1989I've not seen that model Kiev before. Quite a handsome camera, actually; very unexpected when one considers what those later FSU SLRs generally looked like. What's the date of manufacture?
Don't be an ass.There he is, again in full force...f.hayek, the voice of dumb-assery. Cheers, OtL
I think that's the same caliber as the Seiko diver watches where winding is automatic-only, no manual wind.(7s26-3130).
Dear P Giannakis,*Not photographic related*
A Seiko 5 (7s26-3130). It was for £29 so I thought "what the heck". Needed a minor adjustment (was off by a minute every 2 days). Now is spot on.
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Really nice - an S2? I seem to recall that the S2’s had the ‘wings’ on the strap lugs, and I think the S2’s film advance knob was more conical in shape (as I think yours appears, hmm maybe not!), plus if it’s ‘flat’ behind the crank arm (without a round screw in the middle) then it’s an S2. Serial number would tell us for sure (above 150,000 Is supposed to be S2a).Discovering I have a thing for cameras that let you know an event has happened when tripping the shutter....
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Test roll is drying. Spacing is fine, exposures are good, no light leaks. Not sure yet on focus but I think it is OK. If not I'll fix it and maybe do a Brightscreen at the same time.
Was really back and forth between this and a SQ-A setup but am glad I went this way.
At least I've sold more than I've bought........ and this will likely lead to either the 2.8C, 645N or both going on the chopping block.
Thanks, it is a S2A.Really nice - an S2? I seem to recall that the S2’s had the ‘wings’ on the strap lugs, and I think the S2’s film advance knob was more conical in shape (as I think yours appears, hmm maybe not!), plus if it’s ‘flat’ behind the crank arm (without a round screw in the middle) then it’s an S2. Serial number would tell us for sure (above 150,000 Is supposed to be S2a).
An "event"? More like a cataclysm! Of course, I say that fondly...Discovering I have a thing for cameras that let you know an event has happened when tripping the shutter....
Correct, most SKX divers have this movement.I think that's the same caliber as the Seiko diver watches where winding is automatic-only, no manual wind.
What makes it efficient is that it will wind regardless of which direction the rotor spins. So I've been told.
Anyway, an excellent purchase!
How interesting, I have the opposite experience.Dear P Giannakis,
I received that model watch or something very similar to it as a college graduation present over 40 years ago. I loved it and it never failed me. However, because I sit at a desk and pound on computer keys all day long now, I wore out the watch band, several times. I literally wore the clasp off the bands.
I couldn't find a direct replacement band, so I retired it.
I miss it, but I can't kill my $ 40.00 Casios! 😉
Regards,
Tim Murphy
Harrisburg PA 🙂
Ah okay thanks for clearing that up. Gorgeous camera, love that 40mm lens (wish I had one!).Thanks, it is a S2A.
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The first few years ('69-'72) of the S2A had the wings and their serial numbers identified them as S2A.
In 1973 they changed the lugs to not have the wings and they removed the S2A from the serial number starting at body #150037. That wasn't the start of S2A production though.
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Bronica Product Guide For different type of Zenza Bronica models - Vintagelens
Bronica Product Guide AD-180B5m Dated 5/74 (Cover Photograph) Bronica Deluxe (“D”) The Bronica Deluxe or “D” model camera was introduced in 1960 by Zenza Bronica. As the forerunner of an unbroken series of 2 1/4 square SLR cameras, it incorporated many design features still not found on...vintagelens.nl
I will have to try the Pentax 6x7 and S2A side by side to see which is the more cataclysmic shutter. They are 2 of the 4 horseman for sure.An "event"? More like a cataclysm! Of course, I say that fondly...
Now, what you need to do is go out and get yourself the100mm, either the Komura or the Nikkor. Tiny and fast, and the perfect pairing with the S2A. An added plus: most of the later helicals have a depth of field scale for the 100 as well as the 75. That lack of scales is a glaring weakness with these cameras. But otherwise, congratulations on your ownership of a truly remarkable camera, and one of the most beautiful pieces of industrial design ever!
The 40mm was a big draw for me.Ah okay thanks for clearing that up. Gorgeous camera, love that 40mm lens (wish I had one!).
Mine is an S2 (CB 69xxx), so I'm assuming to be at the tail end of their production based on your serial number.
Shawn, you spoke of relabeling the helical for a 40mm. The band with the distance markings on the helical is easily removable with a few screws. Are there accessory bands dedicated to other focal lengths, or will this be your own project? I've never seen such an accessory, but if they do exist, I'd love to get one for both the 50 and 135. The chart in the instruction manual that purports to show alternative distances (for other focal lengths) is pretty much incomprehensible, and no use in the field.The helical on this is marked for 75 and 100, I will keep an eye out for the 100mm lens. I have an 80 2.4 on the way that I found a good deal on, needs a little cleaning though apparently. It is coming with a helical too but I think it is the standard 75/100. I might relabel it for the 40mm.
Thanks! I'll have to see if I can track down the C helicoid. The label maker solution sounds like a good partial fix, but still no DoF markings. Worst case, I could make a label and carry around my own chart. Slow but effective for tripod use.I think the Bronica C helicoid had 50,75,135 and 200 markings on it. I do not know if there were others out there. For the 40 I was just planning on marking the second helicoid myself. I’ve done this dozens of times for the Kraken’s I build. Just going to print different distance markings on a Brother label maker and attach them to the helicoid. Measure out the distances, focus and label. I will probably focus with ground glass and a loupe on the back of the camera to avoid any possible issue with the reflex focusing. I could use two different colors for 40mm and 50mm if I wanted to.