handle. The film advance grasp on the insert changed to a folding crank. The pressure roller tension was increased for film flatness improvement. The body/back F-Release pin housing returned to a substantial metal collar. Internally, the counter mechanism and gears were revised for greater reliability.

METERING FINDERS: AE finder; introduced January '76, EV 4-17, Auto or manual metering finder, LED array, required depressing front button in finder to activate display (9 contact pin array). It can be used on any ETR type camera.

AE-II finder; introduced January '79, identical to AE, except display can be activated by any of the mechanical releases on body (10 pin contact array).

AE-III finder; introduced October '94, Auto or manual metering finder, EV 1-18 (4 stops more sensitive than previous models), Spot or averaging meter selection, LCD display (using far less power than previous models), variable diopter, built-in eyepiece blind for long exposures on auto, auto exposure memory lock. Focusing screen compensation switch.

MOTOR DRIVES/WINDERS: (Motor Drive E, introduced October '76, 1 frame per second continuous or single frame operation, using 8 AA batteries, remote activation and power capable, leather handstrap. Motor Winder E, introduced October '88, 1 frame every 8/10th second, uses 6 AA batteries, no remote activation, power, or handstrap available. Much easier to sequence to body. Ei-II introduced 1998 uses 1 2CR5, external DC power imput, significant down-sizing and lightweight hot-shoe and cable release connector. Hand strap supplied.