Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Hi all,
As you can guess from the above, I am completing my transition from Digital SLR to Film 35mm to MF. And no, I'm not heading LF or ULF yet!!
I have reserved a second hand Bronica SQ-A, with WLF, film back, 80mm and 40mm lenses for £700.
What I am really looking for is some tips as for how to check it, make sure it is fully working, etc. I had a good look around on the web, but can't find anything about checking the camera.
I'm really looking forward to getting it home and sticking a film in it. I have had a lot of people telling me I am finally entering the real world of photography! Also lots of people saying it is a great camera. I wanted to check it out with the experts on here.
Cheers guys, any advice very welcome.
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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John_K
addict
Reged: 03/09/2006
Posts: 546
Loc: North Yorks
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First of all make sure you are fit enough to carry it! No, seriously though they are pretty well bomb proof. I have had Bronnys for a while and to be quite hones I can't find much wrong with them (apart from the weight). Try if you can to get the later PS lenses. They have better lens coating than the previous series. All the lenses from 40mm up to 200 are brilliant and offer very high contrast so if you do your own developing be prepared for overly contrasty negatives.
The battery sockets in the base are a sod to get at if the little tape breaks so you cannot get the battery out. But no go for it they are good.
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Thanks for your reply. I have felt the Bronnie, and it is a beast, but I love it. Most work will be done on a tripod, but I find I can hold it very well at waist height none the less.
I hope to start doing my own development soon. I was thinking of getting some HP5 and Delta3200 with some Rodinal to start. It seems to be the best place to begin.
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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taxor
Reged: 09/07/2004
Posts: 552
Loc: Lancaster, UK
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Quote:
I hope to start doing my own development soon. I was thinking of getting some HP5 and Delta3200 with some Rodinal to start. It seems to be the best place to begin.
HP5 and/or Delta 3.2k in MF is a classic combo. I've got some fantastic low light shots with this.
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"I wanna hold your gland". Lemming & McCartney
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Roger_Provins
Made-it Man
Reged: 22/10/2005
Posts: 2634
Loc: Gloucester, UK
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I recommend you check the lenses very carefully for fungus. I've had several second-hand Bronica outfits and that was the biggest problem.
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Rog
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NorthernMonkey
enthusiast
Reged: 01/05/2007
Posts: 271
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Quote:
I hope to start doing my own development soon. I was thinking of getting some HP5 and Delta3200 with some Rodinal to start. It seems to be the best place to begin.
I use HP5 and Delta3200 (much more hp5 than delta3200) in dd-x in my hassy501. However, with the light being so rubbish in the last few months, i think ill be shooting a fair bit more of D3200 until Feb.
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Thanks for the replies everyone. I will take a good look before taking it away later this week.
Sounds like I was right with the above films. I will, of course, be getting some lovely velvia 50 to go with the above. Off to Milan in a few weeks, so will see what I have learned by then!
Cheers again
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I am now in possession of above camera, as new, boxed, PS lenses. It's a beaut. Only problem, it came with a 645 back rather than 6x6, so now looking for another back.
Now, onto devving the HP5 I have got in the camera. Any ideas of where/how to get the equipment to develop my first film? There don't appear to be any shops in Cardiff that sell it, except perhaps Jessops, which I'll take a look at this weekend.
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Mojo_66
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 25/05/2006
Posts: 3138
Loc: Lancs
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Silverprint have everything you'd need.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojo_black/
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BrianT
Old Hand
Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 5987
Loc: Leeds
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Quote:
Cheers guys, any advice very welcome.
Yep, don't finance it by selling any digital or 35mm stuff.
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Brian BSRIPN
Oh for the days when Elvis was king and everything else was a 50th @ F11.
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mpt600
newbie
Reged: 02/04/2007
Posts: 36
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For chemistry the Jessops website is pretty cheap and delivery is fast. Some websites have a minimum order, Jessops don't. For the equipment, Jessops or maybe ebay. So many people are (sadly) giving up on film the kit goes very cheaply.
I wouldn't put money on Jessops being around in a year, and even if they are I doubt they'll continue with film chemistry, so get it while you can. This stuff is just going to get harder to source and more expensive too.
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Benchmark
Is it safe?
Reged: 12/07/2005
Posts: 2870
Loc: Sedgefield, Co Durham
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Quote:
For chemistry the Jessops website is pretty cheap and delivery is fast. Some websites have a minimum order, Jessops don't. For the equipment, Jessops or maybe ebay. So many people are (sadly) giving up on film the kit goes very cheaply.
I wouldn't put money on Jessops being around in a year, and even if they are I doubt they'll continue with film chemistry, so get it while you can. This stuff is just going to get harder to source and more expensive too.
I had very dissapointing results with Jessies chemisry about three years ago (the stuff was out of date), and I doubt if it will be any better now.
I have been using Morco at Mansfield ever since, who always keep a wide range of films, paper and chemistry (www.morco.uk.com IIRC).
Jacobs also stock a reasonable range of B&W chemistry on the high street.
HTH
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Nigel CRIPN and Bar
Beware of the Dark Slide
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I was surprised by Jessops actually. The had in-date DDX, fixer and wash, and the DDX was just about the cheapest I have found it.
The paterson drum was a touch pricey, however!
I also had good experience with Silverprint. Very good packaging, quick delivery, and pretty darn cheap too.
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Wheelu
journeyman
Reged: 31/10/2007
Posts: 62
Loc: UK, up North
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Jessops in Glasgow, that right up at the end of Sauchiehall street, had an Aladdin's cave for film photographers in the basement. I've never seen such a large collection of film and chemicals. Last visited this summer, hope it's still in business!
Re your SQA, when buying secondhand film backs be aware that the light seals may be gone. Check with some none critical photography before serious use. If seals are gone a temporary fix is electrician's tape over the dark slide slot. Severely limits the functionality but allows you to take some photos!
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My Flickr Site
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