This isn’t your typical camera review. Think of it more as an odyssey in pursuit of the perfect, fully functional camera.
Back in April 2024, I set my sights on purchasing a medium format 6x6 SLR camera. At the time, I was using a Yashica Mat-124G, a stylish 6x6 TLR camera that produced fantastic photos. However, the viewfinder was too dark, and carrying it around wasn’t a breeze—especially since finding a compatible lens cap was a constant struggle. Eager to shoot more portraits in the 6x6 format, I began my journey to find a new workhorse medium format 6x6 SLR camera.
I browsed through the options listed on Camera Wiki. While the Hasselblad has always been my dream camera, the price tag was just too steep—it felt like it would cost me a kidney to get one. The Rolleiflex SL66 was another high-end option, equally demanding on the wallet. The Kowa Six caught my eye with its cool looks, but its rarity and price made me hesitant to consider it seriously.
Then, my attention shifted to the Bronica series. After careful comparison and consideration, I concluded that the Bronica S2 might be the best fit for me. It’s fully mechanical with a modular system, comes equipped with a solid lens—the Nikkor 75mm f2.8—and boasts a shutter speed up to 1/1000s. Friendlier price tag. The film back is compatible with 220 film, though finding it can be a bit of a challenge these days. So, what could possibly go wrong?
The Bronica S2, arrived May 2024
I decided it was time to elevate my photography game and ordered a Bronica S2 with a Nikkor 75mm f2.8 lens from eBay Japan. The listing promised a near-mint condition and flawless functionality, which got me excited. When the parcel finally arrived, my first thought was, "Wow, this camera is even bulkier than I expected!" Undeterred, I loaded a roll of Ilford XP2 Super 400 to put it through its paces. To my disappointment, I discovered severe light leaks compromising the images. Without wasting any time, I sent the camera in for repairs and reached out to the seller. Thankfully, he was understanding and agreed to refund the cost of the repair, allowing me to continue my pursuit of the perfect medium format companion.
Light leaks!
Bronica S2, 75mm f2.8 | Ilford XP2 Super 400
Just when I believed all the issues were behind me and I could finally dive back into using this impressive machine, the light leaks persisted. To make matters worse, I noticed the focusing system wasn’t performing as expected. When I aimed the camera at a building across the river and tried to focus to infinity, the image remained out of focus. It seemed the focusing helicoid was off. The Bronica S2 is unique because its focusing helicoid is removable, which unfortunately made troubleshooting a bit more complex.
More light leaks after the first fix, along with the infamous focusing issue. Bronica S2, 75mm f2.8 | Kodak Gold 200
After some digging, I discovered that older Bronica cameras often face this exact problem. Over time, the foam beneath the focusing screen and on the mirror deteriorates and starts to crumble, much like light seals. Considering the S2 originally came out in 1965, I think this makes a lot of sense. This wear and tear causes the focusing components—the focusing screen and mirror—to shift slightly from their original settings, leading to an inaccurate focusing mechanism. For instance, you might believe you’ve perfectly focused on a car 20 meters away through the viewfinder, only to find the photo is blurry. It's a common hiccup in vintage Bronica cameras, but understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding a solution.
©: Richard Haw, https://richardhaw.com/2017/09/24/repair-bronica-helicoids/
When the light leaks issue first surfaced, my repair technician advised me to stop using the dark slide. The dark slide is a thin metal component that fits between the camera body and the film back, allowing users to change the film back in the middle of a roll. This feature is a perk of a modular system camera, enabling multiple film stocks without needing extra cameras. However, since I only had this specific film back, using the dark slide was unnecessary and was the source of the light leaks. I decided to shoot another roll without the dark slide—and BAM! The problem was resolved, with no more light leaks.
Bronica S2, 75mm f2.8 | Ilford FP4+ 125
Regarding the focusing issue, it’s not an overly complicated DIY fix. Essentially, you need to remove the deteriorated foam and apply new layers. That’s my simplified take on it. Despite having the tools and materials to tackle it myself, I chose to shoot another test roll instead. At this point, I was contemplating whether to return the camera and request a refund for the remaining balance.
Just as I was grappling with these issues, destiny stepped in. The shutter jammed while I was taking a photo—unable to advance the knob or release the shutter, it was completely stuck. This was the third time I had brought the camera to my repair technician. Unfortunately, he advised me to return the camera without even bothering to perform a full CLA (photography term, an abbreviation for "clean, lube, and adjust"). He suggested I simply return it to the seller and get my money back, offering to refund the repair costs since he couldn’t resolve the problems once and for all.
Shutter jammed
