Bronica normal and “normal-ish” lenses for the S- and EC-series:
Their impressive performance set the standard for the entire line
By Jason Schneider
Zenza Bronica was certainly adept at producing innovative, high quality medium format SLRs (as well as the brilliant short lived Bronica RF645 rangefinder camera) but they were not actually lens manufacturers. They initially relied on Nikon (Nippon Kogaku) for their acclaimed Nikkor lenses in Bronica mount that were crucial in establishing the company’s elite image among pros and serious shooters. And when financial issues arose with Nikon and they stopped supplying lenses to Bronica, they turned to Carl Zeiss Jena DDR, Tokyo Optical company (Topcon), Norita, and possibly Tamron, to supply the Zenzanon lenses then listed in the Bronica catalog. Several third-party optical companies also produced lenses In Bronica S-and EC-Series mount, some of which are very good indeed. These include Sankyo Koki (Komura), Fujita Kogaku Kogyo, Astro-Berlin, Sterling-Howard, Sun Optical Co., Heinz Kilfitt, and Meyer-Optik.
It’s a great credit to Bronica that every one of the Nikkor and Zenzanon lenses they offered for the S- and EC-Series delivers imaging performance of a very high order—ranging from excellent to superlative—along with beautiful, natural rendition. Occasionally Bronica fans will grumble about the early 13.5cm f/3.5 Auto-Nikkor-Q that was allegedly designed for 35mm Nikon SLRs and simply re-badged in Bronica mount because it happened to cover 2-1/4 square, but I’d call my own two examples of this alleged dog very good, if not quite stellar. However, when it comes to normal and “normal-ish” lenses in the 75mm to 105mm range the Nikkors and Zenzanons don’t take a back seat to anyone, not even the renowned Carl Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad. Here’s a passel of commendable examples, including a few rare birds.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P lens marked Nippon Kogaku was the first normal lens for focal plane shutter Bronicas. It's a winner!
The original normal lens for the Bronica Z, DeLuxe, and S was the 7.5cm f/2.8 Nikkor-P that was engraved Nippon Kogaku—the second version was engraved Nikon and marked in millimeters. This compact 5-element 4-group design extends only a few millimeters from the camera body, weighs a mere 8.1 ounces, stops down to f/22, and focuses down to a close 60 cm (1.9 feet). Its optical design closely resembles the 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Jena Biometar, and it’s a superb lens, capable of crisp imaging even wide open, attaining optimum imaging performance across the entire field by f/4-5.6, and maintaining this elevated level until f/16. It also delivers “vintage look” rendition with smooth, natural transitions and beautiful bokeh that’s especially attractive in portraiture. By far the most common and affordable lens for focal plane shutter Bronicas, it’s readily available at online auctions at prices ranging from $80-150.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P.C used same 5-element 4-group formula as the Nikkor-P but was multicoated to enhance contrast, reduce flare.
Toward the end of the 1960s the long running classic 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P was updated with multicoating, which enhances its light transmission and image contrast and minimizes ghosting and flare (though a lens hood is still recommended in high flare situations). These lenses are engraved 75mm f.2.8 Nikkor-P.C and are also identifiable by their black front rings and greenish coatings. Price range: $100-$200.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C This 6-element 4-group jewel is acclaimed as the sharpest and best normal lens ever for S- and EC-series Bronicas.
The 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C, first introduced in the mid ‘70s and often found on the BronicaEC and EC-TL, is generally considered to be the best performing normal lens ever offered for Bronica S- and EC- series cameras. Sometimes referred to as the DX or Deluxe, it employs a unique 6-element, 4-group Double Gauss design that bears some resemblance to the Zeiss Planar, and it has a larger front element than previous 75mm f/2.8 Nikkors. It’s exquisitely sharp across the field even at f/2.8, has a 7-bladed diaphragm that enhances its gorgeous bokeh, it focuses down to 60 cm (1.9 feet) and it captures images with that indescribable “3D look” that few lenses can match. It is said to be the same lens used (albeit in non-interchangeable form) on the legendary Plaubel Makina III. Due to its desirability and relative scarcity a pristine 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C currently fetches prices in the $350-$450 range.
Two new Zenzanon normal lenses were also introduced when the Bronica EC and EC-TL were in production—the 80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon, the fastest Bronica lens ever made in series production, and the 75mm f/2.8 Zenzanon MC, which was multicoated. The former is a 6-element, 5-group design that focuses down to 67cm (2.2 feet) and stops down to f/22. The latter is a 5-element, 4-group design that closely resembles the classic 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P and focuses down to 60cm (1.9 feet). Finally, there’s the slightly longer than normal 100mm f/2,8 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 4-group design with a prominent front element that weighs in at a heftier 12.7 ounces and focuses down to 98cm (about 38.6 inches). All these Zenzanons are mechanically and optically superb, at least equal to any of their German or Japanese equivalents, and all capture images of exquisite sharpness and with lots of character.
The 80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 5-group design, is the fastest of the new breed and is a superb performer.
Where did all this glorious glass originate? East German Zeiss, Tokyo Optical Co.? A definitive provenance is elusive. And why oh why did Bronica offer a choice of 4 outstanding 75mm and 80mm lenses for the Bronica ECs? Even with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight it’s hard to tell what was on their ingenious minds, unless perhaps they were concerned that other optical suppliers might pull the plug as Nikon did and they wanted to cover all bases.
100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 4-group design, is outstanding, but its doesn't focus close and requires care in mounting.
I can personally attest that the 100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon is a fantastic lens in terms of overall image quality and smooth rendition, but I wish it focused closer. And you had better rack the focusing helical all the way out before mounting this jewel on your Bronica EC/EC-TL to avoid smashing in the bottom section of the 2-piece mirror—don’t ask me how I know-
An 80mm f/2,4 Zenzanon will set you back about $600-$750; a 75mmf/2.8 Zenzanon (the one for EC or S2A not the ETR) runs about $300; and a clean 100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon currently fetches about $200-250 and is well worth it if you’re a vintage Bronica fan. Another interesting option: the Bronica Nikkor-Q 105mm f/3.5 leaf shutter lens, a great portrait tele that delivers stellar imaging performance along with fast X-sync at up to 1/500 sec with focal plane shutter Bronicas. Used price range: $250-350. However, the 105mm should be avoided on the EC and EC-TL lest you inadvertently break the lower mirror!
105mm f/3.5 Nikkor-Q with built-in Seiko leaf shutter is a stellar performer that adds fast sync speeds, but it's best reserved for S-series Bronicas.
Rare 80mm f/2.8 Zenzanon MC (multicoated) is also labeled Carl Zeiss Jena DDR and was probably made in East Germany.
Oh yes, there was also an 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Planar for Bronica that may be a hand assembled one-off sample, And how about the Zenza Bronica Zenzanon MC 80mm f/2.8 lens that’s engraved Carl Zeiss Jena DDR on the front. Assembled in East Germany. and based on the Biometar design, it’s collectible and goes for $350-S400 a pop. Two more exotic normals for Bronica S lens connoisseur are the hard to find 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss Jena Biometer and 100mm F2 Komura, both very appreciated for their bodacious bokeh. Finally, there’s the elusive 8.5cm f/1.8 Nippon Kogaku Nikkor of 1968 that’s listed but not pictured in some old Bronica catalogs. It would be the fastest Bronica lens ever made if anyone had ever seen one, Vaporware? Maybe, but as with all things Bronica, anything is possible.
Their impressive performance set the standard for the entire line
By Jason Schneider
Zenza Bronica was certainly adept at producing innovative, high quality medium format SLRs (as well as the brilliant short lived Bronica RF645 rangefinder camera) but they were not actually lens manufacturers. They initially relied on Nikon (Nippon Kogaku) for their acclaimed Nikkor lenses in Bronica mount that were crucial in establishing the company’s elite image among pros and serious shooters. And when financial issues arose with Nikon and they stopped supplying lenses to Bronica, they turned to Carl Zeiss Jena DDR, Tokyo Optical company (Topcon), Norita, and possibly Tamron, to supply the Zenzanon lenses then listed in the Bronica catalog. Several third-party optical companies also produced lenses In Bronica S-and EC-Series mount, some of which are very good indeed. These include Sankyo Koki (Komura), Fujita Kogaku Kogyo, Astro-Berlin, Sterling-Howard, Sun Optical Co., Heinz Kilfitt, and Meyer-Optik.
It’s a great credit to Bronica that every one of the Nikkor and Zenzanon lenses they offered for the S- and EC-Series delivers imaging performance of a very high order—ranging from excellent to superlative—along with beautiful, natural rendition. Occasionally Bronica fans will grumble about the early 13.5cm f/3.5 Auto-Nikkor-Q that was allegedly designed for 35mm Nikon SLRs and simply re-badged in Bronica mount because it happened to cover 2-1/4 square, but I’d call my own two examples of this alleged dog very good, if not quite stellar. However, when it comes to normal and “normal-ish” lenses in the 75mm to 105mm range the Nikkors and Zenzanons don’t take a back seat to anyone, not even the renowned Carl Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad. Here’s a passel of commendable examples, including a few rare birds.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P lens marked Nippon Kogaku was the first normal lens for focal plane shutter Bronicas. It's a winner!
The original normal lens for the Bronica Z, DeLuxe, and S was the 7.5cm f/2.8 Nikkor-P that was engraved Nippon Kogaku—the second version was engraved Nikon and marked in millimeters. This compact 5-element 4-group design extends only a few millimeters from the camera body, weighs a mere 8.1 ounces, stops down to f/22, and focuses down to a close 60 cm (1.9 feet). Its optical design closely resembles the 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Jena Biometar, and it’s a superb lens, capable of crisp imaging even wide open, attaining optimum imaging performance across the entire field by f/4-5.6, and maintaining this elevated level until f/16. It also delivers “vintage look” rendition with smooth, natural transitions and beautiful bokeh that’s especially attractive in portraiture. By far the most common and affordable lens for focal plane shutter Bronicas, it’s readily available at online auctions at prices ranging from $80-150.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P.C used same 5-element 4-group formula as the Nikkor-P but was multicoated to enhance contrast, reduce flare.
Toward the end of the 1960s the long running classic 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P was updated with multicoating, which enhances its light transmission and image contrast and minimizes ghosting and flare (though a lens hood is still recommended in high flare situations). These lenses are engraved 75mm f.2.8 Nikkor-P.C and are also identifiable by their black front rings and greenish coatings. Price range: $100-$200.
75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C This 6-element 4-group jewel is acclaimed as the sharpest and best normal lens ever for S- and EC-series Bronicas.
The 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C, first introduced in the mid ‘70s and often found on the BronicaEC and EC-TL, is generally considered to be the best performing normal lens ever offered for Bronica S- and EC- series cameras. Sometimes referred to as the DX or Deluxe, it employs a unique 6-element, 4-group Double Gauss design that bears some resemblance to the Zeiss Planar, and it has a larger front element than previous 75mm f/2.8 Nikkors. It’s exquisitely sharp across the field even at f/2.8, has a 7-bladed diaphragm that enhances its gorgeous bokeh, it focuses down to 60 cm (1.9 feet) and it captures images with that indescribable “3D look” that few lenses can match. It is said to be the same lens used (albeit in non-interchangeable form) on the legendary Plaubel Makina III. Due to its desirability and relative scarcity a pristine 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-H.C currently fetches prices in the $350-$450 range.
Two new Zenzanon normal lenses were also introduced when the Bronica EC and EC-TL were in production—the 80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon, the fastest Bronica lens ever made in series production, and the 75mm f/2.8 Zenzanon MC, which was multicoated. The former is a 6-element, 5-group design that focuses down to 67cm (2.2 feet) and stops down to f/22. The latter is a 5-element, 4-group design that closely resembles the classic 75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-P and focuses down to 60cm (1.9 feet). Finally, there’s the slightly longer than normal 100mm f/2,8 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 4-group design with a prominent front element that weighs in at a heftier 12.7 ounces and focuses down to 98cm (about 38.6 inches). All these Zenzanons are mechanically and optically superb, at least equal to any of their German or Japanese equivalents, and all capture images of exquisite sharpness and with lots of character.
The 80mm f/2.4 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 5-group design, is the fastest of the new breed and is a superb performer.
Where did all this glorious glass originate? East German Zeiss, Tokyo Optical Co.? A definitive provenance is elusive. And why oh why did Bronica offer a choice of 4 outstanding 75mm and 80mm lenses for the Bronica ECs? Even with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight it’s hard to tell what was on their ingenious minds, unless perhaps they were concerned that other optical suppliers might pull the plug as Nikon did and they wanted to cover all bases.
100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon, a 6-element, 4-group design, is outstanding, but its doesn't focus close and requires care in mounting.
I can personally attest that the 100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon is a fantastic lens in terms of overall image quality and smooth rendition, but I wish it focused closer. And you had better rack the focusing helical all the way out before mounting this jewel on your Bronica EC/EC-TL to avoid smashing in the bottom section of the 2-piece mirror—don’t ask me how I know-
An 80mm f/2,4 Zenzanon will set you back about $600-$750; a 75mmf/2.8 Zenzanon (the one for EC or S2A not the ETR) runs about $300; and a clean 100mm f/2.8 Zenzanon currently fetches about $200-250 and is well worth it if you’re a vintage Bronica fan. Another interesting option: the Bronica Nikkor-Q 105mm f/3.5 leaf shutter lens, a great portrait tele that delivers stellar imaging performance along with fast X-sync at up to 1/500 sec with focal plane shutter Bronicas. Used price range: $250-350. However, the 105mm should be avoided on the EC and EC-TL lest you inadvertently break the lower mirror!
105mm f/3.5 Nikkor-Q with built-in Seiko leaf shutter is a stellar performer that adds fast sync speeds, but it's best reserved for S-series Bronicas.
Rare 80mm f/2.8 Zenzanon MC (multicoated) is also labeled Carl Zeiss Jena DDR and was probably made in East Germany.
Oh yes, there was also an 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Planar for Bronica that may be a hand assembled one-off sample, And how about the Zenza Bronica Zenzanon MC 80mm f/2.8 lens that’s engraved Carl Zeiss Jena DDR on the front. Assembled in East Germany. and based on the Biometar design, it’s collectible and goes for $350-S400 a pop. Two more exotic normals for Bronica S lens connoisseur are the hard to find 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss Jena Biometer and 100mm F2 Komura, both very appreciated for their bodacious bokeh. Finally, there’s the elusive 8.5cm f/1.8 Nippon Kogaku Nikkor of 1968 that’s listed but not pictured in some old Bronica catalogs. It would be the fastest Bronica lens ever made if anyone had ever seen one, Vaporware? Maybe, but as with all things Bronica, anything is possible.